A rare championship pairing of Meath and Galway sees the rival football fans in contrasting moods on the eve of tomorrow's All-Ireland Football Final. Hopeful Galway fans have been taking the generous odds against their team, in the belief that the Boynesiders cannot reproduce the champagne football that left Kerry with such a hangover last month.
Meanwhile, in Meath yesterday, there were signs of nervousness that the team has lost its traditionally dour image.
Nelson had just vacated his pillar in Dublin when the counties last met in the final, and Galway fans have been happy to see Meath placed on a pedestal since the 15-point semi-final win. But GAA traditionalists may prefer a victory for Meath on this occasion.
From a purist's perspective, the Boynesiders have travelled to Croke Park by an approved road, winning the Leinster championship. Unlike Galway, who took the scenic route, via the new "back-door" system, after a defeat in the first round.
The build-up has been overshadowed by events in the US. The mood in Galway is reported to be more muted than usual. And in Navan yesterday, among the flags and scarves proclaiming "Meath for Sam," some stalls were selling the stars and stripes too, in a case of Meath for Uncle Sam.
