Leinster final double bill on the cards

Meath Ladies manager Eamonn Murray has welcomed the decision by Leinster GAA and Leinster LGFA to host the provincial finals as a double-header in Croke Park on Saturday 28th May.

Murray, who guided Meath to All-Ireland SFC glory last September, believes that this move is another example of the growing communication between the two bodies and insists that it can only be a good thing for ladies football.

"Wouldn't it be amazing if both the Meath men's team and ourselves could qualify for the Leinster finals, that would be some occasion in Croke Park, but we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves yet, we have to get their first," commented Murray.

"The profile of ladies football continues to go through the roof and I like to think that we played our small part in helping that happen.

"Playing the ladies Leinster final on the same bill as the men's final is a progressive step forward for our game and hopefully it will expand ladies further into a wider audience.

"Fair play to Meath Co Board for getting the ball rolling on this type of initiative by holding our men's and ladies club finals on the same day in Pairc Tailteann, that was a huge success.

"It can only be a good thing for both the GAA and LGFA and hopefully we can get to the final to be part of what will surely be a very special occasion.

In a joint statement on Wednesday last, Leinster GAA and Leinster LGFA announced that the two deciders will be held on 28 May.

It also marks a major development for the relationship between the GAA and LGFA associations following a number of successful double-headers which have previously taken place during the National League.

“We are only too delighted to co-host our Provincial Final with the Leinster LGFA,” said Leinster Council chairman Pat Teehan.

"This year it so happened that both our fixture dates coincided perfectly and when Leinster LGFA made the request for a double header it was one, we were happy to facilitate.

"We look forward now, to what will be a great day of exposure for both codes.”

Leinster LGFA President Triona Murray was also delighted with the news.

"It’s with delight and anticipation as we look forward to being part of a double header in Croke Park on Saturday 28th May, staging our TG4 senior Leinster final alongside the Leinster GAA football final," she said.

"I would like to thank Leinster GAA chairperson, Pat Teehan, for affording us this opportunity to play our senior final in Croke Park. It will be significantly and extensively appreciated by our players and supporters considering we have lived the past two years in uncertain and strange times.

"This news is positive and uplifting and we look forward to teaming up with Leinster GAA for what will be the highlight of our calendar year, " she concluded.