Cian O'Sullivan: Dublin vs Meath rivalry is 'waning'

The Dublin vs Meath rivalry in the Leinster SFC desperately needs a shot in the arm according to former Blues star Cian O'Sullivan.

The neighbours are set to meet in this Sunday's provincial semi-final at Croke Park with the smart money on a Leinster final between the Metropolitans and Kildare - who play Westmeath on the same day - to come at the end of the month.

While Kerry's win over Cork at the weekend was similarly predictable, the Rebels have managed two victories against their Munster rivals in the last decade; in 2012 and 2020.

Meath's last victory over Dublin came on an a bizarre June day in 2010 when Stephen Cluxton had to pick the ball out of his net on five occasions.

The previous decade had seen close games between the counties, with Meath starting the new millennium in the ascendency, when they claimed the Delaney Cup in 2001, their fourth straight victory over the Dubs.

Since then however, Dublin have dominated the fixture, other than the 2010 anomaly, and a draw in 2007. A close Allianz League encounter at Parnell Parnell in the autumn of 2020 gave Meath hope, but it proved to be a false dawn as they lost the Leinster final by 21 points.

Last year's provincial semi-final was closer as the Royals launched a second-half comeback, but they ultimately still lost by six points, which all adds up to one win for Meath in the fixture in over 20 years.

"That rivalry might have waned a bit in the last number of years," says the eight-time All-Ireland winner who retired last June.

"I wasn't playing but I was involved in 2010 when they beat us by five goals. And I think since that point, the games have been one-sided in Dublin’s favour.

"Meath were making strides in the last number of seasons - certainly last year, maybe not