Royal.1 (Meath) - Posts: 31 - 03/03/2025 13:59:08    2594437

A heart stopping game full of negatives but ultimately ending up with big positives. We really didn't play well for a lot of it and found it hard to get to the same intensity as the Roscommon game. Allowed Westmeath dictate the first quarter when we had the wind and really struggled on the breaking ball for most of the game. But we reacted really well to their goal going in and we played our best football in the last 10 minutes. Worked some very good teams scores. Didn't hear the buzzer go but the ref had been extremely harsh with some terrible steps calls and lads wrestling out at midfield when both teams were at it. A huge positive that we found a way and we played our best when the game was in the melting pot. Will have to be better against Monaghan if we're going to win but I think we will be better. Depth is being tested, could really do with Costello and Kinsella back even if they only have a bench cameo in them. But we have a home game which is essentially a straight shootout for promotion and Monaghan are definitely beatable which is an enormous improvement from the past 3 years performances in the league

LeitrimRoyal99 (Meath) - Posts: 1548 - 03/03/2025 14:08:30    2594439

Extremely lucky to come away from that match with anything nevermind a win. To be fair Westmeath were kocking on the door on all their previous matches and were at home in a win at all cost match for them so it was not going to be easy.
But they played us off the park for most parts and knew how to set up against our KO and also defensively for most parts especially in teh first half!!
So a bit of a worry that teams will know how to set up against us but Ive been impressed with RB and team so they will be well able to adapt to that!
I thought we looked a bit tired also so as some were saying the depth is not there. Menton struggled with the pace i though today but will only get fitter.
But all that said it was a long time I witnessed Meath clutching victory from the jaws of defeat so not only has the new management brought in proper system and coaching but we are now getting a bit of belief and confidence back in the team and in my opinion the question of "have we good enough players" is being answered!
ive always said that a good management team doesn't need years at top inter-county level!

JonnieG (Meath) - Posts: 250 - 03/03/2025 16:56:34    2594504

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 209 - 03/03/2025 18:08:28    2594532

That was unbelievable. The amount of meath supporters out on the pitch after the game really shows the hard work of the players and right management because we are all getting behind the team. I thought Conor Duke was excellent as well as Sean Rafferty with 2 hard hitting challenges, and them two will only get better as we go on. Big game agaisnt Monaghan, of course we have injuries but i think we can give it a good go. Hon The Royals

Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 23 - 03/03/2025 18:56:22    2594543

For the first time in years we finally seem to have a manager who has all the best players in the county barring maybe two (Cathal Hickey and Conor McGill) in the camp and actually playing well. The team the last day was a very strong starting line up and when you consider that we have Jones, McGowan, Kinsella, Coffey, Costello to name but a few of the lads who have to come back from injury there is great reason for optimism. Yes a huge amount of luck involved in the manner of the win last weekend but 4 wins on the spin, big scores being put up and never looking like folding when the pressure comes on. I still think we are a bit behind Dublin in Leinster but would not be at all surprised if on the right day we managed to spring a surprise. Overall for a change we're now looking at a game against a Northern team (normally a guaranteed loss in the past) where I would almost have us as slight faves which is probably the biggest indication of the strides made this year.

ratlag (Meath) - Posts: 585 - 04/03/2025 09:02:43    2594611

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1049 - 04/03/2025 10:46:27    2594632

Heard through someone that was there, went to all of his sigerson games bar one, he started off slow but by the last game I saw he was dominating midfield. I can understand why mgmt would be cautious with him. He had a nightmare 2024 with illness/injuries. He didn't look himself in club championships despite winning it. We were cleaned out in midfield against Westmeath. Dont think its a mad suggestion. Your the same poster who thought i was crazy for wanting Eoghan Frayne to start ahead of Aaron Lynch and James mcentee in tailteann Cup.

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 209 - 04/03/2025 12:55:41    2594663

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1049 - 04/03/2025 13:15:59    2594672

I love you Colm O'Rourke

RegionalsGuru (Meath) - Posts: 18 - 04/03/2025 13:35:36    2594679

Sheridan2010louth (Meath) - Posts: 209 - 04/03/2025 13:40:33    2594681

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1049 - 04/03/2025 14:12:42    2594692

Just a small point from last Sunday trip to Cusack park, I thought the match program costing €4 was a total rip off.And to add insult to injury,a different Westmeath team sheet was stapled in over the original printed one and there was even more changes to the team before the throw in.The previous Sundays,Meath GAA program costing €5 was far better covering both the Meath football and hurling games.

trappatoni (Meath) - Posts: 20 - 05/03/2025 10:03:35    2594843

Nothing like a last gasp win,brought back memories of the good old days.We didn't play well (credit to Westmeath they had homework done)but kept fighting and never gave up.For his goal fair play to Duke for going for goal instead of a point, shows he has alot of confidence.We weren't near as dominant in midfield and lost alot of breaking ball as well.Westmeath were also in for a couple of goal chances but took points instead.We looked tired for most of the game but in fairness kept plugging away.I would be a little bit worried about injuries as Costello,Jones and James Conlon all out with bad hamstring injuries.Is there something in that? or maybe I'm reading too much into it.With 2 more intense games (hopefully 3)coming up before championship just hope no more injuries as we cant afford them.Its great we are challenging for promotion with 2 games left and management have done very well since coming in.It was great to see a big Meath crowd there the other definitely made a difference.The roar of the crowd near the end when Westmeath were on the attack and had only two players back and ref brought it up for a 20 metre free felt like a home game.Im really looking forward to the Monaghan game and would be great if we could get out in big numbers and drive the lads on.Hon the Royal.

Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 314 - 05/03/2025 11:39:26    2594854

Just wondering why the Meath v Westmeath game wasn't shown live or even given highlights on League Sunday or TG4? A local derby with big significance, yet no coverage-seems a bit odd.

That being said, could this actually be a masterstroke by the Meath management? Colm O'Rourke introduced a few tactical tweaks last year that the new setup has clearly kept in place. Maybe keeping the game off the air is a deliberate move to stop other teams from getting a look at them?

What do people think-genuine oversight, or a bit of tactical secrecy at play?

RegionalsGuru (Meath) - Posts: 18 - 05/03/2025 11:59:24    2594858

Faithfulmeath (Meath) - Posts: 15 - 05/03/2025 13:57:34    2594885

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1049 - 05/03/2025 14:07:00    2594888

Meath10 (Meath) - Posts: 196 - 06/03/2025 10:15:51    2595004

RegionalsGuru (Meath) - Posts: 18 - 06/03/2025 11:32:33    2595020

Points76 (Meath) - Posts: 23 - 06/03/2025 13:23:23    2595043