Sheridan quits Meath panel

Seneschalstown star Joe Sheridan has left the Meath senior football panel, seeking a break from inter-county football due to a loss of form.

One of the Royals' leading players during their NFL Division Two title-winning campaign, Sheridan disappointed during the Leinster championship - despite hitting 1-3 in the opening win over Kildare.

He had to be substituted at half-time in the Leinster quarter-final replay loss to Dublin on June 17.

The corner forward's loss of appetite was central to his decision to withdraw from the panel, which he informed manager Colm Coyle of at training on Tuesday night.

However, should Meath make the latter stages of the All-Ireland championship, Coyle is optimistic that Sheridan could be tempted to return. The news came as "a complete blot out of the blue" for the Royals boss.

Sheridan played for Seneschalstown against Trim in the club championship last weekend, and Meath followers will hope that the 23-year-old will make himself available again before the season is out.

Meath travel to Newry on Saturday week to take on Down in the first round of the All-Ireland qualifiers.