It’s time for a right Royal performance

DONEGAL’S visit to Navan represents one of the biggest games for Meath for many years.

It’s a staggering statistic that, having last won the Leinster title in 2010, the win over Sligo was Meath’s first qualifier victory in six years.

Now this second round tie is a monumental game for the players and for Andy Mcentee (pictured above with the team earlier this year). There is pressure to produce a performance everyone in the county can be proud of.

This is one of the last big games that will take place in the old colosseum that is Pairc Tailteann, which will be jammed to the rafters.

The players must produce a display that justifies the work that they’ve put.

It was unacceptable against Kildare and, by all accounts, it was equally as poor against Sligo, who were the better team.

Meath got lucky last week and to say they’re under pressure now is an understatement. I believed Meath were turning a corner in the league, but it’s been a different story in the Championship.

Nevertheless Meath have a serious chance because Donegal are in disarray.

Michael Murphy (inset) put a massive effort into the National League but doesn’t seem to have the same energy in Championship to date.

Ryan Mchugh has suffered a dip in form, as has Frank Mcglynn.

Paddy Mcbrearty has yet to ignite so that’s four of Donegal’s main men who have not produced the goods.

Rory Gallagher has also reverted to a really negative system and for me that’s the real reason why Meath have a chance here.

Sometimes there’s a pivotal moment in a team’s development and this is the chance for Meath to rise from their Championship slumber.

A shock is on the cards if we see evidence of the passion and pride that thus far has been marked absent.

It’s time to stand up in the green jersey and show the Meath people what they’re made of.