Fay anxious to avoid the pitfall of back door

DARREN FAY admits that Meath need the hype that goes with a concerted Leinster Championship campaign if they are to put two disappointing years behind them this summer.

Not since 1996 have Sean Boylan's side begun a championship campaign so far down the provincial and national pecking order, despite Leinster being portrayed as a lottery again this year.

Of course, Meath went on to win the All-Ireland eight years ago but few would predict a similar run this year.