Meath’s new men get up to speed

LEINSTER SFC QUARTER-FINAL:

Joe Sheridan was shown the door — much to the 29-year old’s private frustration — along with Brian Farrell, Meath’s player of the year in 2012. Others were axed too. In all, O’Dowd has replaced half of his squad inside two years. It goes back to a fundamental belief 0he shared after succeeding Seamus McEnaney, that it should be extremely difficult to get a Meath jersey. Like it used to be in his day.

Halfway through O’Dowd’s second season, and on the eve of their Championship opener in Carlow, there is still much to do. His stated aim remains to become a top-eight Championship side.