Grimes leads Meath to Leinster final rematch with Dubs

Stacey Grimes hit 1-07 as Meath set up a Leinster final clash with Dublin on May 28 after a comfortable win against Westmeath in Pairc Tailteann.

Meath were 1-07 to 0-02 to the good at half time and second half goals from Niamh Gallogly and substitute Ciara Smyth ensured the win for the reigning All Ireland Champions. Westmeath showed great resilience with Sarah Dillon hitting 1-05 of Michael Finneran squad's tally.

Westmeath got the best of the start, but Sarah Dillon's effort fell into Monica McGuirk’s waiting arms and on the resumption, Kelsey Nesbitt grabbed the first score for the Royals in the second minute. Sarah Dillon levelled matters from a free a minute later but Vikki Wall’s first point from play nulled that score.

Stacey Grimes converted a free on seven minutes but Ciara Blundell brought Westmeath back to within a point after Kelley Boyce-Jordan overturned possession in the centre of the field and a quick exchange with Sarah Dillon sent Blundell through for her score. Vikki Wall converted a free on 18 minutes and a minute later Meath found the net when Stacey Grimes converted a penalty after Kelsey Nesbitt was fouled. Meath finished the half strongly.

Sarah Wall, making her return to Senior action since injury forced her off in the 2020 All Ireland Intermediate Final, hit a beautiful point off her left boot to push Meath into a 1-05 to 0-02 lead.

A Stacey Grimes brace, one from play and one a free summed up the action in the first half as Meath led by 1-07 to 0-02 at the break.

Orlagh Lally hit Meath’s opening score in the second half and Meath pushed further ahead when Niamh Gallogly hit Meath’s second goal on 35 minutes.

Maire O’Shaughnessy found Gallogly and while the initial shot was saved by Westmeath keeper