For the second year running, Meath’s championship campaign has ended on the second weekend in July.
The Royals, not for the first time this year in competitive fare, were reeled in late on by Derry in their All-Ireland Round 2A football clash in Owenbeg.
Niall Loughlin grabbed the all-important goal for the Oak Leaf county with two minutes left to seal a 1-14 to 1-11 victory. After the game, Mick O’Dowd stepped down as Meath boss after four years in charge.
Reflecting on his time in charge, O’Dowd feels he has laid down foundations that will see the Royals emerge as a serious force again.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: "I've been very proud and honoured to manage the county, and have probably done so at a period of serious transition.
"I just hope that the work and the foundations we have put in I think the squad is here for the next five or seven years.
“Obviously, new lads need to come in as well and I wish the next management team the best of luck in working with those players."
As of now, Meath are well behind Dublin in the Leinster pecking-order and will begin 2017 in Division 2 of the league. Getting back to the top tier would be the first priority for the new manager.
As to who might take the reins, former Meath player Cian Ward believes Andy McEntee has the right credentials.
Last March, McEntee guided Ballyboden St Enda’s to All-Ireland club glory and he has also masterminded club success within his native county.
Speaking on the RTÉ GAA Podcast, Jones’ Road, Ward made a strong case for McEntee.
"To me, he is the only obvious candidate I can think of at the minute," he said.
"He’s the only one with a track record of success. He brought the minors to an All-Ireland final, won an intermediate title in Meath with Donaghmore/Ashbourne. He has the pedigree and certainly has the passion.
“He would also have the knowledge of the players, particularly those from age 22 or 23 down."
When asked whether McEntee would want the job, Ward added: “It impossible to say, but I hope he does. As I said, he is the obvious candidate.
"He is a very passionate Meath man and I’m sure he’ll give it serious consideration, but it’s up to the county board to get in contact with him now and get it done as quickly as possible.
"By getting him in place, he’ll have an opportunity to watch the club championship and find the players who should be playing for Meath."
