Aggression and character inspired Armagh comeback to make last eight, says boss McGonigle

Kelly Mallon was among the points for Armagh

Compiled by John Fallon

ARMAGH manager Greg McGonigle praised his charges for the way they responded to two quick-fire Tipperary goals to come back and claim a draw which sends them into the quarter-finals of the TG4 All-Ireland SFC title race.

Kerry, Mayo and Cork also booked their spots in the 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship quarter-finals on Saturday.

Two goals in three minutes from Anna Rose Kennedy and Aisling Moloney pushed Tipperary ahead in the second half in Thurles before Armagh came back to claim a 2-4 to 0-10 draw. Kelly Mallon (2) and Angela McGuigan kicked the final three scores of the game to rescue a point.

“Obviously we would have been happier with a win but when you concede two sucker punch goals, and then show great character to get back into the match, you would have to be pleased. We were three down with seven minutes to go and we were very aggressive with our pressing to get back on terms,” said McGonigle.

“If we get through to the quarter final it will be magic,” said Tipperary manager Peter Creedon. “The girls have been playing well all year and the two goals were huge for us at the time they came, bearing in mind that they are the Division 1 champions.”

A goal from Hannah Looney was key for Cork as they defeated Galway by 1-12 to 1-10 to book a place in the last eight. Galway led by 1-7 to 0-7 at the interval thanks to a goal from Olivia Divilly.

“We played quite well in the first half, had plenty of ball in the second half too, we just couldn’t get the ball over the bar. That was the frustration for us, definitely,” said Galway manager Daniel Moynihan whose side now face Laois in a crunch encounter.

“I think we closed it out well,” said Cork manager Shane Ronayne. “We worked on our defensive shape during the National League. I think that came to our benefit.”

Mayo were also big winners to spoil Diane O’Hora’s homecoming as Kildare manager, with Liam McHales’s charges running out 2-15 to 0-5 winners thanks to goals from the Cafferky sisters Lisa and Sinéad.

““It’s great to come home, obviously,” said O’Hora. “But I’d have liked if we had a better show of ourselves today. We thought we put in enough work, but I have to give credit to Mayo.”

Mayo captain Saoirse Lally said they needed to respond after losing to Dublin. “We kind of put our head down since the six-day turnaround last week and we weren’t very happy with how we did against Dublin. Backed ourselves again and thankfully we got over the line.”

Hannah O’Donoghue and Danielle O’Leary struck goals in the opening half for Kerry as they built up a 2-10 to 0-3 interval lead against Waterford, with Emma Dineen and Siofra O’Shea finding the net for the All-Ireland runners-up after the break as they cantered to a 4-13 to 0-9 win.

“Our scores in the first half were excellent and the two goals were sublime altogether, especially the second one where the pass from Hannah was special,” said Kerry joint manager Declan Quill.

“We’ve Donegal at home next week and that’s a massive game,” said Waterford manager Pat Sullivan. “We’ve looked at this as the big game in the group where we’ll have a chance but you saw last week how they frustrated Kerry so much.”

Meanwhile, the last eight for the quarter-finals of the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Championships were confirmed on Sunday.

There were victories for Westmeath, Wexford and Leitrim, while Monaghan and Offaly drew 0-10 apiece.

Goals from Vicky Carr and Rachel Dillon helped Westmeath defeat Cavan by 2-12 to 2-6, with Ally Cahill getting the goals for Cavan.

Wexford defeated Antrim by 3-22 to 0-4 thanks to goals from Tara Doyle, Grace Donovan and Caitriona Murray.

Michelle Guckian (0-6) and Ailbhe Clancy (0-4) were on target for Leitrim as they defeated Wicklow by 0-17 to 0-10.

A late point from sub Sarah Capaldi from a free levelled the game and ensured Monaghan go through to the quarter finals after drawing 0-10 apiece with Offaly.

Down, Clare, Wexford and Leitrim finish on top of their respective groups and are guaranteed a home quarter-final.

The draw for the Intermediate Championship quarter-finals will be conducted on Monday morning, with second-placed finishers Westmeath, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tyrone also in the mix.

And in the Junior Championship, Carlow made it three wins from three in Group A, as Fermanagh opened their group series campaign with victory over Sligo.

In Group B, Louth overcame Limerick, as Longford defeated Kilkenny.

TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship

Group 1 – Tipperary 2-4 Armagh 0-10

Group 2 – Kerry 4-13 Waterford 0-9

Group 3 – Cork 1-12 Galway 1-10

Group 4 – Mayo 2-15 Kildare 0-5

TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship

Group 1 – Westmeath 2-12 Cavan 2-6

Group 2 – Monaghan 0-10 Offaly 0-10

Group 3 – Wexford 3-22 Antrim 0-4

Group 4 – Leitrim 0-17 Wicklow 0-10

TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship