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Let the games begin - I think there should be a forum for each league. For me Kerry to win the league, Dublin to finish mid table whilst they settle into a new regime and Meath to be relegated possibly pointless.
sam1884 (UK) - Posts: 999 - 20/01/2020 08:02:19
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Replying To sam1884: "Let the games begin - I think there should be a forum for each league. For me Kerry to win the league, Dublin to finish mid table whilst they settle into a new regime and Meath to be relegated possibly pointless." I think a Kerry Dublin final but Galway won't be a million miles away. They're my team to watch this year. Meath and Monaghan are my favourites to go down. Wouldn't be surprised if we join one of them if we don't win both our opening two games against them.
OGarmaile (Tyrone) - Posts: 248 - 20/01/2020 09:38:28
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For me Division 1 is all about staying in it and trying to bring through new players. But given the Seigerson Cup defeats of UCC and ITT Kerry will actually have nearly a full deck of players to choose from, I also think our young players would really benefit from winning a national title to set them up for, hopefully, a long summer. So I would actually be looking for Kerry to make a serious go of the League this year.
As regards the rest, I'd agree Meath will probably find it though.
I'd also think Tyrone might be in trouble with their star man gone and the fact they've only 3 home games and all of them against tough opponents.
TheHermit (Kerry) - Posts: 6354 - 20/01/2020 10:01:33
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Think Monaghan will be under a bit of pressure myself. They looked awful in the McKenna cup final, granted they were missing alot of starters but you'd be worried if Mcmanus or McCarron picked up a knock. None of the newer lads looked near county level. Scoreline flattered Tyrone. Could also see Tyrone getting in a bit of bother with McShane and Donnelly. Meath first game in Navan won't be easy either. Meath probably struggle too with Newman out. Be reliant on Walsh and Conlon who are still very young and winter ball might not suit them especially Walsh. Dublin and Kerry to contest the final I think.
MarkRule (Mayo) - Posts: 41 - 20/01/2020 10:36:11
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Replying To MarkRule: "Think Monaghan will be under a bit of pressure myself. They looked awful in the McKenna cup final, granted they were missing alot of starters but you'd be worried if Mcmanus or McCarron picked up a knock. None of the newer lads looked near county level. Scoreline flattered Tyrone. Could also see Tyrone getting in a bit of bother with McShane and Donnelly. Meath first game in Navan won't be easy either. Meath probably struggle too with Newman out. Be reliant on Walsh and Conlon who are still very young and winter ball might not suit them especially Walsh. Dublin and Kerry to contest the final I think." Good shout about Monaghan, they've given the county a great decade and a half but I reckon the next decade is going to be very hard on Monaghan football. It wouldn't surprise me if they spent most of it in Division 3. One thing about Harte he always keeps Tyrone in Div 1 and has them somewhat competitive in the championship without any hope of winning the All Ireland - they'll be fine and stay up comfortably.
sam1884 (UK) - Posts: 999 - 20/01/2020 11:24:06
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Hard to look beyond Kerry and Galway here as well. Galway on the basis of their immense talent but also Joyce is a very competitive man who will demand high standards and promote an all in culture regardless of competition.
Kerry have the young legs so should be seeing most of these games out comfortably enough. I didn't think Kerry were very impressive from general play in the national league last year, but in Sean O Shea they can easily turn a defeat or a draw into the win and is a big difference in these winter games and getting a foot hold baseline score as a foundation to a result.
Dont know what we will do to be honest, we have a very established starting 15 and the hope is we would be phasing lads in and out and managing loads. Cluxton out till March, Jack wont be around for much of the league, Deano and Fitzy still in Oz as far as i know and the rest of the lads are only off the plane from Bali. So we are fair bit behind the rest of the counties by the look of it. Thats ok, the national league isnt going to teach our starting 15 much. But you never know, lads might go all out to impress Dessie.
We have a lot of emerging talent year on year that its almost irresponsible not to be giving opportunities and developing these lads in the national league. As such i think we will be about mid table with flip flop results and pulling it out of the bag when we need to like last year. So the craic just needs to be had in between.
Tyrone are looking sharp coming out of another McKenna after fielding strong teams, many will point to the loss of marquee players but they have a good few coming through especially up front..
Mayo can be anything as always, as can Donegal.
You have to look at Meath and Mongahan as the low hanging fruit starting off, but will be competitive - tis a cruel division i think Kildare went down with loosing most of their games by the odd point, Cavan not far off.
But the thing never really goes to script.
TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4541 - 20/01/2020 11:32:55
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I have a feeling we might have a shock winner. Donegal havent been great in the league last 2 years. Yes they won div 2 last year but they are not div 2 team and but didnt play well in league last year or year before. For a young team like Donegal it would be a great boost to win national title. I have a feelimg they will push hard in the league. So Donegal are one of my tips to win div 1 league title. My second tip is Galway. Since been promoted Galways record in div 1 is excellent. Joyce has said he wants to win the league and All Ireland. Like Donegal for a young team to win national title eg league title would be a great boost. Galway havent won the league in near 40 years. So my second tip to win div 1 league title is Galway.
Kerry or Dublin are the two best teams in the country . Will Dublin focus on the league will kerr I dont know. If both did it will be Dublin v kerry final. But I just have a feeling we will have different winner , So I am going for Donegal to win their second div 1 league title or Galway to win their first title since 1981. This might be sign for Galway for the last time Galway beat Meath in Navan was in 1981. Galway have lost their last 9 matchs in the league and championship in Navan v Meath.
Of course I am hoping that record continues.
I believe Meath will stay in the division ..One of the main reasons is because 7 proven experiemced players have rejoined the panel , some of them the best footballers in Meath. Meaning for the first time since 2012 the best footballers in Meath are playing for Meath. McEntee was losing 11 or 12 players every year. Teams in div 2 outside div 1 , lose on average 11 or 12 players plus every season. This year zero players have left the Meath panel. ( Before McEntee , O Dowd dropped a pile of experienced players eg Joe Sheridan , C Ward). So you have to go back to 2012 for the last time the best footballers in Meath were all available to play senior for Meath). If Meath get relegated you will see Meath losing 10 plus players again next year. As only the top div 1 teams have very few players not returning every year. Cavan have gone back to div 2 and they have lost allot of players this year already. Derry were losing 13 or 14 players every season..And Cork had 16 non returnees to the panel a year ago..Only the top div 1 teams dont lose huge amount of players every year..There is a player drain in div 2 , 3 and div 4. If Meath get relegated that will more then likely happen again next year.
But I think Meath will stay in div 1. The return of Donal lenihan Meaths best forward and emergence of Shane Walsh and the return of Joey Wallace who was the best inside forward in Meath club football last year will mean a 13 Lenihan 14 Walsh 15 J Wallace full forward line will help Meath be able to deal.with the loss of Newman..And Galways Oisin O Brien on the bench along with Jack O Connor the top scorer in Meath club championship at 19, along with the young talented Jordan Morris. Means Meath have 5 new inside forwards who werent on the panel last year who should help Meath deal.with the loss of Newman. Young Walsh is a new player as he only came onto the panel in July and started only 1 game and that was v kerry in August.
Also the return of Brian Conlon means Brian Menton has a new midfield partner. B Conlon is a very good footballer, a very atheletic player and was outstanding at 19 v Donegal at midfield in the championship in 2017, Brian Conlon is a player Colm O Rourke has been positively raving about for a long time. He is still only 22. And Meaths best midfielder Ronan Jones ( 23) will return in March. Ronan Jones , Brian Conlon ,Donal lenihan and J Wallace ( 24 ) are 4 of the best footballers in Meath and Jones hasnt played for Meath since 2017 and lenihan , J Wallace and Conlon havent played for Meath in the last 18 months or more, basically since 2018. Big boost they are all back. It is also good to have Eamon Wallace back who is still is only 25.. Meath also will have a new goalie this year with Dominic Yorke in the goals.
Furlong1949 (Meath) - Posts: 1067 - 20/01/2020 11:35:49
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Replying To sam1884: "Good shout about Monaghan, they've given the county a great decade and a half but I reckon the next decade is going to be very hard on Monaghan football. It wouldn't surprise me if they spent most of it in Division 3. One thing about Harte he always keeps Tyrone in Div 1 and has them somewhat competitive in the championship without any hope of winning the All Ireland - they'll be fine and stay up comfortably." Tyrone have spent at least 2 years in Division 2.
Aibrean (Kerry) - Posts: 366 - 20/01/2020 11:53:36
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Replying To Furlong1949: "I have a feeling we might have a shock winner. Donegal havent been great in the league last 2 years. Yes they won div 2 last year but they are not div 2 team and but didnt play well in league last year or year before. For a young team like Donegal it would be a great boost to win national title. I have a feelimg they will push hard in the league. So Donegal are one of my tips to win div 1 league title. My second tip is Galway. Since been promoted Galways record in div 1 is excellent. Joyce has said he wants to win the league and All Ireland. Like Donegal for a young team to win national title eg league title would be a great boost. Galway havent won the league in near 40 years. So my second tip to win div 1 league title is Galway.
Kerry or Dublin are the two best teams in the country . Will Dublin focus on the league will kerr I dont know. If both did it will be Dublin v kerry final. But I just have a feeling we will have different winner , So I am going for Donegal to win their second div 1 league title or Galway to win their first title since 1981. This might be sign for Galway for the last time Galway beat Meath in Navan was in 1981. Galway have lost their last 9 matchs in the league and championship in Navan v Meath.
Of course I am hoping that record continues.
I believe Meath will stay in the division ..One of the main reasons is because 7 proven experiemced players have rejoined the panel , some of them the best footballers in Meath. Meaning for the first time since 2012 the best footballers in Meath are playing for Meath. McEntee was losing 11 or 12 players every year. Teams in div 2 outside div 1 , lose on average 11 or 12 players plus every season. This year zero players have left the Meath panel. ( Before McEntee , O Dowd dropped a pile of experienced players eg Joe Sheridan , C Ward). So you have to go back to 2012 for the last time the best footballers in Meath were all available to play senior for Meath). If Meath get relegated you will see Meath losing 10 plus players again next year. As only the top div 1 teams have very few players not returning every year. Cavan have gone back to div 2 and they have lost allot of players this year already. Derry were losing 13 or 14 players every season..And Cork had 16 non returnees to the panel a year ago..Only the top div 1 teams dont lose huge amount of players every year..There is a player drain in div 2 , 3 and div 4. If Meath get relegated that will more then likely happen again next year.
But I think Meath will stay in div 1. The return of Donal lenihan Meaths best forward and emergence of Shane Walsh and the return of Joey Wallace who was the best inside forward in Meath club football last year will mean a 13 Lenihan 14 Walsh 15 J Wallace full forward line will help Meath be able to deal.with the loss of Newman..And Galways Oisin O Brien on the bench along with Jack O Connor the top scorer in Meath club championship at 19, along with the young talented Jordan Morris. Means Meath have 5 new inside forwards who werent on the panel last year who should help Meath deal.with the loss of Newman. Young Walsh is a new player as he only came onto the panel in July and started only 1 game and that was v kerry in August.
Also the return of Brian Conlon means Brian Menton has a new midfield partner. B Conlon is a very good footballer, a very atheletic player and was outstanding at 19 v Donegal at midfield in the championship in 2017, Brian Conlon is a player Colm O Rourke has been positively raving about for a long time. He is still only 22. And Meaths best midfielder Ronan Jones ( 23) will return in March. Ronan Jones , Brian Conlon ,Donal lenihan and J Wallace ( 24 ) are 4 of the best footballers in Meath and Jones hasnt played for Meath since 2017 and lenihan , J Wallace and Conlon havent played for Meath in the last 18 months or more, basically since 2018. Big boost they are all back. It is also good to have Eamon Wallace back who is still is only 25.. Meath also will have a new goalie this year with Dominic Yorke in the goals." The important thing for Meath is not just staying in Division 1 this year but building a team that can stay in Division 1 for 6/7 years.
Both Kildare and Roscommon have come up to Division 1, stayed there but gone back down subsequently.
Meath could well stay in Division 1 this year but no one will sit up and take notice of Meath until they show that they can consistently stay in Division 1 and beat those Division 1 teams when it comes to Championship.
Meath had a little taste last year in the Super 8s but were well beaten in their 3 games. If they were to make the Super 8s this year they will have no excuse after having a spring of Division 1 football under their belts.
MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13850 - 20/01/2020 12:13:34
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We have been down twice the last decade. I think the league is getting so much more important now. Going down is a major hit to ambitions.
OGarmaile (Tyrone) - Posts: 248 - 20/01/2020 12:14:38
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Replying To MesAmis: "The important thing for Meath is not just staying in Division 1 this year but building a team that can stay in Division 1 for 6/7 years.
Both Kildare and Roscommon have come up to Division 1, stayed there but gone back down subsequently.
Meath could well stay in Division 1 this year but no one will sit up and take notice of Meath until they show that they can consistently stay in Division 1 and beat those Division 1 teams when it comes to Championship.
Meath had a little taste last year in the Super 8s but were well beaten in their 3 games. If they were to make the Super 8s this year they will have no excuse after having a spring of Division 1 football under their belts." Yes Meath need to stay in div 1 for 5 or 6 years. But even staying this year would be a massive boost ,meaning 7 more games v the top teams next spring. The more you play the top teams the better you improve. If Meath were to stay in div 1 , it would be significant, in that leaving Dublin to one side, only once in the last 16 years has a leinster team stayed in div 1 that was kildare in 2013. Leinster teams rarely get to div 1 and leinster teams dont stay in div 1. Dublin havent had to face consistent div 1 opposition in leinster since early 00s and late 00s.
Take Roscommon they stayed in div 1 year and were in div 1 again last year. They have had 2 relegations from div 1 but also 3 years in div 1 and this was the making of them. Roscommon have won 2 Connacht titles beating Galway twice in the championship , drew and beat Mayo in the championship and reached quater final stage 3 years in a row. This is Roscommons most sucessful period in 40 years and in the last 70 years this period and late 70s and early 60s are Roscommons most sucessful periods. Even staying one year in div 1 was beneficial to Roscommon. With so many teams getting relegated after coming up from div 1 it wud be boost to stay up this year and break that thread.
In the last ten years only Galway and Monaghan have stayed in div 1 after coming up from div 2. Yes it would be great for Meath to stay years in div 1. But even stay up this year was be a big benefit to Meath and a huge boost. Everyone is predicting Meath will get relegated. So if Meath stay up it would be significant.
Regards the three super 8 games , amazingly in the 6 games Meath played v Tyrone , Mayo , kerry and Donegal 3 times in last year and a half , Meath were ahead coming uo to 60 min in all those games. Mesth should have beaten Tyrone in 2018 and Donegal in league in Ballybofey in 2019 when Meath dominated the first 60 mins. Meath also really put it up to Donegal in first 60 mins in Ballybofey in super 8. Remeber Donegal have lost once in league and championship in Ballybofey in 10 years. There was a sense in the crowd up to 60 min Donegal were in trouble in super 8s. Donegal class showed in last ten minutes. But Donegal have struggled against Meath in their last 3 games, 4 games actually if you include 2017 , where teams where level at 70 mins in the championship and McBreaty won the game by a wonder point in injury time. In the league final Meath caused massive problems in first half leading by 9 at one stage and were 5 up at half time v Donegal. Donegal won by 2. But Meath have caused Donegal.allot of problems. Remeber kildare went to Ballybofey in the league last year and lost by 15 points and the game was over at half time. Meath went to Ballybofey twice and dominated the first 60 mins in one game playing quality football until a freak goal happenned. And went toe to toe at height of the championship in second game.
Again in Mayo game Meath went toe to toe with Mayo til last ten minutes. And when Meath went ahead at 59th min , Mayo were worried..The Mayo bench was the difference. The same v kerry Meath were ahead and playing well v kerry going toe to toe til 60 min. Midfield problems , strong Donegal , Mayo and kerry benchs and more big match experience meant in the last ten mins Meath struggled badly. Thats normal for team trying to make a breakthrough. Moral victories , hard luck stories , falling away in the last ten mins are part of the process for traditional county trying to make the breakthrough. But Meath are going in the right direction. The performances v Tyrone in 2018 and in Ballybofey in league last year , Meath were very unlucky to lose , the performance in league final last year v Donegal and the 60 mins toe to toe with Donegal Kerry and Mayo in super 8 are all good signs. Even leinstet final. Yes forwards had an off day. Dublin hamnered us , but Dublin are the greatest team ever and have hammered every team in leinster in last 5 years and at one stage hammered all the top teams in the country in last 5 years. Yet until 50 min Meath defence was on top of Dublin forwards. Meath kept Dublin to their lowest score in the championship in 9 years in first half since Donegal in 2011 All Ireland semi final
Because Meath have quality natural defenders eg Keoghan , McGill , Harnan, Lavin , Gallagher , Ryan.
Meath will probaly be missing 5 first team starters v Tyrone eg Michael Newman, Seamus Lavin , Padraig Harnan, Shane McEntee and Ethan Devine. But I feel the return of 7 proven inter county players and 2 or 3 top class youngsters eg watch out for Mathew Costello an old fashioned centre forward with vision. I still think we can stay in div 1. Meath have had 6 players who had surgery in last few weeks. But I feel when these players come back for end of league and championship Meath panel will be nuch stronger then last year. Meaths problem areas are stronger this year eg midfield with 4 new midfielders , full forward line with 5 new inside forwards and Meaths bench should be stronger with 4 or 5 new impact subs. No one last year was predicting Meath would get promoted or reach super 8 this time last year. Even though the signs were there they would. I predicted they would get promoted last year. Most people were predicting Meath wud get relegated to div 3 last year.
And again the signs are that Meath can stay in div 1. look at the performance v Tyrone in 2018 , look at the 3 performances v Donegal last year. look at the return of Meaths best forward Donal lenihan. look at return of Brian Conlon and Joey Wallace and others. look at the emergence of Shane Walsh , a proper modern full forward something Meath havent had since Geraghty retired. Look at young talent that is coming through in numbers Meaths havent seen since the 90s eg James Conlon , Shane Walsh , Dara Campion , Ethan Devine, Jack O Connor and Matt Costello. Look at the underage titles at leinster under 16 and minor , look at theae young players beating Dublin 5 times in 5 years at underage. Something is happening. And its positive, its progress and its on an upward swing. Listen Meath might not stay in div 1. In many ways its a gut feeling I have. But no one expects Meath to stay in div 1. But if the signs arw there . The performances v Tyrone 2018 and Donegal twice in league 2019 and 3 super 8 games are some of the signs.
Furlong1949 (Meath) - Posts: 1067 - 20/01/2020 13:26:13
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There is no hiding place in Division 1 and it certainly helps later in the year with the cut and trust of the championship. The more seasons you build up the better. Tyrone face into their fourth season on the trot in Division 1 and it has been a hard slog . Cavan and Roscommon are good examples of teams have both yo-yo'd up and down over the last few years and therefore lost some of the advantages of playing in Division 1. Relegation would look to be two from Meath, Monaghan, Tyrone and Donegal.
Byanthon (Tyrone) - Posts: 1800 - 20/01/2020 14:43:52
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Replying To MarkRule: "Think Monaghan will be under a bit of pressure myself. They looked awful in the McKenna cup final, granted they were missing alot of starters but you'd be worried if Mcmanus or McCarron picked up a knock. None of the newer lads looked near county level. Scoreline flattered Tyrone. Could also see Tyrone getting in a bit of bother with McShane and Donnelly. Meath first game in Navan won't be easy either. Meath probably struggle too with Newman out. Be reliant on Walsh and Conlon who are still very young and winter ball might not suit them especially Walsh. Dublin and Kerry to contest the final I think." I was at the McKenna cup final the other night & let's be clear, Monaghan didn't go out to win the game. Agree that the new lads that we fielded didn't set the pitch alight. Don't write us off just yet as Monaghan are usually competitive in the league. Am sure we will have a challenging few years but I don't think we will be heading off into the sunset just yet.
greysoil (Monaghan) - Posts: 969 - 20/01/2020 14:44:10
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Replying To greysoil: "I was at the McKenna cup final the other night & let's be clear, Monaghan didn't go out to win the game. Agree that the new lads that we fielded didn't set the pitch alight. Don't write us off just yet as Monaghan are usually competitive in the league. Am sure we will have a challenging few years but I don't think we will be heading off into the sunset just yet." I agree. You would learn a lot more about Monaghan when they face Tyrone in Castleblayney in a fortnight. I knew we would win on Saturday but the league game will be a totally different story.
OGarmaile (Tyrone) - Posts: 248 - 20/01/2020 15:03:36
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Just heard Meath could be without 8 first team starters for Sunday.
Michael Newman , Seamus Lavin , Padraig Harnan, Shane McEntee and Ethan Devine are definately out.
But Cillian Sullivan is a doubt. So is Bryan McMahon and so is Shane Gallagher. And I heard Donal lenihan might be injured also. But he should be contention if he is not which bring it up 9..
That would Meath would be without three first choice defenders , the whole half forward line , best forward from last year and last years midfielder . 8 is allot to be missing , 9 would be mad. If we could get Gallagher back and one of the half forwards eg Sullivan and McMahon. I think we could be okay. But if we have 8 or 9 first team starters injured that is very worrying. I thought we would have Gallagher , Sullivan , McMahon and lenihan back. Only til we the team at 2.00 will see what shape Meath team is in. I think having to peak twice last year has meant players were training full on all season long. And 6 players with surgeries in last few weeks is an indication of this.
Furlong1949 (Meath) - Posts: 1067 - 20/01/2020 15:08:50
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Replying To greysoil: "I was at the McKenna cup final the other night & let's be clear, Monaghan didn't go out to win the game. Agree that the new lads that we fielded didn't set the pitch alight. Don't write us off just yet as Monaghan are usually competitive in the league. Am sure we will have a challenging few years but I don't think we will be heading off into the sunset just yet." I watched the McKenna Cup final on the internet but found it hard to make a judgement on where either team is at. I'm not making any comment on how the teams were set up as no doubt that will change to suit particular circumstances. It looked as if Tyrone were playing at 'championship pace' but that Monaghan were still in the early stages of their training programme. I may be reading this all wrong so I'd be interested to know what you thought as you were at the game.
neverright (Roscommon) - Posts: 1648 - 20/01/2020 15:17:34
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Replying To sam1884: "Good shout about Monaghan, they've given the county a great decade and a half but I reckon the next decade is going to be very hard on Monaghan football. It wouldn't surprise me if they spent most of it in Division 3. One thing about Harte he always keeps Tyrone in Div 1 and has them somewhat competitive in the championship without any hope of winning the All Ireland - they'll be fine and stay up comfortably." Looking like a period of transition coming up although I wouldn't base much on the other night will be 11 or 12 changes to that team for the league. Problem for us is our best players are probably a year or two over their peak while the younger players coming through from the minor teams of last few years will need a few years bedding in to inter county. We have quality players like McCarthy McCarron and Kearns who are well able and at right age just not enough of them. The question for the year ahead is whether the likes of McManus the Hughes Wylies Walsh Kelly o connell can still do it at div 1 championship level. Am sure they can but will be needed consistently over 70 minutes in the big games and that is where the problems will arise. We were blessed to stay up last year on four points won't be enough this time. Tyrone in second match is a must win as sandwiched in between galway and Dublin.
seanie08 (Monaghan) - Posts: 2030 - 20/01/2020 16:07:56
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Replying To seanie08: "Looking like a period of transition coming up although I wouldn't base much on the other night will be 11 or 12 changes to that team for the league. Problem for us is our best players are probably a year or two over their peak while the younger players coming through from the minor teams of last few years will need a few years bedding in to inter county. We have quality players like McCarthy McCarron and Kearns who are well able and at right age just not enough of them. The question for the year ahead is whether the likes of McManus the Hughes Wylies Walsh Kelly o connell can still do it at div 1 championship level. Am sure they can but will be needed consistently over 70 minutes in the big games and that is where the problems will arise. We were blessed to stay up last year on four points won't be enough this time. Tyrone in second match is a must win as sandwiched in between galway and Dublin." That Galway v Monaghan game is a fairly big game. I seen Galway two weekends ago and they are pretty much all out attack. Mayo had far from their strongest attacking players out and still kicked 1 17. Their half back line and full back line defensively look suspect. Monaghan could soak up pressure and try and break. O Connell and McAnespie would be well able for the break, get the ball to McCarron or Mcmanus early and they'll punish 1 on 1. Doubtful the Corofin lads will be back either. Of course on the other hand Galway seem stacked in attack, Walsh and Varley flying it, Finnerty with a nice cameo v Rossies and Comer has come on two weekends in a row and played puck against Mayo. I see him starting. Very interesting game.
MarkRule (Mayo) - Posts: 41 - 20/01/2020 17:04:01
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Replying To Furlong1949: "I have a feeling we might have a shock winner. Donegal havent been great in the league last 2 years. Yes they won div 2 last year but they are not div 2 team and but didnt play well in league last year or year before. For a young team like Donegal it would be a great boost to win national title. I have a feelimg they will push hard in the league. So Donegal are one of my tips to win div 1 league title. My second tip is Galway. Since been promoted Galways record in div 1 is excellent. Joyce has said he wants to win the league and All Ireland. Like Donegal for a young team to win national title eg league title would be a great boost. Galway havent won the league in near 40 years. So my second tip to win div 1 league title is Galway.
Kerry or Dublin are the two best teams in the country . Will Dublin focus on the league will kerr I dont know. If both did it will be Dublin v kerry final. But I just have a feeling we will have different winner , So I am going for Donegal to win their second div 1 league title or Galway to win their first title since 1981. This might be sign for Galway for the last time Galway beat Meath in Navan was in 1981. Galway have lost their last 9 matchs in the league and championship in Navan v Meath.
Of course I am hoping that record continues.
I believe Meath will stay in the division ..One of the main reasons is because 7 proven experiemced players have rejoined the panel , some of them the best footballers in Meath. Meaning for the first time since 2012 the best footballers in Meath are playing for Meath. McEntee was losing 11 or 12 players every year. Teams in div 2 outside div 1 , lose on average 11 or 12 players plus every season. This year zero players have left the Meath panel. ( Before McEntee , O Dowd dropped a pile of experienced players eg Joe Sheridan , C Ward). So you have to go back to 2012 for the last time the best footballers in Meath were all available to play senior for Meath). If Meath get relegated you will see Meath losing 10 plus players again next year. As only the top div 1 teams have very few players not returning every year. Cavan have gone back to div 2 and they have lost allot of players this year already. Derry were losing 13 or 14 players every season..And Cork had 16 non returnees to the panel a year ago..Only the top div 1 teams dont lose huge amount of players every year..There is a player drain in div 2 , 3 and div 4. If Meath get relegated that will more then likely happen again next year.
But I think Meath will stay in div 1. The return of Donal lenihan Meaths best forward and emergence of Shane Walsh and the return of Joey Wallace who was the best inside forward in Meath club football last year will mean a 13 Lenihan 14 Walsh 15 J Wallace full forward line will help Meath be able to deal.with the loss of Newman..And Galways Oisin O Brien on the bench along with Jack O Connor the top scorer in Meath club championship at 19, along with the young talented Jordan Morris. Means Meath have 5 new inside forwards who werent on the panel last year who should help Meath deal.with the loss of Newman. Young Walsh is a new player as he only came onto the panel in July and started only 1 game and that was v kerry in August.
Also the return of Brian Conlon means Brian Menton has a new midfield partner. B Conlon is a very good footballer, a very atheletic player and was outstanding at 19 v Donegal at midfield in the championship in 2017, Brian Conlon is a player Colm O Rourke has been positively raving about for a long time. He is still only 22. And Meaths best midfielder Ronan Jones ( 23) will return in March. Ronan Jones , Brian Conlon ,Donal lenihan and J Wallace ( 24 ) are 4 of the best footballers in Meath and Jones hasnt played for Meath since 2017 and lenihan , J Wallace and Conlon havent played for Meath in the last 18 months or more, basically since 2018. Big boost they are all back. It is also good to have Eamon Wallace back who is still is only 25.. Meath also will have a new goalie this year with Dominic Yorke in the goals." Donegal will be missing heaps..
TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1211 - 20/01/2020 17:22:03
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Replying To TheRock2121: "Donegal will be missing heaps.." From reports today were down a lot of players. It's going to make it difficult to stay up but hopefully the young lads will step up. Big game on Saturday mayo will be difficult. Every team needs to get early points. Six points should leave u safe I feel.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2699 - 20/01/2020 18:34:52
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