Meath continued their strong start to the Lidl National Football League Division 1 campaign with a dominant 4-09 to 2-06 victory over Mayo at Pairc Tailteann in Navan on Monday.
The match saw the return of Vikki Wall, who made her first start since Meath’s TG4 All-Ireland senior football championship quarter-final defeat to Kerry in July 2023. Wall, the former TG4 Senior Players’ Player of the Year, made an immediate impact, scoring 2-01 and setting the tone for an impressive Meath performance.
Mayo, who had late changes to their line-up with Saoirse Delaney and Bree Hession included in the team, struggled to find rhythm early on. Meath established control from the start, with Ciara Smyth (2), Kerrie Cole, and Meadhbh Byrne all contributing scores. By the 15-minute mark, the Royals had built a four-point lead.
While Sinead Walsh responded with a free for Mayo in the 21st minute, Wall quickly silenced the westerners with a powerful strike to the net, extending Meath’s lead. However, Mayo fought back as Walsh netted a brilliant solo goal just five minutes later, and despite losing Walsh temporarily to injury, they remained within touching distance at halftime, trailing 1-05 to 1-02.
The second half began with Walsh narrowing the gap with a long-range free, but Meath quickly regained control. Smyth added another point, and Kerrie Cole then found the net for Meath, registering her second goal in two games after scoring a brace in the opening round against Tyrone.
Mayo, however, remained dangerous, with Walsh continuing to trouble the Meath defense. In the 38th minute, she scored a second goal, linking up with Bree Hession in a slick one-two to bring Mayo back to within three points.
Despite this, Meath held their composure. As the game progressed, Erin Murray and Smyth traded points, but Meath’s cushion proved sufficient. Their clinical finishing, led by Wall and Cole, sealed the victory, ensuring Meath maintained their perfect start to the campaign with two wins from two.
With this victory, Meath’s impressive performance continues to highlight their strong form in Division 1, while Mayo will need to regroup after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful challenge.
