Lidl Ladies’ NFL Division One, round two
Armagh v Tyrone (tomorrow, St Paul’s GAC, 2pm)
LEAGUE champions Armagh will look to carry their momentum from last weekend’s opening win over All-Ireland title-holders Kerry into tomorrow afternoon’s encounter with neighbours Tyrone.
The Red Hands had contrasting fortunes, suffering defeat to Meath on their return to Division One football, but manager Darren McCann is not getting too caught up with the results as he looks to develop his side ahead of the championship and playing against top players from the top counties on a weekly basis is a key ingredient.
“We all knew it would be difficult in Division One. You are looking at playing seasoned senior sides, many of whom have won All-Ireland senior titles in recent years. This is the perfect place to be in terms of developing for championship as that’s the level we want to be at,” said McCann.
Tyrone might have been on the wrong end of a 4-4 to 0-2 result, but McCann hopes to build on the positives they can take from the game.
“Armagh are the holders and had a great opening win away to All-Ireland champions Kerry, so we know the task that lies ahead,” he said.
“I can’t fault the efforts of the players last week. We held Meath scoreless for 26 minutes of the second half so that’s an area we will hope to build upon and then in terms of taking our chances when they arise.”
Armagh’s 3-11 to 1-13 win against the Kingdom in Tralee provided the perfect start for new managers Darnell Parkinson and Joe Feeney and has given the players an early boost.
Parkinson said: “Momentum is something that you need to capitalise on whenever it is in your favour.
“Last week we started well and the first 20 minutes we were pleased with how things were going. But Kerry hit their purple patch in the 10 minutes before half-time and we struggled to wrestle that back.
“Finishing the game the way we did, however, we would hope that we can take that level of performance into the game this weekend.
“Whether it’s Kerry away or Tyrone at home we prepare for every game exactly the same. Training has been good this week. You can see the lift that the Kerry result has provided and the message is clear – everyone is playing for their jersey. That in itself helps to create an environment that doesn’t allow complacency to creep in.
“They are a very humble group so there has been no need to remind them how important this game is. They know it’s vital for the targets we have set ourselves for the league.”
Armagh’s second-half substitutes played a vital part in that strong finish – Blaithin Mackin scoring 1-1, Rebecca Cunningham finding the back of the net as well, while Eimear McGeown, who was a late replacement in the starting line-up, hit two points.
“We made the call very early on to give the Clann Éireann players an extended break. Between those players coming back in a bit later and clearing up a few injuries, we knew that the squad would be tested to the limit early on,” he added.
“We have made it clear to the group – you perform in training, you’ll get your chance in games. After that it’s up to you to do what you can to hold onto your jersey.
“Players like Maeve Ferguson, Moya Feehan and Niamh Reel have grasped their chance. Add to that the likes of Cait Towe, Roisin Mulligan and Emily Druse, who were outstanding last week, hopefully you reap the reward down the line with everyone back in competing for a place.”
Their male counterparts renew acquaintances this evening in the Athletic Grounds, perhaps an opportunity missed for a double-header?
“If both games had been fixed initially for the same day then absolutely, we would have been really keen to have been part of a double-header of such significance,” said Parkinson.
“A discussion possibly could take place between the fixture makers in both codes before releasing fixtures officially.
“We do have a double-header to come later down the line with the Mayo game which will hopefully be a great occasion to showcase just how well they can work.”
LIDL LADIES' NFL
(all games 2pm unless stated)
Division One, round two
Sunday
Armagh v Tyrone (St Paul’s GAC)
Kildare v Dublin (Manguard Park)
Monday (live on TG4)
Meath v Mayo (Pairc Tailteann)
Waterford v Kerry (SETU Arena, Carriganore, 3.45pm)
Division Two, round two
Sunday
Roscommon v Clare (St Croan’s, Enfield)
Galway v Cork (Tuam Stadium)
Monaghan v Tipperary (Castleblayney)
Westmeath v Donegal (Athlone)
Division Three, round two
Sunday
Down v Cavan (Burren)
Carlow v Offaly (Netwatch Carlow Training Centre)
Limerick v Wexford (TBC)
Laois v Louth (Crettyard GAA)
Division Four, round three
Saturday
Wicklow v Kilkenny (Tinahely GAA, 12pm)
Sunday
Sligo v Longford (Cloonacool Community Park)
Leitrim v Derry (Kiltubrid)
Fermanagh v Antrim (Tempo)
