MEATH and Donegal are reportedly both set to wear their home kits this weekend despite the obvious colour clash.
The two sides will meet in Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final which will throw-in at 4pm.
This is the visual prospect that awaits viewers[/caption]
It had been expected that the Royals’ outfield players would wear an alternative kit whether it be their luminous yellow goalkeeper strip or their navy jersey.
Meanwhile Jim McGuinness’ men were supposed to wear their alternative white kit. However, it appears both sides have opted to revert back to their preferred colours.
On Wednesday Meath Chronicle sports editor Feargal Lynch reported: “Meath will wear their regular home green jersey on Sunday and Donegal will wear their regular yellow shirt…”
The Donegal side of things was confirmed an hour later when the official Donegal GAA account tweeted: “BREAKING NEWS Our boys will line out in our home jerseys.”
Lynch’s post has generated a largely exasperated response from Gaelic football supporters nationwide since it seems to go against all common sense.
John replied: “That’ll make it a hard watch on the TV.”
Meanwhile someone else complained: “Jesus do they actively try and make the worst decision they can. Can they both not wear away jerseys?”
Daniel vented: “There HAS to be a better alternative.”
On a lighter note/colour, Tom joked: “Hope Meath do like Trevor Giles and cut the sleeves. It’s be too warm they need to go!”
Lastly, Thomas Niblock of BBC Sport quipped: “BBC will cover this game live on Sunday. Can’t wait to commentate on green & gold v green & gold.”
Ahead of Sunday’s tussle Meath icon Giles has happened to preview the match-up in his guise as an ambassador with AIB.
He admitted his county are ahead of schedule but urged the current crop to seize their last-four chance as it may not come again.
In an extraordinary season that has already yielded Championship wins over Dublin, Kerry and Galway, Meath have reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
The campaign has been beyond the wildest dreams of supporters, whose team were preparing to play in the Tailteann Cup final this time two years ago.
Giles said: “We could say we’ll be here for the next few years because it’s a young team. But it’s very hard to get to another semi-final.
“You couldn’t guarantee you’d be there next year or the year after. It’s grand saying this is bonus territory but you have to make the most of the opportunity.”
‘UNBELIEVABLE IMPROVEMENT’
Robbie Brennan was appointed last September to succeed Colm O’Rourke as Meath boss. Giles, who was part of O’Rourke’s backroom staff, is full of praise for the new gaffer.
The two-time Footballer of the Year said: “We felt the lads would be a bit better this year. The young lads would be a year older, so I was expecting improvement this year with the team.
“But it’s been an unbelievable improvement since, so great credit to Robbie Brennan and Conor Gillespie and to the coaches and to the players.
“The county in Meath, everyone is happy. Everyone’s talking about the game. There are cars being spray-painted.
“There are double-decker buses going to Croke Park on the weekend full up. When it’s that little bit unexpected, it’s that bit more enjoyable.”
