VIDEO: Meath Ladies honoured at Civic Reception

A packed Solstice Arts Centre in Navan rose to its feet in applause as the the victorious All-Ireland winning Meath senior ladies football team were welcomed for a civic reception.

The event - which had been delayed due to public health restrictions - was hosted by Meath County Council and MC'd by RTE Joanne Cantwell, with special guests Anna Geary, Jenny Rispin and Jackie Shiels.

Music and entertainment was provided by Gluais.

Cathaoirleach Sean Drew said the occasion was a chance to pay tribute to the Meath Ladies for all they had achieved and to thank to inspiring thousands of youngsters not just in Meath but across the country.

Cllr Drew said the decision to honour the team was made back in July last year in recognition of the Meath Ladies success in the All-Ireland Intermediate Final of 2020. "But little did we know at that stage what was yet to come."

"The 5th of September 2021," he said, "was a great day."

"The match was exhilarating, it was fast-paced, it was full of tension, determination and skill. It was one of those days that will live long in the memory of so many people that had the privilege of being there and the many thousands of others who wished they had been and had to content themselves with watching it on the TV or listening to it on the radio.

"The scenes after the match were also special and it was great to see the footage again this evening and to be reminded of the joy that the victory brought, during what had been a very difficult year for so many.

"In celebrating the success of the team tonight, I want to firstly recognise the contribution of many other people to this success, some of whom are here tonight."

Cllr Drew said he particularly wanted to thank the parents and families of the players. "You have helped to nurture the talent that they obviously have and to support them in very practical terms in developing as people and as football players."

Cllr Drew added that having achieved so much in a relatively short period of time he knew the team were very much now focused on the future and the NFL Div final between Meath and Donegal that would see Eamonn Murray's team return to Croke Park.

"We are all behind you, we are willing you to succeed and you go forward with the best wishes of so many people across the country and across various sporting codes.

"You are great champions, you are powerful role models for so many girls and women and you are an inspiration for the next generation. While this brings added pressure and responsibility, you are wearing that well. Celebrate what you have done and enjoy the success as you continue to represent the county with great passion and humility.

"We are immensely proud of what you have achieved and how you have achieved it and equally excited by what you can achieve for yourselves and the Royal County in the years to come.

"So a big well done and congratulations to you all on behalf of Meath County Council and the people of the county."

The team were also show a collection of video messages wishing them well for the evening and thanking them for the joy they had brought the county and country. Among the contributors were, Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Meath senior football men's manager Andy McEntee, 'Rory's Stories' aka Rory O'Connor, former Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers, RTE radio presenter Gavin Jennings and top jockey Rachael Blackmore.

Captain Shauna Ennis said the journey the girls had embarked on over the last few years culminating in All-Ireland victory had made them lifelong friends and that this was "only the story so far" and promised that their was lots more to come.

More to follow...