Armagh’s leader, Clodagh McCambridge, was profoundly disappointed to learn that key striker Aimee Mackin has again suffered a career-stymying cruciate knee ligament injury. Mackin, who was hailed as 2020’s Footballer of the Year, incurred this setback amidst Armagh’s Ulster final triumph over Donegal on the 19th of May. Mackin, aged 27, has faced this type of injury before, with a previous cruciate rupture causing her absence in 2019.
Clodagh McCambridge expressed at the 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Championships launch, the team’s united grief for Mackin, citing her immense talent and how critical she is to the team. Now it all boils down to how she can contribute to the team from the sidelines, relying on her abundant leadership skills.
Despite Mackin’s absence, the morale and positivity within the team remain high during training, as emphasized by McCambridge. Further relief is provided by the return of Blaithin Mackin, Aimee’s sister, who recovered from a medial knee ligament injury. Aimee’s injury that occurred in the triumph over Donegal was initially underestimated, but hopes of escaping another cruciate setback were dashed.
Describing the incident, McCambridge stated that it seemed harmless at first. The unexpected nature of the injury combined with the loss of Louise Kenny to a shoulder injury during the same game makes the Ulster title win feel bittersweet going into the All-Ireland championship.
Aimee, a well-renowned footballer and recipient of the All Star title three times, was expected to join the Melbourne AFLW team post the All-Ireland Armagh match. McCambridge, however, has strong faith that Aimee will don the Armagh uniform again in the upcoming season.
“I have complete faith that Aimee will exert all her efforts. Seeing her display such mettle in her first year after recovering from a cruciate injury, indeed provides a ray of optimism. There’s always possibility for the upcoming year. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that her rehabilitation goes smoothly and we see her return to peak form.”