Geraghty back in Meath attack

1999 All-Ireland winning captain Graham Geraghty has been named at full-forward in the Meath team for Sunday's Leinster SFC first round clash with Louth at Croke Park (throw-in 2.00pm).

Geraghty, who turns 33 next week, made his return to the Royal ranks last month after a disagreement with manager Eamonn Barry. The Seneschalstown clubman lined out at wing back in the National League win over Derry on April 9, but has been restored to the Meath attack.

Following a short spell out with a stomach muscle injury, Geraghty played in last weekend's challenge match defeat by Armagh in Walterstown.

For his first championship match in charge, Barry has included two championship debutants - goalkeeper Brendan Murphy and wing forward Peter Curran.

The team's vice-captain and centre back Anthony Moyles (broken arm) and goalkeeper David Gallagher (back) are Barry's only injury absentees.

Sunday's opponents Louth, who claimed the Division Two title recently, will have high hopes of becoming the first team from the Wee county to beat Meath in the championship since 1975. The winners of the tie will face Wexford in a May 28 quarter-final.

MEATH (SFC v Louth) - B Murphy; N McLoughlin, K Reilly, N McKeigue; S Mac Gabhann, C King, S Kenny; N Crawford (capt), M Ward; P Curran, J Sheridan, P Byrne; D Regan, G Geraghty, B Farrell.