Armagh secured 2026 senior ladies championship football with a 15-points to five victory over Donegal.
With the wind to their backs for the opening 30 minutes, Armagh soared clear with five points in the opening seven minutes. Niamh Reel picking off two points.
After a lull in the game and Jodie McFadden having a goal chance go wide for Donegal, Armagh continued their dominance.
Lauren McConville and Caroline O’Hanlon hit a brace of points, with McFadden getting Donegal on the board just before the break.
O’Hanlon converted a free to make it 0-11 to 0-1 at half-time. However, Donegal started well in the second-half, as McFadden kicked a point 30 seconds in and Cait Gillespie fisted over from close range.
Armagh power on
Armagh responded as Catherine Marley broke through for a point. Whereas, Reel kicked another free for her fourth score of the game.
Katie Dowds hit a great point into the wind for James Daly’s side, but they then lost Captain Róisín Rodgers to a black card as the game entered the final quarter.
Rodgers returned to play with just the one point scored in that time as O’Hanlon kicked another free to restore the ten-point lead.
And as McFadden and Reel traded late frees, it was Armagh who ensured their safety, while Donegal will face Leitrim in the relegation play-off final, with the loser being relegated to the TG4 Intermediate Championship next season.
Whereas, Donegal will face Leitrim in the ALl-Ireland senior relegation play-off final.
Armagh: A Carr; M Ferguson, C Towe, R Mulligan; E Druse, M McCann, G Ferguson; C Marley, C O’Hanlon; L McConville (C), A McCoy, E Lavery; K Mallon, N Henderson, N Reel.
Subs: Caoimhe McNulty for Lavery (36), A Mackin for Mallon (53), L Marsden for Marley (57), L Kavanagh for McCann (59).
Scorers: N Reel 0-5 (4f), C O’Hanlon 0-4 (4f), L McConville 0-2, N Henderson, A McCoy, E Druse, C Marley 0-1 each.
Donegal: C Friel; S McFadden, A Temple Asokuh, S McFeeley; B McLaughlin, E McGinley, C Gillespie; R Rodgers (capt.), R McColgan; S White, K Dowds, F McManamon; A McDermott, J McFadden, N Boyle.
Subs: E Gallagher for McFadden, M Bennett for McDermott (both 43).
Scorers: J McFadden 0-3 (2f), C Gillespie, K Dowds 0-1 each.
Referee: Anthony Marron (Monaghan)
