Richard Bullick
The Armagh ladies gaelic footballers were crowned Overall Team of the Year at this month’s GO Local Women Sport Awards after a memorable 2024 which saw the Orchard crew win an historic National League title by beating Kerry in their first Division One final.
Greg McGonigle’s side then reclaimed the provincial crown from bitter rivals Donegal with victory in the Ulster Senior Championship and went on to top their All Ireland group before bowing out with a semi-final loss to eventual winners Kerry.
Orchard vice-captain Lauren McConville added the LGFA Player of the Year gong at the LWS Awards ceremony in Belfast’s Europa Hotel to the Ulster Ladies Footballer of the Year accolade already received last autumn along with her first national All Star.
The Crossmaglen legend, Player of the Match in that NFL final, also picked up two All Ireland Player of the Month awards last year along with a fourth consecutive Ulster All Star and made the shortlist of three for All Ireland Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, Lurgan referee Denise McDonald, the first female to take charge of an Armagh men’s club championship match, was honoured with a Special Recognition award, received on her behalf by talented daughter Aoife, proudly filling in her for her holidaying mum.
