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20 | SPRING 2021 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie "But Vikki basically stormed through football training one time and we all agreed that she couldn't leave! "I started with one of my friends in school – both of us loved it when we started but I got quite competitive into high jump for a spell – I won Leinster three times and came fourth in the All-Ireland three times." Sarah attended Gaelscoil Thulach na nÓg in Dunboyne before moving on to St Peter's, Dunboyne. She's back at DCU now – this time in a student capacity, and in second year of a health and society course. Having undergone surgery, performed by Mr. Mihai Vioreanu on January 20, Sarah's looking forward, while also still basking in the good memories of the 2020 campaign. Having suffered final losses to Tyrone in 2018 and Tipperary a year later, this one was special for Meath. "It was really moving," she says. "Over the years, we've had our ups and downs…I think we were definitely pushed to prove ourselves. It came to the stage of 'they've been in Croke Park twice – they have to do it a third time' and there were no other options." They might have been underdogs in many people's eyes but defeat wasn't an option for the Royals. Now that they've earned the right to play Senior Championship football, Wall is confident they can adapt, even if there is the prospect of a Leinster Final with Dublin looming later in the year. "I remember being younger and watching Vikki and the other girls playing against Dublin – they were hammered and it was sore to watch," Sarah reflects. "But this team has such potential and a lot of girls on it now that have come back (into the fold). "We have the right management and everybody has the same focus. But we're the type of the team that has to show up on the day – we've fallen through the cracks before. "If we don't turn up and play like we can, we'll go back down, but I do have every belief that we can win the Leinster Final." It's that positive mindset that will ensure Sarah Wall is back on the playing field before we know it – and assisting Meath as they embark on a new Senior era. For now, there's a battle to fight – but Wall's ready for it. "I THINK WE WERE DEFINITELY PUSHED TO PROVE OURSELVES. IT CAME TO THE STAGE OF 'THEY'VE BEEN IN CROKE PARK TWICE – THEY HAVE TO DO IT A THIRD TIME' AND THERE WERE NO OTHER OPTIONS." Left: Sarah Wall of Meath during the 2020 TG4 All- Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship Final match between Meath and Westmeath INTERVIEW