Niamh O'Sullivan says it was the right time to step away from Meath

Former Meath ladies football footballer Niamh O'Sullivan says it was the right time to step away from inter-county football.

O'Sullivan enjoyed a decorated career with Meath, and was an important part of the side that won back-to-back All-Ireland titles in 2021 and 2022.

While she said it was a difficult decision, she said she is happy with the outcome and being able to leave on her own terms.

“I got married last December, and I wasn't going to be doing pre-season. I had it - in the back of my mind - that last year was going to be my last year. I didn't fully decide until January when I came back from my honeymoon.

"I think, for me, it was nice that I could step out on my own terms.

“A lot of players have to retire because of injuries or medical issues, but it was my own decision. It was hard, I did miss mainly seeing the girls every day of the week nearly, but the training, I definitely didn't miss the training side of things.

“I was delighted with my decision. Obviously, having the success with my club has made up for that, it has made it a bit easier transitioning from the county back into my club.”

O'Sullivan came into the sport at a time when inter-county football was dominated by Cork and Dublin, with an All-Ireland looking unlikely for Meath.

Making her debut as a teenager in 2008, the Dunshaughlin native previously stepped away from the Royal panel for a number of years before returning to the fold in 2016.

Meath dropped from the All-Ireland senior football championship at the end of her comeback year, only to eventually reclaim a top-tier spot with an All-Ireland intermediate success in 2020.

In addition to claiming Division 2 and Division 1 league crowns, O’Sullivan was a pivotal figure as Meath sealed