Five-a-row beckons for Na Fianna
ANNA GARDINER
Kilmessan and Na Fianna have met in every Senior A camogie final since 2016 and on Saturday in Trim at 4pm, these familiar foes will lock horns once again.
Na Fianna are chasing five titles in a row and look well placed to retain their crown. With players like Sophia Payne, Claire Coffey, Emma Regan, Brodie Kelly, Meath captain Leah Devine and player of the match in last year’s final, Aoife Carey, Stephen Quinn’s side are both talented and experienced.
They claimed their third consecutive Div 1 league title in May, were unbeaten in the group stages of the championship, and eased past Ratoath in their semi-final.
Na Fianna would be expected to continue their winning streak this weekend.
However, if there is a team that can put a stop to Na Fianna’s run, it is Kilmessan.
With a ridiculously decorated championship history - winning 10 senior championships in a row from 2009-2018 - they have been hot on the tails of the trophy-holders in recent seasons.
They are a quality side, boasting players such as captain Megan Thynne, Abbye Donnelly, Aoibheann and Maeve Lally, Rachel O’Neill and Ella O’Brien.
Despite a rocky start to the year (no league campaign meant demotion to Div 2) and a nine-point opening round defeat to Na Fianna, Kilmessan have made their way to the final once more.
They had a 4-17 to 2-9 win over Killyon in the semi-final and, considering the fact that the group game between the sides finished in a draw, it would seem that they are hitting form at the right time.
That said, they will need to find another gear if they want to be lifting the cup on Saturday.
It is always a fierce battle between the powerhouses of Meath camogie and with a five-in-a-row on the line, this year’s Senior A final is not to be missed.
PATH TO THE FINAL
Round one - Na Fianna 3-10, Kilmessan 1-7.
Round two - Na Fianna 4-21, Blackhall Gaels 0-5; Kilmessan 2-13, Ratoath 1-8.
Round three - Na Fianna 2-15, Killyon 3-10; Kilmessan 5-14, Kiltale 1-7.
Round four - Na Fianna beat Ratoath; Kilmessan 2-4, Killyon 0-10.
Round five - Na Fianna 2-20, Kiltale 0-5; Kilmessan 4-10, Blackhall Gaels 2-9.
Semi-finals - Na Fianna 2-17, Ratoath 1-2; Kilmessan 4-17, Killyon 2-9.
LAST 10 FINALS
2025: Na Fianna 0-15, Kilmessan 0-10
2024: Na Fianna 3-11, Kilmessan 1-5
2023: Na Fianna 1-9, Kilmessan 0-10
2022: Na Fianna 2-8, Kilmessan 3-4
2021: Kilmessan 2-10, Na Fianna 2-7
2020: Kilmessan 4-7, Na Fianna 0-8
2019: Na Fianna 0-11, Kilmessan 1-6
2018: Kilmessan 2-9, Na Fianna 1-9
2017: Kilmessan 2-8, Na Fianna 2-4
2016: Kilmessan 2-9, Na Fianna 0-9