Fever pitch as Meath bid for third senior title in five years

On 3rd August 2015, exactly 10 years ago this Sunday, Meath were hammered by Cork by 40 points in an All-Ireland SFC qualifier, writes Tom Gannon.

There are still a few survivors from that demolition in today's squad. Monica McGuirk, Shauna Ennis, Megan Thynne, Vikki Wall and Marion Farrelly were all amongst the starting 15 that day in Semple Stadium. What a journey it has been for those five brave soldiers in particular.

A decade later, Meath are now a powerhouse in Ladies Football. They are the team that broke the 17-year hold that Dublin and Cork had on the All-Ireland Ladies SFC title. And after an absence of just two years from the biggest day on the Ladies Football calendar, Meath are back in the showpiece and in with a real chance of regaining the Brendan Martin Cup when they take on Dublin in the All-Ireland SFC final at Croke Park this Sunday.

To say that this current crop of Meath players has been through the mill is an understatement. During Shane McCormack's two-year reign in charge of the Royals there have been plenty of knocks, plenty of setbacks, plenty of soul searching, but these tough ladies kept coming back for more, kept improving and they are now only 60 minutes away from what would be a just reward for the incredible dedication and hard work.

Plenty has been made of the togetherness and incredible bond that this team have on and off the pitch. That unity is not possible without the individuals at it's core and from 1 to 15 and beyond, those individual players each deserve huge credit for what they have achieved so far.

Between the sticks, Robyn Murray has just been an absolute revelation. From shot-stopping, to kickouts, to helping out as a 15th outfield player, Murray is the definition of the full package and an absolute certainty for an All-Star.

The full-back line have been hampered now by Katie Newe's dreaded knee injury injury. However, Shane McCormack has a more than capable replacement in the two-time All-Ireland-winning captain Shauna Ennis. Ennis will likely line up alongside the very consistent Mary Kate Lynch.

Lynch has been an absolute stalwart for Meath and had Siofra O'Shea in her pocket in the semi-final clash with Kerry. On the other side of Lynch, is the unassuming Aine Sheridan. The Carlanstown woman is incredibly hard-working and numerous times over the last two years McCormack has praised the 27-year-old for her impact on the side.

Captain, Aoibhin Cleary will be at the forefront of a very strong half-back line that will also include fellow leader, Sarah Wall and the young energetic Karla Kealy. This trio epitomises the fantastic blend of youth and experience within the Royals.

The midfield duo of Marion Farrelly and Orlaith Sheehy are a relatively new combination but the pair have clicked rather quickly. Dublin will be particularly wary of Farrelly after she tore their defence apart in the early stages of the Leinster final before suffering an injury, a game-changing moment in that clash.

The unsung Dunsany hero, Megan Thynne, will likely line out at wing-forward. Thynne's work rate, attitude and dedication make her a crucial part of McCormack's side. Thynne's work rate off the ball is matched by Niamh Gallogly's work rate on the ball. The Dunshaughlin woman can cause the Dublin defence a lot of issues this Sunday. Ciara Smyth will take up her position on the other flank. The Skryne woman is an incredible young talent with a huge engine.

The full-forward line is absolutely star-studded. Emma Duggan and Vikki Wall need no introduction. The whole country knows how important the two St Peter's stars are to the Royals. Alongside them is Kerrie Cole, possibly the brightest talent in Meath right now, both on the football and camogie field. Cole lit up O'Connor Park with a superb goal in the semi-final.

The bench will, of course, have a role to play as well, and one player who is almost certain to get game time is Katie Bermingham. Bermingham has delivered every time she has been called upon this year, and she injects great energy into the team whenever she is introduced into contests.

It is hard to see many weak points in the Meath armour at the moment. As an overall team, they are representing their county with immense pride and that is a credit to every player from 1 to 30.

Of course, Dublin will be a huge test. They are a team that has years of experience and what was telling in the Leinster final was the depth to the Dublin squad. In the end, the Dubs pulled clear of Meath that day, and that was down to their incredibly strong bench. They are a very physical side and their starting team is filled with talent. Sinead Goldrick, Niamh Hetherton, Carla Rowe, Hannah Tyrell are among those who have made Dublin such a difficult side for Meath to beat over the last couple of years.

But the Royal ladies have done it before. No-one gave Meath any hope in 2021 and there is no need for a reminder of what went down on that glorious day. Of course, this is a changed Meath team that has gone through a transition, but they have every bit as much spirit and heart as those who came before them, and don't forget there are still plenty of stalwarts in the Meath team who have that experience of what it takes to get over the line.

60 minutes in Croke Park against the Dubs. That is what stands in the way of Meath winning their third All-Ireland Ladies SFC in five years. Are they capable of winning? Yes. Do the players, the management, the supporters believe they can win? Absolutely. One thing is for sure, if on Sunday, Aoibhin Cleary lifts the Brendan Martin Cup, the whole county will come to a standstill and rejoice.