Lol good man Ollie, jasus I couldn't go near the bull for year after. :).

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 09/02/2016 15:42:53    1824036

I'm done with royal

AnBuachaillGlas (Fermanagh) - Posts: 287 - 09/02/2016 19:12:59    1824177

Redrum you said any of the division 2 sides would struggle for points in the first division with the exception of Tyrone.
I don't know about that as Longford defeated Dublin just recently.

crikey (Australia) - Posts: 355 - 09/02/2016 20:47:09    1824207

I think quite a few Division 2 sides would pick up points in Division 1 this year, as some of the bigger sides like Kerry and Mayo look weaker in the early stages.

GaryMc82 (Derry) - Posts: 3017 - 09/02/2016 21:51:44    1824244

Belclare

Can't see Galway winning in Derry to be honest.

ziggy32001 (Meath) - Posts: 8354 - 10/02/2016 08:55:52    1824261

Gary

I'm not so sure,Tyrone and Derry yes and Galway may get a win,but the rest? I don't think so.

I know people are saying there is a long way to go,but the two favorites have already laid a platform for themselves and they won't lose more than two games,and anything less will see certain promotion.
As a Meathman the Cavan game worries me.Cavan generally do well against Meath and despite losing two games have probably performed better than Meath so far.Losing by a total of 3 points to Tyrone and Derry.Meath have defended very well so far,and have struggled in the forward division.They badly miss the retired Bray and the balance doesn't seem to be right.The pitches are very heavy at the moment and it does not suit some of the quicker Meath forwards.But you have to deal with that.

ziggy32001 (Meath) - Posts: 8354 - 10/02/2016 09:03:37    1824264

Gary

I'm not so sure,Tyrone and Derry yes and Galway may get a win,but the rest? I don't think so.

I know people are saying there is a long way to go,but the two favorites have already laid a platform for themselves and they won't lose more than two games,and anything less will see certain promotion.
As a Meathman the Cavan game worries me.Cavan generally do well against Meath and despite losing two games have probably performed better than Meath so far.Losing by a total of 3 points to Tyrone and Derry.Meath have defended very well so far,and have struggled in the forward division.They badly miss the retired Bray and the balance doesn't seem to be right.The pitches are very heavy at the moment and it does not suit some of the quicker Meath forwards.But you have to deal with that.

ziggy32001 (Meath) - Posts:4563 - 10/02/2016 09:03:37

I could see the likes of Cavan, Fermanagh, Meath, Galway and maybe Laois have the ability to beat Down, Roscommon or possibly Kerry/Mayo in the early rounds of the National League. Hell some of those Ulster sides would have a fair crack at Monaghan, Cork and even Donegal. I don't think the gap is as wide as some make out.

Cavan are a solid outfit, and in fairness they ran both ourselves and Tyrone very close and have become a tough team to play. There is no doubt you will have a game on your hands against Cavan, but I think it will be tight, as Meath have a lot of quality too.

I thought Meath would step up last year, as they had shown potential in 2014 and they seem to have some outstanding players. Taking a massive hammering by Dublin doesn't do any team any good, and I think that was a set back to any progress that had been made. Leinster badly needs Meath to step up, as its clear that nobody else is capable.

GaryMc82 (Derry) - Posts: 3017 - 10/02/2016 13:30:19    1824363

Ziggy bray didn't score apart from Down game last year in the league and I dont think at all in previous campaign, may have worked hard off the ball last two years but towards end of career he was diffinighly needed the ground to be harder. So I dont think he would have made a difference on the scorers board this year been a year older. And he would still maybe have continued islf used as a impact sub rather than starting as I and others had suggested, burn out I'm afraid.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 10/02/2016 17:57:42    1824494

I could see the likes of Cavan, Fermanagh, Meath, Galway and maybe Laois have the ability to beat Down, Roscommon or possibly Kerry/Mayo in the early rounds of the National League. Hell some of those Ulster sides would have a fair crack at Monaghan, Cork and even Donegal. I don't think the gap is as wide as some make out.

Cavan are a solid outfit, and in fairness they ran both ourselves and Tyrone very close and have become a tough team to play. There is no doubt you will have a game on your hands against Cavan, but I think it will be tight, as Meath have a lot of quality too.

I thought Meath would step up last year, as they had shown potential in 2014 and they seem to have some outstanding players. Taking a massive hammering by Dublin doesn't do any team any good, and I think that was a set back to any progress that had been made. Leinster badly needs Meath to step up, as its clear that nobody else is capable.

GaryMc82 (Derry) - Posts:2147 - 10/02/2016 13:30:19 1824363

GaryMc
I would usually agree with a lot you have to say but I have to disagree with what you say above. While Kerry are normally slow starters in the league I couldn't see Fermanagh,Cavan etc beating them. Mayo missed a hell of a lot of players at the moment and under new management they are probably getting used to a new system. I feel there is quite a gap between div 1 & 2. I saw Galway on Sunday and I felt they were a poor enough side.....Tyrone conceded 1-3 when Colm Cav was black carded and Tyrone had 7 U21's from last year on at them stage.
I also don't think Meath have many outstanding players to be honest about from Donal K and Biggy as he goes by down there. I think they are the only two who would start in a good div 1 side. Come to think of it they would be the only two who would get on the Tyrone team. (Meath fans don't go crazy!!!!) Last year Meath where shocking against a poor Westmeath side. They also failed to get out of a very poor div 2 with Down getting promoted......says it all really. I would love to see Meath come good and challenge Dublin again but they are as far away as ever and with little underage success and a manager Meath fans aren't sure about it may take a very long time.

The_Fridge (Tyrone) - Posts: 2088 - 10/02/2016 18:19:24    1824508

The Fridge in fairness you can't judge us on one performance. We had control of that game until we conceded an og. Then ye had control for 25 mins partly assisted with the very dubious sending off of Paul Conroy. We are a work in progress witn most of our panel 24 or under with plenty of the 2013 u21 all ireland winners. in truth the game was won and lost when in a 10 min spell we had 4 wides and ye knocked over 3 points. Maybe that is the difference at the moment but I think we are quite close to Tyrone in terms of quality.

kiloughter (Galway) - Posts: 1946 - 10/02/2016 19:19:41    1824536

Thefridge. In fairness to you Donal Keogan and biggie (graham Reilly) are probably the only two lately that would make a division 1 side, I won't argue with that, but there is potential definitely with cillian o Sullivan (who I tip to be a great player) Newman is a enigma great first season injury hit then and he has never got near that highlight of year one, Rooney in midfield looks a good prospect but we only have one midfielder with Gillespie career hanging in the balance and Flanagan also out injured. Look we have injury worries, but I still think with a new voice on sideline we could be better than what we are. We are not Sam contending but we not as bad as we are showing either.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 10/02/2016 20:35:27    1824556

royaldunne
Excuse my ignorance but why is he called Biggie?

The_Fridge (Tyrone) - Posts: 2088 - 10/02/2016 20:48:12    1824559

Redrum you said any of the division 2 sides would struggle for points in the first division with the exception of Tyrone.
I don't know about that as Longford defeated Dublin just recently.

crikey (Australia) - Posts:209 - 09/02/2016 20:47:09 1

Are you for real crikey? Longford beat a Dublin fringe squad side in an O'Byrne Cup match. Come on lad.
My point is that if you take the 2 sides who were promoted to the 1st division (Down and Roscommon) out of it then the remaining top 6 would deal comfortably with all of the current division 2 sides bar Tyrone who in my opinion I expect to hit the All Ireland semis at least this year.
Tyrone are at it again in terms of the production line. The likes of Lee Brennan and his brother Rory have stepped up seemlessly and with the invaluable experience (and quality) of the Cavanaghs, McMahons, Peter Harte, Matty Donnelly etc + McAliskey on form (one of the countrys top forwards in my eyes) they could in fact claim sam this year.
Just another note on Derry, while I do believe they have improved I still wouldnt get carried away If I was a Derry fan as a fair few supporters seem to be doing so. They have some 'ok' forwards but despite scoring big in mckenna cup games I dont see any consistent scorers for them come the business phase of the season with the possible exception of a fit Mark Lynch and if Lynn and Heron are played further up the pitch. Ulster and Ireland need a strong Derry so I hope im wrong but in reality Fermanagh should have had them out of sight by half time 2 weeks ago while Cavan will feel they should have got something last week.
Thats my 10p's worth of wisdom anyways, it has shaped up nicely for alot of competitive div 2 games to come so we cant complain too much!

RedRum (Fermanagh) - Posts: 278 - 11/02/2016 09:52:58    1824594

The fridge. Its actually a nickname he got in primary school for been the tallest lad in his class by some distance. It stuck with him since . Bit like the Gooch , even all his teammates call him biggie.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 11/02/2016 10:52:05    1824615

The fridge- Tyrone started with 2 from last years u21 side not the 7 Tomas O'Se claimed. Galway started with 6 of last years u21 side and brought on 2 subs who are u21 this year, the Galway team is a lot younger than Tyrone were on Sunday and a lot more inexperienced.

Tyrone are comfortably the best team in the division and will be be promoted. Galway are a work in progress after years of been left behind due to poor management and its going to take time to get it right.

TheWestIsAwake (UK) - Posts: 529 - 11/02/2016 11:16:46    1824627

I saw Galway on Sunday and I felt they were a poor enough side.....Tyrone conceded 1-3 when Colm Cav was black carded and Tyrone had 7 U21's from last year on at them stage.
The fridge just as a matter of interest can you name the 7 who were all on the pitch for the last 15 mins?

Belclare1 (Galway) - Posts: 1626 - 11/02/2016 11:17:59    1824629

Last year Meath where shocking against a poor Westmeath side.

The_Fridge (Tyrone) - Posts:23 - 10/02/2016 18:19:24 1824508

I suggest you watch a replay of that match. Meath were brilliant in the first half . they weren't altogether shocking in the second either. Westmeath threw off the shackles and went for it. but it's not fair to say Meath were "shocking"

s goldrick (Cavan) - Posts: 5518 - 11/02/2016 11:24:53    1824632

They were shocking in the last 20 minutes Goldrick. Quite a collapse.

gotmilk (Fermanagh) - Posts: 4971 - 11/02/2016 12:05:40    1824651

You are telling us you weren't shocked by what you were seeing in the second half of that match Goldrick?

benched (Tyrone) - Posts: 534 - 11/02/2016 12:11:03    1824656

As soon as biggie got the unfair black card (it was rescinded afterwards) Meath fell apart , he was the one everything was going through and McMahon was having a field day, but even in first half there was gaps in defense these weren't rectified in dressing room and when the major threat went, Westmeath could concentrate on going forward .

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 11/02/2016 12:38:04    1824666