Thought I would start a new thread for this match. Thoughts on it. Fancy us to win this 1 . Think we have pushed on again this year with more options in the team .

grahamc9897 (Meath) - Posts: 1178 - 02/02/2026 06:19:16    2654520

Well we know what we'll be getting in Louth. They're still a very good team and have the rub on Meath the last few years. Unfortunately and fortunately, we have a lot of derbies this year in the league - great for local interest, but fiery and unpredictable matches, and this one will likely be the most difficult in that last regard.

However, Louth are in uncharted territory now. They beat on the door for several years in Leinster, took scalps in the round robins, and climbed their everest last year in winning the Leinster title, and I would think that now there will be an inevitable fall off, perhaps not straight away but in the coming years and it can already be seen.

Personally, I think this could be close, squeaky bum one way or another - or else Meath will win well, for the reasons outlined in the paragraph above.

Young_gael (Meath) - Posts: 617 - 02/02/2026 14:26:27    2654599

I think we are in a decent place and Jack Flynn's return to fitness and confidence he now has in his long range shooting based off his past two weekends has added a serious dimension onto the team that got to an All-Ireland semi final last year. This will force opposition to push out more leaving gaps in behind.
The long range shooting capability Meath have once a few others hit form is huge. Kinsella, Costello, Frayne and Duke will be better once ground improves while in the Maynooth lads case, getting the extra time between games will benefit these lads.
I think the form of Lavin and O'Halloran needs to be highlighted as both were under pressure coming into new year for positions. Thought Lavin was up there for MOTM yesterday also. Lots of tidying up to do on shooting, tackling and kickouts but signs are good.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 910 - 02/02/2026 14:43:42    2654604

Wouldn't be surprised if they bet us and then lost all remaining games in the league. Their campaign always revolves around their cup final against us.

RoyalBadger (Meath) - Posts: 576 - 02/02/2026 15:46:18    2654619

I'm confident we'll win this one with a bit to spare. Croke Park should really suit us, and I felt the heavy pitch in Breffni didn't play to our strengths at all on Sunday. We also left 1-08 behind in the first half, so there's definitely room for improvement from that performance.

Our two away games against Cork and Kildare will likely define our promotion chances. Offaly already look in serious trouble, while Cavan have been unfortunate in their opening two matches, so they'll be a real test for everyone, especially with home ties against Louth and Kildare still to come.

Tyrone will also need to start picking up points soon.

All in all, this campaign could have a very interesting finish at both ends of the table.

I reckon 11 points will be enough for promotion, while 6 might just be enough to stay up.

We could easily have several teams going into the final day with a shot at going up, or facing the drop to Division 3.

thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1139 - 03/02/2026 10:03:15    2654715

SO hard to call, they've been under performing but you can guarantee our jersey will focus minds and a 2 week training block to build it too

Gingerroyal89 (Meath) - Posts: 5 - 03/02/2026 10:12:14    2654721

Louth will be a test, they have the wood on us recently. To get a victory over them will be a huge psychological boost for the team. The strength we have around the middle of the field this year particularly the form of McBride will be a huge addition. To be able to win prime possession there gives the forwards a massive advantage and allows them to hold a deep position unlike other year's when they had to come out to the middle for possession. Meath by 5

latouche25 (Meath) - Posts: 561 - 03/02/2026 12:38:11    2654767

Is shane walsh still on the panel ?

grahamc9897 (Meath) - Posts: 1178 - 03/02/2026 21:08:03    2654871

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 910 - 03/02/2026 23:05:19    2654888