BY ROYAL DESCENT
they’ve kept the score down or are even leading by a few points.
“Both Monaghan and Donegal were in commanding positions to take points and they didn’t follow through, they bottled it. Panic set in.
“I’m not doubting Dublin’s never-say-die attitude and it is a sign off true champions. But all the challengers have to game manage the situation better.
“This doesn’t come from the managers. It comes from the player on the pitch.
“Teams need to believe they can beat the Dubs and I do think the gap is starting to reduce,” he told Paddy Power News.
GRAHAM GERAGHTY says Meath lack the firepower to thrive at the highest level.
The Royal legend’s analysis is borne out by a look at the NFL Division One table, which is propped up by Andy Mcentee’s pointless side.
Geraghty (inset) said: “There’s no point sugar-coating it, we’re struggling in Division One, being competitive but not being able to get across the line.
“Looking at the early part, you’d have targeted Tyrone up there, and the game against Mayo was disappointing, a game we had in the bag but let slip.
“So that’s two or three points we could have had and it’s so tight there in Division One at the minute, three points might keep you up.
“And I can’t see them beating Dublin, Galway or Monaghan in the last three games.”
Geraghty, a key attacker in Meath’s All-ireland winning sides of 1996 and ‘99 having previously starred in defence, laments the current team’s lack of cutting edge.
“Defensively we’re very good. Midfield, we’re holding our own. It’s that marquee forward we’re missing. Lads that can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and win games for us.
“I think apart from last week
(against Kerry), most of our scores have come from midfielders and defenders so that is a worrying sign, that we haven’t got the calibre of player that’s going to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
“I suppose that’s a lot to do with the system we’re playing. We’re bringing forwards into our defence and then we’re just not as quick as other teams. It’s looking like we’ll go back straight down to Division Two. “We’ve seen that it’s very difficult for us to get out of there. It’s very competitive. It’s not the end of the world, it’s not a bad place to be. You’re getting good games week in, week out but you need to be up with the big boys if you want to be in contention for winning medals.”
Geraghty’s own medal haul took a hit last November when a number of his career souvenirs were stolen during a break-in at his home in Athboy.
While some were recovered, he’s still missing Leinster minor, under-21 and senior medals and has been in touch with Croke Park about getting them reminted.
“I was over visiting Ollie Geraghty – no relation, though he played for the same club, Senchalstown – and he had his ‘67 jersey with Meath, and all his medals underneath. It’s something he shows his grandkids and people in the house.
“In 10 or 20 years, if I’m still around, it’s something to look back on. And they were hard won! It’d be nice to have them.”
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