Chance for both counties to salvage a bit of silverware

WITH both counties having suffered devastating defeats at senior level last weekend Sunday’s Leinster Junior decider is an opportunity for Louth and Meath to get their hands on some silverware.

The grade has diminished in recent years due to the number of counties failing to take part but nevertheless it is seen as a stepping stone to the senior team for some players.

That can certainly be the case for Meath who have gone with a very young team this year, mostly under 23.

At very short notice manager Conor O’Donoghue assembled quite a talented bunch of young players and they are captained by Syddan’s Daire Rowe who is not yet 21.

Meath saw off the challenge of Kildare in their opening round clash before ending Wexford’s three-in-a-row hopes in the semi-final. Just two points separated themselves and Kildare, 2-18 to 1-19, with a late goal from substitute Cathal McConnell proving the crucial score.

The Royals ran up another big score in the victory over holders Wexford, winning 1-17 to 0-10 and what was evident from that display was the quality of the Meath attack.

Captain Rowe, Kevin Ross, Paddy Kennelly and Ben Brennan proved a scoring threat throughout while both Stephen Coogan and Jason Scully made big impressions when sprung from the bench.

The Meath rearguard which looked vulnerable at times in the win over Kildare was strengthened by the addition of St Colmcille’s duo of Adam Lynch and Joe Sweeney to the starting line up for the semi-final clash.

Meath also possess a formidable midfield partnership in Adam Flanagan who has senior experience, and Dunderry’s Conor Farrell.

It’s 2006 since Meath last won the title at this level while Louth have won it twice since then, 2009 and 2010.

The counties met at the semi-final stage in 2015 and Meath snatched victory from the jaws of defeat scoring three late points to win 2-11 to 0-16. Louth had the likes of James Califf, Jim McEneaney, Ronan Holcroft and Craig Lynch in action that day while Meath included Kevin Ross and Kevin Traynor both of whom are again part of this years team.