Meath Forum

Cavan Vs Meath. Rd 5.

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "You're right that is a possibility but I expect Armagh to win their remaining 3 games and Donegal to win their remaining two before us so the best we could hope for is a 3 way tie at the top in which case would go to score difference and we will most likely lose out unless we dish out a couple of serious hammerings which is highly unlikely ."
If Armagh win their remaining 3 games they will be on 13 points. If Meath and Donegal win their next 2 games and Meath beat Donegal in the last game, then Meath and Donegal will be on 11 points so Meath would go up on the head to head.

kingofclubs (Meath) - Posts: 321 - 29/02/2024 10:04:52    2528897

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Replying To kingofclubs:  "If Armagh win their remaining 3 games they will be on 13 points. If Meath and Donegal win their next 2 games and Meath beat Donegal in the last game, then Meath and Donegal will be on 11 points so Meath would go up on the head to head."
What's this they say about hope.

Rickoshay (Meath) - Posts: 10 - 29/02/2024 10:28:42    2528902

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Replying To royaldunne:  "Not much underdog. We had targeted this game as a win before league. And said the two harder games would be Kildare and cork at home. Now cavan have certainly had a good league so far. And in all honesty we haven't lived up to what we had hoped. And still got two wins less said about the first two games the better. But I'm optimistic that if we can sort out a few things. The kick outs , midfield and a couple of players backing themselves for shots we will win this."
Before the league started I would have put Donegal as well the strongest team in division, Armagh next best placed.
I would have put Fermanagh as the weakest.
I would have put the rest of the teams as of a similar standard, probably with Mickey Heart gone I thought there would be a bit of a fall off from Louth.

I also knew in recent years we often struggle against northern teams.

Being at home is usually a bit of an advantage and the fact we had 3 away games in Ulster for me they the 3 toughest games I would have put us down as having (ie. Cavan would have been the third most difficult game).

I think Cavan deserve to be favourites at the weekend. But it's also a game Meath can win if we play well.
At the back of my mind you also think that this is the type of game we've often done badly in in the last 15 years or so.

For me a win in this game would be a far better result than the 2 previous games we won as Cavan are at home and going fairly well. It would also show we have got stronger the longer the league has went on.

bdbuddah (Meath) - Posts: 1363 - 29/02/2024 11:15:47    2528909

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Looking at Cavans results especially against Cork and Louth they are a bit Leakey at the back. Even though they were 2 away games. But having to win by racking up big scores themselves shows they have good forwards but maybe a bit weak at teh back. So we have to be extremely tight at that back for this one. They could be out of sight if we have a repeat performance of the first 40 min like we had against louth and Kildare.
I'd be happy if we are still in the hunt with 10 min to go. I cant take another hiding like Armagh especially as we are coming into the game on a bit of a winning streak albeit against really poor opposition.
This is CORs biggest game of the season in my opinion because the sooner we can retain Div 2 status the better and no better way of showing and building character than an away win to a tough ulster team. We are not going to win a Leinster or AI so it is not early days for this team as some people think. This is our AI for this year.

JonnieG (Meath) - Posts: 220 - 29/02/2024 11:18:24    2528910

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Replying To bdbuddah:  "Before the league started I would have put Donegal as well the strongest team in division, Armagh next best placed.
I would have put Fermanagh as the weakest.
I would have put the rest of the teams as of a similar standard, probably with Mickey Heart gone I thought there would be a bit of a fall off from Louth.

I also knew in recent years we often struggle against northern teams.

Being at home is usually a bit of an advantage and the fact we had 3 away games in Ulster for me they the 3 toughest games I would have put us down as having (ie. Cavan would have been the third most difficult game).

I think Cavan deserve to be favourites at the weekend. But it's also a game Meath can win if we play well.
At the back of my mind you also think that this is the type of game we've often done badly in in the last 15 years or so.

For me a win in this game would be a far better result than the 2 previous games we won as Cavan are at home and going fairly well. It would also show we have got stronger the longer the league has went on."
A win is pivotal for progress . As I said forget about the first two games. We can't really judge on either louth or Kildare in particular . I think us and cavan are evenly matched. Not much between either of us. Yeah it's in their home ground. But I'd be hopeful

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 29/02/2024 17:33:53    2528963

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Replying To JonnieG:  "Looking at Cavans results especially against Cork and Louth they are a bit Leakey at the back. Even though they were 2 away games. But having to win by racking up big scores themselves shows they have good forwards but maybe a bit weak at teh back. So we have to be extremely tight at that back for this one. They could be out of sight if we have a repeat performance of the first 40 min like we had against louth and Kildare.
I'd be happy if we are still in the hunt with 10 min to go. I cant take another hiding like Armagh especially as we are coming into the game on a bit of a winning streak albeit against really poor opposition.
This is CORs biggest game of the season in my opinion because the sooner we can retain Div 2 status the better and no better way of showing and building character than an away win to a tough ulster team. We are not going to win a Leinster or AI so it is not early days for this team as some people think. This is our AI for this year."
Agree. This game will tell us where we are.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 29/02/2024 19:44:35    2528976

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The Cavan game is going to tell a lot but it doesn't make or break the season.

At the minute Cavan have one of the most in form forwards in Paddy Lynch so I would expect Adam O Neill to pick him up and this will be another test for him. Cavan will have other good forwards who need minding but if you stop Lynch you will stop a lot of the Cavan threat.

McKiernan has retired and Thomas Galligan isn't back in the fold yet I don't think, so if we can break even around the middle. I know very little about their midfield but I would expect a big game from Jones. Who partners him is a million dollar question, Dixon has the size but maybe not the athletism, McGowan and Costello have both but would not be as good in the air. Hickey as a wild card can run all day, I've seen teams move wing backs onto him at club level just to track him. It could be an option if Cavan have two big midfielders and allow us to try run the ball a bit more. Then have Costello and McGowan at wing forward and have them cover Hickey on the Cavan kickout.

Up front I would like to see a full forward line of Frayne, Moriarty and Walsh with Scully coming into center forward. Then you have Kinsella, O Connor and Lynch all on the bench as impact subs.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 355 - 29/02/2024 21:34:57    2528987

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Think this match (if it goes ahead - six inches of snow in Breffni apparently) will tell us the most about Meath current strength. We're not at Armagh/Donegal level and that's understandable. But we should at least aspire to a very tight game against a team that were also in the Tailteann last year and now adjusting to a new management team.

If we want to get back to the top table then a great yardstick is how we do against Ulster teams. Galway are a good example of a team who have established themselves in Div 1 after time in the wilderness, since Joyce took over they have played 18 league and championship games against Ulster opposition and lost just four. Since COR took over, we're on 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses against Ulster opposition. Albeit the positive results coming against arguably the 3 weakest Ulster teams.

If we got a win on Saturday (or whenever it's rescheduled) I would start to feel confident about the path we are on.

MeathAbroad (Meath) - Posts: 38 - 01/03/2024 14:07:54    2529068

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Replying To UsernameInvalid:  "The Cavan game is going to tell a lot but it doesn't make or break the season.

At the minute Cavan have one of the most in form forwards in Paddy Lynch so I would expect Adam O Neill to pick him up and this will be another test for him. Cavan will have other good forwards who need minding but if you stop Lynch you will stop a lot of the Cavan threat.

McKiernan has retired and Thomas Galligan isn't back in the fold yet I don't think, so if we can break even around the middle. I know very little about their midfield but I would expect a big game from Jones. Who partners him is a million dollar question, Dixon has the size but maybe not the athletism, McGowan and Costello have both but would not be as good in the air. Hickey as a wild card can run all day, I've seen teams move wing backs onto him at club level just to track him. It could be an option if Cavan have two big midfielders and allow us to try run the ball a bit more. Then have Costello and McGowan at wing forward and have them cover Hickey on the Cavan kickout.

Up front I would like to see a full forward line of Frayne, Moriarty and Walsh with Scully coming into center forward. Then you have Kinsella, O Connor and Lynch all on the bench as impact subs."
Same team as last day named - albeit that probably doesn't mean much these days with the way managers like to change things up for throw in!

I like this line up given who we have available and the consistency of selection is allowing lads build their experience through meaningful games.

I think Cavan are a decent team although I don't think they are as good as either Armagh or Donegal. This will really tell us where we are at.

I am wondering who do we have to comeback into the squad for championship and who do we expect to be available?

Is Jordan Morris likely to feature in championship? What about Ronan Ryan? Cillian O'Sullivan? Jack Flynn? Padraic Harnan? Anyone else??

I know Flynn is completing his Masters - but presume he will be back in when done. He is still a great option for us in mid field. Ryan played really well last year - think he would add a lot to our full back line. Jordan offers something a little different from the other forwards we have. Harnan certainly has the experience although I think Campion is growing into the 6 position and I suspect COR will leave him there even if Harnan is fit!

Meath v Cavan
Meath: Sean Brennan (Dún Doire), Donal Keogan (Rath Coinnig), Adam O'Neill (Bhulf Tón), Brian O'Halloran (Baile Íomhair), Ciaran Caulfield (Átha Troim), Darragh Campion (Scrín), Sean Coffey (Baile na Breacaighe), Ronan Jones (Naomh Peadar Dún Bóinne) (Capt.), Cian McBride (Naomh Ultain), Daithí McGowan (Rath Tó), Eoghan Frayne (Druim Samhraidh), Jack O'Connor (Currach Átha), Shane Walsh (Na Fianna), Mathew Costello (Domhnach Seachnaill), Cathal Hickey (Baile Sencaill)

Subs: Billy Hogan (Maigh Dearmhaí), Michael Flood (Naomh Bríd), Michael Murphy (Naomh Peadar Dún Bóinne), Adam McDonnell (Druim Samhraidh), Brian O'Reilly (Naomh Mícheál), Ruairí Kinsella (Domhnach Seachnaill), Ross Ryan (Druim Samhraidh), Keith Curtis (Rath Coinnig), Aaron Lynch (Átha Troim), Danny Dixon (Bórd an Mhuilinn), Diarmuid Moriarty (Currach Átha)

Royalblufill (Meath) - Posts: 482 - 01/03/2024 14:32:58    2529073

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For me this COULD BE a defining game. Win and we have cork at home and should we win that then an all out crack at Donegal for promotion. I'll be honest win lose or draw that game should it come to pass would sign improvement and a successful enough year.
Flip side we get beat and lose to cork then we could be dragged back into relegation territory depending on louth and Fermanagh results. A nightmare scenario.
Now likelihood is neither situation might happen leaving us where we are. That would be same as you have been for past near on 20years.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 01/03/2024 15:22:06    2529086

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Replying To Royalblufill:  "Same team as last day named - albeit that probably doesn't mean much these days with the way managers like to change things up for throw in!

I like this line up given who we have available and the consistency of selection is allowing lads build their experience through meaningful games.

I think Cavan are a decent team although I don't think they are as good as either Armagh or Donegal. This will really tell us where we are at.

I am wondering who do we have to comeback into the squad for championship and who do we expect to be available?

Is Jordan Morris likely to feature in championship? What about Ronan Ryan? Cillian O'Sullivan? Jack Flynn? Padraic Harnan? Anyone else??

I know Flynn is completing his Masters - but presume he will be back in when done. He is still a great option for us in mid field. Ryan played really well last year - think he would add a lot to our full back line. Jordan offers something a little different from the other forwards we have. Harnan certainly has the experience although I think Campion is growing into the 6 position and I suspect COR will leave him there even if Harnan is fit!

Meath v Cavan
Meath: Sean Brennan (Dún Doire), Donal Keogan (Rath Coinnig), Adam O'Neill (Bhulf Tón), Brian O'Halloran (Baile Íomhair), Ciaran Caulfield (Átha Troim), Darragh Campion (Scrín), Sean Coffey (Baile na Breacaighe), Ronan Jones (Naomh Peadar Dún Bóinne) (Capt.), Cian McBride (Naomh Ultain), Daithí McGowan (Rath Tó), Eoghan Frayne (Druim Samhraidh), Jack O'Connor (Currach Átha), Shane Walsh (Na Fianna), Mathew Costello (Domhnach Seachnaill), Cathal Hickey (Baile Sencaill)

Subs: Billy Hogan (Maigh Dearmhaí), Michael Flood (Naomh Bríd), Michael Murphy (Naomh Peadar Dún Bóinne), Adam McDonnell (Druim Samhraidh), Brian O'Reilly (Naomh Mícheál), Ruairí Kinsella (Domhnach Seachnaill), Ross Ryan (Druim Samhraidh), Keith Curtis (Rath Coinnig), Aaron Lynch (Átha Troim), Danny Dixon (Bórd an Mhuilinn), Diarmuid Moriarty (Currach Átha)"
Cos is finished with football unfortunately and I wish him nothing only well. Harnan taking year out same
As Flynn. James mcentee hopefully will be back. As most likely will Morris. Ryan and scully also likely to
Return.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 01/03/2024 16:48:34    2529102

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Replying To royaldunne:  "Cos is finished with football unfortunately and I wish him nothing only well. Harnan taking year out same
As Flynn. James mcentee hopefully will be back. As most likely will Morris. Ryan and scully also likely to
Return."
I though Cillian was back in training a bit. Harnan hardly taking a year out as at his age it may be hard to come back. At least he is back on the club scene.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 511 - 01/03/2024 19:31:38    2529128

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Replying To Royalblufill:  "Same team as last day named - albeit that probably doesn't mean much these days with the way managers like to change things up for throw in!

I like this line up given who we have available and the consistency of selection is allowing lads build their experience through meaningful games.

I think Cavan are a decent team although I don't think they are as good as either Armagh or Donegal. This will really tell us where we are at.

I am wondering who do we have to comeback into the squad for championship and who do we expect to be available?

Is Jordan Morris likely to feature in championship? What about Ronan Ryan? Cillian O'Sullivan? Jack Flynn? Padraic Harnan? Anyone else??

I know Flynn is completing his Masters - but presume he will be back in when done. He is still a great option for us in mid field. Ryan played really well last year - think he would add a lot to our full back line. Jordan offers something a little different from the other forwards we have. Harnan certainly has the experience although I think Campion is growing into the 6 position and I suspect COR will leave him there even if Harnan is fit!

Meath v Cavan
Meath: Sean Brennan (Dún Doire), Donal Keogan (Rath Coinnig), Adam O'Neill (Bhulf Tón), Brian O'Halloran (Baile Íomhair), Ciaran Caulfield (Átha Troim), Darragh Campion (Scrín), Sean Coffey (Baile na Breacaighe), Ronan Jones (Naomh Peadar Dún Bóinne) (Capt.), Cian McBride (Naomh Ultain), Daithí McGowan (Rath Tó), Eoghan Frayne (Druim Samhraidh), Jack O'Connor (Currach Átha), Shane Walsh (Na Fianna), Mathew Costello (Domhnach Seachnaill), Cathal Hickey (Baile Sencaill)

Subs: Billy Hogan (Maigh Dearmhaí), Michael Flood (Naomh Bríd), Michael Murphy (Naomh Peadar Dún Bóinne), Adam McDonnell (Druim Samhraidh), Brian O'Reilly (Naomh Mícheál), Ruairí Kinsella (Domhnach Seachnaill), Ross Ryan (Druim Samhraidh), Keith Curtis (Rath Coinnig), Aaron Lynch (Átha Troim), Danny Dixon (Bórd an Mhuilinn), Diarmuid Moriarty (Currach Átha)"
Harnan has just had a kid I think someone said on a previous topic so if he is taking time then good luck to him

Cillian I'm not sure what happened there, all very quiet. He's a finisher these days, a bit of experience and pace to add

Shane McEntee has taken time away I believe, he wasn't dropped like some want to claim and bad mouth Colm.

Ronan Ryan injured I believe

Conor Gray shoulder injury and pneumonia unlikely he plays this year

Jack Flynn took time away

James McEntee is a doctor I believe and inter county and doctor demands are too much for anyone

Jordan Morris I believe is out for the year with a muscle injury

John O'Regan dunno if there's injuries there or he's with the 20's

Ben Wyer and Cian Rogers back with the development panel I think

Scully was back last weekend

Thomas O'Reilly dunno if he's injured, dropped or unavailable

Harry O'Higgins injured and out for the season

Donal lenihan left the panel

Cathal Finnegan, Mark Coffey, Conor Farrell, niall murphy, Conor Frayne and Diarmuid McCabe played In pre season, dunno if they're with the development panel and might come back in. Tbf to Colm he wasn't afraid to use guys from that and the u20's after the league last season. Sean Coffey wasn't with the panel this time last year and is an automatic starter now.

Dunno if any of the 20's will come into the picture post that championship

O'Halloran, O'Regan are the pick of that panel and already involved. Kinlough will be brought In you'd imagine. Are ohare and Kelly possible additions too. Sean Emmanuel stood out at minor but I know he's had injury issues. Then forwards from the minor team seem to have changed a lot too from reports from friendlies.

Let's not forget there a good few lads in their first year with the panel too. Cian Mcbride, brian O'Reilly, Adam McDonnell, Ruairi Kinsella. And a couple of lads back after time away or injuries in Walsh, Ross Ryan, campion , Rowe, James Conlon and Danny Dixon. And a huge amount in year two. Brennan, Caulfield, O'Neill, O'Halloran, Coffey, Frayne, Billy hogan, Flood, Murphy, Lynch, O'Regan and Moriarty

Squads will generally turn over at least 30% of their panel each year so I think we're doing about the norm there.

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1954 - 02/03/2024 01:55:45    2529160

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Replying To JonnieG:  "Looking at Cavans results especially against Cork and Louth they are a bit Leakey at the back. Even though they were 2 away games. But having to win by racking up big scores themselves shows they have good forwards but maybe a bit weak at teh back. So we have to be extremely tight at that back for this one. They could be out of sight if we have a repeat performance of the first 40 min like we had against louth and Kildare.
I'd be happy if we are still in the hunt with 10 min to go. I cant take another hiding like Armagh especially as we are coming into the game on a bit of a winning streak albeit against really poor opposition.
This is CORs biggest game of the season in my opinion because the sooner we can retain Div 2 status the better and no better way of showing and building character than an away win to a tough ulster team. We are not going to win a Leinster or AI so it is not early days for this team as some people think. This is our AI for this year."
'and no better way of showing and building character than an away win to a tough ulster team' - well put, a win would be a real good sign for rest of year, it would make me optimistic for group stages.

Agree that taking a hiding like Armagh game would be hard to take, would be a very bad sign for rest of year, would make me feel in the group stages we don't have what it takes to put it up to any reasonabley good team.

bdbuddah (Meath) - Posts: 1363 - 02/03/2024 10:21:02    2529180

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Replying To brian:  "Harnan has just had a kid I think someone said on a previous topic so if he is taking time then good luck to him

Cillian I'm not sure what happened there, all very quiet. He's a finisher these days, a bit of experience and pace to add

Shane McEntee has taken time away I believe, he wasn't dropped like some want to claim and bad mouth Colm.

Ronan Ryan injured I believe

Conor Gray shoulder injury and pneumonia unlikely he plays this year

Jack Flynn took time away

James McEntee is a doctor I believe and inter county and doctor demands are too much for anyone

Jordan Morris I believe is out for the year with a muscle injury

John O'Regan dunno if there's injuries there or he's with the 20's

Ben Wyer and Cian Rogers back with the development panel I think

Scully was back last weekend

Thomas O'Reilly dunno if he's injured, dropped or unavailable

Harry O'Higgins injured and out for the season

Donal lenihan left the panel

Cathal Finnegan, Mark Coffey, Conor Farrell, niall murphy, Conor Frayne and Diarmuid McCabe played In pre season, dunno if they're with the development panel and might come back in. Tbf to Colm he wasn't afraid to use guys from that and the u20's after the league last season. Sean Coffey wasn't with the panel this time last year and is an automatic starter now.

Dunno if any of the 20's will come into the picture post that championship

O'Halloran, O'Regan are the pick of that panel and already involved. Kinlough will be brought In you'd imagine. Are ohare and Kelly possible additions too. Sean Emmanuel stood out at minor but I know he's had injury issues. Then forwards from the minor team seem to have changed a lot too from reports from friendlies.

Let's not forget there a good few lads in their first year with the panel too. Cian Mcbride, brian O'Reilly, Adam McDonnell, Ruairi Kinsella. And a couple of lads back after time away or injuries in Walsh, Ross Ryan, campion , Rowe, James Conlon and Danny Dixon. And a huge amount in year two. Brennan, Caulfield, O'Neill, O'Halloran, Coffey, Frayne, Billy hogan, Flood, Murphy, Lynch, O'Regan and Moriarty

Squads will generally turn over at least 30% of their panel each year so I think we're doing about the norm there."
I think you might be jumping the gun to suggest Conor Grey, Jordan Morris and Harry O'Higgings are out for the year. We are only in first week of March.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 511 - 02/03/2024 14:12:38    2529216

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Replying To winatallcost:  "I think you might be jumping the gun to suggest Conor Grey, Jordan Morris and Harry O'Higgings are out for the year. We are only in first week of March."
All 3 could be back for Donegal, I don't know where he got that from.

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 143 - 02/03/2024 16:19:01    2529242

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Replying To Sheridan2010louth:  "All 3 could be back for Donegal, I don't know where he got that from."
I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who's said that about the three players concerned and possibly being out for the season. And if they're back that would certainly help. I never stated they'd be out as fact, I think people know me well enough to know I'd share what I had heard but never state these things as facts.

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1954 - 02/03/2024 17:07:59    2529248

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Replying To winatallcost:  "I though Cillian was back in training a bit. Harnan hardly taking a year out as at his age it may be hard to come back. At least he is back on the club scene."
No cillian is gone. No one's fault. Trust me on this one.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 02/03/2024 17:24:52    2529251

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Very good first half in Breffini, our fitness levels seem to be superior to Cavan's.
Defence is working very well as a unit especially without possession.
Would like to see SW be more brave when on the ball and take his marker on, he is one and one the whole time but does seems to lack that burst of speed.
Overall ours to loose here, cant see anything only a win if we keep up the intensity.

thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1049 - 02/03/2024 19:41:02    2529266

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Playing well but could and should be up by about 7 or 8 if a bit more clinical

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 28 - 02/03/2024 19:41:29    2529267

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