Meath v Cork this Sunday in Pairc Ui Rinn.

The bookies have Cork as slight favourites which is probably fair given their recent league form against Meath and the fact that the game is at home.

On paper it should be fairly balanced with both teams going relatively well and undefeated. Cork had plenty of breathing room against Louth and Offaly.

I see that Costello is out which is going to be massive blow given his work rate and scoring ability. However, we did OK without him last season when he was absent and it presents a chance for someone to step in and step up. Has anyone any insight or updates on injuries or returning players?

I think the team will remain largely unchanged with the exception of injuries. I hope we can keep the momentum going as the win offers us a wee buffer at the top. I would like to see us with a higher conversion rate from chances created, cut out the sloppy gift scores from frees and maybe try to put the game to bed for once. Cork have super forwards and can kick from anywhere and are a good ball carrying team. One would expect though that Meath will be a real test as Offaly, Cavan and Louth are down the wrong end of table.

Heart says Meath, head says Cork by 4 - based on our mid game slumps in the last 2 games. I really hope I'm wrong but time will tell.

Royalio11 (Meath) - Posts: 819 - 18/02/2026 20:13:37    2657213

The good news is that Conor Gray is on the way back from his injury and could be fit enough to take a place on the bench for Sunday hopefully and should be fit to play against Kildare as well

Dunshaughlin4keegan (Meath) - Posts: 28 - 19/02/2026 09:13:27    2657257

Just imagine if they win. 8 points from 8. Div 1 well in sight.

Go and do them lads, and do the same in Newbridge.

trimmer (Meath) - Posts: 573 - 19/02/2026 09:36:00    2657262

Hopefully we get someone back from injury (Hickey, Curtis or Gray) and Keogan is fit to play. If not, the bench will be light on experience. We'll have a few experienced guys to come in (O'Connor, O'Neill & Scully) but a lot of relative rookies beyond that. Goes to show the importance of building a deep squad.

gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 93 - 19/02/2026 10:42:02    2657278

gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 93 - 19/02/2026 10:54:01    2657281

Think this will be a nice indication of where some of our fringe players are. It is going to be a completely different game to the Louth game as there will probably be little physicality and more of a shootout.

I think we can get on top and midfield and if we are a little more disciplined we should win. Cork have there fair share of injuries too and while we have quite a lot I think we need to start seeing what lads like Killian Smith, Charlie O' Connor etc can do at this level.

It won't be the end of the world if we win, Cork still have to play tyrone and derry and while we have Kildare and Tyrone I would be confident enough that we could still go up. The most important thing is that we get these lads back for the Leinster Champ, imagine what our squad will look like with the introduction of Jonesy, Gray, Curtis, Kinlough and Hickey on our bench.

contributingtoamelee (Meath) - Posts: 84 - 19/02/2026 11:47:41    2657292

I'd like to see Martin get a chance, he's a great worker and very strong on the ball he only gor 3 minutes against Cavan and had a hand in both scores.

latouche25 (Meath) - Posts: 567 - 19/02/2026 11:56:54    2657295