McCormack vows Meath ladies will be back next season

Meath ladies team manager Shane McCormack has said his side has the belief needed to get over the line next year.

Supporters packed into Páirc Tailteann in Navan this evening to welcome home their heroes following yesterday's TG4 All-Ireland final defeat to Dublin at Croke Park.

Taking to the stage in front of his players, McCormack vowed that his side will be back next season.

He said: "Before a ball was even thrown in, I kept saying it at the start of the year, we were doubted from other people outside of ourselves.

"They didn't think we would get to a quarter-final, but we have such belief in these girls.

"Belief is a key word that they are using as well. [They have] belief in the management team. And we knew we were on to something.

"Yes, we had one or two bad defeats, but these girls are a credit to their families and to their clubs. They are just super role models.

"Sorry we didn't get over the line but I know well, these girls will be back the in the future," McCormack said.

The players were welcomed to the stage by the Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council

He also added that the future of ladies football in the county remains "bright", especially considering that the Meath Under-20 team won their second Leinster title in as many years in recent days.

McCormack also said that he wanted to recognise the efforts of his management team and thank the fans for their support this season.

"They are unbelievable. They are our 16th player. Getting to a home quarter-final this year was massive.

"When we came out here against Tipperary, you could hear the roar. And especially in Tullamore, you [the supporters] travelled in your droves.

"Even yesterday, I know the girls were gutted but driving into the Ardboyne Hotel last night, the crowds we were met with really gave the girls a lift. We really appreciate that".

The players were welcomed to the stage by the Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Wayne Harding before captain Aoibhín Cleary addressed the crowd.

She said: "We were very disappointed after the performance and after the loss [yesterday] but to come back to Meath then and see the support that turned out for us, that was just incredible and a really special feeling".

Players from the Meath ladies team sign autographs for young fans in Páirc Tailteann, Navan

"There has been a huge turnover [of players] since going back to 2021-2022 but there is just such a good group of girls together at the minute. It really is a special group of girls.

"I think if everyone just sticks with it, there is a lot more to come from this team".

Cleary, just days ahead of her departure to Australia to pursue a career in the AFLW, also said she wanted to thank everyone who has helped to grow ladies football in the county over recent years.

She said: "We really do feel that crowd behind us and it drives us on so much, and it makes such an impact. I'm not sure if people even realise the impact it has but we are so grateful."

The Meath defender, who was also part of the sides that won back-to-back Brendan Martin cups in 2021 and 2022, also thanked McCormack and his management team for all their efforts this season.

Cleary said: "On behalf of all the players, I want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts for the work that they have put into this team, and more than anything, for the belief that they have had in us since day one."

"Everyone that's involved is just brilliant. I say special group of players but it's also a special group in general, the management, players, county board, everyone is included," she added.

Those who attended the homecoming were also treated to an evening of entertainment from DJ Conor Woods and local sean-nós singers An Chéad Ghlúin Eile.

Sports journalist David Sheehan also reviewed the season just gone while in conversation with the MC for the evening David Rispin.

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