Latest news with #VikkiWall
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- BreakingNews.ie
Australia bound Aoibhín Cleary focued on Meath ahead of the championship
Meath captain Aoibhín Claery says she is focused on the All-Ireland football championship following her move to the AFLW confirmed. Cleary will move to Richmond when the season with Meath is completed, making her the first Irish woman to play for the club. Advertisement The two-time All-Ireland winner will follow in the footsteps of Meath teammates Vikki Wall and Orlagh Lally in moving to the AFLW, with both players successful in their time there. Despite an early start to the AFLW season, Cleary says there was never any question of playing for Meath. "Playing with Meath this year was not a question for me, so I'm really grateful and really blessed that I am getting the opportunity to do both; to play the season here with Meath and then head over to Richmond. 'I'm the first Irish girl heading over to Richmond. I suppose there's a lot of unknowns. I'm definitely pushing myself out of my comfort zone and throwing myself into the deep end, but I think that makes it very exciting as well. Advertisement 'I can only say great things about Richmond so far. Since the offer has come through, we've been catching up regularly and met a lot of the girls online. There just seems to be a really great culture and a great connection between the girls. I can't wait to actually get over and meet them properly.' An amazing opportunity to play professional sport on the other side of the world, there will be an element of home away from home with the amount of Irish players in the league. As well as getting advice from teammates, much of the Meath defender's spare time is getting used to the oval ball and rules she will face in Australia. "I'm trying to get to grips with some of the skills, the kicking, the handballing, all that sort of stuff. It's obviously a very different ball, very different technique. It takes a lot of getting used to, so definitely doing a bit, little enough I suppose, to kind of get to grips with it as much as I can before I head over. Advertisement "I've pulled my dad out to the garden a good bit, he's been questioned me a lot, he's like, are you sure? But yeah, no, he's been great, so he comes out with me a fair bit. Mike as well, the agent, I've been able to meet up with him and do some skill sessions with him and stuff as well, so he's been great." Attention will quickly turn to the group stages of the All-Ireland, with Meath set to face Kildare and Armagh. Meath shocked everyone when they won the All-Ireland in 2021, which they followed up with another title in 2022. A team that went through the ranks against the odds, Cleary says the Royals are more than capable of repeating their heroics. Advertisement 'That's definitely the aim, the focus. We have a great management and backroom team, we have a great group of girls. So yeah, it's just trying to push ourselves to our potential and really try and get the most out of us. "I think it's great having a mix of experience. There is still a few girls around who would have been involved in those years, in 2021 and 2022, but we have a lot of new girls in as well, fresh blood, and they just bring so much enthusiasm.'
Irish Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Meath captain Aoibhín Cleary focusing on championship despite upcoming AFLW move
Meath captain Aoibhín Cleary says there is 'a lot to be done' before she departs Ireland to join Richmond in the Women's Australian Football League (AFLW) later this year. While the prospect of moving down under looms large, the half back says intercounty football was always a priority. 'Playing with Meath this year was not a question for me, so I'm really grateful and really blessed that I am getting the opportunity to do both; to play the season here with Meath and then head over to Richmond.' The two-time All Star will leave for Melbourne directly after Meath's season comes to an end, and is feeling a mix of excitement and nerves ahead of the big switch. READ MORE 'I'm the first Irish girl heading over to Richmond. I suppose there's a lot of unknowns. I'm definitely pushing myself out of my comfort zone and throwing myself into the deep end, but I think that makes it very exciting as well. 'I can only say great things about Richmond so far. Since the offer has come through, we've been catching up regularly and met a lot of the girls online. There just seems to be a really great culture and a great connection between the girls. I can't wait to actually get over and meet them properly.' Cleary will be following in the footsteps of former team-mates Vikki Wall and Orlagh Lally, both now plying their trade in the AFLW. Wall, who lines out for North Melbourne, will be particularly close at hand for the new arrival. Alongside preparing for the rest of the championship season, Cleary has also been stealing moments to practice with the oval ball. 'I've pulled my dad out to the garden a good bit, he's been great. And then Mike (Currane) as well, the agent, I've been able to meet up and do some skill sessions with him.' Meath's Aoibhín Cleary during the 2022 All-Ireland final against Kerry. Photograph: Tom Maher/Inpho Despite the opportunity for distraction, Cleary – an All-Ireland winner with Meath in 2021 and 2022 – says her goal is to regain the Brendan Martin Cup. 'That's definitely the aim, the focus. We have a great management and backroom team, we have a great group of girls. So yeah, it's just trying to push ourselves to our potential and really try and get the most out of us.' Despite losing out to Dublin in the Leinster final, Cleary remains optimistic about Meath chances, citing the blend of youth and experience within the panel. 'I think it's great having a mix of experience. There is still a few girls around who would have been involved in those years, in 2021 and 2022, but we have a lot of new girls in as well, fresh blood, and they just bring so much enthusiasm.' A tough group phase awaits the Royals as they face Kildare, who they beat by a point in the Leinster Championship, as well as Division One finalists Armagh.
The 42
04-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Reigning All-Ireland champions Kerry to face Cork in Munster final
MEATH WILL FACE Dublin in next weekend's TG4 Leinster Senior Football Championship final at Croke Park after holding off a dramatic fightback from Kildare for a 2-14 to 1-16 win in agripping round three meeting at Cedral St Conleth's Park in Newbridge. Vikki Wall was again inspirational for the Royals, one of four to hit a point each, while Alannah Prizeman and Ciara Wheeler struck goals, and there was 0-2 apiece for Kerrie Cole and Ciara Smyth. Advertisement Kildare refused to throw in the towel and with Mia Doherty, Byrne and Dooley all kicking points during six minutes of stoppage-time, the bare minimum separated the sides in the end In Munster, reigning All-Ireland champions Kerry qualified for the Munster final after a hard-earned 2-9 to 1-11 win in Dungarvan when they were pushed all the way by Waterford. The champions led 1-5 to 0-5 at the break, Rachel Dwyer's 13th minute goal proving to be the difference between the sides at the interval. It was a well worked team movement into the harbour end of the ground which saw Danielle O'Leary find Dwyer and she made no mistake in finishing past Katelyn Gardner in the Waterford goal. Waterford did not give up and five minutes into stoppage time they won a free which was brought into a more favourable position, but Kellyann Hogan saw her effort rise over the crossbar as the All-Ireland Champions drew players back to line the goal. Kerry will face Cork after they proved much too strong for Tipperary in their clash at Fethard Town Park, with an 11-point winning margin (3-13 to 0-11) reflecting the gulf between the sides. Goals proved vital for the visitors, with Katie Quirke getting two, the second from the penalty spot and Laura O'Mahony getting the score of the game, with a beautifully angled shot to the top corner of the net past Lauren Fitzpatrick. Despite an encouraging start, the home side never threatened the Cork goal. There was an over-reliance on Aisling Moloney from frees, but Sarah English put in a brilliant second half with three points from play.
Irish Times
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Vikki Wall: ‘I think there is room for GAA players to be paid in some capacity'
Vikki Wall is a two-time All-Ireland winner with the Meath senior football team , and was an All-Star and player of the year after the first of those in 2021. She has also played Aussie rules football with North Melbourne, helping them to their first women's Grand Final victory last year, and represented Ireland at Rugby Sevens . Are you a saver or a spender? I want to say saver but there is definitely a sprinkle of spender there, too. I allow myself some wiggle room for spending when saving money has been completed for each month. I am partial to an online delivery, and I wouldn't like to calculate how much I spend on shoes each year. My justification is that I get great wear out of each pair – sometimes, I change shoes three times a day. What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid? I reckon it was refereeing a few underage games, under-10s/under-12s. I got about €30 per game. That probably didn't come close to covering my parents' petrol money driving me to and from the games, but it went straight into my pocket. Do you shop around for better value? The majority of the time I would, especially with my food shop. I'm also a big fan of a bargain. I place emphasis on cost-per-wear with certain things, however, so I don't mind spending money on things if I know how often I will use them. You know, boots, runners – all the good stuff. READ MORE What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost? When they were in their prime, I purchased a pair of Balenciaga runners for about €700. Not the wisest decision, perhaps, but you know, cost-per-wear… What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? The wearable performance tracker Whoop. I put off buying it for a while but would now be lost without it. It has a yearly subscription base that I won't have to think twice about renewing. Is there anything you regret spending money on? I would have been fond of a random instrument when I was younger. The didgeridoo and bongo don't get much airtime now. Do you haggle over prices? I certainly wouldn't be the biggest haggler of prices in my family. That crown lies elsewhere, but maybe on holiday, if I'm buying a hat or a towel, I'll ask for a few cent off. Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency? A very small amount in shares, to be honest, as I wouldn't have a huge amount of knowledge in the area. Do you have a retirement or pension plan? Yes, but answering these questions has prompted me to look into that a bit more. I know I have something loosely set up and a superannuation in Australia . My dad is the go-to in the house for all financial queries – I think he might be getting some additional time in his calendar for a catch-up. What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? My last purchase was a couch from Jysk. It was great value until it took at least four hours to build, and it caused a few arguments. Post-build, it's slowly earning its value back. Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? I am in the process of just that at the moment. I am a big coffee fan and have probably been spending a bit too much on the coconut flat whites. I'm debating between a Sage or De Longhi. I've nearly bitten the bullet a few times but I've been looking at the different functions and machine types trying to figure out which one I'm going to commit to. Can I get back to you on that one? [ How to make barista grade coffee at home - according to the experts Opens in new window ] Have you ever lost money? Thankfully not a significant amount, but I probably have lost one of everything else in my life. I've gotten better, but losing coats, jackets, and anything made of material isn't out of character. Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win? I am not and have never really been bar a bit of craic on big events with friends or a Super Bowl bet. No winnings to report, unfortunately. Should county GAA players be paid to play? I think there is definitely room for better minimum standards across the board, for sure. In terms of remuneration, it's not the reason people commit to their counties and the privilege of playing with them, but yes, I think there is room for players to be paid in some capacity. Whether it's from ticket sales, and so on, I'm not sure. What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst? My worst habit would be an impulse buy here or there. My best habit would be using the 'spare change' function on Revolut. It's a great way to save up extra money for a holiday or something else in the background without you noticing. How much money do you have on you now? I have €80. It has been in my purse since last August. Before I went back to Australia, I completely forgot about it and got a nice surprise several weeks ago when I found it. I'll save it for a rainy day. In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
