Seamus McEnaney isn't overjoyed by the prospect of facing his native Monaghan.

The Corduff clubman takes charge of neighbours Meath for Saturday night's NFL Division Two opener at Navan, where opposition will be provided by the Oriel County, whom Banty led to a thrilling 3-13 to 3-12 Division Two final victory over the Royals at Croke Park in 2005.

McEnaney's loyalties have changed since he was appointed Meath's first 'outside' boss before the 2011 season and he says in the Irish News: "Obviously, it'll be a difficult game for me.

"I managed Monaghan for six years and I was honoured and proud to manage them for that time. I have great respect for the Monaghan players but my loyalties lie with the Meath dressing-room this weekend.

"I never envisaged this fixture ever coming about because one of the attractions of the Meath job was that Monaghan were in Division One and Meath were in Division Two and obviously in different provincial championships, so the chances of a meeting were slim.

"But unfortunately after twelve months in the job I find myself playing Monaghan, which is an awkward game for me. But thankfully it's the first game of the national football league and it will be done and dusted early in the campaign.

"There will be twelve or 13 Monaghan players playing against Meath that would have played championship football under me." Tweet

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