Redemption day for Royals as the backdoor beckons
IT’S redemption day for the Meath footballers as they attempt to negotiate the tricky waters that is the All-Ireland Qualifiers when they take on Sligo at Pairc Tailteann this Saturday (6pm).
Following the disappointment of the heavy defeat and more importantly the poor showing against Kildare in the Leinster semi-final, a positive response will be expected against the Yeats County.
Indeed, anything less than an impressive display and clear-cut win will hardly be sufficient to convince supporters that the county can enjoy an extended summer.
Meath’s form in the qualifiers has been unimpressive in recent years to say the least, though it could be maintained that the draw hasn’t been kind to them since their last win against Galway back in 2011.
Since then they have bowed out to Kildare, Laois, Armagh, Derry and Tyrone twice and on the evidence of the display against the Lillywhites in Tullamore they will need to avoid some of the big guns if they are to make progress this year.
Sligo defeated New York in the opening round of the Connacht SFC before losing 0-11 to 2-14 to Mayo in the provincial quarter-final.
They defeated 14-man Antrim 0-22 to 3-7 in their opening qualifier game, during which they showed mixed form.
Corner forward Stephen Coen scored eight second-half points for Sligo, who are managed by Kildare native Niall Carew, but Sligo conceded two goals early in the second half before the dismissal of Antrim’s Jack Dowling proved a turning point.
It will be interesting to see if Andy McEntee gives his under-performing side a chance to atone for their shortcomings against Kildare or decides to introduce some fresh blood to his starting line-up.
O’Mahony’s Ruairi O Coileain, who scored three points after coming on as a second-half sub, has strong claims for a starting spot, while James McEntee could well be given a starting berth in defence. However, it is difficult to see any of last Sunday’s successful junior team being ‘promoted’ at this stage.
The Meath men have had a number of training session since the Kildare defeat, as well as an extended ‘inquest’ and a challenge last weekend against Roscommon. They recorded a win in that game against the Rossies.
Sligo could prove tricky opposition, but Meath need to produce the goods in this one and a convincing win is a must to restore some pride in the county.