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Meath SHC

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The senior hurling championship will never be reduced to 8 teams. I think it is reasonable though to put it down to 10 teams.
If you had 2 groups of 5 with a seeded draw on the back of last years championship semi finalists (dunboyne kiltale trim and kildalkey), it would be more beneficial.
The top 2 qualify from each group and play each other in the semis.

Every game would be very important. For example, in group A this year, you would have Kilmessan Kildalkey Trim and Killyon fighting for 2 positions.
If you look at Kilmessan losing to Killyon on saturday, they knew it wasn't the end of the world and can still top the group. That shouldn't be the case.
This would benefit meath hurling, and the intermediate grade would become much more competitive with any1 from Navan, Na Fianna Dunderry Athboy Drumree Wolfe Tones or Ratoath all capable of winning. None of these teams (with possibly the exception of Na Fianna) would keep it pucked out to Kiltale.

overthehill72 (Meath) - Posts: 334 - 25/07/2016 10:55:57    1889570

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Replying To oldsam_newsam:  "There are 12 teams in the Meath senior hurling championship. In Westmeath there are 8. Westmeath hurling is at a higher level than Meath at the moment but imo there is just as much potential here.

We need to move to a senior championship in which most of the games are meaningful and we should look very seriously at having a system like westmeath in which most of the games are reasonably competitive and the top team automatically qualifies for the final with 2nd & 3rd qualifying for a semi.

In Meath the make up based on current standings would be Kildalkey, Trim, Kilmessan, Killyon, Kiltale, Blackhall Gaels, Dunboyne and Boardsmill. Longwood are good enough to be in that group but after that I think the other teams are intermediate level. All teams to play each other and a 2 up 2 down system would make for very competitive games.

Just because the football side have thrown the baby out with the bathwater doesnt mean that the hurling side cannot look at the structure which needs changing, especially proven by tyhe hammerings at the weekend."
No reason that wouldn't benefit the clubs already in the championship and the so called weaker clubs will be guaranteed more games as they wont be knocked out after the group stage. And with the two up and down it would keep it competitive right up until the last game..

THE ONLY ISSUE I see with it(if that structure was in use this year) is that I don't see two clubs in the inter who could come up and secure the senior status. Na Fianna would more than likely come up but they were lucky for a number of years to avoid the drop, and perhaps drumree/ratho might come up but It would be back to realistically having a 6 club senior championship as they wouldn't challenge the other clubs.(just using these clubs as examples and no offence meant)

I think a serious look needs to be taken at the intermediate grade as we need to help those teams develop and to become better equipped for the senior grade should they make it there. Too many of these clubs rely on one or two quality players and a decent free taker.

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 651 - 25/07/2016 10:59:45    1889572

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Replying To oldsam_newsam:  "There are 12 teams in the Meath senior hurling championship. In Westmeath there are 8. Westmeath hurling is at a higher level than Meath at the moment but imo there is just as much potential here.

We need to move to a senior championship in which most of the games are meaningful and we should look very seriously at having a system like westmeath in which most of the games are reasonably competitive and the top team automatically qualifies for the final with 2nd & 3rd qualifying for a semi.

In Meath the make up based on current standings would be Kildalkey, Trim, Kilmessan, Killyon, Kiltale, Blackhall Gaels, Dunboyne and Boardsmill. Longwood are good enough to be in that group but after that I think the other teams are intermediate level. All teams to play each other and a 2 up 2 down system would make for very competitive games.

Just because the football side have thrown the baby out with the bathwater doesnt mean that the hurling side cannot look at the structure which needs changing, especially proven by tyhe hammerings at the weekend."
I think Kiltales dominance alters the view of the hurling championship at present. If you take Kiltales games this year out of the championship it'd actually be pretty even.

Very little between Kilmessan, Trim, Kildalkey, Kilyon, Longwood (at full strength), Dunboyne etc. but Kiltale are just a step ahead of everyone at the minute.

begining (UK) - Posts: 320 - 25/07/2016 11:51:10    1889606

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Replying To passionhurler:  "Trim are going to win the jubilee.... Nawt seriously trim won against a extremely depleted Longwood team who if they had a full team would be competing with kiltale..trim won't do anything this year..kildalkey are are also to predictable now with ducksy out.."
Didn't make it navan for trim longwood but went to trim last night
And was told longwood were very poor and not to read into it much
Kiltale however put on some display
Think they hit 17 wides in total which would worry them
They dominated every position of the field
And are still only in 2nd or 3rd gear
It kills me to say it but no team within an country mile of them
Kilmessan at full strength probably closest

umpireview (Meath) - Posts: 55 - 25/07/2016 14:10:33    1889728

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Replying To umpireview:  "Didn't make it navan for trim longwood but went to trim last night
And was told longwood were very poor and not to read into it much
Kiltale however put on some display
Think they hit 17 wides in total which would worry them
They dominated every position of the field
And are still only in 2nd or 3rd gear
It kills me to say it but no team within an country mile of them
Kilmessan at full strength probably closest"
I agree Kiltale are the team to beat. There are no questions about that. But they are beatable as Trim Proved last year in the Group stages. As far as I'm aware Longwood were missing Healey who is in the States, but as far as people are saying they were missing a large proportion of the team I don't really buy that. Maybe someone can name some of the others who were missing.

Trim had a rough start but are now back under John Andrews as Clancy walked away after the Navan Game so they should have there mindset right from here on.

On any given day if kiltale do not preform 100%, Trim and Kildalky (with Ducksy)could run them close, but I think kilmessan don't have the bench anymore.

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 651 - 25/07/2016 15:47:07    1889819

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Replying To Irish_downunder:  "I agree Kiltale are the team to beat. There are no questions about that. But they are beatable as Trim Proved last year in the Group stages. As far as I'm aware Longwood were missing Healey who is in the States, but as far as people are saying they were missing a large proportion of the team I don't really buy that. Maybe someone can name some of the others who were missing.

Trim had a rough start but are now back under John Andrews as Clancy walked away after the Navan Game so they should have there mindset right from here on.

On any given day if kiltale do not preform 100%, Trim and Kildalky (with Ducksy)could run them close, but I think kilmessan don't have the bench anymore."
Anthony Healey, Eoin lynch and Damo Healey are 3 huge losses for Longwood. They'd be up there with the best in the county, and Longwood just don't have the squad to cope without 3 of their main players.

I think you're wrong writing off kilmessan downunder. Trim and Kildalkey had their chance against Kiltale the last 2 years in finals and the games were over by halftime. Kilmessan will be the challengers this year, have a full team for the first time in years, plenty of miles on the clock but plenty of experience of winning big games.

Time will tell

begining (UK) - Posts: 320 - 25/07/2016 16:27:03    1889856

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Replying To begining:  "Anthony Healey, Eoin lynch and Damo Healey are 3 huge losses for Longwood. They'd be up there with the best in the county, and Longwood just don't have the squad to cope without 3 of their main players.

I think you're wrong writing off kilmessan downunder. Trim and Kildalkey had their chance against Kiltale the last 2 years in finals and the games were over by halftime. Kilmessan will be the challengers this year, have a full team for the first time in years, plenty of miles on the clock but plenty of experience of winning big games.

Time will tell"
Kiltale are beatable and it will be up to Kilmessan to take them on. Kildalkey will battle but will come up short - Trim only looked good yesterday because Longwood were short and as for having JA over them again (Player power is wrong in clubs). Kilyon will be like Kildalkey will battle but might just be short on the day. Kiltale will be challenged by Blackhall but will get by. So if it is to be Kilmessan v Kiltale for final.

Sportfan (Meath) - Posts: 133 - 25/07/2016 16:39:05    1889866

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Kiltale will take some stopping. If they take a win for granted against a Kilmessan or Kildalkey could be their only downfall. Kiltale in easy group will not help them. The other group is turning into a cracker of a group. Four teams for three spots and the other two teams (Longwood and O'Mahonys) are capable of beating anyone. Think Kildalkey, Kilmessan and Killyon will qualify but in what order is anyone's guess.

Redsalltheway (Meath) - Posts: 116 - 25/07/2016 16:53:10    1889881

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Replying To Irish_downunder:  "I agree Kiltale are the team to beat. There are no questions about that. But they are beatable as Trim Proved last year in the Group stages. As far as I'm aware Longwood were missing Healey who is in the States, but as far as people are saying they were missing a large proportion of the team I don't really buy that. Maybe someone can name some of the others who were missing.

Trim had a rough start but are now back under John Andrews as Clancy walked away after the Navan Game so they should have there mindset right from here on.

On any given day if kiltale do not preform 100%, Trim and Kildalky (with Ducksy)could run them close, but I think kilmessan don't have the bench anymore."
Yes, but why did Clancy walk away? He didnt just get up in the morning and say I am packing it in.

They were lucky that they had Andrews to fall back on. I wouldn't be banking that the mindset is suddenly right there again.

oldsam_newsam (Meath) - Posts: 638 - 25/07/2016 16:59:51    1889885

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Replying To oldsam_newsam:  "Yes, but why did Clancy walk away? He didnt just get up in the morning and say I am packing it in.

They were lucky that they had Andrews to fall back on. I wouldn't be banking that the mindset is suddenly right there again."
Heard "player power" dedicating training and tactics. Not a good sign among players in a club to undermine a manager.

Redsalltheway (Meath) - Posts: 116 - 25/07/2016 17:15:51    1889894

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Replying To Redsalltheway:  "Heard "player power" dedicating training and tactics. Not a good sign among players in a club to undermine a manager."
Not surprised. Not the easiest of clubs for an outside manager.

oldsam_newsam (Meath) - Posts: 638 - 25/07/2016 19:39:07    1889977

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Replying To Irish_downunder:  "I agree Kiltale are the team to beat. There are no questions about that. But they are beatable as Trim Proved last year in the Group stages. As far as I'm aware Longwood were missing Healey who is in the States, but as far as people are saying they were missing a large proportion of the team I don't really buy that. Maybe someone can name some of the others who were missing.

Trim had a rough start but are now back under John Andrews as Clancy walked away after the Navan Game so they should have there mindset right from here on.

On any given day if kiltale do not preform 100%, Trim and Kildalky (with Ducksy)could run them close, but I think kilmessan don't have the bench anymore."
Kiltale are a team with a wealth of talent all over the field, Kilmessan and Kildalkey aren't that far behind so it gives them so many options when it comes to how they play their games. Some of the weaker teams Longwood, Kilyon, Trim, Blackhall Gaels, Navan, Dunboyne etc would have only one or two marquee players (who would easily slot into any Kiltale/Kilmessan/Kildalkey side) so their options are more limited but they're no less enjoyable to watch because of the effort those teams have to put in to try and play to their strengths. These teams suffer when those players aren't available but they also suffer when they meet the better teams who know who to target and how to deal with their specific threats (double marking, special attention etc) and have the players to deploy solely into that role without affecting their overall game play. Some of the results this weekend were stark but these should really be seen as outliers (or blips in the statistics), the actual gaps between these teams would not be as vast as the score lines suggest. Concede a couple of goals early on and before you know it the game has gotten away from you and there's no way back.

Wedgie (Meath) - Posts: 253 - 25/07/2016 21:33:48    1890032

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Posters on here with a "hear say " view of why Clancy left trim, total rubbish, the man wanted to walk away months ago. Very few turning up for training as little as 4 one day, he just wasn't inspiring a reaction from the players . End off. No one to blame , no player power involved, were trim suppose to see a good team disintegrate. Well that might suit some posters on here----who have VARIOUS reasons .

hurley1 (Meath) - Posts: 45 - 26/07/2016 08:17:15    1890121

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It is unfortunate that Clancy left the trim set up. I heard it was due to a number or regulars not training or giving commitment to the set up prior to the kildakly game and afterwards. Unfortunately I do not think trim have the squad(very light in defense) to have allowed him to drop players therefore he was fed up. Cant Blame the man.

After the first 3 rounds, the group are pretty much as most people would have guessed. I do think that in order to balance the groups going forward, that there needs to be seeding introduced.

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 651 - 26/07/2016 09:17:08    1890138

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Have it from a player he was not happy about training sessions with low numbers and a session arranged without him present in the week leading up to navan game also the attitude from players was questionable
Again this is from a player......

umpireview (Meath) - Posts: 55 - 26/07/2016 10:40:14    1890196

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Well as a trim supporter, I am very relieved they are back in the very capable hands of john Andrews , he's managed most if not all of that trim team since they were nippers at various stages!!! You never know what you're missing until its gone.!!!!

hurley1 (Meath) - Posts: 45 - 26/07/2016 11:22:36    1890236

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Replying To Irish_downunder:  "It is unfortunate that Clancy left the trim set up. I heard it was due to a number or regulars not training or giving commitment to the set up prior to the kildakly game and afterwards. Unfortunately I do not think trim have the squad(very light in defense) to have allowed him to drop players therefore he was fed up. Cant Blame the man.

After the first 3 rounds, the group are pretty much as most people would have guessed. I do think that in order to balance the groups going forward, that there needs to be seeding introduced."
Good point about the Trim defence, Colin Doyle is a massive loss and it's hard to see them being competitive at the business end without him.

They should bring Douglas back to the half back line, add a bit of strength and speed there. Ironically the opposite move to what the Meath footballers should do as Douglas could possibly add a bit to the football half forward line.

oldsam_newsam (Meath) - Posts: 638 - 26/07/2016 11:26:01    1890242

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Replying To hurley1:  "Well as a trim supporter, I am very relieved they are back in the very capable hands of john Andrews , he's managed most if not all of that trim team since they were nippers at various stages!!! You never know what you're missing until its gone.!!!!"
I would agree but sometimes when you are too close to certain players, it becomes hard to see when they are not preforming. and its even harder to see when they should be dropped entirely. Weakest part of the Trim side is in the half backs.

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 651 - 26/07/2016 11:30:30    1890245

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Replying To oldsam_newsam:  "Good point about the Trim defence, Colin Doyle is a massive loss and it's hard to see them being competitive at the business end without him.

They should bring Douglas back to the half back line, add a bit of strength and speed there. Ironically the opposite move to what the Meath footballers should do as Douglas could possibly add a bit to the football half forward line."
Yea I cant argue with that at all.. I just don't think chivers looks at the tactical side of it enough.. Too many times they have tried to go and match kildakly/Kiltale and play a traditional 33233..

Irish_downunder (Meath) - Posts: 651 - 26/07/2016 11:35:22    1890248

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huge games in group A coming up at the end of august.
Trim play Killyon and Kildalkey play Kilmessan in round 4.

If Kilmessan and trim were to lose in round 4 (could happen), they're meeting in round 5 would be do or die, with the loser exiting the championship.

The loser of Navan V Longwood will be consigned to a relegation battle one would think unless they can gain points off killyon and kildalkey respectively in round 5!

I predict Kilmessan Kildalkey and Killyon to go through, but in what order is anybody's guess.

If Trim regroup over the next month I could see them running Killyon close.

overthehill72 (Meath) - Posts: 334 - 26/07/2016 12:04:17    1890281

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