Armagh win Rackard Cup semi

Armagh put in a superb display this afternoon to ruin Donegal's chances of reaching the Nicky Rackard Cup final for the second successive year.

The Orchard county hurlers gained revenge for their footballers' Ulster championship exit against the same opposition as they emerged as 3-28 to 2-10 winners in today's semi-final in Keady.

Mattie Lennon's men, who lifted the NHL Division Three title last year, will have the chance to secure more silverware with a unique appearance at Croke Park for the Rackard Cup decider on August 11.

Today's semi was a disappointingly one-sided affair with Armagh shooting themselves into a 1-17 to 0-06 lead by the interval. Orchard duo Declan Coulter (1-06) and Ryan Gaffney (0-04) showed good accuracy throughout the first half.

Overwhelmed by Derry in last year's final, Donegal dug deep to fight their way back into contention with goals from half-forwards Kevin Campbell and Colm Breathnach.

But Armagh were put out of sight and on the road to Dublin when Coulter, who has only recently returned from injury, grabbed two further goals to round off his man-of-the-match display.