Armagh v Tyrone

Armagh Ladies make their debut in the Athletic Grounds this weekend when they take on the team who have been their fiercest rivals over the last number of years – Tyrone.

The sides have met a number of times since 2006 with Tyrone winning their last meeting 3-09 to 1-08. Armagh are coming into the game on the back of a four point defeat to Mayo. Despite the end result, Armagh produced one of their best performances of the league to date and will be hoping to build on this against Tyrone. On the other hand the Red Hands come into the game with a point to prove following a shock reversal of fortunes against Donegal. Like all Armagh and Tyrone derbies, this game has local pride as well as league points at stake. With the two sides meeting in the championship opener in June, it also allows the winner to gain whatever psychological advantage they can.

Armagh will be looking to repeat the same level of performance they had against Mayo although with a better result. Big performances will be needed all over the field but especially in defence where Gemma Begley ran riot in the last meeting. Ulster captain Neamh Woods can also pose problems for the Orchard girls especially when she makes runs from deep in defence. For Armagh, Shauna O’Hagan was a thorn in the Tyrone defence the last day out and has the ability to carry the game to the opposition. Captain Caoimhe Marley and Dervla Toal will also be key performers. Like Armagh , Tyrone have key players throughout the field but the Orchard girls are more than capable of dealing with whatever the Red Hands throw at them.

Over the last few years meetings between Armagh and Tyrone have been incredibly close with very little ever separating the sides. This game is expected to be no different. It promises to be a great occasion for Ladies football – the first game in the Athletic Grounds against their neighbours and closest rivals. Supporters from both sides are asked to come out and show their appreciation of two great sets of players.