Door not shut

GRAHAM Geraghty's return to the Meath senior football panel has not been ruled out by management as rumours persist that he could be on the way back.

The bush telegraph was sizzling among Meath supporters at Newry on Saturday night with some saying that they had seen Geraghty making his way to the game close behind the team bus.

At Monday lunchtime selector Dudley Farrell said that he didn't see Geraghty at the game, however he added that his return to the panel was “not out of the question.”

In an interview with RTE after the victory over Down manager Colm Coyle had said that he wasn't ruling out anything which appeared to leave the door open for the Clann na nGael player to regain his place in the squad.

It is understood that Geraghty has apologised for the incident with Wolfe Tones player Stephen Sheppard. One of the crucial aspects in determining Geraghty's return will be the view of the players.

“His return is not out of the question. I have to talk with Tommy (Dowd) and Colm yet but as Colm said he wouldn't rule anything in or out. A week is a long time in politics and it is a long time in football as well,” said Farrell.

“There's no-one doubting Graham Geraghty's ability, no-one and his football ability stands on its own.”

The management approach is a considerable turnaround from the previous week when they appeared adamant that Geraghty would not be allowed back to the panel following a bust up with Sheppard at a training session in Simonstown.

There is no doubting that Geraghty would add a much needed dimension to the Meath attack that was blunted by Down for long spells on the tight pitch at Newry.

Farrell added that Meath are still struggling to win possession at the breakdown. He also praised the defence for their hard working display in shutting out the Down attack and hoped for a similar display against Fermanagh in a game that is sure to attract a big crowd to Pairc Tailteann.

He also had praise for Shane O'Rourke who made his first start and showed enough promise to suggest that he has a big future on the inter-county front.

“Shane O'Rourke would have to be happy with his display, I know I was happy with his performance and he's a player for the future.