Colm O'Rourke calls for provincial championships to be played before Allianz Football League

Meath manager Colm O'Rourke admitted his players had to look "deep within themselves" to produce a stirring late surge against Louth - and the wind - at Páirc Tailteann on Sunday, while he also called for a change in the structure of the inter-county football season.

The Royal County trailed by a point at half-time and, facing into a stiff breeze, looked like they would be beaten by their gallant neighbours.

Between the 25th and 45th minutes, Meath didn't register a score, however a Matthew Costello point sparked them into life, and they eventually dug out a 1-11 to 1-09 win.

"We were in big trouble," O'Rourke told RTÉ Sport afterwards.

"We were playing into a strong wind, four points behind and playing very poorly.

"Louth were very dominant and had been looking much slicker for the whole of the first half. Our lads had to show a bit of heart and commitment, it was really put up to them. That was the most satisfying part of it. I think we came back and got about 1-06 without reply. That was satisfying.

"Fellas looked deep within themselves and they found something. I suppose we had Donal Keogan to inspire us as well. Everybody seemed to lift their game. We got a couple of points and then we took over the game completely. It was a very strange game from that point of view.

"It's a very competitive division. We have a very young team, they're learning on the hoof, but if we could have more of the last 20 minutes I think we'll be alright."

"It is a big problem, it needs to addressed."

O'Rourke is confident his youthful outfit, who sit joint fourth in Division 2, will improve.

A number of the panel have been playing Sigerson Cup football with their colleges, and while O'Rourke believes the competition serves an important purpose, he