Meath Forum

Problems And Solutions

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Replying To BigJoe14:  "From the Meath panel last Sunday the following were from Intermediate clubs or below:
Harry Hogan
Michael Flood (Junior)
Donal Keogan
Sean Brennan
Harry O'Higgins
Jason Scully
Keith Curtis

Seven of the 26 man squad last week were from Intermediate of Junior Clubs. That is a very healthy representation from them. I would be asking questions as to why some huge clubs in Meath, tradition and population wise, can't produce players currently good enough to make the Meath squad. Clubs like namely Navan O'Mahonys, Simonstown, St Colmcilles, Don/Ash, Walterstown, St Patricks Stamullen, Gael Colmcille currently don't have a single player on the Senior squad."
It's baffles me why James Conlon isn't even on the panel.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 26/04/2023 16:20:03    2474062

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Replying To brian:  "Hmmm interestingly 12 months ago most on here said the same about one Andy Mcentee and you told us different…. Told us we were delusional

You've had the knife out for Colm from day one. At least own it.

And here's the big one, we remove O'Rourke who replaces him… there was no stellar cast of options available… Flynn and O'Rourke that's it… you wanted Eamonn Fitzmaurice… a fallacy to think he'd even be interested, same for any top quality manager… and to remove a Meath legend within a year… what outside manager that you're screaming for would take the job knowing that's what we'd do to our own…. They'd laugh at the county board for even approaching us

Meath are a laughing stock the country over, it's not O'Rourke or mcentee or O'Dowds fault…honest men, they've done what they could, players are declining, losing interest and moving on to further their lives.

The county board and executive are the root cause of things… plain and simple. They were Absent at the wheel 20 plus years ago when they laughed O'Rourke out of the room when he put a plan to maintain Meath at the top table.

Our ladies teams have been successful in spite of the county board and look what's happened since Eamonn Murray and a few ladies took some time for themselves. They've gone backwards, but theirs no photo ops for county board now, so they'll do nothing about it, the girls will struggle on and play for the enjoyment they can get out of it and be like the mens team in 6 years time back in the pack and we'll talk about the glory days of 21 and 22"
Dont understand how CB and Ex are the cause of all our problems. I know nothing of what goes on in Meath football and am just trying to understand what they are doing/or not as the case may be. Is the conflict between clubs so strong that they cannot get agreement to make necessary changes. The clubs vote them in so surely they can get rid. Whatever demands COR made when taking job must have been met for him to agree. What concrete steps can be taken, what is it coaches and managers need for success? As far as I am aware we have a development officer and a few county wide coaches, is it the case they are not doing their job, is more money needed, have we got access to funding. Why are clubs allowing this to happen? Are they only concerened with self intrest and to hell with the county setup? Sorry, a lot of questions, and I understand the usuall excuses can be used, lack of leadership, historical issues, not keeping up with modren ways and so forth. Time for all concerned to wake up or slide will continue.

seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2196 - 26/04/2023 16:40:59    2474068

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I haven't said this yet. But last Sunday something happened that I believe I only once heard before but that was after a match. At halftime some people behind me in stand started booing the team. There has been a huge breakdown in support since the opening two games of league. Colm had massive goodwill but it has evaporated. In all honesty he will probably be there next year cause I don't believe the CB have the balls to do anything about it. For meaths sake I hope he can turn it around. But I have my doubts

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 26/04/2023 16:43:34    2474070

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Replying To seadog54:  "Should it be up to development squads and senior management to address basic skills like fielding, kicking and ball control, if players are arriving lacking in these areas, then I suggest it is to late in the day. Skill such as these shoud be embedded in players from a very early stage and coaching at intercounty level should be more about honeing these skills, not starting with basics. Player should arrive ready to play and its managements job to have system in place to get the best out of them. For years now we seem to have neither. How many coaches are employed in Meath to visit schools and clubs? Most clubs rely on parents and members to preform these duties and by and large they do a good job. I have no doubt that players selected for development squads across the age groups are by and large the best we have and look the part in training against their peers. But wheels seem to come off when they leave the training ground and enter the comperitive arena. The CB have become the whipping boys and I would love to ask coaches and managers across the grades what more can they do? What if anything is been witheld. Also question for CB, are they been hindered in any way by the divide between clubs? If CB have the backing of the clubs and are not doing their job, then what are the clubs doing about it?.I agree CB may be lacking in some areas, required skill may not be there, so how do we address this, after all we rely on people giving up their time to do the job. Is there better equiped men or women within county who are being denied their chance to shine?"
Yes.........i see the logic in your points..... My main point is you install something, logic suggests that means its on trial be it a system or whatever. Monitor its success or failure .....take remedial action as necessary if required.
Take coaching as an example whilst its admirable that parents help out so much ,and long may that continue. On coaching in particular i believe there is an urgent need for a proper review to establish and maintain standards. Standards are defined by recognised qualifications and nothing else. We are where we are and basic skills on view are way below whats required at intercounty level. Ideally as you say players should be ready in terms of basic skills when starting to play at intercounty of course. As we can see often that is not the case ...sytem failure or insufficient at least. Yes work is being done but to what standards?
I believe a serious audit of standards in everything on and off the field is now urgent. No denying a lot of work is being done but to what STANDARD ?. Yes i believe this has to be driven from the top table. I see no evidence to confirm standards are at the top of the agenda with the exception of Dunganny as a building .Invest in people and their development to improve standards all with the objective of improvement in everything we do. Sometimes you wonder why the top table dont just say Lets have a full blooded audit of everything we do NOW
at this critical juncture. Get in whatever expertise needed if necessary to do the job. install.......monitor.......adjust if rquired......review and update . That has to be the chain of events. I am not sure we have moved beyond the install stage in too many cases. STANDARDS has to be at the top of every agenda now

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1266 - 26/04/2023 16:54:25    2474072

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In the short term Colm could ask Mickey Newman onto the panel. He could show the young lads a thing or two and playing in TC would have plenty to offer. I am not suggesting him as the future, merely as an old hand with experience. I am also aware he would not be able for the training, but sometimes you have to make an exception. I think of Paul McGrath, and how when his knees weren't great managers made allowances

atta (Meath) - Posts: 704 - 26/04/2023 17:15:42    2474079

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Replying To brian:  "Hmmm interestingly 12 months ago most on here said the same about one Andy Mcentee and you told us different…. Told us we were delusional

You've had the knife out for Colm from day one. At least own it.

And here's the big one, we remove O'Rourke who replaces him… there was no stellar cast of options available… Flynn and O'Rourke that's it… you wanted Eamonn Fitzmaurice… a fallacy to think he'd even be interested, same for any top quality manager… and to remove a Meath legend within a year… what outside manager that you're screaming for would take the job knowing that's what we'd do to our own…. They'd laugh at the county board for even approaching us

Meath are a laughing stock the country over, it's not O'Rourke or mcentee or O'Dowds fault…honest men, they've done what they could, players are declining, losing interest and moving on to further their lives.

The county board and executive are the root cause of things… plain and simple. They were Absent at the wheel 20 plus years ago when they laughed O'Rourke out of the room when he put a plan to maintain Meath at the top table.

Our ladies teams have been successful in spite of the county board and look what's happened since Eamonn Murray and a few ladies took some time for themselves. They've gone backwards, but theirs no photo ops for county board now, so they'll do nothing about it, the girls will struggle on and play for the enjoyment they can get out of it and be like the mens team in 6 years time back in the pack and we'll talk about the glory days of 21 and 22"
Agreed 100%

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1266 - 26/04/2023 17:28:40    2474081

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Replying To royaldunne:  "It's baffles me why James Conlon isn't even on the panel."
Look will you stop, he is no better than lynch Wallace, mcMahon ect. We need leaders he is no leader. I hear people talking about getting Fitzmaurice why is he constantly being brought up. They got rid of him in Kerry. One thing I do agree with is the county executive musical chairs. No new blood in years. Most of them wouldn't have a clue about football. I have been saying this for years blame your delegate's they put them there and keep them there. Nobody is asking why the subcommittee sent out to find Andy's replacement came back with only one recommendation, ( O'Rourke is the only man). Just look at St Pats they haven't fired a shot in Leinster schools in over a decade he has these lads for 5-6 years and nothing.
I was at a meeting over a decade ago where Gerry McEntee pointed out and predicted where we would be today if something radical wasn't done. He was laughed at by the people who were supposed to be looking after this. Unless we start at the bottom and build a foundation we will never be competitive again. We need a total mindset change within the County board but unfortunately they don't have the ambition vision or ability for that.

latouche25 (Meath) - Posts: 540 - 26/04/2023 18:00:13    2474092

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Took a few days off here after the disaster that was Sunday.

My own two cents is we are not were anyone including Colm expects us to be.

If you look at the team, we're not settled in a number of positions including 3, 6, 11 and 14. We still don't have a marquee forward and lack a free taker who can hit 70%.
Colm gave opportunity to a load of new lads including O Neill, O Higgins, Crosby, O Hare, Flynn, McGowan and Flood some of whom are not at the level required yet.
Our basic skills are poor, kick passing is shocking, ability to defend and being 3/4 meters of a man is unacceptable at this level.
The strength and conditioning isn't at the level I would expect and some lads have nearly gone backwards. There's a specific player in my mind who looks way more sluggish than last year and possibly a couple of kg over weight.

From a management perspective I'm not sure if we have the right team involved, I think there's a need for an outside voice such as a Donie Buckley or Gavin Devlin figure and I am questioning the selectors on if they are too similar.

There's very little positives for me to take from this year so far, only that we stayed up in division 2. We need a big TC and get results to start coming.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 409 - 26/04/2023 20:44:08    2474111

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Replying To atta:  "In the short term Colm could ask Mickey Newman onto the panel. He could show the young lads a thing or two and playing in TC would have plenty to offer. I am not suggesting him as the future, merely as an old hand with experience. I am also aware he would not be able for the training, but sometimes you have to make an exception. I think of Paul McGrath, and how when his knees weren't great managers made allowances"
Good God!!!!!

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1012 - 27/04/2023 08:31:41    2474144

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Replying To royaldunne:  "It's baffles me why James Conlon isn't even on the panel."
James Conlon again? It's been mentioned numerous times. A very good club footballer doesn't mean you should be on the Meath senior team. He is not good enough to make an impact at inter county. We have so many others of the same calibre. Joey Wallace is better and he has struggled to make an impact. James had played games and just isn't up to that level

Tinchy1 (Meath) - Posts: 66 - 27/04/2023 08:33:48    2474145

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Replying To latouche25:  "Look will you stop, he is no better than lynch Wallace, mcMahon ect. We need leaders he is no leader. I hear people talking about getting Fitzmaurice why is he constantly being brought up. They got rid of him in Kerry. One thing I do agree with is the county executive musical chairs. No new blood in years. Most of them wouldn't have a clue about football. I have been saying this for years blame your delegate's they put them there and keep them there. Nobody is asking why the subcommittee sent out to find Andy's replacement came back with only one recommendation, ( O'Rourke is the only man). Just look at St Pats they haven't fired a shot in Leinster schools in over a decade he has these lads for 5-6 years and nothing.
I was at a meeting over a decade ago where Gerry McEntee pointed out and predicted where we would be today if something radical wasn't done. He was laughed at by the people who were supposed to be looking after this. Unless we start at the bottom and build a foundation we will never be competitive again. We need a total mindset change within the County board but unfortunately they don't have the ambition vision or ability for that."
Was that the same meeting where Gerry said burn on the hurls in meath?

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 642 - 27/04/2023 08:33:48    2474146

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Replying To latouche25:  "Look will you stop, he is no better than lynch Wallace, mcMahon ect. We need leaders he is no leader. I hear people talking about getting Fitzmaurice why is he constantly being brought up. They got rid of him in Kerry. One thing I do agree with is the county executive musical chairs. No new blood in years. Most of them wouldn't have a clue about football. I have been saying this for years blame your delegate's they put them there and keep them there. Nobody is asking why the subcommittee sent out to find Andy's replacement came back with only one recommendation, ( O'Rourke is the only man). Just look at St Pats they haven't fired a shot in Leinster schools in over a decade he has these lads for 5-6 years and nothing.
I was at a meeting over a decade ago where Gerry McEntee pointed out and predicted where we would be today if something radical wasn't done. He was laughed at by the people who were supposed to be looking after this. Unless we start at the bottom and build a foundation we will never be competitive again. We need a total mindset change within the County board but unfortunately they don't have the ambition vision or ability for that."
Guys....will you listen to yourself....A Total Mindset Change at CB....are we serious...do you really believe that the CB have that ability?...come on...they are already "blaming" O Rourke, the System, The Players , The Weath4er, The Referre , The Venue...you name it ...there is just no way they have the intelligence to look in the Mirror and realise their Role in this debacle

Thelongwoodslasher (Meath) - Posts: 403 - 27/04/2023 09:23:28    2474155

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Jesus Christ I don't think I've ever seen a more overrated lad like James conlon is in here he's not good enough the fact is we can say players aren't there but there's no game plan to even improve what we have atm look at other teams around us they do they have great players no but they've good build up and defensive system we've nothing I don't get why people are even saying give colm time it's only going to get worse and worse as time goes on

Meathfor@life (Meath) - Posts: 85 - 27/04/2023 09:51:42    2474164

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Replying To Thelongwoodslasher:  "Guys....will you listen to yourself....A Total Mindset Change at CB....are we serious...do you really believe that the CB have that ability?...come on...they are already "blaming" O Rourke, the System, The Players , The Weath4er, The Referre , The Venue...you name it ...there is just no way they have the intelligence to look in the Mirror and realise their Role in this debacle"
until, we sort out those impowered to Run the Organisation, we are left with in the meantime, Individual brilliance or pot luck . And the problem, is that other Counties have realised long ago that the secret sauce to competing with the top tie counties in either sports is to ensure the System is run to the highest standard , so that when all the pieces do come togteher...fo instance an exceptional group of players come along...well they Fit into a Group & Structure that is already performing to its maximum...and they are just the finishing touches.. COR is Step 1 ....Clear out the deadwood, set up structures , learn form other counties, bring the right people together....and then in say 3-5 years...we are pushing yearly to the bottom rung of Division 1 . Next Guy in after that , his job Term of Refereece is Retain our Division 1 Status for more than one year ...preferably at leasts 3.....we are years away form that. Only then can we start talking about Provenical Honours

Thelongwoodslasher (Meath) - Posts: 403 - 27/04/2023 10:11:57    2474172

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Can someone give a meaningful championship match of the Cilles were Conlon shot the lights out and had the game of his life?

I've played against him and seen him play in both championship and league over the last 5 or 6 years and once there is a man maker quick enough to keep up with him he is in trouble. He can look very good in league football as teams don't have their full contingent hut come championship he never seems to back it up.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 409 - 27/04/2023 10:40:34    2474179

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Replying To Tinchy1:  "James Conlon again? It's been mentioned numerous times. A very good club footballer doesn't mean you should be on the Meath senior team. He is not good enough to make an impact at inter county. We have so many others of the same calibre. Joey Wallace is better and he has struggled to make an impact. James had played games and just isn't up to that level"
Conlon wasnt treated fairly by Andy Mac.Yes he got some games but never got a proper run.He scores the winner in the league v Clare to basically keep us safe and then doesnt start in the last game v Derry?He starts the game Galway and takes him off even though we were playing against a gale force wind and the ball didnt get up to any of the forwards.Plays him inside v Dublin and we hoof high ball in with at least 2 lads around him?I'Ive played football under a couple of manager's who put you on but just waiting for you to make a mistake and whip you off.He was always either first or 2nd sub off no matter how he was playing.Its very hard to play football if you know you will be taken off even if doing ok.Just to clarify I'm not saying he should be on this team, I think his height,size goes against him but think it a bit unfair the criticism about him on here.I think he is as good as some lads on the squad but we obviously need better lads to improve us.Anytime I've seen Barry dardis he makes a difference to Summerhill..Should he have been asked in this year?.I dont know what age (maybe that ship sailed)he is or if he is intersted and I know he was in under Andy but was in goals what that was all about I dont know?

Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 296 - 27/04/2023 11:38:43    2474196

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Replying To latouche25:  "Look will you stop, he is no better than lynch Wallace, mcMahon ect. We need leaders he is no leader. I hear people talking about getting Fitzmaurice why is he constantly being brought up. They got rid of him in Kerry. One thing I do agree with is the county executive musical chairs. No new blood in years. Most of them wouldn't have a clue about football. I have been saying this for years blame your delegate's they put them there and keep them there. Nobody is asking why the subcommittee sent out to find Andy's replacement came back with only one recommendation, ( O'Rourke is the only man). Just look at St Pats they haven't fired a shot in Leinster schools in over a decade he has these lads for 5-6 years and nothing.
I was at a meeting over a decade ago where Gerry McEntee pointed out and predicted where we would be today if something radical wasn't done. He was laughed at by the people who were supposed to be looking after this. Unless we start at the bottom and build a foundation we will never be competitive again. We need a total mindset change within the County board but unfortunately they don't have the ambition vision or ability for that."
The point though is the others are on the panel. He is not the answer to our problems. I'm not saying that. I'm not even saying he is a starter. But not been on panel is what I'm asking of

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 27/04/2023 11:54:50    2474203

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Lads we should hire Pep Guardiola. I heard he is looking for a challenge and what bigger challenge out there than managing Meath

Meath10 (Meath) - Posts: 190 - 27/04/2023 12:02:24    2474207

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Replying To Proudroyal:  "Conlon wasnt treated fairly by Andy Mac.Yes he got some games but never got a proper run.He scores the winner in the league v Clare to basically keep us safe and then doesnt start in the last game v Derry?He starts the game Galway and takes him off even though we were playing against a gale force wind and the ball didnt get up to any of the forwards.Plays him inside v Dublin and we hoof high ball in with at least 2 lads around him?I'Ive played football under a couple of manager's who put you on but just waiting for you to make a mistake and whip you off.He was always either first or 2nd sub off no matter how he was playing.Its very hard to play football if you know you will be taken off even if doing ok.Just to clarify I'm not saying he should be on this team, I think his height,size goes against him but think it a bit unfair the criticism about him on here.I think he is as good as some lads on the squad but we obviously need better lads to improve us.Anytime I've seen Barry dardis he makes a difference to Summerhill..Should he have been asked in this year?.I dont know what age (maybe that ship sailed)he is or if he is intersted and I know he was in under Andy but was in goals what that was all about I dont know?"
I'd agree wit all of this.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 27/04/2023 12:24:29    2474216

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Replying To latouche25:  "Look will you stop, he is no better than lynch Wallace, mcMahon ect. We need leaders he is no leader. I hear people talking about getting Fitzmaurice why is he constantly being brought up. They got rid of him in Kerry. One thing I do agree with is the county executive musical chairs. No new blood in years. Most of them wouldn't have a clue about football. I have been saying this for years blame your delegate's they put them there and keep them there. Nobody is asking why the subcommittee sent out to find Andy's replacement came back with only one recommendation, ( O'Rourke is the only man). Just look at St Pats they haven't fired a shot in Leinster schools in over a decade he has these lads for 5-6 years and nothing.
I was at a meeting over a decade ago where Gerry McEntee pointed out and predicted where we would be today if something radical wasn't done. He was laughed at by the people who were supposed to be looking after this. Unless we start at the bottom and build a foundation we will never be competitive again. We need a total mindset change within the County board but unfortunately they don't have the ambition vision or ability for that."
If we are to get a change at CB and Ex, then as you say its down to the clubs and the delegates they send forward to bring about change. Is it the case no new blood want these jobs, if so things will remain the same. When the three man panel was set up to find a new manager, I expect they thought it would generate lots of interest from outside county, however, it seems no such interest was there, other internal canidates were deemed not suitable so they approached COR as the safe choice, met his demands and here we are. Going on recent history Colm will get his two or three years no matter what. For putting his rep. on the line its the least he deserves. Who in their right mind would want to take over if CB decide to do a u turn? They loose whatever creditability they have and we start all over again, its no way to do business. Give him the next year as agreed and I expect we get rewards.

seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2196 - 27/04/2023 13:18:44    2474232

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