Mickey Burke in action for Meath against Mayo in 2009. PHOTO JOHN QUIRKE

Meath supporters can be optimistic for Sunday's Croker test

Meath supporters will be heading for Croke Park on Sunday with some degree of optimism that a first Super 8 victory can be achieved.

This will be the first time in a decade that Meath will tackle Mayo in the championship  and on that occasion in 2009 the the Royal County won an All-Ireland quarter-final by three points (2-15 to 1-15).

Prior to that it was the 1996 All-Ireland final and replay that most supporters will remember. Current Mayo manager James Horan played in both those games.

In the 2019 championship Mayo's top scorer is Darren Coen with 0-16 while for Meath Mickey Newman with 4-22 leads the way.

Goals could be crucial on Sunday and in that department Meath have twice as many as Mayo - eight in comparison to four.

Last Five championship meetings
2009 
All-Irl quarter-final - Meath 2-15, Mayo 1-15.
1996
All-Ireland final - Meath Meath 0-12, Mayo 1-9.
Replay - Meath 2-9, Mayo 1-11.
1988
All-Ireland semi-final - Meath 0-15, Mayo 2-5.
1967
All-Ireland semi-final - Meath 3-14, Mayo 1-14.

We won't mention the last time that Mayo beat Meath in the championship?

HOWEVER - WERE YOU AT THE 2009 GAME?

WERE YOU SNAPPED BY THE MEATH CHRONICLE?

SEE WHAT YOU LOOKED LIKE IN 2009 - MORE MEMORIES TO FOLLOW LATER TONIGHT

MEATH SUPPORTERS AT CROKE PARK ON 9TH AUGUST  2009 

Supporters Jennifer Coyle, Andrew Coyle and Mary Clynch from Ashbourne.

Flying the Meath flag were Raymond, Paul and Gillian Cahill from Navan

More flags this time from Donore with JOhn and Jack Hynes, Jamie and JJ McDonnell and John and Sean McCormack. 

Supporters Stephanie Horan, John Watters and Deirdre Watters

Supporters from Carnaross included David, Stella, Helen and Martin Dawson.