MEATH…2-12
KERRY…1-09
For any team to even strive to reach the maximum of their perceived potential, there will be days when those who are often the unsung heroes or heroines ascend to the highest notes to bring the crescendo to its desired conclusion. Thus was the scenario at Glenisk O’Connor Park on Saturday evening as Meath reversed recent form with Kerry and so relieved them of possession of the Brendan Martin Cup.
If you told anyone before throw-in that Emma Duggan would only score once from play and Vikki Wall wouldn’t trouble the umpires at all but Meath would still win by six points, the folks in white coats would surely be summoned.
Yet, to paraphrase a few lines from The Blower’s Daughter so it was, just like we said it would be. As players such as Aine Sheridan, Sarah Wall, Karla Kealy, Megan Thynne, Marion Farrelly and Kerrie Cole got the limelight.
That is not to say that those of higher profile were below par, far from it, Mary Kate Lynch is every bit the Summerhill prototype at the heart of the Meath defence.
Meant in the best way possible, the leadership qualities which prompted the Austraiians to snaffle the services of Aoibhin Cleary were all too obvious as the skipper drove forward to slot two crucial points.
If I may, though, greatest acclaim most be bestowed upon Sarah Wall. So often somewhat overshadowed by her sister, the Dunboyne half back her finest hour (to date) as Shane McCormack’s team qualified for another All Ireland SFC Final.
A brilliant solo goal from Kerrie Cole and scores from Cleary, Farrelly and a pair of Duggan frees gave Meath a 1-05 to 0-06 interval advantage.
However, that was evaporated immediately after the restart when – in the first of a plethora of atrocious decisions by referee Maggie Farreliy against Meath – the Cavan woman allowed a Kerry goal even though Katie Newe was lying prone on the ground.
The Ratoath player’s contribution concluded thence and though the vastly experienced Shauna Ennis entertained the fray and made her usual invaluable contribution, that the goal was allowed to stand is baffling.
Anyway, up to that point, the sides went point for point, but, perhaps buoyed by the entrance of the great Ennis, Meath drove on – the defending Wall did so literally and notched her side’s second goal.
Thereafter, points followed from Cleary, Farrelly, Duggan and the raiding Ennis secured the victory which might surprise some but nobody could argue with.
Scorers – E. Duggan (0-5, 4F), S. Wall and K. Cole (1-0 each), A. Cleary, M. Farrelly, M. Thynne and C. Smyth (0-2 each), S. Ennis (0-1).
Meath – R. Murray; A. Sheridan, M. K. Lynch, K. Newe; A. Cleary, S. Wall, K. Kealy; O. Sheehy, M. Farrelly; M. Thynne, N. Gallogly, C. Smyth; E. Duggan, V. Wall, K. Cole.
Subs – S. Ennis for Newe, K. Bermingham for Sheehy, N. McEntee for Cole.
Referee – Maggie Farrelly (Cavan).
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