Meath set sights on provincial decider
MEATH manager Conor O’Donoghue will likely have Daire Rowe and Ben Brennan back as his charges attempt to halt Wexford’s three-in-a-row aspirations in the Leinster JFC semi-final at Pairc Tailteann tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at 7.30.
Brennan was a first-half injury casualty in the opening-round win over Kildare, while captain Rowe failed to appear for the second period after picking up a knock before the break.
Both Brennan and Rowe made significant contributions with three points each before their departure, while the Syddan clubman set up Jason Scully for the game’s opening goal.
The entire starting forward line got on the scoring against the Lilywhites, but it took a goal from substitute Cathal McConnell to prove the difference in the 2-18 to 1-19 win.
Home advantage, plus the fact that Wexford haven’t had a previous outing, should be a help as Meath attempt to make it back to the decider against either Louth or Wicklow.
Their last appearance in the final was in 2015 when Wexford grabbed an injury-time goal to snatch victory.
O’Donoghue and his management team will look to shore up some of the defensive frailties that were evident in the win over the Lillywhites. The Meath boss admitted afterwards that his side had virtually no preparation going into the game, but after getting a few training sessions under their belt since then the Royals should be much more organised for this one.
The Model County, who defeated Louth in last year’s decider, are an unknown quantity, but with home advantage and the availability of a number of senior panellists, Meath could have the edge.