Armagh beaten in All-Ireland final

The much younger Armagh team made the Midlanders fight until the very end and the scoreline in scores (15 to 13) is a much better reflection of the closeness of this game which was in the balance up until the last ten minutes.

Armagh began with two points from play from Megan McKenzie and Joanne Mallon before Carlow got a goal and three quick points.

Meabh Lenaghan pointed for Armagh and Petrina Cosgrove sent over the first of her six pointed frees on the day. Carlow moved ahead 2-5 to 0-6 at half-time.

The second half saw some changes to the Orchard girls as Laura Smyth and Magan Grimley entered the outfield fray and surprisingly a switch of keeper was made as McAteer was replaced by Ashling Murphy.

Armagh’s young substitute Laura Smyth sent over a great point but anothger Carlow goal widened the gap between the sides. It was Smyth again who was in the right place at the right time to fire home unstoppable shot to the top of the net and Armagh were now just six in arrears. The talented Joanne Mallon scored an excellent point.

Armagh hit a purple patch to cut the gap three points and were going strong. However the strength of the Carlow team came through as they took the initiative again.

Carlow were the better team on the day, they were physically stronger and at periods of the game appeared fitter whilst their team play was top notch.

Armagh gave it their all but just came up short on the day but this is a very young Armagh minor side who hold on to most of their players for next season so hopefully they can build on what has been a good 2010 season.

Best for Armagh on the day were Gemma McKeown, Aoife Murphy and Hannah McGeown in defence, Petrina Cosgrove and Orlagh Kearns in midfield and Joanne Mullen and Laura Smyth in attack.