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Pat Nolan

Armagh star Kelly Mallon targeting All-Ireland honours on two fronts this year

An 11th senior All-Ireland title would do just nicely for Kelly Mallon this year.

That would mean that she has either made a historic breakthrough with the Armagh ladies footballers or set a new record in her second sport of road bowling. Or, who knows, she may even achieve both.

Last year, the 33-year-old, who has also represented the county in camogie, won a 10th All-Ireland senior ladies road bowling title on the byways of Ballincurrig, Co Cork, drawing her level with another Armagh bowler, Mickey Toal.

Read more: Kyle Coney insists Tyrone always believe they are genuine All-Ireland contenders

“Funnily enough he text me after that saying, 'You better retire now!'” laughed Mallon.

“I haven't lifted a ball to be honest since that. Just with football I haven't had time but hopefully in the next couple of months I will get a chance.”

Armagh men’s star Ethan Rafferty is another who excels at the sport and was runner-up at All-Ireland intermediate level last year.

“His problem is the same as mine, he just doesn't have time to do the both of them,” Mallon explained. “I'd say if he had less football commitments, he would probably be competing at senior at this stage.”

Kelly Mallon challenges Erone Fitzpatrick of Laois during February's League clash between the sides at the Box-It Athletic Grounds (©INPHO/Leah Scholes)

Of more immediate concern to Mallon is Saturday's Lidl National Football League Division Two final against Laois (3pm) as Armagh vie for promotion against Laois having been beaten at the same stage by eventual All-Ireland finalists Kerry last year.

“Very disappointed with last season but I'm sure you can see with Kerry's development that it was no shock result really I suppose.

“We've been working really hard to get back and to try to get up into Division One. So hopefully that will be achieved.”

And she makes no apologies for targeting a senior All-Ireland with Armagh too.
“Absolutely, I've no qualms about saying that at all. We know our potential," added Mallon.

"But I think it's just a matter of being consistent with our performances and delivering on the big occasions. They're probably the two things that we need to get better at.”

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