Meath Forum

Meath V Galway

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I think we have a right good chance here as Galway have picked up injuries after coming through two very tough games in a week, Banty gone for the year but from what I hear Costello should be back so really looking forward to this one.

Royal.Legend (Meath) - Posts: 723 - 23/06/2025 09:48:53    2620126

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I think if Meath can somewhat match Galway's powerful midfield they have a decent chance, the Galway backline can be taken on. Just to check, are Jones, Flynn and Conlon still out injured?

Charlie_90 (Westmeath) - Posts: 4 - 23/06/2025 10:08:37    2620139

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Replying To Charlie_90:  "I think if Meath can somewhat match Galway's powerful midfield they have a decent chance, the Galway backline can be taken on. Just to check, are Jones, Flynn and Conlon still out injured?"
All three still out unfortunately

Royal.Legend (Meath) - Posts: 723 - 23/06/2025 10:37:33    2620162

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Replying To Charlie_90:  "I think if Meath can somewhat match Galway's powerful midfield they have a decent chance, the Galway backline can be taken on. Just to check, are Jones, Flynn and Conlon still out injured?"
All 3 players gone for the year. From what I am hearing. So Meath have problems too. But should be the same side to beat kerry more or less. Unless Costello can make it back hopefully.

bobkarlgees (Meath) - Posts: 1277 - 23/06/2025 10:59:19    2620174

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Replying To Charlie_90:  "I think if Meath can somewhat match Galway's powerful midfield they have a decent chance, the Galway backline can be taken on. Just to check, are Jones, Flynn and Conlon still out injured?"
Conlon gone for the year,Flynn had his arm in a sling v Kerry and Jones not sure but think he's gone for the year as well.

Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 378 - 23/06/2025 11:10:26    2620183

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Replying To Proudroyal:  "Conlon gone for the year,Flynn had his arm in a sling v Kerry and Jones not sure but think he's gone for the year as well."
Yeah Jones is gone - had surgery on the hamstring so that's him out unfortunately. You'd really want Costello back to have a chance of going through, Galway left a lot of space around the middle of the defence which would be ideal for his running game.

RebelAlliance (Cork) - Posts: 38 - 23/06/2025 11:14:52    2620186

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After seeing how confident the Galway supporters are I went and watched their highlights v Down. I don't know where they get it from, after going 6 up with a minute to go they let Down waltz through the middle of their defence to make a game of it. The best teams wouldn't let that happen. Can see Costello and Morris causing them problems if we get good ball to them and go right at them.
They also seem to stand off and encourage the 2 pointer which would suit us down to the ground if they do the same next week. Galway are no world beaters and I think they could be there for the taking next week

Northsidegaels (Meath) - Posts: 246 - 23/06/2025 11:16:11    2620188

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Replying To Royal.Legend:  "I think we have a right good chance here as Galway have picked up injuries after coming through two very tough games in a week, Banty gone for the year but from what I hear Costello should be back so really looking forward to this one."
Costello would be a massive boost if fit.I think we will give them a right auld go as there is no pressure on us.We were underdogs v Dublin and Kerry and to an extent v Cork (hangover from leinster final) and 50/50 v Roscommon and came out of them alright.We will be wrote off by most which will suit us down to the ground.Galways injuries will be interesting Walsh looked like he did some damage to the shoulder yesterday and comer they say is ready but will they leave both till the last half hour or so?I'd worry about us in midfield as we tired in the wide open space in croke park the last day we were there and our defence we cant give Galway space that we gave louth.Im hoping the young lads wont frezze on the day now that they played there in the leinster final.Duke,Caulfield coffey etc were quiet v louth but all have hit some form lately and hopefully that will continue.Galway though are a very dangerous side with pace and power going forward but a bit shaky in the backs and Down cause them alot of problems.Cant wait for it now.Wonder what day it's on I'd say Sunday with Donegal and Monaghan but Rte will probably want Dublin or Armagh on prime slot Sunday afternoon.

Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 378 - 23/06/2025 11:31:31    2620203

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Replying To Northsidegaels:  "After seeing how confident the Galway supporters are I went and watched their highlights v Down. I don't know where they get it from, after going 6 up with a minute to go they let Down waltz through the middle of their defence to make a game of it. The best teams wouldn't let that happen. Can see Costello and Morris causing them problems if we get good ball to them and go right at them.
They also seem to stand off and encourage the 2 pointer which would suit us down to the ground if they do the same next week. Galway are no world beaters and I think they could be there for the taking next week"
I don't know where you are getting this narrative from. Any genuine Galway supporters are far from confident, we have not clicked at all yet this year and I agree our defence is a major worry. Meath have accounted for Kerry & Dublin this year already so there will be nothing going soft here. In saying that Galway have played in 2 of the last 3 All Ireland so we do have a level of experience/resilience within our group which has got us out of a couple of situations this year.

I am sure it'll be a cracker and likely to turn into a good old fashioned shoot out. Best of luck.

ahsure. (Galway) - Posts: 1713 - 23/06/2025 11:43:47    2620213

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I hope meath don't get too comfortable if Shane Walsh is out, Galway aren't like Kerry, I like their depth a lot more. Can never understand why Tomo culhane doesn't play more. What a player young matthew thompson looks to be. They could also call on the experience of a Johnny Heaney who is always a handful. John Maher is probably the best midfielder in the country so far this year, if not the best he's certainly in the discussion. It's no secret Galway are weak at Goalkeeper, possibly an area meath can exploit but Galway are battle tested and deservedly strong favourites to win.

From a meath perspective I'm worried about Jordan Morris. Since his return from injury he has scored a total of 1-4 across 3 games. Not the numbers we come to expect from someone as good as Jordy. Possibly not 100% fit. I have a feeling Frayne could have a big game, thought he was excellent against Dublin and Kerry this year, he's a natural born leader and doesn't fear these division 1 teams at all.

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 249 - 23/06/2025 12:26:27    2620235

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Is this the battle of the best two-point scoring counties or have I got that wrong?

GlasgowRoyal (Meath) - Posts: 296 - 23/06/2025 12:56:47    2620263

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Replying To GlasgowRoyal:  "Is this the battle of the best two-point scoring counties or have I got that wrong?"
Meath more consistent than us in terms of 2 pointers. We were really good in the league then Shane got injured. Good again up to the Connacht final win and then they dried up for our group games against Dublin and Derry. What we do is score heavily in short time slots. To win we would need more of the same but tighter at the back. No team are really marking the arc so the 2 pointer leaders (Meath and Monaghan) are maximising on this. Next weekend will be tight. I would be surprised otherwise.

kiloughter (Galway) - Posts: 1992 - 23/06/2025 14:09:27    2620313

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Replying To GlasgowRoyal:  "Is this the battle of the best two-point scoring counties or have I got that wrong?"
Monaghan were best at 2 pointers up until yesterday with Beggan the obvious reason.
Meath were 2nd.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 713 - 23/06/2025 15:00:37    2620341

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sunday 1:45 with kerry v armagh at 4pm

dickie10 (UK) - Posts: 853 - 23/06/2025 15:13:53    2620348

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Obviously Costello would be a massive boast if fit. He is fearless in taken on players. But dont forget we played almost all of the league without him. bar Cork and he came on against Louth in last league match. Also we beat Kerry without him.
Praying he will fit. Love to seen on the rampage in Croke Park.

bobkarlgees (Meath) - Posts: 1277 - 23/06/2025 15:38:07    2620367

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Replying To Proudroyal:  "Conlon gone for the year,Flynn had his arm in a sling v Kerry and Jones not sure but think he's gone for the year as well."
Any news on O'Neill? He went off against Kerry at HT? He was hobbling around before going off.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 713 - 23/06/2025 17:03:11    2620425

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Replying To winatallcost:  "Any news on O'Neill? He went off against Kerry at HT? He was hobbling around before going off."
It looked like a dead leg and hopefully he is fine.

Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 378 - 23/06/2025 17:21:42    2620439

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What do we think about the squad heading into this game?
I think we're a bit of a walking wounded at the moment, to be honest.

That said, one of the great things about the recent rule tweaks and venue selection changes is how they've elevated certain players. Take Menton, for example-he's become a real nuisance for opposition teams. But I think many of us supporters still view him through the lens of the past, remembering his struggles against peak Fenton under the old rules. Similarly, Adam O'Neill might not yet get the recognition he deserves, but he's absolutely vital to how we play. These lads are every bit as effective for us as someone like Diarmuid O'Connor is for Kerry.

I do wish McBride and Gray could push on a bit more. If everyone were fully fit and fighting for places, the midfield/half-forward line could be like the land of the giants: Menton, Flynn, Jones, O'Neill, McBride, Gray, Costello, Duke... serious potential there.

One interesting thing to note-James McEntee looks to be fully back now. And honestly, on his day, with minutes in the legs, I'd argue he has more ability to punch holes in a defence than a few of the regular subs. I'd expect a good 15 minutes from him.

Are Meath becoming a little predictable? The selections are very consistent, and so are our top performers-Caulfield, Kinsella, Rafferty. Then we've got the streaky players like Frayne, Costello, Morris, and Duke. Even the subs we bring on are fairly set at this stage. I do think we thrive in chaos-when we get a run on teams, we're hard to stop, just like Galway can be. But I'd love to see just a touch more cynicism in our play at times. That ability to blot a team out for a spell. Did anyone else notice how cynical Kerry were? So many body checks and off-the-ball niggles-not dirty, but just constant hands on.

The team picks itself, maybe ohalloran comes back in at corner back if they think he matches up better and if fit, costello replaces curtis.

All that said, I'd still be very hopeful for a strong performance and an absolutely crazy game to be honest.

royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 22 - 24/06/2025 08:40:33    2620536

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Replying To royalcounty1:  "What do we think about the squad heading into this game?
I think we're a bit of a walking wounded at the moment, to be honest.

That said, one of the great things about the recent rule tweaks and venue selection changes is how they've elevated certain players. Take Menton, for example-he's become a real nuisance for opposition teams. But I think many of us supporters still view him through the lens of the past, remembering his struggles against peak Fenton under the old rules. Similarly, Adam O'Neill might not yet get the recognition he deserves, but he's absolutely vital to how we play. These lads are every bit as effective for us as someone like Diarmuid O'Connor is for Kerry.

I do wish McBride and Gray could push on a bit more. If everyone were fully fit and fighting for places, the midfield/half-forward line could be like the land of the giants: Menton, Flynn, Jones, O'Neill, McBride, Gray, Costello, Duke... serious potential there.

One interesting thing to note-James McEntee looks to be fully back now. And honestly, on his day, with minutes in the legs, I'd argue he has more ability to punch holes in a defence than a few of the regular subs. I'd expect a good 15 minutes from him.

Are Meath becoming a little predictable? The selections are very consistent, and so are our top performers-Caulfield, Kinsella, Rafferty. Then we've got the streaky players like Frayne, Costello, Morris, and Duke. Even the subs we bring on are fairly set at this stage. I do think we thrive in chaos-when we get a run on teams, we're hard to stop, just like Galway can be. But I'd love to see just a touch more cynicism in our play at times. That ability to blot a team out for a spell. Did anyone else notice how cynical Kerry were? So many body checks and off-the-ball niggles-not dirty, but just constant hands on.

The team picks itself, maybe ohalloran comes back in at corner back if they think he matches up better and if fit, costello replaces curtis.

All that said, I'd still be very hopeful for a strong performance and an absolutely crazy game to be honest."
I would disagree that we are predictable. There is no set plays no Exact style of play, more playing to suit opposition. Adam O'Neill is a clog to this team I would agree but i do not see how the team picks itself. Billy Hogan will probably start but look at Sean Brennan applying the pressure when playing for Dunderry, think he has 1-12 in 3 games...from goals. Lavin and Rafferty (All-Star Contender) yes but that other corner back position is up for grabs. Half-Back line has probably been the strongest its ever been, midfield any of 4/5 lads could slot in, Gray, McBride, Menton, O'Neill or McGowan (Flynn out for year) is a real competition. Kinsella has cemented himself at 11 flanked by Duke and if Costello is fit I am sure he'd be the other wing but if not i feel Keith Curtis has been exceptional. He does the dirty work and can also kick a score, was excellent V Kerry. I feel Frayne has had a dip in form but still kicking 4-6 points which is exceptional. With Banty gone (who would have given Sean Fitzgerald a real hard time) I think this opens the door for Shane Walsh to put his hand up, he has not lived up to the hype but if he starts i hope he does well. Morris in the other corner. There is huge options off the bench and i think it is fair to say Robbie has picked subs as he sees them, nothing pre-empted. Scully, McEntee, Lynch and Moriarty could prove worthy on Sunday.

COUNTYTOCOUNTY (Meath) - Posts: 31 - 24/06/2025 11:02:47    2620598

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Replying To COUNTYTOCOUNTY:  "I would disagree that we are predictable. There is no set plays no Exact style of play, more playing to suit opposition. Adam O'Neill is a clog to this team I would agree but i do not see how the team picks itself. Billy Hogan will probably start but look at Sean Brennan applying the pressure when playing for Dunderry, think he has 1-12 in 3 games...from goals. Lavin and Rafferty (All-Star Contender) yes but that other corner back position is up for grabs. Half-Back line has probably been the strongest its ever been, midfield any of 4/5 lads could slot in, Gray, McBride, Menton, O'Neill or McGowan (Flynn out for year) is a real competition. Kinsella has cemented himself at 11 flanked by Duke and if Costello is fit I am sure he'd be the other wing but if not i feel Keith Curtis has been exceptional. He does the dirty work and can also kick a score, was excellent V Kerry. I feel Frayne has had a dip in form but still kicking 4-6 points which is exceptional. With Banty gone (who would have given Sean Fitzgerald a real hard time) I think this opens the door for Shane Walsh to put his hand up, he has not lived up to the hype but if he starts i hope he does well. Morris in the other corner. There is huge options off the bench and i think it is fair to say Robbie has picked subs as he sees them, nothing pre-empted. Scully, McEntee, Lynch and Moriarty could prove worthy on Sunday."
I'd agree with the general game plan, but I think a lot of our play still feels a bit instinctive rather than fully tactical - we seem to mirror the opposition at times rather than dictating the terms ourselves. That said, it can make us dangerous to opposition too because they often get sucked into a shootout with us, and when we click, we're hard to stop.

From an outside perspective, you'd wonder if shutting down Caulfield and Kinsella could cut off a lot of our supply - they're doing serious work out the field. The forwards closer to goal are a bit in and out of form, but that's not necessarily a bad thing either. We've seen flashes - Costello against Cork, Conlon against Roscommon, Kinsella against Kerry and Louth - and you'd hope it all comes together at the right time. But we probably do need more consistency if we're aiming to go further past sunday and back to div1.

Depth is a big factor too - you look at squads like Galway or Armagh, and on any given day a big name might be rotated out. That sort of pressure drives performance. Our bench has promise - Hickey and O'Neill have made a strong case as impact subs - but I'd still be a little unsure about the later changes or unused options. Hopefully we'll see a few more step up or be given the chance, not likely with knockout football though.

Billy in goal has a clear tactic - going wide with kickouts - and while the execution isn't always perfect, you can see what they're trying to do. It's a hard one to criticise too much, because he's obviously following instruction. Still, you wonder if he'd sometimes prefer to just go long and back our athleticism. other counties have changed goal keeper, if sean brennans form is as you say, it means billy is being pushed. if we refine the kickout i think billy is a solid keeper and has confidence which goes a long way.

All in all, plenty of positives, id love for one more sub to really put his hand up, so we are not worried about the big names as much.

royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 22 - 24/06/2025 12:57:53    2620665

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