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Meath 2024

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Replying To brian:  "FairPlay Blackspot and username, least you'll put your heads above the parapet and suggest things. Thing you're making good points re maybe players maxing out at club level, but I suppose they deserve a chance.

Had a think about Conor McWeeney but isn't he 18?? Still 2 years at underage, maybe let him develop and see where we end up. Would the O'Leary brothers be worth a shout?

Think one of you mentioned Wyer, and agree he's the type of corner back you want, that's not heard of but neither is his man. Dunno if that'll translate at county level but give him a chance. Maybe Adam O'Neill goes out to half back this year and we'll need a CB.

Would anyone be against the o'hare brothers from rathkenny? Think they've been involved before but maybe take another look.

Username I see you omitted Aaron lynch, was that an oversight?? Or deliberate?

I also assume Shane Mac. Will return, if for nothing else his experience would help a relatively young squad?

Michael murphy and Cian Rodgers we're also involved during the TC, might they get some game time.

Will the likes of Crosby, Clarke, Harkin etc be brought back into the set up?"
Forgot about Lynch and Coffey.

For a lot of lads like Wyer, Curtis, Frayne, Flood, O Higgins, Lynch, Caufield, O Connor Rodgers, Crosby, Clarke, Moriarty, Harkin, O Reilly, Morris, Walsh and even the 2 McEntees to a less extent need to show why they want a place on the panel. Some of them didn't play much football last year when it mattered or didn't show up against Offaly others had poor championships with their clubs. It can be a mix of reasons but the lads I'm listing above need to step it up a gear beacuase we haven't seen enough from them.

The likes of O Sullivan, Harnan, Keoghan, O Neill, Ryan, Brennan, Costello, McGowan, Jones, Flynn, Gray, Coffey all have a bit of credit in the bank and put in good performances when it mattered.

Two O Hares are worth another look as are a few of the summerhill lads I mentioned.
Not sure on the lads from Kilbride, be interested to see how they do in Leinster. David O Leary has gone back a bit from what I remember him being like or else he's not making the step up to the next level.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 396 - 17/10/2023 16:49:21    2508884

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "I think just the lads that have been mentioned already in if the reports are correct. Jack Kinlough who I think we could see in the league despite him being u20 again this year. Ruari Kinsella Adam McDonnell.

My mind isn't made up on E Frayne in terms of him being a top class inter county forward as I think possibly he might lack a small bit of pace for the top level. However I am looking forward to seeing him and think he could well solve our free taking issues .

I've always liked Ben Wyer. He goes about his business quietly and you don't see much of him in the game but his man tends to be quiet also and I know he was in last year but I would like to see more of him in a Meath jersey to see if he is up to it.

Hopefully the rumors of Cian McBride coming home are true also although we need to be careful of putting too much pressure on a lad who has been out of the game for 3 years now and was a kid when he left so no guarantee he would have made the grade and no guarantee he will slot into inter county level but I am sure he will be looked at if home.

I was at the Junior and Intermediate finals and Conor McWeeney was exceptional. Haven't seen too much of him but it was as good a performance in a final as i can remember . Now without being too disrespectful to the grade but it was junior so that has to be taken into account but he could be worth a look when kilbride are finished. which won't be any time soon because I can see them emulating Castletown and winning leinster .

Alan Bowden I have seen a good bit and is another one I am sure will be looked at.

Cathal Finnegan another one but I think he might fall into the category of excellent club player rather than a really good inter county player and this where our problem is. IMO we seem to forever producing players who max out at club level and who can just about hold their own at Div Inter County level which will get us no closer to where we want to get too."
Agree with your concerns on Eoghan Frayne but count me in on him being a top class inter County player!! I've followed him closely for 3 or 4 years. I think he can be a Cillian O'Connor or Dean Rock type player. May lack a yard of pace but one of the most skillful players I've seen and will be our best free taker since Stafford. His leadership for a 20 year old is off the charts and was a big reason why summerhill won keegan.

redser123 (Meath) - Posts: 404 - 17/10/2023 19:28:23    2508932

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Replying To Selwyn:  "Hogan's kickouts were terrible. He got into this habit of delaying kickouts for an eternity
Got blown for it against Clare as far as I remember.
He let in a couple of howlers as well. Was hit and miss on the 45s/frees.
Brennan Was way more consistent with the above (bar frees) and also looked really comfortable under a high ball."
Not totally disagreeing with you. But hogan's opposition in those games was far superior to what Brennan faced. That's my worry

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 17/10/2023 21:37:03    2508947

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Apart from McGill and James mcentee last year I have no problem with lads on team. That guff was constantly spouted about James and Shane Mac been on previous managers list. That they wouldn't be there only who they are related to. Actually Brian was one of the main posters saying it. But personally I think by and large the best players are on the panel even Colm admitted his mistake and asked both James max and McGill to come back. Only one took up the offer and was a huge success. My worry is not with the players. It's with the management . First year very naive and downright stupid at times. The excuses of this that and the other became embarrassing. The people who need to have learned is the sideline I pray to go allah jebus Buddha everyone that the arrogance of this is how football should be played is gone and a modern hard to beat side is built with belief and proper tactics. We won't win Leinster or all Ireland's but at least we should be aiming for promotion and a good run perhaps to quarter finals of all ire. That is progress for this year. I actually believe the players that are there are capable of that. The question is are the management capable of bringing them to their potential. We can only hope so.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 17/10/2023 21:50:37    2508949

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Replying To Ashrules:  "On present track Meath without the tailteann booby prize route looks like not winning a game next year. We are hoping the manager sees the best players and picks them, but not expecting him to.
Better management needed. May have to be imported."
Ah shur winning that Tailteann cup was a disaster. We only beat Div 5 & 6 teams . Anything less than winning the Leinster final at least next year will be another disaster .....Hon the Royal !

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1266 - 17/10/2023 22:57:59    2508953

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "Actually don't know how old McWeeney is I assumed he was older. That's a serious performance for an 18 year old to put in in a final. Leave off to develop so."
If he is good enough, he is old enough. Let him play with u20s but draft him straight in when available. Rather have him than a 28 year old who will never be up to the standard.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 576 - 18/10/2023 07:59:04    2508959

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Replying To UsernameInvalid:  "Forgot about Lynch and Coffey.

For a lot of lads like Wyer, Curtis, Frayne, Flood, O Higgins, Lynch, Caufield, O Connor Rodgers, Crosby, Clarke, Moriarty, Harkin, O Reilly, Morris, Walsh and even the 2 McEntees to a less extent need to show why they want a place on the panel. Some of them didn't play much football last year when it mattered or didn't show up against Offaly others had poor championships with their clubs. It can be a mix of reasons but the lads I'm listing above need to step it up a gear beacuase we haven't seen enough from them.

The likes of O Sullivan, Harnan, Keoghan, O Neill, Ryan, Brennan, Costello, McGowan, Jones, Flynn, Gray, Coffey all have a bit of credit in the bank and put in good performances when it mattered.

Two O Hares are worth another look as are a few of the summerhill lads I mentioned.
Not sure on the lads from Kilbride, be interested to see how they do in Leinster. David O Leary has gone back a bit from what I remember him being like or else he's not making the step up to the next level."
100% correct. A number of these guys did not show up well for Meath in an improving team as year went on or even when they returned to clubs. Players that are playing well with clubs especially younger players deserve a chance. There is huge talent in Meath age 21 and below. These guys need priority and have time on their side to develop physically.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 576 - 18/10/2023 08:03:58    2508960

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Replying To winatallcost:  "If he is good enough, he is old enough. Let him play with u20s but draft him straight in when available. Rather have him than a 28 year old who will never be up to the standard."
Sorry thats what I meant. Leave him off with the 20s and if they want to bring him in after they should.

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 991 - 18/10/2023 10:34:02    2508984

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Replying To UsernameInvalid:  "Forgot about Lynch and Coffey.

For a lot of lads like Wyer, Curtis, Frayne, Flood, O Higgins, Lynch, Caufield, O Connor Rodgers, Crosby, Clarke, Moriarty, Harkin, O Reilly, Morris, Walsh and even the 2 McEntees to a less extent need to show why they want a place on the panel. Some of them didn't play much football last year when it mattered or didn't show up against Offaly others had poor championships with their clubs. It can be a mix of reasons but the lads I'm listing above need to step it up a gear beacuase we haven't seen enough from them.

The likes of O Sullivan, Harnan, Keoghan, O Neill, Ryan, Brennan, Costello, McGowan, Jones, Flynn, Gray, Coffey all have a bit of credit in the bank and put in good performances when it mattered.

Two O Hares are worth another look as are a few of the summerhill lads I mentioned.
Not sure on the lads from Kilbride, be interested to see how they do in Leinster. David O Leary has gone back a bit from what I remember him being like or else he's not making the step up to the next level."
I'd be moving the likes of COS on . I think it's time to look to some younger talent. For me COS consistently makes the same mistakes when up against the level of opposition we will face next year and at his age I don't think he can adapt his game. An absolutely fantastic servant to Meath football but IMO his time as a meath footballer should be up as well as possibly 1 or 2 others like S McEntee and Harnan although it probably wouldn't be wise to cut too many experienced senior lads at the one time.

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 991 - 18/10/2023 10:43:32    2508989

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "I'd be moving the likes of COS on . I think it's time to look to some younger talent. For me COS consistently makes the same mistakes when up against the level of opposition we will face next year and at his age I don't think he can adapt his game. An absolutely fantastic servant to Meath football but IMO his time as a meath footballer should be up as well as possibly 1 or 2 others like S McEntee and Harnan although it probably wouldn't be wise to cut too many experienced senior lads at the one time."
I would not agree with letting COS go, even though he can be frustrating at times. Watched him in that relegation final v Skryne and he almost beat them on his own. Current management would not want to make the same mistake as Mick O Dowd did when he let go a lot of players in their late twenties who still had plenty to offer.

kingofclubs (Meath) - Posts: 327 - 18/10/2023 14:48:39    2509059

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "I'd be moving the likes of COS on . I think it's time to look to some younger talent. For me COS consistently makes the same mistakes when up against the level of opposition we will face next year and at his age I don't think he can adapt his game. An absolutely fantastic servant to Meath football but IMO his time as a meath footballer should be up as well as possibly 1 or 2 others like S McEntee and Harnan although it probably wouldn't be wise to cut too many experienced senior lads at the one time."
I would be cautious about cutting O Sullivan, Harnan or Shane Mc all them lads are 29 and the oldest/most experienced on the panel besides Keoghan.

O Sullivan in a tight game with 10 minutes to go is a good head to bring on in the forwards, Harnan, Keoghan and Shane are all backs and I wouldn't be trusting any of them to kick a score or win a hard ball out in front of their man, turn and put it over the bar. Lenihan, McMahon and Newman are gone so we aren't stacked with experienced forwards.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 396 - 18/10/2023 14:59:25    2509065

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Replying To kingofclubs:  "I would not agree with letting COS go, even though he can be frustrating at times. Watched him in that relegation final v Skryne and he almost beat them on his own. Current management would not want to make the same mistake as Mick O Dowd did when he let go a lot of players in their late twenties who still had plenty to offer."
Fair enough but I saw him in the relegation semi v Dunboyne and he got completely marked out of it by a non inter county defender so I don't think basing it one one performance or another is the way to go.

I feel his influence on games at IC level is not what it used to be due to the type of player he is where he trying to run the ball at pace a lot.

I agree re letting too many lads in their late 20s going at once and that's why i suggested holding on to the likes of harnan or Shane Mac and letting COS go and focusing on the younger lads in his position who showed well last year like Jack O'Connor etc

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 991 - 18/10/2023 15:03:54    2509066

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Replying To UsernameInvalid:  "I would be cautious about cutting O Sullivan, Harnan or Shane Mc all them lads are 29 and the oldest/most experienced on the panel besides Keoghan.

O Sullivan in a tight game with 10 minutes to go is a good head to bring on in the forwards, Harnan, Keoghan and Shane are all backs and I wouldn't be trusting any of them to kick a score or win a hard ball out in front of their man, turn and put it over the bar. Lenihan, McMahon and Newman are gone so we aren't stacked with experienced forwards."
Lenihan Gone again??

Head4TheBlackSpot (Meath) - Posts: 20 - 19/10/2023 12:00:10    2509216

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Still no update on a replacement coach for Paul Garrigan. One would assume there won't be a replacement at this stage. Could the journalists in Meath not ask some questions maybe? Considering when the two lads were let go one journalist in Meath said several high profile names were linked as replacements. That was almost eight weeks ago.

BigJoe14 (Meath) - Posts: 990 - 19/10/2023 12:25:28    2509223

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Lenihan and s mcentee both asked to come back but said no. Being brutally honest neither would have contributed much on field. Would much rather see their minutes go to young lads like Frayne, kinlough, kinsella, Adam mcdonnell. Including Conor Gray and Ciaran caulfield that's 6 players from the 2021 minors that I'm excited to watch in 2024.

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 178 - 20/10/2023 00:23:48    2509335

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Replying To BigJoe14:  "Still no update on a replacement coach for Paul Garrigan. One would assume there won't be a replacement at this stage. Could the journalists in Meath not ask some questions maybe? Considering when the two lads were let go one journalist in Meath said several high profile names were linked as replacements. That was almost eight weeks ago."
That's a fair comment

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 20/10/2023 06:50:23    2509338

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Replying To BigJoe14:  "Still no update on a replacement coach for Paul Garrigan. One would assume there won't be a replacement at this stage. Could the journalists in Meath not ask some questions maybe? Considering when the two lads were let go one journalist in Meath said several high profile names were linked as replacements. That was almost eight weeks ago."
Hi joe,not disagreeing with your point in any way but it's prompting a few questions for me

1) is the team back training as a whole yet? is collective training not banned until November at the earliest so no announcement is needed now
2) are they waiting on a specific coaching set up to finish with a club before making an announcement… maybe not having a Mickey Harte type scenario on our hands … aren't there mentions of Robbie Brennan coming in and he's still involved with the Dublin club championship
3) Garrigan is head of the Meath GAA academy so I'm sure he's available to assist if and as needed until an announcement is made

I share your concerns but I'm hopeful there's some combination of the above is at work here and that's why there's no announcement.

The more pertinent question for me would be if there's a replacement for Eivers in place yet. I know Barry Horgan the head of performance at underage has a background in S&C but I dont think he's involved with the seniors. Most of the panel should be working on their S&C regardless of collective training bans so that's something that worries me. And maybe it's a case as with Garrigan they're waiting on a whole ticket for example Brennan, his coach and S&C guy to be free of club duties

Just my thoughts on it but I do see your concerns too.

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1969 - 20/10/2023 10:15:09    2509366

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Replying To brian:  "Hi joe,not disagreeing with your point in any way but it's prompting a few questions for me

1) is the team back training as a whole yet? is collective training not banned until November at the earliest so no announcement is needed now
2) are they waiting on a specific coaching set up to finish with a club before making an announcement… maybe not having a Mickey Harte type scenario on our hands … aren't there mentions of Robbie Brennan coming in and he's still involved with the Dublin club championship
3) Garrigan is head of the Meath GAA academy so I'm sure he's available to assist if and as needed until an announcement is made

I share your concerns but I'm hopeful there's some combination of the above is at work here and that's why there's no announcement.

The more pertinent question for me would be if there's a replacement for Eivers in place yet. I know Barry Horgan the head of performance at underage has a background in S&C but I dont think he's involved with the seniors. Most of the panel should be working on their S&C regardless of collective training bans so that's something that worries me. And maybe it's a case as with Garrigan they're waiting on a whole ticket for example Brennan, his coach and S&C guy to be free of club duties

Just my thoughts on it but I do see your concerns too."
If the rumours of Robbie Brennan are true what happens if Kilmacud go on to win Dublin and Leinster again, which would not free him up until the end of January ?

kingofclubs (Meath) - Posts: 327 - 20/10/2023 11:01:33    2509377

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Replying To kingofclubs:  "If the rumours of Robbie Brennan are true what happens if Kilmacud go on to win Dublin and Leinster again, which would not free him up until the end of January ?"
Fully accept that and it's a very awkward situation

However if that comes to pass you've a team and coaching set up coming in that's won Dublin and Leinster two years in a row. Is that not a very good set up to have coming? Dublin is hard won two years in a row never mind another Leinster and all Ireland run.

Would that not be the kind of a top class set up you'd want being brought in? Kilmacud are as good and better than a lot of county teams.

Accept your point re them going to January but you'd assume an announcement would be forthcoming in such circumstances.

And looked this could be all ifs buts and maybes anyways..

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1969 - 20/10/2023 11:52:22    2509399

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Replying To kingofclubs:  "If the rumours of Robbie Brennan are true what happens if Kilmacud go on to win Dublin and Leinster again, which would not free him up until the end of January ?"
It is not just Rumours - Robbie is in.....

He will add great value to Meath GAA.

I wouldnt be worried about a couple of months if Crokes go on - which I dont think they will...

Short term pain for long term term, comes to mind....

Fionn (Dublin) - Posts: 3961 - 20/10/2023 12:04:06    2509409

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