What do we think?Will the same 15 start or will there be changes?We beat Roscommon in the league and midfield was key that day but with Jones gone and potentially Flynn who comes in if so?I thought o neil done well v Dublin and got on the ball a bit v cork the last day so think he could do a job.Would hickey(for breaks)or McBride/gray (for kickouts/catching)in for Duke be an option?Before anyone has a pop I think Duke is a very good player but hasn't been at the standard he was in the league the last few games and maybe taking him out of the firing line might help him in the long run.Does anyone know if any of the under 20s in with a chance?I'm expecting a big response from Roscommon as they will be targeting this home game after their recent poor spell.Hopefully we can play with a bit of freedom as their is more pressure on them than us I think.

Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 360 - 27/05/2025 17:11:24    2613109

redser123 (Meath) - Posts: 412 - 27/05/2025 22:24:20    2613168

It will be interesting to see the team named. The way I see it 1 corner back and one forward position are up for grabs. I don't see changes coming. If Gray is fit I would like to see Adam O'Neill start midfield, Jack Flynn half forward and Gray come on midfield in the second half. Now it's the middle of championship with a 1 week turnaround logically most managers aren't making loads of changes but I think we are lacking impact off the bench and lacking a little bit of mobility in the middle. Frayne as captain needs a big game. I think we are still lacking a game plan of sorts, we are very off the cuff. We can't just rely on Costello to run the show all the time. Shane walshe is off the bench is not clicking at this stage id be happier to see some workers come on, mccecentee mm McBride or whoever else fits that description.

I'm a bit disappointed about the lack of content about the game. Very little content about this meath team in general, no team photo even in the Leinster final program. it looks like it won't be available to watch and unfortunately I'm not available to go to the Hyde. Additionally a bit frustrating about the lack of info on the Kerry game also, it would be great to be able to plan ahead. Up the royals !

royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 17 - 28/05/2025 07:00:22    2613184

Roscommon are slight favourites with the bookies but I'd give us the slight edge. Yes the Rossies will be targeting this game, it's their last chance to have a strong championship, but they've been very poor since we beat them in the league. Losing to Cavan, drawing with Westmeath, well beaten in league final, limping over the line really. And well off the pace against Galway.
That could all be the precursor to a big backs against the wall performance from Roscommon, but a good start from Meath could really have them falter. We seem to have good purple patches in all our wins this year. Think we're threatening to put it together for a more sustained period at some stage. We're winning enough possession, just need to have a little more accuracy in shooting. Maybe that will happen on Saturday now the pressure isn't stifling. Win at the Hyde and we're playing with house money for rest of the year. An Mhí abú.

MeathAbroad (Meath) - Posts: 163 - 28/05/2025 11:59:06    2613223

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 653 - 28/05/2025 12:45:03    2613230

LowerHogan (Meath) - Posts: 74 - 28/05/2025 13:28:16    2613238

Would express the same sentiment, would make no changes to team unless injury enforced. I don't think we can miss as much again as we did early on against Cork. I'd be confident Frayne will bounce back after a few misses the last day. Costello and Morris are lethal, new rules with the space suits them so much to run at defenses. Would be great if RB can name same team and hopefully Flynn is fit for continuity and consistency purposes. Roscommon have some top players and at home they may be a different kettle of fish with their season on the line. But all these games are massive for us, beat Roscommon and we're looking up and give Kerry rattle. If midfield and half back wins same ball as Cork game, our forwards will just have to take our chances and I can't see us miss as many again, as that's our tendency either miss a load or score a flurry.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 45 - 28/05/2025 15:59:41    2613271

Roscommon are wounded. They have had a really limp season so far. Despite getting promotion to Div. 1, it was probably more to do with us failing to do the job in last 2 rounds.

They have the potential and are capable of putting it up to the best teams on their day as has been shown in last few seasons but it just hasn't been clicking for them this year from what I have seen. Overall, I would say that they have a better and more settled team than Meath (albeit we are developing).

At home, in Hyde Park they are rightly favourites and should they get some cohesion together they will have enough to win - but can they. The pressure is firmly on them to try and ignite some form for the season and secure 2nd place in the group.

However, for me, once a team gets a run on them they become resigned to defeat. Meath kicked 4 or 5 2pters in the league and it just killed them. Otherwise I wouldn't read much into that result despite it being a big one for Meath.

Against Galway, they were competitive for a long part of the match without really looking to ever win it and once Galway got a lead up Roscommon went flat. Same with the highlights I seen of the Kerry game. A quick burst of goals and few points put daylight between the sides and it was just a case of the final score for the record.

From a Meath perspective, I think the confidence should be there to take a cut at them and keep momentum building - this is all we have at this stage. We surely won't be as poor up front as we were against Cork but need to continue that grit and bravery across the park.

I believe that we can win but I would not expect one. If we can put a 70 minute performance together and take our key scores and get control in the middle that will do it. However, we can just be so frustrating and there's a big lack of consistency (falling on individuals as opposed to the team).

I'm really hoping that this could be a game where it finally comes together for us as I fear we could be lacklustre yet again and end up losing a game we could have won.

Stick with the same team - pending Flynn being available, if not O Neill should drop in. Be surprised if Ryan holds his jersey as for me he wasn't at the races against Cork.

There is little point in calling for Gray or McBride to be involved when they haven't played a real role all season - I'll back the management on that (even though I do lay fault with them for the Leinster final defeat on failing to take the gamble at midfield).

Perhaps, if the game is put to bed with 10 to go those guys can get some minutes of action but I cannot see that being the case on Saturday at all !!

Hoping for a competitive game of high scores and may the best team come out on top by a small margin.

Royalio11 (Meath) - Posts: 795 - 28/05/2025 17:08:25    2613292

Interesting to see how we get on this weekend. After a much needed win. Which was done the hard way, even tho we played poorly for large parts against Cork. We obviously suffering a hangover after Leinster Final. But after working hard for the win can we kick on and get a win Saturday. Cork kinda reminded me of Meath over the past 10 years, started well missed few easy scores. And missed all goals chances, to some good 2 pointer scores but then faded. could easily have won the game, But ultimately lost out to more organized side and side that wanted it a more on the day. Its great to be involved in these games with realistic chance of getting to QF. To beat Roscommon we are going to need to be at our best. And Roscommon will have learnt from there loss in Navan. I would love to see us getting a little more of the likes of Duke Kinsella and Conlon and Frayne. If we do I think we can win. Otherwise we are in good enough shape. Except midfield which is a bit hit and miss Flynn and Menton need to improve. I would love to see conor Gray Mc Bride get a few minutes next if fit and available.

bobkarlgees (Meath) - Posts: 1271 - 29/05/2025 15:21:54    2613457

I can't see there being many changes, if any, from last weekend. Maybe O'Neill in at midfield for Flynn which might be injury-enforced anyway. Hickey did well when he came on and his bit of street smarts will be needed in a game like this. I could see him starting ahead of Duke.

Roscommon have been operating at a higher level than us for a good few years. They're not going great this year but they generally always have at least one big championship performance in them. It won't be easy although we should be in a good place heading west with nothing to fear.

Agreed on some of the earlier comments about a lack of buzz around the game. Unfortunately I've heard many loyal Meath supporters say they can't make it to the Hyde. Bank holiday weekend and all that. I'll be there and I hope to see us get the win which I think we are capable of.

men_of_49 (Meath) - Posts: 2012 - 29/05/2025 18:31:32    2613498

Conlon did a mountain of work against Cork. Constantly running to the wings and showing for ball. He was man marked throughout which took out a Cork defender and it opened space for several of our walk in scores. He got 2 points I think and earned a free. Don't think more could be expected given the shape of the game.

He's a really dangerous player on the inside line and that suits our half forward line. Dublin learned the hard way and teams will have to keep someone on him.

Duke certainly needs to bring more in terms of score contributions as he did in the league. Kinsella gets on a lot of ball too but would also like to see him add to scores from play which takes pressure of our .ore prolific scorers should they be marshalled.

Royalio11 (Meath) - Posts: 795 - 29/05/2025 18:42:24    2613500

Roscommon with 8 changes to their starting 15 to what started against Meath in the league game in Navan. Meath management probably studied that game plenty during the week and really didn't need to bother now.

Gaa_lover (USA) - Posts: 3630 - 30/05/2025 00:05:45    2613537

32_4_1 (Meath) - Posts: 4158 - 30/05/2025 01:02:20    2613541

The position we're in at the moment, is we're improving with every game. There was a spark lit since the Dublin match. You can see in patches now, like the first half against Louth, the ability in the team. Can tear others apart when they click.

But experience and game management will take time to improve. We'll do it in patches and then fall off again etc. Take time to get more consistent. Will come with experience

32_4_1 (Meath) - Posts: 4158 - 30/05/2025 01:07:41    2613543

A quote here from the Cavan Forum on the Referee for game. Any truth in this?!

"I see Paul Faloon is refereeing on Sunday, the same man who reffed the Louth and Cork league games. So plenty of physicality, pulling, dragging etc will be let go. Hopefully Cavan can take advantage of this"

Think he also referee'd Mayo vs Cavan

Kingroyal (Meath) - Posts: 61 - 30/05/2025 06:58:24    2613550