‘The league is wide open and we are at a crossroads’

Meath manager, Shane McCormack saw his side's slump to their first defeat of the Ladies Div 1 NFL on Sunday, writes Tom Gannon.

The Kildare native was very disappointed with his side's display. When speaking to the Meath Chronicle after the game, McCormack accepted that his home county were just hungrier on the day.

"We are disappointed obviously. We have had a great start to the league and things had been going well. We had to play in terrible conditions today but that is no excuse," said McCormack.

"Many of our girls played college football during the week, but every county is in the same boat that way. Kildare are a good side and they wanted it more than us today. That win will give them a boost, but we have a lot to work on."

Although they would have been disappointed with the outcome, Meath fans were pleased to see Emma Duggan and Maire O'Shaughnessy back in action for the Royals. McCormack explained that the two stalwarts would be all the better for the minutes that they were afforded on Sunday.

"It was good to get Emma (Duggan) and Maire (0'Shaugnessy) back in action there today. They have only really been back involved with us a few weeks at this stage. The minutes that they got into their legs today will do them the world of good and they will come on from that."

Before the Kildare game, Meath looked on a direct road to the league final but Sunday's loss was a hefty pothole on the way. They are still on their way but the Dublin fixture next week has become a massive game for the Royals.

"The league is wide open and we find ourselves at a crossroads. We have to keep the heads up and keep motoring because there is a quick turnaround between now and the game against Dublin next Saturday." said McCormack.

"Dublin will be well up for the game against us next week. There is that rivalry between ourselves and them that always makes it a tough encounter. They drew with Waterford earlier today and they are starting to build momentum. It's a big game and we are just going to have to turn our focus now to that."

Mary Kate Lynch is the ideal player for a post-match interview after a game that hasn't gone well for the Royals. Her positive attitude coupled with her great understanding of the game ensures that you will get an honest and optimistic reflection.

After Sunday's defeat, the Summerhill woman detailed how the group have to reassess and prepare themselves ahead of that clash with the Dubs next week.

"I think we will take a lot of learnings from that game today. Conditions were cat and playing on astro is different to what we are used to. We just have to reassess. We don't have much time to think about it. We only have a week to regather ourselves for the game against Dublin."

Lynch has had many great battles herself over the years with the Dubs and she knows how tough those encounters can be. She is confident that Meath can readjust and get themselves up for a game that could well define their league ambitions for 2025.

"It's always a good battle with Dublin, and it means a lot more now after that loss today. We are still in the running for this league and you have to take the positives as well, I'm sure we will be able to readjust ahead of that game."

Finally, like her manager, Lynch referenced the fact that trying to carry momentum during a time when some players are also occupied with college football can be tricky but she is also hopeful that Meath can pick themselves up after the disappointing loss to the Lilywhites.

"It's still early on in the season and you are going to make mistakes and you probably make more of them in the league. The fact that there are still a lot of girls playing college football as well which makes it a bit trickier. We'll just have to pick ourselves up and go again."