Tough opener for Meath Ladies

If hard work, hunger and desire count for anything then Meath won't be found wanting as they open their Ladies NFL Div 2 campaign with a tough test against Tyrone at Dunganny on Sunday afternoon, 2pm.

Tyrone broke Meath hearts in September 2018 when they defeated Eamonn Murray's charges in the All-Ireland IFC final at Croke Park by 6-8 to 1-14.
Instead of letting the heads drop after that reversal, Meath regrouped in 2019 and achieved their first target of securing promotion to NFL Div 2 in impressive fashion.
Meath recorded a well-deserved win in the Div 3 final against Sligo.
However, there was more heartache to follow as the Royals lost out in the All-Ireland IFC decider again, this time to Tipperary.
It would have been easy for Meath to throw in the towel after such a devastating blow, but Murray and his management team of Paul Garrigan, Paddy Dowling and Shane Wall got the players focused again and the manager is thrilled with the attitude of the players.
"It would have been easy for these girls to just give in," Murray told the Meath Chronicle.
"They have suffered a lot of disappointment in recent years, but they are a determined bunch and instead of giving up they came back before Christmas hungrier and more determined than ever before," added Murray.
Recent challenge match victories over Tipperary and Donegal and a draw with Mayo last week suggests preparations are going well.
The core of the team remains strong with players like Monica McGuirk, Maire O'Shaughnessy, Stacey Grimes, Niamh O'Sullivan, Shauna Ennis, Vikki Wall and Kelsey Nesbitt all leading from the front.
Life in NFL Div 2 is all about survival. Meath will hope to consolidate their position in the second tier and build for the championship where they will aim to make it third time lucky.

 

FIXTURES

Sunday 26th January - Meath v Tyrone, 2pm.
Sunday 2nd February - Cavan v Meath, 2pm.
Sunday 9th February - Meath v Monaghan, 1pm.
Sunday 23rd February - Clare v Meath, 1pm.
Sunday 8th March - Armagh v Meath, 1pm.
Sunday 22nd March - Meath v Kerry, 1pm.
Sunday 29th March - Wexford v Meath, 1pm.