01-07-2025
Meath should have too much experience and know-how for Tipperary
It will be Meath's third attempt to reach the semi-final since they defeated Galway on their way to back-to-back All-Ireland titles in 2022.
With home advantage on both occasions Kerry defeated Meath at this quarter-final stage in 2023 and 2024. However, Meath will feel that they are now in a much healthier state to end that quarter-final losing streak.
Securing home advantage should also be crucial after Meath topped Group 3 following a draw with last year's semi-finalists Armagh and a win over Kildare.
Back in 2019, Tipperary defeated Meath 2-16 to 1-14 in the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Final and there will be quite a few survivors from that team in Shane McCormack's line up on Sunday.
Current captain Aoibhin Cleary, Vikki and Sarah Wall, Katie Newe, Emma Duggan, Megan Thynne and Shauna Ennis saw action that day and should involved again in this latest clash against the Premier County.
The counties clashed in the group stages of the Senior Football Championship in 2021 where Meath enjoyed a 1-18 to 0-7 success in O'Moore Park, Portlaoise and then 12 months ago it ended 2-15 to 2-12 in favour of the hosts at Pairc Tailteann.
Tipperary drew 1-6 apiece with Kerry in the final round of games in the Munster Championship but earlier defeats to both Waterford and Cork had already ended their hopes.
In Group One of the All-Ireland series Tipperary lost to Galway 1-13 to 0-7 before securing the place in the knockout stages following a 0-11 to 1-6 win over Donegal. Aisling Moloney is still a pivotal figure for Tipperary while Anna Rose Kennedy is also a top class performer for the Munster side.
Meath have shown mixed form so far throughout the year in league and championship. They produced one of their better displays in the Leinster final against Dublin and their lack of experience in certain areas probably cost them.
However, they took that form into the All-Ireland series forcing a draw at home to Armagh before securing their knockout spot with a win over Kildare.
Despite the loss of so many regulars in the aftermath of the second All-Ireland win, Meath still possess two of the best players in the country in Emma Duggan and Vikki Wall.
Aoibhin Cleary, Niamh Gallogly, Mary Kate Lynch, Megan Thynne and Katie Newe are all capable of performing at the top level while the return of Shauna Ennis following a lengthy layoff with injury has proved a boost.
Home advantage is also a big plus at this stage of the competition and overall Meath should have too much experience and know-how at this level for a Tipperary side struggling to find consistency.
