Galway Ladies' will bid to book their place in All-Ireland final when they take on Armagh at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford this Saturday afternoon.
Daniel Moynihan's side secured their semi-final berth with a comprehensive 17-point victory over neighbours Mayo a fortnight ago. Their opponents this weekend, Armagh, defeated Kildare by 3-9 to 1-12 to set up an intriguing clash between the Connacht and Ulster champions.
The Tribeswomen have shot the lights out this campaign and their quarter-final victory was no different. Olivia Divilly amassed 0-8 of her side's total of 2-20, while Kate Slevin notched up 1-5 and Kate Thompson shot 1-3. Holding the Mayo attack to 1-6 highlights the defensive capabilities of this side also.
After an even first half that saw the sides go in level, Galway's class came to the fore as they finished with 1-7 unanswered to book their place in Saturday's semi-final clash.
Armagh got the better of Kildare at the Box-It Athletics Ground with a three-point victory in their quarter-final match-up. Aimee Mackin put in a player-of-the-match display as she scored 2-3.
The Tribeswomen defence will be weary of the dual free-scoring threat of Mackin and Kelly Mahon. Galway's defence will have to be disciplined in their duals and not give the Armagh sharpshooters a chance from the dead ball.
Galway will take confidence from the fact they have already defeated Saturday's opponents when they met in the league in February. Forwards Leanne Coen and Andrea Trill starred in the Galway offense with Trill scoring a goal and Coen netting twice as they claimed a 3-15 to 0-11 win. Galway had to show character as they overcame a slow start to claim their third victory of the season.
Last year's semi-final defeat to Dublin stung and this team will be determined to go that step further this year. Galway have all the quality to make it happen.
Throw-in this Saturday afternoon is 3.15pm in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.
