VIKKI WALL rescued a draw for Meath in their TG4 All-Ireland SFC opener against Armagh.
And it was a big result for the Royals who trailed by four points heading into the closing stages.
Caroline O’Hanlon thought she won it for the Orchard with a free.
But a goal from sub Shauna Ennis and a point from Wall reeled the Ulster side in.
Armagh led early on after some fine scores from Kelly Mallon and Niamh Reel.
But Meath landed the first blow in the 12th minute when Wall netted with a fine finish.
The Orchard rallied with a point from Niamh Henderson and soon grabbed their first goal through Aoife McCoy to lead again.
Aoibhín Cleary raised a green flag for the Royals to regain the lead for Shane McCormack’s side before the interval.
Armagh started the second half well as a goal from Mallon guided them to a four-point lead.
That reduced to three when Duggan pointed in the 47th minute — only for O’Hanlon to push the Orchard advantage out again.
But Meath rallied with Ennis’ goal and a leveller from Wall.
MEATH: R Murray; A Sheridan, M K Lynch, K Newe; A Cleary 1-1, S Wall, K Kealy; O Sheehy, M Farrelly; M Thynne, N Gallogly, C Smyth 0-1; E Duggan 0-3, 2f, V Wall 1-3, 1f, K Cole.
Subs: K Bermingham for Farrelly 38 mins; S Ennis 1-0 for Cole 45; C Lawlor for Kealy 47.
ARMAGH: A Carr; M Ferguson, C McNally, M McCann; E Druse, C Towe, G Ferguson; N Coleman, C O’Hanlon 0-1f; L McConville, A McCoy 1-1, K Mallon 1-2; S Quigley, N Henderson 0-2, N Reel 0-5, 4f.
Subs: R Mulligan for Quigley h-t; M Lennon for C McNally 47 mins; E Lavery for McCann 52.
