Meath Forum

Meath V Louth

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Thought I would start a new thread for this match. Thoughts on it. Fancy us to win this 1 . Think we have pushed on again this year with more options in the team .

grahamc9897 (Meath) - Posts: 1178 - 02/02/2026 06:19:16    2654520

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Well we know what we'll be getting in Louth. They're still a very good team and have the rub on Meath the last few years. Unfortunately and fortunately, we have a lot of derbies this year in the league - great for local interest, but fiery and unpredictable matches, and this one will likely be the most difficult in that last regard.

However, Louth are in uncharted territory now. They beat on the door for several years in Leinster, took scalps in the round robins, and climbed their everest last year in winning the Leinster title, and I would think that now there will be an inevitable fall off, perhaps not straight away but in the coming years and it can already be seen.

Personally, I think this could be close, squeaky bum one way or another - or else Meath will win well, for the reasons outlined in the paragraph above.

Young_gael (Meath) - Posts: 617 - 02/02/2026 14:26:27    2654599

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I think we are in a decent place and Jack Flynn's return to fitness and confidence he now has in his long range shooting based off his past two weekends has added a serious dimension onto the team that got to an All-Ireland semi final last year. This will force opposition to push out more leaving gaps in behind.
The long range shooting capability Meath have once a few others hit form is huge. Kinsella, Costello, Frayne and Duke will be better once ground improves while in the Maynooth lads case, getting the extra time between games will benefit these lads.
I think the form of Lavin and O'Halloran needs to be highlighted as both were under pressure coming into new year for positions. Thought Lavin was up there for MOTM yesterday also. Lots of tidying up to do on shooting, tackling and kickouts but signs are good.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 916 - 02/02/2026 14:43:42    2654604

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Wouldn't be surprised if they bet us and then lost all remaining games in the league. Their campaign always revolves around their cup final against us.

RoyalBadger (Meath) - Posts: 576 - 02/02/2026 15:46:18    2654619

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I'm confident we'll win this one with a bit to spare. Croke Park should really suit us, and I felt the heavy pitch in Breffni didn't play to our strengths at all on Sunday. We also left 1-08 behind in the first half, so there's definitely room for improvement from that performance.

Our two away games against Cork and Kildare will likely define our promotion chances. Offaly already look in serious trouble, while Cavan have been unfortunate in their opening two matches, so they'll be a real test for everyone, especially with home ties against Louth and Kildare still to come.

Tyrone will also need to start picking up points soon.

All in all, this campaign could have a very interesting finish at both ends of the table.

I reckon 11 points will be enough for promotion, while 6 might just be enough to stay up.

We could easily have several teams going into the final day with a shot at going up, or facing the drop to Division 3.

thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1140 - 03/02/2026 10:03:15    2654715

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SO hard to call, they've been under performing but you can guarantee our jersey will focus minds and a 2 week training block to build it too

Gingerroyal89 (Meath) - Posts: 6 - 03/02/2026 10:12:14    2654721

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Louth will be a test, they have the wood on us recently. To get a victory over them will be a huge psychological boost for the team. The strength we have around the middle of the field this year particularly the form of McBride will be a huge addition. To be able to win prime possession there gives the forwards a massive advantage and allows them to hold a deep position unlike other year's when they had to come out to the middle for possession. Meath by 5

latouche25 (Meath) - Posts: 562 - 03/02/2026 12:38:11    2654767

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Is shane walsh still on the panel ?

grahamc9897 (Meath) - Posts: 1178 - 03/02/2026 21:08:03    2654871

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Replying To latouche25:  "Louth will be a test, they have the wood on us recently. To get a victory over them will be a huge psychological boost for the team. The strength we have around the middle of the field this year particularly the form of McBride will be a huge addition. To be able to win prime possession there gives the forwards a massive advantage and allows them to hold a deep position unlike other year's when they had to come out to the middle for possession. Meath by 5"
Every game is different and Louth held the upper hand last year and the year before no doubt. We have alot of improving to do in front of goal and hopefully that will start against Louth. Louth will be eager to bounce back from a poor showing against Louth too.
Hopefully weather will be decent and with a great surface in Croke Park it should be a great contest.
Meath will be looking to get that crucial 6 pts on the board as soon as possible with many further tests ahead and perhaps the hardest 3 games to come.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 916 - 03/02/2026 23:05:19    2654888

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Replying To grahamc9897:  "Is shane walsh still on the panel ?"
Gone travelling for the year I believe

LowerHogan (Meath) - Posts: 84 - 04/02/2026 11:54:34    2654948

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This is a must win game, the two losses in Inniskeen along with the Leinster final loss were sickening to take and we can't go losing four on the bounce! Louth have come a long way in recent years when you compare how far down the pecking order they were before that but we need to make a real statement of intent in this one, all the missed chances in Cavan gives the lads plenty to work on and will ensure they're fully focused on the 14th. An Mhí Abú

LowerHogan (Meath) - Posts: 84 - 04/02/2026 12:04:01    2654951

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Replying To latouche25:  "Louth will be a test, they have the wood on us recently. To get a victory over them will be a huge psychological boost for the team. The strength we have around the middle of the field this year particularly the form of McBride will be a huge addition. To be able to win prime possession there gives the forwards a massive advantage and allows them to hold a deep position unlike other year's when they had to come out to the middle for possession. Meath by 5"
This will be an interesting one. I think our lads will be happy to be back in Croker. We seen a few mistakes on the Breffni pitch that I don't think happen in Croke Park, Keoghan slipping for the equalizing point comes to mind after a great tackle btw. Although Louth beat us there last year and just have a knack sometimes for getting a result when needed, I think we're due a win against them. We just don't know where Louth are at this year. Since the Leinster Final they kind of look satisfied that that's their ceiling. In a weird sort of way we believe we should be getting promoted, winning a Leinster and pushing on with perhaps a higher ceiling than Louth even though they've a good record against us.

We need to focus on cutting out mistakes e.g. soft, soft goal down the middle against Cavan, wides and dropping the ball in the goal keepers hands with crazy shot selection. Morris is class and more than capable but just needs to focus on the decision making sometimes and if he cuts out the bad wides, he'll score 1-6/1-7 a game.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 69 - 04/02/2026 12:12:52    2654952

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Replying To NYRoyal:  "This will be an interesting one. I think our lads will be happy to be back in Croker. We seen a few mistakes on the Breffni pitch that I don't think happen in Croke Park, Keoghan slipping for the equalizing point comes to mind after a great tackle btw. Although Louth beat us there last year and just have a knack sometimes for getting a result when needed, I think we're due a win against them. We just don't know where Louth are at this year. Since the Leinster Final they kind of look satisfied that that's their ceiling. In a weird sort of way we believe we should be getting promoted, winning a Leinster and pushing on with perhaps a higher ceiling than Louth even though they've a good record against us.

We need to focus on cutting out mistakes e.g. soft, soft goal down the middle against Cavan, wides and dropping the ball in the goal keepers hands with crazy shot selection. Morris is class and more than capable but just needs to focus on the decision making sometimes and if he cuts out the bad wides, he'll score 1-6/1-7 a game."
I fully agree with everything you say. We appear to have strength on the bench now for the mid field and forward lines but still struggling at the back. It was interesting to see Menton drop back and pick up some vital ball late in the game. He's a very steadying influence and could be a very effective sweeper behind the half back line.

latouche25 (Meath) - Posts: 562 - 04/02/2026 14:08:06    2654985

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Replying To latouche25:  "I fully agree with everything you say. We appear to have strength on the bench now for the mid field and forward lines but still struggling at the back. It was interesting to see Menton drop back and pick up some vital ball late in the game. He's a very steadying influence and could be a very effective sweeper behind the half back line."
I agree. Thought he cleaned up some vital ball back there and is a calming presence. Still a few positions up for grabs in my opinion. If rafferty, duke and possibly Frayne don't have a big day against Louth there could be changes in there?

Royalroyal97 (Meath) - Posts: 21 - 04/02/2026 16:01:24    2654996

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Not to overdo it I think this the game that the team and many supporters have circled this game as the big one coming into the league. The fact is that Louth have beaten us well for the last 2 years. No Meath team can be losing to Louth 4 times on the trot.
Meath need to be treating this like an all Ireland final. The team have referenced the lessons they've learned from the Leinster final loss but we can only see if this is true on the 14th. For me, we need to focus on their 2 x-factor players, Lennon and Mulroy. They obviously have plenty of decent players but we need to quieten these lads. Hammer the hammer etc.

It's a must win and I think we've improved sufficiently whereby we will win.

GoalsWinGames (Meath) - Posts: 316 - 04/02/2026 16:08:48    2655001

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Replying To Royalroyal97:  "I agree. Thought he cleaned up some vital ball back there and is a calming presence. Still a few positions up for grabs in my opinion. If rafferty, duke and possibly Frayne don't have a big day against Louth there could be changes in there?"
This has to be a wind up. Drop our captain one of our best forwards last year ?? and A lad who's just won an all star last year and our best back all last year . I really don't see how you have come to that conclusion.

Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 59 - 04/02/2026 19:29:48    2655026

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Replying To GoalsWinGames:  "Not to overdo it I think this the game that the team and many supporters have circled this game as the big one coming into the league. The fact is that Louth have beaten us well for the last 2 years. No Meath team can be losing to Louth 4 times on the trot.
Meath need to be treating this like an all Ireland final. The team have referenced the lessons they've learned from the Leinster final loss but we can only see if this is true on the 14th. For me, we need to focus on their 2 x-factor players, Lennon and Mulroy. They obviously have plenty of decent players but we need to quieten these lads. Hammer the hammer etc.

It's a must win and I think we've improved sufficiently whereby we will win."
Agreed !! Those 2 could beat us if given sufficient room. We simply have to tighten up in defence ...no question. Mulroy will have to be man marked as will Lennon Our all star full back Rafferty will have to improve DEFENSIVELY. He shows great potential going forward out of defence ,but we have to tighten up in the full back position. That is where the need is greatest for now. No doubt Robbie will deal with that in training ,and wont need any '' encouragement'' from a keyboard warrior.
Continuous improvement seems at the top of his agenda.,and with the defensive coach we have a good chance to fill the needs identified up to now this year. Our shooting will improve from training
Mathew Costello at full throttle would be an added plus as an attacker from middle distance using his speed and ball skills to full effect. Maybe Matt concentating for full match would bring in the turbo charger more often
We have the players to beat Louth with something to spare now. We have the time to deal with the needs seen from last 2 games We seem to have the men on the sideline in charge who know what they are doing, but getting the ducks in a row is often easier said that done. But you get the feeling these lads know what they are trying to do.. Best of luck to them and well done to all for showing that we have the potential to beat the best ,and for the renewed hope and enthusiasm that was absent for far too long

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1295 - 04/02/2026 19:48:23    2655028

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On Rafferty, he had a serious injury in the club championship last year and I would suspect he is going to take time to get back to where he fully was last year. I suspect he will pick up Mulroy when he comes inside but I don't think Mulroy is a David Clifford or even a Jordan Morris. He's probably more accurate and has brilliant clutch moments than Morris but doesn't have his flair or ability to turn something out of nothing in close quarters. Last year it was Ryan Burns who done the damage for Louth up front.
It will be interesting who picks up Lennon, I would be saying Costello or Duke purely because they can hammer the hammer. Caufield would be good for athleticism and tracking but he doesn't having that scoring threat to put Lennon on the back foot.

On Louth itself, would you rather have Louth or Meath's season in 2025?

I was asked this by a Dub after the Derry match and I made case after case for Meath but there is a nagging feeling that his point was they won a title, they had something to celebrate we didn't we just showed 'progress'.

It is hard to know where Louth are at currently, Harte and Brennan (more so) screwed them over. There was probably a hangover on them after Leinster last year and if we had won it then I think we would have been in the same boat. They definitely aren't a bad side but I can see them struggling to stay in division 2 given how competitive it is.

What I do know is, we need to win this match not because Louth have beaten us 3 times in the last 2 years but because if we don't then we are losing a grip on promotion and we will have to go and beat Cork and/or Tyrone.

UsernameInvalid (Meath) - Posts: 464 - 05/02/2026 01:02:31    2655049

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Replying To Points76:  "This has to be a wind up. Drop our captain one of our best forwards last year ?? and A lad who's just won an all star last year and our best back all last year . I really don't see how you have come to that conclusion."
I don't think having a captaincy title or an all star should entitle you to a starting position. Agree they were both instrumental last year but going on form at the minute (could be too early to say) I think Conlon should be in ahead and look for alternatives at FB. Possibly move Raf to the corner

Royalroyal97 (Meath) - Posts: 21 - 05/02/2026 09:08:08    2655058

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Replying To UsernameInvalid:  "On Rafferty, he had a serious injury in the club championship last year and I would suspect he is going to take time to get back to where he fully was last year. I suspect he will pick up Mulroy when he comes inside but I don't think Mulroy is a David Clifford or even a Jordan Morris. He's probably more accurate and has brilliant clutch moments than Morris but doesn't have his flair or ability to turn something out of nothing in close quarters. Last year it was Ryan Burns who done the damage for Louth up front.
It will be interesting who picks up Lennon, I would be saying Costello or Duke purely because they can hammer the hammer. Caufield would be good for athleticism and tracking but he doesn't having that scoring threat to put Lennon on the back foot.

On Louth itself, would you rather have Louth or Meath's season in 2025?

I was asked this by a Dub after the Derry match and I made case after case for Meath but there is a nagging feeling that his point was they won a title, they had something to celebrate we didn't we just showed 'progress'.

It is hard to know where Louth are at currently, Harte and Brennan (more so) screwed them over. There was probably a hangover on them after Leinster last year and if we had won it then I think we would have been in the same boat. They definitely aren't a bad side but I can see them struggling to stay in division 2 given how competitive it is.

What I do know is, we need to win this match not because Louth have beaten us 3 times in the last 2 years but because if we don't then we are losing a grip on promotion and we will have to go and beat Cork and/or Tyrone."
Agree on Rafferty. He is probably building up sharpness and fitness. Thought he was good in 2nd half v Cavan. His ceiling is too high to stall his progress.
Frayne was also out for a good bit of time and has had Sigerson mudweek matches to contend with. Expecting him and other Maynooth players to push on but by game week 4, there shouldn't be too many more excuses.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 916 - 05/02/2026 10:59:20    2655067

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