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A long way away yet, and playing devil's advocate here. But it would be interesting to hear people's thoughts now, and revisit again this time next year!
For what it's worth, a few thoughts of mine.
Dublin - the key thing will be how many (if any) of their stalwarts decide to step away. Farrell also appeared to indicate that a couple of other, perhaps more surprising, key men might also take a break from it. Say for instance Cluxton, Fitzsimons, McCarthy, Rock and Kilkenny decided to step away, it would leave a massive gap. Will the supporting cast be able to step up in such a scenario? I'm not so sure.
Kerry - they'll be licking their wounds all winter and I'd imagine will be raring to go in 2024. They simply have to unearth another forward to take some of the burden off David Clifford. Geaney did ok on Sunday last, but his best days are behind him. Tony Brosnan's health is obviously the most important thing. Is there another forward to burst on to the scene?
Derry - ditto. I think they're lacking another top class inside forward to take the pressure off McGuigan. They'll have learned an awful lot from their defeat to Kerry. Need more from Glass and to use the league to blood youngsters from their successful underage teams. McKaigue, Rogers aren't getting younger.
Galway - a frustrating 2023. Think they need a fully tuned-in Shane Walsh and hope the Comer can stay injury free. They have a really good squad and have the most scope for improvement in 2024 in my opinion. If PJ can keep the squad together they'll be a force no doubt.
Mayo - a promising start ultimately fizzled out very disappointingly. Can they time their run better next year? Will still be a contender, but familiar doubts remain on the biggest days.
Tyrone - perhaps a change of management is needed to rejeuvenate them? Lime Dublin might we see a few of their older men step away? Could be a transitional season for them.
Monaghan - a very good debut campaign for Vonny Corey. They put other counties to shame. Hopefully McManus will give it another year.
Cork - a promising year for them. They should be looking to get out of Division 2 and build on their progress. A case of watch this space. Always plenty of good footballers in Cork.
Donegal - who knows? There is a lot of talent available but can we get the right people and structures in place to maximise our potential? McCole is growing into an outstanding full back. Gallen showed glimpses of his undoubted potential. We'll definitely need the likes of Ryan McHugh, the O'Donnells and Mogan back in the squad.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9189 - 01/08/2023 15:36:52
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Replying To Lockjaw: "A long way away yet, and playing devil's advocate here. But it would be interesting to hear people's thoughts now, and revisit again this time next year!
For what it's worth, a few thoughts of mine.
Dublin - the key thing will be how many (if any) of their stalwarts decide to step away. Farrell also appeared to indicate that a couple of other, perhaps more surprising, key men might also take a break from it. Say for instance Cluxton, Fitzsimons, McCarthy, Rock and Kilkenny decided to step away, it would leave a massive gap. Will the supporting cast be able to step up in such a scenario? I'm not so sure.
Kerry - they'll be licking their wounds all winter and I'd imagine will be raring to go in 2024. They simply have to unearth another forward to take some of the burden off David Clifford. Geaney did ok on Sunday last, but his best days are behind him. Tony Brosnan's health is obviously the most important thing. Is there another forward to burst on to the scene?
Derry - ditto. I think they're lacking another top class inside forward to take the pressure off McGuigan. They'll have learned an awful lot from their defeat to Kerry. Need more from Glass and to use the league to blood youngsters from their successful underage teams. McKaigue, Rogers aren't getting younger.
Galway - a frustrating 2023. Think they need a fully tuned-in Shane Walsh and hope the Comer can stay injury free. They have a really good squad and have the most scope for improvement in 2024 in my opinion. If PJ can keep the squad together they'll be a force no doubt.
Mayo - a promising start ultimately fizzled out very disappointingly. Can they time their run better next year? Will still be a contender, but familiar doubts remain on the biggest days.
Tyrone - perhaps a change of management is needed to rejeuvenate them? Lime Dublin might we see a few of their older men step away? Could be a transitional season for them.
Monaghan - a very good debut campaign for Vonny Corey. They put other counties to shame. Hopefully McManus will give it another year.
Cork - a promising year for them. They should be looking to get out of Division 2 and build on their progress. A case of watch this space. Always plenty of good footballers in Cork.
Donegal - who knows? There is a lot of talent available but can we get the right people and structures in place to maximise our potential? McCole is growing into an outstanding full back. Gallen showed glimpses of his undoubted potential. We'll definitely need the likes of Ryan McHugh, the O'Donnells and Mogan back in the squad." How do you think Wexford will go in the Tailteann cup next year Lockjaw?!!
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 12224 - 01/08/2023 16:13:00
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Replying To Lockjaw: "A long way away yet, and playing devil's advocate here. But it would be interesting to hear people's thoughts now, and revisit again this time next year!
For what it's worth, a few thoughts of mine.
Dublin - the key thing will be how many (if any) of their stalwarts decide to step away. Farrell also appeared to indicate that a couple of other, perhaps more surprising, key men might also take a break from it. Say for instance Cluxton, Fitzsimons, McCarthy, Rock and Kilkenny decided to step away, it would leave a massive gap. Will the supporting cast be able to step up in such a scenario? I'm not so sure.
Kerry - they'll be licking their wounds all winter and I'd imagine will be raring to go in 2024. They simply have to unearth another forward to take some of the burden off David Clifford. Geaney did ok on Sunday last, but his best days are behind him. Tony Brosnan's health is obviously the most important thing. Is there another forward to burst on to the scene?
Derry - ditto. I think they're lacking another top class inside forward to take the pressure off McGuigan. They'll have learned an awful lot from their defeat to Kerry. Need more from Glass and to use the league to blood youngsters from their successful underage teams. McKaigue, Rogers aren't getting younger.
Galway - a frustrating 2023. Think they need a fully tuned-in Shane Walsh and hope the Comer can stay injury free. They have a really good squad and have the most scope for improvement in 2024 in my opinion. If PJ can keep the squad together they'll be a force no doubt.
Mayo - a promising start ultimately fizzled out very disappointingly. Can they time their run better next year? Will still be a contender, but familiar doubts remain on the biggest days.
Tyrone - perhaps a change of management is needed to rejeuvenate them? Lime Dublin might we see a few of their older men step away? Could be a transitional season for them.
Monaghan - a very good debut campaign for Vonny Corey. They put other counties to shame. Hopefully McManus will give it another year.
Cork - a promising year for them. They should be looking to get out of Division 2 and build on their progress. A case of watch this space. Always plenty of good footballers in Cork.
Donegal - who knows? There is a lot of talent available but can we get the right people and structures in place to maximise our potential? McCole is growing into an outstanding full back. Gallen showed glimpses of his undoubted potential. We'll definitely need the likes of Ryan McHugh, the O'Donnells and Mogan back in the squad." Mentions for Cork, Donegal and none for Kildare, Armagh,Roscommon and Meath?
As for next year I'd expect it to be another Dublin v Kerry final so long as they aren't paired together in the semi finals.
Dean Rock will likely retire, the rest should carry on as they are regularly starters and it's rare to call time when that's the case.
Hopefully a better effort with the match scheduling by HQ.
Gaa_lover (USA) - Posts: 3362 - 01/08/2023 16:13:23
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Replying To Gaa_lover: "Mentions for Cork, Donegal and none for Kildare, Armagh,Roscommon and Meath?
As for next year I'd expect it to be another Dublin v Kerry final so long as they aren't paired together in the semi finals.
Dean Rock will likely retire, the rest should carry on as they are regularly starters and it's rare to call time when that's the case.
Hopefully a better effort with the match scheduling by HQ." Lol, had a bit of actual work to do!
It will be interesting to see if Meath and Roscommon can progress further. Particularly in the case of Meath, for too long they've been massively underperforming. I thought it was interesting to hear James McCarthy and a few others reflecting on Dublin's "tough two years" where their Leinster medals were seemingly deemed worthless. That would royally (pun intended) **** me off if I was from Meath.
Kildare and Armagh have talented squads, but especially in Armagh's case, I think they could do with a change of management. Too often play with the handbrake on which doesn't suit them.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9189 - 01/08/2023 16:42:29
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McKaigue should be ok for another year. It will be his 15th season not counting the time he was in Australia. I wonder if he is Derry's longest serving player in history.
PattyONeill (Derry) - Posts: 227 - 01/08/2023 16:57:08
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Replying To PattyONeill: "McKaigue should be ok for another year. It will be his 15th season not counting the time he was in Australia. I wonder if he is Derry's longest serving player in history." It seems that Sean O'Connell is the longest serving with 18 years.
PattyONeill (Derry) - Posts: 227 - 01/08/2023 17:36:04
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Replying To Lockjaw: "A long way away yet, and playing devil's advocate here. But it would be interesting to hear people's thoughts now, and revisit again this time next year!
For what it's worth, a few thoughts of mine.
Dublin - the key thing will be how many (if any) of their stalwarts decide to step away. Farrell also appeared to indicate that a couple of other, perhaps more surprising, key men might also take a break from it. Say for instance Cluxton, Fitzsimons, McCarthy, Rock and Kilkenny decided to step away, it would leave a massive gap. Will the supporting cast be able to step up in such a scenario? I'm not so sure.
Kerry - they'll be licking their wounds all winter and I'd imagine will be raring to go in 2024. They simply have to unearth another forward to take some of the burden off David Clifford. Geaney did ok on Sunday last, but his best days are behind him. Tony Brosnan's health is obviously the most important thing. Is there another forward to burst on to the scene?
Derry - ditto. I think they're lacking another top class inside forward to take the pressure off McGuigan. They'll have learned an awful lot from their defeat to Kerry. Need more from Glass and to use the league to blood youngsters from their successful underage teams. McKaigue, Rogers aren't getting younger.
Galway - a frustrating 2023. Think they need a fully tuned-in Shane Walsh and hope the Comer can stay injury free. They have a really good squad and have the most scope for improvement in 2024 in my opinion. If PJ can keep the squad together they'll be a force no doubt.
Mayo - a promising start ultimately fizzled out very disappointingly. Can they time their run better next year? Will still be a contender, but familiar doubts remain on the biggest days.
Tyrone - perhaps a change of management is needed to rejeuvenate them? Lime Dublin might we see a few of their older men step away? Could be a transitional season for them.
Monaghan - a very good debut campaign for Vonny Corey. They put other counties to shame. Hopefully McManus will give it another year.
Cork - a promising year for them. They should be looking to get out of Division 2 and build on their progress. A case of watch this space. Always plenty of good footballers in Cork.
Donegal - who knows? There is a lot of talent available but can we get the right people and structures in place to maximise our potential? McCole is growing into an outstanding full back. Gallen showed glimpses of his undoubted potential. We'll definitely need the likes of Ryan McHugh, the O'Donnells and Mogan back in the squad." The two big decisions Lockjaw, that most managers will have to make is:
A. How will I time manage 2024 and which competition will I put my major emphasis on. Position in national league (win v prevent relegation), provintial championship, or the now prolonged All Ireland competition. Very difficult to peak for all of them.
B. Taking the answer to A in consideration, how can I introduce new players into the panel/team while still keeping the older players fully motivated.
MANY of the teams that you listed (forgot the Rossies) may have different priorities this year. Some will be 80 - 120 to 1 for the All Ireland for example.
.
letsgetgoing (Roscommon) - Posts: 536 - 01/08/2023 18:30:11
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Lol, had a bit of actual work to do!
It will be interesting to see if Meath and Roscommon can progress further. Particularly in the case of Meath, for too long they've been massively underperforming. I thought it was interesting to hear James McCarthy and a few others reflecting on Dublin's "tough two years" where their Leinster medals were seemingly deemed worthless. That would royally (pun intended) **** me off if I was from Meath.
Kildare and Armagh have talented squads, but especially in Armagh's case, I think they could do with a change of management. Too often play with the handbrake on which doesn't suit them." Meath will have notions of progressing. Westmeath were kick of a ball from making it yo knock out
Greenandgoldie (Westmeath) - Posts: 98 - 01/08/2023 20:42:05
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Replying To letsgetgoing: "The two big decisions Lockjaw, that most managers will have to make is:
A. How will I time manage 2024 and which competition will I put my major emphasis on. Position in national league (win v prevent relegation), provintial championship, or the now prolonged All Ireland competition. Very difficult to peak for all of them.
B. Taking the answer to A in consideration, how can I introduce new players into the panel/team while still keeping the older players fully motivated.
MANY of the teams that you listed (forgot the Rossies) may have different priorities this year. Some will be 80 - 120 to 1 for the All Ireland for example.
." Yeah you make a good point. I think Mayo in particular were caught out this year. They had a very good league and I remember McStay saying in an interview that they gave the players a few weeks off before concentrating on Connacht. But they crashed out of that to your good selves, then had to regroup again for the AI group stage. A great win down in Killarney was followed by a laboured win over Louth and a surprise defeat to Cork. The latter result meant they then had a do-or-die match against Galway in Salthill, which to their credit they dug out a win.
But a week later they had to go to the well again, this time against Dublin. And well, that was that.
Roscommon also found themselves in the prelim quarter final despite initially putting themselves in the driving seat for a top 2 group finish after their draw with Dublin. For me there is very little to choose between a good clutch of teams at present....I would categorise them as below (C)...
A- Dublin, Kerry
B - Derry, Galway, Mayo and just about Tyrone.
C - Monaghan, Roscommon, Armagh, Kildare, Cork, Donegal and Meath possibly coming into the mix.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9189 - 02/08/2023 11:29:35
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Yeah you make a good point. I think Mayo in particular were caught out this year. They had a very good league and I remember McStay saying in an interview that they gave the players a few weeks off before concentrating on Connacht. But they crashed out of that to your good selves, then had to regroup again for the AI group stage. A great win down in Killarney was followed by a laboured win over Louth and a surprise defeat to Cork. The latter result meant they then had a do-or-die match against Galway in Salthill, which to their credit they dug out a win.
But a week later they had to go to the well again, this time against Dublin. And well, that was that.
Roscommon also found themselves in the prelim quarter final despite initially putting themselves in the driving seat for a top 2 group finish after their draw with Dublin. For me there is very little to choose between a good clutch of teams at present....I would categorise them as below (C)...
A- Dublin, Kerry
B - Derry, Galway, Mayo and just about Tyrone.
C - Monaghan, Roscommon, Armagh, Kildare, Cork, Donegal and Meath possibly coming into the mix." The bookings tend to agree with you Lockjaw. When I checked the odds a few minutes ago, it was:
9/4 Dublin & Kerry
15/2 Galway & Mayo
12/1 Derry
14/1 Tyrone
25/1 Armagh
28/1 Cork & Donegal
40/1 Kildare
50/1 Down, Meath, Roscommon & Monaghan
Rest 100/1 or greater.
(Above for information/discussion purposes only)
I am not a betting man myself (think its a mugs game!), but I think that the following four teams are priced at reasonably good odds for an OUTSIDE BET if you want to lose/waste some money:
Derry at 12/1. Were very close during the last two years and will be playing division one football in 2024.
Donegal at 28/1 if they get McGuinness & Murphy back. Will there be any inside betting!!!!! (Any genuine news from the Donegal camp?)
Roscommon at 50/1. We were the only team that Dublin could not beat in the championship this year.
Westmeath at 250/1. Were very close against some top teams and might be worth €1 for the craic.
Please note that you should NOT gamble unless you have lots of money to spare and that you only do so in small amounts that you can easily afford. Gambling can become an ADDICTION with terrible consequences for yourself, close family members and friends.
letsgetgoing (Roscommon) - Posts: 536 - 02/08/2023 15:10:45
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Yeah you make a good point. I think Mayo in particular were caught out this year. They had a very good league and I remember McStay saying in an interview that they gave the players a few weeks off before concentrating on Connacht. But they crashed out of that to your good selves, then had to regroup again for the AI group stage. A great win down in Killarney was followed by a laboured win over Louth and a surprise defeat to Cork. The latter result meant they then had a do-or-die match against Galway in Salthill, which to their credit they dug out a win.
But a week later they had to go to the well again, this time against Dublin. And well, that was that.
Roscommon also found themselves in the prelim quarter final despite initially putting themselves in the driving seat for a top 2 group finish after their draw with Dublin. For me there is very little to choose between a good clutch of teams at present....I would categorise them as below (C)...
A- Dublin, Kerry
B - Derry, Galway, Mayo and just about Tyrone.
C - Monaghan, Roscommon, Armagh, Kildare, Cork, Donegal and Meath possibly coming into the mix." Not sure about Meath. They played a very attractive expansive game in the TC and probably reminded many that Football is still an entertaining game when played that way well. But I'm not sure how that will translate in the AI series when playing more structured teams.
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 12224 - 02/08/2023 15:33:34
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Yeah you make a good point. I think Mayo in particular were caught out this year. They had a very good league and I remember McStay saying in an interview that they gave the players a few weeks off before concentrating on Connacht. But they crashed out of that to your good selves, then had to regroup again for the AI group stage. A great win down in Killarney was followed by a laboured win over Louth and a surprise defeat to Cork. The latter result meant they then had a do-or-die match against Galway in Salthill, which to their credit they dug out a win.
But a week later they had to go to the well again, this time against Dublin. And well, that was that.
Roscommon also found themselves in the prelim quarter final despite initially putting themselves in the driving seat for a top 2 group finish after their draw with Dublin. For me there is very little to choose between a good clutch of teams at present....I would categorise them as below (C)...
A- Dublin, Kerry
B - Derry, Galway, Mayo and just about Tyrone.
C - Monaghan, Roscommon, Armagh, Kildare, Cork, Donegal and Meath possibly coming into the mix." Mayo players didn't have any time off to prepare for Connacht. They had 6 days to prepare after the league final. It's time the GAA scrapped the league finals if they are only giving some teams a week to prepare for Championship. Otherwise change the the calendar.
Mayo were not at the races at all in this years championship. Kerry game aside. The Cork game was a **** up of epic proportions. Very hard to know what 2024 will bring but for now it's all focus on the club championships.
yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 11248 - 02/08/2023 16:16:18
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Replying To letsgetgoing: "The bookings tend to agree with you Lockjaw. When I checked the odds a few minutes ago, it was:
9/4 Dublin & Kerry
15/2 Galway & Mayo
12/1 Derry
14/1 Tyrone
25/1 Armagh
28/1 Cork & Donegal
40/1 Kildare
50/1 Down, Meath, Roscommon & Monaghan
Rest 100/1 or greater.
(Above for information/discussion purposes only)
I am not a betting man myself (think its a mugs game!), but I think that the following four teams are priced at reasonably good odds for an OUTSIDE BET if you want to lose/waste some money:
Derry at 12/1. Were very close during the last two years and will be playing division one football in 2024.
Donegal at 28/1 if they get McGuinness & Murphy back. Will there be any inside betting!!!!! (Any genuine news from the Donegal camp?)
Roscommon at 50/1. We were the only team that Dublin could not beat in the championship this year.
Westmeath at 250/1. Were very close against some top teams and might be worth €1 for the craic.
Please note that you should NOT gamble unless you have lots of money to spare and that you only do so in small amounts that you can easily afford. Gambling can become an ADDICTION with terrible consequences for yourself, close family members and friends." I don't think anyone bar the inner circle know what's happening in Donegal. If McGuinness did return and coaxed another year out of Murphy then it would undoubtedly give the county a massive lift. It's probably wishful thinking however.
That said, if a bright and progressive management ticket could be appointed, I think we could have a decent 2024.
- despite 2023 being a horrible year, some good young players got exposure to senior football - McColgan, Curran, McGlynn, Doherty, it would be good to see them push on.
- the team's S&C would need a vast improvement from what we saw in 2023. In a lot of games we were blitzed in the final quarter.
- like every other team, would need better luck with injuries. A fully fit McBrearty, Langan, Mogan and McFadden-Ferry would certainly boost our potential.
- we would need everyone to make themselves availble - Ryan McHugh, Niall & Shane O'Donnell the most obvious names that spring to mind.
- In NFL 2024 we will be under the radar somewhat operating in Division 2. We cannot be complacent however. I think promotion back to Division 1 is achievable but won't be easy.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9189 - 02/08/2023 16:19:32
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Replying To yew_tree: "Mayo players didn't have any time off to prepare for Connacht. They had 6 days to prepare after the league final. It's time the GAA scrapped the league finals if they are only giving some teams a week to prepare for Championship. Otherwise change the the calendar.
Mayo were not at the races at all in this years championship. Kerry game aside. The Cork game was a **** up of epic proportions. Very hard to know what 2024 will bring but for now it's all focus on the club championships." Sorry you're right. I meant after the Roscommon defeat they had a period of time off? My point was that the calendar was a good bit different than in other years and some teams were learning as they went. I'm sure McStay and co will have learned a lot from the year as will other managers.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9189 - 02/08/2023 16:21:39
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Replying To Gaa_lover: "Mentions for Cork, Donegal and none for Kildare, Armagh,Roscommon and Meath?
As for next year I'd expect it to be another Dublin v Kerry final so long as they aren't paired together in the semi finals.
Dean Rock will likely retire, the rest should carry on as they are regularly starters and it's rare to call time when that's the case.
Hopefully a better effort with the match scheduling by HQ." Your second paragraph says it all. Who know what can happen when there is a draw for semi finals. Go back to the old rotation way and it cuts out setups.
Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2023 - 02/08/2023 16:27:58
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Replying To letsgetgoing: "The bookings tend to agree with you Lockjaw. When I checked the odds a few minutes ago, it was:
9/4 Dublin & Kerry
15/2 Galway & Mayo
12/1 Derry
14/1 Tyrone
25/1 Armagh
28/1 Cork & Donegal
40/1 Kildare
50/1 Down, Meath, Roscommon & Monaghan
Rest 100/1 or greater.
(Above for information/discussion purposes only)
I am not a betting man myself (think its a mugs game!), but I think that the following four teams are priced at reasonably good odds for an OUTSIDE BET if you want to lose/waste some money:
Derry at 12/1. Were very close during the last two years and will be playing division one football in 2024.
Donegal at 28/1 if they get McGuinness & Murphy back. Will there be any inside betting!!!!! (Any genuine news from the Donegal camp?)
Roscommon at 50/1. We were the only team that Dublin could not beat in the championship this year.
Westmeath at 250/1. Were very close against some top teams and might be worth €1 for the craic.
Please note that you should NOT gamble unless you have lots of money to spare and that you only do so in small amounts that you can easily afford. Gambling can become an ADDICTION with terrible consequences for yourself, close family members and friends." Meath are 150/1 with Paddy Power.
kingofclubs (Meath) - Posts: 321 - 02/08/2023 16:51:45
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Replying To Lockjaw: "I don't think anyone bar the inner circle know what's happening in Donegal. If McGuinness did return and coaxed another year out of Murphy then it would undoubtedly give the county a massive lift. It's probably wishful thinking however.
That said, if a bright and progressive management ticket could be appointed, I think we could have a decent 2024.
- despite 2023 being a horrible year, some good young players got exposure to senior football - McColgan, Curran, McGlynn, Doherty, it would be good to see them push on.
- the team's S&C would need a vast improvement from what we saw in 2023. In a lot of games we were blitzed in the final quarter.
- like every other team, would need better luck with injuries. A fully fit McBrearty, Langan, Mogan and McFadden-Ferry would certainly boost our potential.
- we would need everyone to make themselves availble - Ryan McHugh, Niall & Shane O'Donnell the most obvious names that spring to mind.
- In NFL 2024 we will be under the radar somewhat operating in Division 2. We cannot be complacent however. I think promotion back to Division 1 is achievable but won't be easy." Achievable and I think necessary for long term development Lockjaw.
Main competition in D2 for promotion? I guess Armagh but maybe everyone on D2 will be looking at this year as an opportunity to get promoted as opposed to last year when teams had to compete with Dublin and Derry
Cbar (Mayo) - Posts: 308 - 02/08/2023 17:23:38
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Div 2 is the way forward if you want to win Sam :D
realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8603 - 02/08/2023 18:38:00
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Yeah you make a good point. I think Mayo in particular were caught out this year. They had a very good league and I remember McStay saying in an interview that they gave the players a few weeks off before concentrating on Connacht. But they crashed out of that to your good selves, then had to regroup again for the AI group stage. A great win down in Killarney was followed by a laboured win over Louth and a surprise defeat to Cork. The latter result meant they then had a do-or-die match against Galway in Salthill, which to their credit they dug out a win.
But a week later they had to go to the well again, this time against Dublin. And well, that was that.
Roscommon also found themselves in the prelim quarter final despite initially putting themselves in the driving seat for a top 2 group finish after their draw with Dublin. For me there is very little to choose between a good clutch of teams at present....I would categorise them as below (C)...
A- Dublin, Kerry
B - Derry, Galway, Mayo and just about Tyrone.
C - Monaghan, Roscommon, Armagh, Kildare, Cork, Donegal and Meath possibly coming into the mix." I agree on that tiering. I think Analyser said over on the Ros page that the Dublin-Kerry semi last year was more like the final and I agree, those two are a cut above, but the gap is small and getting smaller. Like you I would have Tyrone in there as they are the sort of team that can go the whole way when things click.
Derry need to find a few more players and it probably would help if they don't have a club team playing in the latter stages of the club championship. As Davy Burke said in a recent interview, management teams will now be analysing the past few months to death and working out what way gives you the best chance of going the distance in the championship. The leagues will be fascinating as most know now the fall out of peaking too early but yet no one will want to get relegated. Armagh actually in a tricky spot as if not going full tilt could be tripped up by Cork, Cavan, Donegal or Kildare.
In hindsight now Dublin and Kerry had a huge advantage in winning there provinces in second gear. Kerry also had a stroke of luck that Mayo imploded against Cork or they would have had to play Galway in a prelim QF.
MachaireConnacht (Roscommon) - Posts: 811 - 02/08/2023 20:07:43
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From a Meath perspective (aren't we technically to only guaranteed last 16 at the moment ? :). For me we have 3 major issues we need to sort out
1. Colm needs to bring others into his management team, he showed during league and Leinster some naivety with the style of play etc but he came back to a more defensive structure with running game and mixing in a few long kicks. So that was the main benefit I took from TC. But we need a top strategist person on the sideline along with Colm.
2. Is pardon the pun. Two fold. 1. Connor McGill must be brought back in, and management must walk through coals if needed. As our defense is lost without him, the best player in Meath last year (voted by players and supporters) needs to be playing for county team, bridge over water and all that, Colm went to James mcentee and that worked out very good, everyone is allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. So my final part is we need a strong defense that can be achieved with McGill returning and with lavin returning from his travels.
3, and final we need to unearth a marquee forward, Morris has the spark to do, but sometimes it doesn't work out lynch is perhaps still a little to quick to shoot. Costello is more of a roving forward. And then we have Shane walsh who barring injuries would be talked about in same way as his namesake. There is another forward on James Conlon who was in and out under Andy that imo is the best club footballer in Meath I really would like to see him given another chance. So pushing for promotion has to be no1 goal this year. We could draw dubs in Leinster QF due to loosing seed this year. And as much as I hope and pray that we would beat them I still think we a year or two off that level yet. I do think the players are there to at least make a preliminary QF in all ire and hopefully a last 8. So for me. ProMotion( hopefully div 2 title) maybe anLeinster final appearance and an all ire quarter final would be improvement and heading in right direction. Anyway I don't want loads of Meath people saying this or that. It's just my opinion on where we need to be, to be competitive.
royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 02/08/2023 21:52:34
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