|
I'm really liking the look of Liam Kelly, Ratoath's full back. Would like to see him break into the panel next year.
RoyalStalwart24 (Meath) - Posts: 105 - 07/08/2026 21:06:18
2689021
Link
0
|
|
Bad news about Sean Coffey, badly hurt his knee and brought to hospital. From reading and the pictures I'd say he's done his cruciate, which not only causes Ballinabrackey huge problems but also the Meath team -- Coffey is one of our key players and we'll struggle without him.
RoyalStalwart24 (Meath) - Posts: 105 - 07/08/2026 23:18:04
2689034
Link
0
|
|
Was in Summerhill yesterday evening for what was pretty poor stuff. Aaron Lynch was the best player on view. He is due a big year at inter-county level so hopefully its 2027. Heard from a reliable enough source at the match that Conor Scully has left the Meath coaching team. Apparently was popular with the players and they were surprised to hear he is gone. Worrying enough given the departure of the 2 coaches last year.
Anyonebutlouth (Meath) - Posts: 6 - 09/08/2026 12:26:27
2689162
Link
1
|
|
Don't think they is ever great surprise when a member or two of coaching staff leaves in off season. Its a big commitment and there ia still a large backroom team there. Don't believe he was a selector. There is likely to be another change or two as there usually is but wouldn't think it is alarming.
Attended the Senchelstown v Cilles match which was very entertaining. James Conlon was himself scoring heavily and a constant menace but Liam Stafford was very good at wing back.
Cathal Hickey waa moving very well as was Colin Scanlon for Senchelstown. Cian Commons contributed heavily on scoreboard.
winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 1045 - 09/08/2026 20:29:55
2689222
Link
0
|
|
Replying To winatallcost: "Don't think they is ever great surprise when a member or two of coaching staff leaves in off season. Its a big commitment and there ia still a large backroom team there. Don't believe he was a selector. There is likely to be another change or two as there usually is but wouldn't think it is alarming.
Attended the Senchelstown v Cilles match which was very entertaining. James Conlon was himself scoring heavily and a constant menace but Liam Stafford was very good at wing back.
Cathal Hickey waa moving very well as was Colin Scanlon for Senchelstown. Cian Commons contributed heavily on scoreboard." Interesting. Commons is definitely a prospect to be looked at, but probably one for the development squads next year. I'm getting more convinced by this Jamie Murphy as time goes by. I think he'd slot nicely into a full forward line with Morris and Conlon. Frayne hasn't been in good form lately but I could see a deeper role for him to give him more space and to act as a playmaker -- maybe at 11, with Costello at wing forward? I also really hope Duke can get back into form as he gives us another option.
I agree with you on Scully. I would only be hugely concerned if a large amount of people left at the same time/in the same general time period. It could be anything, ranging from disagreements to basic personal life issues.
RoyalStalwart24 (Meath) - Posts: 105 - 10/08/2026 00:24:08
2689249
Link
0
|
|
That's a shame about Coffey, wishing him a speedy recovery. He is certainly one of our key defenders but I think we have cover at wingback with Caulfield, Keogan and Smyth. It's a top quality centre back that we need to develop. Will also give someone new a chance to develop during the league.
Scully was brought in to coach the transition which was an area that broke down against Mayo - we got stripped of possession numerous times while working it up the field. We know now that Mayo are particularly good at defending from the front. Not saying that is why Scully is leaving - could be any number of reasons. I do really hope that we can strengthen the back room team with someone like Paddy Tally because I think we need it.
Between the u16s winning and buzz around the club championship, the vibes are good. Let's just hope there are no more injuries!
gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 219 - 10/08/2026 15:14:40
2689326
Link
0
|
|
Replying To gwanyagudthing: "That's a shame about Coffey, wishing him a speedy recovery. He is certainly one of our key defenders but I think we have cover at wingback with Caulfield, Keogan and Smyth. It's a top quality centre back that we need to develop. Will also give someone new a chance to develop during the league.
Scully was brought in to coach the transition which was an area that broke down against Mayo - we got stripped of possession numerous times while working it up the field. We know now that Mayo are particularly good at defending from the front. Not saying that is why Scully is leaving - could be any number of reasons. I do really hope that we can strengthen the back room team with someone like Paddy Tally because I think we need it.
Between the u16s winning and buzz around the club championship, the vibes are good. Let's just hope there are no more injuries!" I agree with you. Coffey is a big loss and there's nobody than can give us exactly what he can when he's at his best -- but the holes can be patched fairly simply. I'll be fairly anxious that we don't lose anyone else to injuries from now on. If we do, then we can safely say we're under pressure and could have a long year.
We do need our own version of Paddy Tally, but that's easier said than done. Most top class coaches will either refuse to leave their own county or are busy helping the big names -- the Mayo's, the Dublin's and the Kerry's of the world.
Robbie Brennan, whatever people think of him, has certainly brought the vibes back to Meath, and as you said continued underage success shows the future is bright.
RoyalStalwart24 (Meath) - Posts: 105 - 10/08/2026 17:04:00
2689347
Link
0
|
|
Cian O' Neill steps down as Kerry coach...Surely we should be making an effort to try get him?
Selwyn (Meath) - Posts: 460 - 12/08/2026 10:27:26
2689526
Link
4
|
|
Replying To Selwyn: "Cian O' Neill steps down as Kerry coach...Surely we should be making an effort to try get him?" I saw that. An All-Ireland winning coach - what's not to like? That being said, there are about 10 other counties that I'd say will be after him
RoyalStalwart24 (Meath) - Posts: 105 - 12/08/2026 13:05:21
2689556
Link
0
|
|
Just heard that the Cork hurlers are interested in Cian O'Neill
RoyalStalwart24 (Meath) - Posts: 105 - 12/08/2026 13:34:00
2689565
Link
0
|
|
We'll have a shorter wait to the League than usual this year. We're out a week earlier, and are set to have four games in Croke Park. That's encouraging as we have a great record in Croke Park and if we can manage to win all four games there we'll have 8 points and be in Division One for 2028.
RoyalStalwart24 (Meath) - Posts: 105 - 14/08/2026 11:14:48
2689839
Link
0
|
|
I've been tinkering with a Meath lineup and I think I've found one that could be interesting.
1. Seán Brennan - There's not much between him and Hogan but I'll give Brennan the benefit of the doubt. His kickouts definitely improved and free taking is top notch.
2. Donal Keogan - Donal played corner back for us numerous times this year and while he's still well able for wing back at the moment, that mightn't last long and as his career comes to a close a transition to corner back might be in order. He tigerish and tight to his man.
3. Seán Rafferty - He definitely improved as the season went on and there's no doubt that he's a key player for us going forward.
4. Seamus Lavin - I was tempted to put somebody younger like Brian O'Halloran here but on balance Lavin was the best player in our full back line this year. He has a good first half against Mayo and kept Beirne quiet all day and we know the handful he turned out to be.
5. Killian Smyth - I think he's done well whenever he comes on and I suspect he got himself injured when he came off against Mayo. His performance against Derry stands out and I think Smyth's the future.
6. Charlie O'Connor - Usually Coffey or Menton would take this position, but obviously Coffey is more than likely gone and I'd prefer to use Bryan Menton from the bench when we're struggling in midfield. O'Connor has played 6 for almost his entire Dunshaughlin career. He played there against Simonstown and did very well. He got a lot of ball, was a rock in front of the defense and played very well.
7. Ciarán Caulfield - I don't have to say much about him - he's the engine of this team and starts himself. He's truly a class act.
8. Cian McBride - McBride has developed into one of our key midfielders. He's a monster in the middle of the pitch and dominates kickouts on his day.
9. Jack Flynn - Again, not much to say about this. Flynn is strong, powerful and not only can he catch a lot of ball he is a scoring threat too and got us out of jail numerous times in the League.
10. Keith Curtis - probably a bit out there considering his lack of game time this year, but Curtis started an All-Ireland semi final and was a key player for us in 2025. Curtis can add another scoring threat and often drifts inside and create goal scoring opportunities.
11. Mathew Costello - It's not ideal without Kinsella but Costello is a good player on his day. He hasn't been the same since his injury but he has plenty of time to return to top form over the winter. He'd more than likely act as a playmaker and another scoring threat. It'll be interesting to see his Dunshaughlin form.
12. Cathal Hickey - this one's similar to Curtis but I think Hickey adds to our overall game - we defend better with him in the team and that defensive solidity goes a long way in the League and Championship. He's another two pointer option as well.
13. Jordan Morris - I know I suggested on another thread to drop him but if he can rediscover form there's no need for that. I have faith he can get back to the levels he was at before, and when he's playing well he causes defenses all sorts of trouble.
14. Eoghan Frayne - Frayne struggled last year but he had a long season and ran out of steam. His freetaking and leadership is dispensable and if he can get top form again with all those two pointers we'll have a serious attacking threat around the arc.
15. James Conlon - He starts himself these days - some player.
RoyalStalwart24 (Meath) - Posts: 105 - 14/08/2026 22:03:19
2689939
Link
0
|
|
See Kinsella had an article in the Irish Times
RoyalStalwart24 (Meath) - Posts: 105 - 18/08/2026 15:14:03
2690334
Link
0
|
|
Replying To RoyalStalwart24: "I've been tinkering with a Meath lineup and I think I've found one that could be interesting.
1. Seán Brennan - There's not much between him and Hogan but I'll give Brennan the benefit of the doubt. His kickouts definitely improved and free taking is top notch.
2. Donal Keogan - Donal played corner back for us numerous times this year and while he's still well able for wing back at the moment, that mightn't last long and as his career comes to a close a transition to corner back might be in order. He tigerish and tight to his man.
3. Seán Rafferty - He definitely improved as the season went on and there's no doubt that he's a key player for us going forward.
4. Seamus Lavin - I was tempted to put somebody younger like Brian O'Halloran here but on balance Lavin was the best player in our full back line this year. He has a good first half against Mayo and kept Beirne quiet all day and we know the handful he turned out to be.
5. Killian Smyth - I think he's done well whenever he comes on and I suspect he got himself injured when he came off against Mayo. His performance against Derry stands out and I think Smyth's the future.
6. Charlie O'Connor - Usually Coffey or Menton would take this position, but obviously Coffey is more than likely gone and I'd prefer to use Bryan Menton from the bench when we're struggling in midfield. O'Connor has played 6 for almost his entire Dunshaughlin career. He played there against Simonstown and did very well. He got a lot of ball, was a rock in front of the defense and played very well.
7. Ciarán Caulfield - I don't have to say much about him - he's the engine of this team and starts himself. He's truly a class act.
8. Cian McBride - McBride has developed into one of our key midfielders. He's a monster in the middle of the pitch and dominates kickouts on his day.
9. Jack Flynn - Again, not much to say about this. Flynn is strong, powerful and not only can he catch a lot of ball he is a scoring threat too and got us out of jail numerous times in the League.
10. Keith Curtis - probably a bit out there considering his lack of game time this year, but Curtis started an All-Ireland semi final and was a key player for us in 2025. Curtis can add another scoring threat and often drifts inside and create goal scoring opportunities.
11. Mathew Costello - It's not ideal without Kinsella but Costello is a good player on his day. He hasn't been the same since his injury but he has plenty of time to return to top form over the winter. He'd more than likely act as a playmaker and another scoring threat. It'll be interesting to see his Dunshaughlin form.
12. Cathal Hickey - this one's similar to Curtis but I think Hickey adds to our overall game - we defend better with him in the team and that defensive solidity goes a long way in the League and Championship. He's another two pointer option as well.
13. Jordan Morris - I know I suggested on another thread to drop him but if he can rediscover form there's no need for that. I have faith he can get back to the levels he was at before, and when he's playing well he causes defenses all sorts of trouble.
14. Eoghan Frayne - Frayne struggled last year but he had a long season and ran out of steam. His freetaking and leadership is dispensable and if he can get top form again with all those two pointers we'll have a serious attacking threat around the arc.
15. James Conlon - He starts himself these days - some player." Good team and likely to be 80% of the lineout come championship next year but suspect to see some experimentation during league campaign. The likes of Liam Kelly, Michael McIvor, Cian Commons, Jamie Murphy and perhaps even Charlie Gallagher or a Stephen Cahill could break through. Liam Stafford who is a versatile middle 8 player was excellant for Cilles in opening round. Colin Scanlon from Senchelstown also a very good player.
winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 1045 - 18/08/2026 18:21:50
2690372
Link
0
|
|
Robbie Brennan was interviewed on the radio earlier about the ACL injuries. He said it can't be a coincidence
RoyalStalwart24 (Meath) - Posts: 105 - 19/08/2026 17:51:06
2690485
Link
0
|