Revitalised Royals set to make first Leinster final appearance since 2014

Meath have not reached a Leinster final since 2014 but their five-year wait for a spot in the provincial decider looks set to end in 2019 thanks to a favourable draw.

Andy McEntee's men impressed this spring and deservedly gained promotion to the top flight for the first time in more than a decade. Donegal were the only team to beat them and they were lucky to do so during the group stages as the Royals looked in control before conceding a soft goal in the closing stages. They were the better side.

Michael Newman has returned to the side and his accuracy from placed balls is a huge addition, while Daragh Campion has impressed too since coming into the team.

If you want to know how much this Meath side have improved over the last 12 months perhaps the best indication is that Graham Reilly cannot get his place in the starting 15. The St Colmcille's clubman has been Meath's best player in the last decade and he still cannot nail down a starting slot.

Cillian O'Sullivan ended the league in style and James McEntee is one of their unsung heroes. This is a decent Meath side.

The Royals are 1-14 to beat Offaly in the first round of the Leinster championship at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday and they will be an even shorter price against Carlow in the next round should they get through.

That means all that stands between them and a duel with Dublin in the Leinster final is either Laois or Westmeath, two teams who were in Division 3 this spring.

Paddy Power are offering 8-13 about Meath in the betting without Dublin market but surely they will be a much shorter price than that against Laois or Westmeath in a provincial semi-final. That looks cracking value.

Recommendation
Meath without Dublin
5pts 8-13 Paddy Power
Cillian O'Sullivan top championship scorer from play
0.5pt 80-1 Paddy Power

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