Meath camogie supporters have a vital role to play

Meath manager John Davis is hoping for a huge turnout from supporters for the All-Ireland camogie final replay against Cork in Limerick on Sunday.

The support shown to Meath in Croke Park almost three weeks ago was crucial in helping the Royals stay in the game and Davis is hopeful the fans can help his side to victory and continue to grow camogie in the county.

“We are hoping that a big Meath support will travel again. I know it is hard for kids to travel such a long journey and then get back for school the next day, but we were all so grateful for the support we received in Croke Park,” Davis told the Meath Chronicle.

“I was talking to a teacher in Athboy and she told me she had 22 girls out training the next day after the drawn game against Cork and everyone was talking about the game and the players, there is a real buzz around the place. That is what it is all about.

“The game is on TG4 will help people who aren't able to travel, but hopefully a big Meath support will get down there to Limerick to support the girls, they really have worked so hard.

“I really want to thank the Hurling Board for putting the intermediate and senior finals on Saturday because there are a lot of girls and families involved with the camogie and with Kiltale, Kildalkey, Navan O'Mahonys and Na Fianna.

“We are one big family and we all want to support each other, the girls will now be able to go to the finals in Navan. They all support their clubs and once you're with a club that is what it is all about,” said Davis.

The Meath manager is delighted to be still in the hunt for the All-Ireland title and he is confident the players will learn from their Croke Park experience almost three weeks ago.

“We were disappointed the referee didn't let the game finish out the first day, but on the other hand we were happy to get the draw because it was looking bad with two or three minutes to go,” said the manager.

“To get another chance is great and hopefully we will be able to rise our game again. Cork will be trying to do that too, but we know we can raise ours higher again.

“I came away from the drawn game believing there is plenty of room for improvement for us. Some of the girls should be able to play that bit better.

“The noise in Croke Park was huge too. Some of the girls were saying that they couldn't talk and they couldn't hear one another, so that will be different in Limerick. It is great to get another chance, but we have to finish the job now.

“The players don't believe they left it behind them the last day. They have great belief ahead of Sunday, they are glad to get another go at it and they are hoping that things will go right the next time.

“It is an All-Ireland final and it is great to be there. It is just a pity they are bringing us so far down the country.

“We will probably have at least an hour longer journey than Cork, but the girls are looking forward to it, it's not every time you get to play two All-Ireland finals in a year,” concluded the Meath boss.