Brennan's rollercoaster set for more twists and turns

Meath manager hoping to make up for the hurt of last year

It has been a whirlwind 19 months for Robbie Brennan since he was appointed Meath senior football manager in September 2025 - filled with highs and lows, personal and professional.

To quote Rudyard Kipling from his poem 'If', 'If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same'... 'Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, and — which is more — you'll be a man, my son'.

The son of a proud Kilberry man, Robbie lost his father Paddy last October. In between that agony and the pain of losing a Leinster SFC final to Louth, the Dunboyne clubman guided Meath on a remarkable series of events that led to an all-Ireland semi-final.

This years the joys of six wins from seven NFL Div 2 outings secured promotion to eradicate the memory of 2025's failed promotion bid which fell at the final hurdle, and to cap it off Brennan secured a first league title for the Royals since 2007.

It has been quite the rollercoaster for Brennan, yet through it all he has kept a calm, composed measure approach to his journey - he has kept his head while others have lost theirs.

he has no doubts his players will not get carried away by their achievements of the last season and a half, the pain of the losses to Donegal and Louth are still fresh.

"No, I hope it won't be hard to motive the players following the league, to be honest. We always viewed it as a seven-game competition, which turned into eight with the final," insisted Brennan.

"Now it switches into what is really a three-game competition over six weeks. The hurt from last year is definitely still there, so you’d hope motivation won’t be an issue. Obviously tactically we need to improve, but the mindset should be there to have a real crack at Leinster.

"Preparations for the championship are very definitely different to preparations for the league. You have to leave room to step up for the championship.

"If you’re at the same level as the league, you’ll be in trouble. Teams like Westmeath or Longford will already have a game under their belts before we play them, so we need to prepare differently.

"We’ve already started that, even before the National League final, so hopefully we’re ahead of the curve.

"Getting promoted from NFL Div 2 is very important. We’ve been in that division for a while, facing the same teams and travelling to the same places.

"Next year will be exciting with new opposition and venues. Mentally, once we knew promotion was possible, it became a big target. The final then took on a life of its own, and it was great to get it done.

"The hurt from last year's Leinster final is real. Watching the celebrations afterwards, you feel a bit jealous and want that experience yourself. We use that as motivation, this is where we want to get to. It’s something we’ll tap into as we go through the championship.

"There’s more on the physical side when it comes to preparing for Championship, but also tactically the game can change, especially with conditions like wind. You’re always trying to improve in kickouts, defence, and attack, adding small layers. There’s no big overhaul, just fine-tuning.

"There will be nothing taken for granted this year. There’s very little between teams. You have to be at your best every day. Donegal are setting the standard with their ball retention, so everyone knows the level required. For us, it’s about being ready for that first round."

Following their hugely impressive run to last year's All-Ireland SFC semi-final, coupled with their promotion back to NFL Div 1 there is a lot of noise around Meath football right now, but Brennan isn't getting carried away.

He believes that playing the home league games in Croke Park may be of benefit later in the summer and he also has full faith in his players to execute the management's game plan, with a little individual flair thrown in to bring the X factor.

"The lads have stayed grounded all along. Whether it was good wins last year or winning Div 2, their focus is always on what’s next. That mindset has been excellent," insists Brennan.

"Hopefully (playing in Croke Park will be advantageous). There’s familiarity now, the dressing rooms, the routine, everything. That helps. If we get back there for a Leinster final, that experience could stand to us.

"A lot of our game is down to players making their own decisions on the field. You prepare situations in training, but once they cross the line, it’s up to them. Communication can be difficult in big crowds, so you rely on leadership from the players, and we’re seeing that develop.

"There’s structure, but players have the freedom to take shots and make decisions. Of course, if someone is on form, you try to get them the ball more, but generally we trust the players’ judgment."

Following his magnificent impression when introduced as a substitute James Conlon has put his hand up for inclusion from the start for next Sunday's Leinster SFC opener.

It's a headache for Brennan and his management team because Aaron Lynch has been playing really well in the number 15 jersey and the manager is off the opinion that the player in possession of the shirt is in the strongest position.

"It’s a great problem to have. Banty (James Conlon) is coming back from injury, while others are performing really well, so competition is strong. Whoever has the jersey keeps it, and others have to earn it back in training.

"Banty is unique, his movement, footwork, and decision-making are excellent. The key is keeping him fit, as he’s had injury issues in the past.

"We've had a few injuries over the last few months, but that situation is looking pretty good at the moment.

"Most players are back or close to it. We’ve had a few minor knocks, but nothing major. The medical and conditioning teams have done a great job, and hopefully we’ll have a strong panel available for the championship," concluded the manager.