Hot-shot Aimee poised for key role in Orchard’s Ulster title bid
AIMEE Mackin has finished as Armagh’s top scorer in their last nine matches and that makes it certain that she will come under close scrutiny from the Donegal defence in tomorrow’s Ulster Ladies Senior Football Championship final at Brewster Park, Enniskillen (3.45pm).
The Orchard County came through a stiff semi-final challenge against Cavan which they won by 2-14 to 1-14 — with Mackin landing 1-5 — but tomorrow the team management will be seeking a healthy return from their entire attack.
In Donegal, Armagh will be facing a team that are strong favourites not only to win the Ulster crown but to go on and make a bold bid for the All-Ireland title.
Maxie Curran’s side have been in fine form lately and in the provincial semi-final they overcame Monaghan by 3-17 to 1-9.
Their attack is laced with skill and finishing power, with players such as Geraldine McLaughlin, Yvonne Bonner, Eilish Ward and Niamh Hegarty well capable of troubling the Armagh defence.
Donegal have been among the standard-bearers of Ulster ladies football for some years now and are particularly keen to get their hands on the All-Ireland prize.
While Mackin has been Armagh’s prime source of scores to date, the team is by no means a one-trick pony.
Kelly Mallon, Lauren McConville, Caroline O’Hanlon and Tiarna Grimes are more than capable of stepping up to the mark to ignite the team.
In the intermediate final, Tyrone will be favourites to overcome a Down side that has found a new lease of life lately.
The Red Hands girls will be powered by the vastly experienced Gemma Begley while Down will look to players such as Kate McCoy, Jessica Foy and Grainne McClean for inspiration.