Meath prepare for junior campaign as Cavan withdraw

On Tuesday 12th June, Meath take on Longford in the Leinster JFC sem-final with the chance to exact some revenge for what the midlanders did to Andy McEntee's team last Sunday. 

A few weeks ago Davy Nelson was asked to take over the Meath juniors and since then he has been attending as many games as he can seeking to unearth talent. 

No doubt Nelson, who won six Meath SFC titles with Navan O'Mahonys as a player and four as a coach, would have liked to have a look at Longford before the game but that is now unlikely. 

Longford's quarter-final clash with Cavan - which was due to be played this evening - has been called off because the Ulster side were unable to field a team. 

There are those in the GAA fraternity who believe the junior chamionship should be disbanded but Nelson feels it's a very important competition in helping to develop players,  particulary those who ply their trade at the lower levels. 

"I don't know why some people treat it the way they do because after u-17 or u-20 levels there is nothing beyond that into the senior grade," said Nelson. "I think it's good to have a bridge to help players make the jump up. I know Kerry treat it very seriously and that's good enough for me." 

More views from Nelson on preparing for the junior championship and Meath football in general in the next issue of the Meath Chronicle