Meath Forum

Meath V Louth

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The other thing i think we need to weigh up here in terms of individual performances is that this crop of players put out a warning last year that if you underestimate them they will beat you or run you right to the wire.

The element of surprise is gone and the other counties will be sizing themselves up to our lads to an extent so our lads cant have off days or they will be exposed. Most of the top forwards in the country will be looking for Rafferty now, to say hey i popped over 4-5 points against the all star.

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 669 - 05/02/2026 14:39:52    2655096

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Reading some of the posts about lads underperforming, it's a very fine balance between management persisting with players to allow them find form, and simply not having the squad depth to replace underperforming stars.

Rafferty will play almost every minute when available, even if he doesn't hit All-Star form. The same goes for Coffey, Keoghan and Caufield.

We need to add depth in defence - and fairly quickly, in my opinion. At the very least, options should be explored for scenarios like suspension or injury. Keoghan, for example, could slot into the full-back line, with a natural ball-player pushed out to wing-back. Could Coffey cover corner-back? Could Costello do a job at 6 for a spell? The top teams are fluid, and I'd like to see lads get more exposure to covering positions.

That said, I don't actually expect much of that to happen, and I understand why. Brennan is striking while the iron is hot. Promotion is the goal, and if he delivers it, it's hard to argue against rigid team selections.

Louth game:
Meath press high, but once that press is broken, they tend to become passive. We learned our lesson last year by standing off Lennon and Mulroy. I'd like to see a more aggressive defensive approach - don't allow Louth to give Mulroy easy ball around the arc, and get right in Lennon's face.

I expect the team to remain unchanged. Banty deserves to start, but I think he'll be held in reserve. Strangely, you could even drop one of Frayne, Costello or Duke, let Adam O'Neill empty the tank for 40 minutes, and the impact from the lads coming in would probably outweigh what those players give if they start. I'm a big fan of the work Adam O'Neill gets through, he earns us the ability to let a footballer play.

royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 45 - 05/02/2026 23:14:56    2655157

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Replying To RoyalBadger:  "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."
Our "cup final" ended with us lifting Leinster. Yours ended with excuses and a forum post. #PipeDown

Walter_White (Louth) - Posts: 4 - 06/02/2026 10:17:26    2655182

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Meath by 7.

2010 Ghost is dead and buried and thank God.

Meath are on the up, Louth just dormant.

Very confident on this one.

thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1141 - 06/02/2026 17:59:19    2655265

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Replying To Walter_White:  "Our "cup final" ended with us lifting Leinster. Yours ended with excuses and a forum post. #PipeDown"
As a meath man pains me to say it but very true. Meath people have to accept louth are a serious threat to us and are the provincial champions for a reason. I think it's absolutely acceptable to have big target on this game, this is a great rivalry and louth have been bossing it now for years. This is a cup final for us. Win and promotion is a strong possibility. I think the snobbery from are part comes from heritage and we went on a run after the leinster final.

royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 45 - 07/02/2026 12:07:04    2655319

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Replying To royalcounty1:  "As a meath man pains me to say it but very true. Meath people have to accept louth are a serious threat to us and are the provincial champions for a reason. I think it's absolutely acceptable to have big target on this game, this is a great rivalry and louth have been bossing it now for years. This is a cup final for us. Win and promotion is a strong possibility. I think the snobbery from are part comes from heritage and we went on a run after the leinster final."
I would have to agree with the sentiments here. Louth are the best coached team we have played so far so this one is far from a formality. Although the 2 wins have been a massive plus I would be slighly concerned over how we defended at times in the first 2 games and our kick outs are starting to look slightly one dementional. Louth could exploit both these areas but hopefully our firepower will get us over the line.

Northroyal55 (Meath) - Posts: 16 - 07/02/2026 16:32:01    2655373

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Replying To royalcounty1:  "Reading some of the posts about lads underperforming, it's a very fine balance between management persisting with players to allow them find form, and simply not having the squad depth to replace underperforming stars.

Rafferty will play almost every minute when available, even if he doesn't hit All-Star form. The same goes for Coffey, Keoghan and Caufield.

We need to add depth in defence - and fairly quickly, in my opinion. At the very least, options should be explored for scenarios like suspension or injury. Keoghan, for example, could slot into the full-back line, with a natural ball-player pushed out to wing-back. Could Coffey cover corner-back? Could Costello do a job at 6 for a spell? The top teams are fluid, and I'd like to see lads get more exposure to covering positions.

That said, I don't actually expect much of that to happen, and I understand why. Brennan is striking while the iron is hot. Promotion is the goal, and if he delivers it, it's hard to argue against rigid team selections.

Louth game:
Meath press high, but once that press is broken, they tend to become passive. We learned our lesson last year by standing off Lennon and Mulroy. I'd like to see a more aggressive defensive approach - don't allow Louth to give Mulroy easy ball around the arc, and get right in Lennon's face.

I expect the team to remain unchanged. Banty deserves to start, but I think he'll be held in reserve. Strangely, you could even drop one of Frayne, Costello or Duke, let Adam O'Neill empty the tank for 40 minutes, and the impact from the lads coming in would probably outweigh what those players give if they start. I'm a big fan of the work Adam O'Neill gets through, he earns us the ability to let a footballer play."
I don't think Costello is able to be dropped personally, I think despite two games that were quiet by his standards from last year he is still very reliable, think back to 2024 when he hadn't scored from play in 2 games and only scored 0-3 from frees, then scored an absolute wonder goal against Louth running from the halfway line and skinning the likes of Ciaran Keenan Conor Grimes and others for pace and then decking Mulroy with minimal contact before burying it in the far corner outside of the boot

Dunshaughlin4keegan (Meath) - Posts: 27 - 07/02/2026 22:44:02    2655438

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Replying To Northroyal55:  "I would have to agree with the sentiments here. Louth are the best coached team we have played so far so this one is far from a formality. Although the 2 wins have been a massive plus I would be slighly concerned over how we defended at times in the first 2 games and our kick outs are starting to look slightly one dementional. Louth could exploit both these areas but hopefully our firepower will get us over the line."
I believe our focus has to be about showing continuous improvement as a team. Every player has to take responsibility for his own improvement. Robbie Brennan no doubt will be working on shortcomings in training and it seems with his style will further promote an atmoshere of encouragement .I expect to see a less porous defence with a strong commitment in the tackle to win back the ball and less room for their shooters.
Our forwards know that one or two have more improvement required to hold their place. I expect accuracy levels will improve having been focussed on in training
Louth have Mulroy and Lennon etc potential match winners if given room... I expect Full back Rafferty will tend to be drawn outfield by his marker maybe. Interesting to see how the sideline monitors that...Will they use him best by having Sean stick to Mulroy their best player and one of the best in the country.
How can Costello be used to best advantage. undoubted talent but prone to drifting in and out of the game. I would play him as a utility player even if fit enough with the intention to just go at their defence directly and shoot from distance .Review as the game progresses.
The most positive thing that can be said at this point is this panel has great potential and anything is possible..... Good management team who have instilled a good atmosphere and good options with players on the bench. I fully expect Meath to win having learned from the last 2 games.

nobull456 (Meath) - Posts: 1295 - 08/02/2026 09:53:47    2655465

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Unfortunately I think Meath will be to strong for us this weekend ' we are struggling around the middle of the field were Meath have being very good' and very slow to close down on the opposition when they are attacking and allowing them to kick 2 pointers which Meath are well capable of doing. Out forwards need to get quicker ball played into them especially the full forward line who have caused Meath plenty of problems over the last number of years if we are to have a chance. Meath to win by 5 or 6 points unless Louth get there act together . Hope i am
wrong

clutch (Louth) - Posts: 25 - 09/02/2026 23:26:03    2655743

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Is the game being streamed? Seen GAA+ posted up they were showing it but now its been removed. With cameras always in place in Croke Park, was thinking it would be streamed. Thought maybe TG4 player would have it similar to the Derry game. But I guess not?

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 70 - 11/02/2026 13:21:38    2655926

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Replying To nobull456:  "I believe our focus has to be about showing continuous improvement as a team. Every player has to take responsibility for his own improvement. Robbie Brennan no doubt will be working on shortcomings in training and it seems with his style will further promote an atmoshere of encouragement .I expect to see a less porous defence with a strong commitment in the tackle to win back the ball and less room for their shooters.
Our forwards know that one or two have more improvement required to hold their place. I expect accuracy levels will improve having been focussed on in training
Louth have Mulroy and Lennon etc potential match winners if given room... I expect Full back Rafferty will tend to be drawn outfield by his marker maybe. Interesting to see how the sideline monitors that...Will they use him best by having Sean stick to Mulroy their best player and one of the best in the country.
How can Costello be used to best advantage. undoubted talent but prone to drifting in and out of the game. I would play him as a utility player even if fit enough with the intention to just go at their defence directly and shoot from distance .Review as the game progresses.
The most positive thing that can be said at this point is this panel has great potential and anything is possible..... Good management team who have instilled a good atmosphere and good options with players on the bench. I fully expect Meath to win having learned from the last 2 games."
.I'd put O'Halloran on Mulroy and leave Rafferty to hold the house. Rafferty is stronger in front of goal and will break down anything that comes at him. O'Halloran has the determination and work rate to stick with Mulroy and see the job through.

Holymoly#6 (Meath) - Posts: 42 - 12/02/2026 05:45:49    2656021

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Replying To Holymoly#6:  ".I'd put O'Halloran on Mulroy and leave Rafferty to hold the house. Rafferty is stronger in front of goal and will break down anything that comes at him. O'Halloran has the determination and work rate to stick with Mulroy and see the job through."
If Mulroy plays 11 then it will be a tough one to pin down

Dunshaughlin4keegan (Meath) - Posts: 27 - 12/02/2026 11:17:17    2656051

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Replying To Holymoly#6:  ".I'd put O'Halloran on Mulroy and leave Rafferty to hold the house. Rafferty is stronger in front of goal and will break down anything that comes at him. O'Halloran has the determination and work rate to stick with Mulroy and see the job through."
I agree. If Costello, Rafferty or Frayne don't put on a big performance do you think they're at risk of losing their spots with how strong the bench will be in the coming weeks?

Royalroyal97 (Meath) - Posts: 26 - 12/02/2026 13:26:50    2656062

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Replying To Royalroyal97:  "I agree. If Costello, Rafferty or Frayne don't put on a big performance do you think they're at risk of losing their spots with how strong the bench will be in the coming weeks?"
You really don't get it, Robbie would never drop these players. Raff is our all star full back and his slight drop in performances is being greatly exaggerated, Costello plays at his own leisure far too much but still would be criminal to drop him, he'd start for any county. Frayne is our captain, robbie sees him as a key leader, he's like having an extra coach on the field. How about getting behind our players rather than talking about dropping them?

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 295 - 12/02/2026 16:51:32    2656096

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Replying To Sheridan2010louth:  "You really don't get it, Robbie would never drop these players. Raff is our all star full back and his slight drop in performances is being greatly exaggerated, Costello plays at his own leisure far too much but still would be criminal to drop him, he'd start for any county. Frayne is our captain, robbie sees him as a key leader, he's like having an extra coach on the field. How about getting behind our players rather than talking about dropping them?"
Hang on a second. We are all entitled to our own opinion. I still think these 3 lads are top class and instrumental in our progress but other lads deserve a shot too if they aren't performing. I never said h them and not play them again or drop them off a panel completely? You can't play lads because of who they are and Robbie is a smart man who knows that. At this level it's next man up to see who is preforming better for the better of the team and have lads to come on to finish the job.

Royalroyal97 (Meath) - Posts: 26 - 12/02/2026 17:36:59    2656098

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Replying To Royalroyal97:  "I agree. If Costello, Rafferty or Frayne don't put on a big performance do you think they're at risk of losing their spots with how strong the bench will be in the coming weeks?"
Are you a meath man? Your constantly
putting down theese 3 players. Get behind them and don't be hating on the players doing their best for the county. I have already made a comment on here saying about lads being too harsh and not getting behind the team. Support the team on saturday get behind the players and stop commenetinh about lads loosing their place ? no good for anyone's confidence

Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 63 - 12/02/2026 19:10:23    2656113

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Replying To Points76:  "Are you a meath man? Your constantly
putting down theese 3 players. Get behind them and don't be hating on the players doing their best for the county. I have already made a comment on here saying about lads being too harsh and not getting behind the team. Support the team on saturday get behind the players and stop commenetinh about lads loosing their place ? no good for anyone's confidence"
Relax will ya. He's hardly Putting them down

Selwyn (Meath) - Posts: 439 - 12/02/2026 22:59:33    2656146

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Cant say anything negative or without tinted glasses on here you should know better.

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 669 - 13/02/2026 08:47:16    2656161

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Replying To Points76:  "Are you a meath man? Your constantly
putting down theese 3 players. Get behind them and don't be hating on the players doing their best for the county. I have already made a comment on here saying about lads being too harsh and not getting behind the team. Support the team on saturday get behind the players and stop commenetinh about lads loosing their place ? no good for anyone's confidence"
We should be talking about the football and not questioning where he's from. He's entitled to an opinion just like you.
Now back to the game. I agree there's no chance they will be dropped Rafferty is not at the level of last year yet but we only played 2 games. Costello to me is doing what he always does drifting in and out of the game, he's so gifted that's the frustrating thing we all know there's so much more in him. Frayne is well below his best looks to be struggling to get to the pace of the game. He looks to be running on fumes. I don't know if he's carrying an injury or just going through an energy crises. He's a very young man with a lot on his plate it was probably unfair on him giving the captains role. Nobody should be above getting dropped including the captain just look at Limerick hurlers Declan Hannon had to be happy with a place on the bench. Let's hope it won't come to that and all three lads put in a big performance on Sunday.

latouche25 (Meath) - Posts: 564 - 13/02/2026 09:42:42    2656170

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Replying To Selwyn:  "Relax will ya. He's hardly Putting them down"
It does no good for the players confidence. For years we were a poor team. Not challenging at all. Now we have a brilliant young team who are only going to get better. Is their room for improvement.? Yes. Let's leave it up to robbie. As no one on the forum here is watching the training sessions. He can pick the team. Yes you can have your opinion on here of how the team is picked, but why should you change a winning team as many lads are talking about dropping if they've a poor game v Louth? At the end of the day, it's winter football. We are only going to get better. everyone on here should get behind the team and support . I do question if lads on here even go to the games with some of the comments.

Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 63 - 13/02/2026 11:29:16    2656195

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