Meath GAA discussion thread

Jesus, we absolutely sh*t the bed with that! Absolutely dominated the first half but let Louth in for the easiest goals you're likely to see. The third one particularly, our defence just parted. Then when we went four up in the second half, we stopped playing again. Our only score in the last 23 minutes was Costello's goal. Literally couldn't win anything in midfield in the last quarter. Which made our last kickout all the more baffling given we needed possession.

Not sure how it looked on the TV but referee seemed determined to give Louth anything once they hit the deck. Their last two point free to put them back ahead looked soft as anything.

Overall, gutted with the result. Felt with a bit more composure we could have won it. But not to be. Onto the group stages where we've a decent shot at second place if we can pick ourselves up.

Hoping for another big crowd on Saturday. If even half of those who attended the Louth game came on Saturday, PT would be a sell out. You'd think that there will be a very small Cork crowd so we can definitely make it a hostile home crowd. Also, it'll be 5 weeks since Cork lost their Munster semi-final. Nonetheless, Cork appear to be slight favourites in the bookies. Ronan Jones looks to be out for the rest of the season now. Can't see us risking Jordan Morris again given that he seemed to pull up during his cameo against Louth.

Terribly disappointing season for the hurlers, beaten convincingly by Donegal in Trim. Finished second bottom in the Christy Ring, a competition we had previously won each time we've competed in it since 2016. Mickey Burke also likely played his last game in Meath colours.

Absolutely dreadful performance at times, but very promising that we dug out the win which was the most important thing. By far our lowest total on the scoreboard all season. You could see that the hangover from the Leinster final impacting the first half performance particularly.

Much improved in midfield compared to two weeks ago. Costello is just an absolute class act. He never seems particularly speedy but just seems to glide past players effortlessly. Morris, Rafferty and Menton were excellent as well. Fair play to James Conlon as well, he missed his grandfather's funeral to play today.

But christ almighty, I think it'll take a week for me to dry off after that second half downpour. Reminded me of Westmeath in 2009.

Shooting was atrocious, particularly in the first half. Would be interested to see the wide stats and we also kicked at least 2 or 3 shots into the keeper's hands. Also, I could be wrong, but it may have been the first game this season that we've failed to kick a two-pointer.

Frayne had a poor game, without a doubt, but I think it's a bit premature to suggest he's dropped. He's generally very reliable from placed balls and he's been relatively decent from play at times this season as well. Duke's radar does seem to be a bit off as well recently. He was great for long range points but hasn't scored now in the past three games.

I think Hogan's kickouts were very dodgy, particularly early in the first half. I think that was possibly a hangover from the Leinster final given we were obliterated in the second half. Once we started to get a handle on midfield, I felt they were less panicky. Would agree that O'Neill may be in line to replace Flynn. Still surprised we didn't see him in the second half of the Leinster final given the way things went and how he had a decent game against Dublin.

Beat Roscommon on Saturday, and we're through with a free shot against Kerry in the final game. If we lose and Cork then beat Roscommon, it's likely a three way tie for 2nd - 4th, assuming Kerry beat us. We comfortably beat them in the league and, since then, Roscommon have only beaten London and Cork, losing to Monaghan, Cavan, Galway and Kerry and drawing with Westmeath. So we really should be able for them, despite them being slight favourites. Hopefully we've gotten our poor attacking performance out of the way.

Minors beat Monaghan in the Minor B quarter final 3-20 to 3-17. Seems to be a very strong B competition, with Armagh, Donegal and Kildare the other semi finalists. With us losing to Offaly thanks to a late goal and Offaly going on to win Leinster, seems to be a decent enough crop this year.

That was a good watch. Why you'd give up your seat though when the rain was coming! Liked the comment about the kids on the field at half time. I think it's such a brilliant initiative yet it's such a small thing. My two girls went on the pitch during the Offaly and they absolutely loved it!

I think the video captured a moment of contention (for me) at around the 7:30 mark. Cork player took a mark and played on. Donal Keoghan was next to him and tried to get goal side of him without tackling him. The Cork player changes the direction of his run and initiates contact with Keoghan and the referee gave a free to him, saying that Keoghan tackled him while advantage was being played. Thankfully, the Cork player missed the two-point free but thought it was a bizarre decision at the time.

Goals utterly killing us again. Conceded two and could have easily conceded at least two more. Hard to know how much of an effect the wind is having. We do have it at our backs but it does seem to be blowing across the pitch.

James Conlon is having a wonderful game. 6 points from him so far.

Kerry in Tullamore on Saturday week at 415pm. Surprisingly close. I was expecting Thurles at least.