O'Rourke: Silverware could be Meath springboard

Manager Colm O'Rourke is hopeful that their Tailteann Cup victory could be the launchpad for greater things in the county.

The Royals put in a terrific second-half display to register a 2-13 to 0-14 victory over Down at Croke Park to guarantee their participation in the All-Ireland next year.

Goals in either half from Ronan Jones and right at the death from Jack Flynn completed a five-point victory and speaking after the match, O’Rourke is hopeful it is the start of things to come for Meath.

"It was a great performance," he said. "We’re all happy to see Donal Keogan, who has given such service to Meath, going up the steps of the stand for a cup.

"These are a great bunch of lads. I think it will give them a taste to go on to better things. Of course it guarantees us that we are playing in the All-Ireland next year. This is a hungry team and they are going to want more."

In a scrappy first half where Meath’s goal had a fortuitous feel to it, the sides were level at the break, both teams guilty of wayward shooting.

What happened after the interval to send Meath on course for the win?

"Our big men around the middle all started to play," he said.

It may not compare to chariot racing, spear throwing or pig wrestling, but Meath manager Colm O'Rourke is hoping that his side's Tailteann Cup triumph can be the springboard to greater things next season. #RTEGAA pic.twitter.com/ashE8jjKJL

"Conor Gray had a great second half, Jack Flynn, Jack O’Connor came in and brought great energy to the game. I think all the subs contributed richly to the performance, but that’s the way we have been going all year."

O’Rourke’s first year in charge has finished with a flourish and while next season expectations will rise, the 65-year-old is keen to savour