Seamus ''The Banty'' McEnaney last night became Meath's football manager.

After a  process lasting almost 10 weeks, Meath County Board accepted the recommendation of a three-man committee to appoint the Monaghan man for three years by 53 votes to 19. The size of the vote will have been critical to McEnaney, as it means a strong backing for him and his team, which includes Liam Harnan, Paul Grimley and Martin McElkennon.

All three members of the appointments committee -- county chairman Barney Allen, Liam Keane and Joe Cassells -- addressed the meeting which  Cassells' believed "there wasn't a better management team available."

The cost of running the McEnaney team was also revealed at the meeting by board treasurer Pat Clerkin, who estimated it would be a maximum of €99,000, nine monthly payments of €11,000, covering January to September.

The process has been ongoing since early September when Eamonn O'Brien suffered a surprise 32-29 defeat. HIs name was put forward for ratification by the Meath management committee on September 6, but he was rebuffed.

McEnaney's claims hardened since his surprise union with the county's former centre-back Harnan, who has guided Skryne to a county title in recent weeks.

Only four candidates presented themselves for interview before the committee, the others being Gerry Cooney, Eamonn Barry and Pat Coyle. At one point it was thought that Cooney was the favourite.