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Replying To Cabbagepatch1667: "Caufiled gets pushed around far too much too, he's a great player who has a bottomless engine but he's too nice, probably the same thing can be said for Caufield. Killian Smyth from what I've seen from him at club level has a bit more steel but he's not ready to start yet - looks to be Keoghan's long term replacement though.
I think we've seen enough of Billy Hogan to know he's not the answer either. Too many times I've seen him put his kickout straight over the sideline, let soft goals in (Leinster Final) and is generally quite poor at free/45s. Brennan has been fairly solid throughout the league and his left foot was an asset from placed balls.
I'm not saying the position isn't up for grabs, but Billy Hogan offers nothing extra." I think Brennan and Hogan are very similar in that they can do some stuff really well - kick outs, shot stopping and free taking - but can also be erratic enough at times. Would actually of had Brennan as a good shot stopper but was all over the shop on Sunday and it was like Hogan last year conceding sloppy goals. Again though, Westmeath attackers didn't have a hand laid on them so if they're stopped out the field, no chance of conceding some of the ugly goals we did.
NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 105 - 24/04/2026 15:58:31
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Replying To seadog54: "Its a mistake Meath have been guilty of over last number of years beliving same team will come good next time out. Last Sunday we looked like a team that were trying to ease themselves into Leinster , peaking for final but WM had other ideas. Our defence is poor both individually and the system, their no 13 made several Meath players look way off required level.
Their main goal now gone its going to be a difficult reset. Hopefully Jones, Costello and one or two more can provide a freshness we badly need." Would fully agree on the point on the defensive system and personnel. We're not set up right and some of the mistakes we made were scarily bad.
A lot of people saying Westmeath are a good team and the number 13 was good and what not. But let's look at reality here, they're decent at best and we struggled so bad. Luke Loughlin is top class but was carrying a hamstring. The rest of their good players are out the field in Connellan and Whittaker. And we still couldn't stop them. The top teams would nullify that threat against weaker teams knowing they've 2/3 players who can do damage.
NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 105 - 24/04/2026 16:15:13
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Under Robbie Brennan this year, in 2026 Meath has had the best results achieved by a senior mens team in over a quarter of a century. So good to see this & credit where credit is due to players, Robbie, Conor and Shane.
Success to date has been achieved with a free flowing approach which has enabled some players to flourish further & basically winning by scoring more than the opposing team on the day.
Careless turnovers up the field & defensive shortcomings were identified last year as well as during this years League with Aaron Kernan being appointed as defensive coach to address these defensive issues.
There is now a 5 week window to address these [defense] shortcomings after being badly caught cold by Westmeath last Sunday on both sides of the line.
Surgery is required, necessary and apparent if this Meath team is to improve further. I look forward to the return of Costelloe, Jones and Grey to full fitness to increase personnel options. I think if our players/team collectively play less 'Nice', with more of an edge & become more calculating as a unit, results can improve further.
Winning beats the hell out of freedom of expression in a game every time.
So come on Aaron Kiernan, prove your worth to enable this good team becoming a great team.
5 weeks, no bs, it can be done & we will be forever in your debt.
meath1967 (Meath) - Posts: 60 - 24/04/2026 23:44:23
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Team going forward. Not a major shake up needed but still changes badly needed.
1. Sean Brennan
2. Seamus Lavin (on thin ice)
3. Sean Rafferty (needs to improve massively)
4. Donal Keogan (needed more here)
5. Matthew Costello (played wing back before)
6. Sean Coffey
7. Ciaran Caulfield
8. Bryan Menton (not for 70 minutes)
9. Jack Flynn
10. Adam O'Neill (breaking ball, double ups)
11. Ruari Kinsella
12. Jack O'Connor
13. Jordan Morris
14. Eoghan Frayne
15. James Conlon (start him, end of story)
Impact subs
1. Ronan Jones
2. Cian McBride
3. Keith Curtis
4. Aaron Lynch
5. Ronan Ryan
6. Cathal Hickey
BigJoe14 (Meath) - Posts: 1018 - 25/04/2026 13:34:39
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Replying To BigJoe14: "Team going forward. Not a major shake up needed but still changes badly needed.
1. Sean Brennan
2. Seamus Lavin (on thin ice)
3. Sean Rafferty (needs to improve massively)
4. Donal Keogan (needed more here)
5. Matthew Costello (played wing back before)
6. Sean Coffey
7. Ciaran Caulfield
8. Bryan Menton (not for 70 minutes)
9. Jack Flynn
10. Adam O'Neill (breaking ball, double ups)
11. Ruari Kinsella
12. Jack O'Connor
13. Jordan Morris
14. Eoghan Frayne
15. James Conlon (start him, end of story)
Impact subs
1. Ronan Jones
2. Cian McBride
3. Keith Curtis
4. Aaron Lynch
5. Ronan Ryan
6. Cathal Hickey" Totally disagree with costello, our half back line were breezed by last weekend, costello is certainly not gonna be any different, just put oneill straight into the back 6 somewhere, why not 6 with coffey out to wing. Costello starts wing forward then.
southmeathgael (Meath) - Posts: 1072 - 25/04/2026 17:04:16
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Replying To southmeathgael: "Totally disagree with costello, our half back line were breezed by last weekend, costello is certainly not gonna be any different, just put oneill straight into the back 6 somewhere, why not 6 with coffey out to wing. Costello starts wing forward then." Agree. Costello not a defender. He is an excellant attacker but was uncomfortable defending against Louth when tracking back last year. Definately need a natural centre back but remains to be seen if that is O'Neill. The form of our defenders individually and collectively very worrying. Rafferty, Coffey, and Caulfield's form has fallen off a cliff. Competitition and opportunities to others definately needed. Same players keep getting taken off regardless of performance. McBride and JOC contributing more than most of our defenders.
winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 981 - 25/04/2026 19:45:20
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Replying To winatallcost: "Agree. Costello not a defender. He is an excellant attacker but was uncomfortable defending against Louth when tracking back last year. Definately need a natural centre back but remains to be seen if that is O'Neill. The form of our defenders individually and collectively very worrying. Rafferty, Coffey, and Caulfield's form has fallen off a cliff. Competitition and opportunities to others definately needed. Same players keep getting taken off regardless of performance. McBride and JOC contributing more than most of our defenders." Not sure whether you are right about about Jack O'Connor contributing more than most of our defenders. Was it not his man Matthew Whittaker (7) that ran riot in the first half against us? He was brilliant along with McCartan and Loughlin.
That said, I agree that we need to make changes in defence - Brennan will need to assess in the next few weeks just how significant those changes will be.
Personally, I would take some risks to try and assess our best options going forward. Realistically, we are not in contention for the all-ireland so planning for next year in Division 1 should start here.
stillaroyal (Meath) - Posts: 228 - 26/04/2026 11:38:30
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Replying To stillaroyal: "Not sure whether you are right about about Jack O'Connor contributing more than most of our defenders. Was it not his man Matthew Whittaker (7) that ran riot in the first half against us? He was brilliant along with McCartan and Loughlin.
That said, I agree that we need to make changes in defence - Brennan will need to assess in the next few weeks just how significant those changes will be.
Personally, I would take some risks to try and assess our best options going forward. Realistically, we are not in contention for the all-ireland so planning for next year in Division 1 should start here." I meant contributing in general and across all games this year. Management take off JOC and McBride regardless of how they are performing while struggling defenders remain on the field. It was the defenders around Whittaker that didn't prevent the goal. Perhaps that is due to options but the likes of McCarrick maybe should be pushed up as an option too. Smyth, Hickey and McDonnell should be thinking when are they going to get either a chance from the start or at least be used from bench. Ronan Ryan is the next in for fullbackline.
Agree about trying a few things. We would struggle in Div 1 with same setup and personnel in defence.
Would like to see Jamie Murphy given a chance at full forward. We haven't got presence in there at the moment.
winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 981 - 26/04/2026 13:00:32
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Replying To BigJoe14: "Team going forward. Not a major shake up needed but still changes badly needed.
1. Sean Brennan
2. Seamus Lavin (on thin ice)
3. Sean Rafferty (needs to improve massively)
4. Donal Keogan (needed more here)
5. Matthew Costello (played wing back before)
6. Sean Coffey
7. Ciaran Caulfield
8. Bryan Menton (not for 70 minutes)
9. Jack Flynn
10. Adam O'Neill (breaking ball, double ups)
11. Ruari Kinsella
12. Jack O'Connor
13. Jordan Morris
14. Eoghan Frayne
15. James Conlon (start him, end of story)
Impact subs
1. Ronan Jones
2. Cian McBride
3. Keith Curtis
4. Aaron Lynch
5. Ronan Ryan
6. Cathal Hickey" 1Brennan
2Keoghan
3ronan ryan
4lavin/o o'halloran either
5coffey
6Rafferty
7caulfield
8flynn
9Menton
10jack o Conor
11Kinsella
12Adam o neill
13James Conlon
14Matt Costello
15 Morris
O neil drops in front of Rafferty and if Rafferty goes he drops in and picks up his man.Rafferty is a good ball carrier and player but doesn't get on the ball enough at 3.O neil will pick up breaks around the middle but tell him to stay and mind the backline.That may leave them with an extra man do they put him inside in front of morris/conlon or does he go around the middle?If they drop him inside then we run at them if not you have 2v2 inside and I'd back morris and Conlon to win ball if it's in space in front of them not high balls in. costello comes out out and roams.That (o neil) should help defence wise and not be so open.Ryan has done very well when hes come in and Keoghan is better man marker than most of the backs.I know I will get slaughtered for not playing Frayne(the captain) but think we need to change it up a bit.Would be a good option to come on,mac bride for Menton after 50 mins or so as well.Really disappointing the last day but we have been lucky not to concede more goals through the league..Better teams wont let you off and in fairness Westmeath could've had another 2 goals.
Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 410 - 26/04/2026 13:36:12
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Replying To gwanyagudthing: "Robbie has a big decision to make (I assume he's already made the decision earlier this week) around whether we stick or twist with the defence - put it all down to a lack of intensity on the day and hope defence improves with greater intensity or look at the bigger picture and admit that there have been issues for a while now. He's a smart guy so I think he'll look at the bigger picture but it's a big call to rearrange the defence and possibly bench 1 or 2 guys. As the poster said he has 5 weeks so plenty of time to work on a new set up. Personally, I'll be disappointed if we see the same starting 15 and set up the next day out. It's too early in this team's journey to be sticking rigidly to something when it's clearly not working as it should." Brennan is a stick type of manager. I see no twists coming. I honestly don't see changes coming.
If subs were close to starting we'd see them off the bench more prominently.
50:50 Ryan comes in for ohalloran, which would be ohalloran lost his place as opposed to Ryan earning it.
Costello into the forwards and McBride benched would make a big difference. Mcbride does have big impact off the bench(limited football which shows in 70 mins).
Banty was probably held because of costello being injured. Without banty we've no scores on the bench. Lynch earned his spot when banty was injured- but maybe he's lost it now.
I would like to see Brennan have a bit more ambition with the squad selections, I would like to see O'Neill to start more as defensive cover.
royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 77 - 26/04/2026 13:56:37
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Replying To Proudroyal: "1Brennan
2Keoghan
3ronan ryan
4lavin/o o'halloran either
5coffey
6Rafferty
7caulfield
8flynn
9Menton
10jack o Conor
11Kinsella
12Adam o neill
13James Conlon
14Matt Costello
15 Morris
O neil drops in front of Rafferty and if Rafferty goes he drops in and picks up his man.Rafferty is a good ball carrier and player but doesn't get on the ball enough at 3.O neil will pick up breaks around the middle but tell him to stay and mind the backline.That may leave them with an extra man do they put him inside in front of morris/conlon or does he go around the middle?If they drop him inside then we run at them if not you have 2v2 inside and I'd back morris and Conlon to win ball if it's in space in front of them not high balls in. costello comes out out and roams.That (o neil) should help defence wise and not be so open.Ryan has done very well when hes come in and Keoghan is better man marker than most of the backs.I know I will get slaughtered for not playing Frayne(the captain) but think we need to change it up a bit.Would be a good option to come on,mac bride for Menton after 50 mins or so as well.Really disappointing the last day but we have been lucky not to concede more goals through the league..Better teams wont let you off and in fairness Westmeath could've had another 2 goals." Keoghan to corner back is a must. When Martin O'Connell got older he moved from half back to corner back and that's what needs to happen with Keoghan as we all know his ability but the legs are just going a bit.
There is no chance Frayne is dropped. Not that he's exceptional but he's captain and is a steady Eddie. Would agree that ONeill and Costello need to be straight back in when fit and probably Conlon. They only question is if he has same impact from the start.
NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 105 - 26/04/2026 15:15:21
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1. Brennan
2. Keoghan
3. O Neill
4. Ryan
5. Coffey
6. Rafferty
7. Caufield
8. Flynn
9. McBride
10. Costello
11. Kinsella
12. O Connor
13. Morris
14. Curtis
15. Frayne
Brennan is just slightly a head of Hogan but there is not much between them.
Keoghan slots back into his natural position at corner back. O Neill brings a bit of height to the fullback line and cover against high ball while Ryan is a tight tigerish man marker who needs to bring his Sunmerhill form into Meath.
Coffey and Caufield have licence to bomb forward while Rafferty minds the centre and is able to do a better man marking job than Coffey if required.
Flynn is first choice at midfield for me and McBride seems like the obvious partner but needs to up his game. Menton just doesn't have the legs for midfield.
Costello adds an extra option on the kickout and has a good running game. Kinsella and and O Connor pick themselves at the minute.
Morris and Frayne pick themselves but we have an issue at full forward. Conlon can be marked out of games if not given space, Lynch is similar and also doesn't show enough. Curtis is probably the pick of the 3 of them but wouldn't be sold on him.
Our bench has good cover though, Lavin, O Halloren, Smyth, Hickey, Gray, Menton, Jones, Duke, Martin, Lynch and Conlon
UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 469 - 26/04/2026 19:21:46
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Replying To UsernameInvalid: "1. Brennan
2. Keoghan
3. O Neill
4. Ryan
5. Coffey
6. Rafferty
7. Caufield
8. Flynn
9. McBride
10. Costello
11. Kinsella
12. O Connor
13. Morris
14. Curtis
15. Frayne
Brennan is just slightly a head of Hogan but there is not much between them.
Keoghan slots back into his natural position at corner back. O Neill brings a bit of height to the fullback line and cover against high ball while Ryan is a tight tigerish man marker who needs to bring his Sunmerhill form into Meath.
Coffey and Caufield have licence to bomb forward while Rafferty minds the centre and is able to do a better man marking job than Coffey if required.
Flynn is first choice at midfield for me and McBride seems like the obvious partner but needs to up his game. Menton just doesn't have the legs for midfield.
Costello adds an extra option on the kickout and has a good running game. Kinsella and and O Connor pick themselves at the minute.
Morris and Frayne pick themselves but we have an issue at full forward. Conlon can be marked out of games if not given space, Lynch is similar and also doesn't show enough. Curtis is probably the pick of the 3 of them but wouldn't be sold on him.
Our bench has good cover though, Lavin, O Halloren, Smyth, Hickey, Gray, Menton, Jones, Duke, Martin, Lynch and Conlon" Like this team a lot. Only think I could see happening is Menton still starting but wouldn't disagree with McBride either.
So I guess we won't face Donegal or Mayo in the first round so that's a plus. The defeat last week was tough but if we've learned anything is that if a team shows up a on given day and is fully prepared like Down and Roscommon were today, you can and will win.
I know it was said last year it was such an open Championship and Kerry still ended up winning it but I think it's extremely open again and it bodes well for us to get back up on the horse. These lads have bounced back before and we all know they can again.
NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 105 - 26/04/2026 23:48:32
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Replying To meath1967: "Under Robbie Brennan this year, in 2026 Meath has had the best results achieved by a senior mens team in over a quarter of a century. So good to see this & credit where credit is due to players, Robbie, Conor and Shane.
Success to date has been achieved with a free flowing approach which has enabled some players to flourish further & basically winning by scoring more than the opposing team on the day.
Careless turnovers up the field & defensive shortcomings were identified last year as well as during this years League with Aaron Kernan being appointed as defensive coach to address these defensive issues.
There is now a 5 week window to address these [defense shortcomings after being badly caught cold by Westmeath last Sunday on both sides of the line.
Surgery is required, necessary and apparent if this Meath team is to improve further. I look forward to the return of Costelloe, Jones and Grey to full fitness to increase personnel options. I think if our players/team collectively play less 'Nice', with more of an edge & become more calculating as a unit, results can improve further.
Winning beats the hell out of freedom of expression in a game every time.
So come on Aaron Kiernan, prove your worth to enable this good team becoming a great team.
5 weeks, no bs, it can be done & we will be forever in your debt."]Getting knocked in the first round of the Championship is our best result in over a quarter of a century?
LobinstownMan (Meath) - Posts: 137 - 27/04/2026 00:40:06
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Replying To UsernameInvalid: "1. Brennan
2. Keoghan
3. O Neill
4. Ryan
5. Coffey
6. Rafferty
7. Caufield
8. Flynn
9. McBride
10. Costello
11. Kinsella
12. O Connor
13. Morris
14. Curtis
15. Frayne
Brennan is just slightly a head of Hogan but there is not much between them.
Keoghan slots back into his natural position at corner back. O Neill brings a bit of height to the fullback line and cover against high ball while Ryan is a tight tigerish man marker who needs to bring his Sunmerhill form into Meath.
Coffey and Caufield have licence to bomb forward while Rafferty minds the centre and is able to do a better man marking job than Coffey if required.
Flynn is first choice at midfield for me and McBride seems like the obvious partner but needs to up his game. Menton just doesn't have the legs for midfield.
Costello adds an extra option on the kickout and has a good running game. Kinsella and and O Connor pick themselves at the minute.
Morris and Frayne pick themselves but we have an issue at full forward. Conlon can be marked out of games if not given space, Lynch is similar and also doesn't show enough. Curtis is probably the pick of the 3 of them but wouldn't be sold on him.
Our bench has good cover though, Lavin, O Halloren, Smyth, Hickey, Gray, Menton, Jones, Duke, Martin, Lynch and Conlon" First person I've seen put Matt Costello in his correct position. He's definitely not a defender but also he's not an inside forward, Colm O'Rourke tried to make him an inside forward and it just didn't work. Doesn't suit him receiving the ball with his back to the goals, He's a brilliant wing forward. Still think Robbie will back Mento in for the rest of championship.
Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 325 - 27/04/2026 08:17:54
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Replying To royalcounty1: "Brennan is a stick type of manager. I see no twists coming. I honestly don't see changes coming.
If subs were close to starting we'd see them off the bench more prominently.
50:50 Ryan comes in for ohalloran, which would be ohalloran lost his place as opposed to Ryan earning it.
Costello into the forwards and McBride benched would make a big difference. Mcbride does have big impact off the bench(limited football which shows in 70 mins).
Banty was probably held because of costello being injured. Without banty we've no scores on the bench. Lynch earned his spot when banty was injured- but maybe he's lost it now.
I would like to see Brennan have a bit more ambition with the squad selections, I would like to see O'Neill to start more as defensive cover." I think you're probably right that Brennan is the type of
manager who likes a settled team. But…I do think these 4/5 weeks will show which of the players has the appetite to go hammer and tongs and that might result in a few changes. We've seen Down and Roscommon now as well as Westmeath - the team that operates at 100 miles an hour and attacks every ball has a great chance against the supposed stronger team. That was always the case but the new rules really amplifies it with the tap and go, 2 pointers, 3-up etc - it rewards attacking play. So, I expect Robbie will be looking out for lads at training who are showing that urgency and aggression to play that game. Big ask to start Costello the next day but I can see him coming on if he's fully fit. We can absolutely do to another team what Westmeath did to us - 100% appetite and aggression from the first minute. But the right personnel need to be on the pitch - the lads that have the hunger for that type of game.
gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 149 - 27/04/2026 09:08:12
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Replying To Sheridan2010louth: "First person I've seen put Matt Costello in his correct position. He's definitely not a defender but also he's not an inside forward, Colm O'Rourke tried to make him an inside forward and it just didn't work. Doesn't suit him receiving the ball with his back to the goals, He's a brilliant wing forward. Still think Robbie will back Mento in for the rest of championship." Costello is 100% a wing forward - hugs the touchline and then makes a burst forward which is very hard to stop. McBride has made great strides but let's be honest, he's not a forward. When Costello comes back in, can see Menton and McBride sharing minutes 50/20, 40/30 whatever the case may be. I can see the logic of having Curtis in there but don't think he has done enough yet this season to warrant a start. Think Frayne continues in the 15 as he is mature and knits it together for the lads around him.
gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 149 - 27/04/2026 11:01:45
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Replying To gwanyagudthing: "I think you're probably right that Brennan is the type of
manager who likes a settled team. But…I do think these 4/5 weeks will show which of the players has the appetite to go hammer and tongs and that might result in a few changes. We've seen Down and Roscommon now as well as Westmeath - the team that operates at 100 miles an hour and attacks every ball has a great chance against the supposed stronger team. That was always the case but the new rules really amplifies it with the tap and go, 2 pointers, 3-up etc - it rewards attacking play. So, I expect Robbie will be looking out for lads at training who are showing that urgency and aggression to play that game. Big ask to start Costello the next day but I can see him coming on if he's fully fit. We can absolutely do to another team what Westmeath did to us - 100% appetite and aggression from the first minute. But the right personnel need to be on the pitch - the lads that have the hunger for that type of game." I dont doubt your sentiment but it is a bit of a myth. There is rarely subs suddenly ripping up trees going hammer and tongs above the first 15 standard, the first 15 will out perform the reserves. 9/10 times.
Championship has come too early for jones, gray, kinlough, the 3 of them are fighting with eachother to even make the squad at this stage.
So realistically there is three two men who can/will come into the team and that is banty or costello and Ryan. The innovation or change will come in how he lines them out and who starts. I dont think we get both banty and costello starting together. I think mcbride,costello,lynch, banty will never all start together.
Say we have a scenario where our last first 15 are the ones driving training on, we will all frame it as brennan is just going with tried and trusted.
I just hope oconnor, morris, menton, caufield, coffey return to their league form, they were all pasengers in terms of impact against WM.
royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 77 - 27/04/2026 15:08:33
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My team for the first round - Open to feedback!
1. Brenno
2. Ronan Ryan
3. Harry OHiggins
4. Raff
5. DK
6. Conor Duke
7. Caufield
8. Mento
9 Gray
10. Jack Oc
11. Kinsella
12. Daithi McGowan
13. Morris
14. Shane Walsh
15. Mahey Costello
Would like to see scully get some more mins too but you would have some good impact subs to bring on aound the 60 min mark if this was the starting 15. Thoughts?
RegionalsGuru (Meath) - Posts: 48 - 27/04/2026 16:33:39
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Replying To RegionalsGuru: "My team for the first round - Open to feedback!
1. Brenno
2. Ronan Ryan
3. Harry OHiggins
4. Raff
5. DK
6. Conor Duke
7. Caufield
8. Mento
9 Gray
10. Jack Oc
11. Kinsella
12. Daithi McGowan
13. Morris
14. Shane Walsh
15. Mahey Costello
Would like to see scully get some more mins too but you would have some good impact subs to bring on aound the 60 min mark if this was the starting 15. Thoughts?" Shane Walsh who isn't even in the country?!
gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 149 - 27/04/2026 16:49:07
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