No real test for Meath in Croke Park sunshine

Colm Coyle had mixed feelings about Sunday's big win. He was pleased that his side should prove capable of notching up a huge score in the Leinster SFC and create a little piece of history.

On the other hand he wasn't quite sure just what the resounding victory said about his team as the win was facile and undemanding.

The first round of the championship, he said, was always a journey into the unknown especially with four debutants and a string of untried youngsters on the bench.

He was relieved that Meath won with plenty to spare although it was hard to avoid the conclusion that he would have preferred a stiffer challenge to test the mettle of his young guns in the white-heat of championship action.

He was the type of player who revelled in the cut and thrust of championship football when big questions were asked of each individual. As a player Coyle wouldn't have enjoyed the type of game that had just unfolded before his eyes, lacking any sparkle, tension or even drama.

The second-half was even devoid of a competitive edge to keep the crowd interested and even some Meath supporters were making their way to the exits well before the final whistle.

Having been at the wrong end of a few drubbings himself as a player and manager Coyle had great sympathy for Carlow who were out of their depth. As it turned out, any pre-match fears he might have had were unfounded.

“The first round of the championship, you're always a bit wary, it's a step into the unknown and I suppose we were missing so many lads, we were expecting Carlow to come at us for the first 20 minutes,” he said.

“Realistically the game was over after the first 20 minutes and it kind of fizzled out in the end and you never enjoy to see the opposition getting a beating like that, we're just happy to get the win and be in the next round of the Leinster championship.”

Before the Sunday's encounter Coyle had been talking about finding out just how much depth is in the panel with the five suspended players out of the equation.

This game didn't answer any questions for him and he was leaving it to the Wexford clash before he found out more.

“Wexford in two weeks time will be a different ball game altogether.

“I watched Carlow play in the league and they put it up to teams, just today they lost some of their influential players, their full-back, centre-back and they just went through the motions after that, you can't read too much into it.”

Praising the performance of the four players who made starting debuts Coyle felt Brian Meade was particularly impressive, providing “a star midfield performance.”

While Coyle reported no injury concerns from Sunday's game the news wasn't quite as good for Anthony Moyles who will be out for another “two or three weeks” at least.

Brian Farrell's return also broadened Coyle's options ahead of the Wexford game. His biggest concern may well be picking 15 players from what is a rapidly expanding panel.