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Replying To trimmer: "That second half collapse felt a bit Mick O'Dowd era. Thankfully the result wasnt the same as how that era usually ended.
Cavan and Louth are mediocre teams at best. Its not a good omen to be struggling to beat them.
Cork will be relishing a home game against us." We'll see how good Cork are. They were 7 down at home to Cavan with 10 remaining and also needed a last minute 2-pointer to beat them. A continuing worry is that we go too long without scores which puts us under too much pressure. But I'd rather this happens now in dreadful conditions and we have time to sort it before the summer. Also helps that we've gotten wins each time so far.
Ratoath Royal (Meath) - Posts: 1458 - 16/02/2026 11:44:33
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Out of jail again at the weekend.
I thought we played some electric and dominant stuff in the first half and were simply unplayable. Louth were always going to make a game of it in the second half. I wouldnt go so far as to say collapse as those 2 pointers will reel in any team. But where was our game managemen? We were headless in the second half and you could sense the whole atmosphere changing with every turnover and wide before giving away something beyond silly to Louth. We were just crying out for 1 or 2 moments just to swing momentum back - a big turnover, a long free, anything.
I really don't think we are building game on game as some of the same issues are repeating themselves and we are going to get caught out sooner or later. I'm not being negative I'm trying to see where or what we are striving to be.
I also think we are beginning to have a few passengers on the team. There are 2-3 players who are coming under the microscope and benefit of doubt has been given so far on account of the credit they earned last year. But they need to lift it in terms of drive, leadership, scoring.
We are using up a lot of our luck and whilst those last gasp winners are thrilling - the elephant in the room is that Meath should have been out on the bus at half time in our last 2 games.
The only small * I would place on those last 2 games is that they were derbies and we know that form often counts for little. I think Cork this weekend is huge as it is a top of the table clash against another undefeated team and offers the chance to go clean at the summit of Division 2. The result of that game, win or lose, will really set out the path for the following 2 games.
Royalio11 (Meath) - Posts: 819 - 16/02/2026 12:06:10
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Replying To Royalio11: "Out of jail again at the weekend.
I thought we played some electric and dominant stuff in the first half and were simply unplayable. Louth were always going to make a game of it in the second half. I wouldnt go so far as to say collapse as those 2 pointers will reel in any team. But where was our game managemen? We were headless in the second half and you could sense the whole atmosphere changing with every turnover and wide before giving away something beyond silly to Louth. We were just crying out for 1 or 2 moments just to swing momentum back - a big turnover, a long free, anything.
I really don't think we are building game on game as some of the same issues are repeating themselves and we are going to get caught out sooner or later. I'm not being negative I'm trying to see where or what we are striving to be.
I also think we are beginning to have a few passengers on the team. There are 2-3 players who are coming under the microscope and benefit of doubt has been given so far on account of the credit they earned last year. But they need to lift it in terms of drive, leadership, scoring.
We are using up a lot of our luck and whilst those last gasp winners are thrilling - the elephant in the room is that Meath should have been out on the bus at half time in our last 2 games.
The only small * I would place on those last 2 games is that they were derbies and we know that form often counts for little. I think Cork this weekend is huge as it is a top of the table clash against another undefeated team and offers the chance to go clean at the summit of Division 2. The result of that game, win or lose, will really set out the path for the following 2 games." The best post I have seen in a while.
contributingtoamelee (Meath) - Posts: 84 - 16/02/2026 13:54:29
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Replying To Royalio11: "Out of jail again at the weekend.
I thought we played some electric and dominant stuff in the first half and were simply unplayable. Louth were always going to make a game of it in the second half. I wouldnt go so far as to say collapse as those 2 pointers will reel in any team. But where was our game managemen? We were headless in the second half and you could sense the whole atmosphere changing with every turnover and wide before giving away something beyond silly to Louth. We were just crying out for 1 or 2 moments just to swing momentum back - a big turnover, a long free, anything.
I really don't think we are building game on game as some of the same issues are repeating themselves and we are going to get caught out sooner or later. I'm not being negative I'm trying to see where or what we are striving to be.
I also think we are beginning to have a few passengers on the team. There are 2-3 players who are coming under the microscope and benefit of doubt has been given so far on account of the credit they earned last year. But they need to lift it in terms of drive, leadership, scoring.
We are using up a lot of our luck and whilst those last gasp winners are thrilling - the elephant in the room is that Meath should have been out on the bus at half time in our last 2 games.
The only small * I would place on those last 2 games is that they were derbies and we know that form often counts for little. I think Cork this weekend is huge as it is a top of the table clash against another undefeated team and offers the chance to go clean at the summit of Division 2. The result of that game, win or lose, will really set out the path for the following 2 games." Yes agree that Cork are being built up after beating the same relegation candidates as we have and the game next weekend will be a real barometer for both teams. I think we've a good chance if we can cut out these spurts and play for 70 minutes. It's something we've been prone to even since last year, e.g. the Offaly game and Leinster final where we didn't score for 20 odd minutes in the 2nd half similar to Saturday. We will always give teams a chance, it's just the way we play and Robbie Brennan's style. There is some coaching that can be done there though where guys up the field can be smarter and take the pressure off with holding possession if we're up and our defense is under pressure. Morris and Lynch and these guys are good forwards but some of the decisions to take ball into contact are crazy when you need to box smart when leading and not give teams oxygen.
NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 74 - 16/02/2026 15:45:24
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Replying To Royalio11: "Out of jail again at the weekend.
I thought we played some electric and dominant stuff in the first half and were simply unplayable. Louth were always going to make a game of it in the second half. I wouldnt go so far as to say collapse as those 2 pointers will reel in any team. But where was our game managemen? We were headless in the second half and you could sense the whole atmosphere changing with every turnover and wide before giving away something beyond silly to Louth. We were just crying out for 1 or 2 moments just to swing momentum back - a big turnover, a long free, anything.
I really don't think we are building game on game as some of the same issues are repeating themselves and we are going to get caught out sooner or later. I'm not being negative I'm trying to see where or what we are striving to be.
I also think we are beginning to have a few passengers on the team. There are 2-3 players who are coming under the microscope and benefit of doubt has been given so far on account of the credit they earned last year. But they need to lift it in terms of drive, leadership, scoring.
We are using up a lot of our luck and whilst those last gasp winners are thrilling - the elephant in the room is that Meath should have been out on the bus at half time in our last 2 games.
The only small * I would place on those last 2 games is that they were derbies and we know that form often counts for little. I think Cork this weekend is huge as it is a top of the table clash against another undefeated team and offers the chance to go clean at the summit of Division 2. The result of that game, win or lose, will really set out the path for the following 2 games." Agree that the Cork game is huge. Had been thinking one win against Cork, Kildare or Tyrone plus a win against Offaly would be enough i.e. 10 points. Now starting to think that Derry and Tyrone could win their remaining games and finish with 12 and 11 respectively. Beating Cork would likely knock them out of contention while leaving us with two bites at the cherry vs Kildare and Tyrone. Hopefully some of our injuries aren't as bad as originally feared and / or we get a couple back from injury. If not, our bench could be relatively inexperienced. Overall though I think this game might suit us - a break from the local derbies and a road trip might free the lads up to give a more complete performance.
gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 93 - 16/02/2026 15:58:31
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On the overall point about whether promotion is essential, I've heard the argument that Div 2 is actually more competitive compared to Div 1 where teams are more focussed on getting their 3 wins and then easing off. At our stage of development though I think we need to be playing the likes of Kerry, Donegal, Galway etc more often so that playing them in the championship becomes more routine. I also think mentally our guys would benefit from the validation of officially being a top 8 team.
gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 93 - 16/02/2026 16:17:07
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For me promotion is essential this season.
As you say it gives validation to the lads that they are a top 8 team.
The team is seen by many both inside and outside the county as a flash in the pan. Blew promotion from two attempts last season, beat Dublin only lose to Louth in Leinster final, get a good run in all Ireland series but lose by 20 points in semi final.
Promotion has to be a core priority for a long term perspective of Meath football.
Provincial and All Ireland success are hard to come by but we can navigate ourselves into a position where we will be there or thereabouts.
Royalio11 (Meath) - Posts: 819 - 16/02/2026 17:11:39
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Methinks we running out of road.
Did we catch Derry cold in 1st game.
Pure luck to win v Louth and Cavan.
Hard to see another win other than an out of dept Offaly.
But happy that 8 points see us safe and in Sam Maguire for 2026
numberedjerseys (USA) - Posts: 377 - 16/02/2026 18:58:15
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Replying To gwanyagudthing: "On the overall point about whether promotion is essential, I've heard the argument that Div 2 is actually more competitive compared to Div 1 where teams are more focussed on getting their 3 wins and then easing off. At our stage of development though I think we need to be playing the likes of Kerry, Donegal, Galway etc more often so that playing them in the championship becomes more routine. I also think mentally our guys would benefit from the validation of officially being a top 8 team." Before the league started, perhaps promotion wasn't necessarily top priorty and div 2 is extremely competitive with the local derbies adding extra spice.
I think the Leinster championship will be huge but promotion could be a target but remember we are not even at half way stage with very tough encounters to come. Next two matches are crucial in that regard. The main thing promotion would give is a safeguard against Tailteann Cup football for a couple of years whether teams will admit that or not which in itself is critical. At the moment chief objective acheived in being safe in div. 2. There is huge work to be done on defensive discipline, how we see games out, getting injured players back up to speed with game time and intention of impact of individuals from bench.
The championship will be a different beast with summer football suiting many of our players so there is lots to look forward too.
winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 925 - 16/02/2026 19:25:25
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Replying To numberedjerseys: "Methinks we running out of road.
Did we catch Derry cold in 1st game.
Pure luck to win v Louth and Cavan.
Hard to see another win other than an out of dept Offaly.
But happy that 8 points see us safe and in Sam Maguire for 2026" I disagree numberedjerseys.
I mean everything youre saying is a possibility, for sure, no doubt about it.
My own opinion is that the sky is the limit for these boys. Genuinely think they can go as far as they want to, as a group. Maybe im optimistic or a sensationalist, but I believe that these guys are the real deal. It's up to them as a group (players x management).
Young_gael (Meath) - Posts: 621 - 16/02/2026 19:51:20
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Replying To Royalio11: "For me promotion is essential this season.
As you say it gives validation to the lads that they are a top 8 team.
The team is seen by many both inside and outside the county as a flash in the pan. Blew promotion from two attempts last season, beat Dublin only lose to Louth in Leinster final, get a good run in all Ireland series but lose by 20 points in semi final.
Promotion has to be a core priority for a long term perspective of Meath football.
Provincial and All Ireland success are hard to come by but we can navigate ourselves into a position where we will be there or thereabouts." Yes it's essential. This is where this team can really show they are different to any false dawns in the past 20 years with some Meath teams that were threatening to make the break through - get in Division 1 and solidify our progress. I think with this team and management we can do it. But have to get over that hump which can always be difficult.
NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 74 - 16/02/2026 19:55:10
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When's last time Meath won their opening 3 league games? Went back as far as 2005 on Wikipedia and no sign of it happening.
MeathAbroad (Meath) - Posts: 176 - 16/02/2026 20:17:46
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Replying To NYRoyal: "Yes it's essential. This is where this team can really show they are different to any false dawns in the past 20 years with some Meath teams that were threatening to make the break through - get in Division 1 and solidify our progress. I think with this team and management we can do it. But have to get over that hump which can always be difficult." Yes the hump is there all right.......2nd half in last 2 games has to be the focus point for remedial work ..Why the drop in intensity in both games in the 2nd half? We have to maximise on concentration and maintain the belief that we have the players to play direct attacking football [Caulfield gave us a few examples last day) Costello if fit
just go direclty at goal when given half a chance . His speed,ball control and shooting from outside the arc helps to maximise the opportunities for 2 pointers.. Kinsella,Morris, have shown they can play the 2 point game with the best also
Full back line yes improved from Cavan game .Whats the story with Donal the evergreen? Injuries will always be a factor but it seems we have a reasonably strong bench
Could be a blessing to get 2 wins even with clear warning signs in both matches that lessons have to learned to be satisfied that we can say yes there is clear continuous improvement.
nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1296 - 16/02/2026 20:59:45
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Sorry for the long post. I think a little perspective and context is in order for us all.
Kerry blew a big lead against Galway. Roscommon nearly did the same against Armagh. Armagh blew it against Galway. Cavan and Louth both failed to see out narrow leads against us. Cork needed a last-gasp two-pointer to beat Cavan. Kerry stole a result against Roscommon.
That's just a snapshot of the peaks and troughs teams are going through. This football is volatile.
There's also been a huge shift in mindset from media and supporters towards Meath. We are favourites for promotion. We were favourites to beat Louth in Croke Park - a team that has had the better of us in recent years. It's the first time in over 20 years we've won our opening three league games - not even during our Division 3 spell did we manage that.
With all of that considered, I think we're doing fine. Just fine.
That said, there are trends forming that we'd want to address - and I'll keep it about the team rather than individuals.
We go for walk-in goals but don't convert. The minutes our top players are being asked to do will eventually come at a cost. We need to keep the scoreboard ticking more consistently, with a better spread of scorers across a full game rather than heavy bursts from individuals. And maybe a Plan B - although, truthfully, no team have one yet.
We have the raw goods to be a consistent top 8 team, but talent, physicality, youth isn't enough to do that. We need game smarts, roothless conversion and the ability to be bread and butter stuff when needed.
Those are the only areas I feel would significantly elevate us. Fix those, and we're a real problem.
This time last year there was barely any interest in Meath's league games. Now, if we lose a match or win lucky, it will disappoint hugely. We've gone from hoping for three wins to expecting five +.
A win against Louth in Croke Park, in that context, is massive. Away to an inform Cork in the middle of a promotion race is proper football with real consequences. The pressure attached to these fixtures now is something new for our league campaigns- and it's brilliant.
royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 47 - 16/02/2026 21:36:13
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Replying To royalcounty1: "Sorry for the long post. I think a little perspective and context is in order for us all.
Kerry blew a big lead against Galway. Roscommon nearly did the same against Armagh. Armagh blew it against Galway. Cavan and Louth both failed to see out narrow leads against us. Cork needed a last-gasp two-pointer to beat Cavan. Kerry stole a result against Roscommon.
That's just a snapshot of the peaks and troughs teams are going through. This football is volatile.
There's also been a huge shift in mindset from media and supporters towards Meath. We are favourites for promotion. We were favourites to beat Louth in Croke Park - a team that has had the better of us in recent years. It's the first time in over 20 years we've won our opening three league games - not even during our Division 3 spell did we manage that.
With all of that considered, I think we're doing fine. Just fine.
That said, there are trends forming that we'd want to address - and I'll keep it about the team rather than individuals.
We go for walk-in goals but don't convert. The minutes our top players are being asked to do will eventually come at a cost. We need to keep the scoreboard ticking more consistently, with a better spread of scorers across a full game rather than heavy bursts from individuals. And maybe a Plan B - although, truthfully, no team have one yet.
We have the raw goods to be a consistent top 8 team, but talent, physicality, youth isn't enough to do that. We need game smarts, roothless conversion and the ability to be bread and butter stuff when needed.
Those are the only areas I feel would significantly elevate us. Fix those, and we're a real problem.
This time last year there was barely any interest in Meath's league games. Now, if we lose a match or win lucky, it will disappoint hugely. We've gone from hoping for three wins to expecting five +.
A win against Louth in Croke Park, in that context, is massive. Away to an inform Cork in the middle of a promotion race is proper football with real consequences. The pressure attached to these fixtures now is something new for our league campaigns- and it's brilliant." I would say that in the league last year we really caught out a few teams particularly that Roscommon game where they just couldn't live with us and we got 3 or 4 2 pters on the bounce and took over the game and killed it.
Teams can manage that better now. A5-8 point lead is 3 kicks of a ball. The mental element of remaining in a game is there which was lost under previous rules. We benefitted v Offaly last year 10 points down and we turned it around in a second half (quite easily). In Leinster Championship v Dublin we had a huge lead and were nearly picked off. I'd even say if the game went on another 3 minutes we could have been caught. But look that's the game now and it's great from a competitive point of view.
With Louth, the game was over at half with the 11 point lead - or so it should have been. But we gifted them 4 2pt frees (8 points) from all avoidable silly situations. The worry I had was that we could not keep the foot down and keep a 6-8 lead on our own terms and forced Louth to go for goals or to kick 2pters from play. That's poor line/field management. Kill the game off, keeping the scoreboard going any way you can and play to your terms.
Yes we havent won 3 on bounce in 20 odd years and we should be delighted with that. It's a great stat but wont matter a hoot if we lose the next 2 or 3 from our own failings. We were streets ahead of both Cavan and Louth and still almost conspired to lose both. The fact however is we should not have been there in first place and it would have been unforgivable to have lost either given the chances we created.
Cork, Kildare and Tyrone are all massive games. I would worry that if we play as we have in 25 or 30 mins of the last 2 games that we could come up short in all 3. Last year v Cork I think we created 40 scoring chances, didn't convert and lost. We were the better team that night but it didn't matter because the Cork scored more and took the 2 points. That's sportand we took our chances the next time.
I'd have no issue losing a tight game where we have gone toe to toe and lose a game in the balance. But I have issue with dominating games and still having to snatch a hooter beater at the end.
Let's get a positive 70 minute performance together.
Royalio11 (Meath) - Posts: 819 - 16/02/2026 23:21:58
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Replying To Royalio11: "I would say that in the league last year we really caught out a few teams particularly that Roscommon game where they just couldn't live with us and we got 3 or 4 2 pters on the bounce and took over the game and killed it.
Teams can manage that better now. A5-8 point lead is 3 kicks of a ball. The mental element of remaining in a game is there which was lost under previous rules. We benefitted v Offaly last year 10 points down and we turned it around in a second half (quite easily). In Leinster Championship v Dublin we had a huge lead and were nearly picked off. I'd even say if the game went on another 3 minutes we could have been caught. But look that's the game now and it's great from a competitive point of view.
With Louth, the game was over at half with the 11 point lead - or so it should have been. But we gifted them 4 2pt frees (8 points) from all avoidable silly situations. The worry I had was that we could not keep the foot down and keep a 6-8 lead on our own terms and forced Louth to go for goals or to kick 2pters from play. That's poor line/field management. Kill the game off, keeping the scoreboard going any way you can and play to your terms.
Yes we havent won 3 on bounce in 20 odd years and we should be delighted with that. It's a great stat but wont matter a hoot if we lose the next 2 or 3 from our own failings. We were streets ahead of both Cavan and Louth and still almost conspired to lose both. The fact however is we should not have been there in first place and it would have been unforgivable to have lost either given the chances we created.
Cork, Kildare and Tyrone are all massive games. I would worry that if we play as we have in 25 or 30 mins of the last 2 games that we could come up short in all 3. Last year v Cork I think we created 40 scoring chances, didn't convert and lost. We were the better team that night but it didn't matter because the Cork scored more and took the 2 points. That's sportand we took our chances the next time.
I'd have no issue losing a tight game where we have gone toe to toe and lose a game in the balance. But I have issue with dominating games and still having to snatch a hooter beater at the end.
Let's get a positive 70 minute performance together." It was similar against Cork in the Championship if I remember correctly, where we kicked a load of wide's playing with the wind and then played better against the wind. I think that we have to learn to deal with expectancy better. When we're up big we don't know what to do but when the pressure is off and we play without fear and just go for it is when we play best. Which would be a good sign for Sunday as we'll be underdogs.
NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 74 - 17/02/2026 15:38:50
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Replying To NYRoyal: "It was similar against Cork in the Championship if I remember correctly, where we kicked a load of wide's playing with the wind and then played better against the wind. I think that we have to learn to deal with expectancy better. When we're up big we don't know what to do but when the pressure is off and we play without fear and just go for it is when we play best. Which would be a good sign for Sunday as we'll be underdogs." Lads, in the words of Roy Keane relax just relax. It's only the middle of February and we have beaten both Cavan and Louth that's something even the great teams of the 80's and 90's couldn't do. This team is still trying to find it's identity with lots of injuries and new faces coming through. It takes time to get used to the tempo of Intercounty football. For example Last year people were having a go at Cian McBride now he's playing out of his skin. Be patient we're actually making progress and long may it continue.
latouche25 (Meath) - Posts: 567 - 17/02/2026 16:53:36
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Replying To latouche25: "Lads, in the words of Roy Keane relax just relax. It's only the middle of February and we have beaten both Cavan and Louth that's something even the great teams of the 80's and 90's couldn't do. This team is still trying to find it's identity with lots of injuries and new faces coming through. It takes time to get used to the tempo of Intercounty football. For example Last year people were having a go at Cian McBride now he's playing out of his skin. Be patient we're actually making progress and long may it continue." Hail hail. Genuine viable progress in 12-14 months. All star nominees and 1 award. Leinster final, Beating div 1 teams,all Ireland quarter final win, squad stayed together ( Which is HUGE ), good start to the league.
Judge them on the end of the league and leinster championship.
royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 47 - 17/02/2026 18:47:15
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