Meath v Tyrone Ladies All-Ireland SFC Match at a Glance

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Ciara Smyth has developed into one of the best forwards in the country, no doubt about it. Her work-rate is exceptional. The way the Skyrne star is able to read a game is brilliant. Her link-up play is top class and she very rarely gets a pass wrong or takes the wrong option. She is always in the right position and she utilises space very effectively. It was another outstanding performance from Smyth.

TURNING POINT

In the second-quarter Meath were largely coming out on top of proceedings but there was a period just after the restart, where Tyrone seized momentum. In the 38th minute, Niamh O’Neill struck a two-point free that reduced the gap between the sides back to one point. Meath responded with a well-worked goal courtesy of Meadhbh Byrne. Despite their late comeback, Tyrone never got back to within one point of Meath again.

MOVE OF THE MATCH

In the 31st minute, Meath put themselves three points clear just before the interval and the move for that score was exceptional. Katie Bermingham picked out Ciara Smyth who linked up brilliantly with Niamh Gallogly and Emma Duggan before the talented Smyth set up Gallogly for a lovely score.

AND ANOTHER THING

A huge weight was lifted off the shoulders of Wayne Freeman and the Meath Ladies squad on Saturday. The turnover of players and the mass exodus to the AFLW has been well documented but even with those factors taken into account, things just haven't been clicking for the side this year for Meath. Before Saturday, relegation was the elephant in the room and loomed rather largely. However, that worry has been put to bed now and they effectively have a free shot at a quarter-final against Kerry.