A war of words has erupted between Meath and Dublin ahead of the Leinster U-21 FC final with Royal chairman Conor Tormey branding the decision to fix the game for Portlaoise as 'an absolute joke'.

The Royals originally wanted to toss for home venue but, after failing to reach an agreement with their Dublin counterparts, offered to travel to Parnell Park on Wednesday, April 2.

Dublin, however, claim the Donnycarney venue is not available because of remedial work due on the floodlights and pitch.

"It's an absolute joke, everybody in Meath can't believe that they're bringing us to Portlaoise," Tormey said to The Herald.

"No maintenance work happens on grounds in March. Unless they think we're gobshites altogether here in Meath ... we're not that gullible.

"Like, the lights were perfect the other night (for Meath's U21 semi-final against Offaly in Parnell Park) - one of the best lights in the country."

Dublin chairman Andy Kettle responded: "Should Meath not choose to believe, that's their prerogative - but the work is actually taking place."

Suffice to say, a suggestion from Dublin that the game be played as curtain-raiser to their FL Division 1 clash against Mayo in Croke Park on Saturday evening wasn't entertained by the Royals.

"It was totally out of the question. Our seniors are playing Down in Páirc Tailteann (that night)," Tormey said while Kettle clarified that Dublin mistakenly thought Meath weren't due out on league duty until Sunday.

"We are not afraid to take on the Dubs anywhere," Tormey added.

Kettle concluded: "Mind games are terribly, terribly easy played. But nobody is running scared. Like, there's going to be 15 Dublin players playing 15 Meath players Wednesday week, and the best team will win on the night." Tweet

Most Read Stories