Pat Spillane Gives Verdict On GAA's Greatest Shock, And It's Not Meath-Dublin

Pat Spillane has weighed in on the Dublin debate after they were stunned by Meath in a rare Leinster Senior Football Championship defeat last weekend.

It was the first Leinster SFC defeat for the favourites in 15 years when Meath stormed to a 0-23 to 1-16 win over their old rivals in Portlaoise.

The Royal County's historic win not only banished Dublin from the provincial decider for the first time since 2010, but also booked Meath a Leinster final clash against Louth in less than two weeks' time.

Given the long wait for a Leinster final without the perennial winners, Dublin's defeat has certainly caused a stir in GAA circles.

However, legendary pundit Pat Spillane does not think the result was a major shock, after sharing his sentiments on the Indo Sport Podcast.

The former Sunday Game analyst covered some of Dublin's greatest days during their All-Ireland six-in-row, but believes recent circumstances have reduced the shock value of the defeat.

Dublin have seen a number of major players from that era retire, as they look to build a new all-conquering side.

A great victory for Meath... the biggest shock of all time? Not really.

"It was a big surprise. But a shock? No.

"Kerry being beaten by Clare in the Munster final in '92 was a shock. Kerry being beaten by Offaly to cost them the five in a row was a shock. They were shocks."

Dublin's dominance at Croke Park has been attributed as a key factor behind their success, having rarely played outside of their local venue in their dominant years.

However, Sunday's loss came away from home comforts and Spillane documented why the myth carries weight.

'The Croke Park factor. People say it doesn't (exist). But taking the Dubs out of Croke Park is a great leveller.

"They have their dressing room, set routine, warm-up in front of Hill 16. All the things are stacked in their favour.

"When they come out to the country to Portlaoise or to Aughrim they are not as happy... they are out of their comfort zone.

"They were out of the comfort zone last week and it was great for the game of Gaelic football."

Dublin could find themselves out of that comfort zone in the first round of the All-Ireland Championship too, given the possiblity of a trip to Killarney in round one.

The Boys In Blue may have to travel to Fitzgerald Stadium to face their main rivals if they finish as a third seed and Kerry top.