Leinster call up a notable honour for Keogan and Jones
Two Meath players involved in efforts to revive competition concept
The selection of Donal Keogan on the Leinster squad for the novel Inter-Provincial Series semi-finals and finals which take place in Croke Park tomorrow and Saturday is some recognition at least for a player who has given tremendous, unstinting service to Meath football for many years.
A player who would have been an automatic selection for any Meath team in any era.
It also should be considered as a great honour for Ronan Jones the St Peter's, Dunboyne player who has yet to match the kind of service Keogan has given to his county (who has?) but who has performed with consistency, drive and imagination in the green and gold in recent seasons.
The Series is the latest version of the inter-provincial rivalry that was once a central feature of the GAA calandar and for decades was simply known as the Railway Cup.
At various times (especially in the 1940s, '50s and '60s) the Railway Cup attracted huge crowds to Croke Park on St Patrick's Day for the finals.
The increase in popularity of the All-star awards served to dilute the relevance of the competition.
As the Railway Cup concept began to wane in recent times various attempts were made to revive them including fixing the games abroad. Yet their drop in popularity continued.
Now the restoration of an inter-provincial competition is part of the seven core 'enhancements' recommended by the Football Review Committee under the chairmanship of Jim Gavin.
Keogan made his senior debut for Meath in the 2011 O'Byrne Cup and the following year he made his first Leinster SFC appearance when he was selected on the team that took on Wicklow.
Early in his career Keogan was nominated for an All-star award, an indication of his talent and how he was able to prosper on the inter-county front.
He was to go on to emerge as a real warrior-like figure in the Meath camp - never giving less than the proverbial 110 per cent.
Last year Keogan marked his 150th appearance for Meath in a Tailteann Cup game against Down at Parnell Park. He went on to captain the team to victory in the final of the competition - also against Down.
He was also a central figure in helping Rathkenny win the Meath IFC.
Now his selection on the Leinster team is at least some measure of recognition for his unstinting service.
Jones too should take a bow as he too continues the long tradition of Meath players down the years who have worn the green of Leinster.
He was a reliable, strong, forceful presence for his club as they made their way to this year's SFC semi-final where they were defeated by Dunshaughlin. For Meath also Jones was one of those players who could be totally relied on to give a five-star display, week in, week out.
The Leinster panel includes players such as Stephen Cluxton and James McCarthy that give it a certain prestige.
One of the issues of the past was that some prominent players were unwilling to give their commitment to the concept.
Leinster, who are managed by Westmeath's Dessie Dolan, take on Connacht who are managed by Galway's Padraig Joyce in the first semi-final tomorrow at the unusual time of 6pm.
In the second semi-final Munster, who are managed by former Kilmainhamwood and Meath player Paul Shankey, take on Ulster. Both games on TG4.
While it's laudable that concerted efforts are being made the resurrect the inter-provincial series the organisers could have chosen a more suitable time for fans than say 6pm on a Thursday evening.
Still the hope is this is the start of a sustained resurrection of a once great competition that has many merits - including the fact it is a way of recognising the contribution made by unsung heroes.
Leinster
1 Stephen Cluxton, Dublin
2 Michael Bambrick, Carlow
3 Mark Barry, Laois
4 Sean Bugler, Dublin
5 Ciaran Byrne, Louth
6 Ray Connellan, Westmeath
7 Peter Cunningham, Offaly
8 Ciaran Downey, Louth
9 Ross Dunphy, Carlow
10 Kevin Feely, Kildare
11 Daniel Flynn, Kildare
12 Darren Gallagher, Longford
13 Dean Healy, Wicklow
14 Ryan Houlihan, Kildare
15 Brian Howard, Dublin
16 Killian Roche, Laois
17 Ronan Jones, Meath
18 Donal Keoghan, Meath
19 Ciaran Kilkenny, Dublin
20 Paul Kingston, Laois
21 Craig Lennon, Louth
22 James McCarthy, Dublin
23 Eoin Murchan, Dublin
24 Evan O'Carroll, Laois
25 Lee Pearson, Offaly
26 Eoin Porter, Wexford
27 Kevin Quinn, Wicklow
28 John Small, Dublin
29 Paddy Small, Dublin
30 Ronan Wallace, Westmeath