Meath Ladies would like to thank sincerely all the members of the county management teams who worked so hard this year to ensure that the players who represented their County in 2016 did so to the highest levels.

The U14, U16 and Minor panels all reached Leinster Finals - Phil Fay's Under 14s and Eamon Murray's Minors were both victorious in their Leinster B Finals and both competed in the All Ireland B Finals. While the u14s succumbed to a very strong Tipperary side, the Minors went all the way, defeating Roscommon by 4-09 to 3-01 in the final with midfielder, Aoibhín Cleary taking home the Player of the Match accolade to boot.

The Meath u16s led by Peter Byrne qualified for the Leinster 'A' final unbeaten and faced the old enemy, Dublin in the final. It was unfortunately one step too far for the Royals, but competing at the top level certainly augers well for the future.

The future is rapidly approaching and at last Monday's County Board meeting, the 2017 management teams were confirmed. Eamon Murray was once again ratified as Minor manager and will undoubtedly look to repeating his Minor success. He will be joined once more by Bertie McLoughlin and by Clíona Murray, herself an All Ireland winner back in 2009 in the u16 final against Donegal. Eamon will also be aided by 2011 All Star Irene Munnelly and will have assistance from Dunsany's Noreen Sheridan who was part of the successful U17 Academy during the summer which saw up to 50 girls turning out for training.

The U16s in 2017 will be managed by Clann na nGael's Donie McLoughlin who was a selector and a key member of the 2016 team. Donie will be ably assisted by Tracey Hamilton, Siobhan McCarthy, Anne Dungan, Bryan Barry and Evan Burlingham, all of whom were part of the management team in 2016. This continuity is sure to offer Meath a stability and a solid base to try and go one step further in 2017 and get their hands on the silverware that just eluded them in 2016.

The U14s will look to current Development Officer Ollie Bowe and his management team for the 2017 season. Among those working with the under 14s next season are; John Greene (Slane), Maggie Smith (Dunsany), Maggie McConnell (Castletown), Christy Regan (St. Michaels), Mickey Collins (Duleek-Bellewstown), Joe Barry (Castletown), Maggie Dennehy (Dunsany), Majella Carty (Skryne), John O'Rourke (First Aid, St. Colmcilles).

As the remaining club finals for the year are played, we look forward to off season as we prepare and plan for an even bigger and better 2017. We will celebrate this year's achievements on Friday 2nd December in Castle Arch Hotel in Trim - including the All Ireland and Leinster Minor titles and the U21 Team's fortunes in the Aisling McGing blitz. This will be accompanied by the now traditional club awards and we will induct a new member into our Hall of Fame. More information on this to follow.

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