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It's early, but let's get the ball rolling!
I'm excited and very nervous for this game. I just don't want the buzz to end. In my lifetime following Meath, we've only reached this stage two times - and two others I was too young to really remember. It feels special to be here again.
Tactically, McGuinness and Donegal pose a threat we haven't truly encountered yet. That's why Division 1 is still such a priority for any team looking to push on and become a consistent challenger - you need to be exposed to the tactics, physicality, and intensity of those top-tier northern teams.
I don't think the Meath management will change much going into this.
Keith Curtis is a tough, honest player, though probably lacks attacking impact, he could loose his place to a more working type player like cathal hickey.
Cathal Hickey and conor Gray have made a huge impact - hopefully they can keep it going.
I've watched a few highlight reels, and I think we really need to improve at identifying goal chances. We're not working the 1-2s enough when space opens up.
Ronan Ryan really held his own last time out - I was pleasantly impressed and think he deserves to keep his spot.
Are we likely to expect any returns from injury?
royalcounty1 (Meath) - Posts: 25 - 01/07/2025 14:04:32
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The game I felt would happen in a quarter final, but now it's a semi instead, having lived in Donegal since 2004 I am going to enjoy the build up to this, early chat from those up here is that they taking nothing for granted, Meath have impressed them and they know they in for a hell of a battle. We have no reason to fear Donegal or anyone for that matter. Donegal have had defensive issues this year and we certainly have players that can hurt them. The trio of Murphy, Thompson and Langan are a threat and must be planned for but I thought our defensive work was massive last Sunday, led manually by Rafferty. Meath are full of confidence and are playing with a sort of fearless abandon which can give you a heart attack but is great to watch nonetheless, they will approach Donegal the same, I feel we have every chance and look forward to it immensely
Richieq (Meath) - Posts: 3750 - 01/07/2025 15:36:05
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Discipline over emotion-McGuinness thrives when opponents overextend
Break lines with ball speed, not just foot speed
Never let Donegal settle in their defensive shape
Condition for 80+ minutes
bert09 (Meath) - Posts: 1831 - 01/07/2025 16:51:29
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What another great occasion this will be and another big challenge for our lads. Again there is no pressure on us, all on Donegal.
I watched the Donegal game back last night, was really impressed with how they never panicked and came out in second half and never really looked like losing at any stage. The team is very impressive to watch, every player knows exactly what their job is and they all on the same page when it comes to set plays ( kickouts ) especially.
But we have improved immensely also , defending well and breaking at pace, could be a bit better with decision making in the final third but RB will work on that. We will need 20 lads going at it hammer and thongs and hopefully we in the game come the last quarter.
Nothing to loose now and we have every chance in this one too.
thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1108 - 01/07/2025 18:09:26
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Replying To royalcounty1: "It's early, but let's get the ball rolling!
I'm excited and very nervous for this game. I just don't want the buzz to end. In my lifetime following Meath, we've only reached this stage two times - and two others I was too young to really remember. It feels special to be here again.
Tactically, McGuinness and Donegal pose a threat we haven't truly encountered yet. That's why Division 1 is still such a priority for any team looking to push on and become a consistent challenger - you need to be exposed to the tactics, physicality, and intensity of those top-tier northern teams.
I don't think the Meath management will change much going into this.
Keith Curtis is a tough, honest player, though probably lacks attacking impact, he could loose his place to a more working type player like cathal hickey.
Cathal Hickey and conor Gray have made a huge impact - hopefully they can keep it going.
I've watched a few highlight reels, and I think we really need to improve at identifying goal chances. We're not working the 1-2s enough when space opens up.
Ronan Ryan really held his own last time out - I was pleasantly impressed and think he deserves to keep his spot.
Are we likely to expect any returns from injury?" Agree on Curtis, I love the nasty edge he plays with but if we are honest both games in Croke park seemed to pass him by. I think Robbie loves the impact off the bench that Hickey brings, hickey does need to work on his discipline though, He was lucky not to get a red card against Galway for a hight hit, shane walsh scored a 2 point free from it, and he got a silly black card against Kerry.
I wonder could we see a surprise like shane walsh or Diarmuid Moriarty start or maybe Aaron lynch although he hasnt played a single minute since he had a costly late turnover in the leinster final, I know starting one of these does seem a bit crazy but I would be surprised if Curtis starts and hickey isn't used for his impact off the bench.
redser123 (Meath) - Posts: 416 - 01/07/2025 20:05:39
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I don't think Keith Curtis had a great Leinster final in Croker either. Nothing went right for him on the day and lost his footing a few times (seemed to happen to a few of our players) assuming Conlon still gone what are the options here.
I like Costello dropping deep which he can of course do from 14. He comes in and Hickey to half forward.
I'd be a bit worried by how slow a Menton/Gray midfield would be. Still think O'Neill provide better balance and use gray as an impact sub. The best think about gray is you could put him into square if we are chasing and need some mayhem in there so he could come in for a hickey and swap with Costello coming out. Gray had started at 14 for Dunshaughlin
Coylesrighthand (Meath) - Posts: 23 - 01/07/2025 20:10:45
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Replying To bert09: "Discipline over emotion-McGuinness thrives when opponents overextend
Break lines with ball speed, not just foot speed
Never let Donegal settle in their defensive shape
Condition for 80+ minutes" On Discipline. I think Meath have been very good in this area this year.
Two things stand out to Meath. In the League v Westmeath. The second half the ref was all over the shop he gave Meath nothing. Seemed blow for everything little thing.But Meath players kept there cool just stuck the task, No one got sent off etc.
The second point was after the Leinster final and Louth were celebrating. The ref and the 2 linesmen were standing in the middle of the pitch. And I faintly sure it was Eoghan frayne came and shock hands with the 3 of them. This shows class and maturity to be able to do that.
Also a fella mentioned to me in Jesst meath need to test out shane walshs shoulder, I said Meath will not get involved in that. and they didn't. Meath have been clued in discipline this year for me. Hopefully that continues..
bobkarlgees (Meath) - Posts: 1282 - 01/07/2025 20:42:03
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Replying To royalcounty1: "It's early, but let's get the ball rolling!
I'm excited and very nervous for this game. I just don't want the buzz to end. In my lifetime following Meath, we've only reached this stage two times - and two others I was too young to really remember. It feels special to be here again.
Tactically, McGuinness and Donegal pose a threat we haven't truly encountered yet. That's why Division 1 is still such a priority for any team looking to push on and become a consistent challenger - you need to be exposed to the tactics, physicality, and intensity of those top-tier northern teams.
I don't think the Meath management will change much going into this.
Keith Curtis is a tough, honest player, though probably lacks attacking impact, he could loose his place to a more working type player like cathal hickey.
Cathal Hickey and conor Gray have made a huge impact - hopefully they can keep it going.
I've watched a few highlight reels, and I think we really need to improve at identifying goal chances. We're not working the 1-2s enough when space opens up.
Ronan Ryan really held his own last time out - I was pleasantly impressed and think he deserves to keep his spot.
Are we likely to expect any returns from injury?" Colm Parkinson on his podcast was suggesting Flynn and Jones have a chance to be back. I don't believe this is the case though unless somebody can shed some light on it? It was great to see Conor Gray back as we all know how good he can be and his potential. I thought O'Neill was one of our under performers on Sunday. But I'm sure he'll up it next day, maybe still feeling the effects of the injury against Kerry and 2 weeks rest will do him the world of good.
NYRoyal (USA) - Posts: 54 - 02/07/2025 00:45:05
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The reality is, potential wise, and I've said it before, we're the best team in the country. And for years, far better than our form suggested. And we're still improving, since the "shackles came off" finally, and on a steady upward trajectory. Our ceiling in ability, is simply the highest in the country.
We aren't the finished article by any means, and Donegal more battle hardened and experienced, but we are the more talented team. Donegal's ruthless organisation will cause us problems not faced before, but our youth, pace and speed will cause them problems not faced before.
I think when we click, we can burn them, but it will be a question of how long we can sustain it. We can go to a level they can't. And the law of averages does suggest we're due a win over them at some point. Can't remember any wins against them since 2002.
If we put it together, we have their beating, as we do all the remaining teams tbh!
32_4_1 (Meath) - Posts: 4174 - 03/07/2025 00:05:32
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Replying To 32_4_1: "The reality is, potential wise, and I've said it before, we're the best team in the country. And for years, far better than our form suggested. And we're still improving, since the "shackles came off" finally, and on a steady upward trajectory. Our ceiling in ability, is simply the highest in the country.
We aren't the finished article by any means, and Donegal more battle hardened and experienced, but we are the more talented team. Donegal's ruthless organisation will cause us problems not faced before, but our youth, pace and speed will cause them problems not faced before.
I think when we click, we can burn them, but it will be a question of how long we can sustain it. We can go to a level they can't. And the law of averages does suggest we're due a win over them at some point. Can't remember any wins against them since 2002.
If we put it together, we have their beating, as we do all the remaining teams tbh!" I absolutely agree however there's no guarantee the team will be back in this position again. The Meath players need to view it as a chance they may never get again, and leave it all out there. A couple of purple patches won't be enough against Donegal, they must go well throughout.
Charlie_90 (Westmeath) - Posts: 6 - 03/07/2025 09:48:09
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Replying To 32_4_1: "The reality is, potential wise, and I've said it before, we're the best team in the country. And for years, far better than our form suggested. And we're still improving, since the "shackles came off" finally, and on a steady upward trajectory. Our ceiling in ability, is simply the highest in the country.
We aren't the finished article by any means, and Donegal more battle hardened and experienced, but we are the more talented team. Donegal's ruthless organisation will cause us problems not faced before, but our youth, pace and speed will cause them problems not faced before.
I think when we click, we can burn them, but it will be a question of how long we can sustain it. We can go to a level they can't. And the law of averages does suggest we're due a win over them at some point. Can't remember any wins against them since 2002.
If we put it together, we have their beating, as we do all the remaining teams tbh!" I don't think we're lacking in youth, pace and speed either. If the likes of Roarty, Moore, Mogan, Eoghan Ban, McColgan, O'Baoíll are out-paced by your lads I will absolutely tip my hat to them.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9869 - 03/07/2025 10:34:27
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I think Sunday's performance was actually a bit below the likes of the Kerry and Dublin victories. There were a huge amount of simple mistakes made, particularly in the first half. Though, this was understandable I suppose. For all the progress this year, we hadn't won our one big game in Croke Park. Sunday will hopefully have gotten the initial jitters out of the players' systems.
I don't think we'll get away with a similar performance on Sunday week. Donegal are at another level in attack so our defence is going to have to up it yet again. Their kickouts strategy will be far better than Galways so we're going to have to be switched on there too. And we're likely going to have to get some two-pointers to have a chance (though our only two games we've failed to get one, we've won). Morris may not get the same change as he did on Sunday, so the other forwards will need to step up as well.
But if we can show up, I think we have a great chance. As with Galway fans this time last week, Donegal fans are delighted they drew us. But we've faced worse odds than this and come through. This team have shown that they can stick with any team regardless of how the game's going and if we're there or thereabouts coming down the home stretch, I don't see why we can't make the final.
I don't want this season to end!
Ratoath Royal (Meath) - Posts: 1390 - 03/07/2025 10:57:11
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Don't fear Donegal at all. I think they'll be under more pressure than us. Many consider us to be in bonus territory but we're not! We're where we are on merit and we're better than the teams we beat so far.
royalproxy (Meath) - Posts: 53 - 03/07/2025 12:32:55
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Replying To redser123: "Agree on Curtis, I love the nasty edge he plays with but if we are honest both games in Croke park seemed to pass him by. I think Robbie loves the impact off the bench that Hickey brings, hickey does need to work on his discipline though, He was lucky not to get a red card against Galway for a hight hit, shane walsh scored a 2 point free from it, and he got a silly black card against Kerry.
I wonder could we see a surprise like shane walsh or Diarmuid Moriarty start or maybe Aaron lynch although he hasnt played a single minute since he had a costly late turnover in the leinster final, I know starting one of these does seem a bit crazy but I would be surprised if Curtis starts and hickey isn't used for his impact off the bench." Yes completely agree on Hickey, kicked a lovely point at a crucial time on Sunday, but his discipline has been an issue, and it's becoming a bit of a trend..
Versus Kerry I thought he gave away a lot of soft ball with some aimless kicks across the middle, some of which resulted in Kerry points, and that stupid challenge after half time to give away a black card could have flipped the game.
Didn't actually realise how bad the Comer challenge was at the time until I watched the game back, easily could have been red. It was an elbow to the head, and the needless foul that resulted in a Shane Walsh 2 pointer too. Against a physical Donegal team, I'm not sure he's the type of player you can be trusting.
I don't personally think Aaron Lynch is good enough at this level, so I don't think he'll come in and Shane Walsh is very limited. Keith Curtis isn't a superstar but he has been neat in possession and doesn't take shots that aren't on like Aaron Lynch does. We can't afford to be missing changes like Monaghan did against Donegal. I don't see any major changes to the starting lineup. Maybe Conor Gray might be in contention after a very good 2nd half, but he might be used as an impact sub.
Cabbagepatch1667 (Meath) - Posts: 40 - 03/07/2025 13:38:50
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Replying To Ratoath Royal: "I think Sunday's performance was actually a bit below the likes of the Kerry and Dublin victories. There were a huge amount of simple mistakes made, particularly in the first half. Though, this was understandable I suppose. For all the progress this year, we hadn't won our one big game in Croke Park. Sunday will hopefully have gotten the initial jitters out of the players' systems.
I don't think we'll get away with a similar performance on Sunday week. Donegal are at another level in attack so our defence is going to have to up it yet again. Their kickouts strategy will be far better than Galways so we're going to have to be switched on there too. And we're likely going to have to get some two-pointers to have a chance (though our only two games we've failed to get one, we've won). Morris may not get the same change as he did on Sunday, so the other forwards will need to step up as well.
But if we can show up, I think we have a great chance. As with Galway fans this time last week, Donegal fans are delighted they drew us. But we've faced worse odds than this and come through. This team have shown that they can stick with any team regardless of how the game's going and if we're there or thereabouts coming down the home stretch, I don't see why we can't make the final.
I don't want this season to end!" Yeah, agree...we played well vs galway but honestly think we have another few gears. I dont think we attempted any two pointers from play against galway which is another dimension to attack. Plus the Meath threat can come from anywhere really... hopefully old ghosts dont show next week and we can chalk down another milestone - beating a decent ulster side.
bert09 (Meath) - Posts: 1831 - 03/07/2025 20:31:47
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Replying To Cabbagepatch1667: "Yes completely agree on Hickey, kicked a lovely point at a crucial time on Sunday, but his discipline has been an issue, and it's becoming a bit of a trend..
Versus Kerry I thought he gave away a lot of soft ball with some aimless kicks across the middle, some of which resulted in Kerry points, and that stupid challenge after half time to give away a black card could have flipped the game.
Didn't actually realise how bad the Comer challenge was at the time until I watched the game back, easily could have been red. It was an elbow to the head, and the needless foul that resulted in a Shane Walsh 2 pointer too. Against a physical Donegal team, I'm not sure he's the type of player you can be trusting.
I don't personally think Aaron Lynch is good enough at this level, so I don't think he'll come in and Shane Walsh is very limited. Keith Curtis isn't a superstar but he has been neat in possession and doesn't take shots that aren't on like Aaron Lynch does. We can't afford to be missing changes like Monaghan did against Donegal. I don't see any major changes to the starting lineup. Maybe Conor Gray might be in contention after a very good 2nd half, but he might be used as an impact sub." I disagree here. Hickey made a telling impact the last day and with the Donegal runners from deep, I think his tracking back and athletism will be important. Curtis has not performed as a starter in Croke Park but may be better used from the bench. I would be more worried about Frayne allowing short kuckouts away. There were at least three that got away to his man on Sunday. Yes Hickey has been playing on edge and needs to be reigned in a bit but I think he's almost nailed on to start to either pick up Ryan McHugh or Moore. The key against Donegal is forcing kickouts long to make a contest.
winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 726 - 03/07/2025 22:39:07
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Replying To Ratoath Royal: "I think Sunday's performance was actually a bit below the likes of the Kerry and Dublin victories. There were a huge amount of simple mistakes made, particularly in the first half. Though, this was understandable I suppose. For all the progress this year, we hadn't won our one big game in Croke Park. Sunday will hopefully have gotten the initial jitters out of the players' systems.
I don't think we'll get away with a similar performance on Sunday week. Donegal are at another level in attack so our defence is going to have to up it yet again. Their kickouts strategy will be far better than Galways so we're going to have to be switched on there too. And we're likely going to have to get some two-pointers to have a chance (though our only two games we've failed to get one, we've won). Morris may not get the same change as he did on Sunday, so the other forwards will need to step up as well.
But if we can show up, I think we have a great chance. As with Galway fans this time last week, Donegal fans are delighted they drew us. But we've faced worse odds than this and come through. This team have shown that they can stick with any team regardless of how the game's going and if we're there or thereabouts coming down the home stretch, I don't see why we can't make the final.
I don't want this season to end!" Our performance against Galway was possibly our best showing in a way. We weren't as fluid, as we weren't let play on the outside of their defense. They went out to spoil that.
But we adapted, and fed the inside forwards. The Galway game showed our ability to mix the game plan up. Try and push up on us to stop the two pointers, we'll feed the inside forwards with pace to burn, where there will be then gaps.
This will be the problem Donegal will have. They're great at stifling teams to long low percentage chances. But we can feed our inside forwards. They won't be able to deal with that pace on the inside.
32_4_1 (Meath) - Posts: 4174 - 03/07/2025 22:55:05
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Donegal play a very distinctive style with defensive players dropping deep protecting the goal making it very difficult to penetrate but this is where the likes of Kinsella and Costello could be extremely important in the central area getting on ball and dictating play. If Donegal stand off out the field, these guys can do untold damage to them. Meath may need to be prepared to kick accurately from range too. It'll be a different match to Galway who tried to play man to man especially 2nd half.
Donegal are extremely fit so the intensity levels in this match will be off the charts at times but composure will be key.
winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 726 - 04/07/2025 07:28:30
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I did'nt think we would bear Galway to be honest. I thought it would be close but Galway would win. I Though Galway shot themselves in the foot in first half they should have come out of the blocks and tried to wipe Meath out get on the front foot and put pressure on Meath. But they played slow measured build up. This played right into Meaths hands a Meath team that has been in QF in such a long time.
I though we would need to be at our very best to beat Galway. I dont think we were. albeit either were Galway. I think a a few players for me were not on top form Curtis, Thought Hickey scored a nice pint but gave away sloppy free. Also he should have been tighter on Galway player for there first goal, When he realized he was to far away the ball was in the net. Also Billy missed 3 scoring chances. Also we gave away 2.2 or 2.3 in a few minutes. Obviously Jordi was on fire and class act. but he missed a few chances in first 15 minutes. I just did'nt think we could beat Galway not firing on all cylinders, but we did. This surprised me. But take nothing away from over performance it was class and joy to watch.
Will we beat Donegal I think there is chance, It was a draw match in first half Louth V Donegal in Ballyboffey. This might be harsh but Louth team that checked out after Leinster final. So this is positive. Also Monghan were 7 points up against Donegal at first half. But Monghan were poor second half, and Donegal upped second to. Obliviously its the final score that matters. But there are chinks in Donegal to be got at. Also we have been good against top forwards to far Dublin Cormac Costello. David Clifford. Shane Walsh Finnerty etc, Can we add Michael Murphy to the list that's the question.
Brennan did;nt play Gray against Kerry that surprised me. I think this might have been a master stroke by Brennan. I think he might have held him back for QF IMO. To ambush Galway in way. He only came on v Roscommon but played well when came on. Roscommon tired to drag him in to corner flag away from play. Thus acknowledging his threat.
I think we have a decent chance against Donegal. But I would be super nervous. Mad to think awe are 70mins away from a All-Ireland the management team and players and team have been awesome all year hopefully it continues.
bobkarlgees (Meath) - Posts: 1282 - 04/07/2025 10:41:25
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Replying To bobkarlgees: "I did'nt think we would bear Galway to be honest. I thought it would be close but Galway would win. I Though Galway shot themselves in the foot in first half they should have come out of the blocks and tried to wipe Meath out get on the front foot and put pressure on Meath. But they played slow measured build up. This played right into Meaths hands a Meath team that has been in QF in such a long time.
I though we would need to be at our very best to beat Galway. I dont think we were. albeit either were Galway. I think a a few players for me were not on top form Curtis, Thought Hickey scored a nice pint but gave away sloppy free. Also he should have been tighter on Galway player for there first goal, When he realized he was to far away the ball was in the net. Also Billy missed 3 scoring chances. Also we gave away 2.2 or 2.3 in a few minutes. Obviously Jordi was on fire and class act. but he missed a few chances in first 15 minutes. I just did'nt think we could beat Galway not firing on all cylinders, but we did. This surprised me. But take nothing away from over performance it was class and joy to watch.
Will we beat Donegal I think there is chance, It was a draw match in first half Louth V Donegal in Ballyboffey. This might be harsh but Louth team that checked out after Leinster final. So this is positive. Also Monghan were 7 points up against Donegal at first half. But Monghan were poor second half, and Donegal upped second to. Obliviously its the final score that matters. But there are chinks in Donegal to be got at. Also we have been good against top forwards to far Dublin Cormac Costello. David Clifford. Shane Walsh Finnerty etc, Can we add Michael Murphy to the list that's the question.
Brennan did;nt play Gray against Kerry that surprised me. I think this might have been a master stroke by Brennan. I think he might have held him back for QF IMO. To ambush Galway in way. He only came on v Roscommon but played well when came on. Roscommon tired to drag him in to corner flag away from play. Thus acknowledging his threat.
I think we have a decent chance against Donegal. But I would be super nervous. Mad to think awe are 70mins away from a All-Ireland the management team and players and team have been awesome all year hopefully it continues." Holding a man back in Kerry game for quarter final…!
You can't be serious?? And you call it a master stroke?
What are Donegal's chinks ?
royalproxy (Meath) - Posts: 53 - 04/07/2025 14:11:25
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