U-21 match vs Meath
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 1:21 pm
"Meath (U21 v. Offaly) - Marcus Brennan, Brian O’Reilly, Tomas O’Connor, Kevin Reilly, Alan Reynolds, Caomhin King, Joe Melia (Capt.), Mark Ward, Paul Murray, Mickey Burke, Joe Sheridan, Ger McCullagh, David Murtagh, Brian Farrell, Cian Ward. Subs - Johnny O’Connor, John Bruton, Terry Farrelly, Francis Murphy, Brian Ennis, Cormac Reilly, Mark Whearty, AN Other, AN Other. "
Now I know these lads were in the minor final three years ago, but you'd still have to be hopeful that if our boys are worth any of the hype, then they should be able for them.
I've heard rumours that although he won't start, Deehan actually took part in a challenge game against Erin Rovers, and would be fit to play some part if needed. Rumours about Niall are still all over the place, but you would hope they wouldn't have to call on him here, certainly not if he's not ready.
Looking at that Meath team above, there are a few areas which are going to be key. Tomás O'Connor has been playing very well over the last twelve months, although he has been out with injury for a while. Certainly we'd need a little more challenge on him than Shane Dooley has looked like providing so far - Thomas Coughlan maybe?
Their half back line is the best line on the pitch for them. Joe Melia is a good footballer, and Caoimhín King has been Meath's best player in the league so far. Our half forwards didn't cover themselves in glory in Kilkenny, although David Egan coming back in should strengthen them, and Tom Fitzpatrick will always keep his man busy if nothing else.
I don't know much about the midfielders, but it's hard to imagine any Meath team going into a game without a 6'3" wall of mahogony wearing 8 or 9. Padraig Bracken is a very hardy footballer, but he'll have to win and spoil a lot of ball to feed Quinn the possession to deliver on to the forwards.
Up front, we all know about Joe Sheridan, but he hasn't been playing well - he got shunted out to the wing from FF against Wicklow because he was being dominated, and you would hope we can do the same. Starting at 11 he'll be on James Keane, which will be a huge deciding factor in the game. Keane should be able for him physically, young and all as he is, and hopefully we'll force Sheridan to chase back towards his own goal on a regular basis. Likewise all Kiely's footballing instinct here could prove vital, assuming he plays in this line.
Ward and Farrell will be the two boys to keep an eye on inside, but Sullivan and Casey are two of the best players on this team, and I'd have every faith in them. Rafferty would be hard pressed to keep a hold on Farrell, but the options for switching are there if need be.
Overall it's a good Meath outfit, but if our lads are half as good as they are cracked up to be, they should be able for them and should progress to the real acid test, against a fantastic looking Leix team.
Now I know these lads were in the minor final three years ago, but you'd still have to be hopeful that if our boys are worth any of the hype, then they should be able for them.
I've heard rumours that although he won't start, Deehan actually took part in a challenge game against Erin Rovers, and would be fit to play some part if needed. Rumours about Niall are still all over the place, but you would hope they wouldn't have to call on him here, certainly not if he's not ready.
Looking at that Meath team above, there are a few areas which are going to be key. Tomás O'Connor has been playing very well over the last twelve months, although he has been out with injury for a while. Certainly we'd need a little more challenge on him than Shane Dooley has looked like providing so far - Thomas Coughlan maybe?
Their half back line is the best line on the pitch for them. Joe Melia is a good footballer, and Caoimhín King has been Meath's best player in the league so far. Our half forwards didn't cover themselves in glory in Kilkenny, although David Egan coming back in should strengthen them, and Tom Fitzpatrick will always keep his man busy if nothing else.
I don't know much about the midfielders, but it's hard to imagine any Meath team going into a game without a 6'3" wall of mahogony wearing 8 or 9. Padraig Bracken is a very hardy footballer, but he'll have to win and spoil a lot of ball to feed Quinn the possession to deliver on to the forwards.
Up front, we all know about Joe Sheridan, but he hasn't been playing well - he got shunted out to the wing from FF against Wicklow because he was being dominated, and you would hope we can do the same. Starting at 11 he'll be on James Keane, which will be a huge deciding factor in the game. Keane should be able for him physically, young and all as he is, and hopefully we'll force Sheridan to chase back towards his own goal on a regular basis. Likewise all Kiely's footballing instinct here could prove vital, assuming he plays in this line.
Ward and Farrell will be the two boys to keep an eye on inside, but Sullivan and Casey are two of the best players on this team, and I'd have every faith in them. Rafferty would be hard pressed to keep a hold on Farrell, but the options for switching are there if need be.
Overall it's a good Meath outfit, but if our lads are half as good as they are cracked up to be, they should be able for them and should progress to the real acid test, against a fantastic looking Leix team.