Dublin’s first-half storm
Dublin started their All-Ireland final campaign with a commanding performance, setting the tone for the rest of the game. In the 22nd minute, Niamh Hetherton scored a stunning goal from the Canal End, giving Dublin an early lead of 2-8 to 0-2. The goal came after a well-executed move, with Éilish O’Dowd carrying the ball at pace and Hetherton sidestepping Mary Kate Lynch before firing into the net.
Two minutes later, Dublin extended their lead further when Kate Sullivan’s shot was confirmed by HawkEye, putting them 13 points ahead. This marked the largest lead of the game for Dublin, who had already established themselves as the dominant force on the field. Their strategy was clear: a fast start, executed flawlessly. Before Meath could even score, Dublin had already registered 1-3, with Nicole Owens finally opening the scoring in the 10th minute.
From that point on, Dublin maintained an unbroken run of scoring, with Emma Duggan adding two more free kicks between the 13th and 26th minutes. By the time Hetherton scored her second goal, almost immediately after a previous one was disallowed, all six of Dublin’s forwards had found the net from play. Their speed, intensity, and direct approach proved too much for Meath, who struggled to match their pace.
Dublin capitalized on 11 out of 14 scoring chances in the first half, with Hannah Tyrrell, Carla Rowe, and Sullivan combining for a total of 0-13. Sullivan alone contributed four points from play, while some of Rowe’s efforts were particularly impressive. The foundation for this success was laid in a blistering first-half display, which left Meath reeling.
Orlagh Nolan brilliance and the last to quit
Orlagh Nolan made a significant impact in her return from an ACL injury, earning the Player of the Match award and securing her fourth All-Ireland medal. On her first start since coming back, she showcased exceptional skill and composure, often using one hand to control the ball while keeping her head up to assess the game.
Nolan was heavily involved in both goals, playing a key role in the build-up for both. Her ability to read the game allowed her to make decisive runs and create space for her teammates. She also had a hand in setting up Hetherton’s goal, showing her influence on the attacking front.
Her performance was not just about scoring but also about dictating play. She had around 26 possessions between kick-outs won, scores assisted, and general ball control, according to Gaelic Statsman. “I just wanted to hold wide and hopefully drag people out and create space for the guys,” Nolan said after the game. “Maybe they gave me a bit too much time on the ball.”
Dublin’s forwards stepped up when needed, showcasing a strong team effort. Defensive stalwarts like Sinéad Goldrick, Leah Caffrey, and Martha Byrne embodied the team’s motto: “The last to quit. Always.” Their resilience and determination were evident throughout the match.
Meath regret in one-sided contest
Despite their best efforts, Meath struggled to keep up with Dublin’s intensity and pace. The game was clearly one-sided, with Dublin dominating the scoreboard. However, the lack of competition raised concerns, as it followed a trend seen in other All-Ireland finals this year. The result was another disappointing ladies football final, where the outcome was largely decided by halftime.
Meath’s poor shooting and decision-making cost them dearly, converting only four of 10 scoring opportunities. They had more possession in the first half (56% vs. 44%) but were sloppy and made uncharacteristic mistakes. Dublin, on the other hand, used width effectively and played with precision, while Meath remained stuck in a predictable pattern, repeatedly failing to find the right path down the middle.
Emma Duggan’s frees were the only source of scoring for Meath in the first half, with their first goal from play coming five minutes after the restart. Despite trailing by 11 points at the short whistle and 12 at the long whistle, Meath managed to outscore Dublin 0-8 to 0-7 from the 24th minute onwards.
While Duggan and Vikki Wall had moments of promise, their poor shooting and decisions were glaring. Goalkeeper Robyn Murray stood out, and players like Aoibhín Cleary and Ciara Smyth grew into the game. Still, the regrets of their first All-Ireland defeat will linger.
A festival of football at Croke Park
The atmosphere at Croke Park was electric, with a crowd of 48,089 filling the stadium on a Bank Holiday Sunday. While it fell short of the 2019 record of 56,114, it was a significant increase from last year’s 30,340. The proximity of Dublin and Meath added to the excitement, with fans from both sides creating a vibrant sea of blue, green, and gold, broken up by flashes of red, yellow, white, and blue.
In the intermediate final, Tyrone defeated Laois 2-16 to 1-13, with goals from Aoife Horisk and Katie Rose Muldoon helping them secure promotion. Earlier in the day, Louth claimed the All-Ireland junior championship with a 0-13 to 1-8 victory over Antrim. Kate Flood was the standout performer, scoring 0-4 before announcing her retirement from inter-county football after a 15-year career.
What next?
With the final whistle blown, several stars announced their retirements. Hannah Tyrrell and Nicole Owens called it a day after Dublin’s win, marking the end of illustrious careers. Tyrrell and Goldrick shared a beer on the pitch, celebrating their achievements. Goldrick is set for another AFLW season, but her future in inter-county football remains uncertain.
Other players like Byrne, Caffrey, Rowe, and Nolan are also in their 30s, raising questions about their long-term involvement. For Meath, Wall remains a key player, having signed a new three-year deal with North Melbourne. Captain Aoibhín Cleary is also heading to Australia.
As the current generation of players begins to step back, the future of the sport looks bright. With young talent emerging and a more open championship on the horizon, the next few years promise exciting developments.