‘There are times in the back line where you’re thinking ‘I can’t lay a finger on them here’

Whether it's men's or ladies' football, one thing that Meath GAA has always produced is strong full-back lines, writes Tom Gannon.

There have been several personnel changes to the full-back line throughout the Meath ladies' incredible journey over the last half-decade but regardless of who is wearing the number two, three or four, it is always one of, if not the strongest, lines across the pitch.

Over the last two years, St Michael's Aine Sheridan has cemented herself as a crucial cog for Shane McCormack's side at corner-back.

Reflecting on the semi-final victory over Kerry, Sheridan spoke about the relief that she and the rest of the Meath players felt after the game and the incredible scenes in O'Connor Park at the final whistle.

"There was excitement at the final whistle, but there was relief too. The aim was to get over the line and that's what we did. It was great to have a six-point victory as well," recalled Sheridan.

"Kerry ended our championship campaign in the last two years and they were the All-Ireland champions, so we really wanted to beat them. We had put an awful lot of work into that game and thankfully, it all paid off.

"The scenes that followed were amazing too. The support that was there on the pitch after was incredible.

"It is such a special feeling to be part of this team and it is fantastic when you drive around the county and see all the flags around the place. They have been up since the Leinster final. Between ourselves and the lads, we have received huge support around the county this year and there is green and gold everywhere. It's great to have that buzz and support."

One of the big talking points in the aftermath of Meath's victory over Kerry was the way the game was officiated. It gave further fuel to the widely held belief that there needs to be more physicality allowed for in the ladies' game. Sheridan gave her perspective as a defender.

"There are times when you are playing in the full-back line where you think to yourself, I really can't even lay a finger on them here. If you give a small bit of a pull it can go against you and you give away a scoreable free, which you don't want happening either," said Sheridan.

"It is frustrating. You are playing with strong girls and you are playing against strong girls.

“There is definitely space for more physicality in Ladies Football but it's not going to change between now and the All-Ireland final so we just have to get on with it. It is what it is and we will work with what we have for the moment."

One of the driving factors behind the success that this crop of Royal ladies has had is togetherness within the group. Sheridan spoke about the incredible bond that the players have.

"The whole squad are very close. I think friendship is huge to us. To play well and communicate together there has to be something deeper there. There certainly is that among this team. It is something that has been there since we won those All-Irelands in '21 and '22 and it's never left us. We are such a close-knit, tight group." said Sheridan.

"Everyone plays their part. You can't go out and win a game if only four or five players perform. We are so lucky to have such a strong unit. It's not even just the 15 players that are on the pitch. It's also the rest of the girls who are training hard and pushing us on. There are so many players that have really stood up this year, including young girls who have come through.

"Ciara (Smyth), Karla (Kealy), Kerrie (Cole), Robyn (Murray), they're all brilliant. Sometimes you forget that they are all so young. They bring so much energy. Take Ciara, for example, she has such an engine on her. She is also well capable of getting scores and it's just so good to have young exciting players like that in the mix."

The last time Meath and Dublin met, the Royals sent a few shockwaves around the country. Sheridan went on to explain that while the result didn't go their way that day in the Leinster SFC final, Meath can take huge confidence from that game ahead of this week's All-Ireland decider.

"We really put it up to Dublin in the Leinster Final and we do feel like we left that behind us. That will be a driving factor for us heading into the All-Ireland final.

"Even though we left it behind us, I do think we can take huge confidence from that game. We had them pinned against the wall for 45 minutes of that game. It showed that we are up there with them and we are certainly capable of beating them." said Sheridan.

"We were obviously devastated to have lost that game but it probably was a bit of a turning point for us. We were a bit up and down throughout the league. To be able to put in a performance like that for 45 minutes in Croke Park definitely gave us huge confidence heading into the championship."

The Primary School teacher explained that even though the buzz ahead of this weekend is quite special, she and her teammates are remaining focused on the task at hand.

"Obviously, you enjoy what is going on and the buzz around it. At the same time, you have to keep it in the back of your mind that you are not just showing up for an All-Ireland final day.

"We are showing up intending to win the All-Ireland final. There is a job to be done and that has to be the main focus. All that is going on in the background in terms of the buzz and the excitement is fantastic, but we will be keeping our focus on the game itself."

Finally, when asked if Meath will win the Brendan Martin Cup, Sheridan said: "I'll say yes! I certainly won't say no anyway! We will try our very best and please god we get over the line."