Tears were flowing for the heroic Meath ladies as they retained the All-Ireland SFC title by beating Kerry 3-10 to 1-7 at Croke Park.

Reigning Footballer of the Year Vikki Wall and midfielder Orlagh Lally bowed out on a high as they get set to depart Ireland to begin their respective AFLW careers, while goalscoring defender Emma Troy is also due to travel to Australia but not to take up Aussie Rules.

Murray, who has managed the Royals to five successive All-Ireland finals - winning three-in-a-row, was in tears as he embraced his players and backroom staff afterwards.

"That's where the tears are coming from," said Murray when speaking to TG4.

"I know we could do four or five-in-a-row, but we probably won't. We had a few great years. I don't blame them for going off one bit. They don't owe Meath anything. They're an awesome bunch of players. I love them all so much."

The Boardsmill clubman has backed today's opponents to bounce back from their defeat.

"We were worried about Kerry scoring goals, but we were the team scoring goals today. Three outstanding goals," he added.

"It's very hard for Kerry to come up here and win their first All-Ireland [in 29 years]. We know, above all people, how hard it is. Kerry will take so much from this."

Tweet

Most Read Stories