by Rory Houston
Seamus McEnaney and Meath face their destiny this weekend as they take on Wicklow in the Leinster Football Championship.
Many people didn't think McEnaney would be in charge for this game but he survived a vote on his leadership to stay as manager and there is a sense of defiance in his role now.
It has been very quiet in the Meath camp since that vote and the true test of his ability and if the appointment was worthwhile will be come clearer in Dr Cullen Park.
The Royals have made plenty of headlines in recent times, often for the wrong reason. 'Banty' has likely been reminding his players of how they too have been written and this is their moment to prove that Meath football is far from second-rate.
The Royals reached out to Joe Sheridan last month and he returned from America to give the county a huge lift for the Championship.
They are missing several players against Wicklow including Stephen Bray with Donnacha Tobin, Alan Forde, Mark Collins and Conor Gillepsie set to make Championship debuts.
Wicklow had a much less volatile start to the year with a Division 4 league crown sitting proudly back in the Garden County. It was an impressive victory in Croke Park and watching a Meath meltdown for several weeks has also heightened exactions in the county.
Indeed Ciaran Hyland has spoken publically of his belief that an upset is on the cards.
Hyland told the Wicklow People: "We will have to be on our best game to beat them. Hopefully we will be. We will go into the match full of confidence and I think we can take them."
This is one of the most intriguing matches at the start of the year and mental strength will be key for Meath.
They will take blows in Dr Cullen Park but they have enough scoring power to get past the Garden men.
Verdict: Meath
