Katie Quirke's late brace helps Cork edge past Armagh in All-Ireland quarter-finals

Two late frees from Katie Quirke proved crucial as Cork got the better of Armagh in their TG4 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-final at the Box-It Athletic Grounds.

It was a close battle all through but in the end Cork, inspired by Ciara O'Sullivan, came out on top to advance to the last four.

Armagh were dealt a blow before the game when star forward, Aimee Mackin, was unable to start due to a hamstring injury, a huge loss to her side.

Doireann O'Sullivan opened the scoring two minutes in from a free before Blaithin Mackin replied for the home side.

A sweeping team move, which started in their own half, saw the visitors back in front when Ciara O’Sullivan scored. But again, their lead didn’t last long as Armagh worked the ball straight down the pitch to see Aoife McCoy equalise.

She added her second to put Armagh in front as they led 0-03 to 0-02 after 12 minutes.

Daire Kiely scored a magnificent point from out near the sideline to see the sides level again, before Mackin had the first goal chance.

She burst past several defenders but her effort went across the goal and wide.

Ciara O’Sullivan put Cork back in front with Doireann O’Sullivan increasing Cork’s lead to put two between the sides for the first time.

Libby Coppinger had a great chance to extend it to three but her close-in effort went narrowly wide.

It took a brilliant save from Anna Carr to stop Cork going further in front when she stopped a shot from Anna Ryan which looked destined for the back of the net.

Two pointed frees from Kelly Mallon drew Armagh level and it remained that way to the break and all to play for in the second half.

Ciara O’Sullivan restored Cork’s lead on the restart and Hannah Looney made it 0-07 to 0-05 with a fisted point with her