PwC GPA Player of the Month for March in ladies’ football, Aimee Mackin, Armagh, with her award at PwC’s offices. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
“My first year was 2015, the changes I've seen in that short space of time have been massive,” Aimee Mackin instantly responds when asked about the development of Ladies Football during the past decade.
“Just in terms of the standard of the game itself, it is so much faster and more athletic. There is so much skill involved, it is great for the game and great for the supporters watching it.
“Then, outside of that, the media and stuff, the promotion of the game has been brilliant. It has been exciting. To see it from 2015 to 2024, it has been such a small gap, but so many improvements made which are brilliant.”
Mackin, such a key performer for Armagh, is adamant about the value and importance of trying to inspire the next generation. “I think it is for the better of the game,” Mackin says.
“That is the most important thing, to better each individual county. For us it is Armagh, it is for the young girls in Armagh that we want to show that it is such a good thing to do, to want to play for your county.
“When we were growing up, it was probably more the mens game we watched. I remember going to some of the Armagh ladies games too, it was brilliant for us, to show that you can do this too.”
Appreciating sport and its benefits matters deeply to Mackin. “I think if you love the game, you will do it,” she says.
Armagh's Aimee Mackin celebrates after scoring a goal in the Ladies Football League Final against Kerry at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
“I think that promotion just helps for all the younger girls in our county and every other county in the country. It is brilliant.
“You can hear it, even where I live, it is a small village, but all of the young kids, boys and girls, are taking an interest in how Armagh ladies are doing, which is good.”
These are exciting times for Armagh ladies footballers, who collected a Division One league title last month. It was a satisfying success and the bit of silverware always helps. “Definitely, for younger kids watching, it can only be good for them,” Mackin replies.
“Obviously, it is brilliant for us as a group of players. You just have to keep adding to that too. It is how you go about it, your attitude when you meet the kids too, that will inspire them.”
An interesting and eagerly anticipated All-Ireland series should provide plenty of drama in the coming months. A connection has been formed between the Armagh players, management, and supporters. “It has been brilliant,” Mackin says.
“Obviously, a good lot of us on the team have been playing together for a good few years. It is like your second family. We spend that much time with each other, you see them more than your family.
“Them bonds and connections are probably the biggest thing. Medals and silverware are lovely, but I think it is the friendships you get out of playing football. The bond we have as a county team and managers, it is brilliant. You just keep building on that. The more time you spend with each other, the better it is.”
