A superb feast of ladies football was on show at Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan, on Saturday evening as the TG4 All-Ireland qualifiers continued.
First up, near neighbours Cavan and Monaghan went head-to-head, with Ulster finalists Monaghan having the upper hand in the end, winning out 4-13 to 1-4 after a blistering second half display.
The opening half was a close and tight affair, with Aisling Doonan netting the rebound from her own penalty to put Cavan firmly into the game.
However, an on-form Caitriona McConnell drew Monaghan level 1-2 to 0-5, before Ellen McCarron goaled to send them on to a five-point lead at half time.
Monaghan came out with victory on their mind as the second half got underway and hit 2-3 without reply early on to put the result beyond doubt.
McConnell netted a hat-trick of goals in the half and fantastic scoring from the side drove them on to win and secure their place in the All-Ireland quarter-finals against Leinster champions, Dublin.
Meanwhile in the second game of the afternoon, Armagh booked their spot in the All-Ireland quarter-final against Ulster champions Donegal after a tense and hard-fought win over Westmeath, winning on a final scoreline of 1-12 to 0-9.
It was neck-in-neck throughout however, and the sides were all square going in at the break (0-5 apiece) after a good comeback from Westmeath.
It continued to be close as the second half got underway and the sides were tied at 0-7 each before the hugely impressive Aimee Mackin pointed Armagh into the lead.
This was followed by a goal from Kelly Mallon, which proved to be decisive, as Westmeath had to dig deep to try and pull back the deficit.
Despite pressure from the Lake County, Armagh kept their cool as the clock ticked down and went on to win 1-12 to 0-9 and now face off to Donegal in the next round.
Meanwhile Wexford ladies drove to an impressive 3-19 to 1-3 win over Antrim in the intermediate qualifiers in Kinnegad. They now go on to face Kildare in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
Images via Sportsfile.
