Meath's Sean Boylan (left) has no illusions about the challenge which is posed by a rampant Offaly. "I honestly believe that they are the best team in Ireland at the moment. They came through the toughest division in the National League unbeaten and went on to win the title.

"What I like most about them is that they play brilliant football. They had an unfortunate experience after beating us in the Leinster final last year when they were beaten by Mayo. They really didn't have enough time to get themselves ready for that kind of a test but since then they have put together a great run.

"They have great depth of talent and Tommy Lyons has worked wonders. There is a saying around this part of the country to the effect that it is hard to get Offaly started but, once started, they are very hard to stop.

"As far as Meath are concerned, we hope we have prepared well. We didn't have a good league but once the championship beckoned we began to pick up and we believe that we are now in top-class shape. "There is a worry about Barry Callaghan who damaged a finger in his work but it is not very serious and, with some protection, I believe he will not have a problem. Mark O'Reilly has also made good progress after injury and, although we will have another look at both before the match, we are confident that they will both turn out.

"In one way this is an untried team although we have only one newcomer to championship football in Raymond Magee but we are always wary of Offaly. When we finished our league campaign we felt that we had a lot of time on our hands but then, suddenly, the Offaly match was just around the corner. It just crept up on us. We are looking forward to it, though, and there is huge interest in both counties, particularly because of the double header with the hurlers."