MEATH LADIES PREVIEW - Meath v Kerry

The St. Ultans quintet of Geraldine Doherty, Katie O’Brien, Shauna Bennett, Elaine Duffy and Aimee Bennett were arguably Meath’s best players against Armagh and will be crucial of the Royals are to book their place in the All Ireland Quarter Finals. This time last year, Meath players were worrying about their chances of staying in the Senior ranks for this year, twelve months on, and there’s a different atmosphere in the camp, with Senior status guaranteed in 2010 after victory over Armagh. Dardis has introduced many new players to Senior Championship, the most successful of these being Walterstown’s Áine Fagan. The sixteen year old, nicknamed ‘Little One’ by her fellow team mates has been a revelation to this year’s Senior team and has consolidated her place on the first fifteen with good displays in the Leinster semi final against Dublin and against Armagh last weekend. Undoubtedly, Fagan’s presence has inspired the players around her, with all the defence playing well against the Orchard County. Maria Kealy was outstanding against Armagh, and will have another difficult afternoon ahead of her to mark one of the Kingdom’s corner forwards, who like their male counterparts are exceptionally quick.

The last time the two sides met was the quarter final of the National League in 2006. Meath accounted for Kerry before defeating Mayo in the semi final and reaching the League final against Cork for the first time in its history. While much has changed for both counties in the interim, both teams will be hoping to proceed to the All Ireland Quarter Finals where they will face either Tyrone, Dublin, Galway or Cork. Exact fixture details are yet to be announced. The Kingdom may be one bridge too far for the Royals this year, however if Meath can play to their ability there is no reason why the Royal Ladies can’t follow their male counterparts into the All Ireland Quarter Finals.