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Meath Panel 2023

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Replying To brian:  "Always good to hear other names, and new names too redser ;) I think Colm's policy will be open and transparent, give players a chance at least to show what they can do and with the younger panel of players have 50-60 lads involved that all have access to the things they need to improve and get to inter county standard."
Lads the 18'and upwards crew already have this in place, there is a post minor squad and all these along with 20's squad have access to expertise in all the areas mentioned, again to be fair to Co board there have been huge improvements over last number of years. Colm may well be the first beneficiary of this but it is already in place.

On new players, there are some really good club players in Meath who may now be willing to put in that extra effort to be part of this new fresh set up. I expect Aaron Lynch, Adam.o Neill, David Bell to be putting their hand up

Analyst (Meath) - Posts: 1467 - 28/07/2022 11:16:02    2435037

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Lads I went to BHG vs Bective and Trim vs NOM yesterday. The 2 best players by a country mile in both games were Cathal McConnell and Aaron Lynch.
Both were unmarkable yesterday.
A contributing factor as to why BHG came within 4 points of Bective in the 2nd half was that they moved McConnell(not sure what the logic was behind it) out around the midfield area for large parts of the half. While he started full forward and destroyed anyone they put on him. Even tried to double mark him but to no avail. Scored 2-2, set up the other 2 goals and won a few scorable frees.
Lynch was his consistent self getting the better of his man each time. Just a class act.

Would love to see these 2 getting a look in with the county.

Jackpauric30 (Meath) - Posts: 19 - 08/08/2022 12:51:45    2436641

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Replying To Jackpauric30:  "Lads I went to BHG vs Bective and Trim vs NOM yesterday. The 2 best players by a country mile in both games were Cathal McConnell and Aaron Lynch.
Both were unmarkable yesterday.
A contributing factor as to why BHG came within 4 points of Bective in the 2nd half was that they moved McConnell(not sure what the logic was behind it) out around the midfield area for large parts of the half. While he started full forward and destroyed anyone they put on him. Even tried to double mark him but to no avail. Scored 2-2, set up the other 2 goals and won a few scorable frees.
Lynch was his consistent self getting the better of his man each time. Just a class act.

Would love to see these 2 getting a look in with the county."
Out of curiosity who was marking both ?

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 08/08/2022 13:14:04    2436648

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Replying To Jackpauric30:  "Lads I went to BHG vs Bective and Trim vs NOM yesterday. The 2 best players by a country mile in both games were Cathal McConnell and Aaron Lynch.
Both were unmarkable yesterday.
A contributing factor as to why BHG came within 4 points of Bective in the 2nd half was that they moved McConnell(not sure what the logic was behind it) out around the midfield area for large parts of the half. While he started full forward and destroyed anyone they put on him. Even tried to double mark him but to no avail. Scored 2-2, set up the other 2 goals and won a few scorable frees.
Lynch was his consistent self getting the better of his man each time. Just a class act.

Would love to see these 2 getting a look in with the county."
I would hold fire til better opposition is In place, It will be interesting to see how Trim and Lynch fare out against some of the better Senior teams

Analyst (Meath) - Posts: 1467 - 08/08/2022 17:16:46    2436703

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Replying To Analyst:  "I would hold fire til better opposition is In place, It will be interesting to see how Trim and Lynch fare out against some of the better Senior teams"
Agreed, I would say McKeever from Simonstown could be mentioned in the same chat, kicked 2-09 or 2-10 I think against Ratoath, Cian Rogers, Eamon Wallace and Bryan McMahon all hitting good tallys as well. Brian Hanlon was brilliant from placed ball against Ashbourne but again, against better opposition may not be as good and he is also mid 30's now as well so may not want/have what is required commitment wise either.

ratlag (Meath) - Posts: 557 - 09/08/2022 08:17:55    2436739

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Replying To ratlag:  "Agreed, I would say McKeever from Simonstown could be mentioned in the same chat, kicked 2-09 or 2-10 I think against Ratoath, Cian Rogers, Eamon Wallace and Bryan McMahon all hitting good tallys as well. Brian Hanlon was brilliant from placed ball against Ashbourne but again, against better opposition may not be as good and he is also mid 30's now as well so may not want/have what is required commitment wise either."
No knock on you here at all Ratlag, bar Rogers they've all had a shot at intercounty and never really lit it up. Now maybe a change in management might suit them but McMahon and Wallace have been there for 10 years of MOD and Andy and they're not going to do much more. As you say Beano is mid 30's so he's not going to be brought in. I'd like to see how Rogers gets on over the rest of the championship but he's a name to watch for now ;)

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1955 - 09/08/2022 11:49:39    2436778

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Replying To Jackpauric30:  "Lads I went to BHG vs Bective and Trim vs NOM yesterday. The 2 best players by a country mile in both games were Cathal McConnell and Aaron Lynch.
Both were unmarkable yesterday.
A contributing factor as to why BHG came within 4 points of Bective in the 2nd half was that they moved McConnell(not sure what the logic was behind it) out around the midfield area for large parts of the half. While he started full forward and destroyed anyone they put on him. Even tried to double mark him but to no avail. Scored 2-2, set up the other 2 goals and won a few scorable frees.
Lynch was his consistent self getting the better of his man each time. Just a class act.

Would love to see these 2 getting a look in with the county."
Young Lynch is a fine footballer however still put him behind Joey Wallace at 15.
Also lacking size and come intercounty he will just get pushed out of the way.

I was impressed with Shane Walsh last weekend, definitely more fitter and committed than when we played last year but did kick one or two bad wides when it looked easier to score.

Seems to be the old guard still doing the scoring for the big town teams.

A lot of work to do for COR but only way is up.

thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1049 - 09/08/2022 12:07:35    2436782

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Replying To brian:  "No knock on you here at all Ratlag, bar Rogers they've all had a shot at intercounty and never really lit it up. Now maybe a change in management might suit them but McMahon and Wallace have been there for 10 years of MOD and Andy and they're not going to do much more. As you say Beano is mid 30's so he's not going to be brought in. I'd like to see how Rogers gets on over the rest of the championship but he's a name to watch for now ;)"
Oh no I'm not saying they should all be brought in or back at all, I was comparing to the other posters comments about Lynch and McConnell I think it was from Bective about lads racking up big scores in games over the weekend, even though Wallace and McMahon did it against better defenders that still doesn't mean just because someone hits a big tally that they will be good enough. 1 its about doing it consistently each week, but 2 it depends on how COR wants to play, his style and how lads can cope moving from a team where they are the main man to a county team where they are only one clog in a bigger system.

ratlag (Meath) - Posts: 557 - 09/08/2022 12:59:49    2436799

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Replying To ratlag:  "Oh no I'm not saying they should all be brought in or back at all, I was comparing to the other posters comments about Lynch and McConnell I think it was from Bective about lads racking up big scores in games over the weekend, even though Wallace and McMahon did it against better defenders that still doesn't mean just because someone hits a big tally that they will be good enough. 1 its about doing it consistently each week, but 2 it depends on how COR wants to play, his style and how lads can cope moving from a team where they are the main man to a county team where they are only one clog in a bigger system."
That's air dude, and as i say wasn't knocking what you were saying at all.

Agree that any new players really need to stand apart from the crowd and be consistent all across this championship.

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1955 - 09/08/2022 14:20:13    2436822

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Replying To brian:  "That's air dude, and as i say wasn't knocking what you were saying at all.

Agree that any new players really need to stand apart from the crowd and be consistent all across this championship."
Ratlag made more sense than you credit them for . The Ratoath Forwards with the County did not get gametime under Andy as he had his own ideas despite good form . So you cant blame them for lack of success , They contributed more under MOD who gave them gametime.
Club form only indicates who is worth looking at, Then to win championship you have to select players suited for Croke park. Lists of scorers are completely misleading. The forwards who work hardest, track back, set up scores ,and win frees and contribute most to winning often are not on the scoreboard. A team of freetakers would be worse than useless.

Ashrules (Dublin) - Posts: 519 - 09/08/2022 15:47:42    2436836

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Replying To Ashrules:  "Ratlag made more sense than you credit them for . The Ratoath Forwards with the County did not get gametime under Andy as he had his own ideas despite good form . So you cant blame them for lack of success , They contributed more under MOD who gave them gametime.
Club form only indicates who is worth looking at, Then to win championship you have to select players suited for Croke park. Lists of scorers are completely misleading. The forwards who work hardest, track back, set up scores ,and win frees and contribute most to winning often are not on the scoreboard. A team of freetakers would be worse than useless."
Was at the Ratoath Simonstown game and I think it is only fair to say that Ratoaths midfield laid the foundations for a lot of their scores! Flynn and Daithi McGowan were very good and Ben McGowan was very good when he came in!

Royalblufill (Meath) - Posts: 482 - 10/08/2022 13:24:46    2436954

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Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "Obviously very early for this and so much could change with championship form and the regional championship which I believe is taking place this year. But with the new management coming in I thought I'd put a panel out there to start the conversation. I am assuming/praying that Keoghan and Menton will return Admittedly I wouldn't get to go to as many junior games as I do senior or inter so maybe there are some names I haven't considered enough.

Goalkeepers
Harry Hogan, Billy Hogan, Andy Beakey, Sean Brennan

Backs
Eoin Harkin, Paraic Harnan, Conor Harnan, James O'Hare, Donal Keoghan, Conor McGill, Cathal Hickey, Shane McEntee, Conor Harford, Adam O'Neil, Niall O'Reilly, Robin Clarke, Brian Conlon

Midfielders
Brian Menton, Ronan Jones, Daithi McGowan, Jack Flynn, Adam Flanagan, Oisin Reilly, Cian McBride (he hasn't played in the AFL yet and is out of contract at the end of the year so very possible he returns unless he breaks through).

Forwards
Jordy Morris, Frank O'Reilly, Jack O'Connor, Diarmuid Moriarty, Matt Costello, Luke Mitchell, Mickey Newman (ask and see will he play), Donal Lenihan (ask and see will he play), Cillian O'Sullivan, Shane Walsh, Jason Scully, Cathal Finnegan, Darragh Campion, Eoghan Frayne, Aaron Lynch, Thomas O'Reilly"
Don't think this squad selection is far off if i am being honest. My only issue would be the backs time and time again last season we saw our full back line getting beaten man for man, McGill did help this issue when he is fully fit but we can't just rely on the same players to do a job that just are not up at the standard. I think back to Harkin on Con O'Callaghan ... that cannot happen again. What COR needs to do is find himself a man marker or two in the squad and really look around the county at stronger options in the backline, even giving one or two of last years 20s a go ? McCarrick had a very strong campaign as a man marker and is someone who i would like to see come in as did Josh Carolan at 6 I wouldn't be against giving these lads a shot and seeing if they are any better as it is an area that needs to be strenghted. Our forwards are very strong but we need to have backs just as capable. As for Mickey Newman I think we need to focus on youth and really start this rebuild so maybe room for another young forward.

houndinbound (Meath) - Posts: 21 - 10/08/2022 14:50:42    2436963

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Replying To houndinbound:  "Don't think this squad selection is far off if i am being honest. My only issue would be the backs time and time again last season we saw our full back line getting beaten man for man, McGill did help this issue when he is fully fit but we can't just rely on the same players to do a job that just are not up at the standard. I think back to Harkin on Con O'Callaghan ... that cannot happen again. What COR needs to do is find himself a man marker or two in the squad and really look around the county at stronger options in the backline, even giving one or two of last years 20s a go ? McCarrick had a very strong campaign as a man marker and is someone who i would like to see come in as did Josh Carolan at 6 I wouldn't be against giving these lads a shot and seeing if they are any better as it is an area that needs to be strenghted. Our forwards are very strong but we need to have backs just as capable. As for Mickey Newman I think we need to focus on youth and really start this rebuild so maybe room for another young forward."
I was at the Trim Navan O'Mahonys game at the weekend and I reckon Luke Moran (backs), Ciaran Caulfield (half backs/forwards) and Jake Regan (forwards) should certainly be considered.

stillaroyal (Meath) - Posts: 224 - 10/08/2022 16:01:53    2436974

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Replying To stillaroyal:  "I was at the Trim Navan O'Mahonys game at the weekend and I reckon Luke Moran (backs), Ciaran Caulfield (half backs/forwards) and Jake Regan (forwards) should certainly be considered."
Caulfield 100% excellent footballer but once again its that fullback line that is the glaring issue for me.
Luke Moran is a solid player too but senior county standard im not too sure just yet

houndinbound (Meath) - Posts: 21 - 10/08/2022 16:08:40    2436979

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Replying To houndinbound:  "Don't think this squad selection is far off if i am being honest. My only issue would be the backs time and time again last season we saw our full back line getting beaten man for man, McGill did help this issue when he is fully fit but we can't just rely on the same players to do a job that just are not up at the standard. I think back to Harkin on Con O'Callaghan ... that cannot happen again. What COR needs to do is find himself a man marker or two in the squad and really look around the county at stronger options in the backline, even giving one or two of last years 20s a go ? McCarrick had a very strong campaign as a man marker and is someone who i would like to see come in as did Josh Carolan at 6 I wouldn't be against giving these lads a shot and seeing if they are any better as it is an area that needs to be strenghted. Our forwards are very strong but we need to have backs just as capable. As for Mickey Newman I think we need to focus on youth and really start this rebuild so maybe room for another young forward."
Take your point on Mickey Newman and focusing on youth, but over the last year or two, Meath's output up front has been pathetic. We lack any forwards of any quality compared to some of the counties we need to be on or near the level of.

The likes of the Wallace brothers, Brian McMahon, James Conlon aren't good enough. They're too small, not physical enough and don't really offer enough for a modern day forward - time to draw a line through them. And we also don't really have a free taker either, every good team has a reliable free take. Was down in Ennis when we lost to Clare this year and watching us flustered as to who was going to take the penalty was embarrassing, and even more so when the full back stepped up to kick it, clueless. Harry Hogan seems to be very hit and miss, have seen him kick some poor wides.

You are correct, we need to focus on youth and bring through the likes of Frayne, but you also need experience. Mickey Newman and Cian Ward for example would offer an awful lot of experience to the squad, and I'd be fine with either coming off the bench. Not sure if either would come back, but we need something different.

hyperache (Meath) - Posts: 209 - 10/08/2022 16:47:21    2436987

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Replying To houndinbound:  "Caulfield 100% excellent footballer but once again its that fullback line that is the glaring issue for me.
Luke Moran is a solid player too but senior county standard im not too sure just yet"
Adam O Neill was my pick of the backs last year and stood out against Skryne. Shane Glynn is probably close to 30 now if not already but he was fantastic for Tones in the final and again had a tough job marking Finnerty the last night but came out on top. At the minute Tones full back line is the meanest in championship based on last year's semi final, final and first round this year.

Ratoaths full back line of Brazil, McGill and Wyer is probably a close second to Tones, Brazil and Wyer are tigerish and tight marking but are prone to errors leading to vital scores against them. Has Liam Kelly played much for Ratoath this year?

James Reilly of Kells is tigerish too and can cover across the fullback and half back lines.

Conor Carton, Luke Moran and Conor Harnan are no mugs either when it comes to defence.

Lavin and Gallagher were the two best from about 2017 on and neither are playing club championship at the minute which is unfortunate as they would be probably nailed on CORs panel if they were.

If I was to have 6 lads on the panel to cover in the full back line it would be, Conor McGill, Ronan Ryan, Eoin Harkin, Adam O Neill, Sean Brazil and James O Hare.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 355 - 10/08/2022 16:48:43    2436988

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What about Moore from Longwood?

Readyplayer1 (Meath) - Posts: 4 - 10/08/2022 17:12:38    2436990

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Replying To UsernameInvalid:  "Adam O Neill was my pick of the backs last year and stood out against Skryne. Shane Glynn is probably close to 30 now if not already but he was fantastic for Tones in the final and again had a tough job marking Finnerty the last night but came out on top. At the minute Tones full back line is the meanest in championship based on last year's semi final, final and first round this year.

Ratoaths full back line of Brazil, McGill and Wyer is probably a close second to Tones, Brazil and Wyer are tigerish and tight marking but are prone to errors leading to vital scores against them. Has Liam Kelly played much for Ratoath this year?

James Reilly of Kells is tigerish too and can cover across the fullback and half back lines.

Conor Carton, Luke Moran and Conor Harnan are no mugs either when it comes to defence.

Lavin and Gallagher were the two best from about 2017 on and neither are playing club championship at the minute which is unfortunate as they would be probably nailed on CORs panel if they were.

If I was to have 6 lads on the panel to cover in the full back line it would be, Conor McGill, Ronan Ryan, Eoin Harkin, Adam O Neill, Sean Brazil and James O Hare."
Liam Kelly was very poor for the 20s last year and don't think he has featured much for Ratoath this season. He is an good prospect but has to play better football than he did in that Leinster semi with the 20s.
Is O Hare not being played at 6 for Rathkenny at the moment i am aware he is versatile but more gametime in the full back line could help. I am yet to be convinced with Harkin and have not seen enough of O Neill or Brazil to give an opinion but I will take your word on it as their respective teams are doing v v well.
Once again the one point i will make about the 6 you have listed is I don't feel like 1 of them is capable of man marking week in week out and just following an oppositions dangerman everywhere. In fairness to McCarthy and the 20s management it was one of the few boxes properly ticked last year with the man marker.

houndinbound (Meath) - Posts: 21 - 10/08/2022 17:19:28    2436995

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Replying To houndinbound:  "Liam Kelly was very poor for the 20s last year and don't think he has featured much for Ratoath this season. He is an good prospect but has to play better football than he did in that Leinster semi with the 20s.
Is O Hare not being played at 6 for Rathkenny at the moment i am aware he is versatile but more gametime in the full back line could help. I am yet to be convinced with Harkin and have not seen enough of O Neill or Brazil to give an opinion but I will take your word on it as their respective teams are doing v v well.
Once again the one point i will make about the 6 you have listed is I don't feel like 1 of them is capable of man marking week in week out and just following an oppositions dangerman everywhere. In fairness to McCarthy and the 20s management it was one of the few boxes properly ticked last year with the man marker."
Of the 6 I listed only McGill is a proven man marker but it would be horses for courses, if we were playing Galway he'd pick up Comer as he would also be able for him physically.

The two best man markers if they were fit and playing is Gallagher and Lavin.

On the 20s point, Kelly and Corrbett haven't played too many senior games with Ratoath so far while McCarrick isn't a nailed down started for Dunshaughlin either, before anyone on the 20's comes in they have to be nailed down with their club.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 355 - 10/08/2022 19:27:50    2437013

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Oisin Martin is a serious prospect, there were some great individual performances at the weekend, Rory o Dowd from Walterstown was outstanding also

Analyst (Meath) - Posts: 1467 - 10/08/2022 21:38:10    2437020

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