Meath 6-8- Wicklow 0-9

Meath started their Intermediate Championship journey with a victory over Wicklow.

This game was the Royal first foray into Intermediate football and a win was a must for them.

Under the newly appointed management of Eamonn Murray, Paul Garrigan and Paddy Dowling the Royals had a lot to prove to themselves and their supporters. 

Emma Troy pointed to open the scoring for Meath after receiving a fine pass from Maire O'Shaughnessy. From the kickout Vikki Wall, strong in defence received the ball, passed to Niamh O'Sullivan who was fouled in the box while going for goal. The Wicklow no. 2 was sin binned while Stacey Grimes took the penalty and hit the net. Orla Byrne and Megan Thynne linked up to deliver good ball to Emma White who struck the back of the net for goal no. 2. Wicklow hit 2 points but the Meath girls were strong in their response.

A goal for Stacey Grimes against Wicklow during the opening round of the Leinster Ladies IFC at Pairc Tailteann

The Meath backs, resolute in defence did not allow Wicklow gain a hold in the match. Aideen Guy, strong in defence linked up with Stacey Grimes while O'Shaughnessy and Niamh Gallogly played well off each other. Another cracking goal, this time from O'Neill delighted the Meath fans. A foul on Marion Farrelly led to a point by Grimes. O'Shaughnessy, Gallogly and Grimes ran effortlessly, with Farrelly pointing for Meath. Grimes received a well placed pass from Farrelly and struck to the net again. Wicklow hit 2 points but the game was getting away from them. The Wicklow keeper Kim Connors produced a brilliant save to stop Grimes hitting the net again.

Half Time Meath 4 - 03 - Wicklow 0 - 04

The game resumed with Fiona O'Neill pointing for the Royals. Kate Flynn and Emma White piled pressure on the Wicklow forwards. Wicklow pointed. Fiona O'Neill sent a fine pass to Thynne who hit it over the bar for Meath. Emma Troy made strong runs from the back while Gallogly was resolute in defence.

Meath's Emma White shoots as Jackie Kinch Wicklow tries to block during the opening round of the Leinster Ladies IFC at Pairc Tailteann

Another goal for Meath and Grimes, this time a well placed fist on the end of an excellent O'Sullivan pass was welcomed by all. Wicklow pointed but it was too late to stop the Meath girls. Another point for O'Neill followed by Grimes 4th goal and the scoreboard was a pleasure to see. Wicklow pointed for what was the last score of the game.

All in all a good day for Meath Ladies! The sense of anticipation is real, the squad look fit, confident and most of all happy. 

A big thank you to Wolfe Tones and Skryne U10 Girls who played a half time game and cheered on the Ladies.

Meath's Marion Farrelly gets away from Niamh McGettigan and Aoife Gillen Wicklow during the opening round of the Leinster Ladies IFC at Pairc Tailteann

Meath Ladies next outing sees them take on Wexford in Dunshaughlin on Sunday next June 11th in Dunshaughlin. The game will throw in at 2.30pm.

Meath: Orlagh McLaughlin, Aideen Guy, Kate Flynn, Emma White (1-0), Vikki Wall, Emma Troy (0-1), Niamh Gallogly, Kate Byrne, Maire O'Shaughnessy, Megan Thynne, (0-1) Niamh O'Sullivan (Captain), Orla Byrne, Stacey Grimes (4 - 01) Marion Farrelly (0-1), Fiona O'Neill, (1-03).

Meath subs: Catriona Keoghan for Orla Byrne, Niamh Lister for Wall, Bláthnaid Keogh for Megan Thynne, Maire Keogh for Kate Flynn, Paula Dunne for Aideen Guy.

 

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