Did a defeat to Meath help shape Dublin dynasty?

Bearing in mind they went on to claim 25 All-Ireland medals and nine All-Stars between them, it’s incredible to think that the first four men in that list were cruelly exposed that day as Meath took them for five goals.

The softly-spoken O’Brien laughs at the suggestion he stirred the Dublin beast 10 years ago. It’s not a victory he considers any more significant in the context of what was to follow.

John Fallon speaks to Eamonn O’Brien about facing down Dublin before the dominance that we know now so well.

Westmeath were supposed to be the quarry this weekend. Dessie Farrell was to make his senior Championship debut as manager, but everything else would carry on as normal.