NOT only is Meath manager Sean Boylan a herbalist, but it appears that he can also perform feats of exorcism. Certainly, Meath managed to put the ghosts of last year's Leinster Final appearance behind them at Croke Park yesterday.

"That was a good result," said Boylan, basking in the back slapping atmosphere of the Meath dressingroom. "On our last visit here for a championship match, we lost by 10 points. It was very important for the lads to get over that particular episode."

Nobody will be more aware than Boylan - the country's longest serving manager - that there is a big difference between Dublin, their conquerors last year, and Carlow. But, still, a win is very much a win. Especially when four newcomers to senior championship have played their part in no uncertain fashion.

"I was really pleased for the new boys. It was a big day for them and they did really well - and also for Martin O'Connell and Coyler, they played superbly.

"It was important to win again in Croke Park. Apart form that Dublin match last year, we didn't do ourselves justice in our last knockout match either, the National League quarter final defeat to Mayo. No disrespect to Mayo, but we didn't acquit ourselves well that day," said Boylan.

The future looks bright, and promising. The arrival of some young limbs and the return of the hunger of old proved to be an intoxicating mix as Meath romped to an 18 points win. Nothing more than a Sunday afternoon's stroll.

"We can't afford to sit on our laurels, though," said Boylan, bringing a touch of realism back to the whole scenario. "Even at halftime when we were so far ahead, I just reminded the lads not to relax. After all, Carlow had performed really well in the second half of their two previous matches in the championship. You have to stay, alert.

"It is important now that we keep the winning habit."

And what of Carlow? "Well they suffered a couple of hammer blows. When you lose a centrefielder and centre half back through injury, it is very hard to, overcome such situations."

Generous words. But anyone in the Meath dressingroom before a championship match knows that the boss can speak more sternly too. Like before the Laois match!