TOO CLOSE TO CALL
- May 19,2022
ULSTER SENIOR FINAL
Armagh v Donegal
Sunday's decider sees a repeat of last year’s Ulster final which Armagh won in a very wet Omagh by a single point (3-12 to 3-11). These two have a habit of bringing out the best in each other and we should have another cracker again today.
Holders Armagh put their Division 2 league final defeat to Kerry firmly behind them when they met neighbours Monaghan in the semi-final and ran out convincing winners 5-21 to 0-5. They had eight different scorers that day with Aimee Mackin (1-5) and Kelly Mallon (2-2) particularly impressive. There is a solid look about the orchard girls. They had six players namely Anna Carr, Grace Ferguson, Lauren Mc Conville, Catherine Marley and the Mackin sisters Blaithin and Aimee named in the Division 2 team of the league. They also have a decent bench with plenty of depth.
Donegal on the other hand would love to get their hands on the Provincial title. They last won it in 2019 when they defeated today’s opposition. The Tir Chonnail girls operate in a higher division and pushed the All-Ireland champions Meath all the way in this year’s Division 1 league final before losing by just two points. In their Ulster semi- final they were ruthless against Cavan winning 3-19 to 1-11. Geraldine Mc Laughlin (0-9), Suzanne Whyte (2-3) and Yvonne Bonner (1-4) were superb in that game. Whyte came in for Karen Gutherie at the last minute and Maxi Curran will have a big call to make today, whether he should stick with the confident Whyte or go with the experienced Gutherie.
There is no doubting these two teams are the best sides in the province and on their day will give any team a run for their money. The game is too close to call and perhaps we could see the first ever Ulster final decided by free kicks.
