Meath to face Longford in Hastings Cup final on Sunday

With Meath exiting the O'Byrne Cup last Sunday, the way is now clear for Meath supporters to take in what will be an attractive tie next Sunday between the Royal County and Longford in the final of the Hastings Cup (u-21) which will now be played in Newtownforbes on Sunday at 2.30pm.

The final was originally scheduled for this Friday night but was moved yesterday and it's lilely that the fixture will attract a big crowd the the well-appointed that is about four miles the far side of Longford on the Sligo road.

Meath defeated Cavan in the semi-final last Saturday at Abbeylara and manager Barry Callaghan is delighted to have another competitive outing before the Leinster u-21 FC game against Westmeath next month.

“Playing competitive games is where you can improve, where you can learn, all our preparations are geared towards the championship next month against Westmeath, this win  is another stepping stone,' he stated.

“We picked up a few more injuries against Cavan, we have been a bit unfortunate in that respect and we will just have to assess where we are.

“On the positive side, we have a big panel and we know that we can rely on whatever 15 we send out, they will do their best for Meath.

“At the moment players like Gavin McGowan, Ronan Jones and Daire Rowe are unable to train with us due to injuries and we will have to add Sean Meade and possibly Daniel O’Neill to that list.

“Hopefully, we will have some of them available for selection by mid-February, the position of Gavin, Ronan and Daire will be a bit clearer in a week or two and we will have to assess the injuries to Sean and Daniel over the next couple of days.

“It’s very disappointing for the players and also for myself and the selectors, but we will monitor everything closely in the build up to the Westmeath game,” he concluded.

UNDER-21 STATISTICS

First round - Offaly 2-7, Meath 0-11.
Second round - Meath 3-16, Leitrim 0-15.
Third round - Meath 2-15, Wicklow 0-2.
Semi-final - Meath 2-9, Cavan 1-8.

NEXT UP
Hastings Cup final - Longford v Meath, Allen Park, Newtownforbes, Sunday 29th January, 2.30pm.