'Meath are ahead of expectations' says Trevor Giles as All-Ireland semi looms
Royal County great Giles was a key figure in Colm O'Rourke's backroom in 2024 though O'Rourke stepped down in disgust, believing he didn't have the support of the county board.
Meath lost four of their five Championship games in 2024 and O'Rourke felt he wasn't given adequate time afterwards to lock down a new coaching setup for 2025.
In a lengthy interview with the Meath Chronicle at the time, O'Rourke suggested there would be a 'lot of bad days in the next few years' as young players bedded in and, speaking specifically about 2025, said that 'I don't think we will win the All-Ireland next year'.
His replacement, Robbie Brennan, has masterminded Championship wins over Kerry, Dublin, Cork and Galway so far this summer and guided the county to Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final against Donegal.
AIB ambassador Giles praised Brennan for the strong impact and said the big results are ahead of schedule.
"It's a little bit ahead of expectations," said Giles.
"Last year, my team from 1999, we were the jubilee team in Croke Park, 25 years since we'd won the All-Ireland. It was a great day but it was a little bit sad leaving that day because it was so long since we'd won the All-Ireland.
"At that time, it looked like it was going to be a while before we'd be even competing for it. So a little bit ahead of expectation. But I think, and the Meath lads would know this, it's a massive opportunity on Sunday. There are no guarantees you'll get back there next year.
Former inter-county footballers Kevin Cassidy (Donegal) and Trevor Giles (Meath), pictured for AIB ahead of GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final between Donegal and Meath this Sunday. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
"The Championship this year, the games have been so close. Really good teams haven't got this far because they've lost narrowly. I think the next few years the Championship is going to be equally competitive and tight.
"So you have to make the most of your opportunity when you're there and that goes for the older lads who have been starved of success and the younger lads who are just new to this. They have to make the most of this opportunity on Sunday."
New manager Brennan pulled Bryan Menton out of retirement and has started him at midfield in all 15 of their League and Championship games. It's the same story for Seamus Lavin who hadn't played for Meath since 2021.
Jack Flynn has been brought back too and has made 11 starts though is currently injured. Meanwhile, at full-back, Sean Rafferty is in All-Star form having not previously played for Meath.
"I didn't think we'd be as good as we have turned out to be but that's sport," said Giles.
"Robbie has come in as the new manager and great credit to him. The new rules have helped. Ciaran Caulfield was the captain of DCU and won a Sigerson, that makes a difference to you.
"Then Dunshaughlin won the championship in Meath, so those players become different players when they do that.
"Sean Coffey is finished his studies, he was studying physio in UCD, he's now in a job as a physio, little things like that make a difference.
"Jordan Morris wasn't really available last year, having him back gives everyone massive confidence. Bryan Menton is back and has helped in midfield and is giving a little bit more leadership.
"So credit to everyone, it's been a number of different things. With the lean years we've had, and the next thing you get a bit of success, it just gives you huge, huge momentum."
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