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Any word on the various injuries within the squad? Hoping management use the Carlow match to try out a few new things. No room to do that in Div 2 and not room in subsequent matches. With all due respect to Carlow this is the one chance we have this year to take a gamble or two in terms of positions and starters. The focus should be on getting first choice team in place for Offaly. If that means resting players or "training through" the Carlow weekend with some of the squad, so be it.

MeathAbroad (Meath) - Posts: 145 - 26/03/2025 14:27:21    2598701

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Replying To MeathAbroad:  "Any word on the various injuries within the squad? Hoping management use the Carlow match to try out a few new things. No room to do that in Div 2 and not room in subsequent matches. With all due respect to Carlow this is the one chance we have this year to take a gamble or two in terms of positions and starters. The focus should be on getting first choice team in place for Offaly. If that means resting players or "training through" the Carlow weekend with some of the squad, so be it."
With all due respect I don't think any championship game is the time or place to be trying out new things. I don't believe we are anywhere near good enough to be taking that approach and defeats to so call weaker counties in championship in recent years should have taught us that lesson.

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1063 - 26/03/2025 14:44:20    2598702

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "To be fair we I don't think anyone or at least not too many are knocking the lad or questioning his potential.

But is not a reasonable point to make that the fact he was on the bench for pretty much the entire league campaign and saw little or no game time even when as you rightly pointed out we were getting absolutely cleaned in midfield that it is difficult to see how anyone could have him down to start the first championship game in less than 2 weeks ?

If he was on the bench and fit to play which he was V louth and he wouldn't have let Tommy Durnin run the show like you said well then why didn't the management bring him on to deal with Tommy Durnin ???

There is no doubting his potential and the fact he had a good Tailteann cup year 2 years ago but it's pretty obvious that management don't believe that he us currently ready up or to the level required at this moment to be involved and it's unlikely he will get there in 2 weeks and I find it strange that people are tipping him to start pretty much based off some good performances 2 years ago."
Black spot I hate to burst your bubble but Grey wasn't in 5 of the 7 match day squads at all this year. He was added to the match day 26 late v Cavan and then was a substitute for Ronan Jones. Maybe 15 minutes of football. He was an unused sub v Down and then named on the bench v Roscommon but was a late drop out and replaced by Cian Mcbride. That's his total amount of inclusion so far in the competitive season. Maybe check this stuff before stating it here as fact he was on the bench pretty much the entire league when he wasn't, it's easy enough to find out.

And he wasn't in the panel on Sunday v Louth, go and recheck Meath GAA Twitter who always give the team the morning of the game and then update the panel just before the game starts for late changes in the 26. Costello was a late inclusion and the only change to the match day 26. He can't do anything about Tommy Durnin when he's not involved in the match day panel.

Now why he hasn't been involved is another story. Is that lack of form, possibly, but given how little football he's played in the last 15 months I'd be more likely to give him the benefit of the doubt and say he's still recovering from some very serious injuries and illnesses ( i believe) during 2024. Grey has a good bit of ability, but still is only 21-22 at this stage and not fully developed.

Stop slaying a guy who's not been involved on match days this season. Check you facts first and foremost.

Irrespective of that, midfield has been second best for the last 2-3 games and we might get away with that v Carlow, but if we get through that Offaly are no mugs, we saw that in Tullamore 2 years ago. Flynn and Menton have had 7 starts together and it's not working, Bryan has been a great servant but his legs just aren't there anymore to play 70 minutes. Jack is better suited to a wing forward role facing the goal where his kicking and scoring abilities are needed, and more so now if Jordan Morris is gone for the season. Who you'd then start in midfield I dunno.. but think it's reasonable to have a discussion about it

Now I fully expect Flynn and Menton start in midfield v Carlow and beyond, but in my honest opinion it's a mistake that'll get brutally exposed as pitches dry out and the ground gets faster

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1977 - 26/03/2025 14:57:43    2598707

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Replying To brian:  "Black spot I hate to burst your bubble but Grey wasn't in 5 of the 7 match day squads at all this year. He was added to the match day 26 late v Cavan and then was a substitute for Ronan Jones. Maybe 15 minutes of football. He was an unused sub v Down and then named on the bench v Roscommon but was a late drop out and replaced by Cian Mcbride. That's his total amount of inclusion so far in the competitive season. Maybe check this stuff before stating it here as fact he was on the bench pretty much the entire league when he wasn't, it's easy enough to find out.

And he wasn't in the panel on Sunday v Louth, go and recheck Meath GAA Twitter who always give the team the morning of the game and then update the panel just before the game starts for late changes in the 26. Costello was a late inclusion and the only change to the match day 26. He can't do anything about Tommy Durnin when he's not involved in the match day panel.

Now why he hasn't been involved is another story. Is that lack of form, possibly, but given how little football he's played in the last 15 months I'd be more likely to give him the benefit of the doubt and say he's still recovering from some very serious injuries and illnesses ( i believe) during 2024. Grey has a good bit of ability, but still is only 21-22 at this stage and not fully developed.

Stop slaying a guy who's not been involved on match days this season. Check you facts first and foremost.

Irrespective of that, midfield has been second best for the last 2-3 games and we might get away with that v Carlow, but if we get through that Offaly are no mugs, we saw that in Tullamore 2 years ago. Flynn and Menton have had 7 starts together and it's not working, Bryan has been a great servant but his legs just aren't there anymore to play 70 minutes. Jack is better suited to a wing forward role facing the goal where his kicking and scoring abilities are needed, and more so now if Jordan Morris is gone for the season. Who you'd then start in midfield I dunno.. but think it's reasonable to have a discussion about it

Now I fully expect Flynn and Menton start in midfield v Carlow and beyond, but in my honest opinion it's a mistake that'll get brutally exposed as pitches dry out and the ground gets faster"
First of all can you show me where it is that I've slated him ? I have said he's a young player with potential and certainly don't recall ever slating him.

The point I'm making is I can't see how anyone could see him starting in 2 weeks time considering he has played little or no league football. To my knowledge he is currently fit and available and yet didn't make the Louth squad. So if he's fit and available for the Louth game and didn't make the 26 I can't see how in 2 weeks he jumps into the starting 15.

Also I feel people are putting way too much pressure on this lad as if he is going to be the saviour of the meath midfield.

Again I will await your evidence of where I have slated this young player in this debate.

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1063 - 26/03/2025 15:49:36    2598716

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "With all due respect I don't think any championship game is the time or place to be trying out new things. I don't believe we are anywhere near good enough to be taking that approach and defeats to so call weaker counties in championship in recent years should have taught us that lesson."
I wouldn't take that approach with a Div 3 team but a Div 4 side with lots of player departures and having a miserable season - I think it's worth trying one or two things. Not a b team, of course, but it's literally the only match for the entire season where there's any room to try something risky. I'd take a 7 point win and we learn something over a 15 point win where we learn nothing. Now, that will sound arrogant but if we're losing to this year's Carlow team we may as well pack up and go home.

MeathAbroad (Meath) - Posts: 145 - 26/03/2025 16:27:33    2598721

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "On what basis are you throwing Conor Gray into the starting midfield for championship?

He's been on the bench for pretty much all the league games and hasn't come on once I don't think or if he has its been for a few minutes.

The management who are seeing him 3 or 4 times a week are obviously not convinced on him playing even a major role off the bench in the league and even when our midfield have struggled in this league campaign they've chosen not to bring him on more often than not so I'm really curious as to how you see him starting championship in 2 weeks ."
See here pretty much…

On the bench pretty much all of the league… it was twice in 7 games and he got maybe 15 minutes

Management aren't convinced on him playing even a major role off the bench… again he was there twice in 7 games

Even when our midfield has struggled they've not chosen to bring him on…. Hard to bring a lad on when he's not involved in the ma5ch day 26… midfield has struggled massively in last three games…. none of which Gray was involved for

As you said and I agree we've no idea what's going on in training or what level he's at or if he's possibly injured. I'd give the guy the benefit of the doubt given injuries and illness in 2024 that management are not rushing him into the fray and making sure he's at 100%.

brian (Meath) - Posts: 1977 - 26/03/2025 16:52:08    2598725

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Replying To MeathAbroad:  "I wouldn't take that approach with a Div 3 team but a Div 4 side with lots of player departures and having a miserable season - I think it's worth trying one or two things. Not a b team, of course, but it's literally the only match for the entire season where there's any room to try something risky. I'd take a 7 point win and we learn something over a 15 point win where we learn nothing. Now, that will sound arrogant but if we're losing to this year's Carlow team we may as well pack up and go home."
What can they try?Are you talking about putting lads in different positions?Are you saying start lads who have little or no game time and trying them out?Serious question not having a pop at you just wondering what you would do?A lad coming back from injury ie Costello yes throw him in.Someone's going to have to fill the void of Morris maybe try someone there but really dont see the point in wholesale changes as the team needs some sort of stability.They put Cian mac bride in full forward v Monaghan didn't work (not blaming the lad) and maybe it might work the next day who knows.Id personally put out are strongest team available and if winning well throw some lads on then but have to agree with Blackspot here championship is no time to messing around with the team.

Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 327 - 26/03/2025 16:55:51    2598726

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Replying To brian:  "See here pretty much…

On the bench pretty much all of the league… it was twice in 7 games and he got maybe 15 minutes

Management aren't convinced on him playing even a major role off the bench… again he was there twice in 7 games

Even when our midfield has struggled they've not chosen to bring him on…. Hard to bring a lad on when he's not involved in the ma5ch day 26… midfield has struggled massively in last three games…. none of which Gray was involved for

As you said and I agree we've no idea what's going on in training or what level he's at or if he's possibly injured. I'd give the guy the benefit of the doubt given injuries and illness in 2024 that management are not rushing him into the fray and making sure he's at 100%."
Ah in fairness that's hardly slating him saying he hasn't been involved much.

Slating him would be saying he's useless and not up to this level which I have never said. I have always said he has great potential.

However I still can't see how someone who hasn't been making match day squads could be included in someone's one starting 15 for Carlow unless theyve 6 or 7 years under their belt at this level . I just can't see it happening

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1063 - 26/03/2025 17:18:41    2598729

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Replying To Proudroyal:  "What can they try?Are you talking about putting lads in different positions?Are you saying start lads who have little or no game time and trying them out?Serious question not having a pop at you just wondering what you would do?A lad coming back from injury ie Costello yes throw him in.Someone's going to have to fill the void of Morris maybe try someone there but really dont see the point in wholesale changes as the team needs some sort of stability.They put Cian mac bride in full forward v Monaghan didn't work (not blaming the lad) and maybe it might work the next day who knows.Id personally put out are strongest team available and if winning well throw some lads on then but have to agree with Blackspot here championship is no time to messing around with the team."
It's a fair question. 3 or 4 lads that may be undercooked, put them in. Try some new routines with shorter kick outs, some teams have started to make hay from that but we still look very nervous trying it. If it doesn't work against Carlow bin it but worth trying. We don't seem to have a like for like replacement for Ronan Jones, as evidenced by past three matches, so maybe trying a different approach with speed to breaking ball valued over height in half back and forward lines. The core of the team can remain. Likely 10-12 starters will benefit from the extra game. But I don't think there's value risk free approach, just for this particular match. Against Offaly I'd want full strength and clear, tested plans.

MeathAbroad (Meath) - Posts: 145 - 26/03/2025 19:27:27    2598752

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Enough about Gray lads. He's in and around the panel but for whatever reason he didn't manage much of a part in the league. Be it for whatever reason - form, fitness, style. In my opinion he's not in the equation to start in two weeks ahead of the League pairing of Flynn and Menton.

Meath did very well for the first 4 games. So much so that it was the winning of games against Cavan and Roscommon.

Westmeath and Monaghan we actually broke our fair share but lost the secondary possession. That's lost on Coffey and Jones not being there.

Against Louth we did enough in midfield and would say we were first to most kickouts into the mixer. What killed us in that game was aimless and poor decision making against the wind and having an absent half back line. We must look at the hard facts, we returned 12/13 scores from 40 odd chances. That was the losing of the game.

The game plan wasn't executed vs Louth. System error. Everything went wrong.

What would be the bigger worry is management not adapting the team to conditions.

Simply put Menton and Flynn need that 3rd player, a dog in and around the break. Who that is in the absence of Coffey and Jones is anyone's guess. Does Costello play in there or is he in the forward unit as the target man to replace Morris.

Not much point speculating until we see how injuries look over the next 2 weeks. I'm hopeful Management will work out options as it was evident we did not have the answers in the last 2 games of league.

Royalio11 (Meath) - Posts: 781 - 26/03/2025 21:19:32    2598776

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Replying To Sheridan2010louth:  "Funny reading so many posters knocking the idea of Conor Gray starting. It's as if they didn't watch us get absolutely cleaned out in midfield in the last 3 games. Conor Gray wouldn't have let Tommy Durnin run the show. He's 21 years old and was brilliant in the tailteann year, had a nightmare 2024 (despite winning the keegan cup) with injuries and illness and its as if he's been wrote off. He's going to be a great player for meath for a long time I have no doubts. He's getting very close to returning to the senior team and I'd be shocked if he doesn't play championship."
I agree, Gray is too good to not be given a chance so I do think it's the case of using him in the championship, a player that had a tough and also long year making it to Leinster with dunsh in 2024 hopefully if being given a chance to take his time to catch up.

Royal.1 (Meath) - Posts: 34 - 26/03/2025 22:34:52    2598797

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Now that the league is over, any word on the panel being cut. Usually it is cut after the final round.

latouche25 (Meath) - Posts: 548 - 27/03/2025 16:26:48    2598941

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Is there anyone do we think should be brought in for championship?

Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 32 - 27/03/2025 17:11:04    2598954

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Does anyone have an update on status of Jordan Morris injury? It's been a few days now. Hope the lad has a diagnosis and recovery plan.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 619 - 27/03/2025 20:51:26    2598977

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Replying To Points76:  "Is there anyone do we think should be brought in for championship?"
Conor Gray, Diarmuid Moriarty, Padraic Harnan and Conor Frayne would be some names I'd like to see come in. Changes to the team/squad are necessary.

redser123 (Meath) - Posts: 407 - 27/03/2025 22:45:07    2598995

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Replying To winatallcost:  "Does anyone have an update on status of Jordan Morris injury? It's been a few days now. Hope the lad has a diagnosis and recovery plan."
Gone for 6 months I'm hearing, hopefully I'm wrong.

Royal.Legend (Meath) - Posts: 709 - 28/03/2025 00:53:21    2599005

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Replying To redser123:  "Conor Gray, Diarmuid Moriarty, Padraic Harnan and Conor Frayne would be some names I'd like to see come in. Changes to the team/squad are necessary."
Eh Jamie Murphy for a start and Armstrong!

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 619 - 28/03/2025 09:15:10    2599017

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Replying To winatallcost:  "Eh Jamie Murphy for a start and Armstrong!"
Agree Jamie Murphy after 20s championship. Eamon Armstrong is off the st kilda to play AFL not a hope he will be allowed play senior football this summer.

redser123 (Meath) - Posts: 407 - 28/03/2025 09:57:43    2599026

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Replying To redser123:  "Agree Jamie Murphy after 20s championship. Eamon Armstrong is off the st kilda to play AFL not a hope he will be allowed play senior football this summer."
Surely he could play in June and hopefully July for the Seniors. Really ridiculous that the AFL can come in and just swoop these players away and call the shots on when they can and can't play. Meath GAA are the ones who have invested in these players with the ultimate goal of providing quality players for the Meath Senior Football team.

BigJoe14 (Meath) - Posts: 1008 - 28/03/2025 12:04:03    2599043

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Replying To BigJoe14:  "Surely he could play in June and hopefully July for the Seniors. Really ridiculous that the AFL can come in and just swoop these players away and call the shots on when they can and can't play. Meath GAA are the ones who have invested in these players with the ultimate goal of providing quality players for the Meath Senior Football team."
Well unless Meath Gaa are going to sign him to a professional contract it's not ridiculous at all.

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1063 - 28/03/2025 12:40:07    2599050

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