2008 memories banished as keys to Kingdom sought

The fantastic journey took another giant leap forward at Croke Park on Sunday as Meath shocked the GAA world with a stunning victory over Mayo to set up a mouthwatering All-Ireland SFC semi-final clash with Kerry at headquarters on Sunday 30th August. If anyone had suggested in the days and weeks following last year's humiliating All-Ireland SFC qualifier hammering by Limerick that Meath could bounce back in such magnificent style, then the men in the white coats would undoubtedly have been called for. But bounce back they have - and in some style. Few gave Meath the slightest chance of overcoming Mayo and many were already wondering how the Connacht champions would fare against the men from the Kingdom in an All-Ireland semi-final. Meath were totally written off in every sector and, for the first quarter of Sunday's game, the doomsayers looked like being proved right as Mayo burst from the traps while Meath dallied, nervous and anxious. However, once the Royals found their feet, they were awesome. The disappointing days of Dr Cullen Park, the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick and Croke Park in June were soon swept aside as distant memories and replaced with euphoric scenes and joyous rapture. After falling behind to Mayo's blistering start, Meath were settled by Cian Ward's '45' and then handed a perfect boost when David Bray showed composure way beyond his years to pick his spot and finish beyond Kenneth O'Malley for the game's opening goal. Mayo still looked threatening and, during the second-half, Eamonn O'Brien's men again trailed by four points. However, Meath refused to buckle under the pressure. A couple of dubious refereeing decisions for once went their way, no doubt giving Mayo something to complain about for another 13 years, and Meath recovered. Bray was fouled after gathering Joe Sheridan's contentious line ball and Ward again showed great composure to find the net with the resultant penalty. Mayo were devastated and their old failings returned to haunt them as Meath finished strongly to book a semi-final spot and spark wild celebrations for players and supporters alike.