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Irish Examiner
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Meath boss 'delighted' to overcome Kerry in LGFA All-Ireland semi after 'being written off the last year'
TG4 LGFA All-Ireland semi-final: MEATH 2-12 KERRY 1-9 Before and after Jack O'Connor's men fell to a comprehensive defeat to Meath in Tullamore last month, there were a few grumblings in the Kingdom about just how neutral Glenisk O'Connor Park was for a game between the two green and gold counties. But any advantages the male Meath players enjoyed at the home of Offaly GAA for that group game were dwarfed by the way the Royal County turned the midland venue into a real home atmosphere on Saturday afternoon, outnumbering their Kerry counterparts by around ten to one and making that advantage count on the pitch too by doing their bit to try and nudge Maggie Farrelly to give those 50/50 calls to the Leinster County, not to mention adding to the growing sense of momentum by hailing every sideline ball, every turnover and every contest win as if it was the final whistle. It was all a world away from the comfortable outing that Kerry enjoyed in the 2024 quarter-finals, where they brushed Meath aside by double scores in Tralee. Many pundits felt that 0-16 to 0-8 win was a sign of the end of an era for the 2021 and 2022 All-Ireland champions – but Saturday evening, Meath manager Shane McCormack said that once he got a few key players back into the side, he knew his team would always be leading contenders. 'We've been written off for the last year and a half and we had been rebuilding,' he said afterwards. 'A lot of girls came back as well and it was great to have them, these girls would run through a brick wall for you. Their determination and energy was the biggest thing there today. "We were two points up at half-time after playing against the wind and we just said to keep the scoreboard moving. Kerry got their goal but we didn't panic and I was delighted to see the composure'. Former Footballer of the Year Vicki Wall, who missed most of 2024 and only came on as a substitute in that game in Austin Stack Park, would have been earmarked by most as the most valuable returnee to the Meath panel. It was her sister Sarah who picked up Player of the Match honours on Saturday however, while Robyn Murray in goal was another crucial ingredient in the win, both for the way she cleaned up her own sector and also for the accuracy of her kickouts. 'I'm delighted for Sarah, she's been phenomenal, she came back into the setup last year and she's made the six spot her own with great leadership and composure, and we saw that with the goal as well'. The tumultuous roar that greeted the centre back's goal was one of many moments that cemented the feeling that this was always going to be Meath's day. 'The crowds came out in their droves, and today it wasn't Navan it was Tullamore and I'd say it was double the crowd, so my thanks to all the fans and supporters, we really appreciate it,' McCormack beamed. Given the final margin however, and the comprehensive manner of Meath's win, Kerry manager Mark Bourke could only acknowledge that while 2025 was a 'great year', with Munster and National League honours secured, they were clearly second best yesterday. 'I thought the hungrier team won,' said the Tralee man. 'Meath were there to the breaking ball. They were hunting in packs, they were overlapping in numbers, and we weren't doing that'. 'I thought we started well in the second half, we got a goal, but Meath brought it up another gear in terms of the hunger and intensity. That's the difference. 'It takes time to replenish twelve new players again. If anyone doesn't understand that they shouldn't be involved in it. But there's really a lot of talent in Kerry football. You could see it there. 'I'm very happy with the year. You play these games knowing that you could go in to lose. But did everyone do their best, did everyone buy in? Everyone bought in, everyone did their best. Did we lay it out right? "I think we did. Games are going to be won and lost. So, on to the next game,' he concluded. Scorers for Meath: E Duggan (0-5, 4f), K Cole (1-0), S Wall (1-0), C Smyth (0-2), M Farrelly (0-2), A Cleary (0-2), S Ennis (0-1). Scorers for Kerry: S O'Shea (0-5, 4f), D O'Leary (1-0), N Ní Conchúir (0-2), A Galvin (0-1), C Evans (0-1). MEATH: R Murray; MK Lynch, Á Sheridan, K Newe; A Cleary, S Wall, K Kealy; O Sheehy, M Farrelly; M Thynne, N Gallogly, C Smyth; E Duggan, V Wall, K Cole. Subs: S Ennis for Newe (32), K Bermingham for Sheehy (40), N McEntee for Cole (56). KERRY: ME Bolger; E Lynch, C Lynch, D Kearney; A O'Connell, E Costello, A Dillane; M O'Connell, A Galvin; N Carmody, N Ní Conchúir, C Evans; D O'Leary, S Ó'Shea, J Lucey. Subs: R Dwyer for Lucey (37), R Rahilly for Kearney (38), K Enright for Galvin (50), F O'Donoghue for A O'Connell (52), N Quinn for Dillane (53). Referee: Maggie Farrelly (Cavan).
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘They have to be stopped!' – Meath new All-Ireland anthem splits opinions online ahead of Donegal clash
MEATH Gaelic Football fan Richard Corbally has split opinions online with an All-Ireland inspired song. All-Ireland fever has taken the Royal county by storm as 2 Meath's 2-16 to 2-15 victory over Galway has got the county dreaming of Sam Maguire glory 2 The Kilmainhamwood man was the singer of the new Meath anthem Meath will face Donegal on Sunday, a fixture which has already Meath have On Wednesday the song titled 'HOT FOR MEATH' was released on the North Meath GAA club Kilmainhamwood GFC's YouTube channel. The tune was sang by club chairperson Richard Corbally and produced by musician Dónal Bowens. Read more on the GAA The song is a parody of widely popular Chappell Roan song 'HOT TO GO!' which won Cosmopolitan 2024 song of the year. But unlike the song which catapulted the American indie singer and songwriter to global stardom, 'HOT FOR MEATH' does not appear to have an accompanying dance. The chorus references two members of the Meath full forward line Matthew Costello and Jordan Morris' goal scoring prowess. Wing Forwards Conor Duke and Cathal Hickey also get a chorus shout-out as well as Meath veteran Donal Keogan being declared "still the king." Most read in GAA Football The interesting song has split opinions online with some fans loving the catchy tune, while others.... not so much. One Meath fan commented: "Love it." Watch RTE pundits' contrasting reaction to full-time whistle of Tipperary's epic win over Kilkenny While another praised: "This has really grown on me and now it's stuck in my head." The parody song did also receive some backlash from both Meath and opposition fans. One Meath fan commented: "This is one of the worst things I've ever heard in my life and I'm from Navan..." Opposition fans also had their say as one quipped: "I wanted us to beat Meath but now we have to do it for the greater good, we should honestly probably get a goal headstart for this." Others compared the song to previous GAA anthems with one saying: "Say what you like about Donegal, but at least Jimmy's Winning Matches is better than this attempt at co-opting Chappell Roan for Meath." While Ireland AM presenter Daniel Hussey reacted to the song saying: "They have to be stopped!"
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘There HAS to be a better way' – GAA fans baffled by Meath & Donegal decision for All-Ireland semi-final
MEATH and Donegal are reportedly both set to wear their home kits this weekend despite the obvious colour clash. The two sides will meet in Advertisement 3 Meath attacker Jordan Morris was named Player of the Month for June 3 While Donegal still run through 35-year-old Michael Murphy 3 This is the visual prospect that awaits viewers Credit: @truefergallynch It had been expected that the Royals' outfield players would wear an alternative kit whether it be their luminous yellow goalkeeper strip or their navy jersey. Meanwhile Jim McGuinness' men were supposed to wear their alternative white kit. However, it appears both sides have opted to revert back to their preferred colours. On Wednesday Meath Chronicle sports editor The Donegal side of things was confirmed an hour later when the official Donegal GAA account tweeted: " BREAKING NEWS Our boys will line out in our home jerseys." Advertisement Read More On GAA Lynch's post has generated a largely exasperated response from Gaelic football supporters nationwide since it seems to go against all common sense. John replied: "That'll make it a hard watch on the TV." Meanwhile someone else complained: "Jesus do they actively try and make the worst decision they can. Can they both not wear away jerseys?" Daniel vented: "There HAS to be a better alternative." Advertisement Most read in GAA Football On a lighter note/colour, Tom joked: "Hope Meath do like Trevor Giles and cut the sleeves. It's be too warm they need to go!" Lastly, Thomas Niblock of Watch RTE pundits' contrasting reaction to full-time whistle of Tipperary's epic win over Kilkenny Ahead of Sunday's tussle Meath icon Giles has He admitted his county are ahead of schedule but urged the current crop to seize their last-four chance as it may not come again. Advertisement In an extraordinary season that has already yielded The campaign has been beyond the wildest dreams of supporters, whose team were preparing to play in the Tailteann Cup final this time two years ago. Giles said: 'We could say we'll be here for the next few years because it's a young team. But it's very hard to get to another semi-final. 'You couldn't guarantee you'd be there next year or the year after. It's grand saying this is bonus territory but you have to make the most of the opportunity.' Advertisement 'UNBELIEVABLE IMPROVEMENT' Robbie Brennan was appointed last September to succeed Colm O'Rourke as Meath boss. Giles, who was part of O'Rourke's backroom staff, is full of praise for the new gaffer. The two-time Footballer of the Year said: 'We felt the lads would be a bit better this year. The young lads would be a year older, so I was expecting improvement this year with the team. 'But it's been an unbelievable improvement since, so great credit to Robbie Brennan and Conor Gillespie and to the coaches and to the players. 'The county in Meath, everyone is happy. Everyone's talking about the game. There are cars being spray-painted. Advertisement 'There are double-decker buses going to Croke Park on the weekend full up. When it's that little bit unexpected, it's that bit more enjoyable.'
The 42
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Emphatic win over Tipperary sees Meath through to semi-final
Meath 2-17 Tipperary 1-6 MEATH WILL FACE defending champions Kerry at the semi-final stage of the TG4 All-Ireland senior football championship after goals from Vikki Wall and Niamh Gallogly helped the Leinster side towards an emphatic triumph over Tipperary at Pairc Tailteann in Navan. While Tipperary opened the scoring in this contest with an Anna Rose Kennedy point just 20 seconds into the play, Meath subsequently squeezed in front thanks to unanswered efforts from Gallogly and midfielder Marion Farrelly. The Royal County subsequently bolstered their prospects on six minutes when Wall rifled an unstoppable strike from a left-hand angle into the far corner of the Tipperary net. Despite their Munster counterparts initially responding with an Aishling Moloney free, a wind-assisted Meath proceeded to dominate the remainder of the opening period. After Farrelly and Emma Duggan split the posts to move the home team five points clear (1-4 to 0-2) on the first-quarter mark, Gallogly profited from excellent build-up play by Megan Thynne and Ciara Smyth before palming home for a 17th minute goal. Advertisement Farrelly swung over another brace of points off her trusty left boot as the action progressed and with Wall, Kerrie Cole and captain Aoibhin Cleary also finding the range, the Royals brought a commanding 2-9 to 0-2 cushion into the break. Meath stretched their advantage on the resumption with a successful Duggan free and even though substitute Neassa Towey and Kennedy kicked fine points for Tipperary at the opposite end, Ciara Smyth and Cole also raised white flags to leave Shane McCormack's hosts very much in control of his own destiny. Skryne attacker Smyth and the always dependable Wall then contributed additional points to ensure the Royals were 16 to the good (2-14 to 0-4) heading into the final-quarter. The strength in depth of the Meath panel was emphasised by the introduction of former team skippers Monica McGuirk and Shauna Ennis as substitutes during this juncture – the latter getting her name on the scoresheet with a 46th minute point. A spirited Tipperary supplemented white flag scores courtesy of Towey and Aoibhe O'Shea with a fisted goal from Moloney in the closing stages, but with Smyth and Gallogly added to their personal hauls, Meath convincingly returned to the penultimate phase of the Brendan Martin Cup for the first time since 2022. Scorers – Meath: N Gallogly 1-2, V Wall 1-2 (0-1f), M Farrelly 0-4, C Smyth 0-3, E Duggan 0-2 (1f), K Cole 0-2, A Cleary, S Ennis 0-1 each. Tipperary: A Moloney 1-1 (0-1f), AR Kennedy, N Towey 0-2 each, A O'Shea 0-1. MEATH: R Murray; A Sheridan, MK Lynch, K Newe; A Cleary, S Wall, K Kealy; O Sheehy, M Farrelly; M Thynne, N Gallogly, C Smyth; E Duggan, V Wall, K Cole. Subs: S Ennis for Cole (40), K Bermingham for Farrelly (44), C Lawlor for Kealy (47), A Gaffney for Sheehy (51), M McGuirk for Murray (53), N McEntee for Duggan (55, blood). TIPPERARY: L Fitzpatrick; K Downey, L Spillane, E Cronin; S English, M Curley, H Spillane; L Morrissey, E Morrissey; C English, AR Kennedy, A Ryan; A McGuigan, A Moloney, N Shelly. Subs: N Towey for Shelly (36), A O'Shea for H Spillane (39), K Cashman for Downey (43), C Condon for L Morrissey (44), H Brennan for Ryan (51). Ref: Shane Curley (Galway).
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Meath upset rattled Kerry to top group and seal last eight spot in All-Ireland Championship
KEITH CURTIS booted the ball away with sheer delight as the hooter sounded to celebrate a Royal hammering of Kerry. 2 Meath stunned Kerry in the final group clash on Saturday afternoon 2 Meath's win now means Kerry face a preliminary quarter-final next week The omens were not good for the Munster champions as Seán O'Shea was replaced before the start by Tony Brosnan, adding to the five already out injured since the Cork game. For Kerry, this was as bad as the nightmare of 2001 when However, Jack O'Connor's men are still in the Championship — with a home preliminary quarter-final next week — while Meath are straight through to the last eight as a result of topping the group. This was carnage at times as Meath shredded a porous Kerry defence. Kerry's talisman David Clifford cut a lonely figure up front though he was still mobbed by Meath supporters at the final whistle in O'Connor Park. read more on gaa A Kerry midfield without Diarmuid O'Connor and Barry Dan O'Sullivan was cannon fodder for a ravenous Meath outfit while an attack without Paudie Clifford, O'Shea and Paul Geaney was mercilessly devoured by Seán Rafferty, Donal Keogan, Seán Coffey and Ciarán Caulfield. Meath dominated the opening half as Kerry were unable to win dirty ball. The Kingdom had led 0-7 to 0-5 after 20 minutes but Meath were winning everything around the middle. The Royals then went on a scoring spree with two frees from Eoghan Frayne and then a huge two-pointer by the same player was followed by another orange flag by Ruairí Kinsella. Most read in GAA Football Suddenly Meath were 0-13 to 0-7 in front and Kerry was on the ropes. David Clifford and Frayne swapped frees and Meath retired 0-14 to 0-8 in front and a county held its breath. Kerry obviously got the hairdryer treatment from O'Connor at half-time and enjoyed a fruitful 15-minute spell when they more than matched the Royals. GAA fans 'loved seeing and hearing' the late Micheal O Muircheartaigh as he features in RTE documentary Hell for Leather Scores from David Clifford, Dylan Geaney, Killian Spillane — with two frees and one from play — closed the gap. But Coffey hit back for Meath but a Paul Murphy point and one from Clifford saw the gap close to two, 0-16 to 0-14. But that was as good as it got for Kerry as Meath outscored them by 1-6 to 0-2 in this Tullamore tussle. Bryan Menton got the goal and a brace of two-pointers from Kinsella and Conor Duke ensured Meath cruised to another big win, having taken down Dublin in the Leinster SFC before falling to Louth in the final. Kerry's loss means every side left in the Championship has tasted defeat at least once. KERRY 0-16 MEATH 1-22 MEATH: B Hogan 0-1 45; S Lavin, S Rafferty, R Ryan; D Keogan 0-1, S Coffey 0-1, C Caulfield 0-1, B Menton 1-0, A O'Neill; C Duke 0-5, 1tp, R Kinsella 0-5, 2tp, C Hickey; J Morris 0-2, 1f, K Curtis 0-1, E Freyne 0-5, 2f, 1tp. Subs: C McBride for O'Neill h-t, E Harkin for Hickey 53 mins, S Walsh for Freyne 58, J McEntee for Kinsella 68, D Moriarty for Rafferty 68. KERRY: S Ryan; P Murphy 0-1, J Foley, T O'Sullivan; T Morley, M Breen, G White, J O'Connor, M O'Shea, G O'Sullivan, T Brosnan 0-2, M Burns 0-1; D Clifford 0-5, 1f, 1tp K Spillane 0-3, 2f, D Geaney 0-4. Subs: D Casey for Breen 48 mins, R Murphy for Burns 48, C Geaney for O'Sullivan 58, S O'Brien for O'Shea 58, D Moynihan for Spillane 66. REFEREE: J McQuillan (Cavan).
