Meath Forum

Meath V Dublin

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For Saturday I would pick the same team as the last day with one exception which would be Colgan ahead of Brennan. And I would also included Harnan on the 26 if he has been back training a few weeks which by all accounts he has. There's no doubt it's an uphill task against probably the best team ever seen, but there's plenty of reasons to be hopeful. The Dubs will give you chances. If we can be clinical maybe we can stay in the game. Also there's a solid group on the panel that beat Dublin at under 18/17 (Costello was on teams that done it 3 times). Maybe just maybe there's a bit of confidence in these young lads that they believe that can cause some problems. Like I said an uphill task but if we could just bring our utmost intensity to the game I think we now have the panel that could show that 2020 was a year of definite improvement and that would satisfy me

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1527 - 19/11/2020 13:38:00    2311400

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hard to know where to start. He my shot at it

1) I wouldn't try anything new or wonderful, just keep the same tactics more or less the same as they have been. Dont throw everything out just because we are playing Dublin. No dramatic last minute changes etc. just be way more efficient than we have been.
For example last years Leinster final we tried the tactic of isolating James Conlon it did''nt work. Also we started Graham Reilly where as, he had been more effective when coming on as a sub. I can see the temptation to start Reilly as things might be over before half time. But let s hold our nerve and trust the team.

2) Where do you start with man marking jobs,match ups etc..
But I would get keoghan to do a man making Ciaran Killkeny. Yes it takes Keoghan out of the game
but I think its worth it. Killkenny is a massive player for them. He is not the only one I know. But for me I would have a go a man marking job on him. He gets a lot pressure scores that keeps the pressure off Dublin and on other teams. It would great if we could stop his influence.

3) Keep focused, sounds simple but often over looked, we gave some silly frees away against Dublin and Monghan in the recent league games. Maybe its best not mention any names, But in the Dublin game we gave a silly free a Dublin player was shouldered while jumping for a ball,
he hadn't got both legs in the air, The result was a free and tap over score for Dublin.
No need for it , silly wait the second until you can shoulder/tackle properly.
Another example. In the Monaghan match. great defense by Meath forced a Monghan player to over carrying the ball.
But in the rush to get the ball back Meath gives a half dig to the Mongahan player spotted by umpire.
What's the result yellow card for meath defender. And throw ball, which Mongahan won and scored a point.
So now we down a point and a key defender is on a yellow. This type stuff we can tidy up no need for it.

4) Running game if running game dose work which I suspect it might not. Why ? Dublin are going to commit personal fouls to prevent them been exposed all top teams do it.
Donegal did it against Meath in the Navan in recent league match personal fouls against break away attacks.
Mayo took COS out of the game to great affect in the championship last year. Not sure how Com Boyle stayed on the pitch but that's another story.
If we are struggling to get the ball up the pitch and we have to resort to a long ball I think I might use Walsh as a target man. I don't mean sky scrapper job., Low direct ball if possible I would probably stick James Conlon on to feed off him.

5) kickouts its a massive black spot for us, I am not sure we can improve dramatically in a space of a week.
although over all I have seen improvements this year. I wouldn't be kicking out 50/50 balls though I rather kick it out the field that risk a turn over and a possible goal.
But the Dublin kick out is something we can target and try make up ground. I seen twice in the Kidare game where Kildare pushed everyone right hand side of the pitch. And left loads space left side and twice they easily retained possession from there kick outs This is disappointing to see.
We should not be leaving a vasts areas of space for Dublin players to run into someone should be covering this space. We should not be dragged around like this. You will see Dublin players sometime covering space rather than man, This is what we should be doing. Marking space as will as the man

bobkarlgees (Meath) - Posts: 1265 - 19/11/2020 14:45:33    2311426

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Replying To Crinigan:  "Ah relax, my post is clearly only tongue in cheek. I know a good few of the Cortown lads and they're a fine community club (albeit i think they should amalgamate with some of the other local clubs but I won't go there). They had a very good team around mid to late 00s and they were the club equivalent of the 80s Meath team, hard as nails and you'd want to be well up for it physically and mentally to be beat them. The same could be said of Cuthberts as well at underage in the years previously who were very successful."
Your pulling back now criniy me thinks the skeeter is running down the old leg.be interesting if ur still playing cortown boys will sort ya.lol

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 19/11/2020 15:02:44    2311432

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Replying To bobkarlgees:  "hard to know where to start. He my shot at it

1) I wouldn't try anything new or wonderful, just keep the same tactics more or less the same as they have been. Dont throw everything out just because we are playing Dublin. No dramatic last minute changes etc. just be way more efficient than we have been.
For example last years Leinster final we tried the tactic of isolating James Conlon it did''nt work. Also we started Graham Reilly where as, he had been more effective when coming on as a sub. I can see the temptation to start Reilly as things might be over before half time. But let s hold our nerve and trust the team.

2) Where do you start with man marking jobs,match ups etc..
But I would get keoghan to do a man making Ciaran Killkeny. Yes it takes Keoghan out of the game
but I think its worth it. Killkenny is a massive player for them. He is not the only one I know. But for me I would have a go a man marking job on him. He gets a lot pressure scores that keeps the pressure off Dublin and on other teams. It would great if we could stop his influence.

3) Keep focused, sounds simple but often over looked, we gave some silly frees away against Dublin and Monghan in the recent league games. Maybe its best not mention any names, But in the Dublin game we gave a silly free a Dublin player was shouldered while jumping for a ball,
he hadn't got both legs in the air, The result was a free and tap over score for Dublin.
No need for it , silly wait the second until you can shoulder/tackle properly.
Another example. In the Monaghan match. great defense by Meath forced a Monghan player to over carrying the ball.
But in the rush to get the ball back Meath gives a half dig to the Mongahan player spotted by umpire.
What's the result yellow card for meath defender. And throw ball, which Mongahan won and scored a point.
So now we down a point and a key defender is on a yellow. This type stuff we can tidy up no need for it.

4) Running game if running game dose work which I suspect it might not. Why ? Dublin are going to commit personal fouls to prevent them been exposed all top teams do it.
Donegal did it against Meath in the Navan in recent league match personal fouls against break away attacks.
Mayo took COS out of the game to great affect in the championship last year. Not sure how Com Boyle stayed on the pitch but that's another story.
If we are struggling to get the ball up the pitch and we have to resort to a long ball I think I might use Walsh as a target man. I don't mean sky scrapper job., Low direct ball if possible I would probably stick James Conlon on to feed off him.

5) kickouts its a massive black spot for us, I am not sure we can improve dramatically in a space of a week.
although over all I have seen improvements this year. I wouldn't be kicking out 50/50 balls though I rather kick it out the field that risk a turn over and a possible goal.
But the Dublin kick out is something we can target and try make up ground. I seen twice in the Kidare game where Kildare pushed everyone right hand side of the pitch. And left loads space left side and twice they easily retained possession from there kick outs This is disappointing to see.
We should not be leaving a vasts areas of space for Dublin players to run into someone should be covering this space. We should not be dragged around like this. You will see Dublin players sometime covering space rather than man, This is what we should be doing. Marking space as will as the man"
I dont think its just kickouts, its midfield and the breaking ball around the middle is a huge issue. Kildare wiped them out in the middle third last week. Imagine what Fentin will do?

If we are all realistic we can probably accept that Meath are not much better than they were in 2017. They don't have the firepower to outscore top teams in points. They have a ruthless streak in front of goal however, and if anybody is going to get within 10 points of Dublin it has to be by going for goals, and a nice soggy, windy day would help too to even the playing field a little.

But odds are it will be Dublin +20. I hope I am wrong and will be cheering you on.

Daith (Kildare) - Posts: 1172 - 19/11/2020 20:37:31    2311543

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I'd like to see Colgan in goal simply because he has 15 yards more than Brennan.
Given short kickouts likely won't work i'd prefer to see a low missile to the far 65 (colgan) than a high rainbow dropping short of Midfield (Brennan)
Longer kickout skips an extra line of players meaning more players behind the ball if you don't win possession
Lower kickout means defending team are on back foot, when the ball floats up high in the air like when Brennan tries to go long it encourages half backs to sprint on to the ball
Let's see if or what we learn from last week. Best of luck to all the team.

goosey (Meath) - Posts: 63 - 20/11/2020 11:37:27    2311657

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Replying To bert09:  "Remember this exchange royaldunne /htaem?!

https://www.joe.ie/sport/pic-weve-found-the-most-excited-meath-gaa-fans-around-ahead-of-the-leinster-final-this-weekend/448120"
Oh dear lord. Hey if you hear of some lad arrested in Westmeath on Saturday night for streaking you will know who It is :)

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 20/11/2020 14:28:31    2311709

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Replying To goosey:  "I'd like to see Colgan in goal simply because he has 15 yards more than Brennan.
Given short kickouts likely won't work i'd prefer to see a low missile to the far 65 (colgan) than a high rainbow dropping short of Midfield (Brennan)
Longer kickout skips an extra line of players meaning more players behind the ball if you don't win possession
Lower kickout means defending team are on back foot, when the ball floats up high in the air like when Brennan tries to go long it encourages half backs to sprint on to the ball
Let's see if or what we learn from last week. Best of luck to all the team."
I agree with that! Colgan certainly can drill it a long way out the field! I just wish we had another 'big' man who could get his hands on the ball from the kick out. I don't see there being many changes though!

Royalblufill (Meath) - Posts: 515 - 20/11/2020 15:16:51    2311728

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Replying To Royalblufill:  "I agree with that! Colgan certainly can drill it a long way out the field! I just wish we had another 'big' man who could get his hands on the ball from the kick out. I don't see there being many changes though!"
Don't see an advantage of bringing in Colgan. We have a small half forward line so the ball would likely come back as quick. Also think Brennan better on short kick outs which is likely what most will be. Brennan is not spectacular but having seen Colgan especially in super eights last year, Brennan is best option for now.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 594 - 20/11/2020 19:13:42    2311815

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Would love to see cathal hickey start tomorrow, I've seen enough of him now, think he's a real baller, can play in the half backs or half forwards, I appreciate he is young but like the other young lads there seems to be some fearlessness to him

redser123 (Meath) - Posts: 404 - 20/11/2020 19:48:46    2311824

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Replying To Daith:  "I dont think its just kickouts, its midfield and the breaking ball around the middle is a huge issue. Kildare wiped them out in the middle third last week. Imagine what Fentin will do?

If we are all realistic we can probably accept that Meath are not much better than they were in 2017. They don't have the firepower to outscore top teams in points. They have a ruthless streak in front of goal however, and if anybody is going to get within 10 points of Dublin it has to be by going for goals, and a nice soggy, windy day would help too to even the playing field a little.

But odds are it will be Dublin +20. I hope I am wrong and will be cheering you on."
You are wrong about that. Meath are miles ahead of where they were in 2017.

TobinsBeard (Meath) - Posts: 126 - 20/11/2020 19:55:20    2311827

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Not often you get a chance to beat a all sing all dancing team like Dublin and stop them getting tarting to get a six I a row. Starting to get optsimic feeling. Best of luck lads. Come on the royal County !!

bobkarlgees (Meath) - Posts: 1265 - 20/11/2020 20:19:34    2311830

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Replying To Daith:  "I dont think its just kickouts, its midfield and the breaking ball around the middle is a huge issue. Kildare wiped them out in the middle third last week. Imagine what Fentin will do?

If we are all realistic we can probably accept that Meath are not much better than they were in 2017. They don't have the firepower to outscore top teams in points. They have a ruthless streak in front of goal however, and if anybody is going to get within 10 points of Dublin it has to be by going for goals, and a nice soggy, windy day would help too to even the playing field a little.

But odds are it will be Dublin +20. I hope I am wrong and will be cheering you on."
We are miles ahead of 2017.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 20/11/2020 21:30:04    2311850

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Lads I thought the pubs #keepthelightson campaign was very good. Myself and a few neighbours decided to have our own version supporting the lads for tomorrow so we'll be leaving the headlights on our cars from tonight til throw in. Would be great to see a few join us

JohnJoeRoyal (Meath) - Posts: 56 - 20/11/2020 22:10:46    2311869

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Replying To Daith:  "I dont think its just kickouts, its midfield and the breaking ball around the middle is a huge issue. Kildare wiped them out in the middle third last week. Imagine what Fentin will do?

If we are all realistic we can probably accept that Meath are not much better than they were in 2017. They don't have the firepower to outscore top teams in points. They have a ruthless streak in front of goal however, and if anybody is going to get within 10 points of Dublin it has to be by going for goals, and a nice soggy, windy day would help too to even the playing field a little.

But odds are it will be Dublin +20. I hope I am wrong and will be cheering you on."
I watched the Meath/Kildare again last night and have to agree with your comments about midfield and breaking ball especially. We won no primary possession and were second to most breaking ball, tomorrow Meath need to break even in this area to avoid being overrun, Dublin as always wil not be found wanting for workrate and we simply have to match them. Are we better than 2017 ? results would suggest not, however I think we are fitter and play with more confidence, especially some of our younger lads, but can we run up a score of 20/22 points? Will need to nail every chance that comes our way and if ( thats a big if) we are close with ten to go there may be a glimmer of hope.

seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2196 - 21/11/2020 00:22:04    2311905

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Replying To redser123:  "Would love to see cathal hickey start tomorrow, I've seen enough of him now, think he's a real baller, can play in the half backs or half forwards, I appreciate he is young but like the other young lads there seems to be some fearlessness to him"
What I saw of Hickey over last few games is all positive, looks right at home at this level, think he has earned a chance to start. Just the sort of player we need against Dublin, skillful, pacy and can kick a score. Little point holding him back till 55/60 minute as game could be over by then. Meath need to produce a 70+ min preformance tomorrow, something we have not done in quite a while. A number of these young lads played very well against Dublin a few weeks ago and showed their spirit after a bad start.

seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2196 - 21/11/2020 00:38:48    2311907

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Replying To seadog54:  "What I saw of Hickey over last few games is all positive, looks right at home at this level, think he has earned a chance to start. Just the sort of player we need against Dublin, skillful, pacy and can kick a score. Little point holding him back till 55/60 minute as game could be over by then. Meath need to produce a 70+ min preformance tomorrow, something we have not done in quite a while. A number of these young lads played very well against Dublin a few weeks ago and showed their spirit after a bad start."
Hes quality ! A club man and Ive been watching him glide past players all year for seneschalstown ! I agree hes very close to starting ! Ryan dropping back will help ! Hes very solid ! For today id leave Keoghan and Costello there ! Costello has been very impressive ! And Keoghan is untouchable so hes going no where ! I dont blame andy for leaving the same 15 ! It has a settled look to it ! What ever happens 2day meath football is on an upward curve ! Im really enjoying watching all these young guys come through !
Best of luck lads ! Meath is behing you wim loss or draw

grahamc9897 (Meath) - Posts: 1176 - 21/11/2020 08:51:18    2311921

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Same as last time out. No changes. Best of luck to all. Lets have a right go, and who knows the Delaney Cup can be in Tara tonight. An Mhi Abù

David (Meath) - Posts: 567 - 21/11/2020 08:51:21    2311922

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Good luck today against the dubs. Good to see two neighbouring and rival counties edging towards the top table again. I say that as I genuinely believe there is real potential and ability with both teams player and management wise. Results will come and go but clearly both cavan and meath have substance and ability that underpins their presence in the respective finals. Short term it's good to see it and to be pitted against the best teams if only to see what's needed to strive for long term. Here's hoping

offtheditch (Cavan) - Posts: 163 - 21/11/2020 09:12:06    2311926

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Best wishes to Andy Bryan Donal and the rest of the squad. Huge huge game today. Getting more nervous by the hour. I just hope we go all guns blazing.

Let the ball in good and high on a wet night anything can happen. Interesting to note in the Independent Nigel Crawford speaking about 2010 4 out of 5 of the goals were from kick passes of 70 metres. That's what we need to see again. Combine that with the hand passing rectangles out of the defence the Dubs wont know what hit them.

This isnt Jim Gavins Dublin so they arent the same. Just need the referee not to bow to the Dubs like every referee before him. Penalise the over carry of the ball and the constant flagrant disregard of the 4 steps and watch for the off the ball stuff.

Interesting to have it on a Saturday night I'll have the fire lit snack box delivered and myself and the daughter be happy out!

Good idea with the #keepthelightson campaign JohnJoeRoyal. Going to visit neighbours farm up the road and see can I rustle up some green and yellow fertiliser bags to cover each headlight!

Hon the Royal! Be close game but Meath by 5!

Evernal (Meath) - Posts: 74 - 21/11/2020 10:11:18    2311935

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Replying To redser123:  "Would love to see cathal hickey start tomorrow, I've seen enough of him now, think he's a real baller, can play in the half backs or half forwards, I appreciate he is young but like the other young lads there seems to be some fearlessness to him"
Hickey would be great option as sweeper breaking up attacks and driving forward to link up in attack.
We need more pace in our half back line.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 21/11/2020 16:27:37    2312054

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