|
Replying To Furlong1949: "Great win for Cavan. Its looks like Cavan are in pole position for promotion. They are the real surprise . But that's coming from the fact what their own supporters where saying before the league. But if you look some of their credible performances in div 1 last season, it is no surprise. This Cavan tean are good enough to win a Ulster senior title in the next 2 to 3 years. I was there in 97 when they last won Ulster and that was some occasion.
Great win for Tipp. Meath could learn from Tipp on and off the field. Sucess at minor and under 21 level. And the Tippearey county board saying that Tipp will reach All Ireland final by 2020. Thats the sort of planning and development Meath should be copying. Tipp have the best full forward line in the country after Dublin and kerry and a strong midfield and shrewd manager. Team to look out for in coming years.
Cork Meath and Down all together won 8 All Irelands in 12 years not so long ago. Anyone of them could end up going down to Division 3 this year. All three have had their worst decade in generations.
This is very difficult division to predict. Take Clare. Well done Clare very good win weekend. Clare have a great football community. Anyway,
Clare drew their first match with Cavan. Meath then hammered Clare by 14 points. Clare then draw with Tippearey. Tippearey then hammer Meath by 8 points . And Clare beat Down. While Down beat Roscommon. And Roscommon draw with Meath. Thats makes no sense whatsoever. Division 2 is a very confusing divsion and a very unpredictable division . You get the feeling it going to go down to the last day and we will have to take out the calculators to work out the winners and losers." Nice words about Cavan, especially coming from a Meath man ;)
I'll admit I was certainly one of the pessimists before the league threw in. We had a poor McKenna Cup and had a lot of players opt out of the panel this year.
Our performances were credible in Division 1 last year (Donegal game excepted) but we had 10 debutants in the team for the Clare game a few weeks back and 3 more introduced from the bench. So last year's league form wasn't really something we could rely on.
The collapse against Tipp in the championship last year was disastrous (no offence to Tipp, but we had the game won at half time and should have seen it out).
I'm delighted with where we are and, with our momentum, I hope the game against Down goes ahead this Saturday. We need at least 1 more win to make the top 2 and I see that as our best chance to pick one up.
None of these last 3 games will be easy but we're playing well enough to challenge anyone in the division.
One thing that was discussed at the weekend was the standard of division 2 - it is absolutely miles behind division 1 at the moment. Moreso than the last time ourselves and Tyrone went up (and I think it was down and cork who came down). Based on that, I'm not sure just how good a preparation it is for us facing Donegal away in May.
It's very hard to look past division 1 for the 4 provincial winners (only roscommon have a realistic chance of altering that IMO)
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5010 - 27/02/2018 12:46:48
2080901
Link
0
|
|
Replying To cavanman47: "Nice words about Cavan, especially coming from a Meath man ;)
I'll admit I was certainly one of the pessimists before the league threw in. We had a poor McKenna Cup and had a lot of players opt out of the panel this year.
Our performances were credible in Division 1 last year (Donegal game excepted) but we had 10 debutants in the team for the Clare game a few weeks back and 3 more introduced from the bench. So last year's league form wasn't really something we could rely on.
The collapse against Tipp in the championship last year was disastrous (no offence to Tipp, but we had the game won at half time and should have seen it out).
I'm delighted with where we are and, with our momentum, I hope the game against Down goes ahead this Saturday. We need at least 1 more win to make the top 2 and I see that as our best chance to pick one up.
None of these last 3 games will be easy but we're playing well enough to challenge anyone in the division.
One thing that was discussed at the weekend was the standard of division 2 - it is absolutely miles behind division 1 at the moment. Moreso than the last time ourselves and Tyrone went up (and I think it was down and cork who came down). Based on that, I'm not sure just how good a preparation it is for us facing Donegal away in May.
It's very hard to look past division 1 for the 4 provincial winners (only roscommon have a realistic chance of altering that IMO)" With regards the standard, you aren't wrong. Realistically for a number of years and a few years to come there are only 3 teams capable of winning an All Ireland.
The league has its benefits as it gives teams something to aim for so maybe a two tiered competition wouldn't be all bad. A div2 win for Cavan would be massive as it would for any of the other teams in the division
tiobraid (Tipperary) - Posts: 4119 - 27/02/2018 15:12:58
2080957
Link
0
|
|
Replying To tiobraid: "With regards the standard, you aren't wrong. Realistically for a number of years and a few years to come there are only 3 teams capable of winning an All Ireland.
The league has its benefits as it gives teams something to aim for so maybe a two tiered competition wouldn't be all bad. A div2 win for Cavan would be massive as it would for any of the other teams in the division" Yeah, this year I honestly think it's the only chance we have of silverware. Going to Ballybofey in a preliminary round means winning ulster is a huge ask.
The same might be said of yourselves although you're probably ahead of Cork in Munster right now and it could come down to a 1 off game against Kerry where anything can happen. Who knows? Would be great to see ye do it.
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5010 - 27/02/2018 16:44:16
2080991
Link
0
|
|
Same fixture as last weekend for Meath v Cork in Navan at 3pm. The losers will be looking over their shoulders, if they're not already.
Motte (Cork) - Posts: 48 - 05/03/2018 16:31:47
2081967
Link
0
|
|
Looking like the winners of Longford V Westmeath to go up with Armagh from Division 3. Westmeath had a great comeback win yesterday and was surprised to see Longford draw with Sligo so they would seem to be favourites
martyW (Westmeath) - Posts: 319 - 12/03/2018 11:00:58
2083856
Link
0
|
|
In Div 3 we could see 3 teams finish joint tip on 12 points if IF both westmeath and fermanagh win both their last games .. then it comes down to scoring difference and not head to head .. so huge game next Sunday in Brewster Park ... problem is that fermanagh don't seem capable of playing for longer than 40 mins in any game so far this season .. still though we'll raise our game for Armagh like we would no other visitor ... can't wait for Sunday ..
AnBuachaillGlas (Fermanagh) - Posts: 287 - 12/03/2018 14:03:09
2083946
Link
0
|
|
Replying To AnBuachaillGlas: "In Div 3 we could see 3 teams finish joint tip on 12 points if IF both westmeath and fermanagh win both their last games .. then it comes down to scoring difference and not head to head .. so huge game next Sunday in Brewster Park ... problem is that fermanagh don't seem capable of playing for longer than 40 mins in any game so far this season .. still though we'll raise our game for Armagh like we would no other visitor ... can't wait for Sunday .." Still trying to figure out how we threw away that game yesterday although we have been threatening to do that all year. Hopefully we can give a full 70 minute performance on sunday.
gotmilk (Fermanagh) - Posts: 4971 - 12/03/2018 15:20:08
2083974
Link
0
|
|
Good win for the Rebels in Navan yesterday. I thought Meath would take us but they were extremely poor. That should be enough to keep us up while Meath look in real trouble.
Motte (Cork) - Posts: 48 - 12/03/2018 16:38:18
2084005
Link
1
|
|
Replying To rebelrouser: "Good win for the Rebels in Navan yesterday. I thought Meath would take us but they were extremely poor. That should be enough to keep us up while Meath look in real trouble." i think meath have found their level in fairness
AnCeisCLG (Fermanagh) - Posts: 38 - 12/03/2018 16:42:37
2084007
Link
3
|
|
Replying To AnCeisCLG: "i think meath have found their level in fairness" On the evidence of their display yesterday, yes they are a Division 3 team. They looked clueless when in possession and their build up was slow even with the wind. They made more handpasses backwards than forwards no joke. Yet they scored 1-15.
Motte (Cork) - Posts: 48 - 12/03/2018 16:54:42
2084015
Link
2
|
|
Replying To rebelrouser: "Good win for the Rebels in Navan yesterday. I thought Meath would take us but they were extremely poor. That should be enough to keep us up while Meath look in real trouble." Yeah. Meath have had a very difficult campaign and whatever promise they showed at the start has all but evaporated. You'd imagine confidence will be low and Louth will fancy their chances of picking up some points and salvaging something from their own campaign.
Hardtimes (Cavan) - Posts: 1056 - 12/03/2018 16:57:22
2084017
Link
1
|
|
The point Roscommon threw away against Meath more frustrating than the loss to down which was down to us rightly been down to 14 men after 10 minutes
Had them beaten up a stick till subs used for sake of making substitutions
There heavy losses to Cavan tipp and cork shows we should have kept the foot on the throat.
They'll lose to down and be a division 3 side next year.
OhtobeARossie (Roscommon) - Posts: 1764 - 12/03/2018 17:34:53
2084036
Link
4
|
|
Worst Meath team in years. No game plan no hunger clueless football
MeathOnHill16 (Meath) - Posts: 226 - 12/03/2018 19:13:51
2084060
Link
1
|
|
Replying To OhtobeARossie: "The point Roscommon threw away against Meath more frustrating than the loss to down which was down to us rightly been down to 14 men after 10 minutes
Had them beaten up a stick till subs used for sake of making substitutions
There heavy losses to Cavan tipp and cork shows we should have kept the foot on the throat.
They'll lose to down and be a division 3 side next year." How do you think we feel about losing to ye, we had that game in the bag but spectacularly threw it away and have a feeling we will be left looking back at that as to the reason we dont get up to division 1
tipp11 (Tipperary) - Posts: 353 - 12/03/2018 20:33:05
2084087
Link
1
|
|
Replying To tipp11: "How do you think we feel about losing to ye, we had that game in the bag but spectacularly threw it away and have a feeling we will be left looking back at that as to the reason we dont get up to division 1" Your welcome to it as my personal opinion
We've played over 30 players in 5 matches
Rested players and not rushed them through injury
Its completely different to last year
OhtobeARossie (Roscommon) - Posts: 1764 - 12/03/2018 20:59:50
2084096
Link
0
|
|
Replying To OhtobeARossie: "The point Roscommon threw away against Meath more frustrating than the loss to down which was down to us rightly been down to 14 men after 10 minutes
Had them beaten up a stick till subs used for sake of making substitutions
There heavy losses to Cavan tipp and cork shows we should have kept the foot on the throat.
They'll lose to down and be a division 3 side next year." 4 points down with 70 minutes gone and Meath gift you a goal and a point and ROSCOMMON threw away a point? Yeah I see the schools in Roscommon are so lowly in comparison to other counties, it makes sense after that statement
royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 13/03/2018 01:12:21
2084153
Link
0
|
|
The state of leinster football is just getting worse and worse. The league proves that. The divisions 2 3 and 4 and also divsion 1 are not a pretty picture for leinster football as we enter the final stages of the national league. I thought with young kildare Meath Westmeath louth Offaly teams we would see an upturn in fortunes. If anything things are getting worse. leaving Dublin to 1 side,Overall this decade has been the worst for leinster championship ever. Dublin have had not to face division 1 opposition since early 00s.Simply put we are talking a good 15 years or longer since Dublin had to face division 1 opposition in the provience. Thats unprecedented in leinster football.
In the late 90s Meath kildare Dublin Offaly were all top division 1 teams and louth not far off. In the 70s Dublin had to face strong division 1 opposition in Meath and Offaly. In the 60s Meath have to face strong division 1 opposition in Offaly and longford. In the 40s and 50s Meath Louth Dublin and at times Wexford kildare Carlow were strong div 1 opposition. In the 30s Dublin Meath kildare were strong div 1 teams. In the 20s kildare and Dublin were strong division 1 teams. Between 1900 to 1920 Wexford Dublin and kildare had strong division 1 team.
Its nothing to with Dublin that Meath are having their worst decade since the 1920s or kildare have their worst decade along with the 80s their worst since 1920s also. Or that Laois are having their worst decade since 1970s. But there was hope that we would see division 1 opposition v Dubs in leinster soon . Now that seems to be untainable.
Laois are in div 4. Offaly and Wexford are in the bottom 2 relegation zone in div 3. Meath and louth are in the bottom 2 relegation zone in div 2. Louth have lost their last 5 games. kildare are pretty much relegated from Division 1 and have lost 9 games in a row. Kildare have had some decent performances in divsion 1 but have not adapted like Galways and this is Kildare's third relegation in 5 years. And remeber most of these division 1 teams Dublin Mayo kerry Tyrone Monaghan they are all training and focussing on reaching peak performance in June July August. Once they obtain division 1 status thats their main aim for the league. But overall you probaly be right in saying they are not going at it full 110% for the league as there whole season is resolved around peaking mid summer. While kildare and Galway would be focussing on staying in divsion 1 as much as the championship. So they would giving the league there best shot. While Mayo for example are going at abour 60 to 70%. So kildare havent adapted is not a great sign.
Its even worse for Meath. At least kildare have some serious underage talent. Meath have ignored underage football for ten years and now at senior we can see the result of that. Meath are looking at div 3 status next year. That would be massive blow to such a proud football county. But maybe div 3 wouldn't be a bad thing. kildare were in div 3 three years ago and promotion from div 3 was a platform for kildare to build on. Maybe reaching div 3 and give McEntee 2 to 3 years to build up could be a good thing. But overall if Meath go down it would be a massive blow for great football county. But thats what we are facing.
But it must be said that Meath are not the only strong football county having their worst decade in decades. Down Cork Armagh laois Derry and even Galway have had their worst decade in decades. If Meath ( which is very unlikely to say the least ) and Galway dont play in an All Ireland final in the next two years that would be the first decade in over 100 years that both have not played in All Ireland final. Meath reached finals in the 1930, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s. Galway did the same but also played in finals in the 1920s. Down are at their lowest since 1950s and Cork uncompetitive v kerry anf in divsion 2 and been beating by Tippearey in the championship. That has not happened to Cork since 1950s. Armagh have spent 3 of the last 4 years in division div 3 . This is Armaghs worst decade since the 1960s.
I was talking to kildare friends and they were saying there was more Mayo fans in Newbridge then kildare fans. They told me its the same old faces at matchs and the kildare support at matchs is the lowest they ever saw. Its the same with Meath. The Meath fans following the county , the numbers are dropping. And I have never seen confidence as low or interest in the county team as low as it is in my lifetime and I have followed Meath football since 1983. Meath and kildare are football mad counties. Both would easily bring 30000 to Croker for big matchs if teams were competitive. This has nothing to do with Dublin. I can give 20 reasons why Meath have declined and not one has anything to do with Dublin. Other counties have their own issue also.
Overall the league from Division 1 to divsion 4 has been very poor for leinster football going forward. Laois Westmeath and longford are having good leagues. But laois shouldnt be in division 4. And Westmeath and longford could easily play in divsion 2. But overall its has been a poor league for Meath kildare louth Offaly Wexford Laois ( a great football stronghold like laois shouldnt be in div 4) with most of them being relegated.
Where now for leinster football. Our biggest provience and the provience with most football counties. Traditionally leinster has being a football stronghold. Are we seen the permanent decline of leinster and Dublin winning 20 plus leinster titles in a row being the next chapter in the decline of a once great football region. The league has not so far been a positive and encouraging experience for leinster football. The provience is having an economic and population boom . Yet in football in the provience outside Dublin so many leinster counties r in the doldrums. Does the GAA see this or they even worried. In 20 or 30 years this period could be looked back as a time when football began to decline. And we will back to days when kerry would play Armagh in an All Ireland semi final in 1982 and only 10000 would turn up. Who knows. No one can tell the future but from the league tables it looks onimous for leinster football. A 1/4 of the football teams in the country.
Furlong1949 (Meath) - Posts: 1067 - 13/03/2018 03:19:34
2084157
Link
0
|
|
Replying To royaldunne: "4 points down with 70 minutes gone and Meath gift you a goal and a point and ROSCOMMON threw away a point? Yeah I see the schools in Roscommon are so lowly in comparison to other counties, it makes sense after that statement" Do you actually go to any matches RD, Meath are very very poor and that's them at there own admitted full tilt to get out of division 2, which is working cause they won't be in it next year.
OhtobeARossie (Roscommon) - Posts: 1764 - 13/03/2018 08:06:09
2084165
Link
7
|
|
Replying To OhtobeARossie: "The point Roscommon threw away against Meath more frustrating than the loss to down which was down to us rightly been down to 14 men after 10 minutes
Had them beaten up a stick till subs used for sake of making substitutions
There heavy losses to Cavan tipp and cork shows we should have kept the foot on the throat.
They'll lose to down and be a division 3 side next year." 4 points down with 70 minutes gone and Meath gift you a goal and a point and ROSCOMMON threw away a point? Yeah I see the schools in Roscommon are so lowly in comparison to other counties, it makes sense after that statement
royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 13/03/2018 11:42:28
2084223
Link
0
|
|
Some interesting comments on the state of Leinster football. I think unreal expectations are a real factor, I seen Meath in the o'byrne and they struggled to beat a Carlow team that left off most of their best players and subbed many of the rest and were still competitive. Now from my experience of Meath over the years that does not look right as usually their second string would beat our full team. Kildare are playing at a higher level and I think even though the results are not good the experience of playing there will bring them on a bit but still they will be very disappointed with how it's gone. Louth looked to be making progress but seem to be slipping again. I wonder is the unwillingness in Leinster to adapt to the modern game part of the reason so many traditional counties are struggling. Counties like Longford have punched above their weight for years and are still doing ok, Westmeath are competitive. I think Wicklow are in trouble but that's a long-term issue. Carlow are improving last Saturday was their 8 league win in a row if you count the last 3 games from last season. Offaly are a disaster. I think they are looking at their 3rd if not 4th relegation to division 4 in ten years. I think laois will use this year in division 4 to steady the ship and I'd expect them to be pushing for promotion from div 3 next year.
Barrowsider (Carlow) - Posts: 1592 - 13/03/2018 12:23:08
2084238
Link
0
|