Slick Armagh too strong for Mayo

Goals from Blaithin Mackin and Aoife McCoy ended Mayo's aspirations of reaching a fourth consecutive All-Ireland Ladies SFC semi-final in Armagh this evening, falling to a 2-11 to 0-11 defeat.

Mayo trailed only by a point after ten minutes, 0-2 to 0-1, but the hosts were very much the better side and Mackin, who already was having a major influence, blasted into the net after being put through by Niamh Henderson.   

Mayo would score only two more points in the half, both by the impressive Aoife Geraghty, as Armagh would take a 1-6 to 0-3 lead into the break following efforts by Henderson, Mackin and Eve Lavery (two).

Lauren McConville and Annie Gough traded efforts before Armagh scored their second goal on 38 minutes after Aoife McCoy finished off a quick counter down the Mayo middle.

Mayo kept battling, with Lisa Cafferky, Maria Cannon, Lucy Wallace, Aoife Staunton all pointing in the final quarter but it was not enough for Mayo in the end, with Niamh Reel, Niamh Henderson and player of the match Mackin capping off a fine performance for the Orchard County. They will now play Kerry in the semi-final.

*See Tuesday's Western People for full coverage.