Meath Forum

Senior Championship 2022

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Replying To kingofclubs:  "The other midfielder for Summerhill is Micheál Byrne, who is about 34. A great example to any young club footballer, he has been a great servant for Summerhill for the past 15 or 16 years. He fielded some great balls yesterday, but could be lacking pace against the likes of Jack Flynn and Daithi McGowan."
Ah right, I thought he looked older alright but was almost hoping he was about 29-30 and might possibly be up for a year or two in the county set up if asked. True, both Flynn and McGowan are quite fast and athletic but they will need to win the ball in order to expose that in Byrne. Summerhill weren't afraid to go long most of the time against a Tones team that would be well known for big fielders i the middle so I doubt they will fear doing it against Ratoath either.

ratlag (Meath) - Posts: 557 - 03/10/2022 16:17:05    2442676

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A lot of talk about Tones not playing or showing up yesterday. Tones stuck to their game plan like it's been all year. They defend with numbers and intensity then hit you on the counter. Summerhill were too clever for that, they always had someone sitting if not two so they didn't get caught.
Key turning point for me was Byrnes catch that paved the way for Fraynes goal. If that Tones free went over they go a point up and possibly leading at half time instead they go in two points down.

Ratoath are a different animal, Bobby O Brien gives them a more physical presence up front than Joey while they still maintain their pace with Eamonn and Bryan. Their midfield is also getting better and better with each game and it's only a matter of time before they are both in with Meath and starting. Once they got the first goal it settled any nerves or doubts they had and but Na Fianna on the back foot

For players to be looked at the coming year Daithi McGowan, Jack Flynn, Cian Rogers, x2 Ryans, x2 Fraynes, Adam McDonnell, John Lavelle, Diarmuid McCabe and x2 O Neills. Some of these lads have been in before but given their championship performances they deserve another shot.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 355 - 03/10/2022 16:34:29    2442679

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Replying To ratlag:  "Ah right, I thought he looked older alright but was almost hoping he was about 29-30 and might possibly be up for a year or two in the county set up if asked. True, both Flynn and McGowan are quite fast and athletic but they will need to win the ball in order to expose that in Byrne. Summerhill weren't afraid to go long most of the time against a Tones team that would be well known for big fielders i the middle so I doubt they will fear doing it against Ratoath either."
Ratoath actually started with two McGowans in Mid field - while Flynn started at wing forward! Flynn and McGowan are mobile alright but I still think Ben McGowan is underrated - he does a lot of the heavy lifting for them!

I think the match ups will be key to the final!

Ronan Ryan on McMahon
Flanagan on McGowan
Larkin on Gavin McGowan (maybe!) I suspect Larkin will play more in the middle and McCabe will go to the wing! Eamon Wallace played at wing back yesterday - a good position for him I think!
Conor Frayne on Ben Wyer or maybe McGill
Eoghan Frayne on McGill maybe
Ross Ryan will likely be on Keith McCabe another of Ratoath's under estimated players!


Anyway - just guessing at the match ups!

Royalblufill (Meath) - Posts: 476 - 03/10/2022 16:44:09    2442680

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Interesting point in Ratoath /Na Fianna game. Na Fianna Keeper caught a high ball above the bar. The ball broke and Bobby O Brien pounced and drove to the net.
The officials ruled that it was a point instead of a goal because they thought the ball dipped over the bar completely before the keeper caught it.
If true it would have been an amazing feat by the keeper. his arms would have to be made made of rubber to bend like that . More likely would be that the GAA are recruiting officials that dont have the experience of trying to play the game at all ,and need some type of training to understand it more. There were a few more inconsistencies such as when to black card or not. In fairness officials were no worse than those that did Ratoath v Moynalvey. and better than a lot of officials

Ashrules (Dublin) - Posts: 518 - 03/10/2022 19:25:50    2442703

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Replying To Sheridan2010louth:  "What performances from the Ryan twins for summerhill today. Dominated Wolfe tones 2 best forwards."
Agreed. And Ronan Ryan destroyed Niall Finnerty in the quarter too. And Ross definitely got the better of Daragh Campion

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1458 - 04/10/2022 08:35:16    2442727

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Replying To Ashrules:  "Interesting point in Ratoath /Na Fianna game. Na Fianna Keeper caught a high ball above the bar. The ball broke and Bobby O Brien pounced and drove to the net.
The officials ruled that it was a point instead of a goal because they thought the ball dipped over the bar completely before the keeper caught it.
If true it would have been an amazing feat by the keeper. his arms would have to be made made of rubber to bend like that . More likely would be that the GAA are recruiting officials that dont have the experience of trying to play the game at all ,and need some type of training to understand it more. There were a few more inconsistencies such as when to black card or not. In fairness officials were no worse than those that did Ratoath v Moynalvey. and better than a lot of officials"
In fairness he's the tallest keeper I've seen play in Pairc Tailteann. He caught the ball well over the bar. The umpire was on the ball to raise the white flag straight away, whether the whole ball was over the line I couldn't say from where I was sitting.

royal11 (Meath) - Posts: 95 - 04/10/2022 12:00:42    2442761

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What are the predictions and potential matchups for Sunday?

Thestaters (Meath) - Posts: 13 - 11/10/2022 11:17:04    2443541

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Would have tipped Ratoath at the start of the year but Summerhill have exceeded expectations. If you can afford to leave Dardis, Dalton, Shaw, Larkin on the bench - it suggests more quality than a Joey-less Ratoath who's bench - all of a sudden - does not seem to carry the same threat as previous years!

GenderNeutral (Meath) - Posts: 112 - 11/10/2022 13:54:01    2443579

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Replying To Thestaters:  "What are the predictions and potential matchups for Sunday?"
My first prediction is that it will be a cracking game!

In terms of match ups - here are just a few

Ben Wyer to mark Eoin Frayne - 2 very fine young players both with underage experience with Meath! Wyer will have his hands full but he is an underestimated player and this battle could be crucial!

My guess is that McGill will take Conor Frayne leaving the experienced O'Fearraigh to take Dardis (if he starts!) - if not he'll pick up Lyons!

Midfield - Ben McGowan to be up against Flanagan and David McGowan to be up against Byrne. Ben and Flanagan are also a little underestimated in my view and this will be a good match up. The younger McGowan and Byrne have both been playing well but are very different players. McGowan is more dynamic, but Byrne has experience and will be concentrated for the whole game. I think midfield will be a key area!

In terms of the match up's in the backs - it will be interesting to see who the two Ryan's pick up! Bobby O'Brien has been a great boost to Ratoath this year with Joe Wallace injured and will be a handful! I think Ronan will be on Bobby! McMahon is a better player in the full forward line than in the half forward line where Andy played him for the county and as seen in the semi only needs a half chance to get goals! I think he will need to be picked up by Ross Ryan although I'm not sure Summerhill will play the two Ryan's in the full back line. I'd say John Lavelle will pick up McMahon and leave Ross Ryan to pick up Cian Rogers!

Padraic Geraghty will be tasked with picking up Jack Flynn I'd guess - another interesting match up!

Gavin McGowan will probably be asked to pick up David Larkin and then Eamon Wallace who has been playing at wing back is likely to be up against Kevin Ryan with Andy Gerrard up against Diarmuid McCabe!!

Good battles all over the pitch - the benches could really be the difference and I think I give the edge here to Summerhill but with that said I'm going to go with a Ratoath win - with the 3 McGowans supported by Keith McCabe and Cian O'Brien to come out on top of the match ups in the middle with Flanagan, Byrne, McDonnell, Larkin and Gearghty! Ratoath by 2 in the best match of the year!!

Royalblufill (Meath) - Posts: 476 - 11/10/2022 14:29:08    2443585

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Replying To Royalblufill:  "My first prediction is that it will be a cracking game!

In terms of match ups - here are just a few

Ben Wyer to mark Eoin Frayne - 2 very fine young players both with underage experience with Meath! Wyer will have his hands full but he is an underestimated player and this battle could be crucial!

My guess is that McGill will take Conor Frayne leaving the experienced O'Fearraigh to take Dardis (if he starts!) - if not he'll pick up Lyons!

Midfield - Ben McGowan to be up against Flanagan and David McGowan to be up against Byrne. Ben and Flanagan are also a little underestimated in my view and this will be a good match up. The younger McGowan and Byrne have both been playing well but are very different players. McGowan is more dynamic, but Byrne has experience and will be concentrated for the whole game. I think midfield will be a key area!

In terms of the match up's in the backs - it will be interesting to see who the two Ryan's pick up! Bobby O'Brien has been a great boost to Ratoath this year with Joe Wallace injured and will be a handful! I think Ronan will be on Bobby! McMahon is a better player in the full forward line than in the half forward line where Andy played him for the county and as seen in the semi only needs a half chance to get goals! I think he will need to be picked up by Ross Ryan although I'm not sure Summerhill will play the two Ryan's in the full back line. I'd say John Lavelle will pick up McMahon and leave Ross Ryan to pick up Cian Rogers!

Padraic Geraghty will be tasked with picking up Jack Flynn I'd guess - another interesting match up!

Gavin McGowan will probably be asked to pick up David Larkin and then Eamon Wallace who has been playing at wing back is likely to be up against Kevin Ryan with Andy Gerrard up against Diarmuid McCabe!!

Good battles all over the pitch - the benches could really be the difference and I think I give the edge here to Summerhill but with that said I'm going to go with a Ratoath win - with the 3 McGowans supported by Keith McCabe and Cian O'Brien to come out on top of the match ups in the middle with Flanagan, Byrne, McDonnell, Larkin and Gearghty! Ratoath by 2 in the best match of the year!!"
Think it will be a good game too! Not sure of the match ups but I think it will be a really tight affair! I hope the weather is decent although it looks like it will be wet and windy!

I think Ratoath will edge it - they really could have won last year and have been the best team consistently for the past 4 years! Conor McGill is their Captain this year - couldn't be a more fitting man to lift Keegan!

ASaminthehand (Meath) - Posts: 422 - 13/10/2022 15:45:44    2443862

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Looking forward to this, should be a cracking game, the two best teams in the county! Fancy Ratoath to pull away at the end and take Keegan by 3 to 4 points!

Royalroller (Meath) - Posts: 85 - 14/10/2022 15:29:03    2443986

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Think this is Summerhill's year. Their run reminds me of Tones' last year. Exceptional defence backed by a more than capable attack, dumped out the reigning champions in the semi final and are outsiders in the final. Also, Joey Wallace was the man of the match in both our final wins and it remains to be seen how we will do without him this time. Also, the fact that this will be Summerhill's 4th final in 6 years, they will be desperate not to lose another final.
Wind and rain looks like its rolling in at some point on Sunday afternoon so that could have an impact on the quality of the game, depending on when it arrives.

Ratoath Royal (Meath) - Posts: 1362 - 14/10/2022 16:01:57    2443989

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Fascinating final

One team has not conceded a goal in the championship.

The other has scored 13.

Looks like the weather will make it a game of two half's with wind and that just might suit The Hill.

thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1048 - 15/10/2022 17:46:34    2444094

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Hopefully a great game

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 15/10/2022 19:48:05    2444121

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Well done to rathoath. Proving to be the most consistent team in Meath. Now go on and do the county proud in Leinster. From here on in we are all rathoath supporters.
Sincere hard luck to summerhill. I would have loved for Connor Gillespie for you to have prevailed but you can be very proud of ur achievements this year.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 16/10/2022 16:56:30    2444203

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I wouldn't call it a classic but it was enthralling! I thought Ratoath looked the better team when they played and moved the ball at pace - Summerhill might feel this was one that got away but I think Ratoath deserved it!
Some decent performances on both sides!
The game was played in a largely positive spirit - Shame about the incident near the end! Fair play to the ref and linesmen who dealt with it well!

Well done Ratoath worthy champions and hopefully they will give Leinster a real run!

Royalblufill (Meath) - Posts: 476 - 16/10/2022 18:36:40    2444230

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Replying To Royalblufill:  "I wouldn't call it a classic but it was enthralling! I thought Ratoath looked the better team when they played and moved the ball at pace - Summerhill might feel this was one that got away but I think Ratoath deserved it!
Some decent performances on both sides!
The game was played in a largely positive spirit - Shame about the incident near the end! Fair play to the ref and linesmen who dealt with it well!

Well done Ratoath worthy champions and hopefully they will give Leinster a real run!"
Agree, this is one that got away for Shill, they didnt bring close to their best today and lost by 1. Ratoath worthy winners on the day. Shill very stand offish in the 1st half.

Cant get my head around Joey Wallace coming on with a torn cruciate only to come off minutes later and probaly has tore it even worse now. Silly courage.

Worrying lack of stand out performances from a meath perspective particularly in both forward lines.

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 142 - 16/10/2022 21:51:09    2444254

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Replying To Sheridan2010louth:  "Agree, this is one that got away for Shill, they didnt bring close to their best today and lost by 1. Ratoath worthy winners on the day. Shill very stand offish in the 1st half.

Cant get my head around Joey Wallace coming on with a torn cruciate only to come off minutes later and probaly has tore it even worse now. Silly courage.

Worrying lack of stand out performances from a meath perspective particularly in both forward lines."
That's probably joey out from the Meath panel now. Silly decision. Yeah no real standouts I'm afraid perhaps the motm (btw I thought it should have been Eamonn wallace). But apart from that worrying we not seen any players to put their hands up for inclusion.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 17/10/2022 08:45:46    2444260

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Lads I see on the match report that Jack flynn got man of the match, I was at the game and didn't think he stood out at all,I thought eamonn Wallace had much more of an impact on the game

royal1967 (Meath) - Posts: 257 - 17/10/2022 09:09:49    2444266

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Congratulations to Ratoath. 3 in 4 is a very impressive achievement and doing it after been junior only 10 years earlier is remarkable. Yes they have the population but as Ashbourne and St Colmcilles will tell you it's hard to translate it from underage. They were deserved winners. Shill had chances but the better team won. The Leinster draw actually sets up nicely. Portarlington, Naas and Kilmacud on the other side. St Lomans, Newtown and Mullinalaghta are already gone and they'd have a lot of Leinster experience. Rhode are a very good side but they do seem to be ageing and haven't played for 6 weeks and I believe it is in Navan

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1458 - 17/10/2022 09:42:59    2444270

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