Underdogs Meath can cause massive upset

Back in 2023, when Meath were beaten by Derry in an All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie final replay many would have predicted that it was only a matter of time before the Royals returned to the senior ranks. However, they have struggled since to reach the pinnacle of the second-tier camogie championship.

This year though, under the guidance of Carlow native Stephen Sheil, there has been signs of life. This Saturday in Breffni Park, Meath will contest their first semi-final in the All-Ireland Camogie Intermediate Championship since that journey to the decider three years ago. However, a big task awaits Sheil’s army as their opponents on Saturday are none other than the warm favourites for the title, Antrim, at Breffni Park on Saturday at 3pm.

The one thing that Meath have in their favour ahead of the semi-final is momentum. After a run of four games in all competitions without a win, the Royals’ last two impressive outings against Carlow and Derry have completely turned their season around and have earned this golden opportunity of a crack at the favourites in the last four.

Meanwhile, Antrim have not had a competitive fixture since they dismantled the side that defeated Meath in this year's NCL Div 2 final, Kerry on 6th June. Antrim are a strong, well-organised side who have been the standout team in this year's championship.

In the aforementioned victory over the Kingdom, the Saffron’s sharpshooter Roisin McCormick notched 12 points so on Saturday Meath’s resilient defence will have to keep a close eye on the talented Antrim forward.

While Meath’s defence has been rock solid, the Royals do have their own talented forwards. The full-forward line has been particularly potent this year and if Meath are going to get over the line, you can be sure that the likes of Ciara Foley, Emma Regan and Ella O’Brien will have a say in proceedings.

Meath will obviously be the underdogs but that won’t bother Sheil’s squad. They have already defied massive odds this year when they overturned a huge scoring difference in the final game of the group to seal a spot in the knockout stages.

The Royals will feel that whatever happens on Saturday, big progress has been made this year but a victory would earn them a spot in the All-Ireland decider and that would be monumental for camogie in Meath as they look to keep their hopes alive of a return to senior.