Armagh forward Aimee Mackin has credited the success of her county behind her incredible form as they eye further success from their league victory.
Mackin was crucial for Armagh as she was the top scorer in the Lidl National League to lead them to their first title, which included 1-4 in the final over Kerry.
Speaking as she was named the PwC GPA Player of the Month for March, scoring 3-12 in the process Mackin said Armagh cementing their place among the best in the country was crucial.
"Those experiences help you going into the final. Losing in 2021 and winning last year to get into Division One, I think it is big for us as a county to be in Division One and playing them teams week in week out.
"We had three or four years where we were playing in Division Two, and Division Two is such a hard league to get out of, we struggled to get out of it.
"Putting yourself against the likes of Dublin and Kerry week in week out is what we want to do to progress as a county.
The 2020 player of the year is one of the best players in the country, and has showed no signs of slowing down heading into the championship.
With an Ulster final against Donegal coming up, Mackin has credited her team for their rise.
It’s the fourth year in a row Armagh and Donegal will contest an Ulster final, with Mackin’s side just edging the head-to-head. However, it was Donegal who claimed victory last season in the final.
"A team performance is most important. When you analyse, you analyse how you play as a team and then your own performance. I think enjoying football and not thinking too much about, you miss these days when you are away.
"I wouldn't say every game was perfect by myself. I think in the league final, I wasn't great in the first half. I think in the league as a team, we just looked at staying in the moment and being present in each game. Each game has its own challenges."
Not only are Aimee and Blaithain preparing for an Ulster final against Donegal, but so are her brothers Connaire and Ciaran, in what is an exciting time for the Mackin household.
"It’s exciting. If you can’t enjoy it, there is something wrong. These are the games that we would have gone to when we were younger, to be part of it, and for the boys to be part of it, is brilliant.
"There could be advice, or criticism sometimes as well. We all go to each other’s games. It’s what we enjoy. We probably do bounce off each other at times."
It has been a busy 12 months for Mackin, who made her mark in two sports in both sides of the world.
Like many players in Ladies Football, Aimee made the move to Melbourne in the AFLW, where she joined her sister Blaithain.
While Brisbane were unable to defend their title, the Armagh forward said it was a great experience as she
"It was difficult to adjust back to winter, when I left it was 25 degrees, so the pre-season was tough when it was freezing cold.
"We have been Gaelic far more than Aussie Rules, so it was natural, but we are used to kicking round ball, so it was just about getting back into it.
"It was a brilliant experience. The football side of it didn't go as well as we planned, but it was a great experience for myself and Blaithain to be out playing together. You don't get these chances too often to it.
"Sinead Goldrick was there as well from Dublin, having her on team helped a lot to bounce off if you needed someone as well. She has been through it all in the transition so she was great to have there,
