The Meath team to play Longford in tonight’s Dioralyte O’Byrne Cup semi final in Ashbourne (7.30) shows 13 changes from that which overcame Louth at the same venue six days ago.
Only Michael Flood at full back – who captains the side – and Jack O’Connor retain their places as management give several members of successful Minor sides of the recent past get their chance to stake a claim for longer term inclusion.
For clarity though, it should be pointed out that some of the changes are players who were introduced last week but get the nod from the off this time around. Apart from the very experienced Harry Hogan in goal, Adam McDonnell, Diarmuid Moriarity, Ruairi Kinsella, Daire Rowe, Cathal Finnegan and Keith Curtis are all retained following their introductions last week.
Nonetheless, others like Brian O’Halloran, Brian O’Reilly, John O’Regan, Niall Murphy, Danny Dixon and Diarmuid McCabe are given their first starting involvement while among the subs, Conor Frayne, Liam Stafford, Brendan McKeon and Sean Ryan make the 26 for the first time while there’s a return to the county panel for James Conlon.
MEATH – Harry Hogan (Longwood); Brian O’Halloran (Ballivor), Michael Flood (St Brigid’s, (Capt.)), Brian O’Reilly (St Michael’s); John O’Regan (Skryne), Niall Murphy (Curraha), Adam McDonnell (Summerhill); Diarmuid Moriarity (Curraha), Danny Dixon (Boardsmill); Jack O’Connor (Curraha), Ruairi Kinsella (Dunshaughlin), Diarmuid McCabe (Summerhill); Daire Rowe (Syddan), Cathal Finnegan (Seneschalstown), Keith Curtis (Rathkenny).
SUBS – Billy Hogan (Longwood), Conor Frayne (Summerhill), Liam Stafford (St Colmcille’s), Conor Farrelly (Walterstown), Brendan McKeon (Ballivor), James Conlon (St Colmcille’s), Sean Ryan (St Peter’s, Dunboyne)
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