Royal supporters have a big role to play

Meath captain Kevin Reilly is urging supporters to get behind the team at Croke Park on Sunday as a 16th man when they tackle Wexford in the Leinster SFC semi-final, 2pm.

Sunday’s game will mark manager Mick O’Dowd’s debut on the sideline at Croke Park for a championship encounter.

This will be only the seventh provincial clash between Meath and Wexford in the last 50 years.

They last clashed in the Leinster championship in 2008 when Wexford won a remarkable contest by 2-14 to 2-13 after trailing by 10 points at half-time. 

Wexford last won the Leinster Football title in 1945, but they reached the final again in 2008 and 2011 where they lost to Dublin on each occasion.

Meath won the title in 2010 and will be bidding to reach their second successive decider after faltering against Dublin last year in the final.

Last five championship clashes between Meath and Wexford

2008 - Wexford 2-14 Meath 2-13

2006 - Wexford 1-19 Meath 1-13 

1994 - Meath 4-14 Wexford 2-6 

1981 - Wexford 2-9 Meath 1-11 

1976 - Meath 2-14 Wexford 1-9

With Paddy Power Meath the slightest of favourites at 10/11 to Wexford’s 6/5.

Meath v Wexford
10/11 - Meath
8/1 - Draw
6/5 - Wexford

Handicap Betting
5/4 - Meath -1
8/1 - Handicap Draw -1
4/5 - Wexford +1

See interview with Kevin Reilly

Conall Collier