Losing not an option for Regan as Greville names starting 15 for London clash.
2025 Christy Ring Cup Preview
Meath will get their 2025 Christy Ring Cup campaign underway this weekend against London on Saturday in Trim. Meath stalwart, Jack Regan caught up with Tom Gannon to preview the Royals' return to the third tier of the All-Ireland Hurling Championship.
Regan expressed similar views held by many hurling fans in the county in that should Meath win the Christy Ring this year, they will need to be ready to make the jump up competitively for the Joe McDonagh in 2026. He talked about how in previous years, the commitment level and participation of players dropped off rapidly once Meath were promoted to the Joe McDonagh.
"It would be brilliant to win the Christy Ring but if we do, we need to be fit and able to take the step up and take on the Joe McDonagh next year. Whether that is the case or not, I don't know. We are after blooding a few young lads but that's pointless if a few of them decide to step away next year. In years gone by we have had big panels winning the Christy Ring and then we go up to Joe McDonagh which is a step up and you had players stepping away. I hope that if we go up there, we can stay there for a few years because our hurling will improve no end."
Regan and Meath's focus is on London this weekend. It's a must-win game for the Royals as a loss would put them on the back foot straight away.
"We're fully fixated on London at the moment and they are going to be an extremely tough test. You never really know what you are going to get from them. It will be a tough test and home advantage for us will be huge. If you don't win that game you are on the back foot immediately and every game after that is a final. So it's a must-win for us." said Regan.
"We have to win this Christy Ring Cup for it to be a successful year. There is no point in beating around the bush. We have set goals and the main one is to win the Christy Ring. Donegal, London and Derry all probably have the same goal as us so it's going to be competitive, and hopefully, if we do win it, we can get huge buy-in for next year for the Joe McDonagh."
Pick up a copy of the Meath Chronicle to read the full interview with Jack Regan.
Meath starting 15 against London this Saturday
1.Colm O’Riordan (Ratoath)
2.Jarlath Ennis (Rathmolyon)
3.Darragh Kelly (Ratoath)
4.Simon Ennis (Rathmolyon)
5.Kyle Donnelly (Kilmessan)
6.James Toher (Trim)
7.Seán Coloe (Longwood)
8.James Cooke (Kilskyre/Moylagh)
9.Kris Gorman (Kilmessan)
10.Damien Healy (Longwood)
11.Nicky Potterton (Kildalkey)
12.Lorcan Byrne (Kilmessan)
13.Seán Corbett (Rathoath)
14.Jack Regan (Kiltale)
15.Mikey Cole (Trim)