Meath draw the short straw

SEAN BOYLAN didn’t look for any favours regarding the timing of Meath’s Bank of Ireland SFC qualifier against Monaghan – and neither did he expect any.

Either this game, or the Dublin/Derry tie, was going to be played in Clones this afternoon because of the unavailability of Croke Park, which is the venue for the Special Olympics opening ceremonies. In the end, Dublin got the longer break which, on the basis of their form against Laois, they could well do with.

It's not known how the GAC reached their decision about which of the games should be delayed, but, the Meath manager isn't surprised they lost out. "It's a long time since we got any favours," he remarked ruefully.