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While there clearly was a strong wind, that first half performance was absolutely embarrassing. So many basic errors, dropping the ball, carrying it into traffic, breaching the 3 up rule etc.. The lack of a good inside forwards is really killing us.
Thankfully the response in the 2nd half was as good as you could have asked for, Costello was sublime, Caulfield was brilliant at getting up and down the field, and a few good scores from Duke too. James Conlan looked lively when he came on and got the crucial goal, I don't know what the keeper was at though.
But definitely a few concerns going forward, we don't have a killer inside forward. Jordan Morris is a far cry from David Clifford, but he is quick, direct and when he's on it he's a massive threat. We don't have anyone else who can beat his man inside. Frayne is accurate when he has space, but not the quickest, Keith Curtis and Diarmuid Moriarty haven't taken their opportunities at all, and Aaron Lynch seems to have a very limited impact. So where is that killer forward?
Big game in 2 weeks, and ultimately we are where we expected to be. Should be a good atmosphere in Portlaoise, and hopefully we can give it a good crack. Dublin have to lose in Leinster eventually, and if it's gonna happen - it could be in 2 weeks.
Cabbagepatch1667 (Meath) - Posts: 6 - 14/04/2025 10:36:53
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Any word on Ronan Jones, will he be back before season's end?
MeathAbroad (Meath) - Posts: 155 - 14/04/2025 11:13:14
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Replying To BigJoe14: "This is a classic case of a players reputation growing the more they don't play." Couldn't agree more. Young player with potential who had a decent breakthrough year at a significantly lower level to the level we are currently playing at and hopefully will develop into a top midfielder for us but now all of a sudden he's the saviour of our midfield.
Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1074 - 14/04/2025 11:20:36
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Wow a game of 2 halfs saying never more appropriate.Offaly opened us up at will in the first half and played some nice football.They have a couple of fine footballers.Sat at half time wondering what's going on?Ten points down at home and team looking tired and way off the pace.We cant play like that(first half) the next day or Dublin will be out of sight.Im worried about our backline way to loose. I thought we could only improve in the second half but didn't see that coming.Some very good scores and a few lads really turned up.Costello was very good and drove us on.Duke kicking a couple of good scores as well.I thought Coffey did well as only back from injury and stopped a certain goal with a great interception.A special mention to James Conlon what an impact.1-2 from play and won a couple of frees.He looked sharp when he came on and lynch also showed well too.Anyone know if Jones will be back for the next day would be a massive boost as I think we might get some joy around the middle as Dublin seemed to struggle there according to Sunday game.On the Sunday game never showed the Meath/Offaly game not even highlights which is not on as they showed all other games.Anyway rant over lol
Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 332 - 14/04/2025 11:28:34
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Replying To Proudroyal: "Wow a game of 2 halfs saying never more appropriate.Offaly opened us up at will in the first half and played some nice football.They have a couple of fine footballers.Sat at half time wondering what's going on?Ten points down at home and team looking tired and way off the pace.We cant play like that(first half) the next day or Dublin will be out of sight.Im worried about our backline way to loose. I thought we could only improve in the second half but didn't see that coming.Some very good scores and a few lads really turned up.Costello was very good and drove us on.Duke kicking a couple of good scores as well.I thought Coffey did well as only back from injury and stopped a certain goal with a great interception.A special mention to James Conlon what an impact.1-2 from play and won a couple of frees.He looked sharp when he came on and lynch also showed well too.Anyone know if Jones will be back for the next day would be a massive boost as I think we might get some joy around the middle as Dublin seemed to struggle there according to Sunday game.On the Sunday game never showed the Meath/Offaly game not even highlights which is not on as they showed all other games.Anyway rant over lol" Meath highlights were shown first on Sunday Game!
MeathAbroad (Meath) - Posts: 155 - 14/04/2025 12:43:07
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If Brennan starts that 15 against Dublin the game will be over at half time this time .
We were shocking yesterday in the first half we can blame out defence all we like but the problems all starred with our forwards been totally out played and slow with every attack
They looked like a team that never trained together the lack of movement was worrying up front and the lack of pace in a lot of our players would be a huge concern.
We have a few players that aren't up to that level but maybe that's all we have .
When he introduced a bit of speed into the forward line the game changed but again we were out played at midfield another concern .
Mathew Costello was outstanding yesterday but we need a lot more from everyone if they are to compete with Dublin .
mmc (Meath) - Posts: 299 - 14/04/2025 12:48:06
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Replying To mmc: "If Brennan starts that 15 against Dublin the game will be over at half time this time .
We were shocking yesterday in the first half we can blame out defence all we like but the problems all starred with our forwards been totally out played and slow with every attack
They looked like a team that never trained together the lack of movement was worrying up front and the lack of pace in a lot of our players would be a huge concern.
We have a few players that aren't up to that level but maybe that's all we have .
When he introduced a bit of speed into the forward line the game changed but again we were out played at midfield another concern .
Mathew Costello was outstanding yesterday but we need a lot more from everyone if they are to compete with Dublin ." I don't think theirs one player that played yesterday that isn't up to that level. Which players do u think aren't up to that level? Yes we had a bad first half yesterday, but you seem to focus on that. We were excellent in the second half
What changes to the 15 would you make?
Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 35 - 14/04/2025 13:37:41
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Replying To mmc: "If Brennan starts that 15 against Dublin the game will be over at half time this time .
We were shocking yesterday in the first half we can blame out defence all we like but the problems all starred with our forwards been totally out played and slow with every attack
They looked like a team that never trained together the lack of movement was worrying up front and the lack of pace in a lot of our players would be a huge concern.
We have a few players that aren't up to that level but maybe that's all we have .
When he introduced a bit of speed into the forward line the game changed but again we were out played at midfield another concern .
Mathew Costello was outstanding yesterday but we need a lot more from everyone if they are to compete with Dublin ." Jesus that's a fairly harsh post, who do you think we are ? I think you need to be honest with yourself a bit more before ya come on with the dramatics. Newsflash, we aren't as good as you clearly think we are.
southmeathgael (Meath) - Posts: 972 - 14/04/2025 13:42:24
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Replying To mmc: "If Brennan starts that 15 against Dublin the game will be over at half time this time .
We were shocking yesterday in the first half we can blame out defence all we like but the problems all starred with our forwards been totally out played and slow with every attack
They looked like a team that never trained together the lack of movement was worrying up front and the lack of pace in a lot of our players would be a huge concern.
We have a few players that aren't up to that level but maybe that's all we have .
When he introduced a bit of speed into the forward line the game changed but again we were out played at midfield another concern .
Mathew Costello was outstanding yesterday but we need a lot more from everyone if they are to compete with Dublin ." Who that's currently available would you start in place of the few players who aren't up to the level as you put it ?
Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1074 - 14/04/2025 13:59:24
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Replying To southmeathgael: "Jesus that's a fairly harsh post, who do you think we are ? I think you need to be honest with yourself a bit more before ya come on with the dramatics. Newsflash, we aren't as good as you clearly think we are." That not dramatics that's fact unless you were at a different game than I was yesterday.thats if you were at the game at all.
The first half was shocking in every sence yesterday so if you want to butter it up and find positives in that first half good luck to you with it .
I don't think they are good very much the opposite but yesterday's first half performance even shocked me so if anyone needs to be honest with themselves it's you .
mmc (Meath) - Posts: 299 - 14/04/2025 14:11:10
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Replying To MeathAbroad: "Meath highlights were shown first on Sunday Game!" Ah right must have missed that.Thanks and I take that back.
Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 332 - 14/04/2025 14:28:07
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Replying To mmc: "That not dramatics that's fact unless you were at a different game than I was yesterday.thats if you were at the game at all.
The first half was shocking in every sence yesterday so if you want to butter it up and find positives in that first half good luck to you with it .
I don't think they are good very much the opposite but yesterday's first half performance even shocked me so if anyone needs to be honest with themselves it's you ." I'll ask you again, What changes to the 15 would you make ?
Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 35 - 14/04/2025 15:05:25
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Replying To mmc: "If Brennan starts that 15 against Dublin the game will be over at half time this time .
We were shocking yesterday in the first half we can blame out defence all we like but the problems all starred with our forwards been totally out played and slow with every attack
They looked like a team that never trained together the lack of movement was worrying up front and the lack of pace in a lot of our players would be a huge concern.
We have a few players that aren't up to that level but maybe that's all we have .
When he introduced a bit of speed into the forward line the game changed but again we were out played at midfield another concern .
Mathew Costello was outstanding yesterday but we need a lot more from everyone if they are to compete with Dublin ." Pick your starting 15 for the semi-final against Dublin mmc.
kingofclubs (Meath) - Posts: 342 - 14/04/2025 15:23:27
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Replying To Proudroyal: "Ah right must have missed that.Thanks and I take that back." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmDzldZqa40
WhyTheLongFace (Meath) - Posts: 938 - 14/04/2025 15:35:10
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Replying To Points76: "I don't think theirs one player that played yesterday that isn't up to that level. Which players do u think aren't up to that level? Yes we had a bad first half yesterday, but you seem to focus on that. We were excellent in the second half
What changes to the 15 would you make?" That's your opinion and I appreciate that but we have had players the same players struggle against Westmeath, Louth and Offaly so I believe we have players that started yesterday not up to div 2/3 level that's just my opinion.
I won't name players but I do believe we finished with a stronger 15 than we started but still with one area on the pitch that has struggled in the last 5 games now but has remained unchanged
mmc (Meath) - Posts: 299 - 14/04/2025 15:39:59
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Replying To mmc: "That's your opinion and I appreciate that but we have had players the same players struggle against Westmeath, Louth and Offaly so I believe we have players that started yesterday not up to div 2/3 level that's just my opinion.
I won't name players but I do believe we finished with a stronger 15 than we started but still with one area on the pitch that has struggled in the last 5 games now but has remained unchanged" I appreciate your opinion also. But i'm curious to what your starting 15 would be against dublin?
Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 35 - 14/04/2025 16:55:20
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Replying To mmc: "If Brennan starts that 15 against Dublin the game will be over at half time this time .
We were shocking yesterday in the first half we can blame out defence all we like but the problems all starred with our forwards been totally out played and slow with every attack
They looked like a team that never trained together the lack of movement was worrying up front and the lack of pace in a lot of our players would be a huge concern.
We have a few players that aren't up to that level but maybe that's all we have .
When he introduced a bit of speed into the forward line the game changed but again we were out played at midfield another concern .
Mathew Costello was outstanding yesterday but we need a lot more from everyone if they are to compete with Dublin ." I think you have described the situation even though supporters won't like it. Robbie Brennan took over late last year and as a result continued the previous managers selection which was without the stronger players available.
Fair enough but I expected phased strengthening through the league.
He made improvements but more to go. Not really ready for div 1 teams but hope he keeps pushing.
He did have a lot to make up for.
Ashrules (Dublin) - Posts: 566 - 14/04/2025 17:05:17
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I just can't make any sense of this team, and I'm not sure where they are at all. First 35 minutes yesterday and they'd struggle to win a game in the Talltin cup, never mind Sam. All the old failings were back, lack of intensity, miles of the opponents, terrible wides and an over all malaise, carrying ball into the tackle etc. Second 35 minutes and everything started coming off, they looked sharper and more focused and dialled in.
I agree with posters that are saying certain players are being carried right now, and calling for players to be taken out of the team and replaced unfortunately you're taking a player of equal ability out to be replaced by a guy of about equal standard. Meath have no division one calibre players and that's an honest assessment they've a couple of top end division two guys and the rest are hard honest triers but not getting you anywhere close to a top 10 team. The top 10 is well defined and Louth are making the jump towards them. We're bunched in a group with Cork, Cavan, Westmeath, Down, Offaly and Kildare. Too good for the Tailteann but not good enough for Sam. And don't come at me about league position, Louth walloped us and we're missing several front line guys including their talisman in Sam Mulroy.
For the Dublin game, Adam O'Neill has to start. It's a travesty that he's sitting in the stands. Dunno if there's still injury concerns or he ant play 70 minutes but start him at least and let him play until he can't. Doesn't matter if he's 3,6 or 8/9.. get your best guys on the field. I'd also bring in Daithi McGowan at 12. He can fetch a ball and score from distance. He's no world beater but he has ability. James McEntee is another option I'd look at including, in the half forward line. Kinsella, Moriarty and Curtis are honest players but not going to be good enough to beat a Dublin, neither are Lynch or Conlon, we've seen that movie before, but Robbie has to go with some combination of those guys. Are any of those 5 markedly better than Jason Scully, I don't know tbh. Frayne has gone entirely off the boil in recent weeks, and looks bereft of confidence. Duke is handy for a few scores and two pointers, Flynn the same, but we lack any quality forward. The Dubs will key in on mattie Costello and shut him down quickly and we'll be way behind the 8 ball. Goals are still a major issue for us.. Jones had 3 and Jordie 2… and then six guys with 1 each. 11 goals in 9 games, just won win at the top level not getting goals, We lack any kind of a poacher or fox inside and we'll need 3 goals to trouble Dublin at all
So for me
Hogan or Brennan - still not convinced here and can see the dubs getting 3 or 4 goals
Lavin
Rafferty - not convinced at all tbh
Keoghan
Hickey
O'Neill
Caulfield
Menton - don't have options really but he has always struggled v Dublin
Flynn
Duke
McEntee
McGowan
Scully.. he'll work like a dog and you need that v Dublin
Costello
Frayne… but on dodgy footing
How I think he'll go
Hogan
LAvin Rafferty O'Halloran
Coffey Keoghan Caulfield
Menton Flynn
Duke Kinsella Harkin/Hickey
Conlon Costello Frayne
brian (Meath) - Posts: 1981 - 14/04/2025 17:28:41
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Replying To kingofclubs: "Pick your starting 15 for the semi-final against Dublin mmc." I take it by you asking that you believe yesterday's starting 15 done well and you'd start the same 15 .
It was said to me by an ex Offaly county player at half time that we were the poorest team he saw all year .
We have injuries and hopefully 1 or two of them will be back but we have under performed since the westmeath game for what ever reason but some more than others .
As I said Costello was outstanding and the changes in the second half worked I believe we finished with a stronger team than we started .
mmc (Meath) - Posts: 299 - 14/04/2025 18:08:07
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Replying To Blackspot09: "Conor Grey is not making the match day squads. Simple." Doesn't make sense. He's massive. We have lost midfield for the last 4 games. Ever since Westmeath. Get him in there. Sacrifice a half forward so we can win some long kick outs
cabbage (Meath) - Posts: 167 - 14/04/2025 19:07:49
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