Meath Forum

New Players For 2021

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The format of the season next year still very much up in the air so don't know whether it will be club first and that may influence who could be called in. Here are some players that I think might be worthy of a call up. Michael Flood, Sean Reilly, Daithi McGowan, Jack Flynn, Luke Mitchell, Oisin McCloskey, Frank O'Reilly, Luke Kelly, Aaron Lynch, Mattimoe, Fionn Reilly (if he'd play) and Oisin Reilly. Then for goalkeepers if Jimmy Corcoran would play that would be fantastic. Other options would be Andy Beakey, Sean Brennan, Dean Pluck. Obviously not even half of these will get called up but just throwing names out there.

Are there any other names that people think are worthy of a call up?

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1527 - 01/12/2020 12:26:58    2317287

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Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "The format of the season next year still very much up in the air so don't know whether it will be club first and that may influence who could be called in. Here are some players that I think might be worthy of a call up. Michael Flood, Sean Reilly, Daithi McGowan, Jack Flynn, Luke Mitchell, Oisin McCloskey, Frank O'Reilly, Luke Kelly, Aaron Lynch, Mattimoe, Fionn Reilly (if he'd play) and Oisin Reilly. Then for goalkeepers if Jimmy Corcoran would play that would be fantastic. Other options would be Andy Beakey, Sean Brennan, Dean Pluck. Obviously not even half of these will get called up but just throwing names out there.

Are there any other names that people think are worthy of a call up?"
apart from sorting goalkeeping, which I agree with fully, , on the basis of the age of the current incumbent alone ...but before we go scouring for more young lads....could we ask Father Andy for Christmas to tell us how he sees the future looks for a number of 21,22,23 years of age panel veterans of 2-3 years ala Devine, Campion, Brian Conlon, Lenihan, and one or two others.
again not harping back to those who cannot be mentioned...but current thinking in their camp is , unless there is an exceptionally developed 20 year old.....they will leave lads to work behind in a 2nd string and even a 4rd string panel till they approach 23 years of age and are physically ready for county senior....can we get real about some of the names mentioned above being ready to step up .in 2021. maybe in time , if they are let develop

Thelongwoodslasher (Meath) - Posts: 403 - 01/12/2020 14:45:21    2317326

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Replying To Thelongwoodslasher:  "apart from sorting goalkeeping, which I agree with fully, , on the basis of the age of the current incumbent alone ...but before we go scouring for more young lads....could we ask Father Andy for Christmas to tell us how he sees the future looks for a number of 21,22,23 years of age panel veterans of 2-3 years ala Devine, Campion, Brian Conlon, Lenihan, and one or two others.
again not harping back to those who cannot be mentioned...but current thinking in their camp is , unless there is an exceptionally developed 20 year old.....they will leave lads to work behind in a 2nd string and even a 4rd string panel till they approach 23 years of age and are physically ready for county senior....can we get real about some of the names mentioned above being ready to step up .in 2021. maybe in time , if they are let develop"
That is a good point Longwood Slasher! We are all far to quick to push young lads on the basis of what we see them do at Minor, Under 20 and with their club - it is a whole other ball game at Intercounty level. We push for young lads to be included and then when they don't perform we knock them very quickly.
There are still plenty of lads of 22, 23 years of age and older who only come into their prime mid 20's. The 4 examples you have given are examples of lads who looked hugely promising but have failed to deliver on that promise TO DATE! I am a big fan of Devine and Campion who I have seen play lots of times with Na Fianna and Skyrne. I have also seen them play at Minor and 21 - I think as long as they keep their enthusiasm for playing (and given the damage losses like the Dublin game inflict on young men's pysche that isn't a guarantee!) they will become good intercounty players. But there are lots of lads out around the county who are good club players - the step up is the key! This is where the successful counties appear to have an edge - they seem to be able to develop players from being good club players and decent underage inter county players to being really good county players! Some players develop more quickly than others, some just adapt better - but let's not push every young prospect - let's wait until they are ready!

Royalblufill (Meath) - Posts: 515 - 01/12/2020 15:07:36    2317332

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Replying To Thelongwoodslasher:  "apart from sorting goalkeeping, which I agree with fully, , on the basis of the age of the current incumbent alone ...but before we go scouring for more young lads....could we ask Father Andy for Christmas to tell us how he sees the future looks for a number of 21,22,23 years of age panel veterans of 2-3 years ala Devine, Campion, Brian Conlon, Lenihan, and one or two others.
again not harping back to those who cannot be mentioned...but current thinking in their camp is , unless there is an exceptionally developed 20 year old.....they will leave lads to work behind in a 2nd string and even a 4rd string panel till they approach 23 years of age and are physically ready for county senior....can we get real about some of the names mentioned above being ready to step up .in 2021. maybe in time , if they are let develop"
With exception of goalkeeper, we have to look at using current panel members more. Must get Harnan and James McEntee back fully fit and a half forward or two able to field kickouts.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 594 - 01/12/2020 15:13:51    2317335

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Replying To winatallcost:  "With exception of goalkeeper, we have to look at using current panel members more. Must get Harnan and James McEntee back fully fit and a half forward or two able to field kickouts."
jack Flynn Ratoath fits that picture - wing half forward - must be 6'3'' - strong and mobile.

ASaminthehand (Meath) - Posts: 422 - 01/12/2020 15:46:36    2317351

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Replying To ASaminthehand:  "jack Flynn Ratoath fits that picture - wing half forward - must be 6'3'' - strong and mobile."
totally....and my argument is , get a second string squad together ….call them the meath u23s, have Jack in there along with 30 other guys, and give them time to develop all aspects of their game into fully fledged serious inter county players....don't throw them in now, and let the experience chew them up spit them out & we await the next jack Flynn to come & go.....

Thelongwoodslasher (Meath) - Posts: 403 - 01/12/2020 16:33:05    2317366

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Replying To Thelongwoodslasher:  "totally....and my argument is , get a second string squad together ….call them the meath u23s, have Jack in there along with 30 other guys, and give them time to develop all aspects of their game into fully fledged serious inter county players....don't throw them in now, and let the experience chew them up spit them out & we await the next jack Flynn to come & go....."
A good idea but not sure about the logistics or the legality of it in a COVID world. So from 2022 onwards you could be on to something, 2021 maybe not so much. There is also the question of whether players would buy into that with no games. I suspect an awful lot wouldn't

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1527 - 01/12/2020 17:50:04    2317397

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Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "A good idea but not sure about the logistics or the legality of it in a COVID world. So from 2022 onwards you could be on to something, 2021 maybe not so much. There is also the question of whether players would buy into that with no games. I suspect an awful lot wouldn't"
yep...and therein lies the problem....obstacles before we even start……& yet "those that we cant mention" have already that structure in place .first off we need for any chance of success is a can do attitude. In relation to games if we ever measured the ratio of prep time to game time for your average county player ….the stats are quite revealing. So im not sure that players necessarily crave games.....but I do think they crave communication, respect & a clear pathway that they can understand what they need to do in order to achieve the gaol of more regular game time...in other words, give them the tools & capability to be the best they can be ...

Thelongwoodslasher (Meath) - Posts: 403 - 01/12/2020 18:19:48    2317407

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Replying To Thelongwoodslasher:  "yep...and therein lies the problem....obstacles before we even start……& yet "those that we cant mention" have already that structure in place .first off we need for any chance of success is a can do attitude. In relation to games if we ever measured the ratio of prep time to game time for your average county player ….the stats are quite revealing. So im not sure that players necessarily crave games.....but I do think they crave communication, respect & a clear pathway that they can understand what they need to do in order to achieve the gaol of more regular game time...in other words, give them the tools & capability to be the best they can be ..."
Isnt it the crux of things really.you go in to development squad at u14 say.all way up to u 20s after that if you dont make senior squad.your sent back to club.prob disillusioned and fed up of football. Drop off the planet as far as meath are concerned.its really time we have what ur talking about put into place.diamonds in the rough could be found.even once a month bring them in for games vs the lads that are in squad.management can gwt close look at them

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 02/12/2020 13:28:47    2317655

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Replying To Borderroyal:  "Isnt it the crux of things really.you go in to development squad at u14 say.all way up to u 20s after that if you dont make senior squad.your sent back to club.prob disillusioned and fed up of football. Drop off the planet as far as meath are concerned.its really time we have what ur talking about put into place.diamonds in the rough could be found.even once a month bring them in for games vs the lads that are in squad.management can gwt close look at them"
Do the players on the development squads get anything?

Just thinking they should at least get a personalised tracksuit for the squad or customised pennants to have as recognition at each stage and year they were involved.

stillaroyal (Meath) - Posts: 225 - 02/12/2020 15:17:46    2317702

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Replying To stillaroyal:  "Do the players on the development squads get anything?

Just thinking they should at least get a personalised tracksuit for the squad or customised pennants to have as recognition at each stage and year they were involved."
Could do that yes but really be about keeping them involved in our game to.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 02/12/2020 15:23:39    2317706

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Replying To Borderroyal:  "Isnt it the crux of things really.you go in to development squad at u14 say.all way up to u 20s after that if you dont make senior squad.your sent back to club.prob disillusioned and fed up of football. Drop off the planet as far as meath are concerned.its really time we have what ur talking about put into place.diamonds in the rough could be found.even once a month bring them in for games vs the lads that are in squad.management can gwt close look at them"
Yes it is tough on guys from under 14 up as you say and can go to minor /20 with county teams but do not make senior set up. These guys would have played a lot of matches growing up for Meath and can find rejection difficult and hard to take . A lot would have been big & strong underage and would have relied on this, but at senior , in the club scene the great leveller of size & strength can even out . I have seen some of these young lads over the years getting very fed up and not even wanting to play or a clubs' second team . I also found a lot of parents have put these young lads on some form of pedestals within the club scene because they play county and should be an automatic selection on a senior club team .These young men need to be helped out to make sure they return to play if they fall out of the game which more that likely will happen .

Bear10 (Meath) - Posts: 463 - 02/12/2020 15:24:04    2317707

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Replying To stillaroyal:  "Do the players on the development squads get anything?

Just thinking they should at least get a personalised tracksuit for the squad or customised pennants to have as recognition at each stage and year they were involved."
Players on the development squads do get some gear and as they progress through the age groups they do get a little more. I think Longwood Slashers point (maybe I am wrong!) is that the county spends lots of time working with these guys from 14-20 and if they haven't made it - they are more or less forgotten about. However, plenty of the forgotten lads if managed right could develop into real quality players given a little time!
Dean Rock was 25 when he eventually nailed down a starting spot on the Dublin team despite coming through their system and playing for the Dubs first in 2012.

ASaminthehand (Meath) - Posts: 422 - 02/12/2020 15:40:08    2317712

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Replying To Bear10:  "Yes it is tough on guys from under 14 up as you say and can go to minor /20 with county teams but do not make senior set up. These guys would have played a lot of matches growing up for Meath and can find rejection difficult and hard to take . A lot would have been big & strong underage and would have relied on this, but at senior , in the club scene the great leveller of size & strength can even out . I have seen some of these young lads over the years getting very fed up and not even wanting to play or a clubs' second team . I also found a lot of parents have put these young lads on some form of pedestals within the club scene because they play county and should be an automatic selection on a senior club team .These young men need to be helped out to make sure they return to play if they fall out of the game which more that likely will happen ."
100%agree.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 02/12/2020 16:16:27    2317718

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Replying To ASaminthehand:  "Players on the development squads do get some gear and as they progress through the age groups they do get a little more. I think Longwood Slashers point (maybe I am wrong!) is that the county spends lots of time working with these guys from 14-20 and if they haven't made it - they are more or less forgotten about. However, plenty of the forgotten lads if managed right could develop into real quality players given a little time!
Dean Rock was 25 when he eventually nailed down a starting spot on the Dublin team despite coming through their system and playing for the Dubs first in 2012."
100%.....We look at these lads initially for a reason. We bring them in, and we give them a glimpse. then between the ages of 17 to 20, we say good luck to them, without so much as a thank You. Jazuz lads this is not only madness its bordering on cruel. . The reality is the MAJORITY....and I mean the Majority of guys don't start to peak mentally, physically or conditionally till they are entering their mid 20s.....We are all blind sided by the teenage Prodigies ...the Cliffords, the Kilkennys etc.....Saminthehand is totally correct.....You can name half a dozen other Dublin lads as examples....Mick Fitzs, Philly McMahon, MD McAuley, Paul Flynn, ..Sure look at Cluxton…...people think that he has just arrived on the scene & was spectacular...he soldiered for years, and was only average..if even...Dublin have a database of Guys and they are constantly staying in touch seeing how fellas are getting on with Clubs and pulling them back into squads in OB Cups etc , to let them know they are still on the radar.... . Its ALL ABOUT how you treat guys....Guys know the difference to a genuine interest by their County, as opposed to calling them into the OB Cup , because the lads ae all on a annual holiday, and Dublin pull it off.....RESPECT guys....im telling ya...it all comes back to that word. If we start to treat our players with a degree of respect , we will be totally surprised as to how they in turn will look at playing for their county.
and don't anyway tell me this is down to bloody funding

Thelongwoodslasher (Meath) - Posts: 403 - 02/12/2020 18:03:10    2317743

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Replying To Thelongwoodslasher:  "100%.....We look at these lads initially for a reason. We bring them in, and we give them a glimpse. then between the ages of 17 to 20, we say good luck to them, without so much as a thank You. Jazuz lads this is not only madness its bordering on cruel. . The reality is the MAJORITY....and I mean the Majority of guys don't start to peak mentally, physically or conditionally till they are entering their mid 20s.....We are all blind sided by the teenage Prodigies ...the Cliffords, the Kilkennys etc.....Saminthehand is totally correct.....You can name half a dozen other Dublin lads as examples....Mick Fitzs, Philly McMahon, MD McAuley, Paul Flynn, ..Sure look at Cluxton…...people think that he has just arrived on the scene & was spectacular...he soldiered for years, and was only average..if even...Dublin have a database of Guys and they are constantly staying in touch seeing how fellas are getting on with Clubs and pulling them back into squads in OB Cups etc , to let them know they are still on the radar.... . Its ALL ABOUT how you treat guys....Guys know the difference to a genuine interest by their County, as opposed to calling them into the OB Cup , because the lads ae all on a annual holiday, and Dublin pull it off.....RESPECT guys....im telling ya...it all comes back to that word. If we start to treat our players with a degree of respect , we will be totally surprised as to how they in turn will look at playing for their county.
and don't anyway tell me this is down to bloody funding"
Its prob goin to be used as the funding excuse.but in reality its not putting in the work.
Anything worth while needs the work.the right people in place id say would gladly do that for nothing.would be a educational purpose for both coaches and players. But 2 many just thrown to the wasteland.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 02/12/2020 20:30:21    2317806

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Replying To ASaminthehand:  "Players on the development squads do get some gear and as they progress through the age groups they do get a little more. I think Longwood Slashers point (maybe I am wrong!) is that the county spends lots of time working with these guys from 14-20 and if they haven't made it - they are more or less forgotten about. However, plenty of the forgotten lads if managed right could develop into real quality players given a little time!
Dean Rock was 25 when he eventually nailed down a starting spot on the Dublin team despite coming through their system and playing for the Dubs first in 2012."
That may be a problem but the biggest one is the players who are not on any development squad and end up much better than the guys on teams. I think a competition based on divisional teams is a good way at looking at players for county representation, as everyone gets a bit of a platform to compete at a similar level (maybe replace the Cup competitions).

browncows (Meath) - Posts: 2342 - 04/12/2020 21:51:53    2318353

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Replying To browncows:  "That may be a problem but the biggest one is the players who are not on any development squad and end up much better than the guys on teams. I think a competition based on divisional teams is a good way at looking at players for county representation, as everyone gets a bit of a platform to compete at a similar level (maybe replace the Cup competitions)."
Definitely agree, I know the regional competitions are coming in but I would like to see Feis Cup, Corn Na Boinne and Feis Cup replaced with the regional teams playing against the senior teams would be a great shop window

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1527 - 04/12/2020 22:28:15    2318366

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Leave them off to focus on enjoying life and getting a bit of education and travel. Wasting their time sacrificing their lives to compete in the most corrupt and unfair competition in world sport.

Crinigan (Meath) - Posts: 1352 - 06/12/2020 09:07:42    2319001

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Replying To ASaminthehand:  "jack Flynn Ratoath fits that picture - wing half forward - must be 6'3'' - strong and mobile."
Flynn is a great fielder. Big, strong and can play ball. But you need a keeper who can put the ball on top of him and others for that matter. He excelled for Ratoath this year because Shane Duffy was able to put the ball 60m on his head. We don't have a keeper with that ability. It's a sum of the parts exercise.

GenderNeutral (Meath) - Posts: 115 - 06/12/2020 16:12:31    2319236

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