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Best Meath Line Up Of Players Who Established Themselves Since Our Last All Ireland Win

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I've tried to pick a best Meath line-up based on players who came on to the Meath team since our last All Ireland win in 1999.

1. O'Rourke, 2. Lavin, 3. Reilly, 4. Burke (see him following a forward out the field and picking up ball/ linking play) , 5. Keoghegan, 6. McGill (want to fit him into the team), 7. McEntee, 8. Rooney (has not been available much but performed well when he has played) 9. Menton, 10. Ward, 11. Reilly, 12. Bray, 13. Newman, 14. Sheridan, 15. Farrell

Unlucky Brendan Murphy (POR's huge kickouts were a weapon in the days before kickout strategy), Seamus Kenny, Anthony Moyles, Shane O'Rourke (would have been a good Meath player but for so many injuries),

bdbuddah (Meath) - Posts: 1402 - 17/04/2020 14:56:21    2276169

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Replying To bdbuddah:  "I've tried to pick a best Meath line-up based on players who came on to the Meath team since our last All Ireland win in 1999.

1. O'Rourke, 2. Lavin, 3. Reilly, 4. Burke (see him following a forward out the field and picking up ball/ linking play) , 5. Keoghegan, 6. McGill (want to fit him into the team), 7. McEntee, 8. Rooney (has not been available much but performed well when he has played) 9. Menton, 10. Ward, 11. Reilly, 12. Bray, 13. Newman, 14. Sheridan, 15. Farrell

Unlucky Brendan Murphy (POR's huge kickouts were a weapon in the days before kickout strategy), Seamus Kenny, Anthony Moyles, Shane O'Rourke (would have been a good Meath player but for so many injuries),"
Murphy ahead of O'Rourke seven days a week and twice of a Sunday!
Harrington ahead of Burke and I would slot S'O'R with Rooney and switch positions K Reilly and McGill

Meathgaalad (Meath) - Posts: 171 - 17/04/2020 17:10:52    2276175

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I've probably forgotten a few but here goes:

1. Brendan Murphy
2. Seamus Lavin
3. Conor McGill
4. Eoin Harrington
5. Donal Keogan
6. Kevin Reilly
7. Anthony Moyles
8. Conor Gillespie
9. Shane O'Rourke
10. Seamus Kenny (there were players with better quality but few with better heart)
11. Joe Sheridan
12. Graham Reilly
13. Stephen Bray
14. Mickey Newman
15. Cian Ward

Brian Meade and Daithi Regan just edged out and also I think if Harry Rooney had of stuck around he could have been excellent, his fielding was top quality but he moved on and all the best to him.

Cillian O'Sullivan, Chris O'Connor, Shane Gallagher Padraig Harnan and David Bray all very close as well. I'm probably forgetting a host of others but that's my team for now.

Htaem (Meath) - Posts: 8657 - 17/04/2020 19:28:41    2276183

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Replying To Htaem:  "I've probably forgotten a few but here goes:

1. Brendan Murphy
2. Seamus Lavin
3. Conor McGill
4. Eoin Harrington
5. Donal Keogan
6. Kevin Reilly
7. Anthony Moyles
8. Conor Gillespie
9. Shane O'Rourke
10. Seamus Kenny (there were players with better quality but few with better heart)
11. Joe Sheridan
12. Graham Reilly
13. Stephen Bray
14. Mickey Newman
15. Cian Ward

Brian Meade and Daithi Regan just edged out and also I think if Harry Rooney had of stuck around he could have been excellent, his fielding was top quality but he moved on and all the best to him.

Cillian O'Sullivan, Chris O'Connor, Shane Gallagher Padraig Harnan and David Bray all very close as well. I'm probably forgetting a host of others but that's my team for now."
Last year I would have put Cillian O'Sullivan in a pick like this but I'm not sure about him now, he hasn't looked as good against good teams in the Super 8's/ division 1.

bdbuddah (Meath) - Posts: 1402 - 17/04/2020 20:35:41    2276188

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Replying To Meathgaalad:  "Murphy ahead of O'Rourke seven days a week and twice of a Sunday!
Harrington ahead of Burke and I would slot S'O'R with Rooney and switch positions K Reilly and McGill"
Agreed but think I would have Byrne for Farrell and put Bray in corner and swap positions for Ward and G. Reilly.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 594 - 27/04/2020 22:05:46    2276874

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Replying To bdbuddah:  "I've tried to pick a best Meath line-up based on players who came on to the Meath team since our last All Ireland win in 1999.

1. O'Rourke, 2. Lavin, 3. Reilly, 4. Burke (see him following a forward out the field and picking up ball/ linking play) , 5. Keoghegan, 6. McGill (want to fit him into the team), 7. McEntee, 8. Rooney (has not been available much but performed well when he has played) 9. Menton, 10. Ward, 11. Reilly, 12. Bray, 13. Newman, 14. Sheridan, 15. Farrell

Unlucky Brendan Murphy (POR's huge kickouts were a weapon in the days before kickout strategy), Seamus Kenny, Anthony Moyles, Shane O'Rourke (would have been a good Meath player but for so many injuries),"
Brendan Murphy

Seamus Lavin
Conor McGill
Eoghan Harrington

Donal Keogan
Kevin Reilly
Anthony Moyles

Shane O'Rourke
Bryan Menton

Seamus Kenny
Joe Sheridan
Graham Reilly

Cian Ward
Mickey Newman
Stephen Bray

jackhackett (Meath) - Posts: 773 - 28/04/2020 12:53:37    2276898

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(2000 - 2019)
1. Paddy O'Rourke
2. Seamus Lavin
3. Conor McGill
4. Shane Gallagher
5. James McEntee
6. Kevin Reilly
7. Donal Keogan
8. Bryan Menton (C)
9. Conor Gillespie
10. Seamus Kenny
11. Cillian O'Sullivan
12. Graham Reilly
13. Brian Farrell
14. Shane O'Rourke (Michael Murphy role, third midfielder, in and out of full forward line)
15. Stephen Bray
Subs:
16. Brendan Murphy
17. Michael Newman
18. David Bray
19. Michael Burke
20. Anthony Moyles
21. Peadar Byrne
22. Cian Ward
23. Padraig Harnan
24. Joe Sheridan
25. Jamie Queeney
26. Caomhin King

If the above list of players were all in around the same age, prepared the way the current team prepares, worked on todays tactics and had the incredible fitness level that the current team has, it would be right up there with any of the top teams right now. From watching back games involving Meath between 2006 - 2015, if they had Andy McEntee, or even just one manager/set up/S&C for more than four years we could have definitely come close to winning an All Ireland, as we had forwards of the calibre of Stephen Bray, Shane O'Rourke and Brian Farrell that were as good as anyone then, but there development as a team and individuals was stunted by injuries and the general all over the place set up that was going on in Meath football then, where they had a new manager every two seasons.

BigJoe14 (Meath) - Posts: 998 - 28/04/2020 13:17:30    2276900

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Replying To BigJoe14:  "(2000 - 2019)
1. Paddy O'Rourke
2. Seamus Lavin
3. Conor McGill
4. Shane Gallagher
5. James McEntee
6. Kevin Reilly
7. Donal Keogan
8. Bryan Menton (C)
9. Conor Gillespie
10. Seamus Kenny
11. Cillian O'Sullivan
12. Graham Reilly
13. Brian Farrell
14. Shane O'Rourke (Michael Murphy role, third midfielder, in and out of full forward line)
15. Stephen Bray
Subs:
16. Brendan Murphy
17. Michael Newman
18. David Bray
19. Michael Burke
20. Anthony Moyles
21. Peadar Byrne
22. Cian Ward
23. Padraig Harnan
24. Joe Sheridan
25. Jamie Queeney
26. Caomhin King

If the above list of players were all in around the same age, prepared the way the current team prepares, worked on todays tactics and had the incredible fitness level that the current team has, it would be right up there with any of the top teams right now. From watching back games involving Meath between 2006 - 2015, if they had Andy McEntee, or even just one manager/set up/S&C for more than four years we could have definitely come close to winning an All Ireland, as we had forwards of the calibre of Stephen Bray, Shane O'Rourke and Brian Farrell that were as good as anyone then, but there development as a team and individuals was stunted by injuries and the general all over the place set up that was going on in Meath football then, where they had a new manager every two seasons."
Around the 2007/ 2010 period and a bit afterwards, when we reached 2 semis & a quarter final we had serious talent, particularly the forwards. I always thought had Kevin Reilly stayed injury free we could have pushed on. Shane O'Rourkes injuries important also but not as key due to us not having a quality back up for Reilly, which was really shown up when we had to try slotting Moyles in at 3.
Also, while Eamon O'Brien did well as manager he should have got Geraghty back in (at the time it was widely known Geraghty would have come back if asked).
This really was a period I always look back on as a missed opportunity.

bdbuddah (Meath) - Posts: 1402 - 29/04/2020 10:43:40    2276983

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Can anyone actually pin point why we have fallen so far back from the top 5 teams. Why did the conveyor belt just stop when given the population explosion in the county we should be producing even more top players than before. Just curious on peoples opinion.

Foley91 (Meath) - Posts: 418 - 01/05/2020 09:46:41    2277173

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Replying To Foley91:  "Can anyone actually pin point why we have fallen so far back from the top 5 teams. Why did the conveyor belt just stop when given the population explosion in the county we should be producing even more top players than before. Just curious on peoples opinion."
The dublin blood is diluting us down.lol.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 01/05/2020 22:04:48    2277247

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Replying To Foley91:  "Can anyone actually pin point why we have fallen so far back from the top 5 teams. Why did the conveyor belt just stop when given the population explosion in the county we should be producing even more top players than before. Just curious on peoples opinion."
It's a a fair point. I think we took to long to adapt to the new way of playing, we were stubborn in our approach, even in the league this year and last we had lads shouting let it in, with one forward and 4 backs around him. I remember been on here when Tyrone etc were dominating and saying we needed to change to a running game to stay relevant, and I had people telling me that no way we should keep the traditional method and not to jump onto any bandwagon, and that eventually every other team would wake up to playing the game the wrong way.
I could be totally wrong but I think it is part of the reason, also I think we let our underage go to pot. And we didn't invest in underage.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 04/05/2020 14:01:20    2277459

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Replying To Foley91:  "Can anyone actually pin point why we have fallen so far back from the top 5 teams. Why did the conveyor belt just stop when given the population explosion in the county we should be producing even more top players than before. Just curious on peoples opinion."
Its an athlete based game now.if you cant hit the gps figures your not goin to b in panel.
You need in managers eyes b able to run hard for at least 70 mins and beyond.this takes a lot of work to build up over the years.so if players picked for development squads dont work out and not push on as starters.there pushed aside.
And then in fairness the ordinary club player not having done the same work and s/c etc.cant just come in and replace them.
So really just in my thoughts.whats picked for these squads either works or doesnt.bit of luck needed.your hoping in reality that the good ones can come in at the times thst the likes of keoghan menton are in there prime.but i say we are playing bit of catch up on dubs tyrone mayo kerry.
But we def have talent coming thru.lets hope they stick at it.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 05/05/2020 21:31:40    2277595

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I believe our county board stagnated and a major rejuvenation was required from the mid 2000s. We needed new voices with fresh modern ideas however this didn't happen and everyone was happy to just tick along. As another poster said there was this thinking that we are Meath and we will play like we also was did. Our club football is atrocious mainly due to too many clubs thus diluting the the amount of good quality players playing in each match. An amalgamation championship should have been introduced years ago which I believe would have benefited the county standard.

Foley91 (Meath) - Posts: 418 - 06/05/2020 10:03:01    2277614

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Replying To Foley91:  "I believe our county board stagnated and a major rejuvenation was required from the mid 2000s. We needed new voices with fresh modern ideas however this didn't happen and everyone was happy to just tick along. As another poster said there was this thinking that we are Meath and we will play like we also was did. Our club football is atrocious mainly due to too many clubs thus diluting the the amount of good quality players playing in each match. An amalgamation championship should have been introduced years ago which I believe would have benefited the county standard."
The amalgamation in theory would b great idea.but to get club mentors more so than players to agree to get involved.
As regards new voices has seamus kenny sean kelly jamie queeney not been involved put fresh ideas into it.
New coaches i see in the mix now malone kane rispin teather.dont know how good they are but yheymust b decent to have gotten the jobs??.
Coaches are the secret id say if they can generate the best from the players makes it easier for senior team to benefit.its a on goin cycle if promoted right.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 06/05/2020 14:05:59    2277632

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Just thinking back over this period. We have had so few great memorable championship wins since 01. Tyrone 07, Mayo 09, Dublin 10 and Kildare in 12 stand out a mile to me. Louth in 11 was sweet too because of what happened the year before but a game we should have been winning. Louth in 02 was great because of the comeback but again a game we should have been winning. We beat Galway in 07 and 11 but they were in the doldrums then, same with Kildare in 14. Few and far between. Anybody have any more good ones that I am missing?

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1527 - 07/05/2020 16:43:56    2277713

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Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "Just thinking back over this period. We have had so few great memorable championship wins since 01. Tyrone 07, Mayo 09, Dublin 10 and Kildare in 12 stand out a mile to me. Louth in 11 was sweet too because of what happened the year before but a game we should have been winning. Louth in 02 was great because of the comeback but again a game we should have been winning. We beat Galway in 07 and 11 but they were in the doldrums then, same with Kildare in 14. Few and far between. Anybody have any more good ones that I am missing?"
Kildare in 12 was very enjoyable because we had done bad against them in previous championships but in terms of beating big name teams, Kildare have never been a big name team and don't really belong in your list. I really enjoyed Galway in 07 in Portlaois.

bdbuddah (Meath) - Posts: 1402 - 08/05/2020 10:56:55    2277750

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Replying To bdbuddah:  "Kildare in 12 was very enjoyable because we had done bad against them in previous championships but in terms of beating big name teams, Kildare have never been a big name team and don't really belong in your list. I really enjoyed Galway in 07 in Portlaois."
I put them with the other three because we were definite underdogs and not given much of a chance after losing 3 games to them over the previous two championships and drawing to Carlow a few games prior

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1527 - 08/05/2020 16:39:17    2277776

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There has been plenty of very talented players who lined out for Meath since 1999. In fact, despite our very mixed and moderate impact on the game since, we've rarely had poor players in any position. Even when results are poor by our standards, we're still strong enough. Stand-out performers who, in my view, were at All-Ireland level of ability include;
Stephen Bray, Donal Keogan, Kevin Reilly, Cian Ward, Shane O'Rourke. I appreciate many other big names are left out and my reasoning is that I think the named players were leaders/gamechangers/ match-winners etc who I seen save Meath teams in many games in the 00s and 10s. I didnt mention players like Fay or Moyles or Murphy or Geraghty etc because they were around in the late 90s.

Young_gael (Meath) - Posts: 596 - 24/05/2020 17:28:01    2279133

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Replying To Young_gael:  "There has been plenty of very talented players who lined out for Meath since 1999. In fact, despite our very mixed and moderate impact on the game since, we've rarely had poor players in any position. Even when results are poor by our standards, we're still strong enough. Stand-out performers who, in my view, were at All-Ireland level of ability include;
Stephen Bray, Donal Keogan, Kevin Reilly, Cian Ward, Shane O'Rourke. I appreciate many other big names are left out and my reasoning is that I think the named players were leaders/gamechangers/ match-winners etc who I seen save Meath teams in many games in the 00s and 10s. I didnt mention players like Fay or Moyles or Murphy or Geraghty etc because they were around in the late 90s."
In Fairness Joe Sheridan was a handful for any team to handle, himself Bray, Ward and Farrell on his day were superb.

Analyst (Meath) - Posts: 1494 - 28/05/2020 16:01:45    2279390

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Replying To Analyst:  "In Fairness Joe Sheridan was a handful for any team to handle, himself Bray, Ward and Farrell on his day were superb."
Yeah, absolutely. He didnt get a specific mention in my post but he'd be a standout too when he really performed. The game vs. Mayo in 2009 stands out as a powerful performance, likewise for Ward. I felt David Bray was very good in that match as well as Farrell. We left a goal or two on the field that day. Could have marched into the semi-final 6/8 point winners that day against a Mayo team that was simply meant to turn up and win. That year was a missed opportunity in hindsight. The semi-final v. Kerry was a rotten day and two goals conceded in the first half were a killer against that level of opposition. And a possible final vs. Cork?! A big missed opportunity.

Young_gael (Meath) - Posts: 596 - 28/05/2020 17:42:41    2279402

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