Meath Forum

Meath Div 1 2020

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Replying To royaldunne:  "He is indeed. And I'd be surprised if he is not first choice come league."
Beakey was in last year too?

bert09 (Meath) - Posts: 1792 - 23/11/2019 08:58:46    2250969

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Replying To royaldunne:  "I think they will aim to win every game. But I do think from a supporters POV the most important thing is maintaining division one. Win first 3 games and let the rest fall where the gods decide. Super excited about the league and think we will rattle a few of the supposed bigger teams."
They will aim to win every game.. Great insight Dunne. You really do know it all

Jackpot (Meath) - Posts: 199 - 23/11/2019 09:25:46    2250970

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Replying To Jackpot:  "They will aim to win every game.. Great insight Dunne. You really do know it all"
Well jackpot theres some people here that think we'll never beat Dublin that it be absolutely impossible that it could never happen and will never happen, there's some people here who believe that we won't win any league game and if we won as much as three then it be the greatest achievement of all time, when your dealing with folks such as that then you pretty much have to spell out the obvious that meath will aim to win every game, unfortunately these people excist in our county and seem to take offense when someone shows a bit of positivity and choose to ridicule genuine posters such as royaldunne and many more, I know every county have the posters that seem to take joy when there own county underachieves and I genuinely think them posters are starting to feel worried because no doubt about it this meath team is improving.

Royal.Legend (Meath) - Posts: 666 - 23/11/2019 11:46:02    2250979

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To weigh-in on the topic of Meath in Division 1: it's very difficult to point out facts and figures that dont point toward a difficult campaign. Meath have improved under McEntee and 2019 was a good season, a great season even by contemporary standards. However we have not beaten a Division 1 side in years. I believe the performances in the Super 8's were close to optimal, we did annoy Kerry, Mayo and Donegal and even periodically held ascendancy in one or two of the games, we scored a great goal against Kerry and unearthed a potentially top class forward in Walsh. Our movement in the 3 games was top class at times. Our half back line and full back line made an impression, but our team ultimately fell far short in the final 10-15 minute sprint in each game. Donegal beat us three times last year and each time it was a very familiar type of loss. Predictable even. Dare I say (and I hate to sound too conservative) that Meath of 2019 were missing robustness/ physicality/power etc, I personally feel that too was an issue, though individuals did stand up and It was plain to see players taking responsibility and leadership on the field, which was also a problem. We need to forget about the Leinster final, and forget about judging ourselves off Dublin. Kildare will be back this season in a big way, I predict. I predict Galway to be resurgent also. Its their time.
Our best course of action is to be uniquely Meath; aim to win every game and play like they're all finals. I believe there isn't as much defeatism in Meath football as other counties at the Div.1 cusp and that must be turned into an advantage. The team was able to target Div.2 last season and smashed their targets, they were on a roll, a pleasure to support and their championship was built off of their league success. However I still believe this side on a bad day even at 60/70% level is beatable by many sides in Division 2 and maybe Division 3. We must continue to build upon our growing foundations, we're not out of the woods yet by any matter of means and Div.1 may be a bridge too far for 2020. I agree with a lot of you, 3/4 wins would be an achievement. Hell, even 1/2 would be.

Young_gael (Meath) - Posts: 589 - 23/11/2019 13:04:35    2250987

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Replying To Royal.Legend:  "Well jackpot theres some people here that think we'll never beat Dublin that it be absolutely impossible that it could never happen and will never happen, there's some people here who believe that we won't win any league game and if we won as much as three then it be the greatest achievement of all time, when your dealing with folks such as that then you pretty much have to spell out the obvious that meath will aim to win every game, unfortunately these people excist in our county and seem to take offense when someone shows a bit of positivity and choose to ridicule genuine posters such as royaldunne and many more, I know every county have the posters that seem to take joy when there own county underachieves and I genuinely think them posters are starting to feel worried because no doubt about it this meath team is improving."
Indeed, there are some posters who have yet to be convinced that Meath are ready to hold their own in Division one, however I have yet to meet a Meathman ( in the flesh or on this forum) who takes any joy in our county being beaten. Being a genuine supporter and realism are not mutually exclusive.

seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2150 - 23/11/2019 17:05:13    2251004

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Replying To Royal.Legend:  "Well jackpot theres some people here that think we'll never beat Dublin that it be absolutely impossible that it could never happen and will never happen, there's some people here who believe that we won't win any league game and if we won as much as three then it be the greatest achievement of all time, when your dealing with folks such as that then you pretty much have to spell out the obvious that meath will aim to win every game, unfortunately these people excist in our county and seem to take offense when someone shows a bit of positivity and choose to ridicule genuine posters such as royaldunne and many more, I know every county have the posters that seem to take joy when there own county underachieves and I genuinely think them posters are starting to feel worried because no doubt about it this meath team is improving."
Well said.
Actually though I don't think we have many people like that, I've said this before and I will say it again what we have is one maybe two posters (who I doubt very much are from Meath ) or blowins who hate the county with a passion, with multiple usernames who log in and out posting the same sh@t under different name. So I wouldn't be downhearted, know that every red thumb you get was some saddo having to log in and out of different account just to do that.
I will try later to name the usernames who are one and the same person. I'll also give u there long established Kildare username.
Hon the royal and f the begrudgers

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 23/11/2019 17:06:10    2251005

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Long Standing Meath Supporters ....Special memeories of outanding individual Displays
To this poster to get on the scale here the game had to be against top opposition (then) and also delivered when "the chips were down"
MINE 1975 League final Meath V Dublin (reigning all irl champs) Player Jack Quinn who gave an exhibition of full back play against the great Jimmy Keaveney . Better still Meath won !
The other occasion was the 1991 all ireland final against Down .Against the background of the famous 4 games against Dublin in the first round and the Foley goal that will never be forgotten. Then all Irl final O ROURKE unable to play due to illness......disaster ! 11 points behind and shortly after half time the great O Rourke appears and lifts the team demonstrating sheer physical and mental strenght and all round football ability . We finished 2 points short .but what a display of courage from maybe one of the greatest forwards ever seen in Croke Park
We are often accused of living in the past in Meath.......That is what this silly season is for maybe. and old fogies to reminisce
Shortly the vision is forward and full steam ahead for 2020 and continue our rehabilitation and development
Here is hoping for the best by playing to our full potential ,and lets see where that brings us.

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1227 - 23/11/2019 19:35:47    2251015

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Replying To royaldunne:  "Well said.
Actually though I don't think we have many people like that, I've said this before and I will say it again what we have is one maybe two posters (who I doubt very much are from Meath ) or blowins who hate the county with a passion, with multiple usernames who log in and out posting the same sh@t under different name. So I wouldn't be downhearted, know that every red thumb you get was some saddo having to log in and out of different account just to do that.
I will try later to name the usernames who are one and the same person. I'll also give u there long established Kildare username.
Hon the royal and f the begrudgers"
You know, I took a few months off this and returned this morning to see what was on the Meath forum, confident that there'd be a colossal goldmine of new material from yourself to scan over. At times it makes me laugh, at times it annoys me, and at times it even makes me want to delete my account that some of the stuff is seen on the main forum and met with the inevitable responses time and time again. It takes away from the community on the forum.I have nothing against you on any personal level and youre entitled to be here as I am, and every now and then you hit the right note in your analysis of matches, and your player and local knowledge is always of a higher standard than mine, so again this isnt a personal attack. Let me be clear with you that there is no big conspiracy of people around the country to use the hogan stand forums to emulate posters from Co. Meath with the specific reason to leave a red downvote on your posts, or anybody else's. Do you really think people have that little time? Or that they are that petty? Do you have any shred of evidence? Do you even take this whole thing that seriously in the first place?! They downvote you in particular because in post after post after post you leave nonsensical, overly opinionated, and often very rude remarks, you are ignorant to criticism and debate, and you are lacking in manners. You have built up an army of people who dont like your posts over many years and enjoy winding you up. They then proceed to laugh at all of US because they associate all of Meath with your attitudes. Its that simple. Dont drag any other users into your situation. Its your situation, I dont expect you to listen and Im eagerly expecting a wisecrack befitting a junior cert classroom, but at least someone can tell you what's what.
.

Young_gael (Meath) - Posts: 589 - 23/11/2019 19:36:33    2251017

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Replying To Young_gael:  "To weigh-in on the topic of Meath in Division 1: it's very difficult to point out facts and figures that dont point toward a difficult campaign. Meath have improved under McEntee and 2019 was a good season, a great season even by contemporary standards. However we have not beaten a Division 1 side in years. I believe the performances in the Super 8's were close to optimal, we did annoy Kerry, Mayo and Donegal and even periodically held ascendancy in one or two of the games, we scored a great goal against Kerry and unearthed a potentially top class forward in Walsh. Our movement in the 3 games was top class at times. Our half back line and full back line made an impression, but our team ultimately fell far short in the final 10-15 minute sprint in each game. Donegal beat us three times last year and each time it was a very familiar type of loss. Predictable even. Dare I say (and I hate to sound too conservative) that Meath of 2019 were missing robustness/ physicality/power etc, I personally feel that too was an issue, though individuals did stand up and It was plain to see players taking responsibility and leadership on the field, which was also a problem. We need to forget about the Leinster final, and forget about judging ourselves off Dublin. Kildare will be back this season in a big way, I predict. I predict Galway to be resurgent also. Its their time.
Our best course of action is to be uniquely Meath; aim to win every game and play like they're all finals. I believe there isn't as much defeatism in Meath football as other counties at the Div.1 cusp and that must be turned into an advantage. The team was able to target Div.2 last season and smashed their targets, they were on a roll, a pleasure to support and their championship was built off of their league success. However I still believe this side on a bad day even at 60/70% level is beatable by many sides in Division 2 and maybe Division 3. We must continue to build upon our growing foundations, we're not out of the woods yet by any matter of means and Div.1 may be a bridge too far for 2020. I agree with a lot of you, 3/4 wins would be an achievement. Hell, even 1/2 would be."
Thats a very honest and fair anaylsis. I agree with many points. However my gut feeling is we will stay in div 1. Even if we get promoted I think we will bounce straight up in 2021, like Cavan and Roscomon have. The age profile of many of the team is mid 20s , so they should get another chance in 2021. But the question is will we yo yo between div 1 and 2 like Roscommon, Cavan and kildare or stay in div 1 like Galway and Monaghan.

.The next 2 years is massive for this team and management. In the next 2 years we will find out how good a manager McEntee is, it is the defining moment in McEntees managerial career. He will eitheir be a sucessful Meath manager or gone in 2 years and join the long list of Meath senior managers who have failed to deliver sucess since Boylan left. The next 2 years is massive for many of the players from the 2012 minor team and players who debuted in 2012, 2013 and 2014 Leinster finals. They should be peaking collectively as footballers and it this is the defining moment in their inter county football careers.

Nearly all the pundits will predict we will struggle and be favs for relegation. Thats understandable , Meath performances at super 8 , showed Meath cud compete with div 1 teams for 60 mins , but the last 10 mins is to much a gap to close in a few months. Personally I think we will stay in div 1 , the same way I felt we would get promoted last year. There are reasons to believe we can , but its more a feelin in my water , a gut feeling more then anything. Time will tell. It will be very difficult. Most factors and anaylsis indicates we will struggle and be relegated. But there are reasons to believe we can stay.

Its like this, this time last year not one of the pundits or no one really predicted Meath wud gain promotion and reach super 8 level and compete with the 2nd best team in the country ( kerry) , the 3rd or 4th best team in the country ( Donegal ) and 5th or 6th best team in the country ( Mayo ) for 60 mins. People predicted the opposite. Tomas O Se predicted Meath wud be relegated to div 3 and he wasnt the only one. They completely ignored the fact this Meath young team could improve. I believe the same is happening , people cannot see Meath improving. But for me if you look at players like Lavin ( 25), McGill ( 26 ) , Gallagher ( 25 ), Harnan ( 24 ) McEntees ( 25 ), Sullivan ( 25) , Dardis ( 25 ) , Wallace ( 25 ) and McMahon ( 26 ), all these players have improved in the last 16 months since the longcord game in early summer 2018. Is it possible these players could continue to improve as they reach the peak years of 26 , 27 , 28. I believe they can and they will.

There are 4 areas we need to improve onto stay in div 1. If we dont improve in these 4 areas we wudnt stay in div 1. They are 1 Game management 2 Kickouts 3 Midfield partner for Menton 4 Full forward line.

Before I examine the 4 areas we need to inprove in , just I need to mention Andy. The next year and 2021 are massive for Andy and players. Next years league campaign is the most important and possibly pivotal league campaign in years , maybe in 20 years. Andy is in year 4. A good year to get promoted. Andy has made mistakes in his 3 years , but he is also better equipped after gaining experience at this level in last 3 years. And now its really goes up a level for him.

Outside the county , McEntees stock has grown as he has seen as done a good job. Inside the county , he has his critics but most agree he has done a good job so far. But now it really takes off. In year 4 and year 5 thats when the great managers really make an impact. Managers trying to take a traditional sucesful county out of doldrums its year 4 or 5 , that Sean Boylan, Eugene McGee, Mick Dwyer in football and Jimmy B Murphy and Nickey English in hurling started to make a real impact. I believe under McEntee Meath will make an impact in 2020 , not win Sam.or leinster, but can stay in div 1 and reach super 8s again

In the next 3 years its not about winning Sam. A sucesful 3 years would be staying in div 1 for 3 years, reaching super 8s and being very competitive and actually gainng victories v top teams. At the end of the next 3 years the dream scenario would be 3 years in div 1 , very competitive at super 8 level and maybe reaching an All Ireland semi final or league final div 1 or being very competitive v Dublin losing by 4 or 5 points or maybe winning leinster. Our aim would be to become top 5 or 6 team. Do what Monaghan have done in last 5 years. All Ireland contenders is step to far. But turning Meath into consistent div 1 team is the aim. Mick O Dowd I think said the next manager who replaces him will not win the All Ireland , its the next manager after him that will. Its interesting qoute , and its sums what McEntee needs to do , winning Sam is a step to far , but turning Meath into top 5 or 6 team , giving the county its pride , putting a strong foundation in the county. McEntee job is to rebuild Meath. It will probaly a future manager that will drive Meath to All Ireland finals.

Padraig Joyce can say his aim is.to win Sam, but Meath are 2 years behind Galway in development, Meath are were Galway were in spring in 2018. Galway have played in 3 of last 4 minor All Ireland and players from 2 All Ireland under 21 winning teams. Galway in last 2 years have reached All Ireland semi final and league div 1 final and have been in div 1 for 3 and beaten kerry in the championship. Galway are a top 6 team. Meath are at least 2 years behind them , but hopefully in 2 years time we will be like Galway now , a top 5 or 6 team.

Also one of the reasons I think we can stay up , is so many of the players are peaking as well as manager in year 4. If we went up div 1 anytime in last 4 or 5 years we would have definatly being relegated , the players were not ready div 1. Most sportspeople peak at 26 , 27. So many of our players will be reaching peak years in next 24 months. Its good time in this teams and players development to go up to div 1. Also playing super 8 last year was great experience for our team. You couldnt buy the experience we got from 8.

1 Game Management.

I think there is a good management team now with McEntee and Nally. Clearly Meath have improved in the last 12 months. But one area we lack us game management. That will come with experience. But what Dublin , Kerry, Mayo top div 1 teams have over div 2 and 3 teams is game management. They know when to slow down the play, control the game at pivotal times. Use cyininism , Dublin are masters of this. We need to be cuter and cleverer , slow down the gane when needed . If we dont we wont stay in div 1. I think the players have lot of experience and hopefully their own personal game management really improves.

2 Kickouts. We have had a problem with kickout for years. We like to traditionally drive the ball to center field from kickout. But you need big strong players like John McDermont or David Moran to be in midfield for that to work. Also since early 00s , teams have a kickout strategy. Then goalies have become so important , almost like a playmaker. Last year teams pushed up in last ten mins, our goalie felt the pressure as he also has lack high fielders.

Goalkeeper is an issue. Who has the best kickout in the county ? I really dont know. The best goalkeepers in last few years have been Robbie Burlingham , Jack Hannigan, Shane Geraghty , Conor McHugh and Andy Colgan. Players like Burlingham , Hannigan and McHugh have all tasted inter county with. But these generation of Meath goalies who are mid 20s and older probaly the ship has sailed for them regards playing for Meath. Burkingham in my view has been most consistent goalie in Meath , Geraghty also has been excellent over years , but for me Conor McHugh has been best goalie I have seen in Meath , but he didnt play much club footbalk this year. I think Meaths goalie will be younger goalies in the county and Andy Colgan. Colgan is a good goalie with a good kickout. But inter county goalkeeper now needs an exceptional kickout. And he does have a lack of big men to aim for around midfield. He is an option but also are young goalies like Andrew Beakley, Dominic Yorke and Harry Hogan. Beakley could be first choice , but Hogan is a real darkhkorse coming from. Dundalk soccer under 19.

One thing I have noticed is Andy Colgan , Yorke and Beakley have been taking frees for the their club sucessfully in the club championship. Could thid be an option? . We need. freetaker who scoring ratio is 90% to 100% like the Dean Rocks. Lenihan return will help the frees. But looking at one of the goalies as a freetaker could be an option. I did see Andy Colgan take frees with club this year , and he is a very good freetaker. But inter county freetaking is a different level of pressure.

Regards who should be goalie , I dont really know. Colgan is still probaly first choice , but you wud think Andy will use Beakley , Yorke and Hogan in the league. If any one of them makes s big impression they could end up Meath number 1. But what will help our goalie is bigger men around center field.

3 Midfield.

We havent produced a top class midfielder since John McDermont. While a whole generation of midfielders have not been available due to injury like Conor Gillespie , Shane O Rourke. Others have gone to Austrialia eg Conor Nash , Cian McBride and others have been studying in the USA like Ronan Jones , others like Harry Rooney dont seem to an option anymore. Because we lost so many midfielders we have had to play two wing back at midfield eg Menton and S McEntee. Menton has established himself at midfield and maybe we could see go up a level in next 2 years. S McEntee had a good league and poor championship. He is not really a midfielder , but maybe he cud go up a level in next 2 years. But he is really a wing back and could with his work ethic he could be an option as modern hard working half forward.

We lack big men , physicality around center field. Cluxton can hit big men like Fenton or Macauley at midfield or Mccarthy at half back or big wing forwards like Howard and Scully. Patton when he kickouts for Donegal he can hit 3 half forwards who are 6f plus and good highfielders. When Meath goalie kickout and there is a massive oppposition push up , his options are limited. Our two midfielders are not natural high fielders , our half back line and half forwads are small and yes pacey , but small light anf not natural fielders. Ethan Devine is a real prospect who can fielf the ball and become a Brian Howard style wing forward for us But he is only 20 , we need more bigger options at midfield. We lack physicality and athleticism around center field. Every sucessful Meath team has had big strong men at centre field , even in last time we had sucess between 2007 and 2010 we had players like Nigel Crawford , Brian Meade , Anthony Moyles , Shane O Rourke to compete at midfield.

There is hope there cud be an improvement in this area eg a Brian Conlon and Paddy Kennelly , b Thomas Murtagh , Daragh Griffin. Conlon is one of the most athetic footballers in Meath. He was excellent v Donegal in his debut at 19 in 2017. He wasnt involved last year but its good hes back. Even if he doesnt start at midfield he could be an option as wing forward and would be a great player to come off the bench. Conlon.will help us at center field. Kennelly cud be a darkhorse. McEntee has had 8 different partners at midfield in last 3 years. Best partner was kennelly. Kennelly play v Down, louth in league , Westmeath Byrne cup final and longford in the championship in 2017. He was excellent v Down , Louth and Westmeath in 2017. His return as well as Conlon means , we have two options we didnt have last year arounf center field. A Menton/ Kennelly midfield with Devine and Conlon as wing forwards wud give our goalie more options. Our maybe Conlon and kennelly can be used as sub options to make impact when we r struggling at center field.

Thomas Murtagh was excellent for Nobber this year and especially in intermidiate final. He is being called up and in his early 20s has time to develop. Daragh Griffin who was on the panel for a time last year has been excellent in leading Clan na Gael to junior title. He could be another option. And Jones could be back for championship . Cian O Brien looks like he is back , another option. Whike Daithi and Gavin McGowan also could be options around center field. Gavin McGowan was excellent this year for Rataoth , he played half back but coukx be an option as impact sub for around midfield.

So Meath are playing in super 8 v say Mayo with ten minutes this year and if Meath have the options of Conlon , Kennelly , Jones , McGowans, O Brien and lets say Murtagh to play midfield or half forward or as impact subs , these are all options we lacked last year and would give us physivalty around midfield. That will be massive addition and could eliminate the last ten min collaspes v top teams. Simply put our goalie will have more optioms to hit at cente.

4 Full Forward line.

Our full forward line can beat div 3 and 2 teams . And can go 60 mins with top teams. But can have a breakdown like we had v Dublin and second half v kildare. We have good quality forwards , but lack top top forwards. We havent replaced Stephen Bray. The last few years we have had one forward almost carrying the full forward line. Stephen Bray for a few years and then Donal lenihan for 2 years and Mickey Newman last year. They always played every game but the players beside them chop and change. Last time we had duo or trio consistently up front was Wallace and Newman in 2013. All the top teams all have an inside forward line that nevr changes eg Donegal Murphy McBreaty and Kerry with Geaney Clifford and Dublin Mannion Callaghan .

We dont have forwards at that level. But if we could find a duo or trio upfront who play together every game and perform well , that will help. The full forward line had been changed nearly every game . This year Mickey Newman played most games at full forward but players beside him constantly changed this year. So Thomas Reilly was his first partner then Bryan McMahon then Barry Dardis , then James Conlon started on inside line and then Shane Walsh was introduced for the first time into inside line. So all this led to constant change in the full forward line , div 1 teams do not chop and change upfront like we did this year. We need to find a duo or trio upfront that play consistently together and perform well.

The best option in my view wud be Lenihan , Newman and Walsh. That is big change for next year. lenihan was missing all last year ( and no one ever mentioned in the media Meath was misssing our best forward , while constantly we heard how kildare best forward was missing this year eg Flynn. Just interesting sidenote). Lenihan our best forward was missing this year while Walsh is another new playet for next year. He missed the whole league and leinster champiomship and only joined the panel in July and played half an hour v Mayo and only 1 game he started all year was v kerry in August. Walsh is player we didnt have in leinster or league last year. He is another addition to the inside line.

A target man , Meath havent had a target man since Gerathy retired. Walsh will be 19 next year and has all the attributes to be top class modern full forward. He is strong 6ft , great hands can score but also is very atletic and very pacey. He could be the player to build our future forward line around. The super 8s showed his potential and he is ready for this level. He could suffer second season symdrome but the performance v kerry in Aug were he scored 6 points 3 fron play. He looks the real deal .

Donal lenihan and Mickey are two best insice forwarsds in the county , both are out their peak eg 27 , 28 years old. Both highly experienced. Both have never started a game for Meath togrther. One was eitheir injured or the other was not available. So next year both at 28 could be first time we see them play together. Lenihan was the best forward we had in 2017 and 2018. Newman was the best forward this year

Play Walsh as a target with Newman and lenihan playing off him , somstimes Newman could play deeper and leave lenihan and Walsh as a duo up front. For me lenihan , Walsh , Newman full forward line is much stronger then we had in this years league or championship. I think the return of Donal lenihan , emergence of Shane Walsh and Mickey Newman playing with new maturity , improves the full forward line .

Then you could use J Wallace and J Conlon. If J Wallace continues to show the form he has had at club level at inter county level , well he could end up starting for Meath. At 24 this year he looks much maturer and better forward when he last played for Meath. But for me pacey. forwards like Conlon and J Wallace would be great options going forward. It would be hard to leave Conlon on the bench he was excellent last year. But I think in 2 or 3 years time he could be a really top forward. He needs to mature and develop , and I think like J Wallace when he hite 23 or 24 he could be really class. But for me he would make a great impact sub.

Then you have Dardis and T O Reilly , both I think have 2 or 3 big years for them for Meath. Dardis had a great league but dipped in the championship. He 25 now so I think he has a potential to really make an impact , but with lenihan and Walsh he probaly has dropped down to the bench. T O Reilly is only 23 has showed promise and also I think when he hits 25 or 26 , I think he cud be a great player for us. Again a great option from then bench. You could also have Ruari O Coilean as an option also 25 and one best forwards in the county. Then you have Jordan Morris and Jack O Connor as young talents. Morris I particularly rate highly. It might take time for these young players to advance. But they cud be an option also. Overall.I believe our inside line will be much stronger next year, then it .

So overall I think we can look forward to the league, so many experienced players returning like Donal lenihan , Eamon Wallace , Joey Wallace , Brian Conlon , Paddy kennelly , Cian O Brien and possibly Ruari O Coilean and Alan Forde. This has to strenghten our panel. There will be serious competition to get on Meath matchday panel og 24 or 25. I think we could have a really strong bench next year and this I believe will keep us in div 1.

The start will be important. 3 first games are massive , with 2 games at home. Div 1 can be very predictable , some teams can be much stronger then people think. Galway and Monaghan we would have beaten both this year probaly. But they have both new managers and that can give them a lift. Galway havent beaten Meath in Navan in nearly 40 year , we have won our last 8 games in Navan v Galway. But Galway under Joyce could be much stronger. He says he wants to win the league and championship. Monaghan under Banty , remeber they are neighbours, so being neighbours they would love to send us down to div 2. Our record v Monaghan in clones in recent years is appalling. Monaghan in Clones will be no pushover , by that game we cud be relegated. Kerry and Dublin away is as tough as u can get. But cud kerry have an hangover from All Ireland final

Overall the 3 first games cud decide our faith. v Tyrone , they have lost Donnelly and one of their best forwards , and theyre cud be hangover from this year. Tyrone can be very up anf down in the league . They have relegated a few times since 2010. In our last games in champiomship in 2013 , 2015 and 2018 , we went toe to toe with Tyrone and referee decisions in last 10 mins went in Tyrones favour. I think there will.point or two between teams like in 2013 , 2015 and 2018. It will be very tough , but we owe Tyrone. And if we cud beat Tyrone in Omagh , that wud be massive.

Then you have Donegal , yes very tough but
t in last 4 games , 3 this year, Donegal have struggled to beat Meath. We are due a win v Donegal. Again I expect a close contest , hopefully it goes Meaths way. Stop Micheak Murphy you will.stop Donegal ..I wud place two players on Murphy , a sweeper in front of him.

Mayo could be indifferent to the league. They won the league last year , So I just think tbere main aim is to stay in div 1. Again for 60 mins we showed we can compete v Mayo. But its all about competiing for 74 or 75 mins. Can we do that? Time will tell.

The top teans need to peak in July and August and just stay in div 1. They can be vulnerable in first 3 weeks , but as the league goes then their performance levels improves , so first three games are huge.

So there u r there are the reasons I think we can say in div 1. Also Navan is a tough place to come and win. Also I think we woulsnt have an inferior complex , this were Meath football belongs. Kildare, Roscommon and Cavan I feel are a little bit in awe of top teams and have ab inferior complex v top teams. For example kildare have never been top div 1 team in their history , exception was a few years in the 90s. But kildare were last div 1 team year in year out was 1920s. But the league only began in 1930s. So kildsre have never been a div 1 team, with exception of 90s. Remeber kildare has never won div 1 league title.( O Connor wl improve kildaew, and in leinster only teams managed by Meath men and kerry men can beat Dublin in leinster. So they see O Connor as Dwyer mark 2 , he will improve but he is no Mick Dwyer).

The last time Cavan were div 1 team year in year out was the 1950s the last time they won div 1 league. And Roscommon were a div 1 team the last time was late 1970s when they won their only div 1league title. Kidare have no tradition whatsoever in div 1 football , Roscommon and Cavan last had div 1 traditin generations ago. Meath have a long tradition of div 1 football with league div 1 title wins in 1930s , 1940s, 1950s, 1970s , 1980s and 1990s. Only kerry and Dublin have spent longer in div 1 then Meath. Meath will not be in awe of these teams. What county stayed up in recent years , Galway have no inferior complex and feel like they belong in div. Meath traditionally have more in common with Galway, the kildare or Cavan.
We traditinally always up our game v top teams. And that trait has returned under McEntee. We just need victories. 3 victories , 6 points thats what we need. Can we do it. I believe we can.

Furlong1949 (Meath) - Posts: 1067 - 23/11/2019 23:32:06    2251058

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Very true. This is the man who trolled a great servant Mickey Burke. Let Mickey make his own statement when he retires.

Jackpot (Meath) - Posts: 199 - 24/11/2019 06:35:41    2251068

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Replying To royaldunne:  "Well said.
Actually though I don't think we have many people like that, I've said this before and I will say it again what we have is one maybe two posters (who I doubt very much are from Meath ) or blowins who hate the county with a passion, with multiple usernames who log in and out posting the same sh@t under different name. So I wouldn't be downhearted, know that every red thumb you get was some saddo having to log in and out of different account just to do that.
I will try later to name the usernames who are one and the same person. I'll also give u there long established Kildare username.
Hon the royal and f the begrudgers"
To call someone a blow in is a very low blow. I'm born and reared in Meath myself but have many a neighbour who moved from other counties and countries. They are welcome in our club and the banter is great when we meet them in leinster and all Ireland games. This idea that outsiders are blowins is actually close to racism.

Jackpot (Meath) - Posts: 199 - 24/11/2019 06:39:56    2251069

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Replying To Jackpot:  "To call someone a blow in is a very low blow. I'm born and reared in Meath myself but have many a neighbour who moved from other counties and countries. They are welcome in our club and the banter is great when we meet them in leinster and all Ireland games. This idea that outsiders are blowins is actually close to racism."
Calling them outsiders is a lower blow is it not.

Royal.Legend (Meath) - Posts: 666 - 24/11/2019 12:32:14    2251092

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Replying To Furlong1949:  "Thats a very honest and fair anaylsis. I agree with many points. However my gut feeling is we will stay in div 1. Even if we get promoted I think we will bounce straight up in 2021, like Cavan and Roscomon have. The age profile of many of the team is mid 20s , so they should get another chance in 2021. But the question is will we yo yo between div 1 and 2 like Roscommon, Cavan and kildare or stay in div 1 like Galway and Monaghan.

.The next 2 years is massive for this team and management. In the next 2 years we will find out how good a manager McEntee is, it is the defining moment in McEntees managerial career. He will eitheir be a sucessful Meath manager or gone in 2 years and join the long list of Meath senior managers who have failed to deliver sucess since Boylan left. The next 2 years is massive for many of the players from the 2012 minor team and players who debuted in 2012, 2013 and 2014 Leinster finals. They should be peaking collectively as footballers and it this is the defining moment in their inter county football careers.

Nearly all the pundits will predict we will struggle and be favs for relegation. Thats understandable , Meath performances at super 8 , showed Meath cud compete with div 1 teams for 60 mins , but the last 10 mins is to much a gap to close in a few months. Personally I think we will stay in div 1 , the same way I felt we would get promoted last year. There are reasons to believe we can , but its more a feelin in my water , a gut feeling more then anything. Time will tell. It will be very difficult. Most factors and anaylsis indicates we will struggle and be relegated. But there are reasons to believe we can stay.

Its like this, this time last year not one of the pundits or no one really predicted Meath wud gain promotion and reach super 8 level and compete with the 2nd best team in the country ( kerry) , the 3rd or 4th best team in the country ( Donegal ) and 5th or 6th best team in the country ( Mayo ) for 60 mins. People predicted the opposite. Tomas O Se predicted Meath wud be relegated to div 3 and he wasnt the only one. They completely ignored the fact this Meath young team could improve. I believe the same is happening , people cannot see Meath improving. But for me if you look at players like Lavin ( 25), McGill ( 26 ) , Gallagher ( 25 ), Harnan ( 24 ) McEntees ( 25 ), Sullivan ( 25) , Dardis ( 25 ) , Wallace ( 25 ) and McMahon ( 26 ), all these players have improved in the last 16 months since the longcord game in early summer 2018. Is it possible these players could continue to improve as they reach the peak years of 26 , 27 , 28. I believe they can and they will.

There are 4 areas we need to improve onto stay in div 1. If we dont improve in these 4 areas we wudnt stay in div 1. They are 1 Game management 2 Kickouts 3 Midfield partner for Menton 4 Full forward line.

Before I examine the 4 areas we need to inprove in , just I need to mention Andy. The next year and 2021 are massive for Andy and players. Next years league campaign is the most important and possibly pivotal league campaign in years , maybe in 20 years. Andy is in year 4. A good year to get promoted. Andy has made mistakes in his 3 years , but he is also better equipped after gaining experience at this level in last 3 years. And now its really goes up a level for him.

Outside the county , McEntees stock has grown as he has seen as done a good job. Inside the county , he has his critics but most agree he has done a good job so far. But now it really takes off. In year 4 and year 5 thats when the great managers really make an impact. Managers trying to take a traditional sucesful county out of doldrums its year 4 or 5 , that Sean Boylan, Eugene McGee, Mick Dwyer in football and Jimmy B Murphy and Nickey English in hurling started to make a real impact. I believe under McEntee Meath will make an impact in 2020 , not win Sam.or leinster, but can stay in div 1 and reach super 8s again

In the next 3 years its not about winning Sam. A sucesful 3 years would be staying in div 1 for 3 years, reaching super 8s and being very competitive and actually gainng victories v top teams. At the end of the next 3 years the dream scenario would be 3 years in div 1 , very competitive at super 8 level and maybe reaching an All Ireland semi final or league final div 1 or being very competitive v Dublin losing by 4 or 5 points or maybe winning leinster. Our aim would be to become top 5 or 6 team. Do what Monaghan have done in last 5 years. All Ireland contenders is step to far. But turning Meath into consistent div 1 team is the aim. Mick O Dowd I think said the next manager who replaces him will not win the All Ireland , its the next manager after him that will. Its interesting qoute , and its sums what McEntee needs to do , winning Sam is a step to far , but turning Meath into top 5 or 6 team , giving the county its pride , putting a strong foundation in the county. McEntee job is to rebuild Meath. It will probaly a future manager that will drive Meath to All Ireland finals.

Padraig Joyce can say his aim is.to win Sam, but Meath are 2 years behind Galway in development, Meath are were Galway were in spring in 2018. Galway have played in 3 of last 4 minor All Ireland and players from 2 All Ireland under 21 winning teams. Galway in last 2 years have reached All Ireland semi final and league div 1 final and have been in div 1 for 3 and beaten kerry in the championship. Galway are a top 6 team. Meath are at least 2 years behind them , but hopefully in 2 years time we will be like Galway now , a top 5 or 6 team.

Also one of the reasons I think we can stay up , is so many of the players are peaking as well as manager in year 4. If we went up div 1 anytime in last 4 or 5 years we would have definatly being relegated , the players were not ready div 1. Most sportspeople peak at 26 , 27. So many of our players will be reaching peak years in next 24 months. Its good time in this teams and players development to go up to div 1. Also playing super 8 last year was great experience for our team. You couldnt buy the experience we got from 8.

1 Game Management.

I think there is a good management team now with McEntee and Nally. Clearly Meath have improved in the last 12 months. But one area we lack us game management. That will come with experience. But what Dublin , Kerry, Mayo top div 1 teams have over div 2 and 3 teams is game management. They know when to slow down the play, control the game at pivotal times. Use cyininism , Dublin are masters of this. We need to be cuter and cleverer , slow down the gane when needed . If we dont we wont stay in div 1. I think the players have lot of experience and hopefully their own personal game management really improves.

2 Kickouts. We have had a problem with kickout for years. We like to traditionally drive the ball to center field from kickout. But you need big strong players like John McDermont or David Moran to be in midfield for that to work. Also since early 00s , teams have a kickout strategy. Then goalies have become so important , almost like a playmaker. Last year teams pushed up in last ten mins, our goalie felt the pressure as he also has lack high fielders.

Goalkeeper is an issue. Who has the best kickout in the county ? I really dont know. The best goalkeepers in last few years have been Robbie Burlingham , Jack Hannigan, Shane Geraghty , Conor McHugh and Andy Colgan. Players like Burlingham , Hannigan and McHugh have all tasted inter county with. But these generation of Meath goalies who are mid 20s and older probaly the ship has sailed for them regards playing for Meath. Burkingham in my view has been most consistent goalie in Meath , Geraghty also has been excellent over years , but for me Conor McHugh has been best goalie I have seen in Meath , but he didnt play much club footbalk this year. I think Meaths goalie will be younger goalies in the county and Andy Colgan. Colgan is a good goalie with a good kickout. But inter county goalkeeper now needs an exceptional kickout. And he does have a lack of big men to aim for around midfield. He is an option but also are young goalies like Andrew Beakley, Dominic Yorke and Harry Hogan. Beakley could be first choice , but Hogan is a real darkhkorse coming from. Dundalk soccer under 19.

One thing I have noticed is Andy Colgan , Yorke and Beakley have been taking frees for the their club sucessfully in the club championship. Could thid be an option? . We need. freetaker who scoring ratio is 90% to 100% like the Dean Rocks. Lenihan return will help the frees. But looking at one of the goalies as a freetaker could be an option. I did see Andy Colgan take frees with club this year , and he is a very good freetaker. But inter county freetaking is a different level of pressure.

Regards who should be goalie , I dont really know. Colgan is still probaly first choice , but you wud think Andy will use Beakley , Yorke and Hogan in the league. If any one of them makes s big impression they could end up Meath number 1. But what will help our goalie is bigger men around center field.

3 Midfield.

We havent produced a top class midfielder since John McDermont. While a whole generation of midfielders have not been available due to injury like Conor Gillespie , Shane O Rourke. Others have gone to Austrialia eg Conor Nash , Cian McBride and others have been studying in the USA like Ronan Jones , others like Harry Rooney dont seem to an option anymore. Because we lost so many midfielders we have had to play two wing back at midfield eg Menton and S McEntee. Menton has established himself at midfield and maybe we could see go up a level in next 2 years. S McEntee had a good league and poor championship. He is not really a midfielder , but maybe he cud go up a level in next 2 years. But he is really a wing back and could with his work ethic he could be an option as modern hard working half forward.

We lack big men , physicality around center field. Cluxton can hit big men like Fenton or Macauley at midfield or Mccarthy at half back or big wing forwards like Howard and Scully. Patton when he kickouts for Donegal he can hit 3 half forwards who are 6f plus and good highfielders. When Meath goalie kickout and there is a massive oppposition push up , his options are limited. Our two midfielders are not natural high fielders , our half back line and half forwads are small and yes pacey , but small light anf not natural fielders. Ethan Devine is a real prospect who can fielf the ball and become a Brian Howard style wing forward for us But he is only 20 , we need more bigger options at midfield. We lack physicality and athleticism around center field. Every sucessful Meath team has had big strong men at centre field , even in last time we had sucess between 2007 and 2010 we had players like Nigel Crawford , Brian Meade , Anthony Moyles , Shane O Rourke to compete at midfield.

There is hope there cud be an improvement in this area eg a Brian Conlon and Paddy Kennelly , b Thomas Murtagh , Daragh Griffin. Conlon is one of the most athetic footballers in Meath. He was excellent v Donegal in his debut at 19 in 2017. He wasnt involved last year but its good hes back. Even if he doesnt start at midfield he could be an option as wing forward and would be a great player to come off the bench. Conlon.will help us at center field. Kennelly cud be a darkhorse. McEntee has had 8 different partners at midfield in last 3 years. Best partner was kennelly. Kennelly play v Down, louth in league , Westmeath Byrne cup final and longford in the championship in 2017. He was excellent v Down , Louth and Westmeath in 2017. His return as well as Conlon means , we have two options we didnt have last year arounf center field. A Menton/ Kennelly midfield with Devine and Conlon as wing forwards wud give our goalie more options. Our maybe Conlon and kennelly can be used as sub options to make impact when we r struggling at center field.

Thomas Murtagh was excellent for Nobber this year and especially in intermidiate final. He is being called up and in his early 20s has time to develop. Daragh Griffin who was on the panel for a time last year has been excellent in leading Clan na Gael to junior title. He could be another option. And Jones could be back for championship . Cian O Brien looks like he is back , another option. Whike Daithi and Gavin McGowan also could be options around center field. Gavin McGowan was excellent this year for Rataoth , he played half back but coukx be an option as impact sub for around midfield.

So Meath are playing in super 8 v say Mayo with ten minutes this year and if Meath have the options of Conlon , Kennelly , Jones , McGowans, O Brien and lets say Murtagh to play midfield or half forward or as impact subs , these are all options we lacked last year and would give us physivalty around midfield. That will be massive addition and could eliminate the last ten min collaspes v top teams. Simply put our goalie will have more optioms to hit at cente.

4 Full Forward line.

Our full forward line can beat div 3 and 2 teams . And can go 60 mins with top teams. But can have a breakdown like we had v Dublin and second half v kildare. We have good quality forwards , but lack top top forwards. We havent replaced Stephen Bray. The last few years we have had one forward almost carrying the full forward line. Stephen Bray for a few years and then Donal lenihan for 2 years and Mickey Newman last year. They always played every game but the players beside them chop and change. Last time we had duo or trio consistently up front was Wallace and Newman in 2013. All the top teams all have an inside forward line that nevr changes eg Donegal Murphy McBreaty and Kerry with Geaney Clifford and Dublin Mannion Callaghan .

We dont have forwards at that level. But if we could find a duo or trio upfront who play together every game and perform well , that will help. The full forward line had been changed nearly every game . This year Mickey Newman played most games at full forward but players beside him constantly changed this year. So Thomas Reilly was his first partner then Bryan McMahon then Barry Dardis , then James Conlon started on inside line and then Shane Walsh was introduced for the first time into inside line. So all this led to constant change in the full forward line , div 1 teams do not chop and change upfront like we did this year. We need to find a duo or trio upfront that play consistently together and perform well.

The best option in my view wud be Lenihan , Newman and Walsh. That is big change for next year. lenihan was missing all last year ( and no one ever mentioned in the media Meath was misssing our best forward , while constantly we heard how kildare best forward was missing this year eg Flynn. Just interesting sidenote). Lenihan our best forward was missing this year while Walsh is another new playet for next year. He missed the whole league and leinster champiomship and only joined the panel in July and played half an hour v Mayo and only 1 game he started all year was v kerry in August. Walsh is player we didnt have in leinster or league last year. He is another addition to the inside line.

A target man , Meath havent had a target man since Gerathy retired. Walsh will be 19 next year and has all the attributes to be top class modern full forward. He is strong 6ft , great hands can score but also is very atletic and very pacey. He could be the player to build our future forward line around. The super 8s showed his potential and he is ready for this level. He could suffer second season symdrome but the performance v kerry in Aug were he scored 6 points 3 fron play. He looks the real deal .

Donal lenihan and Mickey are two best insice forwarsds in the county , both are out their peak eg 27 , 28 years old. Both highly experienced. Both have never started a game for Meath togrther. One was eitheir injured or the other was not available. So next year both at 28 could be first time we see them play together. Lenihan was the best forward we had in 2017 and 2018. Newman was the best forward this year

Play Walsh as a target with Newman and lenihan playing off him , somstimes Newman could play deeper and leave lenihan and Walsh as a duo up front. For me lenihan , Walsh , Newman full forward line is much stronger then we had in this years league or championship. I think the return of Donal lenihan , emergence of Shane Walsh and Mickey Newman playing with new maturity , improves the full forward line .

Then you could use J Wallace and J Conlon. If J Wallace continues to show the form he has had at club level at inter county level , well he could end up starting for Meath. At 24 this year he looks much maturer and better forward when he last played for Meath. But for me pacey. forwards like Conlon and J Wallace would be great options going forward. It would be hard to leave Conlon on the bench he was excellent last year. But I think in 2 or 3 years time he could be a really top forward. He needs to mature and develop , and I think like J Wallace when he hite 23 or 24 he could be really class. But for me he would make a great impact sub.

Then you have Dardis and T O Reilly , both I think have 2 or 3 big years for them for Meath. Dardis had a great league but dipped in the championship. He 25 now so I think he has a potential to really make an impact , but with lenihan and Walsh he probaly has dropped down to the bench. T O Reilly is only 23 has showed promise and also I think when he hits 25 or 26 , I think he cud be a great player for us. Again a great option from then bench. You could also have Ruari O Coilean as an option also 25 and one best forwards in the county. Then you have Jordan Morris and Jack O Connor as young talents. Morris I particularly rate highly. It might take time for these young players to advance. But they cud be an option also. Overall.I believe our inside line will be much stronger next year, then it .

So overall I think we can look forward to the league, so many experienced players returning like Donal lenihan , Eamon Wallace , Joey Wallace , Brian Conlon , Paddy kennelly , Cian O Brien and possibly Ruari O Coilean and Alan Forde. This has to strenghten our panel. There will be serious competition to get on Meath matchday panel og 24 or 25. I think we could have a really strong bench next year and this I believe will keep us in div 1.

The start will be important. 3 first games are massive , with 2 games at home. Div 1 can be very predictable , some teams can be much stronger then people think. Galway and Monaghan we would have beaten both this year probaly. But they have both new managers and that can give them a lift. Galway havent beaten Meath in Navan in nearly 40 year , we have won our last 8 games in Navan v Galway. But Galway under Joyce could be much stronger. He says he wants to win the league and championship. Monaghan under Banty , remeber they are neighbours, so being neighbours they would love to send us down to div 2. Our record v Monaghan in clones in recent years is appalling. Monaghan in Clones will be no pushover , by that game we cud be relegated. Kerry and Dublin away is as tough as u can get. But cud kerry have an hangover from All Ireland final

Overall the 3 first games cud decide our faith. v Tyrone , they have lost Donnelly and one of their best forwards , and theyre cud be hangover from this year. Tyrone can be very up anf down in the league . They have relegated a few times since 2010. In our last games in champiomship in 2013 , 2015 and 2018 , we went toe to toe with Tyrone and referee decisions in last 10 mins went in Tyrones favour. I think there will.point or two between teams like in 2013 , 2015 and 2018. It will be very tough , but we owe Tyrone. And if we cud beat Tyrone in Omagh , that wud be massive.

Then you have Donegal , yes very tough but
t in last 4 games , 3 this year, Donegal have struggled to beat Meath. We are due a win v Donegal. Again I expect a close contest , hopefully it goes Meaths way. Stop Micheak Murphy you will.stop Donegal ..I wud place two players on Murphy , a sweeper in front of him.

Mayo could be indifferent to the league. They won the league last year , So I just think tbere main aim is to stay in div 1. Again for 60 mins we showed we can compete v Mayo. But its all about competiing for 74 or 75 mins. Can we do that? Time will tell.

The top teans need to peak in July and August and just stay in div 1. They can be vulnerable in first 3 weeks , but as the league goes then their performance levels improves , so first three games are huge.

So there u r there are the reasons I think we can say in div 1. Also Navan is a tough place to come and win. Also I think we woulsnt have an inferior complex , this were Meath football belongs. Kildare, Roscommon and Cavan I feel are a little bit in awe of top teams and have ab inferior complex v top teams. For example kildare have never been top div 1 team in their history , exception was a few years in the 90s. But kildare were last div 1 team year in year out was 1920s. But the league only began in 1930s. So kildsre have never been a div 1 team, with exception of 90s. Remeber kildare has never won div 1 league title.( O Connor wl improve kildaew, and in leinster only teams managed by Meath men and kerry men can beat Dublin in leinster. So they see O Connor as Dwyer mark 2 , he will improve but he is no Mick Dwyer).

The last time Cavan were div 1 team year in year out was the 1950s the last time they won div 1 league. And Roscommon were a div 1 team the last time was late 1970s when they won their only div 1league title. Kidare have no tradition whatsoever in div 1 football , Roscommon and Cavan last had div 1 traditin generations ago. Meath have a long tradition of div 1 football with league div 1 title wins in 1930s , 1940s, 1950s, 1970s , 1980s and 1990s. Only kerry and Dublin have spent longer in div 1 then Meath. Meath will not be in awe of these teams. What county stayed up in recent years , Galway have no inferior complex and feel like they belong in div. Meath traditionally have more in common with Galway, the kildare or Cavan.
We traditinally always up our game v top teams. And that trait has returned under McEntee. We just need victories. 3 victories , 6 points thats what we need. Can we do it. I believe we can."
Good to hear from you, I missed reading your posts. To summarise your post, largely I agree with you as well. You are saying what everyone else is largely thinking. I completely agree; midfield and goalkeeper should be top priority. I don't have the answers as to whom these players should be, i suppose its a matter of trial and error at county level. I don't like throwing names around. It is obvious though that those areas killed us at times last year, and if we are to pursue perennial time in the top flight there has to be fairly radical change. You mentioned Lenihan, Newman, Walsh as a Full forward line. I agree that is our best by some margin but we are yet to know if those three individuals could click when playing together.

In relation to McEntee, I think youre giving him a silent, maybe subconscious ultimatum. Most supporters are. If he doesent deliver further improvement, you expect him to be gone in 2 years. I wouldnt follow that line of thinking. Meath football has had too many chiefs in the post-Boylan era; some good, some bad, and some ugly. This guy knows what he is doing. He has already delivered in the space of 3 years more than anyone since 2006 in League form and rekindled our championship tenacity and profile which a part of me felt was going the way of the dodo. He has done all of this with limited resources and limited players, and against tall odds in my opinion. His only failures I would say would be the Longford loss a few years back and this years Leinster Final, and both of which were more so failures on the pitch. He's done a great job and I personally would gladly see him in this role until at least 2025. Before he came into the job we were on the edge of a cliff, and slipping.

In relation to panel age, its a cause for debate. I see your point in pointing out that the mainstay of the team will peak at 25-28 over the next few seasons, I concede that they will be emotionally and physically in their prime and that can only be a good thing, however you're making a link between these lads being 26/27 and how that somehow will make them better players, which isn't the case. And I don't mean that as a slur. If you made the point about a 26 year old in relation to a 36 year old or a 16 year old then yes, there is a massive difference... but 22/23/24/28, I dont see what difference it makes to be honest. Theyre all flying fit, very well conditioned young men. Every county offers that.

In spite of my grievances I too believe we can stay in Division one. Belief is essential. There is something special about Meath and last year these lads unearthed that. We must stay positive. This time last year I was skeptical and how wrong I was.

Young_gael (Meath) - Posts: 589 - 24/11/2019 13:08:54    2251097

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Replying To Young_gael:  "You know, I took a few months off this and returned this morning to see what was on the Meath forum, confident that there'd be a colossal goldmine of new material from yourself to scan over. At times it makes me laugh, at times it annoys me, and at times it even makes me want to delete my account that some of the stuff is seen on the main forum and met with the inevitable responses time and time again. It takes away from the community on the forum.I have nothing against you on any personal level and youre entitled to be here as I am, and every now and then you hit the right note in your analysis of matches, and your player and local knowledge is always of a higher standard than mine, so again this isnt a personal attack. Let me be clear with you that there is no big conspiracy of people around the country to use the hogan stand forums to emulate posters from Co. Meath with the specific reason to leave a red downvote on your posts, or anybody else's. Do you really think people have that little time? Or that they are that petty? Do you have any shred of evidence? Do you even take this whole thing that seriously in the first place?! They downvote you in particular because in post after post after post you leave nonsensical, overly opinionated, and often very rude remarks, you are ignorant to criticism and debate, and you are lacking in manners. You have built up an army of people who dont like your posts over many years and enjoy winding you up. They then proceed to laugh at all of US because they associate all of Meath with your attitudes. Its that simple. Dont drag any other users into your situation. Its your situation, I dont expect you to listen and Im eagerly expecting a wisecrack befitting a junior cert classroom, but at least someone can tell you what's what.
."
are the same person/persons One of them had trolled me on Twitter and announced it here to great annoyance of many posters. They are not Meath people he is ONE PERSON or 2 only . It actually got to the stage on my twitter account when my 11 yo was doxed here for what she won in another sport. I actually had to report it to Gardaí as it had become too much. I understand you are not long on here and weren't when this happened, but to see this account name resurrected again on this forum is very disheartening. Take on me all anyone wants. But to go to the effort of finding me on social media and then brining my child's name on here was way to much. Wouldn't you agree???

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 24/11/2019 15:54:33    2251122

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Replying To royaldunne:  "are the same person/persons One of them had trolled me on Twitter and announced it here to great annoyance of many posters. They are not Meath people he is ONE PERSON or 2 only . It actually got to the stage on my twitter account when my 11 yo was doxed here for what she won in another sport. I actually had to report it to Gardaí as it had become too much. I understand you are not long on here and weren't when this happened, but to see this account name resurrected again on this forum is very disheartening. Take on me all anyone wants. But to go to the effort of finding me on social media and then brining my child's name on here was way to much. Wouldn't you agree???"
I had no idea of this at all, and I do agree with you on that post. Its wrong. This forum is about sport and football/hurling first and foremost. I was addressing your points and I stand by what I said as I believe I was correct, but that is scandalous behaviour and Im taken aback, I will bare it in mind in the future when I see some of the more personal posts. Its very easy and common on platforms such as these for individuals to use anonymity as a shield to say/incite hurtful things, and people who go down that road are questionable individuals to say the least. Had I known the past history on the forum I wouldn't have left the post I did, and consider me a little better educated. Im only here a year after all!

Young_gael (Meath) - Posts: 589 - 24/11/2019 16:26:46    2251132

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Replying To Young_gael:  "I had no idea of this at all, and I do agree with you on that post. Its wrong. This forum is about sport and football/hurling first and foremost. I was addressing your points and I stand by what I said as I believe I was correct, but that is scandalous behaviour and Im taken aback, I will bare it in mind in the future when I see some of the more personal posts. Its very easy and common on platforms such as these for individuals to use anonymity as a shield to say/incite hurtful things, and people who go down that road are questionable individuals to say the least. Had I known the past history on the forum I wouldn't have left the post I did, and consider me a little better educated. Im only here a year after all!"
Totally understand. As I said we can disagree and go hammer and tongs on each other (I know I'm as guilty as anyone). But keep my children and personal life out of it.
In my honest opinion it would take a very warped person to go to the bother of finding someone from here on social media and then to start posting things from my social media on here, that been said I took it until my 11yo daughter was brought into it. That was creepy in the most appalling way.
Anyway feel free to argue with me on any point, and I will do the same in return. But I don't go down the personal road.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 24/11/2019 16:54:08    2251135

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Right now back to the football. I hear that Ethan Devine and Shane McEntee are injured. With Flanagan not on the panel we'll be depending on Kennelly or Brian Conlon to fill out midfield

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1463 - 25/11/2019 10:57:51    2251271

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Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "Right now back to the football. I hear that Ethan Devine and Shane McEntee are injured. With Flanagan not on the panel we'll be depending on Kennelly or Brian Conlon to fill out midfield"
Has Flanagan left the panel?

Left of own accord or dropped off it.

Midfielder from Nobber - Murtagh - would he be an option?

oldsam_newsam (Meath) - Posts: 638 - 25/11/2019 11:55:24    2251284

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Replying To oldsam_newsam:  "Has Flanagan left the panel?

Left of own accord or dropped off it.

Midfielder from Nobber - Murtagh - would he be an option?"
They said he had left on the We are Meath. Don't know any of the specifics. Murtagh young and very unproven

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1463 - 25/11/2019 15:23:35    2251351

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Replying To oldsam_newsam:  "Has Flanagan left the panel?

Left of own accord or dropped off it.

Midfielder from Nobber - Murtagh - would he be an option?"
Ethan played for Na Fianna in the Under 21 semi final last week. Murtagh is a good player - big strong lad and still only 20/21 - believe he was outstanding for Nobber in the Intermediate Final.

ASaminthehand (Meath) - Posts: 422 - 25/11/2019 15:47:45    2251357

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