Meath stick to their guns for Division 2 final against Cork

Meath have named the same side which defeated Offaly in last weekend but there are two changes to the team which lost to Cork last month

DECIDER: Meath play Cork in the National Football League Division 2 final at Croke Park on Sunday. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Meath have announced the same side that started last Sunday’s win over Offaly for their Division 2 final against Cork.

From the team that commenced the Round 4 defeat to Cork in Páirc Uí Rinn last month, there are two changes: Seán Rafferty and Jack O’Connor are now in for Ronan Ryan and Conor Duke, who are on the bench.

Of the 15 that began last year’s All-Ireland semi-final loss to Donegal, there are five alterations: Seán Brennan for Billy Hogan in goal, Brian O’Halloran for Ryan, Jack Flynn for Adam O’Neill, Cian McBride for Keith Curtis and Aaron Lynch for Matthew Costello.

Meanwhile, Kerry and Donegal will wear their home jerseys for the Division 1 final as their jerseys no longer clash. The pair wore their home kit for the recent game in Ballyshannon having played in their alternate jerseys in last year's All-Ireland final. However, the home jerseys are no longer considered to clash as Donegal's 2026 version is predominantly yellow, while Kerry's is mostly a deeper shade of green.

MEATH (NFL v Cork): S. Brennan; S. Lavin, S. Rafferty, B. O'Halloran; D. Keogan, S. Coffey, C. Caulfield; B. Menton, J. Flynn; J. O'Connor, R. Kinsella, C. McBride; J. Morris, E. Frayne (c), A. Lynch. 

Subs: B. Hogan, K. Smyth, R. Ryan, C. Hickey, C. Grey, C. O'Connor, O. Martin, J. Conlon, J. Scully, C. Duke, K. Curtis.

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