McGuinness raises Royal spirits

EVEN extra-time couldn’t separate these two sparring partners last week and only a 73rd-minute point from Meath’s Cormac McGuinness prevented another extended night of football at Páirc Tailteann last night.

It was an incredible ending to a second half, full of passion and excitement, and one that looked impossible at half-time when Meath had led their visitors on a merry dance.

While both teams had fielded experimental teams last weekend, Dublin’s was noticeably weaker and Pat Gilroy widened his search for new blood still further last night by making 10 changes for this replay.