Royals decide against Geraghty return

Graham Geraghty's chances of playing again for Meath seem limited after his team-mates decided at a meeting last night to keep the Seneschalstown forward in exile.

Geraghty was a no-show at the team meeting but it is understood that he has apologised to Stephen Sheppard, the player he is alleged to have lashed out at during an internal training match in Navan on Saturday morning.

A tackle from Sheppard saw Geraghty retaliate and strike the 19-year-old Wolfe Tones clubman, with team-mates having to restrain an angry Geraghty who stormed off the pitch in the aftermath, leaving his inter-county career in serious doubt.

Neither player has publicly commented on the incident but it has emerged that Geraghty, who was immediately axed from the Royals panel, contacted Sheppard on Saturday night to apologise.

It is also believed that the 1999 All-Ireland-winning captain was in touch with Meath manager Colm Coyle to clear the air, but it seems his team-mates no longer want Geraghty as part of the panel.

That leaves Coyle's side without two of their leading forwards - Geraghty and Joe Sheridan - for Saturday's All-Ireland qualifier trip to Down. Sheridan withdrew from the squad last week due to a loss of appetite and form.