Nally aims to accentuate the positives

For Meath to succeed in the NFL Div 1, succeed means survival at this level, they need to be at the top of their game, have everything go their way and get the odd slice of good luck along the way.

From the off in Sunday's first NFL Div 1 game at Pairc Tailteann for 14 years it was clear that all three elements for success were missing.
Manager Andy McEntee has always emphasied that if his team is not operating to their very best in every game then they will be punished.
While Donegal were far from world beaters on Sunday they were significantly more cohesive, effective and potent than a lacklustre Meath side that struggled to find any fluency.
McEntee, whose mother sadly passed away on Monday morning, did not talk to the media after Sunday's 10-point loss, but coach Colm Nally stepped forward to reflect on where and why it all went so badly wrong.
Nally confirmed,Meath were not at their best, or anywhere near it, and were duly punished.
"We were disappointed, we were talking amongst ourselves afterwards and we were saying that in Division 1 there’s no hiding place, every mistake is punished," said the former St Colmcille's manager.
As well as being way off form, Nally also reflected on the lack of luck Meath endured and in particular he lamented the black card issued to Conor McGill late in the opening half that led to Donegal's second goal, from the penalty spot.
"We lost Conor McGill to a black card and I think they scored 2-1 or 2-2 in those 10 minutes," he said.
"That was really, really hard and we were kind of ready for that.
"We knew what to expect if we lost a man, but it just goes to show that Donegal are a top class team.
"They probably sensed we were a little bit vulnerable when we were down to 14 and they certainly made us pay for that," added Nally.
It was that acceptance, that Donegal were the better side, that underlines the gulf in class between teams operating at the highest level and those just looking to survive in the chasing pack.
"They’re a really good side, they use the pitch very well. There were numerous times when they had everyone behind the ball and they’re taking you into contact and stripping you and breaking so hard," said Nally.
"They made the pitch as big as possible by attacking wide and getting men in front of the ball, it’s what we expected, but if you make a mistake and give them the ball, they’re going to make you pay for it," said the former Louth goalkeeper.
So were there any positives for Nally to take from the 10-point defeat?
Meath's lenghty injury list is still a major cause for concern, but Nally is trying to put a positive spin on it.
He believes that with so many players out through injury it is giving invaluable game time to other players who might just have got minutes here and there.
Nally insisted that Meath will be a stronger outfit when everyone is fit.
"The positives are we’re missing a lot of players due to legacy injuries," he said.
"They’re not quite ready to come back yet, but you have players like Robin Clarke and David Toner who have stood up instead of Shane Gallagher and Seamus Lavin and when the lads come back we’ll have good competition for places in that area. 
"What you need really to move forward is a good panel. Our panel is getting stronger and stronger and please God they’ll make a huge impact."
Will any of the injured players be back in contention for next Sunday's home clash with Mayo?
"I don’t think so. They’re going through the levels, they’re on the pitch, but they’re not quite ready for a match," confirmed Nally.
"Maybe the following one (away to Kerry), there’s a break after the game against Mayo)."
Despite the drubbing Nally is delighted to be operating in Div 1 and he believes that in the long-term that will stand to Meath and will offer encouragement to the next generation of players hoping to pull on the green and gold jersey.
"In fairness, Meath want to be a Division 1 team, they’re thinking that way and they’re getting a lot of things right, so you have to get the taste of it, you have to whet the appetite," he said.
"It’s brilliant to see the kids there and the passion, the big crowd, the pitch is fantastic, so like everything about Meath is Division 1. 
"That’s what we want and that’s what we have to aim for all the time," concluded Nally.