Meath 3-10
Kerry… 1-07
1949, 1954, 1967, 1987, 1988, 1996, 1999, 2021, 2022. Even looking at it written in front of you is to be struck by awe. Before anyone says anything, the majestic achievements of Eamonn Murray’s charges over the past two seasons merit equal if not greater commendation than the seven All Ireland SFC titles accomplished by our menfolk.
The thing is, though, that this Meath group have achieved so much, there are neither superlatives nor space to pay proper homage to what these amazing, inspirational sportspeople and their exceptional yet unassuming manager have accomplished in recent seasons. Remember, it’s not all that long ago since the Royal ladies were thrashed by Tipperary in the lower reaches of the National League and lost consecutive All Ireland IFC deciders to the Premier County and Tyrone respectively.
All of that seems a world away now though. Such being the case is no fluke or accident however. The joyous position these ladies now have the entire county – and Meath people in every corner of the globe – at is the result of hard work, dedication and a seemingly bottomless pit of self belief. And, having along with Fergal Lynch looked after many underage teams populated by at least some of today’s stars, An Bainisteoir has been intrinsic to all they have achieved, so far.
They needed an abundance of all the above qualities here. And then some. In the build up to the game, Meath boss Murray spoke at length of the importance of stopping Kerry scoring early goals. For my part, having seen a fair amount of Ladies football in the last few years, it was fairly clear that if the defending champions could nullify or at least stifle the influence of Louise Ni Muircheartaigh they would be a long way towards holding onto Brendan Martin.
What ends up happening? Declan Quill’s side race into a five point lead when the flame-haired corner forward sumptuously lobbed Monica McGuirk from the edge of the D. However, as LGFA President Michael Naughton would attest much later on, a good team can win one All Ireland, but it takes a great one to win two.
Thereafter, the Kepak-clad ladies amply demonstrated exactly why they are most definitely the latter. First off by hitting 1-6 without reply. The goal coming from the outstanding Emma Troy after an intricate passing move involving Emma Duggan and Kelsey Nesbitt.
Points flowed from Troy, Stacey Grimes and outstanding corner forwards Vikki Wall and Niamh O’Sullivan. Giving the title holders a cushion of 1-08 to 1-05 as they turned to shoot into a needlessly empty Hill 16.
When the Munster representatives kicked the first two scores of the second half, it became clear that this was going to be the greatest test of this Meath group’s metal yet. Thence did they begin a clinical, classy exhibition of just why they are arguably the greatest amalgam of footballers our county has ever produced.
Now, by her own mesmeric standards, Duggan was on the periphery of the contest. But hers was the pivotal contribution to two of the three goals again underlines the old dictum about your good players standing up when they are needed most.
The second half additions to the onion bag coming from the immense O’Sullivan and substitute Bridgetta Lynch. If there were a couple of disappointing factors in the day, obviously the serious looking injury suffered by Aoibheann Leahy early on.
The Navan O’Mahony’s clubwoman has been steadily rising in status within the group as their achievements have mounted up. But so too has the standing of this Meath panel in the game on a broader scale. Underlined by the manner in which they adjusted when Leahy had to be withdrawn.
Admittedly the following has a personal, parochial tinge to it but absolutely no apologies will be made for that either. At this stage, it’s as obvious as the nose on your face that Vikki Wall – our star, the greatest female footballer in the country and up there with the best the game has ever seen – is being singled out by referees for special attention. Out of nothing but jealous bitterness.
Mind you, she was far from alone in getting the rough end of the stick from the curiously and scarcely warranted high profile referee. For that reason alone, you couldn’t blame her for boarding a plane to the bottom of the world.
From a personal viewpoint, there is of course a smidgeon of sadness that she is bound for the Australian Football League. Not for a second out of begrudgery. In fact, if life were different, I would love nothing more than to be 10,000 miles away from here sometimes.
No, any upset felt is purely out of knowing the incalculable loss Vikki will be to our club. No doubt, similar feelings loom large in Athboy and Boardsmill with Orlagh Lally and Emma Troy also off for a meeting with Skippy. Though it should be pointed out the latter is not going for football reasons.
You do have to wonder, though, what it will take for the GAA and/or LGFA to wise up and ensure that players are properly rewarded for their efforts – yes, paid – because there’s no indication the airborne exodus will abate anytime soon.
Having said all of the above, it was both reassuring and encouraging to hear Vikki declare “It definitely won’t be the last time I play here (Croke Park) in a Meath jersey”.
Then again, who wouldn’t want to be part of this astounding chapter in Meath’s GAA history? You know, it just dawned on me this evening that it was the first time I was in situ for a Meath All Ireland victory since I began writing professionally in 2001.
A short time ago on these pages, mention was made of the fact that my first time in Croke Park – or at a GAA match of any description – was the league semi final of 1990 between Meath and Cork, having been hooked on the game by the euphoria surrounding Meath’s back-to-back All Ireland wins of 1987 and ’88.
It’s remarkable to the think that none of those who delivered this latest piece of our proud history were even born when those who they on Sunday replicated were doing their thing. Never mind the masses of kids who have been swept up in this ongoing adventure.
Gut feeling is to think this fairytale has many chapters to be inserted yet.
MEATH: M. McGuirk; S. Ennis, M. K. Lynch, K. Newe; A. Leahy, E. Troy (1-1), A. Cleary; M. O’Shaughnessy, O. Lally; M. Thynne, E. Duggan (0-1), K. Nesbitt; V. Wall (0-3), S. Grimes (0-3), N. O’Sullivan (1-2). Subs; O. Byrne for Leahy, B. Lynch (1-0) for Nesbitt, O. Duff for Newe, E. White for Grimes, S. Wall for Tbynne.
Referee: Maggie Farrelly (Cavan)
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