Dublin take on Meath this weekend in yet another Leinster final clash between the dominant two teams.
This is the second consecutive year, the two teams will battle it out in the Leinster final. Dublin won last year's battle against the Royal County. A second-half penalty converted by Hannah Tyrrell was crucial in securing a win for her side.
Dublin ace Tyrrell is still chasing her first All-Ireland with the Dubs and is hungry for success with her side.
Prior to rejoining the squad in 2021, Tyrrell focused her attention on playing rugby for seven years. Even picking up a Six Nations win in 2015 with Ireland. During that time Dublin were untouchable in Ladies' football, claiming four consecutive All-Ireland titles in a row.
Since Tyrrell rejoined the panel, Dublin haven't experienced nearly the same amount of success as their previous years. With Meath now holding back-to-back All-Ireland titles. This is something that drives Tyrrell on as she has a hunger to get that All-Ireland medal, which so many of her teammates have around her.
Speaking at the announcement of AIG’s extension as insurance partner to the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association for a new five-year term, Tyrrell said:
“Obviously it’s something I’ve been chasing for a while now, coming into the team that had won four in a row, then losing an All-Ireland final, and not getting back there since,”
“It’s pretty tough, but for me that’s part of the reason to keep going, it’s been a dream of mine to win an All-Ireland for a very long time now. I still believe I have something to contribute to the team, and I still believe the team has the ability to do that. That’s why I’m here and pushing hard at training every week.
“Right now, I want to go out and win another Leinster title, but I haven’t looked past that, I’m not getting ahead of myself, we’ll deal with the All-Ireland series after this weekend.”
Tyrrell has experienced a long and impressive career both in football and rugby. She's now 32 and is starting to build a family with her wife, who is expecting their first child in June.
Tyrrell says her decision to play on past this season will be determined in June but she still feels as though she has more to offer.
“Maybe when it comes to the close of the season and my circumstances will have changed, will I have a think about retiring? Yeah, probably. It definitely crossed my mind but I can’t make that judgment now. I’m feeling pretty good in my body now, still contributing to the team [and I] feel like I’m a valued member.”
“We’ll see where we’re at at the end of the season. That decision might be a little easier if we win an All-Ireland, but I’m not confirming anything yet. There’s plenty more football to play yet.”
Leinster Football Final Dublin v Meath
Dublin and Meath clash in what should be a spectacular game to watch. All-Ireland champions Meath haven't performed to the standard we are used to seeing from them this season. However with the return of Vikki Wall from Australia and the ever-present threat of their sharpshooter Emma Duggan. Meath is sure to put it up to a strong Dublin side.
Dublin will be favourites going into the matchup as they claimed victories over Meath in both the league and the new round-robin phase of the championship.
Speaking on the newfound rivalry between the two teams, Tyrrell said “They’ve been very successful the last few years but we’ve created a nice rivalry that’s exciting for the game, and they’re always good games to play. For a while Dublin was the only team in Leinster, now Meath have changed the game, but it’s a healthy rivalry and we have embraced it head-on.
2023 Leinster Ladies football Final: Dublin v Meath
Time: 4:15pm
Venue: Laois Hire O'Moore Park
Where to watch: LGFA Iplayer
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