Johnny Murtagh gets a celebratory kiss on the cheek from Tommy Dowd after Mashmoor’s win in the Group 3 Paddy Power International Stakes at the Curragh.PHOTO DAVE BARRETT.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR: What’s rare is wonderful as Meath celebrate

JULY REVIEW

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Johnny Murtagh gets a celebratory kiss on the cheek from Tommy Dowd after Mashmoor’s win in the Group 3 Paddy Power International Stakes at the Curragh. PHOTO DAVE BARRETT. Photo - Dave Barrett www.davbar.com

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Ratoath Athletic Club’s Katie Doherty and Jesse Osas competed for Ireland at the European Youth Olympics in Maribor, Slovenia.

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Some horses were a shoo-in at Bellewstown races. Gerry Shanahan

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The Meath team celebrate with the Tailteann Cup after defeating Down in the final. David Mullen

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Meath’s newest club Eastern Gaels receive a guard of honour from Cortown as they ran onto the field for their first ever appearance in the Junior B FC. David Mullen

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Donal Keogan carries the Tailteann Cup up the steps in Pairc Tailteann to show it off to the Meath supporters. Gerry Shanahan

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Meath and Donegal players stand together in protest for equality before their All-Ireland SFC clash in Pairc Tailteann. They were protesting that a player charter for basics like medical support and expenses had not been implemented. Gerry Shanahan

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Grace Coleman launches an attack for Meath during their All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie semi-final at Semple Stadium, Thurles. David Mullen

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Ronan Jones soars highest to claim possession for Meath during the Tailteann Cup final. David Mullen

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Alan Douglas wins possession for Trim as they opened the defence of their Jubilee Cup with an impressive win over Kiltale. Gerry Shanahan

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Eamon Wallace and Ratoath looked to be in good shape when they opened their SFC campaign with victory over Moynalvey. David Mullen

Jimmy Geoghegan

Published: Thu 4 Jan 2024, 5:16 PM

We haven’t seen much of it in recent times. In July Meath captain Donal Keogan had the task of walking up the steps of Croke Park to accept the Tailteann Cup after his side had defeated Down, 2-13 to 0-14. Inspired by goals from the two Jacks - O'Connor and Flynn - Meath held off the Ulster side who had scored eight goals in their semi-final win over Laois. Colm O'Rourke felt it could be a catalyst for future success. "It will make them hungrier for more," he said afterwards.

Meath legend Tommy Dowd made the news in early July - although it had nothing to do with the Gaelic football. Instead the former All-star winner teamed up with Johnny Murtagh on day one of the Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh and experienced a great victory. The horse Dowd has a share in, Mashhoor, trained by Murtagh, defied the odds of 6/1 to see of hot favourite Al Riffa to claim the Group 3 Paddy Power International Stakes. Dowd - part of the Brunaboinne syndicate that owns Mashhoor - was guided home by Ben Coen. "What this little man (Johnny Murtagh) can do is incredible," said Dowd.

In the Ladies All-Ireland SFC Meath shipped a setback in their attempts to make progress when they were defeated 0-12 to 1-10 by Donegal at Pairc Tailteann. It was only a brief respite. In their next assignment Meath relinquished their All-Ireland crown when they were defeated by Kerry amid driving rain and wind in Tralee.

Various football league finals were played off early in the month. Ratoath won Div 1A while there were triumphs too for Ballinabrackey (Div 1B), Meath Hill (Div 2A) and Slane (Div 3B).

New GAA clubs starting up are rare but Eastern Gaels became the latest outfit to get up and running when they played their first ever championship game when they took on Cortown in the Junior B FC at Seneschalstown. Struggling to put a panel together the Gaels had among their substitutions a number of players in their forties and fifties. Eastern Gaels sought to sing a few players who previously played for their near neighbours St Colmcille's, but were unable to do so. Despite the teething problems Eastern Gaels were defiant. "We will be around for a long time," said chairman Pearse Gilroy.

In camogie Meath ensured their place in the last four of the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship by travelling down to Cork and defeating the Rebels, 3-11 to 1-11. The results was a stunning victory for underdogs Meath - and it got better for them as they pushed on to defeat Westmeath, 1-11 to 0-10 in the semi-final at Semple Stadium Amy Gaffney hitting 1-2. A long-cherished All-Ireland Intermediate title was within reach.

The SHC got underway with reigning champions Trim kick-starting their campaign with a 3-19 to 1-11 victory over Kiltale. One of the surprise results of the opening round was Clann na nGael's comprehensive 4-22 to 2-17 victory over Kilmessan.