26 January 2009 Ladies National League Round 1 Share this Article 0 0 0 Shares! 0 Shares! Bord Gáis Ladies National League Round 1 Armagh Ladies open their 2009 campaign this Sunday when they take on last years beaten Munster finalists Kerry in the first round of the National League.This is the Orchard girls first competitive outing under the new management of Gregory McGonigle and Gavin Fearon. After training hard throughout the winter Armagh will be keen to get their season off to a good start by avenging last years defeat to the Kingdom. The side is somewhat changed from that which suffered defeat to Kerry the last time they met. Bronagh and Alma O’Donnell will not take part in the Orchard County’s League campaign due to work commitments while midfielder Marian McGuinness is travelling. Many of last years Ulster minor winning side have been introduced to the panel which adds to the intense competition for places Sinead McCleary returns to her county colours following a long term injury while Caroline O’Hanlon and Mairead Tennyson are welcomed back.. Like Armagh, Kerry will also be much changed. They too are under the new management of Pat Hartnet who last managed his county when they won the All Ireland in 1993 and the Kingdom will aim to once again reach those heights. ” Our aim is to win every competition we are involved in”, said Hartnet. They will have to prepare without one of their star players however, as their lynchpin forward Geraldine O’Shea has decided to hang up her boots and retire from intercounty football. Experienced players Caroline Kelly, Katie Gleeson and Grainne Ni Flaherta have still to decide on their future. Armagh have a hugely talented panel to pick from and every player who goes on out on the field against Kerry next Sunday will be staking their claim for a starting jersey on the Armagh team of 2009. They have the potential to achieve great success this year, starting with a victory against Kerry. The match in Killeavy will begin at 1.00 on Sunday and all supporters are encouraged to attend. Share this Article 0 0