Grimes injury a blow to Armagh, while Begley has faith in Tyrone
ARMAGH’S prospects of booking their place in the semi-finals of Division Two of the Lidl Ladies National Football League have been dealt a blow following a collarbone injury sustained by Tiarna Grimes.
The Orchard County lost to Waterford (2-9 to 2-8) at the weekend but along with Tyrone and Cavan, they still remain in the frame for a last-four berth.
However, they face a long journey to Clare on Sunday for which they will also be without Caroline O’Hanlon, who is still on netball duty with the Northern Ireland team at the Commonwealth Games.
Armagh must win this game if they are to have any chance of reaching the last-four and while they will be under pressure against Clare, Tyrone will host Cavan in another tie from which the winners could emerge as strong semi-final candidates.
Following a tepid start to their campaign, Tyrone, with Maria Canavan and Gemma Begley proving inspirational figures, have landed successive wins over Clare and Laois that have helped bring them within touching distance of a semi-final slot.
Begley, who has been prominent in the GAA’s ‘Gaelic Voices for Change’ homeless campaign, believes that Tyrone’s new-found self-belief can stand them in good stead against a Cavan side that had a runaway 8-18 to 0-4 win over Sligo at the weekend.
“We took a little while to get going in the league but we have built up a bit of momentum now. The going will certainly get harder from here on in but we feel we are ready for the challenge,” stated Begley.