Barry names first Meath panel
New Meath manager Eamonn Barry has omitted two-time All-Ireland winners Trevor Giles and Darren Fay from his first panel.
Rumours of the experienced pair's retirements are rife in the Royal county as they await confirmation of Giles and Fay's availability for February's National League start.
Following recent trials, Barry, who succeeded long-standing boss Sean Boylan in September, has announced a 36-man panel for three upcoming challenge matches (against Louth, Longford and Cavan) and the O'Byrne Cup in January.
Giles and Fay, who both won All-Star awards in 1996 and 1999 - the years of Meath's most recent All-Ireland triumphs, have been left out of the squad, as well as former corner back Mark O'Reilly, who has officially announced his inter-county retirement.
Playmaker Giles is resting the shoulder injury that curtailed his 2005 season, while the attentions of influential defender Fay, who turns 30 in April, are being occupied by his kitchen manufacturing business and young family.
Two pivotal players throughout the Boylan era, Graham Geraghty, aged 32, and Ollie Murphy, aged 30, have been listed in Barry's maiden squad.
Carnaross forward Murphy attended the recent trials despite hinting that he would quit after Meath's All-Ireland run was ended by Cavan in the qualifiers in July.
