Meath legend Graham Geraghty will set a new record next year when he becomes the oldest player to make his debut in the Sigerson Cup.

The 40-year-old is eligible to line out for Sigerson new boys Blanchardstown IT after enrolling in a Social and Community Development course at the Institute. Geraghty jointly managed Blanchardtown IT to Trench Cup honours earlier this year and still plays club football with Athboy outfit Clann na nGael who contested this year's Meath IFC final.

"It came as bit of a surprise," the 1999 All-Ireland winning captain is quoted in the Irish Independent.

"I didn't think I'd ever play college football at any stage and it's definitely a surprise to be playing at this level. I was meant to do a sports and recreational course in Colaiste Ide but I never did and 23 years later here I am."

Blanchardstown have been drawn against NUI Maynooth in the first round of the 2014 Sigerson Cup, and Geraghty hopes they can give a good account of themselves.

"We have lost eight of the team from last year and it's a massive blow for a small college like us. But it's a challenge and we managed to stay up in the league."

And Geraghty, who only hung up his inter-county boots the season before last, expresses satisfaction with the progress Meath are making under Mick O'Dowd.

"Mick is doing a good job. Last year was a progression from the year before and he is trying to build a team. You have to let go of some of the lads that had been there a while.

"I won't say they are getting on but maybe they are slowing down a wee bit and to play at that level you have to be at the top of your game the whole time. So I think he's going the right way about it, bringing on young players.

"He's there for three years so it's probably the only way to do it, giving a lad time to develop a team. You can't do it in one or two years so it's good to see some of the young lads coming through," he added. Tweet

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