Armagh aim to keep dream alive

All-Ireland women's SFC final: Armagh relinquish the Junior All-Ireland title this Sunday. By Monday morning they could be preparing for an open-top bus through Crossmaglen, Armagh town, Newry and maybe even Portadown. A remarkable 12-month leap to the top of the senior ranks remains one victory away.

The all-female management trio know precisely what they are doing. So much so they refused to turn to the wealth of male expertise that would willingly lend a hand during the season. These women are doing it for themselves. And none of them hail from the Orchard county.

Hayley Boyle, who is also a selector for the inaugural International Rules series, is a former Tyrone captain, Jacqui Clarke is a former Down captain, while Lorraine McCaffrey is from Fermanagh.

John O'Mahony is a regular spectator at their games as his daughter, Rhona, is an Armagh footballer, but they are yet to seek the two-time All-Ireland-winning manager's words of undoubted wisdom. The list goes on. Brian McAlinden's daughter, Maggs; Armagh All Star Paddy Moriarty's daughter, Maeve; Noel Marley's daughter, Caoimhe.

"John (O'Mahony) has been to several of the matches now and has been very supportive in his comments after, but we have kept very much an in-house coaching outfit all year," said Clarke. "Two years ago we took in a couple of Armagh players but last year and this year things were going well enough."

The Crossmaglen steel is evident in captain Bronagh O'Donnell but this Armagh team refused to overly seek inspiration from family members or their male counterparts. It was refreshing to listen to O'Donnell speak so freely despite the mammoth challenge they face in a Cork side seeking back-back titles.

"Yeah they are very good and unbeaten since February 2005. Quality players throughout. But we're not just happy with being in the final. We are looking at where we can do damage to them and try to improve our weaknesses. Hopefully, we can cause an upset.

"At the start of the year no one would have dreamed we would get this far but I think as the year went on and we have gained momentum, we have got better and better."

They have the belief, and a decent dose of good fortune, to ensure Cork's quest to achieve a football/camogie double-double may not be a procession after all.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

All-Ireland women's SFC final: Cork v Armagh, Croke Park, 3.15pm.

All-Ireland Ladies JFC final: Sligo v Leitrim, Croke Park, 1.15pm.