Meath manager Andy McEntee has been given a boost for his side’s Leinster Championship preparations after welcoming Cian McBride into his panel.
McBride has just completed his first season with AFL side Essendon and was not expected to be available but the Bombers have given the 19-year-old the green light to participate in what is the off-season for the Aussie rules competition.
A product of the St Ultan’s club, McBride first came to prominence at minor level with Meath and played U20 football for the Royals last year.
He was snapped up by Essendon after performing brilliantly at the AFL Draft Combine, especially in the vertical jump and 2km time trial.
Meath get their GAA season back under way on Saturday night against All-Ireland champions Dublin at Croke Park in the Allianz Football League, with another away tie against Monaghan eight days later.
McEntee’s charges are already relegated from Division 1 having failed to pick up a single point from their previous five outings.
These games will serve as crucial preparation for a Championship quarter-final against either Wexford or Wicklow on November 8.
