Cleary aims for All-Ireland medal before AFLW move
Meath captain Aoibhín Cleary is preparing for a major transition as she sets her sights on winning one last All-Ireland senior title before leaving for Australia to begin her AFLW career with Richmond. “Cleary aims for All-Ireland medal before AFLW move,” and her determination to lift the Brendan Martin Cup one more time is as strong as ever. Earlier this year, Cleary signed a two-year contract with Richmond, becoming the 40th Irish player to secure a spot in the AFLW. Richmond’s recruiting manager, Trent Mosbey, praised her attributes, stating her speed, endurance, agility, and high work rate make her a great fit. He also highlighted her defensive skills, competitiveness, and physical style of play.
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Focused on Meath First
Although Cleary is excited to follow her fellow Meath players Vicky Wall and Orla Lally to Australia, she remains laser-focused on the upcoming All-Ireland final at Croke Park. Speaking before the final against Dublin, Cleary emphasized, “I’ll be heading out pretty quick after the final but for now I’m just focusing on Sunday.” Richmond has been incredibly supportive of her commitment to Meath, allowing her to finish the season and compete for the title. She explained that her loyalty to the county came first, and the club understood how important this journey is to her and the team.
Chasing Another Title
Cleary was part of Meath’s historic wins in 2021 and 2022 and still cherishes the moment they defeated Dublin for their first title. It was not just about football—it was a moment of hope coming out of the Covid era. This year, under Shane McCormack’s management, Meath is back in the final after a strong win over reigning champions Kerry. Cleary is proud of the progress they’ve made and is determined to finish strong. The disappointment of early exits in recent seasons fueled their motivation. “It’s great to still be training and playing games this time of year,” she added.
Overcoming Doubts and Regaining Confidence
Cleary acknowledged that outside doubts about the team’s ability to bounce back only made them more determined. “The belief in our group never wavered,” she said. Despite a mixed league campaign, they found momentum during the All-Ireland series. Even after setbacks, the team stayed committed and focused on improvement. Cleary noted their recent performances have been more consistent, and they’ll need to raise their game again for the final.
A County Reignited
The All-Ireland final is a rematch of the Leinster decider, where both the men’s and women’s Meath teams competed. Although both sides lost, the day brought the county together. Cleary said there’s been a renewed energy around Meath GAA. “We fed off each other’s energy,” she shared.
Support at Home
Cleary’s partner, Cork camogie player Hannah Looney, is also preparing for her own All-Ireland final against Galway. They support one another deeply, understanding the emotional highs and lows that come with elite competition. “It’s nice that we can feed off each other and understand what each is feeling,” Cleary said.
