Meath manager Giles not dwelling on penalties defeat as focus turns to Cork and an All-Ireland quarter-final

Meath reached the Leinster Minor Football Championship final despite losing two group matches. After a penalty shootout defeat to Kildare at O'Moore Park, manager Trevor Giles said the players would recover and prepare for the All-Ireland quarter-final against Cork. He acknowledged the disappointment of losing in such circumstances but emphasized that the current format includes extra time and penalties, providing another game in two weeks. Giles praised Meath’s character during the match and also credited Kildare’s response, including scoring after going behind and taking the lead in extra-time. He noted improvement over recent weeks and highlighted coaching contributions. He said the new system reduces the sting by guaranteeing another outing.

"“The lads will be fine, we knew that was the system, that's the rules at the moment, there's extra time, there's penalties and so that's the system, but listen the system is great, we're getting another game in two weeks time, so we'll get over tonight and we'll focus on that,” Giles said."

"“There was great character shown by our lads throughout the game and to be fair great character shown by Kildare as well,” Giles continued. “To get that two-pointer after Kildare got the goal and then to score the free from the corner flag and go ahead in extra-time showed what they're made of. They're great lads, they work hard, they're down to earth, they're competitive, and they've got good character.”"

"“Six weeks ago in Skryne, Kildare kept us at arm's length, they were always five or six points ahead, we didn't really get close to them, they had that little bit of a size advantage on us, they've got great power. So I'm delighted with the players and the improvement in the team the last few weeks. The coaches have been fantastic all year and credit to them. Owen Creevy our head coach leads all that, so really proud. We nearly won it in normal time and in extra-time but we'll recover from today and we'll go forward.”"

Read at Irish Independent