Armagh ladies savour latest Ulster Senior Championship success

By Niall Gartland

ANOTHER Ulster Senior Championship title in the bag for Armagh – but Clodagh McCambridge certainly isn’t taking their latest provincial success for granted.

The Orchard County clinched their sixth Ulster Championship in seven years with a one-point victory over Tyrone on Sunday, but the experienced Armagh full-back recalls a time when they didn’t rule the roost on the provincial stage. Nor did they have it all their own way against an improving Tyrone team, so this latest Ulster Championship triumph tastes just as sweet as any that have come before.

The Clann Éireann star said: “I remember playing on teams where we were getting hammered in Armagh, so you absolutely don’t take them for granted. I’m thinking of that brilliant Donegal team in particular.

“So, to still being playing and competing at this level is brilliant, and we just want to keep it going as long as possible. It’s our sixth since this run really started, and our third in-a-row, so it’s a great achievement.

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Sunday’s match was high-octane stuff from start to finish. A second-half goal from Caoimhe McNally proved pivotal as Armagh held on for a 2-13 to 1-15 victory against a Tyrone team that is moving its way up the ranks.

McCambridge said: “Fans definitely got their money’s worth. It was very tight but we knew it would be. They won last year’s All-Ireland Intermediate Championship and in general they have momentum so it was always going to be difficult. They kept going to the very end, we put ourselves under pressure but we’re delighted that we got over the line eventually.”

A key factor in Armagh’s victory over the Red Hands was the impact of their subs bench. Kelly Mallon, such an experienced campaigner over many years, was brought in and scored three points, including a brilliant effort from play. They were able to wrestle control of the contest in the third quarter and held on against a determined Tyrone side.

“It’s something we talked about – we struggled with injuries this year but players are getting a lot of game-time and it only adds to the depth of the squad. Being able to bring on the likes of Kelly Mallon, Blaithin Mackin and young Cassie Henderson is great for the whole squad and really pushes us on.”