Tough league schedules proposed for Royals

Fergal Lynch

Published: Wed 29 Nov 2023, 10:36 AM

The draft proposal for Meath's NFL and NHL games have been forwarded to the Co Board for approval and if agreed upon Colm O'Rourke's senior footballers can look forward to four home games in Pairc Tailteann while Seoirse Bulfin's hurlers only have two of their five games at Home.

Meath are expected to open their NFL Div 2 campaign on Sunday 28th January with a home game against Fermanagh before travelling to the Athletic Grounds in Armagh six days later for a 6pm on Saturday 3rd February.

After a week off it is proposed that Meath will host Louth in Navan in the first of two successive home games on Sunday 18th February with Kildare expected to visit Navan on Sunday 25th February.

On Saturday 2nd March Meath are expected to travel to Breffni Park to take on Cavan at 7pm, while on St Patrick's Day, after another week off, O'Rourke's side will welcome Cork to Pairc Tailteann for a 1.45pm start.

26-03-23, Allianz National Football League at St Conleths Park NewbridgeMeath v KildareMeath Goalkeeper - Harry Hogan runs onto the pitch before the game as school children provide a guard of honourPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David Mullen

It is expected that Meath will conclude their NFL Div 2 campaign with a tough away trip to Ballybofey to take on Donegal on Sunday 24th March.

By virtue of winning the Tailteann Cup this year Meath's finishing position in the league will not impact their championship season as they are already guaranteed a place in the race for Sam Maguire.

However, O'Rourke and his management, which now includes Barry Horgan and Trevor Giles, will be keen to push for promotion and avoid getting sucked into a relegation battle so a good start is vital.

HURLING

After winning NHL Div 2B in impressive fashion this year Bulfin's side face a tough campaign in NHL Div 2A especially with away trips to Carlow, Kerry and Down proposed.

NHL Div 2A is expected to get underway on Sunday 4th February with a home game for the Royals against Kildare and given just how tough the group is that is almost a 'must win' game for both sides.

James Toher (Meath), during the Meath v Donegal, NHL Div 2B final in Avant Money Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, Carrick-on Shannon.Photo: Gerry Shanahan - www.sportinmotion.ie02-04-2023 Photo by Gerry Shanahan

Successive way days are due to follow on Sunday 11th February when Meath will travel to Dr Cullen Park to take on Carlow before travelling to Tralee to face Kerry two weeks later on Sunday 25th February.

Laois are expected to visit Navan on Sunday 10th March in round four before Meath will finish their campaign with a trip to Ballycran to take on Down at 2pm on St Patrick's Day, Sunday 17th March.