Tyrrell to the fore but Dublin lost out to Meath in All-Ireland showpiece
Daire Walsh
Despite the best efforts of Clondalkin’s Hannah Tyrrell, the Dublin senior ladies footballers lost their grip on the All-Ireland crown at Croke Park this afternoon.
Thanks in no small part to a seventh-minute goal from Emma Duggan, Meath upset the odds to claim the Brendan Martin Cup on a final scoreline of 1-11 to 0-12.
This was an historic victory for the Royal County, who were making their first-ever appearance in an All-Ireland senior decider.
It is all the more remarkable when you consider Eamonn Murray’s side were intermediate champions as recently as last December.
The Jackies were chasing a fifth consecutive final success at this grade and while Tyrrell finished the action with an excellent tally of 0-7, the Metropolitans tasted defeat for the very first time in the championship under the reign of Mick Bohan.
Having enjoyed a whirlwind re-introduction to the world of ladies football, former Ireland rugby international Tyrrell was once again included in the Dublin attack.
She was joined in the starting line-up by Ballinteer St John’s defender Orlagh Nolan and Siobhan McGrath, who was a late replacement for her Thomas Davis club-mate Olwen Carey.
In spite of their novice status, Meath showed no signs of nerves in the early stages.
After Stacey Grimes and Niamh O’Sullivan found the range either side of a Sinéad Aherne point, Duggan shot to the net over the advanced Ciara Trant after her kick-out had gone astray.
Tyrrell’s first of the day preceded traded scores between Emma Troy and Martha Byrne, before the Na Fianna club star added her second on 15 minutes.
The prominent Tyrrell proceeded to trade scores with Bridgetta Lynch, but Dublin was still trying to find their feet.
Even though Tyrrell ended the half with four points to her name, it was Meath who were firmly in the ascendancy at the midway stage.
Grimes, Troy and Duggan all added to their respective tallies to give the Royals a 1-8 to 0-6 buffer heading into the second period.
It was anticipated that Dublin was going to push on after the restart – McGrath made way for Carey when the play resumed – but Meath’s diligent defensive system made life extremely difficult for their Leinster counterparts.
Although Tyrrell and Carla Rowe raised white flags, Grimes and Duggan did likewise at the opposite end.
Substitute Kate Sullivan, Tyrrell and Davey brought the gap down to two in a rare purple patch for Dublin, only for Niamh O’Sullivan to secure some breathing space for Meath heading towards the home stretch.
Tyrrell’s 58th-minute pointed free raised the prospect of a late fightback from the Jackies, but Meath held firm to reach the top of the LGFA pyramid.