Meath Forum

Meath Senior Football Team 2021

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Replying To brian:  "That's fair and as i say I'm not having a go at Andy about it. If he's familiar which he obviously is with Shane and David being his own sons and the wider dunboyne players as he'd regularly see their matches but I'd think surely there's others that deserve a chance just as much if not more so.

In my opinion theres Brian McGrath, Niall Kane and Shane Gallgher from Simonstown, Aaron Lynch from Trim, Oisin Reilly and Seamus Mattimoe from Kells, Daithi and Gavin McGowan from Ratoath, Eoin Lynch from Longwood who would not be out of place in that panel and I'm sure there's others that people would consider.

Now i qualify the above in that we've no idea who Andy has approached and they've said no for whatever reasons so I'm not going to hammer the man if those players are unable or unwilling to commit and the lads from Dunboyne are willing to do so.

At the end of the day they're 15 Meath men pulling on green jersies, who've given their all and sacrificed more than any of us will ever know and I'll support them and management no matter what.

On a point Longwood made, i do agree that these lads could do with a bit of know how about the Joe Cassells, Gerry McEntee's, Mick Lyons etc. Most of this panel would barely remember the last time Meath lifted a Sam so maybe a bit of history about them and what it was like for them to struggle through the early 80's and ultimately come through in the late 80's would help these lads. Lets not forget Andy was on some of those teams so he should know them to be able to ask them to come in. Give thse lads an idea of how to put some @Meathness@ back into that jersey for want of putting it another way.

Looking at a Lions trip coming up and how they always bring in some players from prior tours to talk to the team about previous battles and how the locals won't respect them etc. You can visibly see the impact it has on some players so why not try something like that. That's not to say it hasn't been already done and again we don't know about it."
Some excellent choices there , especially Daithi McGowan who has to be one of the best midfield type players in Meath or has the potential to be if trained properly there . Brian McGrath is also a great you wing back and worth a shot . I saw a young lad play second team for Simonstown last year , it was Brin Conlon brother , what an athlete , could be another prospect for the middle . Barry O Connell from Waltertown also has plenty of ability along with Oisin McCloskey from Na Fianna .

Bear10 (Meath) - Posts: 463 - 13/05/2021 10:24:17    2341412

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Any reason why Davy Mcloughlin from moynalvey has never been part of the panel?

Anmhi364 (Meath) - Posts: 65 - 13/05/2021 10:39:54    2341417

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Replying To Anmhi364:  "Any reason why Davy Mcloughlin from moynalvey has never been part of the panel?"
I'm fairly sure he declined the invitation. He has a load of talent

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1462 - 13/05/2021 12:19:00    2341449

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Replying To Bear10:  "Some excellent choices there , especially Daithi McGowan who has to be one of the best midfield type players in Meath or has the potential to be if trained properly there . Brian McGrath is also a great you wing back and worth a shot . I saw a young lad play second team for Simonstown last year , it was Brin Conlon brother , what an athlete , could be another prospect for the middle . Barry O Connell from Waltertown also has plenty of ability along with Oisin McCloskey from Na Fianna ."
Yeah, some good players there. I hope we can see McCloskey be a star for the 20s this year after a great senior championship last year. McGowan was on the panel pre-pandemic last year and then when county returned he was off the footballers and on the hurlers. Not sure what the story is there but I'd like to see him playing senior too. And definitely agree about Brian McGrath, a brilliant engine, only issue for him is that the half-back line with Harnan, Keoghan, James Mc, Cathal Hickey, and even Matt Costello there last year it's a line of strength.

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1462 - 13/05/2021 12:48:12    2341456

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Replying To seadog54:  "Meath will never see a return to the type of player we had in the 80/90s, that ship has sailed long ago, game has moved on and Meath like all others have by and large adapted to new rules and culture within the game. By the standards of 80/90s red cards are now issued for what would have been viewed as minor offences, so forget about the hard man there to do a job, his day is over. The win at all cost or die trying mentality has been removed from most team sports to the benefit of players. Play like that today and we will be lucky to have ten men left on field by half-time. Have watched Meath for over fifty years and think current players commit every bit as much to the Meath jersey as did their predecessors, if fact probably more so, in what they give up to be part of the panel. I dont think we have lost our identity any more than any other county, its just that times have changed and players may no longer be as interested in history or tradition as players who went before them. This can be seen when players take a year or two out to go travelling, playing for Meath for them is still an honour, however it is also a pastime and in no way detracts from their Meathness. The first bit of the jigsaw is that they want/good enough to play for Meath, thereafter it is up to management to shape them into a balanced team. I have little doubt that current panel are fully aware of their identity, the expectations on their shoulders and will give their best in coming season."
im not convinced of that Seadog...im not saying you are wrong , but I do know for instance that Limericks re mergence as a powerhouse in hurling is deeply embedded in the Tradition & History of that green jersey & their rich history in the game ....added to that , and they wont openly say it...but while it has many influences , I do know that one is the determination & drive to "right" past wrongs were they left countless titles behind them , because there was a perception that they were "losers" ...this has been a powerful force ....im not saying its been the difference, but they have embraced it ...another thing in Limerick...look at the family connections form previous generations

Thelongwoodslasher (Meath) - Posts: 385 - 13/05/2021 13:28:42    2341464

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Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "Yeah, some good players there. I hope we can see McCloskey be a star for the 20s this year after a great senior championship last year. McGowan was on the panel pre-pandemic last year and then when county returned he was off the footballers and on the hurlers. Not sure what the story is there but I'd like to see him playing senior too. And definitely agree about Brian McGrath, a brilliant engine, only issue for him is that the half-back line with Harnan, Keoghan, James Mc, Cathal Hickey, and even Matt Costello there last year it's a line of strength."
Yeah , McCloskey is a real star in the making for Na Fianna and should anchor their defence in the future . Just wondering if Conor Frayne ( summerhill) will come through at some stage to play county senior ( what an underage player !!) Arron Lynch ( Trim ) another Talent to watch out for alongside Finnerty for Skyrne

Bear10 (Meath) - Posts: 463 - 13/05/2021 14:50:53    2341492

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Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "Yeah, some good players there. I hope we can see McCloskey be a star for the 20s this year after a great senior championship last year. McGowan was on the panel pre-pandemic last year and then when county returned he was off the footballers and on the hurlers. Not sure what the story is there but I'd like to see him playing senior too. And definitely agree about Brian McGrath, a brilliant engine, only issue for him is that the half-back line with Harnan, Keoghan, James Mc, Cathal Hickey, and even Matt Costello there last year it's a line of strength."
On the last part about the half back line, I think we'll see a few alterations this year from previous years.
With Gallagher and David Toner gone Donal Keoghan might need to revert to corner back given we've a real dearth of players for the full back line, unless Jordan Muldoon or Eoin Harkin are pencilled in to be tried in the corner? I'd like to see Costello possibly being tried at 10 or 12 this year. He's well able to get a score and break into the space between there and the full forward line. Although with James McEntee hopefully fully fit he'd be able to take that role and leave Costello where he is. Harnan could now feature at midfield with Jones out, although its likely Shane Mc could go in there. And don't forget Ronan Ryan is your likely 6. There's a whole lot of permutations around those jersies from 4 to 12. I'd keep Hickey in reserve personally as we need finishers too who make an impact and he did that every game last year. Much like Joey Wallace, Jason Scully and Banty Conlon you need guys coming in who have a lot of speed and the game has broken up and can take advantage.

It'll be interseting to see if/ when Andy has a full deck who he plays at 11/14 and if Newman and Walsh would work in the same team.

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1954 - 13/05/2021 15:09:22    2341499

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Right this is my Team for Sunday, Ronan Jones

1. Colgan
2. Seamus Lavin
3 C McGill
4. Ronan Ryan
5. Donal Keoghan
6.P Harnan
7 M Costello
8 B Menton
9 E Devine
10 James McEntee
11 Shane Walsh
12 Fionn Reilly
13 Jordan Morris
14 Thomas Reilly
15 Jack Flynn

Bear10 (Meath) - Posts: 463 - 13/05/2021 17:29:25    2341546

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Replying To Bear10:  "Right this is my Team for Sunday, Ronan Jones

1. Colgan
2. Seamus Lavin
3 C McGill
4. Ronan Ryan
5. Donal Keoghan
6.P Harnan
7 M Costello
8 B Menton
9 E Devine
10 James McEntee
11 Shane Walsh
12 Fionn Reilly
13 Jordan Morris
14 Thomas Reilly
15 Jack Flynn"
Jesus Bear10, no Cillian O'Sullivan? I mean i'm critcial of him but i wouldn't omit him from the team, Or was that a total oversight?

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1954 - 13/05/2021 17:34:24    2341550

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Replying To Bear10:  "Right this is my Team for Sunday, Ronan Jones

1. Colgan
2. Seamus Lavin
3 C McGill
4. Ronan Ryan
5. Donal Keoghan
6.P Harnan
7 M Costello
8 B Menton
9 E Devine
10 James McEntee
11 Shane Walsh
12 Fionn Reilly
13 Jordan Morris
14 Thomas Reilly
15 Jack Flynn"
I don't mind a lot of the selections but surely Cillian O'Sullivan has to play somewhere, I think he had his best year for Meath last year. Cillian in for Thomas O'Reilly or Jack Flynn, Walsh at 14 and then Cillian at 11 and I'd like the look of that team

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1462 - 13/05/2021 19:01:43    2341563

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Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "I don't mind a lot of the selections but surely Cillian O'Sullivan has to play somewhere, I think he had his best year for Meath last year. Cillian in for Thomas O'Reilly or Jack Flynn, Walsh at 14 and then Cillian at 11 and I'd like the look of that team"
Oops !! Forgot Cillian , yes has to start, heard Walsh might have an injury so direct replacement

Bear10 (Meath) - Posts: 463 - 13/05/2021 19:25:59    2341568

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Replying To brian:  "Jesus Bear10, no Cillian O'Sullivan? I mean i'm critcial of him but i wouldn't omit him from the team, Or was that a total oversight?"
Oversight Brian , imagine I forgot our most exciting player

Bear10 (Meath) - Posts: 463 - 13/05/2021 19:27:22    2341570

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Replying To Thelongwoodslasher:  "im not convinced of that Seadog...im not saying you are wrong , but I do know for instance that Limericks re mergence as a powerhouse in hurling is deeply embedded in the Tradition & History of that green jersey & their rich history in the game ....added to that , and they wont openly say it...but while it has many influences , I do know that one is the determination & drive to "right" past wrongs were they left countless titles behind them , because there was a perception that they were "losers" ...this has been a powerful force ....im not saying its been the difference, but they have embraced it ...another thing in Limerick...look at the family connections form previous generations"
Fair enough, its just how I see things at the moment. However, I also think Limericks rise is down to having at least 20/25 top class players. Not only are they one of the most physically imposing teams to play the game, combine this with an excellent skillset and a very shrewd manager and you have the perfect platform. Im sure tradition/history plays some part, however, without the first two the latter will never win an All Ireland. Also having strong financial support plays its part. We have a good panel, just need to get the best out of them.

seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2149 - 13/05/2021 19:48:30    2341574

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Replying To brian:  "On the last part about the half back line, I think we'll see a few alterations this year from previous years.
With Gallagher and David Toner gone Donal Keoghan might need to revert to corner back given we've a real dearth of players for the full back line, unless Jordan Muldoon or Eoin Harkin are pencilled in to be tried in the corner? I'd like to see Costello possibly being tried at 10 or 12 this year. He's well able to get a score and break into the space between there and the full forward line. Although with James McEntee hopefully fully fit he'd be able to take that role and leave Costello where he is. Harnan could now feature at midfield with Jones out, although its likely Shane Mc could go in there. And don't forget Ronan Ryan is your likely 6. There's a whole lot of permutations around those jersies from 4 to 12. I'd keep Hickey in reserve personally as we need finishers too who make an impact and he did that every game last year. Much like Joey Wallace, Jason Scully and Banty Conlon you need guys coming in who have a lot of speed and the game has broken up and can take advantage.

It'll be interseting to see if/ when Andy has a full deck who he plays at 11/14 and if Newman and Walsh would work in the same team."
On last years Championship form, DK has to revert to full back line, his presence there should stabilise and bring a bit of calm to a line that defended poorly. Hickey a good replacement at h/b. Like to see Cosello tried at midfield and Harnan at CHB. Campion might be worth a look at CHF. Dont expect Newman to start and Walsh needs to up his game to be considered for nailed on selection. Having said all that, hope team is selected on players showing well in training and with so many subs allowed it gives management plenty of options.

seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2149 - 13/05/2021 20:15:32    2341582

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What is the story with Aaron Lynch from Trim not getting in the squad? Has he been asked or not want to join up? Few forwards on that team wouldnt lace his boots, one of the most raved about players especially on this website alone. What is he missing that wouldnt be added too with experience at this level.
Also agree Shane gallagher is a massive loss, was missed last year especially with toner and others filling in at corner back.

QuarantineJoe (Meath) - Posts: 2 - 14/05/2021 05:05:00    2341626

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Jones breaks his arm and walsh fractures his kneecap, what can go wrong will go wrong.. one thing that's reliable with this team is injuries, unbelievable

redser123 (Meath) - Posts: 403 - 14/05/2021 13:48:46    2341692

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Replying To Anmhi364:  "Any reason why Davy Mcloughlin from moynalvey has never been part of the panel?"
Been asked in at least twice by different managers that I know of.

dunboynelad (Meath) - Posts: 227 - 14/05/2021 14:49:22    2341705

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Replying To redser123:  "Jones breaks his arm and walsh fractures his kneecap, what can go wrong will go wrong.. one thing that's reliable with this team is injuries, unbelievable"
Agree, it's genuinely incredible and a huge dampener for me this week. Would have been very hopeful of a big push back to div 1 but it feels another case of 1 step forward 2 steps back due to injuries and bad luck.

We are where we are though and great to have football back nonetheless

dunboynelad (Meath) - Posts: 227 - 14/05/2021 14:53:03    2341706

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An interesting team. Notable names missing from the 26. Cathal Hickey, Joey Wallace and James McEntee stand out. I like the look of that half forward. Campion and Costello might be our two best kick passers so good to have them both there

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1462 - 15/05/2021 07:59:51    2341824

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Replying To QuarantineJoe:  "What is the story with Aaron Lynch from Trim not getting in the squad? Has he been asked or not want to join up? Few forwards on that team wouldnt lace his boots, one of the most raved about players especially on this website alone. What is he missing that wouldnt be added too with experience at this level.
Also agree Shane gallagher is a massive loss, was missed last year especially with toner and others filling in at corner back."
Have to agree with you there. Only Morris has been a better forward at intermediate level than Lynch over the last 2 years.

Edgeofthesquareman (Meath) - Posts: 6 - 15/05/2021 10:31:14    2341839

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