SHANE'S A BIT OF A FREAK & I DON'T KNOW HOW FELLAS LIKE HIM ARE MADE

Meath boss Brennan knows what to expect from Walsh.. he watched it up close as manager of Crokes

- Michael SCULLY

A FREAKISH performance - Robbie Brennan was blown away by Shane Walsh's comeback for Kilmacud Crokes.

It was the night of September 21 in Parnell Park and the Crokes boss marvelled as Walsh fired 1-4 against Ballyboden St Endas on his return to action, having picked up ankle and hamstring injuries during Galway's run to the All-Ireland final and their defeat to Armagh.

"He hadn't trained properly since the Dublin game," said Brennan, referring to the Tribesmen's All-Ireland quarter-final win in June.

"He trained during the week and you'd swear there was nothing wrong with him. He's a bit of a freak. I don't know how they make fellas like him."

Fast forward nine months and, after three years working together, Walsh and Brennan are in direct opposition for a place in the All-Ireland semi-finals tomorrow as Galway and Meath clash in the Championship for the first time in 14 years.

Brennan was asked that same September night in Donnycarney about reports that he was to be Meath's new manager, taking up the position after Crokes' county campaign ended, but he wouldn't comment on the speculation.

The position was his, however, with Crokes' All-Ireland club final triumph in 2023 ushering him to the front of potential targets for the Royals.

Walsh had played a massive role in that success, the final and vital piece of the jigsaw for Brennan to achieve a lifelong dream with his own club.