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Peter Sweeney

Peter Sweeney's Blog

Peter Sweeney is the Gaelic Games Correspondent with the Irish Daily Star Newspaper. He is a regular on television and radio and even though he isn't any good he still tries to play Gaelic football.

  • 28 Jun 2010

    The Royals are now strong contenders

    IN AN All-Ireland race that is the widest open in years, Meath now have to be considered genuine Sam Maguire contenders. Most of the pre-season money was wagered on Cork, Kerry and Tyrone. read more

    IN AN All-Ireland race that is the widest open in years, Meath now have to be considered genuine Sam Maguire contenders.

    Most of the pre-season money was wagered on Cork, Kerry and Tyrone.

    The Rebels are back down at the foot of the mountain however and facing a long route through the qualifiers to get back to Croke Park.

    Kerry are undoubtedly the best team in the country - but only so long as Paul Galvin is on the field and he is out for their next two games at least so there’s no guarantee that he will be able to make his return in the semi-finals.

    Tyrone are ticking over nicely, but they were at this stage last year too only to be rumbled when the intensity ratcheted up a level or two at Headquarters.

    So there’s nothing too frightening out there for teams that were considered outside of the top three - and that includes Meath.

    The Royals have had a talented set of forwards for a number of years who have produced the occasional sensational performance. This summer they are all bang in form at the same time, as their five goals through four different players against Dublin last Sunday attests.

    Goals win games and Meath’s attack knows where the net is - raising the green flag is always on the minds of Joe Sheridan, Cian Ward and Stephen Bray.

    Their midfield wasn’t fantastic against the Dubs, but Nigel Crawford is set to return for the Leinster final against Louth on Sunday week.

    It was feared that a bulging disk in his back would end his season so having him in the middle of the field again will be a huge boost to manager Eamonn O’Brien.

    Crawford is the only players still active in Leinster with an All-Ireland medal and he’s also the only Meath man to have played in - and won - a senior provincial final before so his experience is invaluable.

    The main worry about O’Brien’s team surrounded their defence, but in their last two games - against the Dubs and the replayed win over Laois - they have been water-tight.

    The return of Kevin Reilly to full-back following a year out through injury has helped. In the corners Chris O’Connor is an able man-maker and Eoghan Harrington produced a great display last Sunday.

    Another major plus for them is the fact that Meath expect to win - pressure doesn’t get to them, expectation doesn’t phase them and big-name opposition doesn’t frighten them.

    So the Royals are back and it has made the summer even more interesting.

Home Away Date Time Venue
Mayo Dublin 11.02.2012 12:00  
Cavan Longford 11.02.2012 12:00  
Kerry Armagh 11.02.2012 12:00  
Waterford Kilkenny 11.02.2012 12:00  

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Home Score Away Score Date Venue
Clare 1-17 Waterford 0-12 05.02  
Kilkenny 1-01 Wicklow 3-25 05.02  
Leitrim 0-09 Limerick 1-09 05.02  
Armagh 0-10 Cork 1-07 05.02  

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