Orchard boss really pleased with response from his charges after conceding two quick-fire goals in drawn game with Tipperary
Kerry, Mayo and Cork also booked their place in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Two goals in three minutes from Anna Rose Kennedy and Aisling Moloney put Tipperary in control in the second half in Thurles before Armagh claimed a 2-4 to 0-10 draw.
“Obviously, we would have been happier with a win, but when you concede two sucker-punch goals, then show great character to get back into the match, you would have to be pleased. We were three down with seven minutes to go and we were very aggressive with our pressing to get back on terms,” said McGonigle.
“If we get through to the quarter-final [stage], it will be magic,” admitted Tipperary manager Peter Creedon. “The girls have been playing well all year and the two goals were huge for us at the time they came, bearing in mind that they [Armagh] are the Division 1 champions.”
A goal from Hannah Looney was key for Cork as they beat Galway by 1-12 to 1-10 to progress. Galway led by 1-7 to 0-7 at the interval thanks to a goal from Olivia Divilly.
“We played quite well in the first half, had plenty of ball in the second half too. We just couldn’t get the ball over the bar,” said Galway manager Daniel Moynihan, whose side now face Laois.
“We closed it out well,” said Cork boss Shane Ronayne. “We worked on our defensive shape during the National League. That came to our benefit.”
Mayo spoiled Diane O’Hora’s homecoming as Kildare manager, with Liam McHale’s side 2-15 to 0-5 winners thanks to goals from the Cafferky sisters, Lisa and Sinéad.
“It’s great to come home, obviously,” said O’Hora. “I’d have liked if we had [given] a better show of ourselves, but I have to give credit to Mayo.”
Hannah O’Donoghue and Danielle O’Leary struck goals in the opening half for Kerry as they built up a 2-10 to 0-3 interval lead against Waterford.
Emma Dineen and Siofra O’Shea found the net for last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists after the break as they cantered to a 4-13 to 0-9 win.
“Our scores in the first half were excellent and the two goals were sublime altogether, especially the second one where the pass from Hannah was special,” acknowledged Kerry joint manager Declan Quill.
“We’ve Donegal at home next week and that’s a massive game,” said Waterford manager Pat Sullivan. “We’ve looked at this as the big game in the group where we’ll have a chance, but you saw last week how they frustrated Kerry so much.”
Meanwhile, in the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship, there were wins for Westmeath, Wexford and Leitrim, while Monaghan and Offaly drew 0-10 apiece.
Vicky Carr and Rachel Dillon scored Westmeath’s goals in their 2-12 to 2-6 win over Cavan, for whom Ally Cahill netted both their goals.
Wexford were runaway 3-22 to 0-4 winners over Antrim with goals from Tara Doyle, Grace Donovan and Caitriona Murray.
Michelle Guckian contributed six points and Ailbhe Clancy four as Leitrim beat Wicklow 0-17 to 0-10.
A late point from substitute Sarah Capaldi from a free earned Monaghan a 0-10 apiece draw with Offaly to go through to the quarter-finals, the draw for which takes place today.
Down, Clare, Wexford and Leitrim will have home advantage in the quarter-finals after they topped their respective groups, with Westmeath, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tyrone also still involved.
In the TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship, Carlow made it three wins from three in Group A with a 1-11 to 3-4 victory over Derry. Also in Group A, Fermanagh started their campaign with a 2-10 to 3-6 win over Sligo.
In Group B, Louth beat Limerick by 0-14 to 0-8. Longford defeated Kilkenny by 5-8 to 2-6.
Results – TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship: Group 1: Tipperary 2-4 Armagh 0-10. Group 2: Kerry 4-13 Waterford 0-9. Group 3: Cork 1-12 Galway 1-10. Group 4: Mayo 2-15 Kildare 0-5. TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship: Group 1: Westmeath 2-12 Cavan 2-6. Group 2: Monaghan 0-10 Offaly 0-10. Group 3: Wexford 3-22 Antrim 0-4. Group 4: Leitrim 0-17 Wicklow 0-10. TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship: Group A: Carlow 1-11 Derry 3-4; Fermanagh 2-10 Sligo 3-6. Group B: Louth 0-14 Limerick 0-8; Longford 5-8 Kilkenny 2-6.
