Mick O’Dowd is looking to the “next generation” of Meath footballers on the back of a swath of retirements in the Royal County.

David Bray scored a 55-minute solo goal as the Royals beat neighbours Westmeath in their O'Byrne Cup opener at Mullingar yesterday.

Afterwards, O'Dowd was philosophical on the need to renew within The Royal County.

He told LMFM: “It’s always tough to see real warriors inside the dressing room leave. It always leaves a void.

"But it’s all about the next generation."

Listen to the full interview via the Monday Rewind podcast (33 minutes in):