Meath's Joe Sheridan and Dublin's Eamonn Fennell, seen here during the O'Byrne Cup quarter-final at Parnell Park in January, will renew rivalries in the Leinster SFC semi-final at Croke Park on Sunday.

Pressure on Dubs against injury-plagued Meath

Published: Wed 23 Jun 2010, 4:58 PM

They may have met 58 times in the Leinster SFC, but there is always an eager anticipation when Meath and Dublin are set to do battle and next Sunday's 59th renewal of the age old rivalry is sure to be as exciting as any of the previous encounters. Last year's heartbreaking two-point loss to Dublin left Meath trailing by 13 wins when the statistics are tallied up, but as is always the case, form goes out the window when these great foes collide. Dublin will be hoping to make a mockery of the formbook next Sunday. They were woeful for more than 50 minutes against Wexford in their quarter-final clash, but they showed better form to earn the extra-time win. On the same day, Meath struggled to hold on for a draw against Laois, but last Saturday evening they returned to top form with a blistering performance at O'Connor Park, Tullamore. The Dublin supporters are sure to be full of confidence. They regard themselves as superior to Meath, but only one All-Ireland SFC title in 27 years is a damning indictment of Dublin's underachievement. Since 1987 Meath have won four All-Ireland senior crowns to Dublin's one. Since Dublin's 1995 triumph, Meath have claimed two Sam Maguire Cups. Which is the most successful county? In terms of provincial dominance, Dublin have had it all their own way in Leinster and are going for six-in-a-row, but they have failed to make the grade at national level. Although Dublin have lorded Leinster in the last six years that have managed to reach just one All-Ireland SFC semi-final, while Meath have featured in two in the last three years alone. Since taking charge of Dublin after all of 'Pillar' Caffrey's perceived failings, Pat Gilroy has emphasised that All-Ireland glory is his ultimate aim, but he will not want to let the 'auld enemy' usurp him on Sunday. Meath's record since claiming the Leinster title in 2001 will ensure they are underdogs next Sunday. Prior to last Saturday's win over Laois, the Royal County had failed to record back-to-back wins in the Leinster SFC in nine years, but now they are on a roll. Apart from the fade outs in the closing stages of normal and extra time in the drawn Laois game, Meath have been excellent in this campaign so far recording aggregate 20-point wins from their two rounds. Dublin will provide a much stiffer challenge, but Sunday's game is one that Meath can approach with confidence. They certainly won't be complacent against Dublin and that attack-readiness may be the key to victory. Much has been written and spoken about the excellent Meath attacking options and in players like Joe Sheridan, Graham Reilly, Shane O'Rourke and Cian Ward they have a quartet that are bang in form. Dublin struggled to make an impact against Wexford, kicking just three points in 53 minutes, but once the Brogan brother's, Alan and Bernard, were unleashed in tandem they looked a different proposition. Bernard Brogan is regarded as one of the country's best forwards and Meath will need Kevin Reilly to be at his best to quell that particular threat. The strong running impact of David Henry could cause problems for whoever fills the centre-back role, while the midfield battle will be key. Meath have injuries to players in crucial positions. Mark Ward and Nigel Crawford are doubtful with ankle and back problems respectively, the centre-back role is a troublesome position with Michael Burke ruled out for the year with a broken leg. Playing Dublin in Croke Park in a Leinster SFC semi-final would be a hectic cauldron for Cormac McGuinness were he to make his first start in over two months, but needs must for Eamonn O'Brien. Confidence is high in the Meath camp and the belief is there that victory can be secured. However, there is also an air of caution as Meath have gone into big games in the past on a high and were quickly brought back down to earth. Meath will have to replicate the hunger, desire and excellent commitment displayed in Tullamore against Laois if they are to rattle Dublin. That is well within their remit and a first Leinster SFC final appearance in nine years could be on the cards. Probable Meath team v Dublin - B Murphy; C O'Connor, K Reilly, E Harrington; G O'Brien, A Moyles, C King; B Meade, M Ward; S Kenny, J Sheridan, G Reilly; C Ward, S O'Rourke, S Bray.