Mackin expecting sparks against Donegal on Saturday

THERE’S few rivalries outside bordering counties that has stayed intense for as long as Armagh Ladies v Donegal Ladies, which brings plenty of spice to what promises to be a thrilling Ulster Final.

Tickets on sale are for both men and ladies Ulster Finals, so it makes sense that the majority of supporters make their way out of the pubs and the streets of Clones to see this game.

Blaithin Mackin is no stranger to big games, a multiple Ulster winner already, not to mention Aussie Rules winner, she wasn’t happy with how her team performed in the National League Final last month but she is enjoying playing and she feels that the rivalry has heated up over the past five years.

“I love it, anytime you get to play at Armagh it's brilliant went a long period last year, not getting to play, and didn't get to play in Division One, and we've been playing in Ulster Finals where you're getting tanked by 30 points so when you're actually there and competing, it's just brilliant to represent your counties you're very fortunate to do it,” said Mackin.

“I suppose because we have played in so many finals against each other, like it has been us and them for a long period of time,” said Mackin.

“Probably by 2020 I would say it's been us and them, for possibly the last nine years nearly, so I suppose having that rivalry and always going head to head on the big days and then even coming up against each other in all Ireland group stages or quarter-finals and stuff.

“It's just sort of naturally grown but yeah it's always a close contest in recent years anyway.

“Obviously we haven't played them now in the league this year which you normally would, so there is that wee bit of unknown I suppose.

“You can watch all the games you want, but we haven't played them since this time last year so we do know them really well but have not come up against them this season.

“There's a bit of a different personnel there, same with us, bit of a different personnel and it can be tricky so yeah, base off what we've played against before but also what they have played this year and try and get an idea of that.”

Indeed, Armagh are under new management this year, having completed back to back seasons in Division One, much like the men’s, the Darnell Parkinson and Joe Feeney have blooded plenty of players in the top flight.

“Darnell and Joe obviously were in last year so it's not a big change having them there, but they've brought really good energy to the group and keeping everyone really positive, and again getting girls really good game time in sort of crucial games has been brilliant,” Mackin said.

“Then obviously we have Chris Rafferty and Barry Grimes in as well and they've been brilliant like they've really pushed on the standards in training and the intensity in training and there's a good Armagh cohort with Barry in there from Tyrone, so there's a good mix and a lot of passionate people, I would say like genuinely just love Armagh and love Armagh football and have represented themselves some of them, at different levels as well.

“So, there's real good passion and they've passed that on to the girls how important it is and how grateful you should be to put on an Armagh jersey I think is one of the main things they've brought this year.”

Armagh lost to Kerry in the Division One League Final last month, having won the title last season in their first year back at the top division, the Orchard girls were second best defending that title and they have put that game behind them as they aim to defend their Ulster crown.

“With your next game being a final, you have to take the learnings from it, especially as the last probably three games weren't too good.

“We've sort of come off the back of three losses now. We're hoping to get it turned around in the Kerry game and it wasn't to be. Probably really disappointed in how we turned up and didn't meet our own standards, take the learnings from that and try to do that in the Ulster Final now.

“ Just get back to our best and focus on that that's the main thing.

“I suppose obviously if you analyse and over-analyse whatever, when you get a beating like that, but I'd say probably just the energy that we brought ourselves, we probably felt in the first 15 minutes, especially when I watch it back, we dominated and controlled and had a lot of chances, but didn't convert any of them and Kerry went straight down the field and got a goal and as any player knows, that just completely drains you and takes a lot out of you, especially when you've been going and going and that's probably just really zapped our energy.

“I think then we weren't able to turn it back around and get it back up and as a group, as I say, we're really disappointed in that because we sort of thrive off high energy and high intensity and once that sort of first 15-20 minutes period passed us by, we struggled then to get back up and as much as we then chipped away with a couple of points, it still was very flat and that's probably the main thing we took out of it as a group and we know that's completely in our control and we just can't really let that happen again.”

However, it was a good start to the season, Armagh are still without Blaithin’s sister, the injured taliswoman Aimee Mackin but the management team has given important game-time to new players.

“When you look at our league, we had so many players bled in, we've really good young players coming through, so definitely a positive.

“We've Meave Ferguson make Team of the League, stuff like that there is just a massive boost for those girls, getting the minutes in Division One, over the years we've probably been getting minutes in games you're winning by lots, now you're bringing them girls on in games that you need to win.

“The first game against Kerry, Caoimhe McNally coming on, Roisin Mulligan, all these girls got solid minutes against solid teams, so that was the main things we took out of the league.

“ But again, the performance as a team coming back in just wasn't good enough and yeah, it's probably the kick we needed and hopefully that kicks us on now in the Championship, but once you get to a Final you're always looking to win it, so we were really disappointed in the end result but yeah, learn from it and move on.”

Blaithin Mackin is a magnificent footballer, who played and succeeded in Aussie Rules as well as guiding her club and county to silverware. Sometimes doesn’t get credited for the vision and game management skills, as she can read the game and pick out passes at will, although her driving runs can be equally inspiring.

Armagh will have their work cut out against Donegal, it will be one almighty battle and not to be missed. Throw-in is at 3pm.