It will be openly admitted that, had the Leinster MFC encounter between Meath and Louth gone ahead tonight (Tuesday) as planned, what you are currently reading would probably not exist as the workload in BTS HQ would have to have been juggled around.
However, frustration and mystification at the panicked late derailment has at least allowed the posting of whatever details are known about the Meath Minor class of 2026. The first of which is that the team will be managed by the legendary Trevor Giles, who will have former teammate Cormac Sullivan as well as Owen Creevey, Ben Hoey, Ja O’Loughlin and Ronan Kearns as his assistants.
It’s a sure sign you’re getting old when you’ve only heard of one of the players. And even at that, it was actually due to his efficiency in another code which seemingly has designs on swiping him. Though every effort must be made to stop that from happening. Meath has become too much of a doormat for others to walkover and lead players away by the nose.
Anyway, whatever about that angle, a scan of the team sheet would suggest there are sons of or players otherwise related to Meath players of the past included in the ranks. Starting with their Captain, Harry McGuirke of Navan O’Mahonys, whom, it would be ventured, may be from the bloodline of former hoops and Meath star Kenny.
Further out the field, Thomas Dillon of Syddan can be assumed to be a member of the great clan from whence Stephen and Tom and Brian originated to perform with distinction in the county colours.
At full forward, Milo Stafford is a brother of rising star Rian and from the family of the greatest place kicker ever to grace Croke Park.
Finally, if the old memory box is working any way right, corner forward Daire Loughran is a son of Cortown hero and former Meath underage star Glen and a nephew of former jockey Roger. Who is now assistant trainer to Cheltenham Festival winning trainer Barry Connell.
MEATH – Cormac Fitzsimons (O’Mahonys); Ben Brown (Simonstown Gaels), Tomas Clarke (Dunshaughlin/Royal Gaels), Niall Rogan (St Michael’s); Liam O’Donoghue (St Colmcille’s), Harry McGuirk (O’Mahonys, Capt.), Niall Smyth (Skryne); Alex Keane (Dunshaughlin/Royal Gaels), Tomas Proudfoot (St Ultan’s); Cormac McKenna (Wolfe Tones), Thomas Dillon (Syddan), Conn Brennan (St Ultan’s); Cormac Walsh (Trim), Milo Stafford (Kilmainhamwood), Daire Loughran (Cortown).
SUBS – Carl Cummins (St Colmcille’s), Danny McCabe (St Colmcille’s), Dillon Glynn (Gaeil Colmcille), Harry Keating (Cortown), Leo Kavanagh (Moynalty), Jake Loughran (Syddan), Caolan Comey (Summerhill), Mark Halpin (Oldcastle), Thomas McKeever (Wolfe Tones).
EXTENDED PANEL – Harris Moffatt (Skryne), John Killoran (Na Fianna), Oisin Farrelly (Castletown), Conor McTigue (Dunshaughlin/Royal Gaels), Killian McGivern (Kilbride), William Gifford (St Patrick’s).
FOGRA – The game is expected to be refixed for Thursday evening. Confirmed arrangement will be posted on our social media channels as soon as they become available.