LADIES FOOTBALL: Tipperary bow out of the league as the focus now moves on to the championship

Tipperary Ladies footballers bowed out of the Lidl national football league after giving second best to a powerful Armagh outfit that hit three second half goals at Fethard Town Park this afternoon.

The first half was evenly poised with Armagh winning the toss and opting to play with the strong wind advantage but with Emma Morrissey, Niamh Martin and Aishling Moloney carrying ball into the Armagh half, Tipp stayed well in the game. The influential Maria Curley held the defence together and Tipp looked like strong contenders, however Aimee Macken showed the way for Armagh from centre forward and fired over early scores aided by the strong wind advantage.

On 20 minutes Tipperary were playing well, in a low scoring game with the teams tied at 0-3 a piece. From there until half time Armagh stretched their advantage despite Niamh Martin hitting a good point to keep Tipp in touch. Aishling Moloney, always influential from play, kept the pressure on for Tipp. Despite Tipp efforts, Armagh held a 0-9 to 0-5 half time advantage.

Playing with a strong wind on resumption meant Tipp had every chance of making the league final if they could work their way back into the game and they immediately attacked but a Caroline O'Hanlon goal put paid to that, as the Northern Ireland netball international fired home from close range on 9 minutes to leave it 1-10 to 0-6 with a mountain to climb for Tipperary. 

Aishling Moloney hit a point for Tipp but the experienced Armagh sharpshooter got in for a second goal on 12 minutes, and it was game over for Tipperary who left gaps in defence when they were forced to chase the game after conceding the first goal. 

Aimee Mackin led the way for Armagh who pushed on attacking into the wind and got a third goal from Kellie Mallon, the captain of the side. Tipperary rang the changes and rallied but the Armagh goals meant the game finished at a canter rather than a sprint.

Laois also overcame Roscommon in the other relevant league game taking place meaning Tipps chances of making a league final slipped away and the focus now moves to the championship.