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Miller I agree with some of what you say there re the clawback, kick out strategy and Hogan well said. I'd be critical of management but i think the Fionn Reilly and Devine calls were right. Rewatching the highlights i noticed Fionn got caught out of position on the penalty and for Con O'Callaghan's goal, he was a yard off where he needed to be. Look its his first time v Dublin and in Croke Park so he'll live, learn and hopefully prosper. Devine was needed as another catching option to the ball into the forwards. I think you need to have that option in the half forward line too. I would say though I don't understand why Newman wasn't brought in too, it did baffle me.
brian (Meath) - Posts: 1973 - 19/07/2021 11:27:11 2361573 Link 15 |
Has anyone heard from Crinigan or know if he's okay? dunboynelad (Meath) - Posts: 227 - 19/07/2021 11:36:55 2361585 Link 1 |
What really sticks in my craw about Dublin is the Croke Park factor. Its a home venue for them. It is a monstrous pitch that they know every blade of grass in it, and it suits them down to the ground with their athletic players and especially when they are holding possession for upwards of five minutes. BigJoe14 (Meath) - Posts: 998 - 19/07/2021 11:51:23 2361593 Link 1 |
I was lucky enough to be at the game yesterday and I've seen watched some of it back. My belief in this group had wavered a bit after the Kildare game but that second-half performance changed my mind. I don't really like the comparison but it's sort of an obvious one, look back at 2015 and 2016, the first hint of adversity, and those Meath teams folded, they didn't believe and they didn't play for their manager. If the second half went like the first half there's a good chance Andy's neck would have been on the line. And the players came out and played for their manager. The first attack of the half, magnificent tackle on Cormac Costello by Lavin, a brilliant run by Keoghan, and a very composed finished by Costello. (Somebody I forget who on this forum said a few weeks ago that Meath now only produces big strong guys and have no skill and named Matt Costello as an example, 1-1 from play yesterday all with his weak foot after great solo dummies). Then for the rest of the half, there were more inspirational moments, Costello flattening Byrne and Howard off a kick out to set up a point for Joey Wallace. Shane McEntee with as good a shoulder as you'll ever see, inspiring stuff and what you want from your captain. The Dubs top players still came to the fore in the last few minutes and they seen it out. But the best part for me is that it's not like we played 10/10 and still lost by 6. We missed two goal chances, one in each half. Morris kicked a lot of wides, and we made some basic errors. But I thought Harry Hogan done quite well in goal, and I was very nervous when I seen the selection because he was poor against Mayo in the league, but I thought his kick outs were quite good, fair enough we lost a few but they were mostly because we lost breaking ball, very few of our kickouts hurt us with the Dubs turning us over and starting quick attacks. Having been lucky enough to get a ticket I could see quite a few moves to get men free. There were a few where one of the full back line would come as a very late runner bursting down the sideline into space, and a clever idea of keeping Shane McEntee off the pitch on the second half water break and then having him run on late where he'd be unmarked, in fairness this Dubs were wise to this and picked him up, but it was a clever move. The Dubs still have better players than we do but their aura is wearing off a little and their bench isn't nearly what it was. The age profiles of the two teams tell a story too, Dubs only had 3 guys 24 or underplay yesterday, and one was a sub, and the other was taken off at half time having played poorly. We had Harry Hogan, Matt Costello, Cathal Hickey, Jordy Morris, Jones, Thomas, Ethan and Banty. Maybe the future isn't so bleak after all, lets not hope it's a false dawn LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1527 - 19/07/2021 12:00:34 2361603 Link 8 |
Well we are not really shocked about the ref bottling the peno decision. We knew this before the game, happens every time v Dublin only difference it was a lot more oblivious than normal.
bobkarlgees (Meath) - Posts: 1265 - 19/07/2021 13:32:43 2361695 Link 3 |
Before pressing the substitute button I would have switched Fionn Reilly and Brian Menton. I think a more forward role might suit Fionn. Yes if Newman was at all fit he should have been on even before Devine came on. Andy probably did win the sideline battle but bringing on Devine was an attempt to shore things up whereas if he brought on Newman it would at least have been an attempt at going for the jugular.
MillerX (Meath) - Posts: 1080 - 19/07/2021 13:55:46 2361708 Link 1 |
Was at the game yesterday and delighted with second half performance. I watched Wexford v Dublin and and could see how much it bothered the Dubs when Wexford did not stand off them and instead matched the physicality and aggression which are the hallmarks of the Dublin set up. When Meath did the same in the second half we saw what could be achieved. Meath are streets ahead of Wexford in footballing quality but attitude and bloody mindedness are hugely important when matched with skill and athleticism. This is a relatively young Meath team with some serious underage talent waiting in the wings so the future is bright. Very little mention of Joey Wallace on here but he was extraordinary yesterday, the amount of ground he covered and his willingness to take responsibility allied with his pace and skill showed what a talent he is. Take the positives out of this and take the Dubs out of Croke Park and we may even find a Leinster championship that is alive and well again. woodside (Wexford) - Posts: 12 - 19/07/2021 16:04:36 2361774 Link 2 |
big sigh of relief is my overall response to yesterday . At half time, I have to admit I was dreading the "collapse" . Now in fairness to the Management, they came out on the pitch after the half time break, and each spoke to a number of Guys individually, restating messages from half time I assume....now it looked strange...but the body language looked to be "positive" despite the half time score- line So something or somebody was responsible for that attitude change...and at this stage im going to give equal credit to the management & Players Finally, I can dispel that dreaded feeling , and we can for a moment consider taking our place again among the top counties.....so Bit of Pride & self respect restored.....how it happened I will think about later like any result, we should not over react just to one day......I do think the powers that be will see it as a clear message that Andy stays on.....I don't agree or disagree...except to say, that THEY have to sit down with him & his management team & assess the last 12 months & then see can they agree a common set of gaols for 2022 beyond ….At least the future does not look as bleak as it has done for many an occasion over the last 6 months PS...Bernie a real big loss !!!!!!. Please can whoever has to sit down to plan the future of where we go form here, can we rule out any more meglomaniacs Thelongwoodslasher (Meath) - Posts: 403 - 19/07/2021 16:12:49 2361779 Link 1 |
What is it with Cork referees and Meath? First Michael Collins and now Conor Lane. stillaroyal (Meath) - Posts: 225 - 19/07/2021 23:00:44 2361974 Link 0 |
Having digested the game from sunday it struck me that we gave a accomplished 2nd half of football.bad decisions made against us tackling was apparent in the 2nd half. Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 496 - 20/07/2021 10:24:31 2362034 Link 0 |
my take on Sunday & my end of Year assessment on Senior Squad/Management. Sunday.... To take BRs point on Newman & others.....I am going to assume that The Non use of subs on Sunday was either one or tow things . Lack of on the Managerial decision making by either Andy and/or Andy's assistant who is responsible for tracking Output of Players . I personally thought Menton, Keoghan, Harnan, McEntee , O Sullivan were all visibly suffering. The other explanation is that Andy has found himself boxed into a corner, whereby he carried 5-6 Guys in the panel for a period of time where he wasn't Sure of them & hence he had Guys on the bench on Sunday that he really didn't trust Either of the two reasons above for a lack of injecting new legs on Sunday are "x"s for Andy & Co. So end of Year assessment , mimics Sundays game. Some real good positive stuff, mixed with the usual obstinate, hot headed, lack of vision & planning every detail . To me ...IF...Andy stays....He needs to recognise his Weaknesses and Supplement those Weaknesses by bringing in good quality guys around him who will Question him, Andy, is very Much in the mould of the classic Manager, but that role over the last few years has moved on significantly, and while I think Andy understands that - to some extent0- I still think he naturally resents & rejects it. he has to embrace being Challenged internally...and in addition he needs to recognise that his "here & now policy/view" leads to exactly the situation that he found himself on Sunday...either with no bench...or with a bench & no one to tell him what changes are needed. So Teachers comments at end of year are. Still believe in this Guy, for no other reason is that he is committed to the cause beyond question. BUT....needs to surround himself with equally strong minded individuals who are dedicated to Coaching, Structure, Game Plan & Culture . We went back to "Green" on Sunday...lets stay there l Thelongwoodslasher (Meath) - Posts: 403 - 20/07/2021 11:57:57 2362071 Link 2 |
As a meath supporter we must admit that Dublin are by far the best team that has ever played the game . To be beaten by just 6 points is no great dis raise but no great surprise either . This will also happen next year unless the manager and his crew are jettisoned in the. Ext few weeks . Why would it be any different that it has been for the last number of years . Dublin will alsk beat Kildare by as much and go on their merry way but we can patronise our own lads by saying well done on not been beaten by more !
noluso (Meath) - Posts: 166 - 20/07/2021 13:55:26 2362135 Link 0 |
Thinking about it I am not sure why he started Hogan either ? Was Colgan injured if not it was a massive call and one that was not really warranted IMO. I think Hogan did well, lucky enough, but it was tough on Hogan giving his lack of game time and inexperience. Strange call. No Newan was another strange one.
bobkarlgees (Meath) - Posts: 1265 - 20/07/2021 14:29:31 2362151 Link 0 |
Entrance music ? Really ? Now I know why supporters are being so patronising to our boys about yet another defeat on Sunday ! Listen ,we were just not up to it . I think the lads would appreciate a bit of honesty rather than this well done in defeat garbage
noluso (Meath) - Posts: 166 - 20/07/2021 15:17:48 2362169 Link 0 |
You had to be in Croke park to get how out of line the Entrance Music is. It is a super loud booming encore to 'welcome the heroes' type of thing. It would give anyone not expecting it a jump. It has a purpose which is to gee up Dublin players and supporters and tell the others they don't belong here and to emphasise that this is a show for Dublin people to come along and see Dublin win. We do not complain enough about things like this. It is an affront to the countrywide (32 County) Gaa people who built the place as owned by the GAA as a whole. Fine in Parnell park. Someone with an influential job in Croke park stadium either does not know what the GAA and Croke park are about or bullies over it. Either way he/She should have to give a satisfactory answer as to why they should not be removed Ashrules (Dublin) - Posts: 553 - 20/07/2021 15:35:44 2362176 Link 1 |
The lads got brutal honesty in this same fixture last year….and fair dues to everyone one of them , they got back on the horse...heaven knows how they did,...but they did, and they all (or most of them ) signed up for another year (or in this case 6 months of slogging) with the end result most likely being another tanking from Dublin So reality?!!!!...im quite certain that squad knows what the reality is That said , their Job is to believe in every little chink of light they can see on their side, and every sign or what looks like a sign of weakening in Dublin I don't think anyone is being in any way patronising to either players or Management on here. There is far too much put in, by these lads, far too much sacrificed to do that If you want to call relief & gratitude ….patronising …. Thelongwoodslasher (Meath) - Posts: 403 - 20/07/2021 15:36:14 2362177 Link 0 |
I completely agree with you. Only reason it is allowed is the GAA omerta about anything seen as begrudgery or giving away a psychological advantage by being seen to moan. It should be called out for what it is. Crinigan (Meath) - Posts: 1352 - 20/07/2021 19:07:40 2362238 Link 15 |
Well done to the team for giving me something to shout about against the dubs for the first time in a long time. Now I feel that winning Leinster is a realistic goal over the next year or two, and not just some nebulous pipe dream. We can do it for sure. They were running scared in the last 10 minutes, time wasting, taking their time getting up, getting involved in fights, playing keep-ball. If we had stayed closer to them by halftime it was there for us, and it will be our day soon. By the way I fully believe this game should have been played in Navan. Why croke park when you can't even have that many spectators. Plus it wasn't on RTÉ just GAA go. If it is possible to insist on something, Meath should have insisted it be played in Navan. We have played Dublin in their home too many times to count. cabbage (Meath) - Posts: 162 - 20/07/2021 20:57:35 2362280 Link 0 |
I think it was an unwarranted call as well. Thrown in at the deep, deep end. Croke Park, semi final, against Dublin. Lucky it worked out. I missed his save from Fenton actually, I heard it was unreal. Any videos of it knocking about? Or anywhere to watch the full match again? meathgaa91 (Meath) - Posts: 48 - 20/07/2021 22:20:36 2362318 Link 0 |
Ok so Andy is constantly getting criticism for not addressing the goalkeeping situation well and not doing something about it. He then makes a call on the goalkeeping situation and starts a keeper who he says was flying in the lead up to game and now he's getting criticism for throwing the lad in at the deep end..... even though you said it worked out. But it only work because it was "lucky it worked out" Surely he should be given credit for finally making a big call on the goalkeeper and getting it right but no apparently it was just a lucky call. Yous would be the same lads slating him for not addressing the goalkeeping situation if he had gone with Colgan and it had not worked out. Make up your mind lads. Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1012 - 21/07/2021 09:35:18 2362402 Link 0 |