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Meath 2024

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Looking forward to the game against Louth in the O'Byrne Cup next week, just to see what they are at and are there any noticeable differences from 2023 in style.
Pity the game is moved from Navan. Ashbourne is a brilliant setup but is far from central.
It is obviously our second ground now. With the standard of club grounds having improved dramatically in the last ten years, it might be an idea to move games like this around if Navan is unavailable.
Parking and stewarding are big issues, as well as the pitch surface during a wet January. Ashbourne ticks those boxes.
If Ardee can host NFL games maybe the likes of Trim, Simonstown, O'Mahonys, Dunganny or Stamullen could be used, with all bar the latter centrally located.

Roger (Meath) - Posts: 478 - 27/12/2023 16:29:04    2517734

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Replying To Roger:  "Looking forward to the game against Louth in the O'Byrne Cup next week, just to see what they are at and are there any noticeable differences from 2023 in style.
Pity the game is moved from Navan. Ashbourne is a brilliant setup but is far from central.
It is obviously our second ground now. With the standard of club grounds having improved dramatically in the last ten years, it might be an idea to move games like this around if Navan is unavailable.
Parking and stewarding are big issues, as well as the pitch surface during a wet January. Ashbourne ticks those boxes.
If Ardee can host NFL games maybe the likes of Trim, Simonstown, O'Mahonys, Dunganny or Stamullen could be used, with all bar the latter centrally located."
Remember in 1988 when Navan was being redone the league games were moved to Kells (at the time some people were disappointed that no games took place in Trim).
Where will they move the league games now when the renovations happen in Navan this time?

bdbuddah (Meath) - Posts: 1400 - 28/12/2023 10:30:13    2517752

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Replying To bdbuddah:  "Remember in 1988 when Navan was being redone the league games were moved to Kells (at the time some people were disappointed that no games took place in Trim).
Where will they move the league games now when the renovations happen in Navan this time?"
They plan on leaving PT open when work is ongoing, I'm not sure how that can be accomplished being honest seeing as there will be no seated or covered accommodation in the absence of the stand but I'll be interested to see. I don't think any of our club grounds at present would be considered suitable for an NFL game due to capacity, seating and other issues such as the increased fussiness of health and safety.

Richieq (Meath) - Posts: 3743 - 28/12/2023 17:50:41    2517778

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Replying To Roger:  "Looking forward to the game against Louth in the O'Byrne Cup next week, just to see what they are at and are there any noticeable differences from 2023 in style.
Pity the game is moved from Navan. Ashbourne is a brilliant setup but is far from central.
It is obviously our second ground now. With the standard of club grounds having improved dramatically in the last ten years, it might be an idea to move games like this around if Navan is unavailable.
Parking and stewarding are big issues, as well as the pitch surface during a wet January. Ashbourne ticks those boxes.
If Ardee can host NFL games maybe the likes of Trim, Simonstown, O'Mahonys, Dunganny or Stamullen could be used, with all bar the latter centrally located."
what would be the biggest capacity ground outside of Pairc Tailteann? Not many teams have banks anymore to view games from and as RichieQ says, you have the health and safety fussiness now. Of the venues mentioned there I would think Simonstown has

seasiderblues (Meath) - Posts: 352 - 29/12/2023 10:28:52    2517807

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There seems to be a litany of problems with facilities in Meath. Dunganny has been called a center of excellence in name only by the new incoming chairman. It is not deemed fit for purpose to host county squads for training, with the gym not up to standard and pitches not in good condition due to overuse. For a county of Meaths size, tradition and financial resources, this isn't good enough.

BigJoe14 (Meath) - Posts: 997 - 29/12/2023 10:50:00    2517808

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Replying To Richieq:  "They plan on leaving PT open when work is ongoing, I'm not sure how that can be accomplished being honest seeing as there will be no seated or covered accommodation in the absence of the stand but I'll be interested to see. I don't think any of our club grounds at present would be considered suitable for an NFL game due to capacity, seating and other issues such as the increased fussiness of health and safety."
The redevelopment work is not due to start until Q2 2024 -Ciaran Flynn covered this in his recent report

Flynn states:

"We are on track to begin major construction works in the second quarter of 2024, a testament to the diligent planning and unwavering dedication of all stakeholders involved. This redevelopment is not just a construction project; it's a renewal of our commitment to the community and the spirit of Gaelic games in Meath."



Now - If that is the case, none of the National League games will be impacted. The first home games in Q2 are Joe McDonagh Cup games and I suspect they could be played in Ashbourne. We are away for the first round of the Leinster Football Championship on the 7th of April, playing Longford and it looks like the winner of that is away to Dublin in the 1/4 finals.

So, it looks like the first games that will be impacted are the group games of the All Ireland itself. As I understand it, in the group stages there is one home game, one away game and one neutral (Croke Park) game. Perhaps we could opt to play our 'home' game in Croke Park too! Make it a double header with a Dubs group game and it least try and get the stadium to over 50% capacity!!

I would suggest with the best will in the world and taking Flynn at face value, if the intention is to start the work in Q2 it is likely that it will start late (most projects seem to) and therefore more likely that the club championship will be impacted!!

I

Royalblufill (Meath) - Posts: 511 - 29/12/2023 10:55:48    2517809

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If Navan isn't available surely the Joe McDonagh games would be in Trim? If Ballycran and Hawkfield can host Joe McDonagh games, then Trim can easily...

CastleBravo (Meath) - Posts: 1664 - 29/12/2023 13:23:50    2517819

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Looking forward to obyrne kicking off. Anyone know if/when team will be announced?

bert09 (Meath) - Posts: 1807 - 03/01/2024 16:13:59    2518232

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Replying To Royalblufill:  "The redevelopment work is not due to start until Q2 2024 -Ciaran Flynn covered this in his recent report

Flynn states:

"We are on track to begin major construction works in the second quarter of 2024, a testament to the diligent planning and unwavering dedication of all stakeholders involved. This redevelopment is not just a construction project; it's a renewal of our commitment to the community and the spirit of Gaelic games in Meath."



Now - If that is the case, none of the National League games will be impacted. The first home games in Q2 are Joe McDonagh Cup games and I suspect they could be played in Ashbourne. We are away for the first round of the Leinster Football Championship on the 7th of April, playing Longford and it looks like the winner of that is away to Dublin in the 1/4 finals.

So, it looks like the first games that will be impacted are the group games of the All Ireland itself. As I understand it, in the group stages there is one home game, one away game and one neutral (Croke Park) game. Perhaps we could opt to play our 'home' game in Croke Park too! Make it a double header with a Dubs group game and it least try and get the stadium to over 50% capacity!!

I would suggest with the best will in the world and taking Flynn at face value, if the intention is to start the work in Q2 it is likely that it will start late (most projects seem to) and therefore more likely that the club championship will be impacted!!

I"
I might be wrong on this but I think dubs have to play the Leinster quarter away from home. Either in home venue or neutral one. I think it was brought in a few years ago. Or I might have dreamed it. But if it is the case navan won't hold so tullamore or portlaoise I'd say. (All this IF we beat Longford )

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 03/01/2024 19:35:36    2518257

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Replying To bert09:  "Looking forward to obyrne kicking off. Anyone know if/when team will be announced?"
Same as that.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 03/01/2024 19:36:35    2518258

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Replying To royaldunne:  "Same as that."
Be interesting to see what level of experimentation we go with. I imagine Colm knows his best team or at least has a fair idea but I would be expecting that we see will significant time given to Kinsella, Curtis and Flood . Brennan looks to be the main man for the goalkeeper so will we see Harry or Billy or both? Good Luck to Colm and all the players

seasiderblues (Meath) - Posts: 352 - 04/01/2024 10:29:58    2518297

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Interesting article in the Indo.
Quote from Mickey Harte
"We didn't even have enough to play 15-a-side or anything like that there," Harte revealed. "But whatever number you have you can still find out what players are made of in small-game situations, condense the field and play all kinds of game, whether it be the collective defending or one to one defending, or what people do under pressure, you can create those environments and I have a man who is very good at that in Gavin Devlin. He is a really top class coach and the coaching he does is second to none."

I am still shocked that COR has not gone after a top class experienced coach! Even Harte has the humility to publicly state that he is not the only show in town and that as a manager, you need the right people around you!

This is not rocket science people!!!!

JonnieG (Meath) - Posts: 246 - 04/01/2024 13:04:41    2518327

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Replying To JonnieG:  "Interesting article in the Indo.
Quote from Mickey Harte
"We didn't even have enough to play 15-a-side or anything like that there," Harte revealed. "But whatever number you have you can still find out what players are made of in small-game situations, condense the field and play all kinds of game, whether it be the collective defending or one to one defending, or what people do under pressure, you can create those environments and I have a man who is very good at that in Gavin Devlin. He is a really top class coach and the coaching he does is second to none."

I am still shocked that COR has not gone after a top class experienced coach! Even Harte has the humility to publicly state that he is not the only show in town and that as a manager, you need the right people around you!

This is not rocket science people!!!!"
I'm pretty sure he did go after some top class experienced coaches but just couldn't get one.

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1003 - 04/01/2024 14:06:30    2518340

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "
Replying To JonnieG:  "Interesting article in the Indo.
Quote from Mickey Harte
"We didn't even have enough to play 15-a-side or anything like that there," Harte revealed. "But whatever number you have you can still find out what players are made of in small-game situations, condense the field and play all kinds of game, whether it be the collective defending or one to one defending, or what people do under pressure, you can create those environments and I have a man who is very good at that in Gavin Devlin. He is a really top class coach and the coaching he does is second to none."

I am still shocked that COR has not gone after a top class experienced coach! Even Harte has the humility to publicly state that he is not the only show in town and that as a manager, you need the right people around you!

This is not rocket science people!!!!"
I'm pretty sure he did go after some top class experienced coaches but just couldn't get one."
Do you know who?

Ed2010 (Meath) - Posts: 109 - 04/01/2024 14:15:05    2518342

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "
Replying To JonnieG:  "Interesting article in the Indo.
Quote from Mickey Harte
"We didn't even have enough to play 15-a-side or anything like that there," Harte revealed. "But whatever number you have you can still find out what players are made of in small-game situations, condense the field and play all kinds of game, whether it be the collective defending or one to one defending, or what people do under pressure, you can create those environments and I have a man who is very good at that in Gavin Devlin. He is a really top class coach and the coaching he does is second to none."

I am still shocked that COR has not gone after a top class experienced coach! Even Harte has the humility to publicly state that he is not the only show in town and that as a manager, you need the right people around you!

This is not rocket science people!!!!"
I'm pretty sure he did go after some top class experienced coaches but just couldn't get one."
I find it hard to believe that he did go after some top class experienced coaches. If he did, it isn't a good look that they didn't want to get involved.

BigJoe14 (Meath) - Posts: 997 - 04/01/2024 14:28:48    2518346

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Replying To Ed2010:  "
Replying To Blackspot09:  "[quote=JonnieG:  "Interesting article in the Indo.
Quote from Mickey Harte
"We didn't even have enough to play 15-a-side or anything like that there," Harte revealed. "But whatever number you have you can still find out what players are made of in small-game situations, condense the field and play all kinds of game, whether it be the collective defending or one to one defending, or what people do under pressure, you can create those environments and I have a man who is very good at that in Gavin Devlin. He is a really top class coach and the coaching he does is second to none."

I am still shocked that COR has not gone after a top class experienced coach! Even Harte has the humility to publicly state that he is not the only show in town and that as a manager, you need the right people around you!

This is not rocket science people!!!!"
I'm pretty sure he did go after some top class experienced coaches but just couldn't get one."
Do you know who?"]No names will ever be mentioned. The same line was trotted out by the Meath Chronicle after the two coaches from last year left, that high profile coaches etc are being linked as replacements, but again nothing comes of it. Instead, as a lot of people predicted, a former high profile player was brought in.

BigJoe14 (Meath) - Posts: 997 - 04/01/2024 14:32:07    2518347

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "
Replying To JonnieG:  "Interesting article in the Indo.
Quote from Mickey Harte
"We didn't even have enough to play 15-a-side or anything like that there," Harte revealed. "But whatever number you have you can still find out what players are made of in small-game situations, condense the field and play all kinds of game, whether it be the collective defending or one to one defending, or what people do under pressure, you can create those environments and I have a man who is very good at that in Gavin Devlin. He is a really top class coach and the coaching he does is second to none."

I am still shocked that COR has not gone after a top class experienced coach! Even Harte has the humility to publicly state that he is not the only show in town and that as a manager, you need the right people around you!

This is not rocket science people!!!!"
I'm pretty sure he did go after some top class experienced coaches but just couldn't get one."
Who did he ask did you hear?

Ed2010 (Meath) - Posts: 109 - 04/01/2024 16:25:00    2518363

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Replying To BigJoe14:  "
Replying To Ed2010:  "[quote=Blackspot09:  "[quote=JonnieG:  "Interesting article in the Indo.
Quote from Mickey Harte
"We didn't even have enough to play 15-a-side or anything like that there," Harte revealed. "But whatever number you have you can still find out what players are made of in small-game situations, condense the field and play all kinds of game, whether it be the collective defending or one to one defending, or what people do under pressure, you can create those environments and I have a man who is very good at that in Gavin Devlin. He is a really top class coach and the coaching he does is second to none."

I am still shocked that COR has not gone after a top class experienced coach! Even Harte has the humility to publicly state that he is not the only show in town and that as a manager, you need the right people around you!

This is not rocket science people!!!!"
I'm pretty sure he did go after some top class experienced coaches but just couldn't get one."
Do you know who?"]No names will ever be mentioned. The same line was trotted out by the Meath Chronicle after the two coaches from last year left, that high profile coaches etc are being linked as replacements, but again nothing comes of it. Instead, as a lot of people predicted, a former high profile player was brought in."]I am concerned that we will see the fruits of his decisions this year! I really doubt that he went after any big coach! I'm sure with his reputation and background he would know plenty of candidates!
And the fact he got rid of 2 of the coaches from last year and replaced them with one!! Something smells! Have we actually got a new S&C coach now? I didnt hear anything abut that since our last guy left!

JonnieG (Meath) - Posts: 246 - 04/01/2024 16:43:52    2518366

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Replying To BigJoe14:  "
Replying To Ed2010:  "[quote=Blackspot09:  "[quote=JonnieG:  "Interesting article in the Indo.
Quote from Mickey Harte
"We didn't even have enough to play 15-a-side or anything like that there," Harte revealed. "But whatever number you have you can still find out what players are made of in small-game situations, condense the field and play all kinds of game, whether it be the collective defending or one to one defending, or what people do under pressure, you can create those environments and I have a man who is very good at that in Gavin Devlin. He is a really top class coach and the coaching he does is second to none."

I am still shocked that COR has not gone after a top class experienced coach! Even Harte has the humility to publicly state that he is not the only show in town and that as a manager, you need the right people around you!

This is not rocket science people!!!!"
I'm pretty sure he did go after some top class experienced coaches but just couldn't get one."
Do you know who?"]No names will ever be mentioned. The same line was trotted out by the Meath Chronicle after the two coaches from last year left, that high profile coaches etc are being linked as replacements, but again nothing comes of it. Instead, as a lot of people predicted, a former high profile player was brought in."]I'm still gonna remain positive. But I have to say that is very depressing

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 04/01/2024 21:25:51    2518405

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Great to see campion back. Let's hope this year is better than last. We need to get back to some level of competition with the 2 level teams. I'm excluding dubs and Kerry from that. As no one is at their level. But while not maybe beating the likes of mayo, galway, Derry Roscommon etc. we should be able to make it hard for them and beat them half the time.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 05/01/2024 09:53:49    2518445

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