The LIDL NFL Division 1 Final is sure to cause fireworks this weekend, with Armagh and Kerry set to face off in the ultimate decider at the home of Gaelic Games in Croke Park.
While The Kingdom are the reigning champions and have a seasoned history in the competition, this will mark Armagh’s first time to reach this pinnacle, and so either way there’s plenty to unpack ahead of the renowned clash.
Here it is, the ultimate LIDL NFL Division 1 Final preview.
Road to the LIDL NFL Division 1 Final
Up until their heavy final round 7:10 - 1:4 defeat to Dublin (in which they rested the majority of their starting team), The Orchard County had gone unbeaten for 17 straight league games, which is remarkably impressive considering this was their first outing in the LIDL NFL Division 1 since 2017.
In fact, before that set back at the hands of the All Ireland champions, they hadn’t lost since the 2022 Division 2 final against Mayo, signalling an unbelievable run and a phenomenal basis for their inaugural Division 1 final this weekend.
On the other hand, Kerry closed out their seven league rounds with five wins, and crucially one draw, which set them just a single point ahead of Dublin in the final table standings.
That tie came against Mayo, and while they did fall short to this weekend’s opponents earlier this year, they surpassed the threat of Galway, Meath, Cork, Waterford and Dublin on route to the final.
Speaking of that last outing between this weekend’s two challengers, it could prove to be a mental edge the Greg McGonigle led women have over their Munster rivals, especially given they came away with the victory on Kerry’s home turf of the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.
There Caroline O’Hanlon and Aimee Mackin starred with the goals for Armagh during the Armagh 3-14 to 1-13 triumph, while Katie Brosnan stood out for the home side, scoring 1-2.
The stats
If Kerry are to come away with a win this weekend, they’ll have to keep tabs on Armagh’s tallyswoman Mackin.
As mentioned, she put two goals away against them already this year, and has a total scoring count of 6-23 so far. That’s a stellar sum of 41 points over seven games played in 2024, and makes her the top scorer throughout the entire LIDL NFL Division 1 so far.
It’s also worth noting that throughout the seven games Armagh scored a total of 89 points, meaning Mackin’s tally makes up 46.067% of their total scores.
Interestingly, Meath’s Emma Duggan (0-38) and Mayo’s Maria Cannon (1-25) and Lisa Cafferky (4-11) then feature from second to fourth in the list respectively, followed then by the Kingdom’s markswoman Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh (1-19) in fifth.
It’s also worth noting that Armagh’s scoring difference finished at plus 3, while Kerry amassed a whopping plus 35.
Combined, these things are perhaps suggestive of a few things, a greater total amount scored by Kerry, but also a greater spread of sharpshooters who were on target for them.
Looking at it more in depth, Armagh did score an average of 12.7 points a game, while comparably Kerry hauled 107 points overall and 15.2 on average.
However, when you turn that on its head, Armagh conceded 93 total points so far over the campaign, although their last fixture versus Dublin distorts that completely, accounting for 31 points or 33.3% of that number.
Meanwhile, Kerry’s defence let in 72 points so far this season, with their weakest showcase from that point of view actually coming against Armagh with a score of 3:14, nearly a tremendous 57% of their total conceded.
Ones to watch
On top of superstars like Mackin and Ni Mhuircheartaigh, there are plenty more players to keep your eyes peeled for this weekend.
For Armagh, Kelly Mallon, Aoife McCoy and Caroline O Hanlon have racked up 40 points so far between them, while Kerry’s Emma Dineen, Niamh Carmody and Hannah O Donoghue have 50.
Back to back allstar for 2022 and 2023 Niamh Carmody has also been stalwart as the Kingdom’s captain, while Armagh skipper Clodagh McCambridge has also starred for her side alongside the likes of Lauren McConville and Aoife McCoy.
In net, Brianne Mathers has been paramount for The Orchard County, while Kerry’s Mary Ellen Bolger has been extraordinary, especially considering the recent loss and untimely passing of her mother Annette.
Grab your tickets.. You Might Win Some AMAZING Prizes!
Tickets are available now for the mouth-watering LIDL NFL Finals, with the display between Kerry and Armagh in the LIDL NFL Division 1 final, with the Division 2 showcase between Kildare v Tyrone also taking place on the same day, Sunday, the 7th of April.
For all fans attending Croke Park this weekend, there will be a chance to win Lidl vouchers, merchandise AND a €500 CASH DONATION to your club courtesy of Lidl. We have 20x €100 Lidl Vouchers to giveaway! Find the Her Sport team on the day, complete a challenge and WIN!
For clubs attending - snap a photo of you and the squad in the stadium, use the #GetBehindTheFight, tag @hersport.ie and @lidlireland on Instagram and be in with a chance to win the €500 CASH PRIZE!
Get your tickets here!
