Meath Sports Awards... Inspirational Wall the driving force behind Meath's glory
There was a moment at the very first whistle of the All-Ireland SFC final last September that laid down a marker to the five-in-a-row chasing Dubs - Meath were there to win, not just take part.
Right from the off Vikki Wall claimed possession from the throw-in and drove straight at the heart of the defending All-Ireland champions rearguard and won a free which set the tone and tempo for what happened next.
It was the type of driving run Wall had produced on countless occasions in many different games, but that one moment said a lot about the player and about Meath last year. Wall went on to be named player of the match following Meath's remarkable victory over Dublin which saw them lift the All-Ireland SFC crown for the first time and it was her determination, leadership and single-minded focus, epitomised by that drive in the opening seconds, that sets Wall apart from her peers.
Wall's heroics were recognised by her fellow players when she was named Player of the Year at the TG4 All-star awards and in doing so she became the first player ever to win the senior and intermediate player of the year crowns in successive years.
That player of the match performance wasn't Wall's only recognition during Meath's historic run to glory. Her leadership quality are obvious, but her outstanding individual skill and strength has ensured that she has become the most recognisable figure in Ladies football and at just 24 years old she is sure to be around for many more years yet.
Wall's successful 2021 didn't end at county level as she was also a key player in helping her club Dunboyne to first senior titles in both Meath and Leinster. Those successes for her club capped what truly was a remarkable year for the Meath Ladies superstar.