IT says everything about the topsy-turvy nature of this game that both teams will look back on theclosing credits of yesterday’s Meath SFC final and balance regrets with gratitude.

SEAMUS McENANEY’S appointment as Meath manager last winter may have stirred up a hornet’s nest at the time — and continues to do so — but ‘outside’ influences haven’t been confined to the man charged with guiding the senior footballers.

DUNSHAUGHLIN turned the clock back to reach the Meath SFC final for the first time since 2002 when completing their three-in-a-row sequence of success over hot favourites Donaghmore/Ashbourne at Páirc Tailteann yesterday.