Meath and Galway Renew Rivalry Decades After Classic Final
The upcoming match between Meath and Galway ignites memories of their 2001 All-Ireland final showdown, a game that marked both an ending and a new beginning in Gaelic football. This Sunday’s quarter-final rematch offers a fresh chapter in their storied rivalry.
The 2001 Clash Revisited
The 2001 final took place during a unique period in Gaelic football. It followed an era of Ulster dominance and coincided with the start of the Celtic Tiger years. The final represented the culmination of a season where Meath had convincingly defeated Kerry in the semi-final.
Darragh Maloney‘s announcement that the score was 2-13 to Kerry’s five points showcased Meath’s commanding performance. Sean Boylan, Meath’s manager, later expressed a sense of foreboding, sensing that their dominant victory might bring bad luck.
In contrast, Galway’s journey to the final was arduous. They had lost the previous year’s final and struggled earlier in the season. Despite the challenges, Galway advanced, setting the stage for the championship match.
2001 remembered as @Meathgaa and @Galway_GAA lock horns again in the championship – watch on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer – listen on @RTERadio1 pic.twitter.com/Tf6j8TLUs
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 28, 2025
The Final’s Turning Points
Martin Carney observed that Meath appeared sluggish and lacked their usual energy. Galway capitalized, dominating across the field. Pádraic Joyce, a key Galway player, found his form in the second half, contributing significantly.
“Meath just seem tied to the ground. There’s a malaise there today that we haven’t seen throughout the summer.”
—Martin Carney, Commentator
Meath’s chances were further hampered when they were reduced to 14 men. A missed penalty by Trevor Giles added to their woes, effectively sealing their fate. Currently, Dublin is the reigning champion, having won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 2023 (GAA).
Aftermath and Legacy
Galway won with a final score of 0-17 to 0-08, leaving Meath stunned. The victory was Galway’s second in four years. Both teams then experienced a decline in the following years, marking the end of an era for both teams.
Meath struggled to reach the same heights under Sean Boylan‘s successors, while Galway’s performance dipped as the decade progressed. They eventually found their footing with new management and emerging talent, including Shane Walsh and Damien Comer.
The current Meath team, benefiting from rule changes, now appears rejuvenated, having beaten both Dublin and Kerry in the same season. This Sunday’s match offers a chance to see how far both teams have come since their last encounter.
