Mackin suffers second cruciate injury

AIMEE Mackin is set to miss out on the rest of Armagh’s season having suffered an ACL injury in Sunday’s Ulster final win over Donegal.

Mackin top scored for the Orchard County on the day with 0-4 but left the playing field due to an injury midway through the second half.

The three-time All-Star was an inspirational figure for Gregory McGonigle’s side as they captured their first ever Division One league title this season.

It’s the second time in her career that Mackin has suffered the same injury, on the same knee, with the first being in 2019 against Cork.

The Shane O’Neill’s star made an incredible comeback, winning the TG4 Player of the Year as well as helping Armagh win an Ulster title and reach the last four of the All-Ireland race in 2020.

Last year, the 27-year-old was recruited by AFLW side Melbourne Demons, where she linked up with her younger sister Blaithin.

Blaithin Mackin has missed out on Armagh’s entire season up to this point due to her own knee injury (MCL), which she picked up during a preseason challenge game against Donegal.

She did return to the substitute bench for the Ulster decider, and while she was an unused sub, she could return to action during the All-Ireland series.

Mackin’s clubmate Louise Kenny picked up a nasty shoulder injury as well against Donegal but could also feature in the next stage of the championship.

Armagh LGFA Chairperson Sinead Reel said, “Management and players are now focused on the next game against Meath at home on 8th June. The team will regroup for the All-Ireland series and look forward to their ties against both Meath and Tipperary.”

It’s a journey Mackin has travelled on before and like 2020, she will be determined to bounce back bigger and stronger once again.