Royals prove more than a Qualified success

GAA President Christy Cooney has been singing the praises of the All-Ireland qualifiers this past few weeks and, whatever your opinion on it, here again was evidence of the back door’s deep, redemptive waters.

Like Kerry six days before them, Meath came to Croke Park unfancied but unperturbed by their long odds and proceeded to expose the inherent flaws carried on to the biggest of stages by a provincial champion.

And to think that it is just nine weeks since Meath exited the Leinster championship in ragged fashion against a Dublin side whose deficiencies in front of goal were all that allowed Meath depart with some modicum of dignity.