Meath forward Jordan Morris says winning Division Two is massive for the county as they look ahead towards the Leinster and All-Ireland championships.
Meath were one of the stories of the championship last season, defeating Dublin, Kerry, and Galway, as they reached the All-Ireland semi-finals.
They can now add silverware to their progress, as they defeated Cork in Croke Park, and Meath will be in the top league in 2027.
For Morris, going up the steps of Croke Park is something he could get used to.
“It is massive. We would have heard of the great Meath teams of the past winning All-Irelands. To be going up the steps of Croke Park is great.
“Winning silverware in Croke Park is what you dream about. Our goal at the start of the year was to get promoted, so we can only be happy with that.
“It gives you that bit more confidence, [knowing] you can perform in Croke Park. It is great that we are back competing again.”
In one of the most open Leinster championships in living memory, Meath will get their championship underway against Westmeath.
After ending Dublin’s dominance in the semi-finals, they were defeated by Louth in the final.
Under the management of Robbie Brennan, and taking advantage of the new rules, it is a promising time for Meath football, as Morris hopes they can give the fans more to cheer about this season.
“Growing up, you would have heard the stories of the great Meath teams and the videos of the supporters in Croke Park when they were playing Dublin in the famous four-game saga.
“It is something I would have dreamed about playing in front of thousands of fans. It is probably about that we gave the supporters something to cheer about, hopefully, we can try to continue doing that.”
The Division Two final win did not come without its controversy, as the hooter was once again a talking point.
With Meath two points up, Cork were awarded a free deep in their own half, as they argued it should have been brought forward.
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As late frees continue to be debated under the new hooter, which stops play at exactly 70 minutes, the Meath forward believes getting yourself in the best position for the final moments is key.
“I probably rather the way it is at the minute. It can be a bit hectic, in a good way. When you are attacking, you are trying to slow down a bit and get a shot.
“We wouldn’t spend too much time practising it. We are clever enough footballers, we know the rules, we know the clock is going to go down.
“If you have two minutes left, try work the best shot you can as close to the hooter, there is no more to it.”
