Meath Forum

Meath 2018

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Fergal Lynch

"If O'Rourke,Cassells or McEntee that line in the late 70's or early 80's when the dubs were just as dominant they wouldn't be sitting with Celtic crosses in their back pockets now.
Young players need to take a chance in their lives - take a chance on Meath it might just be worth your while"

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 03/11/2017 15:05:13    2060143

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Replying To Ratoath Royal:  "Well I know that one player in particular has played a ridiculous amount over the last number of years with almost no break whatsoever.
Honestly, I'd be happy if they focus on the club. Doesn't help that there's quite a vocal (hopefully) minority that seem to blame Ratoath for Meath's current woes. And I wish that was just online but I've heard similar things at games.
At the moment, it's a huge commitment for young players and old with very little reward. All they tend to get is abuse from fans. So I don't blame any players who want to take time out to live their lives."
What's happening to the pride in the Meath jersey and the refusal to give up? I I tell ya McEntee won't give up...

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 03/11/2017 15:09:14    2060146

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Replying To pauk123:  "What a load of rubbish.
I assume the squad members in Kerry, Dublin, Mayo and the likes of Monaghan and Tipp are willing to "do what it takes". Yet they don't have, what appears to be, a mass exodus from their squads.
You're either calling a number of the Meath squad weak willed, if so shame on you, or you'll have to admit that there is something or someone that's making Meath players reevaluate the intercounty careers, en masse. We should find out who or what that is and get rid of it.
POR and Haran aside the rest of the absentees are very rationally explained. Others are unsubstantiated rumors, let's hope they true out to be false."
Have your say, only giving my opinion..

What do you think is the problem?

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 03/11/2017 15:22:32    2060150

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Replying To ziggy320001:  "Fergal Lynch

"If O'Rourke,Cassells or McEntee that line in the late 70's or early 80's when the dubs were just as dominant they wouldn't be sitting with Celtic crosses in their back pockets now.
Young players need to take a chance in their lives - take a chance on Meath it might just be worth your while""
With all due respect to the players of the 1970s/80s, there was no such thing as S&C coaches, dieticians, etc. back then. The commitment and dedication required back then, while definitely substantial, was not as much as it is now (as is evidenced by the lack of county dual players anymore).

They put their bodies on the line at the moment and a lot of them are giving up a good chunk of their early 20s for the cause. They have lives to live. They have a career to try and establish once they leave college. I'm not sure but I can't see a lot of the players from the teams from the glory days going on to do masters degrees or the likes.
It's very easy for fans and journalists to complain about players not committing to the team, but they're not the ones training ridiculous numbers of times, doing solo gym sessions, watching what they eat constantly all the while trying to earn a half decent living. If they don't feel like the commitment is worth it, then it's no one else's business.

Ratoath Royal (Meath) - Posts: 1362 - 03/11/2017 15:43:25    2060158

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Replying To ziggy320001:  "Andy has been a success wherever he has been and players often say he has a great approach that is very professional and a lot of hard work.
You think Meath will improve without hard work? Mick was a nice man but he had a softer approach and players got used to that."
But Ziggy this player unhappiness was flagged in the summer and is no surprise to anyone who talked to players.
You claim to be such a person, let's hear you thoughts as why we're seeing such an exodus this year.
And here's a hint: it's nothing to do with the last manager.

manof93 (Meath) - Posts: 6 - 03/11/2017 16:04:43    2060162

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All the players who have been confirmed so far have been expected and rumoured for a long time, Jones has been gone since Mid August i think.
There no denying the level of commitment that is required in order to play at the highest level and in reality you see the differences in the counties who commit to it. Meath players have not committed enough effort (in comparison to the top counties) of the past few years and hence have dropped in competitiveness. Meath haven't moved on with the dedication required but still expect the same results.

Its amazing the differences in ppls opinions here now Vs when Mod was in charge. Ppl blamed MOD for players walking away under his tenure. Now its the players choice. Reality is Meath players have gone soft. there no grit in them anymore unfortunately.

juicy (Meath) - Posts: 399 - 03/11/2017 17:01:17    2060180

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Replying To ziggy320001:  "Have your say, only giving my opinion..

What do you think is the problem?"
I would welcome an imput from one of the Meath greats Colm O Rourke.This man owes us nothing. A fine analyst. Straight talker. [Maybe too direct for some] I am very surprised at his lack of comment on Meath football. It was rumoured that some time in the past he said it as he saw it, Our lack of vision, and development for the future etc. was a major concern for him. Then it was rumoured that he was one of the 3 wise men that was going to help us get out of purgatory.Was it all rumour??? Then 3 wise men gone ....,or are they? What do they do? Then we lose Shane o Rourke {maybe injured} amongst others. Now we lose Paddy o Rourke. Seems this is not just about what players might make themselves available or unavailable. It is bigger than that.and maybe what we see are symptoms only of a problem that requires honest and couragous assesment. Its over simplistic to say we just dont have the players at present. We are stuck in a time warp somewhere in the past. We have not adapted to the modern game .We have not adapted to modern day coaching. Why are we mentally fragile when needed? Some of that can be explained by a coach who is learning on the job,and needs more time to develop. He never even had the a settled panel to work with. All contributory factors no doubt. The big problem is the apparent lack of vision for Meath football...If the need to address that by establishing the 3 wise men idea just a few years ago was seen then, it is even more of a need now. What happened since Colm ? btw Colm thanks a million for all you have done for us in the past especially repeatedly showing us what Meath football is all about . Shoulder to the wheel one more time to get us out of the shit ,as you have done so often before. That will take time.but thats ok as long as we accept that we cannot go on as we are and HOPE things will improve.

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1224 - 03/11/2017 17:15:06    2060186

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Replying To Ratoath Royal:  "With all due respect to the players of the 1970s/80s, there was no such thing as S&C coaches, dieticians, etc. back then. The commitment and dedication required back then, while definitely substantial, was not as much as it is now (as is evidenced by the lack of county dual players anymore).

They put their bodies on the line at the moment and a lot of them are giving up a good chunk of their early 20s for the cause. They have lives to live. They have a career to try and establish once they leave college. I'm not sure but I can't see a lot of the players from the teams from the glory days going on to do masters degrees or the likes.
It's very easy for fans and journalists to complain about players not committing to the team, but they're not the ones training ridiculous numbers of times, doing solo gym sessions, watching what they eat constantly all the while trying to earn a half decent living. If they don't feel like the commitment is worth it, then it's no one else's business."
I would agree with you on that- guys complaining probably never played the game

browncows (Meath) - Posts: 2342 - 03/11/2017 17:37:23    2060197

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Lads are not getting on with management same as when is was over the minors.

Now royaldunne your gone very quiet, this time last year Mc Entee was the saver and now you've players leaving because of him?

Micko doesn't look so bad now, 2 players left in Micko's time for one reason or another 5 have left already cause of McEntee and it's only the start of his second year, ouch

SS6 (Meath) - Posts: 149 - 03/11/2017 18:02:39    2060201

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Replying To manof93:  "But Ziggy this player unhappiness was flagged in the summer and is no surprise to anyone who talked to players.
You claim to be such a person, let's hear you thoughts as why we're seeing such an exodus this year.
And here's a hint: it's nothing to do with the last manager."
You have proved my point

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 03/11/2017 18:10:07    2060202

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Replying To manof93:  "But Ziggy this player unhappiness was flagged in the summer and is no surprise to anyone who talked to players.
You claim to be such a person, let's hear you thoughts as why we're seeing such an exodus this year.
And here's a hint: it's nothing to do with the last manager."
Exactly! The players got away with murder under MOD, they were very comfortable and would have preferred him to stay.
Andy who has a good track record comes in,rocks the boat and wants to get the best out of Meath football and you tell me the players are crying over it?

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 03/11/2017 18:18:43    2060206

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Replying To juicy:  "All the players who have been confirmed so far have been expected and rumoured for a long time, Jones has been gone since Mid August i think.
There no denying the level of commitment that is required in order to play at the highest level and in reality you see the differences in the counties who commit to it. Meath players have not committed enough effort (in comparison to the top counties) of the past few years and hence have dropped in competitiveness. Meath haven't moved on with the dedication required but still expect the same results.

Its amazing the differences in ppls opinions here now Vs when Mod was in charge. Ppl blamed MOD for players walking away under his tenure. Now its the players choice. Reality is Meath players have gone soft. there no grit in them anymore unfortunately."
What I have tried to highlight ,Meath players are soft,they have had plenty of chances to prove otherwise,but some here seem to be suggesting that the manager is too tough and players are moaning.
Fine,I will support the players willing to put in the dedication required.

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 03/11/2017 18:21:38    2060207

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I rarely have an issue with a lad dropping off the panel or retiring seemingly early, the commitment is huge, you have to make a lot of personal sacrifices and ultimately it doesn't put food on the table, it's all for the love of the game. Maybe some of the lads don't like McEntee or maybe they do and they're dropping off the panel for entirely separate reasons, who knows, we can only speculate.

In 2012 McEntee got the Meath minors to the all-ireland final which was a fair achievement even if we didn't win it. Since then he won, Dublin Senior, Leinster and All-Ireland club crowns with Ballyboden St. Enda's, so obviously those players were somehow able to not only tolerate but thrive under this supposed tyrant that nobody wants to play for.

In the same period of time (2013-2016), Meath lost 2 Leinster finals, 2 Leinster semi-finals, suffered horrendous collapses in multiple league and championship matches and never won a championship game outside of Leinster........oh how I crave to re-live those glorious days.

In short, we gave MOD a chance (4 years infact when 2015 should have been it), so lets give McEntee a chance and review him when he's done.

Ps, all the best to the lads who leave the panel to travel and/or to better their personal lives, I mean that sincerely.

Htaem (Meath) - Posts: 8657 - 03/11/2017 19:05:27    2060216

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Replying To Htaem:  "I rarely have an issue with a lad dropping off the panel or retiring seemingly early, the commitment is huge, you have to make a lot of personal sacrifices and ultimately it doesn't put food on the table, it's all for the love of the game. Maybe some of the lads don't like McEntee or maybe they do and they're dropping off the panel for entirely separate reasons, who knows, we can only speculate.

In 2012 McEntee got the Meath minors to the all-ireland final which was a fair achievement even if we didn't win it. Since then he won, Dublin Senior, Leinster and All-Ireland club crowns with Ballyboden St. Enda's, so obviously those players were somehow able to not only tolerate but thrive under this supposed tyrant that nobody wants to play for.

In the same period of time (2013-2016), Meath lost 2 Leinster finals, 2 Leinster semi-finals, suffered horrendous collapses in multiple league and championship matches and never won a championship game outside of Leinster........oh how I crave to re-live those glorious days.

In short, we gave MOD a chance (4 years infact when 2015 should have been it), so lets give McEntee a chance and review him when he's done.

Ps, all the best to the lads who leave the panel to travel and/or to better their personal lives, I mean that sincerely."
Oh I agree, but my issue is people here suggesting that players are leaving the panel because they are not happy with Andys methods,if that is true,those players are soft and would probably just prefer to go through the motions much like the last regime.
Two players I have talked to are delighted with the setup which probably shows the attitude and will to try and succeed.

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 03/11/2017 19:13:56    2060219

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Replying To ziggy320001:  "Exactly! The players got away with murder under MOD, they were very comfortable and would have preferred him to stay.
Andy who has a good track record comes in,rocks the boat and wants to get the best out of Meath football and you tell me the players are crying over it?"
More about his lack of toughness when it came to certain players!

manof93 (Meath) - Posts: 6 - 03/11/2017 19:38:20    2060222

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Always liked paddy..Dont blame him for leaving one bit with the clowns on this abusing him..
Serious questions have to be asked off the management with all these players leaving..Must think there is no hope
Heard from a reliable source that Tobin could leave also..Not travelling or anything just doesn't want to go back

grahamc9897 (Meath) - Posts: 1174 - 03/11/2017 19:59:55    2060229

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Replying To ziggy320001:  "Oh I agree, but my issue is people here suggesting that players are leaving the panel because they are not happy with Andys methods,if that is true,those players are soft and would probably just prefer to go through the motions much like the last regime.
Two players I have talked to are delighted with the setup which probably shows the attitude and will to try and succeed."
I'm with you on this ziggy, I doubt many lads are leaving the panel just because of McEntee and if that is the case then they probably are a bit soft.

My post is aimed at those who are already berating McEntee or at the very least are suggesting that MOD was no worse. McEntee is only a year into the job and he's picked up a shattered mess left behind since Eamon O'Brien was ousted. Basically I think these lads need to give McEntee a chance, he needs time to try and get things going again.

Htaem (Meath) - Posts: 8657 - 03/11/2017 20:02:49    2060230

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Replying To Htaem:  "I'm with you on this ziggy, I doubt many lads are leaving the panel just because of McEntee and if that is the case then they probably are a bit soft.

My post is aimed at those who are already berating McEntee or at the very least are suggesting that MOD was no worse. McEntee is only a year into the job and he's picked up a shattered mess left behind since Eamon O'Brien was ousted. Basically I think these lads need to give McEntee a chance, he needs time to try and get things going again."
Absolutely and I really don't understand why a lot of people fail to understand this

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 03/11/2017 20:22:11    2060236

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Replying To grahamc9897:  "Always liked paddy..Dont blame him for leaving one bit with the clowns on this abusing him..
Serious questions have to be asked off the management with all these players leaving..Must think there is no hope
Heard from a reliable source that Tobin could leave also..Not travelling or anything just doesn't want to go back"
Why ? Would you not question some of the players?

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 03/11/2017 20:26:13    2060238

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Replying To ziggy320001:  "Oh I agree, but my issue is people here suggesting that players are leaving the panel because they are not happy with Andys methods,if that is true,those players are soft and would probably just prefer to go through the motions much like the last regime.
Two players I have talked to are delighted with the setup which probably shows the attitude and will to try and succeed."
That word the set up,what has this set up different to the last set up. They do the same physical training eating the same meals after training, games.gym work speed work stretching s/c etc. my point is the language that's used communicating to the players getting a family all together feel to the squad is what's required. Dubs have it regardless of talent.set ups will not make diddly squat unless management has the team,panel goin happy in the one direction.is this what's happening at moment I don't know neither does anyone else on here.but rumours of ruling with iron fist doesn't work on modern player, keeping them happy grounded humble loving goin to train will thou. Here's hoping this is what's goin to come for us.

Reco (Meath) - Posts: 419 - 03/11/2017 21:13:04    2060272

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