Meath footballers bringing excitement to the county, says Giles

The excitement around Meath heading into the All-Ireland semi-finals has not been seen since the days of Trevor Giles leading the county.

After memorable wins against Dublin, Kerry, and Galway, Meath fans have been given memories they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Having not reached this stage since 2009, and forced to watch rivals Dublin lift the Leinster championship cup every season, there was not a lot to shout about for the Royals.

However, with Donegal standing in their way of an All-Ireland final, former captain Giles described the atmosphere around the county.

"We grew up going to Croke Park watching Meath in the '80s and, with nostalgia and hindsight, they were great. When you are coaching and you see your senior team going well, it is massive. It is a great thing as a teenager going to be proud of your country and all your friends being there.

"All the teenagers want Hill 16 tickets. They don’t want to go to the stand. Stand tickets are a tenner, Hill 16 tickets are €40, but they want to go on Hill 16 because that is where their friends are, and that’s where the craic will be.

"Kids in Meath growing up in the last 20 years haven’t had those days out."

A two-time All-Ireland winner as a player, Giles was part of Colm O'Rourke's coaching team at Meath, who had admitted they were not near Dublin after a 16-point defeat last year.

However, that gap has been more than closed after defeating Dublin in the Leinster semi-final.

For Giles, he admitted he is surprised with how well this season has gone, but believes the future of Meath football is bright.

"Pleasantly surprised how well we're doing. I thought we would be better this year, that all the younger guys would be a year older, a little bit stronger