In his comprehensive report to convention on Monday night secretary Ciaran Flynn outlined a year of renewed belief on the field, major progress off it, and ambitious plans for the future of Gaelic games in the county.

The report describes 2025 as “a landmark season” for the Meath Senior Footballers under manager Robbie Brennan and captain Eoghan Frayne. Meath finished third in Division 2 of the Allianz Football League, reached the Leinster Final, and returned to the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final for the first time since 2009.

Along the way, the team ended Dublin’s 14-year reign as Leinster champions and recorded statement championship wins over both Kerry and Galway, before bowing out to Donegal at the last-four stage in Croke Park.

“Just two seasons on from lifting the Tailteann Cup, to see Meath back in an All-Ireland semi-final shows how far this group has come,” secretary Flynn said. “There is a genuine sense that Meath football is moving in the right direction again – but also a clear understanding of the standards we still have to reach.”

In hurling, 2025 was “a challenging but important year of consolidation” as Meath adjusted back to life in the Christy Ring Cup under new senior manager Johnny Greville. The team produced a competitive Allianz League Division 2 campaign, including an eye-catching win over eventual champions Down, and retained their Christy Ring status for 2026.

At the underage level, the report notes Meath reaching the Leinster U-20 Football Final for the second year in a row, an All-Ireland Tier 2 (Paul McGirr Cup) final appearance for the minor footballers, and continued development work with U-20 and minor hurling squads, reflecting a stronger player pathway from club to county.

Off the field, the report confirms that the Páirc Tailteann redevelopment is ready to start, with plans for a new stand, improved dressing rooms and media facilities, enhanced accessibility, and upgraded floodlighting – described as “a transformative investment in the future of our county grounds.”

The report also notes major progress at the Dunganny Centre of Excellence, where three new pitches and LED floodlighting upgrades now allow competition-standard evening activity across seven pitches, significantly increasing year-round capacity for county squads and club fixtures.

“With Páirc Tailteann on the cusp of redevelopment and Dunganny now operating as a genuine multi-pitch, competition-standard venue, Meath GAA is better placed than ever to support our players, coaches and clubs,” Flynn said.

The secretary’s report highlights the rapid growth of GAA Healthy Clubs and GAA Green Clubs in Meath, with many clubs now active in health promotion, inclusion, biodiversity, and energy-saving projects, and Meath’s Health & Wellbeing Committee were recognised nationally in 2025.

It also revisits Meath GAA’s work on gambling awareness, reiterating the Association’s support for national campaigns, and outlines ongoing efforts in child safeguarding, respect for referees, and club education, including extensive officer-training and planning supports.

Across the report, tribute is paid to the “tireless work” of volunteers at club and county level – from coaches, referees, and committee members to stewards, administrators and sponsors.

“From Go Games to All-Ireland semi-finals, everything we achieve in Meath GAA rests on the efforts of volunteers,” said Flynn. “The past year has shown what is possible when we work together with a clear plan and a shared sense of purpose. The challenge now is to build on that momentum.”

 

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