Meath hurling manager Martin Ennis.
By Cian O’Connell
The Royal hurling revolution continues with Meath’s Leinster Round Robin series win over Kerry providing another layer of satisfaction.
It was a noteworthy win for Meath, competing at this level for the first time in 13 years, but manager Martin Ennis is fully aware of the threat Laois will carry into Pairc Tailteann this Sunday.
Thrilled that demanding matches are arriving thick and fast Ennis admits that Meath have quickly refocused for the Laois assignment.
“Absolutely, we were delighted to get a win in the first round of the Round Robin, we are looking forward to the game against Laois,” Ennis says.
“We didn't over celebrate or anything like that, our feet are firmly back on the ground, we were back to work at training on Tuesday. We are looking forward to another challenge on Sunday.”
In three campaigns under Ennis' stewardship, Meath hurling has travelled a real distance. “Yeah, we have stuck to our plan, I have a couple of good men with me in Pat Clancy and Mickey McCullough, we have looked after these lads,” Ennis remarks.
“They have worked extremely hard over the last number of years. We are delighted to be where we are; winning the Christy Ring, then pushing on into the League as well. The work they have done and put in is coming to the fore now.”
The 2016 All Ireland Under 21 B provided optimism and momentum according to Ennis, who also believes that the importance of Meath’s Allianz Hurling League Division 2B triumph shouldn’t be underestimated either.
“There is always work going on at underage level here, no doubt about it,” Ennis states. “Has it influenced things? Yes, it has of course, all these lads started some place.
“They played Under 21 and minor, it is a massive boost. Meath winning the All Ireland Under 21 B helped as well.
Damien Healy celebrates with Meath manager Martin Ennis following the 2016 Christy Ring Cup Final win.
“Winning follows winning and for Meath to win an All Ireland Under 21B and the Christy Ring last year in the manner that we did. To turn into 2017 then winning Division 2B which we have been trying to get out of for years it is all positive, definitely.”
Ennis believes that Meath are benefiting from the company they are now keeping. Fixtures with Kerry, Laois, and Westmeath are the ultimate case in point Ennis believes.
“What would we see as a good year? Our main aim was always to stay in Leinster. At the start of the year we wanted to win Division 2B to get out of there. The teams that we will play in 2A next year are teams we beat in the Christy Ring. Antrim won 2A this year as well, we beat them in Croke Park in the Christy Ring Final.
“We see ourselves as being able to stay with those teams no problem. If we can just keep playing at that level and playing high level teams in the Walsh Cup. Playing the likes of Laois and Westmeath, they are the teams we want to be playing against, that is where I believe Meath's level is.
“As I said to the boys at the weekend, no disrespect to anybody in 2B we averaged beating everybody in that League by 15 points.
“I got them into the Walsh Cup a couple of years ago after winning the Kehoe Cup maybe a half dozen times. I didn't see a strong enough challenge there at times. We pushed on up playing the likes of Offaly and Wexford, these are the games the lads want to play in.
“They want to play against big teams, that only improves the situation when we get to test ourselves against better opposition. That is what it is all about, testing yourself, really.”
Advancing from the Round Robin into a Leinster Quarter-Final would guarantee Meath five Championship encounters. “It would be absolutely fantastic to get out of the Round Robin, we have set up an opportunity for ourselves to do that now,” Ennis admits.
“We aren't going to take Laois too lightly now either, we know that they are a formidable outfit. Home advantage is good for us and we are really looking forward to that clash.
“I think we belong here anyway, we set our stall out, they are an honest bunch of lads. They've worked really hard, they know what they want, they're a very together bunch, the boys. They just push it and drive it all the way. We are just steering the thing, hoping we can do the best we can do for Meath hurling.”
