Lidl Ladies’ National Football League Division Two final
Armagh v Laois (Saturday, Croke Park, 3pm, live on TG4)
IT may be her 105th senior outing in an Armagh jersey in Saturday's Division Two final against Laois but for Aoife McCoy the excitement and the thrill is just as electric as if she were about to make her inter-county debut.
The 28-year-old has not missed many games since first featuring under James Daly in 2014, which proves just how important she is having played under six different managers including current boss Shane McCormack.
McCoy, who has started every league game this year, joined the 100 club in February against Monaghan and although not on the scoresheet that day, has hit a total of 4-3 in the seven league rounds.
“It was lovely to join the 100 club along with some key leaders we’ve had representing Armagh over the years,” said the Dromintee player.
“I’ve played for Armagh for over 10 years and I still get the same buzz on game day that I did when I first started out.
“I’ve had people in my family who had to retire at a young age due to injuries so I’m grateful I’m still fit and able to represent my club and county at this stage of my career.”
Her contribution, and indeed that of all the Orchard players, has helped them blaze a trail through to tomorrow’s final showdown with Laois. They have already beaten their opponents, 0-10 to 0-5 in round five, in an edgy encounter which McCoy described as their toughest game throughout their unbeaten run.
“Laois were our toughest opponents and are a very organised team,” she said
“They are familiar with Croke Park as well and have won important games on big occasions there. We are taking nothing for granted and know that we need to be at our very best to get over the line.”
Armagh reached the same stage last year but fell short against Kerry, the Kingdom themselves in Division One final action in the second game of the Croke Park double-header.
That defeat still hurts McCoy and not only do they want to make amends for last year, but they want to win promotion to the top table.
And seeing Meath come out of Division Two just two seasons ago and win Division One last year, with Kerry potentially following suit this year, gives them added inspiration.
“The defeat last year hurt and we probably have used a bit of motivation from that loss for this year,” said McCoy.
“We’ve also had a few players come in and out of the panel so we’ve really used the seven games in the league campaign to reflect on our performances and see where we need to improve for this year’s final.
“I think anyone would be inspired by what both Meath and Kerry have achieved over the last couple of years.
“In saying that, we are just focusing on ourselves, taking one competition at a time and for now our priority is to get back into Division One for next year.”
