Considering their form in recent months, it was quite the surprise to see Meath fail to show up in their Leinster Championship opener on Sunday.

Robbie Brennan’s side were completely outplayed by Westmeath for large periods of their quarter-final, at one stage trailing by ten points. While they would mount a late comeback, it was not enough to avoid a shock defeat.

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Philly McMahon Couldn’t Resist Sly Meath Dig

Plenty was said about Meath’s apparent progress in recent weeks, with many labelling them as heavy favourites to win the Leinster Championship this season. Such suggestions look rather misguided on the back of Sunday’s result, with some seeming to enjoy the fact that the Royal County fell so short on that occasion.

Speaking on the GAA Social podcast, Dublin legend Philly McMahon was asked about his own county’s struggles against Wicklow by presenter Thomas Niblock. He responded by comparing their fortunes to old rivals Meath.

McMahon: There’s a few new players gone in there today squad wise. There’s a lot of changes there, but they still should be strong enough to have a better outcome than two points.

I worry Louth will be looking at that possibly and that’s breathing more confidence into them.

But look, they’re into the hat. They could be like Meath and could be knocked out. That’s a much worse position to be in obviously.

Niblock: There’s no need for that.

McMahon: You’re actually making it much worse by rubbing it in. I’m just saying, they’ve got the result. They won by two points, which wouldn’t give you confidence.

I’m just saying it’s worse, you could be knocked out. You’re putting fuel to the fire.

Niblock: I’m just asking your opinion. You’re allowed to ask a question, for god sake relax man.

Meath will now have a long wait until their next championship outing, with their next fixture not coming until towards the end of May.

They will still fancy their chances of getting some big results in the All-Ireland series, although the loss to Westmeath will surely dent their confidence. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to quickly bounce back from that.

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