MEATH READY FOR TAKE TWO

NO stone has been left unturned by Meath in trying to ‘retain’ the Christy Ring Cup since the GUBU-style drama surrounding the original fixture when Trim’s James Toher accepted the trophy only for a replay to be ordered when it was confirmed the scoreboard, and referee’s final tally, were in error. Kilkenny All-Star Paul Murphy has been with the squad to lend his weight of experience. Tipperary’s cerebral All-Ireland winning coach Eamon O’Shea has taken a pitch session. And last Thursday night, before the neat PR touch of holding an open training session with the next generation of young hurlers in Meath, the iconic figure of Sean Boylan delivered some motivational words. Judging by the relaxed mood at their centre of excellence in Dunganny on Thursday, the players are as well prepped as they can be against an Antrim team fancied to finish off the job at the second time of asking. Team trainer Michael McCullough felt the effects of the firestorm of controversy after the original fixture more than most, his home club just happening to be O’Donovan Rossa in Belfast. ‘It was awkward. The build-up was awkward and then, what happened, you’re dragged two different ways. ‘Before I took the job, I’ve a friend in Kildare who I talked to. He said to me, “there’s serious talent in Meath”. Whether it comes through is the thing. Look at the lads, and they could hurl with anybody. There’s three or four lads who have played shinty with Ireland.’ He admitted it was tough to hand the cup back after being declared winners. ‘It was surreal. We’ve approached it that the last day hasn’t happened,’ he said. ‘Seán spoke and said, “this is your final now”. And that’s probably the best way to go about it. ‘There was talk then of letting Meath keep the cup and Antrim go on — I wouldn’t want the cup in that way.’