Replying To Leitrim1234:  "Even though I and others had warned everyone of what was a head this year on these pages in the last few months I think it really only hit home to everyone (myself included) when we seen the official squad announced. Its stark.
I've said before that you could have Mick O'Dwyer or Jim Gavin in charge and it wouldn't make a difference this year.
Fair play to the players that have committed to the cause but the reality is many of these would be Third, Fourth, or Fifth choice in their positions if we had everyone available. Theres probably 25 to 30 players not available in total.

We have not just lost the majority of our 'high-end' players talent wise but we have lost years of S&C which will be exposed brutally at division Four level. That the unfortunate reality of things.

The panel announced once again shows to me that we have no issue in producing quality players but we have a severe issue with retaining them. There's no magic solution to this but the County Board needs to put in place a plan to change this.
When you look at who's missing (from last years panel) only Pearce Dolan and Mark Plunkett have left the country. The rest are still on the island or are nursing injuries. That is the really disappointing thing. When you add in the others who haven't been involved due to emigration it really is depressing for what could have been.

Another positive I have taken away from the squad is that its a complete change from Des Dolans time where we produced so many top quality defenders and had no real high level forwards. Now we are really struggling defensively.

Even with the likes of O'Rourke, Rooney, Plunkett missing from our forward line we still have Beirne, Prior, Cox, Reynolds, Guckian, Riordan O'Rourke and Honeyman available in our forward unit. Past managers would have bitten your hand off for this scoring power. With the new rules I would say if we can secure any decent type of possession or on counter attacks we could do real damage.

Poacher falling out with Killian Gaffey really hasn't helped and taking in the keeper from the club he coaches in Louth but who is from Monaghan is an 'interesting' approach.


For what its worse here's my guess at what the team may be (is Cillian McGloin fit again? Is Keith Beirne fit after missing preseason?)


Brian Cull

Adam Reynolds Mark Diffley Cathal McHugh

Cillian McGloin Jack Foley Shane Quinn

Barry McNulty
Conor Quinn

Ben Guckian Keith Keegan Tom Prior

Darren Cox Keith Beirne Jordan Reynolds"

Replying To williesboy:  "I can't see Beirne starting until round 3 as he is only back in there.
New rules won't suit this team, yes it would work in hindsight if the 3 forwards can get the ball but the long and short of it they won't really.
Poacher might have had a chance to do something if he could get 15 behind the ball."

Replying To Leitrim1234:  "Even though I and others had warned everyone of what was a head this year on these pages in the last few months I think it really only hit home to everyone (myself included) when we seen the official squad announced. Its stark.
I've said before that you could have Mick O'Dwyer or Jim Gavin in charge and it wouldn't make a difference this year.
Fair play to the players that have committed to the cause but the reality is many of these would be Third, Fourth, or Fifth choice in their positions if we had everyone available. Theres probably 25 to 30 players not available in total.

We have not just lost the majority of our 'high-end' players talent wise but we have lost years of S&C which will be exposed brutally at division Four level. That the unfortunate reality of things.

The panel announced once again shows to me that we have no issue in producing quality players but we have a severe issue with retaining them. There's no magic solution to this but the County Board needs to put in place a plan to change this.
When you look at who's missing (from last years panel) only Pearce Dolan and Mark Plunkett have left the country. The rest are still on the island or are nursing injuries. That is the really disappointing thing. When you add in the others who haven't been involved due to emigration it really is depressing for what could have been.

Another positive I have taken away from the squad is that its a complete change from Des Dolans time where we produced so many top quality defenders and had no real high level forwards. Now we are really struggling defensively.

Even with the likes of O'Rourke, Rooney, Plunkett missing from our forward line we still have Beirne, Prior, Cox, Reynolds, Guckian, Riordan O'Rourke and Honeyman available in our forward unit. Past managers would have bitten your hand off for this scoring power. With the new rules I would say if we can secure any decent type of possession or on counter attacks we could do real damage.

Poacher falling out with Killian Gaffey really hasn't helped and taking in the keeper from the club he coaches in Louth but who is from Monaghan is an 'interesting' approach.


For what its worse here's my guess at what the team may be (is Cillian McGloin fit again? Is Keith Beirne fit after missing preseason?)


Brian Cull

Adam Reynolds Mark Diffley Cathal McHugh

Cillian McGloin Jack Foley Shane Quinn

Barry McNulty
Conor Quinn

Ben Guckian Keith Keegan Tom Prior

Darren Cox Keith Beirne Jordan Reynolds"

Replying To Backheel:  "Many of these players are the best in their position also. Keith Beirne and Barry McNulty are the only two top class players in the county. O Rourke and Rooney are loss but really not that much difference between the rest gone of the panel and what has replaced them.
Eg Pearse Dolan good player but Ben Guickan has great potential to be as good."

Replying To Keephimthere:  "It will be interesting to see if the new rules will result in much bigger winning margins where Div 1 teams meet division 3 and 4 teams and possibly division 2 teams also in the championship. The 3 men up rule will likely result in forwards finding themselves 1 on 1 situations more often and could really make hay now that 13 behind the ball is gone. Last year Galway had scored 5 goals before London had scored 5 points. We could see a lot more of that."

Replying To Leitrim@1960:  "I would totally agree with you , Ryan and Darragh are a big loss, but a lot of the others mentioned are no better than what is coming into the panel. Mohill must be congratulated for 9 players coming on to the squad this year, this must be a record for a club! It's great to have the two Keith's back! The Harkin brothers who are really talented! Jordan Reynolds is back after a number of years of injury! The weekend game will be a real test, but if pace is required for the new game we have it in abundance! Mark Keegan from Fenagh is a hugely talented half back with pace and may have gone under the radar for some, it is great news that he has committed for this year! I attend a lot of club matches and I think the management team have done extremely well to get this young exciting squad together!
I'm really looking forward to the opening game and win loose or draw I will continue to support my home county! I have lived in many counties and played in a few, but have always come back to home to support many old friends and colleagues in their strive to make the smallest populated county in Ireland better by giving their best, nobody can ask more than that.
Leitrim Abu!"

Replying To joeman123:  "Great post, and as you say it is encouraging to see so many players committing. The management must be doing something right.

I comment the big numbers from Fenagh and particularly Mohill.

We all know where we are at with a very young team.

However there is one thing we all can do and that is Turn Up In Big Numbers to Ballinamore on Saturday and give good support to the team and management."

Replying To Square_B:  "Ah you're not really 'discussing'... more moaning / complaining... we'll agree to disagree...

Anyhow no GAA club ever goes to the 'wall'... Croke Park always end up taking over the debt if things get sticky.... and before you go 'Well what about Parnells?" The Parnells club is still active... the Limited company they used to run the club and that held the lease to the grounds / premises is gone. Wait until you see, a new lease will be agreed & Parnells will be back playing on the pitches they gave back to the Marist order."

Replying To gaelsboy:  "Exactly, I do not think we were ever really favorites for promotion and we are probably favorites to be relegated this year, it is what is it and it does not stop us turning up and giving it the best. Laois will not know much about this team and everyone is still getting used to the new rules so anything can happen."