O’Brien unhappy with decision to send off Bray

MEATH GAA chiefs may challenge the red card issued to captain Stephen Bray, which rules him out of Sunday’s All-Ireland quarter-final against Mayo.

Bray was dismissed following an incident involving Limerick defender Mark O’Riordan and goalkeeper Sean Kiely in the final quarter. Meath boss Eamonn O’Brien was surprised by the decision.

O’Brien said: “Stephen is one of the cleanest footballers around. Something must have happened. We must have a look and see because the game in general was played in a great spirit. There was a great intensity of endeavour from both teams and it’s a pity that someone should lose out like that.’’

Full-forward Joe Sheridan added: “Stephen has been doing serious work for us in the last three games. I don’t know if he might appeal it or not, but if we miss him – he is our captain, our All Star – he would be a massive loss.’’

Sheridan reflected the general mood of the Meath camp in expressing relief that they were able to ‘grind out’ victory. And, he had no doubt that the three wins in the qualifier competition played a big part in enabling them to advance.

“You get used to winning. We were delighted to be playing every week. It’s tough on the body, but there’s nothing better. I think this game will stand to us more than others. Limerick are a great team. They have come on in the last few years. They’d be a tough game for anyone.’’

Sheridan agreed that it had all the more satisfying to win after last year’s humiliation in the Gaelic Grounds. However he insisted that result was never an issue in the build-up to Saturday night.

“Last year’s defeat was tough to take, but we move on,’’ he said. “There are a lot of new lads in and a different management and a different set-up. We just concentrated on this year – taking just one step at a time. This was one team in the way of us getting to where we want to be come September. We’ll re-group for Mayo. That should be a great game.’’