Murray hails character ahead of tomorrow's All-Ireland SFC semi-final clash with Donegal

The scenes at the final whistle painted an accurate picture. Crestfallen Galway players pulled their jerseys over their faces to hide their tears, while Meath celebrated their escape to victory.

It wasn't quite on the same level as last year's drama when Meath rose from the dead to stun Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final in Croke Park, but it was the same hero as Emma Duggan came up with the goods to fire the Royals into next Saturday's last four clash with Donegal in Croke Park.

"It's unbelievable. The right player at the right time. Duggie (Emma Duggan) never lets us down. With all the pressure of the game on her she was the one who stepped up to fire the winning score and she's only 20-years-old," remarked manager Eamonn Murray.

"She wasn't happy with herself after the last couple of games, but we know the class act she is and the quality she brings to the team. I'm not one bit surprised by the level of her performance today.

"We had decent performances all over the field today and just because we didn't win by 20 points doesn't mean we played poorly. You have to factor in the quality of the opposition, Galway are an awesome side.

"They were in an All-Ireland final just three years and had seven of the Kilkerrin Clonberne team that won the All-Ireland Club SFC this year, so we were well aware of their talents and threats, they certainly delivered today.

"They came here today with a brilliant game plan and they forced us to have to come up with a different way, that is what pleases me most, we found a way to win and that is a great attribute to have.

"Everyone wrote off Galway, but we certainly didn't. We knew we were in for a monumental battle here today and that is exactly what we got. You can see by the girls celebrations that they know they came through a real test of character.

"Just like the Armagh game, this win today will bring on this team even more. There is still so much room for improvement and we are under no illusions of the task that lies ahead," said the manager.

Saturday was graveyard for the main contenders for the Brendan Martin Cup. Three of the top four teams, according to the bookmakers, were all dumped out with Dublin stunned by Donegal, Armagh losing to Kerry and Mayo humbling Cork.

Meath sat back and watched the carnage unfold before they took to the field against Galway at 7.15pm and Murray knew his side were in for a tough battle.

"When you see what happened earlier in the day, all the favourites losing out I knew we were being lined up to be next," said Murray.

"Since winning the All-Ireland last year we have a massive target on our backs and we are the ones everyone wants to take down.

"We relish that challenge and it is something we have taken head-on. We don't shy away from battles and we just dig deeper and work harder. These girls love hard work. The bigger the challenge, the harder they'll work.

"I wouldn't say I was shocked by the results earlier in the day because it just proved what we already know, this championship is very competitive and very tight. Anyone of six or seven teams could possibly win, so we are delighted to be in the last four now."

Next Saturday Meath will once again wear the favourites tag ahead of the All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Donegal, but Murray won't have to look too far back to remind his players of the challenge ahead.

"We were given one hell of a game by Donegal in the league final and we were fortunate to come out on top in a tight, tough contest. There'll benothing between us again next Saturday.

"Donegal have beaten Dublin twice this year and are a superb team. Not too many teams have beaten Dublin twice in the one year, so that makes them something special.

"We will enjoy this win tonight and start our recovery tomorrow morning before turning our focus to Donegal.

"Our girls are still hungry for success and there is serious competition for places so we know we will have a positive week at training and focus on the task at hand, we won't be looking beyond next Saturday and that's for sure," concluded Murray who admitted being the only happy Cavan man in the country on Saturday following his native county's loss to Westmeath in the Tailteann Cup final.