Come this summer, it will have been seven years since a county other than Dublin lifted the Delaney Cup.
Meath were the last ones to do so. Toppling the Dubs will be one of the main objectives of new Meath manager Andy McEntee.
In an interview with Sean McGoldrick in the Sunday World, Royal County footballer Mickey Burke refused to be drawn on rumours of rules which have been set down by the new management team - mainly that long hair and white boots had been banned.
Burke would have been one of the more distinctive looking GAA players of recent years with some bulky biceps, flowing locks and tattoos. The long hair is gone, though not a result of those rumoured McEntee rules. He cut his hair following Meath's Championship elimination last year, requiring 'a fresh start'.
What Burke did speak about is the extent of his own ambitions. He wants to do more than simply be involved in a sunny July kickabout with Jim Gavin's side. He wants to beat them. He hasn't been eating avocados and spinach for nothing.
Ye boys think I'm delusional, but I'm not training since November to just go up and get the runaround from Dublin.
We put so much effort, sacrifice and time into football. I'm eating nothing but blueberries, avocados and spinach all day, every day.
You might think I'm nuts. I am nuts! But I want to mark Bernard Brogan, I want to mark Dean Rock and I want to win Leinster medals.
What's the saying? 'It's not the destination that counts, it's the journey.'
Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
