Armagh put in another excellent performance to defeat last year’s Division 1 champions Kerry. Aimee Mackin scored a second half brace of goals to make it five wins from five for the Orchard County.
Galway picked up their first points with a seven point win over Meath in Ballinalsoe. Shauna Hynes scored the only goal of the game as the Tribeswomen picked up a vital win.
Armagh 3-14 Kerry 1-13
Armagh have kept their 100% record intact with an excellent win over Kerry at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds. Aimee Mackin scored a brace of goals in the second half for the Orchard County.
The home side bossed the first half. Caroline O’Hanlon scored their first goal in the eighth minute. There was five points between them at the break as Armagh led 1-07 to 0-05.
Kerry cut the gap to two in the 33rd minute. Kerry levelled in the 41st minute through Anna Galvin and went ahead soon after. Mackin scored her first goal in the 52nd minute to put five between the sides. She scored her second in the 57th minute as Armagh ran out comfortable winners in the end.
Cork 0-07 Mayo 0-09
Cork are now in a relegation battle following this two point defeat to Mayo at the 4G pitch at SuperValue Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Cork lie second bottom on just three points.
For Mayo this result moves them onto seven points. In what was a tight opening half the sides were level going in at the break; Daire Kiely with two points for the home side.
Mayo were awarded a penalty in the early exchanges of the second half but Lisa Cafferky hit her effort wide. Cork’s first score of the second half didn’t come until the 50th minute. Mayo were three up with time nearly up. Cork tried but in vain to get a goal. Melissa Duggan scored a late point but Mayo held on for a valuable win.
Galway 1-12 Meath 0-07
Galway picked up their first points of the campaign with a fine win over Meath in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. The Tribeswomen are level on points with Waterford and Cork but bottom due to score difference.
Shauna Hynes scored the only goal of the game in the first half as Galway made a great start to the game. They were ahead by seven after the opening quarter. Meath scored just one point. Galway kicked over further scores to lead 1-09 to 0-02 at half-time.
Meath cut the gap to seven with 10 minutes remaining but couldn’t get the goal to bring them back into the game.
Waterford 2-07 Dublin 2-10
Dublin secured their third win in a row with a hard fought win over Waterford at Fraher Field. This result leaves Waterford just ahead of Cork in the battle to avoid relegation.
There was very little between the sides in the first half. Waterford made the better start and were ahead by two. The sides were level approaching half-time but a goal from Orlagh Nolan from the penalty spot saw Dublin lead 1-04 to 0-04.
Waterford took the lead when Lauren McGregor scored a penalty in the 35th minute. Niamh Hetterton grabbed Dublin’s second goal to edge them in front. Waterford scored a second goal to leave for a nervy finish but Dublin held on.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland