Meath Forum

Meath V Donegal

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Replying To Proudroyal:  "Anyone else a bit worried for next year?Mentons injury looked bad will he comeback next year?He is a key component in that team.He started every league and championship match this year and In my opinion our best midfielder.Jones unfortunately seems to be injury prone and Flynn tends to drifts in and out of games albeit he is still quite young.Will that be Keoghans lot?Cant be easy on the body and 14 years non stop has to take its toll.Lose both of them and we have very little experience.Hopefully I'm wrong and they don't quit because were definitely in the mix for a leinster next year.Wont be easy as I think Dublin will improve and Kildare,Westmeath and Offaly also are and Louth will also have a few under 20s coming through so its going to be a competitive championship.Need to find another forward or 2 so maybe Stafford or murphy will step in next year."
Tend to agree, positive until yesterday, but second half yesterday was very similar to the beatings we got from Dublin and may undo some of hard work of last few months. After BM went off our midfield collapsed and all breaking ball was won by Donegal, Patton kicked long several times we failed to field and Donegal left with acre's of space in behind that were turned into goal scoring chances, lucky for us they took the easy option and kicked points. Yes we have a young team but need at least 7/8 good lads coming through to strengthen panel. Bench had little impact again, compare that to Donegal ? We were shapeless yesterday and all our old failings came back to haunt us, kickouts, midfield and opposition running through us at will. Our main plan seemed to be kick two pointers and get ahead, did not work and no plan B. On a positive note players and managenent have given us a great few months and deserve great credit for getting Meath supporters back in numbers to CP. Several players have shown to have what is needed at this level but Donegal are several steps ahead of Meath in all area's. Hopefully yesterday was just a bump on the road forward and a lesson learned for all concerned.

seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2223 - 14/07/2025 15:39:06    2625652

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Overall a very good year for Meath and yesterday was an eye opener for the players as to the level they will have to get to if they are to eventually win an all-ireland. Only 2 years ago Donegal were a mile off winning anything so it just goes to show what can be achieved in a short space of time, they looked unstoppable yesterday.

There are many areas where Meath need to improve but fundamental to that is getting 2 new and experienced intercounty coaches / selectors (who are fully committed to the cause) in place.

Our bench looked very weak when compared to Donegal's - we need a little bit of luck on the injury front and perhaps a look at the strength and conditioning in an effort to avoid recurring hamstring issues which have dogged some of the players all year.

We need everyone on board - injured players back to full health: Jack Flynn, Jones, Kinlough, James Conlon, Hickey were all significant absentees yesterday. Hopefully players like Jack O' Connor and Darragh Campion return next year and perhaps the likes of Liam Kelly, Jamie Murphy, Mc Connell, Sean Emmanual and Mc Ivor step up to the mark and maybe even a phone call to Conor Nash!!

Thunderstruck (Meath) - Posts: 476 - 14/07/2025 15:51:29    2625657

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Replying To Thunderstruck:  "Overall a very good year for Meath and yesterday was an eye opener for the players as to the level they will have to get to if they are to eventually win an all-ireland. Only 2 years ago Donegal were a mile off winning anything so it just goes to show what can be achieved in a short space of time, they looked unstoppable yesterday.

There are many areas where Meath need to improve but fundamental to that is getting 2 new and experienced intercounty coaches / selectors (who are fully committed to the cause) in place.

Our bench looked very weak when compared to Donegal's - we need a little bit of luck on the injury front and perhaps a look at the strength and conditioning in an effort to avoid recurring hamstring issues which have dogged some of the players all year.

We need everyone on board - injured players back to full health: Jack Flynn, Jones, Kinlough, James Conlon, Hickey were all significant absentees yesterday. Hopefully players like Jack O' Connor and Darragh Campion return next year and perhaps the likes of Liam Kelly, Jamie Murphy, Mc Connell, Sean Emmanual and Mc Ivor step up to the mark and maybe even a phone call to Conor Nash!!"
Jin Mac is one of a kind and right up there with the very best of managers. Get's 100% out of every player and a master at putting game plan in place that suits. No doubt RB will be on lookout for a top coach and we are now a more attractive option. No idea what happened with our two coaches and hopefully does not put off others. Yesterday may have knocked us back a year or two but still great hope for these lads.

seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2223 - 14/07/2025 16:31:56    2625669

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Very disappointing yesterday and easy to criticize after getting thumped .
With a bit more time to digest i felt we were right in the game for the first half. Once Gallans goal went in we went after their kickouts to try get back into it and kept getting picked off over the top. The half back line would have known the risks pushing up on Patton but would have decided it needed to happen to get us into the game.
One criticism i would have was did we maybe do it a little bit to early? 7 down with 25 left i thought we were still in the game but a combination of chasing it and the quality Donegal brought off the bench led to the 20 mins that followed.

A lot of posters have hit the nail on the head, the strength in depth just isn't there at the moment but what this group has done getting the passion and enjoyment back into Meath football will fix that over the next few years. It may be a 3-4 year project to build that panel to compete for div 1 & All Irelands which makes the heroics of Menton & Keogan all the more special.
Coming back and putting the shoulder to the wheel for days in the sunshine they probably weren't expecting to see themselves (Hopefully I'm wrong). Legends.

mlc800 (Meath) - Posts: 68 - 14/07/2025 16:49:37    2625676

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Replying To JonnieG:  "Think all questions were answered this year in terms of is this current crop of players good enough.
Leinster Final, and beating Dublin, Kerry, Galway on the way to AI Semi final cannot be sniffed at especially where we have been for years.

Fitter than we ever were (Donegal are just on a different level) and you can see the work done by the coaching staff. In different games we mixed things up which was great to see. Even against Galway it wasn't all about 2 pointers and more about defensive work.
Yesterday was a disappointment in terms of the final score line but doesn't diminish my hope for next year.
My only other concern is that we might still be struggling against the Northern teams. I do wonder if things would have been different yesterday if the two northern lads were still with us?
Lot saying Div 1 is a must for next year. Funnily enough I would have said the same too last year but with the new rules and the extra fitness needed I think it is more important to peak at the right time!
Next year will be the test now that all teams have a year under their belts.
Hopefully RB will add another big time coach to the setup as to be fair to the 2 lads that walked - they probably had a good foundation of work already done - i think he will as he seems to be shrewd operator!
But great year IMO considering where we came from and it has put to bed any Qs about the quality of player in Meath! Well done to all involved!"
I wouldn't give the Kilcoo two an ounce of credit.
All credit goes to Robbie Brennan, Conor Gillespie and the 30 players who took the attitude F you we'll prove you wrong when the two lads walked out.

mlc800 (Meath) - Posts: 68 - 14/07/2025 17:04:06    2625689

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You would hope a thumping like that that doesn't set us back. The task for Robbie Brennan is to get this team consistent. That means promotion to Division 1 is must. Robbie and Conor Gillespie did a fantastic job this year but getting good coaches in will help us achieve progress. If we can evolve our game plan and guys like Morris, with bags full of ability, can be coached on how to become an even better player, that is how we improve. A few new defensive players and work on the defensive game plan is a must. Donegal were awesome times but we were so open at the back which has been a theme this year e.g. the goals given away against Louth, Roscommon, Galway and yesterday. Something that can be addressed with the correct coaching.

NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 60 - 14/07/2025 19:44:27    2625716

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Replying To mlc800:  "I wouldn't give the Kilcoo two an ounce of credit.
All credit goes to Robbie Brennan, Conor Gillespie and the 30 players who took the attitude F you we'll prove you wrong when the two lads walked out."
Couldn't agree more. They deserve zero credit

Blackspot09 (Meath) - Posts: 1081 - 14/07/2025 19:54:24    2625718

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "Couldn't agree more. They deserve zero credit"
I agree also, they walked out on meath midway through our season with no explanation what so ever, we might never know what really happened there but I think our performances improved since there departure.

Royal.Legend (Meath) - Posts: 731 - 14/07/2025 22:36:49    2625745

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Replying To NYRoyal:  "You would hope a thumping like that that doesn't set us back. The task for Robbie Brennan is to get this team consistent. That means promotion to Division 1 is must. Robbie and Conor Gillespie did a fantastic job this year but getting good coaches in will help us achieve progress. If we can evolve our game plan and guys like Morris, with bags full of ability, can be coached on how to become an even better player, that is how we improve. A few new defensive players and work on the defensive game plan is a must. Donegal were awesome times but we were so open at the back which has been a theme this year e.g. the goals given away against Louth, Roscommon, Galway and yesterday. Something that can be addressed with the correct coaching."
Cork hurlers took a hiding in an All Ireland final in 2021 but they have kept building and look in a good place now.
That's an extreme example but many good teams have taking a high profile hiding as part of their journey.
No guarantees but for me I would like to see us become a consistent top 8 team in the next 2 years.
Leinster should be competitive in next 2 years, this should be a big help to Leinster teams trying to push on.

GreenMan1987 (Meath) - Posts: 84 - 15/07/2025 07:33:58    2625774

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A bit of perspective needed. Everyone forgetting to mention this was year 1 of new management. 3rd place in league, leister final appearance, all Ireland semi final beating Dublin, kerry and galway along the way. It's been an extraordinary year, let's be real. Yesterday was hugely dissappinting but as we have learned from games in the year we will have to learn alot from yesterday as donegal thought both team and management a lesson. Once they learn from the year and, strengthen the panel I don't see any reason why we can't progress further. Dont forget who we were missing yesterday, huge players, donegal had absolutely Everyone, not saying we would have won but certainly would have helped to have Jones flynn kinlough hickey conlon. They all deserve huge credit for the year they gave us, and im sure next year will bring more of the same.

southmeathgael (Meath) - Posts: 1017 - 15/07/2025 08:51:20    2625782

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Replying To Royal.Legend:  "I agree also, they walked out on meath midway through our season with no explanation what so ever, we might never know what really happened there but I think our performances improved since there departure."
Agreed - whatever went on in the background no one really knows but the reality is they walked away from the 36 / 40 players that had worked so hard for them in the previous 6 months.

Thunderstruck (Meath) - Posts: 476 - 15/07/2025 09:36:11    2625788

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Replying To Blackspot09:  "Couldn't agree more. They deserve zero credit"
People would be very foolish to think that the work put in to this team from October to April had absolutely no bearing on Meath's performances this year. Even RB said in literally his first interview after being appointed that Corey was already working on devising plans for the new rules.
I am saying that one of RBs biggest attributes is not just managing his team but his backroom staff also and I hope he does that next year.
And to say Meath got so far simply because of a two finger statement to the 2 lads is just hilarious! typical old mentality we have been used to in Meath all these years.

JonnieG (Meath) - Posts: 254 - 15/07/2025 13:48:50    2625832

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Replying To JonnieG:  "People would be very foolish to think that the work put in to this team from October to April had absolutely no bearing on Meath's performances this year. Even RB said in literally his first interview after being appointed that Corey was already working on devising plans for the new rules.
I am saying that one of RBs biggest attributes is not just managing his team but his backroom staff also and I hope he does that next year.
And to say Meath got so far simply because of a two finger statement to the 2 lads is just hilarious! typical old mentality we have been used to in Meath all these years."
There's no doubt they did get through work and it was helpful at the time and throughout the year but they really left all concerned in the lurch and the positive impact of the work done was outweighed by the abruptness of leaving. Robbie Brennan and Co had to answer alot of questions and brought alot negative unwanted attention on team management and players. They coped admiraly and drove on especially after Offaly result. May need to look at boosting setup especially for preseason but maybe they won't unless right candidates available. Anyway we shouldn't be revisiting this. Time to move on and progress. It's water under the bridge.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 751 - 15/07/2025 15:06:52    2625863

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Great year congratulations to all.we got caught in a semi so progress is been made.
My thoughts on goin forward need again one top class coach Tony mcentee,Andy moran type character.get all lads fit and we'll have a right good go at league first then leinster.after that it's bonus territory.
There's levels in new rules from donegal fitness and tactics alone we need tactical heads along the line.and quite possibly in the stand I don't see brennan with ear pieces so not sure if they go with coaches in higher positions.
Every day learning day for this team.

Borderroyal (Meath) - Posts: 500 - 15/07/2025 16:27:15    2625881

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