Meath Forum

Regional Championship

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Replying To ratlag:  "A reason why taking second teams out of the main championship was not a good move. A number of young players on both Ratoath and Ashbourne teams in the Prem 1 final are streets ahead of the majority of lads on Junior and some intermediate teams but given the lack of regard and care towards the Prem competitions might not get looked at because they are part of a very strong senior club"
Without being dismissive to what you're saying, surely of they were good enough to be looked at they'd be playing with their first team? Or are the coaches in their clubs really that blind?

loyalroyal13 (Meath) - Posts: 28 - 01/11/2024 15:07:33    2577846

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Replying To ratlag:  "A reason why taking second teams out of the main championship was not a good move. A number of young players on both Ratoath and Ashbourne teams in the Prem 1 final are streets ahead of the majority of lads on Junior and some intermediate teams but given the lack of regard and care towards the Prem competitions might not get looked at because they are part of a very strong senior club"
A lot of this is as a result of population, if Ratoath or Ashbourne are producing 5, 6 or 7 times as many players as smaller clubs, the chances of producing a better player obviously increases. I'd be more worried about them not producing more top players given the population advantages.

Also Meath senior clubs do historically bad in the Leinster Club Championships compared to their counterparts (Nass, Crokes etc..), while Intermediate and Junior teams have done quite well over the last 10/15 years. So that would lead you to believe our Intermediate and Junior players play at standard that is probably a lot higher than in other counties at the same grade, whilst our senior clubs are well below the standard compared to other counties.

So taking second teams out of club championships really is not really a factor, if you're good enough you will make it regardless. It's a bit like in Dublin, how many players that can't get near the Dublin senior team would walk straight into the panel in other counties (including Meath)? Quite a few I'd say.

hyperache (Meath) - Posts: 251 - 01/11/2024 16:42:18    2577852

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Replying To loyalroyal13:  "Without being dismissive to what you're saying, surely of they were good enough to be looked at they'd be playing with their first team? Or are the coaches in their clubs really that blind?"
Not necessarily. Plenty of 2nd team player's from the big senior clubs like Dunboyne Ashbourne Ratoath would be better that a lot of junior or intermediate players.

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1001 - 01/11/2024 16:53:56    2577854

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "Not necessarily. Plenty of 2nd team player's from the big senior clubs like Dunboyne Ashbourne Ratoath would be better that a lot of junior or intermediate players."
100% agree, dunboyne and Ashbourne 2nds had reached intermediate before co board introduced premier championship, ratoath and st colmcilles would have probably joined them if old format continued. However Premier championships are not really rated

royler (Meath) - Posts: 277 - 01/11/2024 19:06:01    2577862

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "Not necessarily. Plenty of 2nd team player's from the big senior clubs like Dunboyne Ashbourne Ratoath would be better that a lot of junior or intermediate players."
I understand that, but when the majority of Cojlunties have Reserve Leagues for Reserve Teams, why should we be any different. After all it stood us well for so long. Yes, I know we don't have to always do what everyone else is doing, I just feel the whole idea of second or third teams being in with first teams was a half an attempt at appeasing people. They won't play first teams in Championship so why in League? It doesn't inspire anyone to improve enough to get onto their first team. And sure if the old system is in place won't all second teams be together anyway and be strong regardless. Alot of second teams get well beaten. I just think it dilutes the standard predominantly. There are very good footballers yes, but if they really want to play other first teams that much, I doubt they'll be happy with just playing League football.

loyalroyal13 (Meath) - Posts: 28 - 01/11/2024 20:00:19    2577868

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "Not necessarily. Plenty of 2nd team player's from the big senior clubs like Dunboyne Ashbourne Ratoath would be better that a lot of junior or intermediate players."
Lastly on this, and I apologise for rambling on. Although plenty of lads are more than capable of operating at Inter or Junior, they are the exception on their teams, and shouldn't be just automatically entitled. It doesn't drive standards. The constant changes and potentially another restructure tells us as much.

loyalroyal13 (Meath) - Posts: 28 - 01/11/2024 20:03:22    2577870

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Have to say lads the regionals are of a poor standard. Why are we going down this route?

Meathabuforlife (Meath) - Posts: 5 - 02/11/2024 08:19:09    2577912

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Replying To loyalroyal13:  "Lastly on this, and I apologise for rambling on. Although plenty of lads are more than capable of operating at Inter or Junior, they are the exception on their teams, and shouldn't be just automatically entitled. It doesn't drive standards. The constant changes and potentially another restructure tells us as much."
They shouldn't be just automatically entitled to what ?

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1001 - 02/11/2024 08:26:43    2577914

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Replying To loyalroyal13:  "I understand that, but when the majority of Cojlunties have Reserve Leagues for Reserve Teams, why should we be any different. After all it stood us well for so long. Yes, I know we don't have to always do what everyone else is doing, I just feel the whole idea of second or third teams being in with first teams was a half an attempt at appeasing people. They won't play first teams in Championship so why in League? It doesn't inspire anyone to improve enough to get onto their first team. And sure if the old system is in place won't all second teams be together anyway and be strong regardless. Alot of second teams get well beaten. I just think it dilutes the standard predominantly. There are very good footballers yes, but if they really want to play other first teams that much, I doubt they'll be happy with just playing League football."
You are aware that the 2nd teams were in the junior championship for years and years up until 4 years ago ?

Ironic you are on about appeasing people. The reason the 2nd teams were removed from the junior championship was to appease people and get votes.

The system was working fine. All the 2nd teams in 1 group and the top 3 out into the 1/4s to play 1st teams by which time the 2nd teams had lost any senior player to their first team. Changing it and removing them hasn't improved the junior championship standard.

The current junior champions got in to the 1/4 final after winning the first game in the group because they are in a group of 3. Is that good for the standard and meath football??

The old system was fine. B leagues consisting of all the 2nd and 3rd teams playing each other and then in championship they all start in a group together before playing the 1st teams.

This set up was fine but was changed to win votes and not for the betterment of meath football. Everyone knows that.

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1001 - 02/11/2024 08:36:53    2577916

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Replying To Meathabuforlife:  "Have to say lads the regionals are of a poor standard. Why are we going down this route?"
Notice Mickey Burke was part of the Moyfrenagh panel last night. What purpose does that serve to that region or Meath football. Where are all the young players?
This competition seems to be dominated by a number of personalities and guys still looking for some kind of publicity or visibility, from playing and management side of things. How competitive it is, I'm really not too sure.
On another note, why have we u21 hurling but only u19 football? The u21 grade at both codes was a great competition but alot of footballers drop off now after minor and its still easy to drop off after u19 without getting involved in adult setup.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 583 - 02/11/2024 08:45:28    2577917

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "You are aware that the 2nd teams were in the junior championship for years and years up until 4 years ago ?

Ironic you are on about appeasing people. The reason the 2nd teams were removed from the junior championship was to appease people and get votes.

The system was working fine. All the 2nd teams in 1 group and the top 3 out into the 1/4s to play 1st teams by which time the 2nd teams had lost any senior player to their first team. Changing it and removing them hasn't improved the junior championship standard.

The current junior champions got in to the 1/4 final after winning the first game in the group because they are in a group of 3. Is that good for the standard and meath football??

The old system was fine. B leagues consisting of all the 2nd and 3rd teams playing each other and then in championship they all start in a group together before playing the 1st teams.

This set up was fine but was changed to win votes and not for the betterment of meath football. Everyone knows that."
Ok lad take it easy, I actually agree with you re the Championship.. We were talking about the league ls were we not? I think you have actually agreed with me, oddly enough by the end of your post, re the B League system having been fine the way it was? I think the Junior as it is with first teams, would be fine, if the structure was different. The mere fact second teams etc would be losing players, would that not take from the standard? Surely keeping the standard consistent, whatever it was, would that nit be important? And trying to improve it with restructure in some way?

loyalroyal13 (Meath) - Posts: 28 - 02/11/2024 17:54:44    2577959

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absolute Joke how ardbraccan have 3 development players

Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 14 - 02/11/2024 19:02:51    2577980

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Hi Guys, I was inspired to make an account tonight after watching my Bracs this afternoon, they look a serious side, missing a few lads from the first round too.

Paul's done a bloody fantastic job with the team, let's not forget we hadn't won till lately, now we're dominating against top teams. Reminds me of my 99 Blackrock side, we hadn't won the cup in a couple of years when the inspirational Alex Cahill got us over the line leading to a fantastic night on the town with the boys.

Hope to be celebrating with my Bracs in Dunderry the way we did in 99. Best of luck to the lads.

NavanRoyal4Life (Meath) - Posts: 5 - 02/11/2024 21:17:50    2578010

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Replying To Meathabuforlife:  "Have to say lads the regionals are of a poor standard. Why are we going down this route?"
I agree it's not great.. Yesterday's game in Drumbaragh Ss like. Strong Intermediate game.. Not to take.from the lads playing.. There were some more than capable lads on show.. I think they themselves would have benefitted more from the challenge of a Senior Club.. Which is what I think would increase the merit in Regional Teams going forward

loyalroyal13 (Meath) - Posts: 28 - 03/11/2024 22:41:28    2578240

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Mixed emotions this weekend guys, after the Irish rugby team disappointed against the All Blacks, my Bracs impressed again with a brilliant win last night. Thats 3 from 3!

Great to see the development lads back and performing well. Looks like we're the Manchester City of the regional championship, but I'm not complaining.

North Meath up next, challenging opposition, especially with the Curraha lads playing.

I think we'll take them though to set up a shoot out with the guys from Loughcrew.

Sumptuous weekend of football ahead. Impressive win by Cuala last night also, nice to see a few former Blackrock students excelling in football, best of luck to them!

NavanRoyal4Life (Meath) - Posts: 5 - 10/11/2024 15:14:08    2579102

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Replying To royal11:  "I think the main concept of the competition is to allow guys to play at a higher standard with a higher standard of player. Getting selected for a county panel is secondary. I think this year has been marketed badly, there were very bad attendances at games last night. There are also many top players not available for one reason or another. Hopefully it can be pushed a bit more in the next few weeks as last year's competition was very entertaining."
Some very poor displays by a few teams over the weekend. Hard to know the level to be honest. Adam Kelly from Dunderry showing well. In fairness lads turning out at this time of year deserve credit but quality and competitiveness seems low.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 583 - 10/11/2024 17:43:18    2579120

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Replying To winatallcost:  "Some very poor displays by a few teams over the weekend. Hard to know the level to be honest. Adam Kelly from Dunderry showing well. In fairness lads turning out at this time of year deserve credit but quality and competitiveness seems low."
Semi finals tonight, hard to call the winners. Will anyone put their hand up to be given a chance in with the seniors.

Nothingbutthetruth (Meath) - Posts: 67 - 15/11/2024 08:04:58    2579667

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Unfortunately I was unable to make the game last night as Mrs NavanRoyal4Life dragged me to a Gala dinner in support of NavanRoyal4Life Junior's school fundraiser.

He's recently started in Blackrock College.

Anyway, myself and the young lad were able to watch the game on clubber, I hid the phone in a hollowed out bread roll, my missus was none the wiser.

Devastating loss, brought me and the young lad to tears, not a great look for him in front of his new class mates, but thats what the regionals will do to you.

I must congratulate the men from North Meath though, a hard earned victory in terrible conditions, I guess they're used to the rain and boggy pitches up north.

Well done to Paul and the guys on a fantastic year, 3 from 3 in the group stage having never won before, excited to see what the lads can achieve next season.

Excited for the final despite the absence of my Bracs, but I'll tip the North Meath men to come away with the win.

NavanRoyal4Life (Meath) - Posts: 5 - 19/11/2024 11:51:17    2580287

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Replying To NavanRoyal4Life:  "Unfortunately I was unable to make the game last night as Mrs NavanRoyal4Life dragged me to a Gala dinner in support of NavanRoyal4Life Junior's school fundraiser.

He's recently started in Blackrock College.

Anyway, myself and the young lad were able to watch the game on clubber, I hid the phone in a hollowed out bread roll, my missus was none the wiser.

Devastating loss, brought me and the young lad to tears, not a great look for him in front of his new class mates, but thats what the regionals will do to you.

I must congratulate the men from North Meath though, a hard earned victory in terrible conditions, I guess they're used to the rain and boggy pitches up north.

Well done to Paul and the guys on a fantastic year, 3 from 3 in the group stage having never won before, excited to see what the lads can achieve next season.

Excited for the final despite the absence of my Bracs, but I'll tip the North Meath men to come away with the win."
I wouldn't class Curraha as north Meath take them out and they wouldn't have got any where near the final. You loose two games in the group and u are suddenly in the final. It was a very poor competition and they need to look very closely at it, promote it more rather tan appointing managers a week before its due to start, Id say 5 if not 6 teams had at times only 16/17 lads togged out.

Nothingbutthetruth (Meath) - Posts: 67 - 19/11/2024 15:57:14    2580329

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