Thomas Clarke

Oh ya it goes deeper than the manager,BUT O'Dowd is easily the worst manager we have had since Sean,and he has been given the most time.You cannot b3 7-10 points up in games at half time and often with 20mins to go with this Meath team and fail to win on a regular basis.There is some very good footballers on the Meath team,not good enough with any manager to challenge for All-Irelands,but good enough to be of a higher standing as they are now.

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 07/03/2016 10:13:23    1831591

MesAmis

The likes of Meath? :)

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 07/03/2016 10:14:13    1831592

Both ourselves and Meath should be annoyed at not closing out the joust yesterday. We were home and hosed with 3 points up in the last 5 mins but were dead on our feet after that serious comeback. Where were the reinforcements? Meath could be similarly peeved with a 9 point lead at h/t although the goal was as good as six pointer given the impact it could have on confidence. The goal was calamitous and the 6th crazy goal (including the og against Tyrone a few weeks ago) we have conceded in the league in the last 2yrs plus the one goal we conceded to Mayo in the championship last year which turned that game. We have good players, are young, improving physically in most sectors but need to learn and be more clued in mid game. Also most of the Meath play came through Reilly, O'Sullivan and Newman. Our half back line allowed them to roam with too much liberty. I knew there would be a reaction from Meath after the Cavan game and I expect a similar reaction from Armagh next Sunday. Hope we have enough as it is make or break regarding our promotion effort.

kiloughter (Galway) - Posts: 1946 - 07/03/2016 10:39:51    1831613

Cavan played great football last night. Their forwards are up there with the best in Ulster, compact at the defence too. Fancy them to go up with tyrone, with all their remaining fixtures looking winnable. As for my own county i hope its nothing more than a rude awakening. Yes we are likely to get relegated but supporting Armagh I know myself that a turn around is only around the corner as this has happened manys of times before and we've bounced back better even in recent times we got relegated to division 3 and still that year made the all ireland quarters and impressed in Croke park. Also having arguably the best club team in Ireland at their expense in Crossmaglen, to have one cross clubman on the panel last night is beyond a joke.

halfback_5 (Armagh) - Posts:12 - 06/03/2016 19:35:24   183
Armagh are in a bad place. The manner of defeat against Cavan was worrying. There are too many rookies in the panel in my opinion but in the long run this may be beneficial. What is compounding our woes is ineptitude from the management. K McG to his credit has put his hands up and accepted responsibility but something has to change between now and the end of the league. Hopefully a few of the more experienced players return to fitness and get a run out although I won't hold my breath.

I would love to know who from Crossmaglen should be on the team that hasn't already ruled themselves out or has been tried and failed to cut the mustard.

northarmaghgael (Armagh) - Posts: 40 - 07/03/2016 11:00:12    1831632

Point dropped from Galway, home form the last few years has cost us and the amount of ridiculous goals we concede continues to be a problem. I do think this is the type of game Galway would have lost last year so they did show some character to come back into it.

Galway have had a lot more under age success then Meath had the last ten years, the majority of this Galway team have experienced winning u21 All Irelands or Minor success so there is pedigree and talent . You only have to look at Roscommon who were touted for relegation by every neutral, they have good young players who have stepped up to the level required and given the chance Galway may just do the same.

Promotion is still in Galways own hands, win the the remaining 3 games and their up.

TheWestIsAwake (UK) - Posts: 529 - 07/03/2016 11:03:08    1831635

Mes: you know we've beaten Roscommon already this year, right? But like you said, it's only March so I wouldn't be reading too much into any result. Including the game on Sunday.

festinog (Galway) - Posts: 3097 - 07/03/2016 18:58:21    1832026

Clutching at straws there fest yer starting 15 in that fbd final was the same 15 in yet first league match ros on Sunday and in the 4 matches thus far have had 6 to 8 of that 15 start in the league in any match and 2 of that 15 are no longer on the panel.
As you say it's early yet

Galway

1. Thomas Dolan (Athenry)

2. David Wynne (Moycullen)
3. Declan Kyne (Clonbur)
4. Eoghan Kerin (Annaghdown)

21. Liam Silke (Corofin)
6. Gary O'Donnell (Tuam Stars)
7. Johnny Heaney (Killannin)

8. Paul Conroy (St James')
23. Fiontain O Curraoin (Micheal Breathnach)

9. Tom Flynn (Athenry)
11. Eddie Hoare (St Michael's)
10. Enda Tierney (Oughterard)

13. Damien Comer (Annaghdown)
14. Adrian Varley (Cortoon Shamrocks)
12. Eamon Brannigan (St Michael's)

Subs:
26. Shane Walsh (Kilkerrin-Clonberne) for Hoare (48)
25. Paul Mannion (Kilconly) for Brannigan (59)

Roscommon

16. Geoffrey Claffey (Castlerea St Kevin's)

2. Ronan Stack (St Brigid's)
3. Tom Featherston (Oran)
4. Neil Collins (Castlerea St Kevin's)

5. Brian Murtagh (St Faithleach's)
6. Niall Daly (Padraig Pearses)
7. Ronan Daly (Padraig Pearses)

8. Enda Smith (Boyle)
9. Cathal Shine (Clann na nGael)

10. Scott Oates (Roscommon Gaels)
11. Kieran Kilcline (Roscommon Gaels)
12. Ciaran Murtagh (St Faithleach's)

13. Cian Connolly (Roscommon Gaels)
14. Senan Kilbride (St Brigid's)
15. Cathal McHugh (St Brigid's)

OhtobeARossie (Roscommon) - Posts: 1764 - 07/03/2016 19:44:11    1832048

RoyalDunne
Do what the owners of Leicester City did get a buddhist monk into bless Pairc Tailteann.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leicester-city/11266967/Leicester-Citys-Jamie-Vardy-on-the-secret-of-his-success-stick-wielding-Buddhist-monks.html

crikey (Australia) - Posts: 355 - 07/03/2016 20:51:54    1832075

Cant see Armagh or Meath staying up at the moment. McGeeney is a very overrated manager and Armagh seem to have gone back under his management they are looking very poor at present. Meath on the other hand were the worst side I seen in division last year and look the same again this year. Very little bottle throwing away leads like they have. Only so much a manager can do when a team continue to collapse. The Players just aren't there at present and maybe a year or two in Division 3 would do them world of good as they would be playing against sides of similar level. Just look at Westmeath struggling in D3 this year and look what they did to Meath last year

Pingcity (Longford) - Posts: 568 - 08/03/2016 11:08:43    1832221

Its between Laois and Meath to stay up now with Armagh all but gone I feel....

Laois need to beat Meath at home and somehow pick up another 2 points either at home to Derry next week or away to Cavan to be honest I can't see that happening!


That point on Sunday for Meath could just keep them up ....They have tyrone Sunday and I can only see one outcome...They are away to Derry after that which will be hard and then the 4 pointer against Laois in the last game..

Armagh might fancy giving Galway a game in Armagh but I think the fire is gone with in the team...



They have the red hands in Omagh after that so that will be another defeat....follwed with a hard last game at home to Derry

Cavan and Galway will battle to make the cut to join Tyrone Cavan must beat Fermanagh Saturday night if not Fermanagh will feel they have a chance to join the elite!


The Cavan v Galway last day game could be one worth watching !!!

BigJohn.6_8 (Galway) - Posts: 704 - 08/03/2016 12:21:00    1832254

After 4 games, it's between Meath,Armagh and Laois for exit to Div 3. Had expected Armagh to be comfortable in this division, Laois seem to be all over the place and no one knows (including the manager) what Meath will do next. We got a point last weekend I wasn't expecting, the manner in which it was achieved leaves a lot to be desired. Could be invaluable as regards relegation as it will probably come down to the last match between ourselves and Laois. Tyrone seem home and hosed as regards promotion, we've got the dubious honour of hosting them next. Gave them a good game in Omagh last year in championship, so who knows. Hard to see anything but a Tyrone win. Cavan the form team at the moment, tricky one though against Fermanagh, still should have enough to win it. Should come down to the Cavan/Galway match to decide who goes up, Derry may be able to benefit with the easier run in on paper, Laois/Meath/Armagh in that order.

moylagh (Meath) - Posts: 484 - 08/03/2016 12:35:50    1832261

Moylagh
Not so sure about this Sunday? I think everybody will expect nothing but a Tyrone win this Sunday and given the two teams recent form who can blame them. However I have a feeling that we just might get something out of this game if MOD picks the right team and we manage to stay disciplined for the 70 mins as Tyrone will test our mental resolve to the limit on Sunday. Probably blinded loyalty but you never know??

Greenwood (Meath) - Posts: 210 - 08/03/2016 13:00:49    1832273

Armaghs lack of a quality forward really is there downfall and also their defence is one of the worst in ulster as they dont have a defender to mark marquee forwards on other teams

monaghanmad (Monaghan) - Posts: 378 - 08/03/2016 13:13:15    1832281

Tyrone.... look done and up
Derry..... will be tight but they have an easier run in....but at the same time are playing teams that are disparate for points
Galway.... are collecting point but do not look convincing.... all the same its in their hands
Cavan..... look on form and finding the long awaited balance between def and attack....but still have to prove themselves when it counts and against better teams, 2 home matches to finish
Fermanagh...look safe and moving well. this weekend decides if they are looking up further
Meath....look vulnerable and flaky ...point last weekend could be crucial and v laois will decide a lot as they have Derry and Tyrone too ..should survive
Laois ...look in trouble and at sea....difficult run in too Derry tyrone meath ....they will drop down
Armagh...like Laois look all at sea and have Galway, derry and Tyrone to finish ....so will drop down

DD10 (Cavan) - Posts: 130 - 08/03/2016 13:21:33    1832285

Does anyone know for certain how teams who finish level on points are separated? It was head-to-head record last year I believe (which denied Meath promotion vs Roscommon despite better scoring difference). The GAA tables currently have Cavan ahead of Derry, despite losing to them so just wondering...?

GallantJohnJoe (Cavan) - Posts: 329 - 08/03/2016 13:48:27    1832301

@Gallentjohnjoe

If two teams are level on points it goes on the head v head record between them two teams. If there is more than two teams it goes on points difference. That is why Cavan is ahead of Derry because Fermanagh also have the same amount of points.

OLLIE (Louth) - Posts: 12224 - 08/03/2016 14:15:48    1832314

This is what I feared. I can see a situation where Cavan finish level with Derry but that close shave in Breffini that went their way could be telling. That is saying that Cavan will win their last 3 games which is faaaaaaaaaar from certain!! I actually think Cavan may be 1 year away from a promotion charge!

On the other end, Armagh are struggling big time and couldn't believe what I saw last week against us. They looked listless. I expect Meath to pull out a big result or two and secure safety. I am really enjoying the league this year despite the fact we have lost 2 games. Thats what a lifetime of division 3/4 involvement has done. Nice to be playing some bigger games and hopefully bigger to come!

Reformation (Cavan) - Posts: 356 - 08/03/2016 14:37:36    1832335

I am really enjoying the league this year despite the fact we have lost 2 games. Thats what a lifetime of division 3/4 involvement has done. Nice to be playing some bigger games and hopefully bigger to come!

Reformation (Cavan) - Posts:125 - 08/03/2016 14:37:36

@Reformation , I have been following Cavan a long time and I have never gone to a division 4 game. When did you see them playing in Div 4 ?

s goldrick (Cavan) - Posts: 5518 - 08/03/2016 14:49:22    1832341

Armaghs lack of a quality forward really is there downfall and also their defence is one of the worst in ulster as they dont have a defender to mark marquee forwards on other teams.

I would like to add that midfield is the area we have struggled the most. Not much to cling on to. Our defense will be ok come championship time with hopefully the likes of McKeever, Mallon, Donaghy, Murray up to speed. No easy solutions for our midfield and attack though.

JP91 (Armagh) - Posts: 316 - 08/03/2016 14:52:49    1832347

so if.....
Armagh beat Galway
Fermanagh and Cavan draw
Meath beat Tyrone
Laois beat Derry

all possible...
then its...
Tyrone............8
Cavan.............5
Galway...........5
Fermanagh...5
Meath...........5
Laois ...........4
Derry...........4
Armagh.......4

DD10 (Cavan) - Posts: 130 - 10/03/2016 10:34:56    1833157