Meath Forum

Meath V Derry: All Ireland Round 2

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Time to turn the page. The lads had their first training session last night knowing what they're up against. Just looking at how Derry lined out against Armagh. Very settled team, basically same 17/18 players we faced in the league with the addition of Lachlan Murray who will need serious watching. Overall, I'd say we have the more potent attack but they have the stronger defence so could see it being won at midfield. The game is going to be won in the last 10 minutes so the only debate for me is how much firepower we leave on the bench. We need 2/3 lads we can bring in with 15/20 mins to go to make an impact. Keep McBride and Jack O'Connor in reserve?

gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 179 - 03/06/2026 09:30:15    2677497

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Tough game in store. This is the game where all the good parts of our year have to come together. Kickouts need to be on the mark, or at the very least when they are going wrong, they go wrong long. Breaking ball is key, we're hot and cold but capable of winning enough to give us the platform we need. Our forwards have to spark as a unit rather than 1 or 2 shooting the lights out and the rest just hanging in there. We're best playing on the front foot, being ultra aggressive. Every ball matters type of stuff. We need a few lads to have their best game of the season, especially our defensive players. Derry have some decent forwards as we know, but if we can get Raff and co back to levels they are capable of then we can tie them up. With most our games this year, if we can hold a team to less than 25 points then we have a great chance.
It's very clear to me, play at 8,9,10 out of 10 levels and we win. Anything less and we're done.

GoalsWinGames (Meath) - Posts: 322 - 03/06/2026 10:21:14    2677517

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I think it's a very tough draw going away to Derry, but they are beatable and they are very up and down. Their style probably suits how we defend.

Teams like Cork and Westmeath ran direct at us and we struggled with the 1 on 1 match ups, were regularly were out of position and were taken advantage of.

Derry have that slow build up Ulster style which I suspect will suit us. We have the forwards to hurt them too. And the reality is if we are going anywhere anytime soon, we need to be beating a team like Derry who have struggled to product consistent form.

It'll be a tight game, but if we have our full compliment and everyone fit, I think we'll edge it by 3

Cabbagepatch1667 (Meath) - Posts: 161 - 03/06/2026 10:41:13    2677527

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Replying To gwanyagudthing:  "Time to turn the page. The lads had their first training session last night knowing what they're up against. Just looking at how Derry lined out against Armagh. Very settled team, basically same 17/18 players we faced in the league with the addition of Lachlan Murray who will need serious watching. Overall, I'd say we have the more potent attack but they have the stronger defence so could see it being won at midfield. The game is going to be won in the last 10 minutes so the only debate for me is how much firepower we leave on the bench. We need 2/3 lads we can bring in with 15/20 mins to go to make an impact. Keep McBride and Jack O'Connor in reserve?"
I think McBride or O'Neill start at wing forward as the extra big man around the middle. I'd have ONeill in if he's fit. He's the man you want in a dog fight. Brennan needs to get his kick outs right though or we can have all the big men around the middle we want, but it'll be a waste of time and we can forget about winning as kick outs so key.

Hard to know with Jack O'Connor, he's really suited to an impact sub role with his pace but he's probably played his best this year when he started and emptied the tank and brought off on 50 minutes. I'd go;

1. Brennan
2. Lavin
3. Rafferty
4. Ryan
5. Keogan
6. Coffey
7. Caulfield
8. Flynn
9. Menton
10. O'Neill (Charlie O'Connor if he's not fit)
11. Kinsella
12. Costello
13. Morris
14. Frayne
15. Conlon
Off the bench; Jack O'Connor with pace, McBride to make some crucial catches, Curtis, Charlie O'Connor and Hickey

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 148 - 03/06/2026 11:02:43    2677532

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Replying To Cabbagepatch1667:  "I think it's a very tough draw going away to Derry, but they are beatable and they are very up and down. Their style probably suits how we defend.

Teams like Cork and Westmeath ran direct at us and we struggled with the 1 on 1 match ups, were regularly were out of position and were taken advantage of.

Derry have that slow build up Ulster style which I suspect will suit us. We have the forwards to hurt them too. And the reality is if we are going anywhere anytime soon, we need to be beating a team like Derry who have struggled to product consistent form.

It'll be a tight game, but if we have our full compliment and everyone fit, I think we'll edge it by 3"
It's a tough draw but you make the point yourself, rather than playing a Kildare or Cavan and not really knowing where we are at, this type of game will define if the players are serious about going to the next level or just letting it peter out. Derry are kind of like a dying wasp, have the potential to sting us but they look to be in the dying embers of the 22/23 team so we'll see if we have the mental strength to go there and bury them.

The question will be who will have learned more from the league game? The problem is teams usually learn more from defeat but hoping we caught onto Derrys exact style and to be honest, if Brennan didn't drop that goal in we would've won more comfortably. But it was the first round of the league so this will a different game altogether.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 148 - 03/06/2026 11:14:24    2677536

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Replying To NYRoyal:  "I think McBride or O'Neill start at wing forward as the extra big man around the middle. I'd have ONeill in if he's fit. He's the man you want in a dog fight. Brennan needs to get his kick outs right though or we can have all the big men around the middle we want, but it'll be a waste of time and we can forget about winning as kick outs so key.

Hard to know with Jack O'Connor, he's really suited to an impact sub role with his pace but he's probably played his best this year when he started and emptied the tank and brought off on 50 minutes. I'd go;

1. Brennan
2. Lavin
3. Rafferty
4. Ryan
5. Keogan
6. Coffey
7. Caulfield
8. Flynn
9. Menton
10. O'Neill (Charlie O'Connor if he's not fit)
11. Kinsella
12. Costello
13. Morris
14. Frayne
15. Conlon
Off the bench; Jack O'Connor with pace, McBride to make some crucial catches, Curtis, Charlie O'Connor and Hickey"
There's 2 or 3 subs you are bringing on there who I'm not sure are adding anything. Why not leave the best players on the field? Too many subs is disruptive. I think they're going to take a gamble on Jones, he's over his latest injury setback. Probably worth this risk in knockout football and Charlie struggled against Cork.

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 336 - 03/06/2026 12:11:18    2677558

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Replying To Sheridan2010louth:  "There's 2 or 3 subs you are bringing on there who I'm not sure are adding anything. Why not leave the best players on the field? Too many subs is disruptive. I think they're going to take a gamble on Jones, he's over his latest injury setback. Probably worth this risk in knockout football and Charlie struggled against Cork."
Do you see Jones starting or more of an impact sub? If he's fit they should use him as we'll be out again the following week if we beat Derry so may as well get some minutes into him. He's the type of player we have been missing - brings leadership when it's in the melting pot.

gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 179 - 03/06/2026 13:45:20    2677610

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Game fixed for 7pm Saturday evening, rotten time for a game

Cabbagepatch1667 (Meath) - Posts: 161 - 03/06/2026 14:16:10    2677617

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Replying To gwanyagudthing:  "Do you see Jones starting or more of an impact sub? If he's fit they should use him as we'll be out again the following week if we beat Derry so may as well get some minutes into him. He's the type of player we have been missing - brings leadership when it's in the melting pot."
The last time he played a competitive game for meath was against Dublin last year where he played the impact sub role quite well. I'd probably see how long Menton can go for then bring in Jones.

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 336 - 03/06/2026 15:37:24    2677661

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Replying To Sheridan2010louth:  "There's 2 or 3 subs you are bringing on there who I'm not sure are adding anything. Why not leave the best players on the field? Too many subs is disruptive. I think they're going to take a gamble on Jones, he's over his latest injury setback. Probably worth this risk in knockout football and Charlie struggled against Cork."
Jones has been trying to get back all year and can't. I hope you're right and comes in and does a job for us but it will be difficult. If he does play, can see it being off the bench when lads are tiring as if he starts against Rodgers and Glass, can see him getting the run around.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 148 - 03/06/2026 16:12:14    2677682

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Replying To Cabbagepatch1667:  "Game fixed for 7pm Saturday evening, rotten time for a game"
A wet raining evening, umbrellas up, overlooking the walls of derry, trying to find a parking space in the bogside and half full Celtic park.

That is the toughest of all tasks, Goodluck, you will need it all!!

monaghanmad (Monaghan) - Posts: 495 - 04/06/2026 11:25:16    2677811

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Replying To gwanyagudthing:  "Time to turn the page. The lads had their first training session last night knowing what they're up against. Just looking at how Derry lined out against Armagh. Very settled team, basically same 17/18 players we faced in the league with the addition of Lachlan Murray who will need serious watching. Overall, I'd say we have the more potent attack but they have the stronger defence so could see it being won at midfield. The game is going to be won in the last 10 minutes so the only debate for me is how much firepower we leave on the bench. We need 2/3 lads we can bring in with 15/20 mins to go to make an impact. Keep McBride and Jack O'Connor in reserve?"
If we're to win the midfield then McBride has to start in there, he's been our best fielder this year by a country mile. O'Neill/Jones at 10 as an extra midfielder and someone in to win the breaking ball. We've lost our games this year by going long patches of losing kickouts and teams have had a field day running through us, need plenty of willing bodies & aggression in the middle third, that'll be the winning of it for us.

LowerHogan (Meath) - Posts: 95 - 04/06/2026 13:51:35    2677881

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Replying To LowerHogan:  "If we're to win the midfield then McBride has to start in there, he's been our best fielder this year by a country mile. O'Neill/Jones at 10 as an extra midfielder and someone in to win the breaking ball. We've lost our games this year by going long patches of losing kickouts and teams have had a field day running through us, need plenty of willing bodies & aggression in the middle third, that'll be the winning of it for us."
This is it. If we win midfield, we don't have to worry about our defence as much as we take the pressure off them. And if we get enough ball to our forwards, we know we will do serious damage as we've full confidence in those lads. There's not enough time to work on a whole new defensive strategy and we just don't have the players I at the back I don't think. Win the midfield and the kick out battle and we win the game. Simple as.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 148 - 04/06/2026 16:41:57    2677941

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Replying To LowerHogan:  "If we're to win the midfield then McBride has to start in there, he's been our best fielder this year by a country mile. O'Neill/Jones at 10 as an extra midfielder and someone in to win the breaking ball. We've lost our games this year by going long patches of losing kickouts and teams have had a field day running through us, need plenty of willing bodies & aggression in the middle third, that'll be the winning of it for us."
AGREED Now pick the defenders after Caulfield ,Keoghan.and Coffey based on performances so far this year

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1310 - 04/06/2026 20:08:22    2677982

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Replying To nobull456:  "AGREED Now pick the defenders after Caulfield ,Keoghan.and Coffey based on performances so far this year"
Based on performances last day out, wouldn't guarantee Coffey or Keoghan either but expect 4 of the 6 backs that started last day to start as options limited.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 1013 - 04/06/2026 20:48:31    2677983

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Brennan ( I think the tactics he's told to follow aren't working- we actually look a little stuck on the kickouts- he finds men on the wings well but they've no space to actually do anything with it)
Lavin - physicality is needed v Derry.
Rafferty - personally I thought he was half decent against og jones.
Ryan - stickier than ohalloran. But Just
Keoghan - he was our main recipient of short kickouts last year and early this year- that has dried up.it should be priority.
Coffey - a wing back really but he's all we have for 6 now.
Caufield - looks to have steadied and improved.
Flynn - powerful against Westmeath. Clearly not fit against cork.
Menton - his impact has slipped. Possibly looking a bit fatigued .
Mcbride - I wish he wouldn't commit so hard to lost causes at midfield. He gives away frees for over reaching.
Kinsella - still the man even when he's clearly not fit
Costello - keep it simple ! be a little greedier too.
Conlon - huge v cork. When he's hot no other forward shines though and his efficiency needs to be higher if no one else is getting the ball.
frayne - business like
Morris .- lost a bit of his scoring threat it seems. At least he's eased off on resorting to trying to beat everyman.It could be worth a prolonged stint at half forward, he's a fantastic foot passer.


That's what I expect if all fit.

What I would like is JO'C to start possibly ahead of menton. The man is so streaky he's worth starting. 1-8 in a few minutes against Tyrone. Kicked 2 pointers v Kildare + cork, goal and two pointer against cork in final. Poor v offally and Westmeath yes but that is fair fire power.

Adam O'Neill is very important I really hope he's available. He provides versatile cover on the bench and can do a good job if starting. He actually started most of the championship at midfield last year. It's funny how much football we played without Flynn, Costello and Morris and it just worked and McBride barely featured too.

If menton is on the bench he has an eye for a score and obviously is a good midfielder and capable center back if needed.

I think Dukes complete loss of form, Curtis,gray and hickeys fitness is really hurting us now. Those lads were prominent in last years championship and they barely even make the bench now.

Eoin harkin was another man who featured in most games last year anyone know what is his story ?

royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 92 - 04/06/2026 22:39:21    2678007

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Replying To royalcounty1:  "Brennan ( I think the tactics he's told to follow aren't working- we actually look a little stuck on the kickouts- he finds men on the wings well but they've no space to actually do anything with it)
Lavin - physicality is needed v Derry.
Rafferty - personally I thought he was half decent against og jones.
Ryan - stickier than ohalloran. But Just
Keoghan - he was our main recipient of short kickouts last year and early this year- that has dried up.it should be priority.
Coffey - a wing back really but he's all we have for 6 now.
Caufield - looks to have steadied and improved.
Flynn - powerful against Westmeath. Clearly not fit against cork.
Menton - his impact has slipped. Possibly looking a bit fatigued .
Mcbride - I wish he wouldn't commit so hard to lost causes at midfield. He gives away frees for over reaching.
Kinsella - still the man even when he's clearly not fit
Costello - keep it simple ! be a little greedier too.
Conlon - huge v cork. When he's hot no other forward shines though and his efficiency needs to be higher if no one else is getting the ball.
frayne - business like
Morris .- lost a bit of his scoring threat it seems. At least he's eased off on resorting to trying to beat everyman.It could be worth a prolonged stint at half forward, he's a fantastic foot passer.


That's what I expect if all fit.

What I would like is JO'C to start possibly ahead of menton. The man is so streaky he's worth starting. 1-8 in a few minutes against Tyrone. Kicked 2 pointers v Kildare + cork, goal and two pointer against cork in final. Poor v offally and Westmeath yes but that is fair fire power.

Adam O'Neill is very important I really hope he's available. He provides versatile cover on the bench and can do a good job if starting. He actually started most of the championship at midfield last year. It's funny how much football we played without Flynn, Costello and Morris and it just worked and McBride barely featured too.

If menton is on the bench he has an eye for a score and obviously is a good midfielder and capable center back if needed.

I think Dukes complete loss of form, Curtis,gray and hickeys fitness is really hurting us now. Those lads were prominent in last years championship and they barely even make the bench now.

Eoin harkin was another man who featured in most games last year anyone know what is his story ?"
Agree with some of what you said. I personally don't think Duke is been given enough of a shot. Lads in the backline who are no where near where they have been in terms of form from last year still getting every minute of every match. Would love to see a change and then have these lads come in off the bench, hungrier and more driven as I think some lads are comfortable knowing they aren't at the level required at the minute and don't seem to need to be because they're not losing their position.

Royalroyal97 (Meath) - Posts: 42 - 05/06/2026 11:46:59    2678092

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Replying To Royalroyal97:  "Agree with some of what you said. I personally don't think Duke is been given enough of a shot. Lads in the backline who are no where near where they have been in terms of form from last year still getting every minute of every match. Would love to see a change and then have these lads come in off the bench, hungrier and more driven as I think some lads are comfortable knowing they aren't at the level required at the minute and don't seem to need to be because they're not losing their position."
A few months ago I'd have laughed at the idea of Matt Costello or Conor Duke playing in defence. But with the way things are going back there I'd nearly be opening to trying anything. Can't keep rolling out the same players back there and expecting a different result.

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 336 - 05/06/2026 13:50:58    2678143

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Replying To nobull456:  "AGREED Now pick the defenders after Caulfield ,Keoghan.and Coffey based on performances so far this year"
Would agree with NYRoyal's previous comment, you can't go reinventing a defence at the business end of the season plus we don't really have the quality in backup there anyway, would stick with Lavin, Rafferty, O'Halloran/Ryan. We know they all have it in them to perform much better than they have been this year. Kickouts of course have been a big problem in both tactical variety and execution which hasn't helped our defence either, and I believe we should be rotating keepers like other teams have done.

I've mentioned on other topics that I'd change further up the field to give more protection to the halfback line, McBride & Flynn midfield, drop Menton to the bench (big fan of Menton but when he runs out of steam in games he disappears, would much rather have him as an impact off the bench). Put in more defensive/aggressive wing forwards (O'Neill/Jones/Hickey), let them plug the gaps around the middle third and get in Derry's faces.

Derry play more pedestrian than Westmeath & Cork which will suit us but they absolutely have the players than can split a defence open, that's what we need to try and limit as we've no bother putting up 20-25pts on the board in games.

LowerHogan (Meath) - Posts: 95 - 05/06/2026 14:15:46    2678153

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Replying To Sheridan2010louth:  "A few months ago I'd have laughed at the idea of Matt Costello or Conor Duke playing in defence. But with the way things are going back there I'd nearly be opening to trying anything. Can't keep rolling out the same players back there and expecting a different result."
Agree here. Could they be much worse defensively than what is there already? Plus they could do something when they do attack. JOC could also play at wing back. Realistically its not gonna happen at this stage this year.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 1013 - 05/06/2026 16:19:40    2678194

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