Hope springs eternal as Down stand in way of semi-final spot
It was always going to be testing, harrowing even, and so it has proved for Meath in the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship – although there have been bright moments too along the rocky road, little flowerings of hope and optimism to sustain them as the summer unfolds.
The Royals found themselves in something of a Group of Death as far as they were concerned when the draw for the championship was made. They were paired with Antrim, Offaly and Westmeath.
As expected the contests against the Saffrons and the Faithful County were sobering experiences for Meath who shipped big defeats.
Offaly won 3-15 to 0-11 while Antrim prevailed on a 4-19 to 0-13 scoreline. They were painful setbacks for the Royals and yes, harrowing. Only lots of gutsy, doughty defending prevented bigger defeats. Antrim and Offaly are at a different level to Meath right now, the gap formidable.
Yet, despite all that pummeling, here are Meath about to face Down in an All-Ireland quarter-final on Saturday – and there are real reasons for believing the girls in green and gold can secure a victory. Just about.
Meath earned their place in the knock-out phase by defeating Westmeath in round one at Cusack Park, the scoreboard reading at the end, 3-15 to 2-8.
That was one of the good days but arguably Meath face their biggest challenge of all even before a ball is thrown in on Saturday. This week they must rebuild and repair their confidence which undoubtedly took a fair old battering in those games against Antrim and Offaly.
Instead of over-reflecting on those setbacks the players must dwell on what they did right in that win over Westmeath because it was a performance full of good things.
That’s a message that must be reinforced by Anton O'Neill and his management. It’s often said that the winning and losing of a game is decided in the days and hours before the drama begins. How true that is.
Encouraging, confidence-boosting, positive affirmations conveyed to the players can provide a foundation for victory over Down. That and the undoubted quality in the side.
With Aoife Carey in imperious form, the Royals produced arguably their best display of recent years against the Lake County, passing the ball around with real conviction and accuracy, taking their scores with aplomb.
One of Meath’s most accomplished young players, Isabel O’Connor hit 2-2 in that game, her bountiful return an indication how she is well capable of taking scores as well as creating them for others. Carey ended up with 1-7. Her goal did have an element of good fortune about it but, as that ancient old saying goes, you create your own luck.
The return of Claire Coffey to the fold that day after a lengthy absence, added loads of experience and know-how to Meath’s defensive strategy and more of that defensive fortitude will be needed on Saturday.
Down go into Saturday’s game on the back of victories over Kildare (2-22 to 0-11) and Carlow (1-14 to 1-5) while the suffered only one defeat to Kerry (0-11 to 0-13).
Significantly in that win over the Lilywhites, nine Down players got on the scoreboard, an indication of the threat they carry with Paula O’Hagan, Sara Louise Graffin, Saoirse Sands and Beth Fitzpatrick only some of their players who can punish opponents.
One player Meath will be without is Amy Gaffney, the absence of her driving energy and non-stop running a big blow to the cause.
She was put in an impossible position as she is also involved with the county footballers who play on Sunday. Two-big championship games in 24 hours is too much to ask of any player. She has opted for the football.
It was very difficult choice for the Ratoath player to make, her dilemma underlining the kind of hard choices the dual player faces.
No wonder they are an endangered species in the modern GAA environment.
Meath Team to face Down, Saturday 1pm, Clonduff, Newry.
1. Tara Murphy-Kilmessan
2. Laura O’Neill - Kilmessan
3. Claire Coffey- Na Fianna
4. Sophia Payne - Na Fianna
5. Erin Leddy - Na Fianna
6. Rachel O’Neill - Kilmessan
7. Leah Devine ( C ) -Na Fianna
8. Emma Regan - Na Fianna
9. Aoife Carey - Na Fianna
10. Isabel O’Connor - Navan O’Mahonys
11. Ciara Foley - Killyon
12. Grace Connolly - Killyon
14. Maeve Clince - Dunboyne
15. Ellen Burke - Dunboyne
Grace Coleman - Killyon
Katie Connolly - Killyon
Eimear Fagan - Na Fianna
Aisling Byrne - Na Fianna
Cliodhna O’Riordain - Drumree
Blathnaid Hughes - Trim
Lauren Woods - Navan O’Mahonys
Ella O’Brien - Kilmessan
Brodie Kelly - Na Fianna
Shiofra Deegan - Kiltale
Amy Boyle - Trim
Ciara Flanagan - Ratoath
Alex Donoghue - Trim
Roisin Heaney - Clann Na nGael
Management Team
Anton O’Neill - Bainisteoir
Richie McCabe
Brian O’Reilly
Thomas Duignan
Ed O’Riordain
Georgia O’Halloran
Mary Burke
Cian Lee – Physio