Meath Forum

Meath 2026

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Already looking ahead to next year. Which positions are up for grabs? ideal midfield pairing? Goalkeeper position up for grabs? Any more Rafferty's out there ready to make a mark? Under 20s to come through?

bert09 (Meath) - Posts: 1838 - 29/07/2025 20:34:27    2629120

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Replying To bert09:  "Already looking ahead to next year. Which positions are up for grabs? ideal midfield pairing? Goalkeeper position up for grabs? Any more Rafferty's out there ready to make a mark? Under 20s to come through?"
Goalkeeper position up for grabs only if elite kickout alternative available. Billy Hogan is a very good Goalkeeper and despite a few wayward kickouts, he was quite good. Only maybe 4 or 5 top keepers out there. Brennan deserves a run but perhaps not up there with the best no more than Hogan. Corner back positions may be up for grabs or at least up for discussion. Half backline did well especially on breaking ball but improvement in skills and score taking may be required to get more from this line.
Midfield there are good options with everyone fit.
Flynn back gives an added 2 pts threat. Menton should be able for another year, and further winter training for Gray and O'Connor hopefully pushes them up pecking order. Jones and Jack Kinlough crucial to get back as kickout target options too. Kerry used Joe O'connor to great effect at number 10.
Kinsella in his first established year was excellent at times at 11 and again further strengthening, fitness and tactical nous could turn him into a really top intercounty player. Expect continued improvement from Duke. Costello and Morris need a solid bank of winter training to prevent injuries and also think about consistency and their defensive work. Both had exceptional days but other days were disappointing.
A few niggles and a nasty injury to Morris set them back a bit. Conlon was really outstanding at times this year so fitness important for him. Curtis showed good glimpses too but consistency to be worked on.
O'Halloran will be a year older so he may get more game time. Could Jamie Murphy make a good impact as a ball winning scoring inside forward? Perhaps an alternative for Frayne at least who had some really good days. Strength, fitness and consistency important for Frayne. Hopefully this year we will get first all-star in 18 years and unearth another gem or two from club championships. Remember it was quite late when Brennan got in last year. Perhaps he will look to build up backroom team to following the untimely departures but let's see.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 776 - 31/07/2025 22:29:17    2629547

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Be interesting to see how Breslin gets on in the senior championship. I know he opted out early this season but im sure if he goes well, and having seen massive progress under Robbie, he could be persuaded to give it another go.

southmeathgael (Meath) - Posts: 1023 - 02/08/2025 15:43:12    2629796

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Having watched Rathkenny shock Dunshaughlin in first round, in addition to Curtis' scores, very impressed with Rathkenny defensively and in paticularly James O'Hare at wing back. He never stopped and won a huge amount of breaking ball. He was excellent underage for Meath and I think O'Rourke had him in for a while but definitely a standout player in Rathkenny win. Could probably play corner back too!

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 776 - 02/08/2025 21:32:37    2629838

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Replying To southmeathgael:  "Be interesting to see how Breslin gets on in the senior championship. I know he opted out early this season but im sure if he goes well, and having seen massive progress under Robbie, he could be persuaded to give it another go."
He off early yesterday, picked up an injury after a few minuted. Still kicked 1-3 though, Robbie Brennan was at the game too. Would be a bit worried about his injuries though, seems to be always picking something up, seems to be a bit too brave. Didn't look out of place at senior while he did play anyway.

Cabbagepatch1667 (Meath) - Posts: 57 - 04/08/2025 14:52:01    2630029

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What about Jamie Murphy kicking 14 pts of St Pats 1-16 to beat Walterstown. He was brought into development squad this year but was kind of hoping he would get a run at some point. He has to be given chances next year to prove his worth. In many ways carried The u20s from a scoring point of view past two years. Cian Commons another guy that performed well for his club senchelstown at the weekend. Good to see him performing well after alot of injuries.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 776 - 04/08/2025 18:37:22    2630050

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