Robbie Brennan says it's a 'massive honour' to take over as Meath senior football manager, having been officially ratified on a three year deal.
News of Brennan's appointment spread last week along with the make-up of his management team, which included Tyrone legend Joe McMahon and Monaghan coach Martin Corey.
The external nature of the ticket initially led to talk about a lack of local knowledge, although the addition of Summerhill's county title winning manager from last year Conor Gillespie has changed that.
Gillespie was again the boss of Summerhill this year as they relinquished their crown with a quarter final loss to Dunboyne last weekend, and he was announced as part of the Meath management team in the aftermath.
Speaking at his unveiling as the Meath manager, Robbie Brennan hailed Gillespie's 'brilliant football brain.'
"Everyone knows Conor' career was cut short, a brilliant midfielder. Had it not been, God knows where he might have ended up. But he has a brilliant football brain, you could sit and talk football for hours," says Brennan.
"He has that local experience and already he's working behind the scenes after only a couple of days away from Summerhill.
"So really looking forward to picking his brain and seeing what comes out and what we can build on."
Gillespie went onto coach development squads and the 2019 Meath minor team having enjoyed a successful playing career with Dunboyne and Meath, and Brennan says he brings a huge insight to the role.
"I've already seen some of the stuff he's sent on. He has details on everybody from a Summerhill point of view, so we'll be tapping into that
"Coming from some of those other squads, he has a massive in depth local knowledge, which will help all of us."
But as a St Peter's Dunboyne club-man, Brennan also has his finger-on-the-pulse of the Meath scene, and he's content they'll 'have everyone covered.'
"It's only when you get into it, you realise you've been at a lot of games through league and championship. I would have a certain local knowledge as well and as I said earlier, Conor can only add to that, so hopefully we'll have everyone covered.
"It's a huge honour. There's only so many people that have done this. I'm very lucky to be in this position, and I can't wait to get cracking on it," he added.
Brennan has enjoyed huge success as Kilmacud Crokes manager winning an All-Ireland, three Leinsters and four Dublin titles. He's in pursuit of four-in-a-row in the capital, with a semi-final against Na Fianna next weekend.
