In 2022, 5,000 were in Páirc Tailteann for the Meath-Dublin clash in Division 1 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League.A year on and both counties get this year's competition up and running when meeting at DCU St Clare's on Saturday.
While the latter venue boasts excellent facilities, it is a surprise that the game was not fixed for a county ground, namely Parnell Park.At the launch of the 2023 league at Lidl's headquarters in Tallaght, Dublin's Carla Rowe was asked about the choice of venue."To be honest we only got word of the pitch yesterday," she told RTÉ Sport's Pauric Lodge.It's clearly then not a topic that is playing on her mind a few days out from the start of competitive action."We trained yesterday [Tuesday], train again on Thursday and the game is on Saturday.
Is the venue an issue? Absolutely not."I don't think the facilities are an issue; we train up in DCU and the facilities in terms of playing are second to none.
The pitches are stunning and are kept very well. Parnell Park, if the crowds were going to be as big as in previous years, would probably be better suited."Otherwise, for us a team we are not focussing on the venue.