Lidl National Football League Division 1 – Round 1

Meath v Galway
Venue: Grangegodden, Kells
Date: Sunday 25th January
Throw-in: 2.00pm

There was a great buzz around Grangegodden on Sunday afternoon as Meath Ladies Footballers began their Lidl National Football League Division 1 campaign. Despite heavy rain in the days leading up to the game, conditions were fair and cloudy. The pitch and facilities set in the home of the Book of Kells and the great club of Gaeil Colmcilles ,were in excellent condition. A strong crowd travelled to Kells to witness Meath’s first outing of the season.

Ray McBride got proceedings underway sharply at 2pm in the first competitive fixture played under the new rules. Galway won the throw-in and opened the scoring early, adding a wide soon after. Meath settled well defensively, with Mary Kate (MK) producing a superb early block as the Royals worked hard to keep the Galway forwards at bay. Galway added a point from a free, but a strong Meath team move again starting with an MK intervention ended with Emma Duggan converting a free to register Meath’s first score.

Galway responded with another point before Meath struck again through St Ultan’s Rachel Casserly , who took on her marker and fired over an excellent score. Galway then enjoyed a brief purple patch, adding their fourth and fifth points. However, Meath continued to battle, with MK’s strength in defence forcing turnovers, and Emma Duggan added another point following strong pressure from Skryne’s Ciara Smith.

Galway finished the half strongly with four consecutive points, but just before the break Dunshaughlin & Royal Gaels’ Meadhbh Byrne popped over Meath’s fourth point.

Half-time:
Galway 0-9
Meath 0-4

The second half saw a much-improved performance from the Royals, helped by fresh legs, fresh faces, and a number of senior debuts. Galway struck first after the restart, adding three early points, but Meath responded with a far more aggressive defensive effort. Katie Birmingham and Áine Sheridan worked tirelessly, while Megan Thynne produced a crucial block to deny a clear Galway chance.

Wayne Freeman turned to the bench, replacing Meadhbh Byrne with Lara O’Neill, Ciara Smyth with Orla Finnegan, and Marion farrelly with Ciara Lawlor. 

Galway No.11 Kate Slevin who was electric throughout and later named Player of the Match converted the first two-pointer of the game.

Ratoath’s Amy Gaffney replaced Olivia Gore shortly before Galway registered their final score. From there, Meath finished the game strongly, with scores from captain and Dunshaughlin & Royal Gaels star Niamh Gallogly. Lauren Woods of Navan O’Mahonys was introduced for Orla Smyth in the 53rd minute, marking her senior league debut.

Emma Duggan added another point before making way for Dee Rangers’ Meena McConnell, who also made her senior debut. Further points followed from Dunsany’s Megan Thynne and, in the dying moments, Senechalstown’s Orla Finnegan. Orlaith Mallon was introduced late on, replacing Rachel Casserly.

While Galway’s first-half dominance proved decisive, Meath’s second-half showing offered plenty of encouragement, with strong defensive work, improved intensity, and positive contributions from several debutants.  Turning attention to Round 2 of the Lidl National Football League. The Royals will look to build on these foundations as they will face Dublin at 2pm in St. Pats of Stamullen, this game will be on the bank holiday Monday February 2nd at 2pm.

Final Score:,

Galway 0-16

Meath 0-8