Ulster rivals Armagh and Monaghan name teams for TG4 All-Ireland SFC opener

AN Ulster derby lies in store on Saturday as Armagh and Monaghan have the honour of kick-starting the round-robin phase of the 2018 TG4 All-Ireland series (12.30pm).

The counties clash at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones in the first of a LIVE TG4 double-header offering, with Cavan and Mayo to follow at 2.15pm.

Armagh and Monaghan were both defeated by champions Donegal in the TG4 Ulster championship, with Armagh suffering the heavier loss in the provincial decider.

Now it’s the chance for redemption in the All-Ireland series and in a group that also contains Munster champions Cork, this really is a pivotal fixture.

Defeat for either side would see them face an uphill battle to reach the quarter-finals, and a keenly-contested encounter is anticipated.

Armagh have Caroline O’Hanlon continuing to pull the strings inside, with Aimee Mackin an outlet for good ball.

Monaghan have a nice balance to their team, and with plenty of experienced stars on show.

Captain Sharon Courtney is a tower of strength at centre back, Muireann Atkinson will provide power and running ability from the half forward line, with Ciara McAnepsie and Ellen McCarron inside capable of causing damage.

Armagh team: 

1	Caroline O’Hare	Mullaghbawn
2	Sarah Marley	Lissummon
3	Caoimhe Morgan	Lissummon
4	Sharon Reel	Carrickcruppen
5	Mairead Tennyson	Silverbridge
6	Tiarna Grimes	Clann Eireann
7	Marian McGuinness	Carrickcruppen
8	Clodagh McCambridge	Clann Eireann
9	Caroline O’Hanlon	Carrickcruppen
10	Maebh Morriarty	Clann Eireann
11	Fionnuala McKenna	Armagh Harps
12	Lauren McConville	Crossmaglen
13	Aimee Mackin	Shane O’Neills
14	Aoife McCoy	Dromintee
15	Kelly Mallon	Armagh Harps

Monaghan team: 

1	Linda Martin	Donaghmoyne
2	Josie Fitzpatrick	Inniskeen
3	Fiona Courtney	Donaghmoyne
4	Rachel Mc Kenna	Truagh
5	Aoife Mc Anespie	Emyvale
6	Sharon Courtney	Donaghmoyne
7	Hazel Kingham	Donaghmoyne
8	Eileen Mc Kenna	Truagh
9	Eimear Mc Anespie	Emyvale
10	Rosemary Courtney	Donaghmoyne
11	Muireann Atkinson	O’Neill Shamrocks
12	Cora Courtney	Donaghmoyne
13	Ciara Mc Anespie	Emyvale
14	Niamh Callan	Donaghmoyne
15	Ellen Mc Carron	Aghabog