Meath captain Niamh Gallogly

Meath hoping to upset the odds against Galway

Following victories over Offaly, Tyrone and Longford Meath will face Galway in Dunshaughlin on Sunday at 1.30pm in what is effectively a Ladies All-Ireland u-21 FC semi-final clash to determine who will face Mayo in the final on Sunday 12th November.
The new format for the Aisling McGing All-Ireland u-21 FC this year saw the 10 competing counties divided into two groups with the top team in each group qualifying for the All-Ireland final.
Mayo dominated Group A and advanced to the final with a game to spare, but Group B is going down to the wire with Meath and Galway unbeaten after their first three games.
These sides were meant to clash in round four, but Storm Brian put paid to that fixture and with next Sunday scheduled to be a free week before the final the game has been refixed for then.
Meath's preparations have been hampered by players involved in Leinster Club action for both Dunboyne and Kilmessan (camogie), but despite very limited preparation they have been impressive in their group games and will fancy their chances against Galway.
On form, and comparing results against the other teams in the group, Galway will be marginal favourites for Sunday's final group game, but Meath will fancy their chances, especially if they have a full deck to choose from.
Meath started their campaign with a tough test away to Offaly and despite travelling with just 16 players they secured a 3-12 to 1-12 win over the hosts. A week later Meath proved too strong for Tyrone by 2-15 to 0-16 in a thriller in Dunboyne before the next game against Galway was postponed.
Again Meath travelled to Killoe to take on Longford with just 16 players on board and after a sluggish start they romped to a 9-23 to 3-12 victory, but such is the nature of the competition that as counties became unable to qualify their interest waned and the intensity of the games dropped.
However there will be no lack of intensity in Dunshaughlin next Sunday. Meath will have several of their Leinster IFC winning panel available and they will look to captain Niamh Gallogly, Vikki Wall and Stacey Grimes for inspiration.
Galway will be favourites by virtue of their margins of victory. They beat Offaly by 25 points compared to Meath's six-point victory. The Tribeswomen also beat Tyrone by 15 while Meath's margin of victory over the Ulster side was five points. Galway beat Longford by 31 points in their first match, while Meath enjoyed a 29-point success over the Midlanders in their fifth round clash.
It promises to be a thrilling game and if Meath can enjoy a bit of luck and get a full crew on board then anything is possible.

AISLING McGING All-IRELAND U-21 FC RESULTS
Round One - Meath 3-12, Offaly 1-12; Galway 7-20, Longford 2-4.
Round Two - Meath 2-15, Tyrone 0-16; Galway bye.
Round Three - Galway 5-18, Offaly 1-5; Meath bye.
Round Four - Meath v Galway, postponed.
Round Five - Meath 9-23, Longford 3-12; Galway 4-13, Tyrone 2-4.