03-08-2025
'They were awesome' - Cora Staunton and Bríd Stack on Dubs glory
Dublin produced a ferociously hungry performance to ease past Meath in Sunday's TG4 All-Ireland SFC final.
The departure of manager Mick Bohan last November led some to speculate whether this might be a year of transition for the Dubs.
Instead, joint-managers Paul Casey and Derek Murray led them to glory, the side peaking when it mattered most to lift the Brendan Martin Cup.
Reflecting on the decider, former Mayo star Cora Staunton and seven-time Cork All Star Bríd Stack said Meath could have no complaints.
"I don't think (Dublin) ever went away," said Staunton. "Maybe the hurt from 2021, when Meath stopped them from winning five in a row... obviously they won again in 2023, but today they were just awesome.
"Meath couldn't match their intensity, their athleticism. Their first-half performance in particular was brilliant. The game was over at half-time. While we wanted it to be a good spectacle, it was over. Dublin were just immense.
"Their big players - the likes of Carla Rowe, Orlagh Nolan, Kate Sullivan - dominated up front and their defence were very dominant. Deserving winners. And it was great to see Hannah Tyrrell go out on a high after a wonderful career."
Stack concurred. She was particularly impressed with Dublin's energy, the constant running with and without the ball that had Meath all at sea.
"You just couldn't fault the fluidity of their movement - the link play, the level of fitness was absolutely just on show from start to finish," said Stack.
"I suppose the intent was the biggest thing.
"It was the team that felt a bit of hurt I suppose last year, bowing out to Galway. They came back with a massive will and a massive intent. They did that from start to finish.
"All their big players stepped up."
