Celebrations start in style on beautiful day for Meath football
Flags flew from car windows and the sound of cheering filled the air along the North Circular Road today as Meath supporters made their way home from Croke Park after the Royal County won the Ladies All-Ireland SFC title for the second successive year.
Saving their best until last Meath produced a swashbuckling display recovering from a slow star to win 3-10 to 1-7.
It didn't look good for Eamonn Murray's side after just seven minutes when Kerry led 1-2 to 0-0 but they gradually found a foothold before surging on to win - and at the end U2's 'Beautiful Day' rang out around the stadium.
They remain the champions after a year when they struggled to find their best form particularly in the championship but on a sultry day in the Big House they conjured up their best performance of the year.
Meath were particularly impressive from around 10 minutes into the game until half-time hitting back after their slow start to take the lead helped greatly by a super goal from 'player of the match' Emma Troy.
Kelsey Nesbitt embarked on a jinking run. She slipped past a number of would-be tackles and lofted the ball into the hands of Troy.
The Boardsmill player stole in behind the Kerry defence before slotting home. The stadium rocked and rolled with the sound of joyful Meath fans who knew it was game on.
They also sensed that their team were up for the challenge and they roared the players on helping them to a 1-8 to 1-5 interval advantage.
The second-half was a stop, start affair the play, time and again stopped as Maggie Farrelly blew for a foul often then the team who had been wronged were in an advantageous position.
Kerry sought redemption but their hopes were crushed on 45 minutes when Niamh O'Sullivan, who was superb throughout, finished to the net.
Shortly after the game was killed off when Bridgetta Lynch knocked the ball to the net from close range.
The game was as good as done and dusted. The celebrations could begin.
After the Brendan Martin Cup was presented to Meath captain Shauna Ennis 'Beautiful Day' got and airing and fans and supporters celebrated.
Last night the players will be at the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim and tomorrow there's a reception in the Fair Geen, Navan from 3pm.