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Meath Senior Football Team 2021

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I am excited about this year. A lot of players on the panel are very young and performed very well last year.

The players weren't happy with their performance against Dublin so will want to prove themselves. Lavin and Mcgill also weren't fit last year and when they are fit, they are 2 if the top defenders in the country.

There is definitely problems in goalkeeping and midfield but if they can work out the problems, see them doing very well in the league.

Rocknroyaler (Meath) - Posts: 8 - 14/04/2021 14:59:03    2337181

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Replying To brian:  "Great points well made Leitrim. I think having a half forward line with Jones and Shane Walsh in it would help. Our half forwards are small fast light lads and don't give you anything in terms of a release our long out ball. Andy's insistence on picking an extra defender in the half forward line who automatically went back meant we were outnumbered anywyas. As you say it invites teams up the pitch and brennan couldn't find anyone short. The inability of McMahon, O'Sullivan or any of the inside forwards to come out and contest seriously hampered us.

The above doesn't alter the fact we've no one who can seem to fetch a ball in the middle (ala a mcdermott, hayes etc) and break forward. And even worse no one has thought of the basketball style of break it to an oncoming player.

I will say that Costello might be an option, pretty sure i saw a few occasions where he caught balls. Maybe there's a plan to bring him in.

Teams have often spoken on the size of some of our players but there lack of know how to use that size doesn't help."
The 2 McGowans from Ratoath especially Daithi is a natural midfielder and could be worth a go . Maybe Devine from Na Fianna at Midfield but Costello the best young midfield talent coming through for me .

Bear10 (Meath) - Posts: 463 - 14/04/2021 16:32:53    2337200

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Against the dubs where did it all go wrong.?
And can it be fixed or changed.
Depending i suppose on draw tuesday night.
We cant get dubs looking at groups so where is the issues.
And can any changes make us a real threat.
Is is gameplan, gameplan execution,lack of quality.coaching fault.team picked wrong etc.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 14/04/2021 18:21:43    2337216

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Replying To Borderroyal:  "Against the dubs where did it all go wrong.?
And can it be fixed or changed.
Depending i suppose on draw tuesday night.
We cant get dubs looking at groups so where is the issues.
And can any changes make us a real threat.
Is is gameplan, gameplan execution,lack of quality.coaching fault.team picked wrong etc."
I think a consistent goal keeper who acts as a leader to the team is needed. All plays should start there, look at Galligan, Cluxton and Beggan. They are top goalies but they are leaders and drive all plays. The Meath women's goalie Monica McGuirk does this along with the captains.

I also think the toll mentally playing Dublin in Leinster provincials is a bigger issue for county players in Leinster outside Dublin than people think. If your head isn't there mentally as you are too used to losing, you won't perform which also explains the very good performances from younger players in second half.

Rocknroyaler (Meath) - Posts: 8 - 14/04/2021 22:32:14    2337240

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Replying To Borderroyal:  "Against the dubs where did it all go wrong.?
And can it be fixed or changed.
Depending i suppose on draw tuesday night.
We cant get dubs looking at groups so where is the issues.
And can any changes make us a real threat.
Is is gameplan, gameplan execution,lack of quality.coaching fault.team picked wrong etc."
Decades of inept planning, the gigantic advantages gifted to the Dubs and how their leadership used it so well. A decade of most of this panel losing to Dublin and always doing so. The psychological damage and the fear that it causes from hammerings in 2014, 16 and 19 against Dublin. A feeling of inferiority from how good this Dublin team is. A team that doesn't have the traits to hurt Dublin. A kick out that they can punish, nobody to catch ball in midfield to release pressure. A team that's strength is in playing a running game with Keoghan, Jones, Menton, Cillian running directly. This strength doesn't work against Dublin because they are too physical to run through and too fast to run past so our main strength is negated. This Dublin team is so good and has the deck so stacked in their favour that it doesn't really matter what style you play they'll still beat you. But the only teams to be properly competitive with them in their 6 in a row have been Mayo and Kerry. They had/have brilliant inside forwards and big men around the middle to catch ball and this allowed them to make it more of a traditional GAA match than the basketball 15 men up, 15 men back approach that the Dubs have. I think we tried to do this last year but we don't have the right players to do this. But then if we play a running game against them we haven't a hope either, even the masters of running games in Donegal, Tyrone and Monaghan have been swatted by Dublin. So can it be fixed, in a word No. At least not for a long while yet and with proper structures from 14-22 that are as good/better than Dublin. And with the GAA's blind spot on how Dublin dominance is destroying Leinster and could possibly destroy the rest of Ireland I honestly wonder will counties ever catch up bar maybe the odd scalp by Kerry or another county with a golden generation

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1527 - 15/04/2021 02:08:07    2337252

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Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "Decades of inept planning, the gigantic advantages gifted to the Dubs and how their leadership used it so well. A decade of most of this panel losing to Dublin and always doing so. The psychological damage and the fear that it causes from hammerings in 2014, 16 and 19 against Dublin. A feeling of inferiority from how good this Dublin team is. A team that doesn't have the traits to hurt Dublin. A kick out that they can punish, nobody to catch ball in midfield to release pressure. A team that's strength is in playing a running game with Keoghan, Jones, Menton, Cillian running directly. This strength doesn't work against Dublin because they are too physical to run through and too fast to run past so our main strength is negated. This Dublin team is so good and has the deck so stacked in their favour that it doesn't really matter what style you play they'll still beat you. But the only teams to be properly competitive with them in their 6 in a row have been Mayo and Kerry. They had/have brilliant inside forwards and big men around the middle to catch ball and this allowed them to make it more of a traditional GAA match than the basketball 15 men up, 15 men back approach that the Dubs have. I think we tried to do this last year but we don't have the right players to do this. But then if we play a running game against them we haven't a hope either, even the masters of running games in Donegal, Tyrone and Monaghan have been swatted by Dublin. So can it be fixed, in a word No. At least not for a long while yet and with proper structures from 14-22 that are as good/better than Dublin. And with the GAA's blind spot on how Dublin dominance is destroying Leinster and could possibly destroy the rest of Ireland I honestly wonder will counties ever catch up bar maybe the odd scalp by Kerry or another county with a golden generation"
Yes Dublin are indeed a great team ..fair play to them and their leadership....full stop !!!. Our target is to play to our full POTENTIAL .Then lets see where that leaves us ! It is very annoying to see the same mistakes being made on a continuous basis . No apparent remedial action evident . Team appears to lack confidence . WHY? Basic skills like fielding etc. are aquired skills in many cases especially for players around midfield where this skill is critical. You pick players for the position who show that with proper coaching they can "field " with the best .
Its very easy to find excuses and say how good the opposion are ......forget that . We have no control over that. We have full control over our own players . COACH them properly......identify the weaknesses....seek to improve through targeted practise. ENCOURAGE players ( NOT by raising the decibel levels alone ......thats old school stuff if that the only tool in the box. in fact counter productive and some good players will walk away)
We have the players who can go a long way with proper coaching and encouragement which is of course key part of coaching anyway. We have to have proper structured training sessions targeting areas for improvement and addressing shortcomings Traffic cones on their own are of limited value in showing the way on a football pitch. Showing the way has to be proper coaching/management. In one word we need LEADERSHIP now. If not we will get more of the same...no thanks !! Maybe i might just sit back and admire Dublin as a cop out !! On second thoughts no whilst i admire them ,i believe they can be beaten . Meath CAN be the team to do it but as things stand with us now....not a hope in hell ! If we begin by stop making excuses and look at ourselves firstly and honestly same pattern for years basic skills lacking, confidence ?? ETC. ETC. The only avenue is accept the challenge head on . The challenge being to look honestly at ourselves ,and why same old story blame something or somebody else . We are to blame because we have learned nothing on how to compete at high level in last few seasons..........STOP THE ROT NOW!

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1266 - 15/04/2021 10:27:23    2337265

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Replying To nobull456:  "Yes Dublin are indeed a great team ..fair play to them and their leadership....full stop !!!. Our target is to play to our full POTENTIAL .Then lets see where that leaves us ! It is very annoying to see the same mistakes being made on a continuous basis . No apparent remedial action evident . Team appears to lack confidence . WHY? Basic skills like fielding etc. are aquired skills in many cases especially for players around midfield where this skill is critical. You pick players for the position who show that with proper coaching they can "field " with the best .
Its very easy to find excuses and say how good the opposion are ......forget that . We have no control over that. We have full control over our own players . COACH them properly......identify the weaknesses....seek to improve through targeted practise. ENCOURAGE players ( NOT by raising the decibel levels alone ......thats old school stuff if that the only tool in the box. in fact counter productive and some good players will walk away)
We have the players who can go a long way with proper coaching and encouragement which is of course key part of coaching anyway. We have to have proper structured training sessions targeting areas for improvement and addressing shortcomings Traffic cones on their own are of limited value in showing the way on a football pitch. Showing the way has to be proper coaching/management. In one word we need LEADERSHIP now. If not we will get more of the same...no thanks !! Maybe i might just sit back and admire Dublin as a cop out !! On second thoughts no whilst i admire them ,i believe they can be beaten . Meath CAN be the team to do it but as things stand with us now....not a hope in hell ! If we begin by stop making excuses and look at ourselves firstly and honestly same pattern for years basic skills lacking, confidence ?? ETC. ETC. The only avenue is accept the challenge head on . The challenge being to look honestly at ourselves ,and why same old story blame something or somebody else . We are to blame because we have learned nothing on how to compete at high level in last few seasons..........STOP THE ROT NOW!"
Great Post no bull

Royal.Legend (Meath) - Posts: 685 - 15/04/2021 11:46:03    2337282

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I absolutely agree that our goal is to play to our full potential. My point was that our full potential with any team Meath could currently pick isn't going to get within 10 an a***s roar of Dublin. We did play terrible last year in the Leinster final and tbh in the Wicklow and Kildare games we played very badly too. But playing to our potential against Dublin is losing by 8-10 points. That's the sad reality. Our defense played excellent against the Dubs in 2019 and we still conceded 1-17. We missed 3 handy frees and maybe 4 other makeable scoring chances. Even taking all of them we would have lost 1-17 to 0-11. That's us playing to our potential but people would still go crazy with that result. What's far more important to judging is a)do we beat the teams we should beat. B) do we beat the teams at a similar level, Cork, Kildare, Cavan, Tipp etc. And c) can we beat division 1 teams Monaghan, Donegal, Tyrone, Galway, Mayo and maybe Kerry. Over the last 2 years we've done the first two. The important thing for our progress is keep doing a) and b) and then start to do c). Forget about Dublin, it's unrealistic and it's not going to happen for years when/If their levels even come down to Earth.

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1527 - 15/04/2021 12:59:32    2337292

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Replying To LeitrimRoyal99:  "I absolutely agree that our goal is to play to our full potential. My point was that our full potential with any team Meath could currently pick isn't going to get within 10 an a***s roar of Dublin. We did play terrible last year in the Leinster final and tbh in the Wicklow and Kildare games we played very badly too. But playing to our potential against Dublin is losing by 8-10 points. That's the sad reality. Our defense played excellent against the Dubs in 2019 and we still conceded 1-17. We missed 3 handy frees and maybe 4 other makeable scoring chances. Even taking all of them we would have lost 1-17 to 0-11. That's us playing to our potential but people would still go crazy with that result. What's far more important to judging is a)do we beat the teams we should beat. B) do we beat the teams at a similar level, Cork, Kildare, Cavan, Tipp etc. And c) can we beat division 1 teams Monaghan, Donegal, Tyrone, Galway, Mayo and maybe Kerry. Over the last 2 years we've done the first two. The important thing for our progress is keep doing a) and b) and then start to do c). Forget about Dublin, it's unrealistic and it's not going to happen for years when/If their levels even come down to Earth."
Totally agree with this common sense post. that is the facts of it. the talent or football intelligence just isnt there at present and realistically theres nothing showing in the underage ranks to say its going to change.

Need to focus on the other counties as you said and be best of the rest if possible. I agree with one of the other posts above where we have the unfortunate task of more or less being the first team year on year of meeting dublin at their maximum capability (should we not fall early in leinster) where they are full of motivation to beat the old enemy on their own turf(always croker) with almost infinite depth in personell. It has to be demoralising for our men knowing that even at their peak a good result is just avoiding a pumping.

Pa o Rouke highlighted this and its something that the GAA should look at trying to take the gap away but why would they when Dublin GAA is the Cash cow that feeds the Grab all association year on year.

I honestly think to give the rest of the field somethin to play for, the provincials should be struck off unfortunatly and a championship teir system with 2 or 4 groups in a champions league format should be adapted. A 2nd teir comp should be run off the back of it so those that fall by the wayside still have something to try and achieve and to make some of the dead rubber games towards the end still have an importance. This would in effect double the income for the GAA as having two sets of knockout football would mean added revenue.

this could replace the leagues too and possibly shorten the intercounty year and allow clubs and hurling more time but this may not be the case if it was to be a double header home and away , but this would be much fairer as it would mean the dubs have to get out of croker.

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 642 - 15/04/2021 13:54:53    2337303

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Replying To Irish_downunder:  "Totally agree with this common sense post. that is the facts of it. the talent or football intelligence just isnt there at present and realistically theres nothing showing in the underage ranks to say its going to change.

Need to focus on the other counties as you said and be best of the rest if possible. I agree with one of the other posts above where we have the unfortunate task of more or less being the first team year on year of meeting dublin at their maximum capability (should we not fall early in leinster) where they are full of motivation to beat the old enemy on their own turf(always croker) with almost infinite depth in personell. It has to be demoralising for our men knowing that even at their peak a good result is just avoiding a pumping.

Pa o Rouke highlighted this and its something that the GAA should look at trying to take the gap away but why would they when Dublin GAA is the Cash cow that feeds the Grab all association year on year.

I honestly think to give the rest of the field somethin to play for, the provincials should be struck off unfortunatly and a championship teir system with 2 or 4 groups in a champions league format should be adapted. A 2nd teir comp should be run off the back of it so those that fall by the wayside still have something to try and achieve and to make some of the dead rubber games towards the end still have an importance. This would in effect double the income for the GAA as having two sets of knockout football would mean added revenue.

this could replace the leagues too and possibly shorten the intercounty year and allow clubs and hurling more time but this may not be the case if it was to be a double header home and away , but this would be much fairer as it would mean the dubs have to get out of croker."
We do not, and have not played to our full POTENTIAL That alone is the issue as i said earlier .FORGET about everything else Why do we focus on what we say we cant do.? The issue is what we CAN do IF we adress poor coaching ,.and thus poor management. We know we have not a hope in hell of beating Dublin as we stand at present. No argument ! That leaves 2 options..... withdraw the team from serious competion OR get our act toghether and address the well documented problems .
I favour the latter option at this point. Get to our full potential and see where we are then. Otherwise why do we devote so much time and resourses to training at all ? We all know our playing panel has been stronger in the past .We won all irelands in the past under Boylan .He did have have all top notch players to work with either. . But he MANAGED them. He got the best out of what was available .Thats all we have to do now.Get the team to its full potential Lets stick to that issue .Everything else is just a distraction.
I dont know Andy Mc Entee. I admire his passion for the job ! PASSION is a very important ingredient no doubt to begin with. To move forward bring in the help he needs and deserves . Nothing new there if we want to compete against Dublin where Gavin had an abundance of people willing and able to assist him as overall MANAGER. Its too big a role for ANY one person to day.... Without good management and leadership from here we will have just more of the same . I will gladly settle for clear signs of progess in moving on from what has been a long valley period in Meath football. I wont measure it in All irelans or Leinster won But rather in seeing us well prepared in every facet of the game to bring us to the objectice in playing to our full POTENTIAL regardless !! OVER AND OUT !!

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1266 - 15/04/2021 15:37:02    2337311

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Replying To nobull456:  "We do not, and have not played to our full POTENTIAL That alone is the issue as i said earlier .FORGET about everything else Why do we focus on what we say we cant do.? The issue is what we CAN do IF we adress poor coaching ,.and thus poor management. We know we have not a hope in hell of beating Dublin as we stand at present. No argument ! That leaves 2 options..... withdraw the team from serious competion OR get our act toghether and address the well documented problems .
I favour the latter option at this point. Get to our full potential and see where we are then. Otherwise why do we devote so much time and resourses to training at all ? We all know our playing panel has been stronger in the past .We won all irelands in the past under Boylan .He did have have all top notch players to work with either. . But he MANAGED them. He got the best out of what was available .Thats all we have to do now.Get the team to its full potential Lets stick to that issue .Everything else is just a distraction.
I dont know Andy Mc Entee. I admire his passion for the job ! PASSION is a very important ingredient no doubt to begin with. To move forward bring in the help he needs and deserves . Nothing new there if we want to compete against Dublin where Gavin had an abundance of people willing and able to assist him as overall MANAGER. Its too big a role for ANY one person to day.... Without good management and leadership from here we will have just more of the same . I will gladly settle for clear signs of progess in moving on from what has been a long valley period in Meath football. I wont measure it in All irelans or Leinster won But rather in seeing us well prepared in every facet of the game to bring us to the objectice in playing to our full POTENTIAL regardless !! OVER AND OUT !!"
Getting to our full potential where can this be achieved.
What help those andy need.
What practical plans ideas can this management do to get progress.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 15/04/2021 19:00:25    2337333

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Replying To Borderroyal:  "Getting to our full potential where can this be achieved.
What help those andy need.
What practical plans ideas can this management do to get progress."
He probably won't be able to do anything vastly different to change outcome in Leinster unless he can hugely grow meath's population overnight . I honestly do believe the lads try their best anyway for the Meath fans. I am ever the optimist so I really hope I am very wrong about this.

Ensure players practice drills and basic fundamentals along with fitness.

Encourage players to enjoy themselves above all else such a privilege to represent your county.

Encourage players to show what they can do and work hard for a strong league showing.

Rocknroyaler (Meath) - Posts: 8 - 15/04/2021 22:19:41    2337364

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Replying To Irish_downunder:  "Totally agree with this common sense post. that is the facts of it. the talent or football intelligence just isnt there at present and realistically theres nothing showing in the underage ranks to say its going to change.

Need to focus on the other counties as you said and be best of the rest if possible. I agree with one of the other posts above where we have the unfortunate task of more or less being the first team year on year of meeting dublin at their maximum capability (should we not fall early in leinster) where they are full of motivation to beat the old enemy on their own turf(always croker) with almost infinite depth in personell. It has to be demoralising for our men knowing that even at their peak a good result is just avoiding a pumping.

Pa o Rouke highlighted this and its something that the GAA should look at trying to take the gap away but why would they when Dublin GAA is the Cash cow that feeds the Grab all association year on year.

I honestly think to give the rest of the field somethin to play for, the provincials should be struck off unfortunatly and a championship teir system with 2 or 4 groups in a champions league format should be adapted. A 2nd teir comp should be run off the back of it so those that fall by the wayside still have something to try and achieve and to make some of the dead rubber games towards the end still have an importance. This would in effect double the income for the GAA as having two sets of knockout football would mean added revenue.

this could replace the leagues too and possibly shorten the intercounty year and allow clubs and hurling more time but this may not be the case if it was to be a double header home and away , but this would be much fairer as it would mean the dubs have to get out of croker."
i think irish_downunder has hit the nail on the head regarding football intelligence. There is such a focus put on the "game plan", that players cannot figure things out for themselves on the pitch when the opposition change approach slightly.

And it is the better teams who really highlight this and two games spring to mind immediately:
1)Leinster Final 2020, where Con o Callaghan moved out the field and we do not know what to do with him. This is where leadership on the field is hugely important for someone to take control of the situation and direct the players around them on what to do.
2) League Final 2019, 2nd half Michael Murphy started to drift but mcgill didnt want to follow him and remained in the full back position. Murphy started to dictate play and allowed Donegal to win comfortably in the end.

Murphy (who is a freak) had the intelligence to see what needed to be done to get out and ensure our defenders didnt understand what was going on.
Additioanlly, we do not have a forward who is willing to make a decision for themselves, doesnt appear so anyway. Firtstly because there is such a focus on them defending which is an important aspect but at the same time when you are unable to move the ball quickly, then having all the players back hits you hard again this is manifested most against the better teams as we do not have the players to break them down.

juicy (Meath) - Posts: 402 - 16/04/2021 09:33:42    2337375

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Replying To juicy:  "i think irish_downunder has hit the nail on the head regarding football intelligence. There is such a focus put on the "game plan", that players cannot figure things out for themselves on the pitch when the opposition change approach slightly.

And it is the better teams who really highlight this and two games spring to mind immediately:
1)Leinster Final 2020, where Con o Callaghan moved out the field and we do not know what to do with him. This is where leadership on the field is hugely important for someone to take control of the situation and direct the players around them on what to do.
2) League Final 2019, 2nd half Michael Murphy started to drift but mcgill didnt want to follow him and remained in the full back position. Murphy started to dictate play and allowed Donegal to win comfortably in the end.

Murphy (who is a freak) had the intelligence to see what needed to be done to get out and ensure our defenders didnt understand what was going on.
Additioanlly, we do not have a forward who is willing to make a decision for themselves, doesnt appear so anyway. Firtstly because there is such a focus on them defending which is an important aspect but at the same time when you are unable to move the ball quickly, then having all the players back hits you hard again this is manifested most against the better teams as we do not have the players to break them down."
The ONLY way we can justify having training sessions is to have each session structured...That means ironing out the long established faults and shortcomings .The target is to establish and maintain a continuous improvement culture.The whole purpose is to deal with a clearly identified need. God knows they are now long running needs ..goalkeeping strategy incl kickouts,,, fielding,, etc etc like has been said here upteen times I dont see any evidence that needs are being addressed . Its a bit like ironing a shirt with a crease ...you keep ironing till you get the crease out....not rocket science My big critisism is WHY has that not happened . As was said here with some poster why are forwards afraid to take resposibility..Why the fear ??? Seems something wrong on confidence levels. Andy must see that. What is being done to meet that need??. If necessary bring in help. So what ? just do it. All good managers do it They identify what they need ,and do whatever it takes to meet that need. I cant see evidence where everything ,and every session is about continuous improvement to bring us to our target of playing as a team to our full POTENTIAL. i will be happy when i can see that attitude and culture......That will be our best ! I dont care what other counties are doing...Lets look at ouselves first . In many the last match against the Dubs could be a godsend . You can look at it 2 ways How good Dublin are or just how much we have to do...To start with training sessions have to be to serve a need .Those needs have been clearly iidentified over a long period We know talent pool has been richer in former years . Dont let that be another cop out in preventing us reaching our full potential FULL POTENTIAL is the best we can hope for. If Training sessions are not designed to help to meet that objective then whats the point.???

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1266 - 16/04/2021 14:39:44    2337400

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Posts relating to questions.
1/we need bigger population to really compete with the dubs.??
2/practise the drills??
3/strutured traing sessions.
4/decision making forwards.??
5/again help for andy.?(from where).

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 16/04/2021 19:39:59    2337446

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Replying To Borderroyal:  "Posts relating to questions.
1/we need bigger population to really compete with the dubs.??
2/practise the drills??
3/strutured traing sessions.
4/decision making forwards.??
5/again help for andy.?(from where)."
1.Andy needs help from his panel to ensure nothing is accepted but winning mentality. A mentality in the team sure what's the point Leinster is hopeless is going to demotivate players.

Think like Jimmy Mcguinness who said every game is winnable.

2. Define winning for the team.
3. Set goals to achieve this.
4. Preparation
5. Andy needs help to motivate players from coaches who look at their individual needs and help each player fulfill these needs and become self actualized successful players.

Rocknroyaler (Meath) - Posts: 8 - 16/04/2021 23:34:51    2337468

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Purely from a futurist point of view, Meath's advantages in regards to (most) other counties:
1. Bigger population (than most) Aside from counties containing a city Meath is among the most populous on the island.
2. Better facilities for players and clubs than the majority of counties Ive seen.
3. More money (than most)
4. A decent amount of success in the not too distant past, i.e. a decent coaching body for today.
5. A recent tradition of good underage county players who have won the province.
6. A county team in constant transition since 2018, which has borne some fruit.
7. A better attitude among the populace than what can be seen in other counties.
8. More scope to improve than most other counties.

These are what we have and these are what must be focused on if Meath are to stay in the hunt for success in the highest level of the game in any capacity.
In the immediate term of 2021, 2022, 2023 etc it will be more of what we've come to expect, "bang average, solid, good, strong on their day", the usual platitudes. Call me every name under the sun but it doesent change reality.

Young_gael (Meath) - Posts: 596 - 17/04/2021 11:29:29    2337485

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Replying To Young_gael:  "Purely from a futurist point of view, Meath's advantages in regards to (most) other counties:
1. Bigger population (than most) Aside from counties containing a city Meath is among the most populous on the island.
2. Better facilities for players and clubs than the majority of counties Ive seen.
3. More money (than most)
4. A decent amount of success in the not too distant past, i.e. a decent coaching body for today.
5. A recent tradition of good underage county players who have won the province.
6. A county team in constant transition since 2018, which has borne some fruit.
7. A better attitude among the populace than what can be seen in other counties.
8. More scope to improve than most other counties.

These are what we have and these are what must be focused on if Meath are to stay in the hunt for success in the highest level of the game in any capacity.
In the immediate term of 2021, 2022, 2023 etc it will be more of what we've come to expect, "bang average, solid, good, strong on their day", the usual platitudes. Call me every name under the sun but it doesent change reality."
Absolutely agree. We have a load of advantages over most other counties. And that gives us a great chance for future success. What we need to do for now at senior level is stay competitive, try get to division 1 and stay there. Get to the last 8 of the championship consistently. Win a game against Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Tyrone, Monaghan. This is what we need to achieve in the next 3 or 4 years. And then make these games 50/50 games. Then figure out the pathway from under 17 to under 20. And continue our success at under 17. If we are able to do this then in 5 years time we should have the talent, at the right age profile to compete with anybody. But in terms of winning Leinster or the All Ireland we need to do the vast majority of things right for the next 5 years and then hope that the Dubs success finally comes back to earth or their team ages/retires. In the near future however we need to just forget about measuring ourselves Dublin because that will destroy any potential strides we make. But this situation is entirely down to poor management of underage for years, luckily for us though unlike many counties we have the population, financial potential, history and interest in the county means we can get it back if we do things right

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1527 - 17/04/2021 15:16:00    2337511

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Replying To Young_gael:  "Purely from a futurist point of view, Meath's advantages in regards to (most) other counties:
1. Bigger population (than most) Aside from counties containing a city Meath is among the most populous on the island.
2. Better facilities for players and clubs than the majority of counties Ive seen.
3. More money (than most)
4. A decent amount of success in the not too distant past, i.e. a decent coaching body for today.
5. A recent tradition of good underage county players who have won the province.
6. A county team in constant transition since 2018, which has borne some fruit.
7. A better attitude among the populace than what can be seen in other counties.
8. More scope to improve than most other counties.

These are what we have and these are what must be focused on if Meath are to stay in the hunt for success in the highest level of the game in any capacity.
In the immediate term of 2021, 2022, 2023 etc it will be more of what we've come to expect, "bang average, solid, good, strong on their day", the usual platitudes. Call me every name under the sun but it doesent change reality."
From all those great positives surely we will be gaining experience and progression.
Is this a change needs to happen management wise to get us there.
Or new young players with new ideas and strutures put in place for it.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 17/04/2021 17:56:52    2337552

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Replying To Borderroyal:  "From all those great positives surely we will be gaining experience and progression.
Is this a change needs to happen management wise to get us there.
Or new young players with new ideas and strutures put in place for it."
I wouldn't change anything structures are good in place at moment. Andy has brought new young players who really want to fight for their place . This competition is good and will drive the panel on. The lads need to show what they can do because I see no reason why they can't beat any of those teams in league. Hon the royals

Rocknroyaler (Meath) - Posts: 8 - 18/04/2021 06:08:52    2337613

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