Crawford to captain Meath

Nigel Crawford has been confirmed as the Meath Senior football captain for the 2010 Championship campaign.

Crawford, the Dunboyne clubman, succeeds Stephen Bray, who captained the Royals in the 2009 Championship.

The captain's role was alternated by manager Eamon O'Brien during the Allianz GAA Football National League.

Crawford is the most experienced member of the Meath squad and is the sole survivor from the 1999 panel, when the county last claimed the All-Ireland title.

He will skipper the Royals for the first time in Championship action on May 23, when they take on Offaly in their Leinster Championship opener.

Crawford's appointment was confirmed by the Meath County Board after Sunday's 0-20 to 1-11 defeat of Galway in a challenge game.

The match marked the official opening of the newly re-developed Summerhill Grounds.