Trio return for trip to Cork

The fixture computer loves a Meath and Cork pairing in Round 1 of the Allianz Football League and for the fourth time since 2009 it has once more brought the two counties into opposition.  Two years ago the fixture marked the first Allianz Football League game with Colm O’Rourke as the manager and this evening it will see Robbie Brennan patrolling the sideline for the first time.

The experienced Bryan Menton and Seamus Lavin return after lengthy absences and they are joined by Jack Flynn who will play his first game for the Royal County in a week shy of one year. Menton last featured in the League on March 27 2022 when lining out at midfield against Derry while Lavin last featured in the League way back in 2021.  Jack Flynn and Bryan Menton will form a new look midfield partnership and Seamus Lavin fills his customary right corner back berth.

In addition to the three returnees, the game is set to mark the senior debut of St. Peter’s Dunboyne youngster Jack Kinlough who featured at midfield as the U-20’s won the Leinster Championship last year.

There are six players named to start who lined out in the final Allianz League game of 2024 with Billy Hogan, Adam O’Neill, Brian O’Halloran, Donal Keogan, Cian McBride and Shane Walsh all named to start again.

That match marked Billy Hogan’s Allianz League debut and he lines out in goals behind a full back line of Seamus Lavin, Adam O’Neill and Brian O’Halloran.  The half back line is a familiar one with Seán Coffey and Ciarán Caulfield flanking Donal Keogan who is set to start his 80th game in the competition.

Jack Flynn and Bryan Menton form that new look midfield pairing with debutant Jack Kinlough joined in the half forward line by Cian McBride and Shane Walsh.  The inside line sees newly appointed captain Eoghan Frayne linking up with Jordan Morris and the 2024 Meath Footballer of the Year Mathew Costello.

Among the replacements, Eoin Harkin, James McEntee and Thomas O’Reilly return to the fold and there is a potential debut for another of the U-20 class of 2024 in Conor Duke as well as Seán Rafferty.