Meath Forum

Meath Vs Westmeath - Leinster SFC Quarter Final

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Replying To royalcounty1:  "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."
Has Gray had niggly injuries all year or why has he not had at least some minutes? There is lots of football in him and he had a really good club championship last year. Expected him to push on. Wouldn't say championship has come too early for anyone as its effectively a restart in possibly 5 weeks time. Okay expect 10-12 of same team that started against Westmesth to feature next day out and probably about 22 of the 26 to be renamed too but there has to be lots of places up for grabs and the best performing players to meet the team needs should be picked.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 991 - 27/04/2026 19:18:15    2669346

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Replying To winatallcost:  "Has Gray had niggly injuries all year or why has he not had at least some minutes? There is lots of football in him and he had a really good club championship last year. Expected him to push on. Wouldn't say championship has come too early for anyone as its effectively a restart in possibly 5 weeks time. Okay expect 10-12 of same team that started against Westmesth to feature next day out and probably about 22 of the 26 to be renamed too but there has to be lots of places up for grabs and the best performing players to meet the team needs should be picked."
No arguing with that. Plenty of places up for grabs especially after the last day.
Personally I just don't see him changing from his core 16 lads. Costello/banty have the ability to bench someone. But do we actually expect any of the other subs to dislodge any of the 15?. Cathal hickey/Adam oneill probably could start and do a good working type job.id welcome it. But is that just from frustration of the last day? Maybe. i just feel like costello/banty aside he's no choice but to keep going with the strongest side which he's been picking for basically every game this year.

royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 82 - 27/04/2026 21:14:13    2669363

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Replying To royalcounty1:  "No arguing with that. Plenty of places up for grabs especially after the last day.
Personally I just don't see him changing from his core 16 lads. Costello/banty have the ability to bench someone. But do we actually expect any of the other subs to dislodge any of the 15?. Cathal hickey/Adam oneill probably could start and do a good working type job.id welcome it. But is that just from frustration of the last day? Maybe. i just feel like costello/banty aside he's no choice but to keep going with the strongest side which he's been picking for basically every game this year."
I do think we'll see a couple of changes from the starting 15 the last day - banty or Costello will start and someone will come into defence - one of Ryan/o'neill/smyth. Could also see some positional changes in defence. I'm not a fan of the "strongest 15" notion - any team with serious ambitions should have 20+ players they can use interchangeably based on form, opposition, tactics etc. Am I right in saying that the draw for the all-Ireland series will happen on the Monday after the last provincial final so Monday 18 May? That's d-day really in terms of when we're back in the game and can move on!

gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 160 - 28/04/2026 09:29:33    2669425

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It's a rare time for Meath in that we now seem to have plenty of options up front, but very few options for defenders who are tight as wet jeans. We've had some great defenders come and go down through the years, and we could do with them now. Where are the likes of David Toner, Eoin Harkin, Gavin McCoy?

Fursey Blake had a great championship for Dunshaughlin last year and there's no sign of him. Hes so tight he'd get double glazed windows on the house so his kids wouldnt hear the ice cream van. I'm a big fan of RB, but not bringing in a few more options for inside defenders may have been an oversight.

RegionalsGuru (Meath) - Posts: 49 - 28/04/2026 10:22:00    2669442

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Replying To gwanyagudthing:  "I do think we'll see a couple of changes from the starting 15 the last day - banty or Costello will start and someone will come into defence - one of Ryan/o'neill/smyth. Could also see some positional changes in defence. I'm not a fan of the "strongest 15" notion - any team with serious ambitions should have 20+ players they can use interchangeably based on form, opposition, tactics etc. Am I right in saying that the draw for the all-Ireland series will happen on the Monday after the last provincial final so Monday 18 May? That's d-day really in terms of when we're back in the game and can move on!"
The draw for the All-Ireland is next Monday May 4th, I believe. If you remember from last year they did the same before the Leinster Final, and all provincial finals, with everyone complaining about why they did it so early. So who we'll playing will be narrowed down to 2 come Monday.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 122 - 28/04/2026 11:08:59    2669454

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I am looking at all the so called shock results lately and I am of the opinion that the new game is now a forwards dream.with forward marks the three up rule defenders having to push out to defend the two point arc defenders not being able to touch the forward illegal screening etc etc .the defender has no chance in the modern game.if some of the posters here had there way every defender would be dropped.remember donegals backs were cleaned out and armagh backs conceded 1.24 but are mcguiness andmcgerney going to panic and drop all round them.not a chance.meath have had a very good year and yes they had a disappointing result against westmeath.thrse players got us to division one and that's no mean feat.this is not a time for panic.the fact of the matter is that rafferty coffey caulfield o halloran smith flynn frayne O'connor etc are the future .this meath team must be supported and not ridiculed.finally some posters putting players up for selection that are not even on the panel.enough said

Meathnut (Meath) - Posts: 3 - 28/04/2026 17:21:45    2669600

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Replying To Meathnut:  "I am looking at all the so called shock results lately and I am of the opinion that the new game is now a forwards dream.with forward marks the three up rule defenders having to push out to defend the two point arc defenders not being able to touch the forward illegal screening etc etc .the defender has no chance in the modern game.if some of the posters here had there way every defender would be dropped.remember donegals backs were cleaned out and armagh backs conceded 1.24 but are mcguiness andmcgerney going to panic and drop all round them.not a chance.meath have had a very good year and yes they had a disappointing result against westmeath.thrse players got us to division one and that's no mean feat.this is not a time for panic.the fact of the matter is that rafferty coffey caulfield o halloran smith flynn frayne O'connor etc are the future .this meath team must be supported and not ridiculed.finally some posters putting players up for selection that are not even on the panel.enough said"
It's a forwards dream in some cases because defensive coaches have been used to the old rigid 3 full 3 half back positioning and they're slow to adapt to the new rules. Defensive coaches might improve a system by having defenders better able to play the game in front of them and being able to think on their feet when opposition up and at them. The day of standing touch tight to a forward when the ball is still in the other half of the pitch is over.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8559 - 29/04/2026 11:07:29    2669709

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Replying To GreenandRed:  "It's a forwards dream in some cases because defensive coaches have been used to the old rigid 3 full 3 half back positioning and they're slow to adapt to the new rules. Defensive coaches might improve a system by having defenders better able to play the game in front of them and being able to think on their feet when opposition up and at them. The day of standing touch tight to a forward when the ball is still in the other half of the pitch is over."
The one on one is just something that modern defenders have not had to overly deal with but go back 20 plus years and before the blanket, defending was much more man on man and there were always good forwards but there were also some very good defenders. I think it is too easy an excuse the blame the new rules. There is definately areas where defending teams can improve individually and collectively. There seems to be very limited situations where there are clean dispossesions, blocking or intercepts through reading of the game. Of course none are easy where teams handpass most of the time but some of the scoring is under very little pressure.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 991 - 29/04/2026 11:35:49    2669717

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Replying To NYRoyal:  "The draw for the All-Ireland is next Monday May 4th, I believe. If you remember from last year they did the same before the Leinster Final, and all provincial finals, with everyone complaining about why they did it so early. So who we'll playing will be narrowed down to 2 come Monday."
Narrowed down to one surely.

LobinstownMan (Meath) - Posts: 139 - 04/05/2026 10:15:58    2670802

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Replying To LobinstownMan:  "Narrowed down to one surely."
Yes we'll get a provincial winner/loser but we won't know who it actually is until next week or the weekend after.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 122 - 04/05/2026 11:06:06    2670809

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Replying To NYRoyal:  "Yes we'll get a provincial winner/loser but we won't know who it actually is until next week or the weekend after."
I don't think that's true, we will know who it is today.

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 330 - 04/05/2026 11:44:52    2670820

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Replying To Sheridan2010louth:  "I don't think that's true, we will know who it is today."
Oh yes perhaps you're right, I'm thinking of last years draw where it wasn't a specific team but provincial winner/loser. But I guess with new format we will know it who it can be today, you're right.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 122 - 04/05/2026 13:13:17    2670840

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Replying To winatallcost:  "The one on one is just something that modern defenders have not had to overly deal with but go back 20 plus years and before the blanket, defending was much more man on man and there were always good forwards but there were also some very good defenders. I think it is too easy an excuse the blame the new rules. There is definately areas where defending teams can improve individually and collectively. There seems to be very limited situations where there are clean dispossesions, blocking or intercepts through reading of the game. Of course none are easy where teams handpass most of the time but some of the scoring is under very little pressure."
You've hit the nail on the head. A lot of players now days especially below 30 are not great at defending 1 on 1 as they would have grown up playing in blanket defences and then zonal marking.

A lot of defenders don't know the basics, staying goal side, don't turn your back. If you're going to mark from the front know where he is or be touch tight. Near hand tackle and wait for them to take a solo.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 471 - 06/05/2026 15:09:06    2671319

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Replying To UsernameInvalid:  "You've hit the nail on the head. A lot of players now days especially below 30 are not great at defending 1 on 1 as they would have grown up playing in blanket defences and then zonal marking.

A lot of defenders don't know the basics, staying goal side, don't turn your back. If you're going to mark from the front know where he is or be touch tight. Near hand tackle and wait for them to take a solo."
I agree with what you're saying, defenders haven't been coached how to tackle one on one but when have Meath ever had a blanket defense? We've never come close to it. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but the advent of the whole Tyrone/Armagh/Ulster blanket defense system about 25 years ago is the last time we made an All Ireland Final. Our DNA has always been traditional football of high fielding and direct passing hence why we've looked good in the new rules era.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 122 - 06/05/2026 15:50:54    2671330

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Replying To NYRoyal:  "I agree with what you're saying, defenders haven't been coached how to tackle one on one but when have Meath ever had a blanket defense? We've never come close to it. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but the advent of the whole Tyrone/Armagh/Ulster blanket defense system about 25 years ago is the last time we made an All Ireland Final. Our DNA has always been traditional football of high fielding and direct passing hence why we've looked good in the new rules era."
Looking back at the Westmeath defeat, it was very similar to defeat in a Leinster final quite a few years ago against Offaly in 97 where Meath were All Ireland Champions and after taking out Dublin and Kildare (after 2 replays). The difference then though was that Meath were missing the All Ireland winning fullbackline through suspension (Darren Fay and Mark O'Reilly) and injury (Martin O'Connell). Enda McManus was moved to fullback for cover but Meath were totally open and Offaly hit 3 goals against them, 2 of which came in first half.
The problem for Meath now is that there isn't obvious personnel changes so Meath are likely to by and large stick with what they have a coach improvement.
With a bit of improvement in the backs, Meath are strong enough at midfield and forwards to be a match for most.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 991 - 06/05/2026 17:40:18    2671346

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Replying To winatallcost:  "Looking back at the Westmeath defeat, it was very similar to defeat in a Leinster final quite a few years ago against Offaly in 97 where Meath were All Ireland Champions and after taking out Dublin and Kildare (after 2 replays). The difference then though was that Meath were missing the All Ireland winning fullbackline through suspension (Darren Fay and Mark O'Reilly) and injury (Martin O'Connell). Enda McManus was moved to fullback for cover but Meath were totally open and Offaly hit 3 goals against them, 2 of which came in first half.
The problem for Meath now is that there isn't obvious personnel changes so Meath are likely to by and large stick with what they have a coach improvement.
With a bit of improvement in the backs, Meath are strong enough at midfield and forwards to be a match for most."
Yes, the difference is our supposed first choice full back line played against Westmeath a couple weeks ago! If we had players like O'Reilly, Fay and O'Connell as our full back line now, we'd be All-Ireland contenders as the rest of the guys up the field are top quality. These guys were tigerish, persistent markers. O'Reilly would borderline foul his man every time he got the ball, but you have to play on the edge like that and push the rules to their boundaries.

Keogan has those traits so would consider moving him back. Rafferty gone off the boil a bit, doesn't have the same intensity he had last year. And still think he's really more of a centre back than a full back. So we'll see what Robbie does come the Cork game as something needs to be adjusted there. I think he will name same team as Westmeath to give nothing away but could see changes come game time.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 122 - 06/05/2026 18:39:51    2671363

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Replying To NYRoyal:  "I agree with what you're saying, defenders haven't been coached how to tackle one on one but when have Meath ever had a blanket defense? We've never come close to it. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but the advent of the whole Tyrone/Armagh/Ulster blanket defense system about 25 years ago is the last time we made an All Ireland Final. Our DNA has always been traditional football of high fielding and direct passing hence why we've looked good in the new rules era."
We've never had a blanket defence but look at a lot of clubs teams in Meath and they would have played with a blanket defence. Thinking back to before the new rules and the like of Simonstown, Na Fianna, Ashboure, Tones and Bracks would have been ultra defensive teams. Ratoath, Summerhill and Dunboyne would have been more zonal but again they would have played with 12 or 13 behind the ball.
Even our underage before O Bric were very defensive and a lot of lads have grown up playing that system at club and underage level.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 471 - 06/05/2026 22:04:48    2671383

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Replying To NYRoyal:  "Yes, the difference is our supposed first choice full back line played against Westmeath a couple weeks ago! If we had players like O'Reilly, Fay and O'Connell as our full back line now, we'd be All-Ireland contenders as the rest of the guys up the field are top quality. These guys were tigerish, persistent markers. O'Reilly would borderline foul his man every time he got the ball, but you have to play on the edge like that and push the rules to their boundaries.

Keogan has those traits so would consider moving him back. Rafferty gone off the boil a bit, doesn't have the same intensity he had last year. And still think he's really more of a centre back than a full back. So we'll see what Robbie does come the Cork game as something needs to be adjusted there. I think he will name same team as Westmeath to give nothing away but could see changes come game time."
Frayne's comments in interview this week were interesting about defending not being just about the 6 lads in defence and that they all have a responsibility. He could be playing the captain's role and protecting lads from criticism or they may have decided that the defending needs to start further out the field and / or more lads need to get back to help out. Will be interesting to see how it plays out.

gwanyagudthing (Meath) - Posts: 160 - 06/05/2026 22:46:01    2671385

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Replying To gwanyagudthing:  "Frayne's comments in interview this week were interesting about defending not being just about the 6 lads in defence and that they all have a responsibility. He could be playing the captain's role and protecting lads from criticism or they may have decided that the defending needs to start further out the field and / or more lads need to get back to help out. Will be interesting to see how it plays out."
Think he's just protecting his teammates which I'm glad he is but a blind man could see how sloppy the defending was the last day.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 122 - 09/05/2026 18:39:57    2671835

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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."]I don't feel this is right to say. Are people forgetting Meath were promoted to Division 1 a few years ago, for the first time in a long time - with a team that had far less underage success and pedigree and also reached the Super 8's. They were very impressive in that league. This year, they have been lucky at best in a few matches to fall over the line. My point is this defeat was not a huge surprise and I think that the hype may be getting a bit carried away. Hopefully they use this break to ground themselves and go out and get a win and see if they too can reach the last 8 but on current form, I wouldn't be overly confident.

RoyalilyInParis (Meath) - Posts: 1 - 13/05/2026 14:30:10    2672795

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