PARKINSON PRAISE FOR ORCHARD HEROES
Richard Bullick
National League title holders Armagh couldn’t have got off to a better start under new joint managers Joe Feeney and Darnell Parkinson, with three consecutive victories including away wins against All Ireland champions Kerry and traditionally dominant Dublin.
A second Dublin goal late on at Parnell Park on Saturday meant Armagh had to dig deep but they hung on for a deserved 0-11 to 2-4 victory, Niamh Reel again top-scoring with five points and six other players each raising a single white flag.
The next fixture for the Division One champions is on Saturday week, an Athletic Grounds double-header with the Armagh men against Mayo, whose ladies have lost all three league games so far including a shock defeat at home to Tyrone on Sunday.
Having had tough games on the road early in the campaign, three of Armagh’s four remaining matches are at home as they target a place in the April 12 final in Croke Park and aim to defend the trophy won for the first time ever last spring.
With former All Ireland Player of the Year Vikki Wall back in their ranks after a failed attempt to make it in professional rugby and an AFLW title win with North Melbourne Kangaroos, Meath are currently top of the table on points difference from Armagh.
Feeney was instrumental in Armagh Harps ending a long drought by winning back-to-back county titles at the start of this decade, but his colleague just got involved in ladies football last season as part of the then Orchard gaffer Greg McGonigle’s management team.
Former Pearse Og player Parkinson is very impressed with what he has seen so far and full of praise for the talented, dedicated group of women who wear the orange jersey with such pride and distinction.
“When I got approached to come on board with Armagh, you’re looking at the level of player you’re working with – you’re working with elite level athletes and it doesn’t matter what gender they are, it’s hard to turn down that opportunity,” he reflects.
“The ladies game is growing every year and these girls are not just elite level athletes, they’re great role models as well. They put in every bit as much work as the guys and they deserve everything that does come their way.”
Parkinson has especially savoured working with the legendary Caroline O’Hanlon, who has played every minute so far, aged 40, in what is her 24th inter-county campaign, breaking the previous record held by Mayo ace Cora Staunton.
“Caroline O’Hanlon is one of our key players and probably one of the hardest to manage with regards to actually taking a break and taking a rest whenever we do try and provide it to her!” reflects Parkinson with a wry smile.
“She just epitomises ‘elite level’, she has not only done everything there is to do in the game but also other sports. I’ll be honest – we probably learn as much from her at this stage as we’re handing on to the rest of the girls.
“Caroline’s brilliant to work with, she’s a good person to be able to bounce ideas off and she’s an absolutely brilliant team-mate the way she is with the younger girls – she’s just constantly giving them encouragement and really driving them on.”
Armagh have been without captain Clodagh McCambridge, ace markswoman Aimee Mackin and former skipper Kelly Mallon so far this season but have demonstrated pleasing squad depth, with plenty of players putting their hands up and significant contributions by subs.
“Like ourselves, Dublin were missing a few players, but we’d have taken a one-point victory coming down here. We’ve so much belief in these players, it’s a really great group and there’s still much more potential in them,” enthused Parkinson in his post-match interview.
