Kevin Reilly feels younger players should be protected from personal insults

"Kevin Reilly respects Dublin but doesn't fear them," read the July 17th headline. Here's as good a time as any for a follow-up from the Bettystown-based biology and physical education teacher.

There is the argument that Reilly’s presence in the newspaper may be reaching saturation point – also known as Michael Darragh Macauley syndrome – but the Meath captain is a rarity among modern-day sportsmen in that he always has something interesting and intelligent things to say.

And he has no problem saying it.

Time and space, such rare commodities, means skimming over his honest response to questions about the tortuous hangover that followed the 16-point lashing meted out by Dublin just three days after he said he respected but didn’t fear them.

We’ll get back to that. Instead, let’s bite straight into the juicy centre of the interview. Meath play Armagh on Saturday at 5pm in Croke Park.

Partial redemption comes in the evening and on the hallowed turf which will not have been stampeded by Stetson-wearing disciples.

Hard men

Armagh and Meath instantly conjure up the image of hard men from yesteryear. Lyons. Bellew. That’s got to draw more neutral eyes to the best concert venue in Ireland.

If that doesn’t then maybe this will.

In 2011 Reilly experienced the tutelage of both Armagh manager Paul Grimley, who was assisting former Meath boss Séamus McEnaney, and selector Kieran McGeeney during the International Rules war in Australia.

Concerning Grimley, what do you make of him as a coach?

Reilly comes across as a man of integrity. He pauses over every question, giving it the respect of silent consideration.

“Mmmm, Paul, I suppose, he was in with Séamus, on and off, over the year. Yeah, when he was with us he did his best to try and get the best out of us I suppose, yeh.”

The shortest and only deadpan answer of the session, silence fills the room before we giggle like school children.

And Kieran?

“Yeah, I like Kieran.”

We are rolling around the floor now.

“We all see what Kieran McGeeney is about. He’s a great character. He was a great player. You see by him, he oozes confidence. A very intense sort of guy, in a good way. Doesn’t leave too much to chance, you can see that in his preparation of teams and the way he goes about things himself.

“Yeah, I’d have a lot of time for Kieran McGeeney.”

Grimley has gagged the Armagh panel since the parade brawl with Cavan on June 8th which led to suspensions for Andy Mallon, Kieran Toner and Brendan Donaghy.

Seemingly due to the barrel of ink that overflowed with conjecture.

Kevin Dyas, Armagh's former AFL professional, was slated to speak to the media yesterday. The 26-year-old turned up in Croke Park, had his picture taken, pocketed the cheque but remained tight-lipped. On Grimley's order.

Insightful reponse

The antithesis of Reilly then, who provided an insightful response to the criticism that has hounded Meath players since the Dublin pounding.

Still only 28 but from the old stock of Royal footballer, he can take it.

“I’ve had a few interesting conversations with people. They were very brief.”

The problem is others are not so thick skinned. This brings the Gaelic Players Association’s current priority to confront mental health among its membership bobbing to the surface.

“There has been a lot of criticism. Some just, some unjust. The Meath jersey commands high standards and I’d be one that would expect that of players and expect that of myself. Unfortunately the last day it just didn’t happen.”

Does he, as the leader, feel the need to protect younger players?

“Very much so . . . I spoke to ex-Meath players afterwards and they had a good way of dealing with it without being personal. They said it was a poor performance, it shouldn’t of happened but it did. It’s how you react to that.”

Reilly sees the “cyber bullying” in schools mirrored in the knee-jerk social media comments directed at team-mates.

“These personal attacks, especially on young players or sensitive players, people take it to heart. It’s just not fair. Especially as an amateur who has to go back to work and listen to personal insults of you as a person, never mind as a player. It is just wrong.”

Meath playing Armagh is not the biggest game in Croke Park this weekend but it is a little more interesting now.

It’s good to talk.