Meath Outshine Dublin to put the first three points on the board

• Feb 02,2026

Match Report

Meath v Dublin
Round 2 – Lidl National Football League
Monday 2nd February
Stamullen

Meath outshine Dublin to put first three points on the board

Meath got their Lidl National Football League campaign up and running with an impressive Round 2 victory over Dublin in Stamullen on Monday afternoon.

The welcome extended by St Pat’s GAA Club was outstanding, with a well-prepared pitch hosting a large crowd despite the cool conditions. The temperature hovered around 8°C, but thankfully the afternoon stayed dry.

Prior to throw-in, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Kitty Carroll of Navan O’Mahonys, a founding member of Meath LGFA.

From the opening whistle, Meath showed real intent, winning possession early and setting the tempo. Dublin were awarded an early free but sent their first attempt wide. It wasn’t long before Meath opened the scoring, with Emma Duggan pointing confidently to get the Royals underway.

There was plenty of pressure applied at the Dublin end, and Meath’s patience paid off when Dunboyne’s Katie Birmingham fired over a fine left-footed point to put Meath two ahead against the wind. A well-worked move saw Niamh Gallogly pick out Ciara Smyth, who added Meath’s third score of the evening.

Emma Duggan then extended Meath’s lead, converting two frees with ease in trademark fashion. At the other end, the Meath defence stood firm, with Amy Gaffney cutting out a dangerous Dublin attack.

The game’s first goal came in superb fashion. Marion Farrelly’s long-range effort dropped short, but Duggan reacted quickest, flicking the ball to the net. 

The scoreboard now read Meath 1-5, Dublin 0-0.

With eight minutes remaining in the half, Dublin finally got on the board through Kate Donaghy, followed by two further points from Jodi Egan. Meath responded with the final score of the half, a well-taken point from St Michael’s club player Marion Farrelly.

Strong defensive pressure from Orla Sheehy ,Aine Sheridan and Orla Smith forced Dublin into shooting wide just before the half-time hooter.

Half-time score:
Meath 1-6
Dublin 0-3

SECOND HALF 

Meath wasted no time asserting control after the restart. Just 30 seconds into the second half, they were awarded a free. Emma Duggan’s kick dropped short, but Ciara Smyth reacted quickest to the breaking ball and popped over Meath’s seventh point.

Smyth was central to everything Meath did well, adding her third point of the game shortly after. The Skryne star wasn’t finished there , she drove directly at the Dublin defence before slipping a slick hand pass off her shoulder to Niamh Gallogly, allowing Gallogly to register her first score of the contest.

Emma Duggan followed with another assured point, stretching the gap to ten points between the sides. Marion Farrelly then showed immense work rate, applying pressure, forcing a turnover, and converting it into yet another score for the Royals.

Dublin briefly threatened when an attack broke into the Meath square, but goalkeeper Robyn Murray was alert, punching the ball clear and denying Dublin any foothold in the game. Meath responded with a well-worked score, Niamh Gallogly finishing off a slick passing move involving Marion Farrelly.

Changes followed on the sideline, with Orla Finnegan making way for Rachel Casserly. Dublin found a moment of relief through a quick tap-and-go free, as Rachel Harnett finished to the net, leaving the scoreboard reading Meath 1-12, Dublin 1-3.

Further substitutions saw Lauren Woods replace Meadhbh Byrne, while Ciara Lawlor came on for Orla Smith. Ciara Smyth then produced a moment of magic ,collecting the ball in her own half, bursting straight through the middle, and firing over an outrageous point to register Meath’s 13th point.

Rachel Casserly added her name to the scoresheet with ease before Smyth capped a sensational performance. The 21-year-old Skryne native showed quick feet, sharp thinking, and real power to side-step her marker and drive home Meath’s second goal of the evening.

 Aoife Farrell was introduced for Megan Thynne, with Meena McConnell replacing Emma Duggan , a Senior debut for St.Colmcilles, Caoimhe McPeake coming on for Marion Farrelly.

Dublin added a late score in the dying moments, but by then the damage was done. Wayne Freeman’s side had delivered a dominant second-half display to put the result beyond doubt  Job done ✔️

Final score 

Meath 2-14

Dublin 1-4 

Scorers - Meath: C Smyth 1-4, E Duggan 1-4 (2fs), N Gallogly, M Farrelly 0-2 each, K Bermingham, R Casserly 0-1 each.

MEATH: R Murray; Á Sheridan, M.K. Lynch, A Gaffney; Ó Smith, S Wall, K Bermingham; O Sheehy, N Gallogly; M Thynne, C Smyth, M Farrelly; E Duggan, O Finnegan, M Byrne. Subs: R Casserly for Finnegan (40), L Woods for C Lawlor for Smith (48), A Farrell for Thynne (60).

Next up for the Royals its a quick turnaround for Sunday February 8th at 2pm in Dunshaughlin

The ladies will take on the kingdom Ladies in Round 3 of the Division 1 Lidl National League.  

Photo's courtesy of P McEntagart