The O’Sullivan sisters Ciara and Doireann inspired Cork as they defeated Armagh by two points and book their place in the All-Ireland Senior Football semi-final.

Ciara scored five points and was named player of the match while Doireann scored four. Doireann was sin binned in the 46th minute but despite being down a player Cork dug in and didn’t concede a score while with 14. 

The big news before the game was the absence of Aimee Mackin for Armagh. She was replaced by Caitriona O’Hagan. Mackin was a huge loss for the Orchard County.

In a tight first half the sides were level on four different occasions. Doireann O’Sullivan and Blaithin Mackin traded early frees. Ciara O’Sullivan scored a neat point but that was cancelled out by a point from Aoife McCoy. 

In the 12th minute Armagh took the lead through McCoy. Daire Kiely was on target down the other end in the 13th minute before Mackin fired her shot wide. The O’Sullivan sisters kicked over points to edge Cork back in front in the 16th minute.

Armagh keeper Anna Carr was called into action in the 21st minute to bring off a fine save to keep her goal intact. Two frees from Kelly Mallon before the break drew the sides level 0-05 apiece.

Cork opened up a two point lead again in the 33rd minute with points from Ciara O’Sullivan and a fine one from Hannah Looney; with her back to the goal just flicked it over the bar.

In the 37th minute Armagh raised the green flag for the first time. Mallon started the move, Blaithin Mackin’s effort was blocked down and it fell nicely to Niamh Coleman and she made no mistake.

The O’Sullivan sisters were on target again to edge Cork back in front in the 40th minute. Another free from the boot of Doireann O’Sullivan put two between the sides in the 41st minute.

Armagh were back ahead in the 42nd minute when Mackin grabbed her side’s second goal after Shauna Grey’s effort had been blocked. Substitute Aoife Healy drew Cork level in the 44th minute before Doireann O’Sullivan was sin binned but Shane Ronayne’s side didn’t panic.

Katie Quirke kicked over two frees to put them ahead by two in the 52nd minute. Cork keeper Meabh O’Sullivan then pulled off an excellent save to deny Armagh a third goal.

Ciara O’Sullivan fired over a point to put three between the sides in the 56th minute. Armagh sub Blathnaid Hendron fired over a point for Armagh but try as they might they couldn’t close the gap any further and Cork held on for the win.