Kerry great Paul Galvin believes Meath are primed to take down another big team in 2026.
Four-time All-Ireland winner Galvin, who managed Ratoath to the Meath SFC final last year, believes all of the raw materials are in place for Robbie Brennan’s side to progress once more this season.
Meath beat Dublin, Kerry and Galway on their way to an All-Ireland semi-final last season and are currently tied at the top of Division 2 with three wins from three.
“I think they are an interesting side,” said former Footballer of the Year Gavlin, speaking on the Irish Examiner’s Gaelic football podcast.
“The rules being what they are and the jeopardy that is at play at the moment, there is the jeopardy, lottery and a condensed time period. It is a whole new ball game.
“When I think about that Meath side. They are in with a great shout. They are a county with pedigree and winning tradition. If they can get it any way right, they can take off.
“I think they are very well placed, I’ll say it, but I believe in the summer they can take down any team. Any contending team. It is like the last 20 or 25 years was all the same to them.
“They remind me a bit of that ‘96 team. It is like the last 25 years meant nothing. We are Meath now. We are back. A bit of identity about them and physically well put together, they kick it well and this game could suit Meath more than it suits anyone.”
Galvin pointed to the talent in the squad as well as their athleticism as cause for optimism.
“They are well equipped. You look at Costello, Kinsella, Freyne, Jordan Morris, Conlon was brilliant when he came in against Derry. He was fantastic. He buried Derry defenders when they came out with the ball. Got a score, created a score.
“Remember last year, they got loads of shots off against Donegal but they were well off it at the end. They just weren’t ready. Now they were without both of their first choice midfielders that day. There is bags of stuff around the county.
“Their club game physically is a little off the mark. It is funny that way, they mightn’t be that fit. But this senior team is very well put together.”
