McHugh stays as Meath make two changes

A hand injury sustained while on club duty with Skryne means Paddy O’Rourke will not return to the Meath team for Sunday’s crucial NFL Div 2 clash with Laois in Portlaoise.

O’Rourke has completed a three-game suspension following his dismissal against Cavan, but injury has delayed his return as Conor McHugh will continue to deputise.

Having performed so well since coming into the team McHugh will hope to retain his place long term and his selection for Sunday’s final NFL Div 2 game puts in pole position for the number one jersey for the championship.

St Colmcille’s Graham Reilly returns from suspension for the winner-takes-all clash with Laois, but he hasn’t made the starting 15 with manager Mick O’Dowd making two changes from the team that started the draw with Derry in Owenbeg last Sunday.

Dunboyne’s Cathal Finn, who was a late replacement for Brian Power in Derry, is replaced by Navan O’Mahonys Darragh Smyth, while Donal Lenihan loses out to in-form Dalton McDonagh who kick-started the Meath recovery last week with three dramatic points.

Seamus Lavin, whose debut lasted just 22 in Derry, retains his place and will start at corner-back, with Longwood’s Mickey Burke starting at centre-back.

Power, Eamon Wallace and Bryan McMahon remain on the injured list along with O’Rourke for a game which Meath simply must win to avoid relegation to Div 3.

 

Meath Team v Laois