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NIAMH O'DEA PLAYER'S PERSPECTIVE Q : Niamh, thanks a lot for chatting to us. You tuned in to watch the 2020 TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Final between Meath and Westmeath. What were your thoughts on the game? A: It was a brilliant game, a very high standard and entertaining. The standard shown would not be out of place in the senior ranks. It was really nip and tuck up until the last water break, when Meath kicked on and took control of the game. In fairness to Westmeath, they never gave up and it really did go right down to the wire. Q : Having played against Meath at the semi-final stage, were they your tip for the Final, or did you feel that Westmeath would win it? A: It was hard to look past Meath for this one. They had been there in the previous two years and came out the wrong side of it. Having played against them in the semi-final, you could see they were up for it. They have tweaked their gameplan from last year and you could really see the massive drive and hunger from them throughout the year to win the title which had eluded them in recent times. They just seemed to have more hunger and showed greater composure than Westmeath when it really mattered. Q : Where do you think the Final was won and lost? A: The big moment was when Westmeath were reduced to 14 players, when Jo- hanna Maher received her yellow card. Meath really kicked on after that and made use of the extra player, finishing the game out very strong. In the first half, when Westmeath got three goals in quick succession, Meath didn't panic. Their response to that period of Westmeath dominance was second to none. Meath's ability to kick long-distance points and keep the scoreboard ticking over eventually got them over the line. Q : Who were the key performers on the day? A: Vikki Wall was absolutely brilliant for Meath. Her strength and power resulted in many driving runs through the Westmeath defence and, coupled with her finishing skills, that had a massive impact on the game. Vikki and Emma Duggan are the real driving forces for Meath and they really stood up in the Final, kicking some brilliant scores and linking play when it was needed most. Q : Having competed in the 2020 Championship, how different do you think preparations were for both counties ahead of this Final, with the game behind closed doors at Croke Park? A: Preparations were probably hampered slightly, with the League finishing prematurely and an element of the unknown for a period of time regarding Championship. It was a tough season, where a lot of the work had to be done individually by players outside of the normal team sessions. But looking at the Final, the two teams looked like they were very well-prepared. Normally, All Ireland final day means playing in front of a massive crowd which can bring extra nerves and maybe some pressure with it. I have no doubt that the support for both teams back in their counties was second to none. TG4 have been brilliant, giving coverage of games throughout the year and allowing everyone to see some absolutely fantastic games. Q : How do you rate Clare's season, and are you confident of making a greater impact on the Championship in 2021? A: Even though it ended in disappointment for us, we were absolutely privileged to get the opportunity to play, with the year that was in it. It was our first year since 2016 getting to a semi-final, so there are plenty of positives that we can take. A lot of the younger girls have gained experience and, as a group, we know we didn't do ourselves justice in the semi-final. We are really looking forward to next year, and getting the opportunity to push on and try to get back to Croke Park. 22 | WINTER 2020 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie Clare star Niamh O'Dea was a member of the Clare team beaten by eventual winners Meath at the semi-final stage in the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship. Here, Niamh reviews the Final victory for the Royals against Westmeath.