Mayo women crash out of championship in Armagh

MAYO'S interrest in the senior championship ended in the sun-splashed historic city of Armagh this evening. The home side were much the better team and had the result in their safe keeping long before the end. Mayo tried hard and were game and gallant opponents, but the difference in attacking play was stark and telling.

Mayo were six adrift at half time and that positioning was correct after a much more clinical Armagh forward line kicked some classy scores while the western women created few clear-cut opportunities at the other end.

In truth, Mayo enjoyed a lot of possession, but their attacking play left a lot to be desired. Armagh were given time to mass behind the ball and Mayo only seemed to have one plan – get the ball to Lisa Cafferky. Other than that, there seemed little strategic thinking going forward and the build-up was agonisingly slow. Conversely, Armagh got the ball to the business end very quickly and the women in orange weren't found wanting when opportunities arose. Bláithín Mackin was outstanding in the middle of the pitch for Armagh and ended the half with 1-1 to her name, the goal coming after ten minutes when she got on the end of a one-two with full-forward Niamh Henderson and blazed a shot past Laura Brennan.

Henderson was impressive for the home side as they cut through the Mayo back line time after time, as was Eve Lavery.

Aoife Geraghty was brave and forceful for Mayo around the middle while Lucy Wallace and Danielle Caldwell also caught the eye at times.

The home side might have been without long-term injury absentee Aimee Mackin, but the difference in attacking style between the teams was crystal-clear as the women in orange made excellent use of opportunities that came their way

Aoife Staunton was added to the Mayo attack for the second half in an effort to inject some life into the sector and her movement and application was impressive. However, poor finishing and a stream of poor passes meant Mayo couldn't find a rhythm up front.

At the other end, Armagh were making hay every time they attacked. They continued to pad out the lead and when Aoife McCoy crashed home a goal after 38 minutes the deal was sealed. Armagh played within themselves after that, happy to soak up Mayo attacks and watch the Connacht women kick some awful wides.

In truth, this was over a long time before the final whistle and Armagh were headed to the semi-final while Mayo were left pondering what might have been.

A full report and aftermatch reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News