COMPILED BY JOHN FALLON
ARMAGH joint manager Joe Feeney said they were disappointed to lose their unbeaten run as the reigning Lidl NFL champions start preparing for a final showdown with Kerry on April 12 at Croke Park.
Armagh, who won the Lidl NFL title last year for the first time, will hope to return to winning ways when they host Meath next weekend after a surprise 1-22 to 1-12 loss away to Waterford.
“We’re very disappointed,” said Feeney. “But credit to Waterford, they were very good. They were hungry and up for it. We were decent in spells in the first half but Waterford were impressive. We were very flat in the second half.”
Ballymacarbry trio Kellyann Hogan, Bríd McMaugh and Clare Walsh scored 1-15 between them as Tomás Mac a t’Saoir’s side registered their third win of the campaign after trailing by just 0-10 to 1-6 at the break having played against the wind.
“I’m delighted,” said the Waterford manager. “We had it marked as a game that we were looking for a massive performance. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to perform. The girls were outstanding in the second half.”
Kerry, now into their third final in a row and seeking their 13th crown, secured a 0-13 to 1-8 win over Meath in Tralee with Siofra O’Shea shooting 0-5.
Kerry, league winners in 2023, led by 0-6 to 0-2 at the break after playing with the wind and had to withstand a good rally from Meath which included the only goal of the game from Meadhbh Byrne.
“We made hard work of it but Meath are an outstanding outfit,” said Kerry manager Mark Bourke. “Every National League game is a step and when you get three points like we did it’s a step forward.”
Meath manager Shane McCormack said it was a decent performance after a couple of losses and they will look for further improvement next weekend they travel to Armagh
“I’m very proud. We were just looking for a performance. We were very disappointed with our last two games against Kildare and the heavy beating against Dublin,” he said.
The relegation battle will go down to the final round. Tyrone, pipped by 1-11 to 3-4 by Dublin in Dungannon, will head to Kildare needing to win to survive.
Kildare lost by 3-4 to 0-12 away to Mayo, with Sinead Walsh scoring two goals as Liam McHale’s side led by 3-3 to 0-2 at the break.
“Unfortunately, it’s a 60-minute game and we played for 30. Our first half was unacceptable,” said Kildare manager Pat Sullivan. “You’re looking for breaks and a bit of luck but we didn’t perform in the first half, it wasn’t anywhere near our standards.”
Mayo will now head to Waterford for their final game on the back of their first win which gives them a chance to avoid the drop.
“We only scored one-point in the second half and that’s disappointing, but it’s great to get the win,” said Mayo manager McHale. “It will help morale and give us a big boost going into the next game.”
Meanwhile, in Division Two, Galway and Cork, both of whom were relegated last season, made a swift return to the top flight when they both secured victories this afternoon. Galway were 7-23 to 0-4 winners against Monaghan.
Galway dominated throughout with no fewer than six goalscorers; Roisín Leonard hit a brace while there was a goal each for AIB LGFA Club Player of the Year Louise Ward, Olvia Divilly, Eva Noone, Kate Thompson and Shauna Hynes.
In Naomh Abán, it was a closer affair, but the Rebels secured promotion with a 1-12 to 0-7 win against Clare. Katie Quirke hit 0-7 (5f) for the winners while Laura O’Mahony hit 1-1.
Meanwhile Donegal were three point winners against Tipperary, in a low scoring encounter that was 0-4 each at the break, Donegal were 0-10 to 0-7 winners.
Anna Jones hit 0-5 for Westmeath as they ensured relegation from Division Two ranks will be confirmed next weekend as they defeated Roscommon by 1-14 to 1-10. Ashley Ruane hit the all important goal for Westmeath.
In Division Three, Cavan secured promotion to Division Two next season with a 2-16 to 0-11 against Laois. The final promotion spot is still in the mix with Wexford, Louth and Laois all still in contention after wins for Wexford, Louth and Down this afternoon.
Results:
Lidl Ladies National Football League – Division 1
Dublin 1-11 Tyrone 3-4
Waterford 1-22 Armagh 1-12
Mayo 3-4 Kildare 0-12
Kerry 0-13 Meath 1-8
Lidl Ladies National Football League – Division 2
Cork 1-12 Clare 0-7
Westmeath 1-14 Roscommon 1-10
Galway 7-23 Monaghan 0-4
Donegal 0-10 Tipperary 0-7
Lidl Ladies National Football League – Division 3
Cavan 2-16 Laois 0-11
Down 3-12 Offaly 1-7
Wexford 2-17 Carlow 1-6
Louth 2-7 Limerick 0-10
