Meath v Louth tomorrow evening in Cavan is the gaelic football match that everyone wanted to see, but face it, GAA fans: rematches in all sports tend to disappoint. We don't mean to dampen your enthusiasm, but look at the facts. Given the intense drama, refereeing flubs, historical baggage, post-match violence and the backdrop of Croker grandeur, Louth-Meath I was one of the most compelling random matches in recent memory. How can the Cavan-set, Saturday evening, mid-June qualifier vibe of the rematch even compete? Remember that Louth beat a team that should have been in the All-Ireland final last year. This season, they've lost to Carlow. Even the logic that this is Louth's chance for revenge for Sluddengate is flawed. A win for Louth does not get them that Leinster championship they were denied. It would be the grandest moral victory, but Louth will be back on the road next week.
How can the match live up to expectations? We're hoping to see any or all of the following permutations play out tomorrow evening:
- Considering that last year's match was decided by a rugby try, Shane Horgan and Rob Kearney start for both sides.
- Referee has a heart attack and Martin Sludden is forced in from the stands to officiate the match.
- Joe Sheridan scores the winning goal by falling into the net with the ball in his hands.
- Banty brings Graham Geraghty and Martin Sludden on at halftime.
- Post match pitch invasion/riot halted by an acoustic-guitar wielding Brian Carthy playing 'Give Peace A Chance'.
- Final score: Louth 4-25 0-1 Meath
- Final score: Meath 4-25 0-1 Louth
