LEINSTER SFC FIRST ROUND: Meath v Offaly:OFFALY'S SLIPPAGE from the highs of provincial competitiveness has been accompanied by a type of mental block in relation to the qualifiers. Like many counties with a proud championship record they have appeared to deflate as soon as the first defeat befalls them.
But in recent years the championship hasn’t been notably more rewarding. Last year’s defeat to an admittedly useful Kildare side was fairly listless and they are outsiders for this against a Meath team juggling a few injuries.
Eamon O’Brien’s team comfortably held their own in Division Two but lost out on the chance for promotion by losing to Tipperary. Anthony Moyles is again entrusted with the full-back position in the injury-enforced absence of Kevin Reilly and although not his favourite position, he will be a reliable presence.
The potentially decisive contests come at the other end of the field where Meath have a very strong spine to the attack with Shane O’Rourke back for the first time in three years and Joe Sheridan behind him at centre forward. Cian Ward and Stephen Bray pose plenty of scoring threat in the corners.
Offaly’s defence struggled at times in the league but Tom Cribbin has overhauled the back six that conceded five goals to Louth in the last league match and it looks tighter although as the manager himself, for whatever reason, mentioned, they might struggle physically.
MEATH: P O'Rourke; C O'Connor, A Moyles, E Harrington; G O'Brien, M Burke, C King; N Crawford, M Ward; S Kenny, J Sheridan, G Reilly; C Ward, S O'Rourke, S Bray.
OFFALY: A Mulhall; B Darby, S Brady, P Sullivan; S Sullivan, R Dalton, K Slattery; C McManus, J Coughlan; N Darby, B Connor, S Ryan; K Casey, J Reynolds, N McNamee.
Referee: Derek Fahy (Longford)
LEINSTER SHC: SPORTS DIGEST
In The Last Episode
Ten years ago, Offaly eliminated Meath, who were then All-Ireland and Leinster champions, in the last year of the sudden-death provincial championships.
You Bet
Meath are 1-3, Offaly 14-5 and 9-1 the draw.
On Your Marks
Niall McNamee is, on form, Offaly’s best forward. Manager Tom Cribbin is adamant he will play despite a quad injury but local opinion isn’t convinced. With him firing on all cylinders Offaly might have a chance.
Gaining Ground
The last time the counties met at the provincial venue was when Meath had home advantage for their easy win in 1995. Last year Offaly lost to Kildare in Portlaoise whereas Meath beat Limerick here in the qualifiers.
Just The Ticket
Stand tickets (€25). Family tickets for the stand (adults €25 and children €5) and terrace (adults €15 and children €3). Terrace (€15). OAPs €10 rebate on stand tickets and €5 on terrace tickets. Students €5 rebate on terrace tickets.
Crystal Gazing
Meath’s forwards will do enough damage to win the match.
