Sheridan hoping for a Royal victory despite strong Breffni links
GAA preview
Former Meath attacker Joe Sheridan will have a unique insight when the Royals travel to Kingspan Breffni to face Cavan in Round 2 of the Allianz League this Sunday (3.45pm).
Seneschalstown clubman Sheridan has strong Cavan links and in recent years has been pulling on the blue and white himself, lining out with the Breffni county in Masters football having starred for the Royals in his heyday.
Joe’s father Damien won an Ulster minor medal with Cavan in 1974, while Damien’s father, Eamon, was chairman of the Cavan Minor Board at the time.
Damien himself went on to represent both Cavan and Meath at inter-county level and enjoyed a hugely successful playing career with Maghera MacFinns, Navan O’Mahonys and John Mitchells in Birmingham.
That blend of loyalties – although he is very much a Meathman, naturally - has left Joe with a keen interest in both camps ahead of Sunday’s clash, with high-flying Meath coming off an impressive opening-round win over Derry and Cavan narrowly beaten by Cork.
“I was at the Meath game. It was a good performance,” Sheridan told the Anglo-Celt this week.
“They saw it out well after going behind in the first 15 or 20 minutes but then really took control of the game and probably were worthy winners. It was a great start for them and obviously from last year, the progress is clear, it’s good to kick on and beat a team like Derry who are coming down from Division 1.
“You’d have to say there’s definitely progress. It’s good to see the likes of Jack Flynn back, he had a great game and he was a big loss last year. James Conlon was back as well. It’s great to see it and hopefully we’ll get a full squad with Jack O’Connor back from Australia. All is going in the right way and it’s positive.
“Robbie Brennan has come in and done a great job and the players have responded. They’re putting in a lot of work. I know from being involved in coaching how big a commitment it is. They’ve really bought into what Robbie and the management are trying to do and they’re getting the rewards for it.”
Sheridan feels Meath’s belief is as important as any tactical change.
“They play with confidence now. They believe they can win every game. Even when it isn’t going their way, they don’t really panic. Against Derry they were five, six, seven points down at one stage in the first half and brought it back with a couple of nice two-pointers, just steady into the game. That’s a good trait to have.”
On the other side of the divide, Sheridan – who is currently managing Oldcastle on the Cavan border, who have Jason Scully on the Meath senior panel - is keen to see Cavan get moving under new manager Dermot McCabe.
“I didn’t see much of them last year, just bits, but they’re probably struggling to get back up and running. Hopefully Dermot McCabe will give them a good boost and try to drive them on and get all the players they need playing.
“Ulster is very competitive. When you have Armagh, Tyrone and Donegal moving really well, it’s hard to get going and that can knock the confidence out of a team over a couple of years. But Cavan have always had quality footballers. It’s about getting the best out of them.
“They ran Cork close enough at the weekend. Cork are a team that look like they’re really going to push on, they beat Kerry in the McGrath Cup final and have a win in the league. Cavan will be disappointed to lose a seven-point lead because Division 2 is very competitive and you have to try to take every point you can. But with the new rules, games can swing quickly. You’re never out of it.”
Sheridan’s own Cavan connection deepened when he was invited to join the county’s Masters panel.
“I was chatting to Shane McAnarney (former Meath captain and now Ramor United) and he asked would I come down for a chat. With Dad’s connections I was interested, I went down and met the lads and they were delighted. The last couple of years have been really enjoyable. We’ve been successful as well and it’s a great way to keep involved and keep the legs moving. They’re a great bunch of lads.
“We actually have a presentation in two weeks’ time for the Division 2 Championship we won, so that’ll be enjoyable.”
He hopes to go again this year.
“If the body allows me, yeah. That’s the main thing. If you can keep the injuries away, you have a chance. It’s competitive but it’s enjoyable. It’s a great way to bring your kids along as well. My lad is 18 months, so he’s just up and running.”
As for Sunday, he feels Meath have shown the stronger form to justify favouritism but he expects a close game.
“You’d imagine Meath would be favourites after the first round, but it’s competitive and you have to be at your best every weekend now. If Meath can get two wins from the first two games, it’s a great start and gives them confidence for the rest of the league. Hopefully it’s a good game and Meath get a win on Cavan soil.”