Replying To seanie08: "Ah here went up there today for the two games. That Donegal side who played there today would put 30 pts on us . They were in peak performance mode today. Not going to compare us to kerry and Donegal of this world but watching meath cork was more depressing. That was a great closely fought game both sides good forwards esp meath two good midfields and great pace in both sides. The depressing thing was a year ago we easily beat both of them playing different pace to them granted was league football but still. Now both have greatly improved from last yrs league but they'd each both 10-15 pts at least on this monaghan side given our rate of decline since last year."
Also went up the road for a look and I agree with you completely. Donegal like men possessed. I'd love to know what Jim said to them.
Finally, I can't believe there isn't more about the finish to Cork Meath. Meath pulled down Cork players twice in the last 20 seconds. One black card, two frees and no ball moved up the pitch.
After a gruelling Division one this year, where Monaghan were ravaged by injuries, it's now time for our supporters to get behind the team and turn our attention to the championship and first round match against Cavan. Never an easy opponent, there likely won't be much between the teams on this occasion either. Despite the current disappointment, it is important the Monaghan fans turn up in large numbers in Clones ,as they always do, to cheer on the team - Cavan will bring lots of support following an equally poor Division 2 campaign for the Breffni county.
I am a little removed from the injury situation/reported walk outs from the Monaghan panel but assuming many of the names below remain available and injuries clear up, the following team would be a match for any side in Ulster on their day, with a few positional changes required depending on the opposition. More big players needed around the middle if playing Donegal for example.
I'd expect another physical encounter against Cavan this year but I think Monaghan have the personnel and know how to win this one but would welcome thoughts on possible line ups etc. We are on the right side of the draw this year and if we could get over Cavan, Monaghan would fancy their chances of getting to an Ulster Final and we all know anything is possible if that happens.
Championship is where it is at and i think most Monaghan supporters would get over the disapointment of the league very quickly if the team had a good run in the championship.
Possible line out:
Beggan Kelly/Dowd/Mc Elerney/Byrne Lavelle Wylie O'Toole Ward Mc Carthy Gallagher/Mc Caul/Mc Phillips Mc Carville O'Hanlon Bannigan Mc Anesbie/Hamill Garland/Carey/Mc Gorman, Mc Nulty Mohan Mc Carron/Woods/Mooney
We need to improve our scoring efficiency and so for me Jack should start - between Jack, Beggan and Bannigan we have the players to ensure all angles are covered from frees. The full back line appeared open in some of the league games and Lavelle would be a great addition ,if available, to shore up the centre of the defence. O'Hanlon and Bannigan remain two of the most exciting and best forwards in Ireland on their day and have caused Cavan lots of problems in the past and will hopefully be crucial again in this game. If Gary is not required at midfield and available he would be a great option at full forward to get and create scores and cause lots of problems for the Cavan full back line. Roll on the El Classico
Replying To OrielPower: "After a gruelling Division one this year, where Monaghan were ravaged by injuries, it's now time for our supporters to get behind the team and turn our attention to the championship and first round match against Cavan. Never an easy opponent, there likely won't be much between the teams on this occasion either. Despite the current disappointment, it is important the Monaghan fans turn up in large numbers in Clones ,as they always do, to cheer on the team - Cavan will bring lots of support following an equally poor Division 2 campaign for the Breffni county.
I am a little removed from the injury situation/reported walk outs from the Monaghan panel but assuming many of the names below remain available and injuries clear up, the following team would be a match for any side in Ulster on their day, with a few positional changes required depending on the opposition. More big players needed around the middle if playing Donegal for example.
I'd expect another physical encounter against Cavan this year but I think Monaghan have the personnel and know how to win this one but would welcome thoughts on possible line ups etc. We are on the right side of the draw this year and if we could get over Cavan, Monaghan would fancy their chances of getting to an Ulster Final and we all know anything is possible if that happens.
Championship is where it is at and i think most Monaghan supporters would get over the disapointment of the league very quickly if the team had a good run in the championship.
Possible line out:
Beggan Kelly/Dowd/Mc Elerney/Byrne Lavelle Wylie O'Toole Ward Mc Carthy Gallagher/Mc Caul/Mc Phillips Mc Carville O'Hanlon Bannigan Mc Anesbie/Hamill Garland/Carey/Mc Gorman, Mc Nulty Mohan Mc Carron/Woods/Mooney
We need to improve our scoring efficiency and so for me Jack should start - between Jack, Beggan and Bannigan we have the players to ensure all angles are covered from frees. The full back line appeared open in some of the league games and Lavelle would be a great addition ,if available, to shore up the centre of the defence. O'Hanlon and Bannigan remain two of the most exciting and best forwards in Ireland on their day and have caused Cavan lots of problems in the past and will hopefully be crucial again in this game. If Gary is not required at midfield and available he would be a great option at full forward to get and create scores and cause lots of problems for the Cavan full back line. Roll on the El Classico"
Mc.Nulty not with the squad this year , full forward line is very weak , rest of the team if we had them all back is half decent , not sure about Gallagher , didn't stand out in any league game I say