Royal soul searching as players admit shock

THE shockwaves raised by Eamonn O’Brien’s ousting were still reverberating around Meath yesterday with officials, players and supporters struggling to come to terms with Monday night’s dramatic events.

Though there had been some dissatisfaction with O’Brien within the county, his re-appointment was expected to be a formality and his candidacy carried the full backing of the county management committee.

Instead, O’Brien’s nomination to continue in the post was defeated by 32 votes to 29 and so Meath find themselves looking to replace a man who delivered a first Leinster title in nine years and an appearance in an All-Ireland semi-final.