Armagh lose to Waterford in LGFA league opener

Armagh fell to defeat in their opening Ladies National Football League Division One game with Waterford claiming a 2-14 to 0-8 win at the Athletic Grounds.

The 2025 league finalists were without a host of regulars including Caroline O'Hanlon, Niamh Henderson, Niamh Reel, Blaithin and Aimee Mackin, plus Niamh and Dearbhla Coleman.

Chloe Fennell struck an early goal for the Munster side but Armagh replied with two Lara Marsden scores.

It was 1-5 to 0-3 in favour of the visitors at the break with Aine O'Neill kicking three points, but they could have been further ahead but for the woodwork and a fine stop by Armagh goalkeeper Brianna Mathers.

After an exchange early in the second half, O'Neill and Clare Walsh extended the gap before Armagh enjoyed a good spell with three quick points through Maeve Lennon (two frees) and Lauren McConville to reduce the gap to four, but Waterford responded put the issue beyond doubt with Treasa Ní Chrontaigh finding the net as the Deise finished with a flourish.

In Division Two, Cavan and Mayo played out a 1-13 to 1-13 draw with Catherine Dolan's goal the difference at the break, but Sinead Walsh's major in the second period helped the westerners claim a share of the spoils.

Tyrone romped to a 7-11 to 0-11 win over Monaghan with Cara McNamee and Niamh O'Neill both netting twice, while Donegal were 2-11 to 1-6 winners over Westmeath as second half goals from Suzanne White and Cait Gillespie helped the Ulster side pull away.

In Division Three, newly-promoted Antrim got off to a flying start with a 3-15 to 1-18 win over Clare at Dunsilly.

The visitors held a two-point lead at the break, but Antrim took over in the second period with goals from Theresa Mellon, Ciara Brown and Maria O'Neill giving the Saffrons a flying start.

Fermanagh, also promoted, began with a 3-13 to 3-13 draw away to Laois.

The hosts led by two early in the second half, but Fermanagh hit a purple patch with goals from Joanne Doonan and Niamh McManus helping them go six clear.

Laois replied with 2-2 to get back in front, but a Caoimhe Gallagher goal brought the sides level and although Doonan kicked a free to edge Fermanagh in front late on, Emily Lacey rescued a point for Laois.

Down also had to settle for an away draw with their game against Louth finishing 3-6 to 1-12.

Two Eimear Byrne goals helped Louth into a three-point lead at the break and they netted a third in the second half before Eva Hicks grabbed lone for Down who trailed by three late on when a trio of points from Eimear Fitzpatrick secured a draw.

Derry's Division Four campaign got off to a difficult start as they fell to a 1-20 to 2-8 defeat away to Sligo.

Lidl National Football League results

Division One

Kerry 2-9 Dublin 0-9

Cork 1-10 Kildare 2-7

Galway 0-16 Meath 0-8

Waterford 2-14 Armagh 0-8

Division Two

Cavan 1-13 Mayo 1-13

Tyrone 7-11 Monaghan 0-11

Donegal 2-11 Westmeath 1-6

Tipperary 2-12 Wexford 2-9

Division Three

Roscommon 3-6 Limerick 0-8

Laois 3-13 Fermanagh 3-13

Antrim 3-15 Clare 1-8

Louth 3-6 Down 1-12

Division Four

Leitrim 1-11 Offaly 1-8

Longford 3-8 Wicklow 0-7

Carlow 4-28 Kilkenny 0-1

Sligo 1-20 Derry 2-8