Players 'up' for Derry game

There was note of confidence from Meath GAA Co Board last night at the monthly meeting in Ratoath where chairman Conor Tormey was upbeat about the prospects for the footballers in the qualifiers.

'The players and manager are up for this game against Derry, they were very disappointed after the defeat by Dublin,' he said.

'We are still in the All-Ireland series and with the luck of the draw, if we can win on Saturday, we might make it to the quarter-finals or the semi-finas,' he added.

Meath GAA supporters are facing an early start on Saturday morning if they are travelling to Owenbeg (Dungiven) for the All-Ireland SFC 2A qualifier against Derry at 2.30pm.

The timing is not very convenient for away fans who are facing the prospects of a 250-mile round trip.

ALL-IRELAND QUALIFIER FIXTURE GUIDE

SATURDAY 9th JULY

Owenbeg - Derry v Meath,2.30pm All-Ireland 2A, Paddy Neilan, Roscommon, extra-time

Semple Stadium - Limerick v Cork, 3pm All-Ireland 2B, Noel Mooney, Cavan, extra-time.

Castlebar - Mayo v Fermanagh, 3.30pm, All-Ireland 2B, Joe McQuillan, Cavan, extra-time

Breffni Park - Cavan v Carlow, 5pm, All-Ireland 2A, Fergal Kelly, Longford, extra-time.

Newbridge - Kildare v Offaly, 6.30pm, All-Ireland 2B, Padraig Hughes, Armagh, extra-time

Clones - Monaghan v Longford, 6.30pm, All-Ireland 2B, Ciaran Branagan, Down, extra-time.

SUNDAY 10th JULY

Ennis - Clare v Laois, 2pm, All-Ireland 2A, Marty Duffy, Sligo, extra-time.