NFL: Meath v Cork

[Mick Lyons]

What do we think lads?
Will this go ahead on Sunday or is there trouble brewing?

[Rebelred]

I think it will go ahead Mick. If the footballers were going to pull out, the week of the match is not the best time to do it. Also, Counihan has been using a pretty much experimental squad throughout the McGrath cup, although how much new talent it has turned up is open to debate.
How ye fixed?

[Mick Lyons]

Very experimental line-ups in the last few games, just like everyone else.
We didn't have the right attitude to the league at all last year although the amount of injuries we had didn't help.
Hopefully with a new manager lads will be looking to impress and we'll give a good account of ourselves.
It could be some dogfight if the conditions are heavy.

[bigboyfoolish]

Cork Meath always good entertainment.
Meath seemed to go backwards last year but
Dublin first up in the LSFC should be enough to have
the Royals motivated come summer.

Has Geraghty packed it in??

[Mick Lyons]

He has but if anything will tempt him back it's a championship game against the Dubs.
The Wexford game last year destroyed that team. Still can't believe we lost.
We thought the game was won, subs started coming on left right and centre, we took the foot off the pedal and before we knew it, the momentum was with Wexford and they were scoring with every attack.
We had a lot of young lads playing that day, because of the daft suspensions as a result of ParnellGate robbing us of 5 first team players, and they didn't know how to get back on track once the wheels came off.
The Limerick result wasn't a massive surprise to me as they are a good side, but I think the heart had been torn out of the team by then. No intensity at all.
This year, I'd be optimistic we have a good chance at winning a Leinster.
Never much in it between us and the Dubs regardless of how well either is going.
As for yourselves, ye have a serious shot at an All-Ireland.
I'd go as far as to say if Kerry are taken out of the equation I would fancy ye against Tyrone and the rest of the bunch.

[Rebelred]

should be a good match alright, Navan must be a cold spot under lights I'd say!

I'd like to see Counihan unearth some clinical forwards and have a shrink finally convince Fintan Gould that he has the talent to be a top centre forward, however my hope for that fades with each passing year.
Also, would be no harm in persisting with a new keeper and also finding a couple of corner backs too. We're very close to an All Ireland, we just need to develop that ruthless streak, much like Meath had in the late 80's, where the next ball was always the most important one.

[bigboyfoolish]

The Limerick result wasn't a massive surprise to me as they are a good side, but I think the heart had been torn out of the team by then.

Think Limerick could be the big story of 2009.
They have only to get over Clare and they're in a Munster final.
Then should they lose that and if they're playing Cork then
you woudn't know, they only have one match to play and they're back in
All Ireland q/f..

They're big, quick and very physical. In Ian Ryan they
have a guaranteed go-to-guy..
They will be fit. All Mickey Ned teams are and highly motivated.
Then throw in the feel good factor from Drom-Broadford and you have one mighty dangerous outfit, who will relish the fact that people will still
give them no chance.

I would be extremely wary of Limerick this year.

[Mick Lyons]

Yeah, ye are big, strong and fit, but ye aren't what I'd call "cute" yet.
Tyrone are and Kerry are.
That comes with experience though and maybe ye need to keep your powder dry till the knockout stages.
Better to lose in Munster and win in Croke Park.

[bigboyfoolish]

Totally agree.. every year we've been showing our hand way too early in Munster
while the animals keep schtum til August.. They see the Munster Championship as warm up matches at this stage..
There is one slight difference this year ML..

Whoever loses between Cork and Kerry will have to go in to
qualifiers much earlier while it could also mean traveling to some god forsaken place
like Ballybofey to take on Donegal, or Clones to have to play Monaghan..
Or as is very likely considering Armagh and Tyrone play each other in the first round of Ulster, could you imagine if Tyrone were beaten, and then having to go up to Omagh to play them in a qualifier.

The qualifiers are going to be much much tougher too because you're back to 4 rounds of them with the Tommy Murphy having been abolished..

[Lamps]

Lets see what happens tonight first

[Mick Lyons]

I have to say I honestly think the football championship is going to be savage this year.
The qualifiers will be a bloodbath.

[Lapsy Pa]

Please God let the game go ahead. I need a fix baaaaaaaaaad.

Meath should be a good test. They come down for a kick about at all, they'll want to make up for the SF defeat in 2007. The league doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things but the further you advance the less of the likelihood that you'll be trapsing up the country looking for challenge games in April and May.

Good chance to give fringe players a run of games ie. Pa Kelly, Steve O'Donoghue, Kevin O'Sullivan,

[Mick Lyons]

Just remembered we didn't play ye at all last year.

[Eleven]

should be a good match alright, Navan must be a cold spot under lights I'd say!

I'd like to see Counihan unearth some clinical forwards and have a shrink finally convince Fintan Gould that he has the talent to be a top centre forward, however my hope for that fades with each passing year.
Also, would be no harm in persisting with a new keeper and also finding a couple of corner backs too. We're very close to an All Ireland, we just need to develop that ruthless streak, much like Meath had in the late 80's, where the next ball was always the most important one.



The match is is Cork, and no matches, besides the Dublin Tyrone, are under lights this year.

[Rebelred]

The match is is Cork, and no matches, besides the Dublin Tyrone, are under lights this year.

my bad, I think I was mixing it up with last years game that we were meant to be playing up in their patch.

however, there will be plenty league matches under lights as Setanta are showing a live match every week on a Saturday night.

We're away to Laois under lights in round 4 for example, but other than that, all Sunday, 2:30pm games

[Eleven]

my bad, I think I was mixing it up with last years game that we were meant to be playing up in their patch.

however, there will be plenty league matches under lights as Setanta are showing a live match every week on a Saturday night.

We're away to Laois under lights in round 4 for example, but other than that, all Sunday, 2:30pm games


I thought none of them where on Saturday night, so I also stand corrected! That'll be a pain in the arse to come back from on a Saturday night, but hopefully we will have a football team to support!

[Rebelred]

I thought none of them where on Saturday night, so I also stand corrected! That'll be a pain in the arse to come back from on a Saturday night, but hopefully we will have a football team to support!

Portlaoise isn't too bad, with the new road you'll be there in under 2 hours. I'm working that weekend though.

[Maidhcí Boy]

Up coming matches on TG4.

SUNDAY 1 FEBRUARY
Allianz Football League – Round 1
Live: Kerry v Donegal, Division 1 2:30pm
Deferred: Cork v Meath, Division 2


SUNDAY 8 FEBRUARY
Allianz Hurling League – Round 1
Live: Waterford v Tipperary, Division 1 2:30pm
Deferred: Galway v Kilkenny


SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Allianz Football League – Round 2
Live: Tyrone v Kerry
Deferred: Galway v Dublin

[BlackAvon08]

I'd like to see Counihan unearth some clinical forwards and have a shrink finally convince Fintan Gould that he has the talent to be a top centre forward, however my hope for that fades with each passing year.
Also, would be no harm in persisting with a new keeper and also finding a couple of corner backs too. We're very close to an All Ireland, we just need to develop that ruthless streak, much like Meath had in the late 80's, where the next ball was always the most important one.

I fully agree on the goalkeeper and the corner backs...

Fintan Gould doesn’t need a shrink. He just needs Counihan to give him the No. 11 Jersey on a regular basis…

It’s always good if we unearth new talent – but I think we have enough fire power if we use it properly & most importantly give Goulding & Hayes a good kick up the arse – they have to shape up and start genuinely competing for every ball!!

For what it’s worth I think the Meath game could be in some doubt…I can see the footballers making a stand for the hurlers tonight.

[zimmerman]

I fully agree on the goalkeeper and the corner backs...

Fintan Gould doesn’t need a shrink. He just needs Counihan to give him the No. 11 Jersey on a regular basis…




Exactly.

He was probably Corks best player in the league last year yet didnt even get one minute at centre forward in the championship.

Its my opinion that Cork wont win an all-ireland unless hes playing centre forward, or better yet midfield

[Ringy]

Half way in , a bit of a trip down memory lane

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=cAUZ7ytLsiQ

[Rebelred]

Exactly.

He was probably Corks best player in the league last year yet didnt even get one minute at centre forward in the championship.

Its my opinion that Cork wont win an all-ireland unless hes playing centre forward, or better yet midfield

definitely not midfield, he's a natural centre forward. We need Pearse there. You are right though, he was excellent throughout last yeasrs league at 11 and was shifted to the wing from the off against Limerick and saw nothing of the ball.

[Rebelred]

Half way in , a bit of a trip down memory lane

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=cAUZ7ytLsiQ

Sugrue the fucking prick

[Lamps]

I just can't get up for this one with the way things are. Its like someone has torn the soul out of Cork GAA

[bigboyfoolish]

That's well and good Lamps and it's hurtin all of us
but time stops for no one.
We need to be strong now, deal with this in the best way we can
and move on.

If the 08 Panel achieve any kind of sway in the eyes of the media/court of public opinion then happy days and who knows it all might. just might end up
like one of those fairytale endings where everyone lives happily ever after.

We live in hope!

[Swoosh]

definitely not midfield, he's a natural centre forward. We need Pearse there. You are right though, he was excellent throughout last yeasrs league at 11 and was shifted to the wing from the off against Limerick and saw nothing of the ball.

Ya Fintan needs to be playing at Centre Foward although I wouldnt rule him out at full forward either. It'll be interesting to see who gets the wing forward berths though. The much maligned Sean O'Brien and John Miskella are 2 obvious candidates but the likes of Cathrach Keane, Conor McCarthy, Paddy Kelly and maybe Conor McManus from the McGrath Cup team will get a go here.

Inside its between Goulding, O'Connor, Masters, Kerrigan, Hayes and O'Sullivan as Cussen seems to be the only candidate for full forward

[Eleven]

Exactly.

He was probably Corks best player in the league last year yet didnt even get one minute at centre forward in the championship.

Its my opinion that Cork wont win an all-ireland unless hes playing centre forward, or better yet midfield

His performance in the McGrath cup wouldn't have me keeping a space free in team for him. Until he is willing to put in the hard work irrespective of who Cork are playing, not sure he actually deserves to start. There are plenty more less talented than him willing to give a 100% which is more use than his 50% performances.

[Barry K O Bama]

I just can't get up for this one with the way things are. Its like someone has torn the soul out of Cork GAA



MMMMMM!!! I wonder who could that be?

Would it be someone who is folically challenged but cleverly disguises this fact by creasing his hair just above his ear and combing over to the far side ?

Can't see the Meath Game going ahead. Footballers must join the fight. If they pull out of Meath Game then CC probably won't field development squad (what do u guys think) so Cork will be out of the league. If its settled later on - the real hurlers will play the remaining league game (Geraldless of course) but the footballers won't see competitive action until c/ship.

Tough situation but I can't see footballers stiffing the hurlers here.

Mick - are u still living in Meath or have u moved to PROC. If u want me to mind my own business just don't reply

[Agus]

Rebel footballers hold fire
Cork-the Rebel County
26 January 2009

Despite widespread speculation to the contrary, Cork’s footballers have not indicated any intention to go on strike.

The Rebel County’s big ball merchants met on Sunday night to discuss the ongoing crisis - and their prospective role in it - leading to suggestions that they were about to down tools as a show of solidarity towards the exiled 2008 hurling squad.

However, the silence from the footballers at the moment is deafening.

It’s understood that both camps have been in contact with each other since their respective meetings last night.

The ’08 hurlers, who trained before a large crowd at Mourneabbey on Saturday, are due to give a press conference on Monday evening and the footballers will not make any public statement until after that.

[Mick Lyons]

MMMMMM!!! I wonder who could that be?

Would it be someone who is folically challenged but cleverly disguises this fact by creasing his hair just above his ear and combing over to the far side ?

Can't see the Meath Game going ahead. Footballers must join the fight. If they pull out of Meath Game then CC probably won't field development squad (what do u guys think) so Cork will be out of the league. If its settled later on - the real hurlers will play the remaining league game (Geraldless of course) but the footballers won't see competitive action until c/ship.

Tough situation but I can't see footballers stiffing the hurlers here.

Mick - are u still living in Meath or have u moved to PROC. If u want me to mind my own business just don't reply

I live amongst the Dublinites.
Someone has to keep an eye on them.

[Mick Lyons]

A Quirke; M Shields, N O Donovan, A Lynch; N O’ Leary, G Canty, J Miskella; A O Connor, P O Neill; C McCarthy, F Goold, P Kelly; D Goulding, M Cussen, D O Connor.

Looks like ye are putting out a strong team lads.

[Lamps]

A Quirke; M Shields, N O Donovan, A Lynch; N O’ Leary, G Canty, J Miskella; A O Connor, P O Neill; C McCarthy, F Goold, P Kelly; D Goulding, M Cussen, D O Connor.

Looks like ye are putting out a strong team lads.

3 or 4 areas ye might exploit there Mick.
Ye're half back line will probably have a big physical advanatge. Alan O Connor and Noel O Donovan will also be looking to impress.
Rest of the team is solid.


Our half back line is very strong and Pearse is an animal. Looking forward to it now. Christ we need it down here

[RonnyB]

Dunno have I the heart to go to this. I love Cork Football as much as the hurling but I cant bring myself to follow a team run by the CCB. Not at the moment anyway.

[Mick Lyons]

3 or 4 areas ye might exploit there Mick.
Ye're half back line will probably have a big physical advanatge. Alan O Connor and Noel O Donovan will also be looking to impress.
Rest of the team is solid.


Our half back line is very strong and Pearse is an animal. Looking forward to it now. Christ we need it down here

It's anyones guess as to what sort of a team we put out.
I think ye will have the edge at midfield as we don't seem to have the aggression there that we used to have even though our midfielders are monsters.

[Rebelred]

3 or 4 areas ye might exploit there Mick.
Ye're half back line will probably have a big physical advanatge. Alan O Connor and Noel O Donovan will also be looking to impress.
Rest of the team is solid.


Our half back line is very strong and Pearse is an animal. Looking forward to it now. Christ we need it down here

only gripe is that it's on in Pairc Ui Murchu, and not Pairc Ui rinn.

I'm surprised he hasn't tried a new keeper aswell to be honest. Good to see Canty at no.6

[Swoosh]

3 or 4 areas ye might exploit there Mick.
Ye're half back line will probably have a big physical advanatge. Alan O Connor and Noel O Donovan will also be looking to impress.
Rest of the team is solid.


Our half back line is very strong and Pearse is an animal. Looking forward to it now. Christ we need it down here

Its almost a 1st choice back line. If we could find a decent centre back that would free up Canty to midfield then we'd be sorted as far as no. 10

Worried about the keeper too I have no faith in Quirke think his kickouts are far too short. Would prefer to see Ken O'Halloran in goals.

Half forward line is where the problems exist. Think Goold will do ok at centre forward but half forwards is where the question marks lie. Pa Kelly and Conor Mc were among the best players in the McGrath cup but I dont know if they're the solution there. A fully fit and home again Kevin McMahon would fill one of those spots but who for the other side?? Sean O'Brien?? Hopefully Counihan will try some of the younger players for this area. I think Paul O'Flynn, Cathrach Keane, Conor McManus could all be given a go in the wing forward berths as we prepare for championship.

Full Forward will hold the usual crew of Goulding, Cussen and O'Connor. Perhaps Donnacha could be moved to the wing to accommodate Paul Kerrigan. With James Masters, John Hayes and Kevin O'Sullivan also looking for a spot here there is good competition and Cork have nothing to worry about.

Cork's main worries revolve around full back, centre back or centre field and half forwards. If the league shows up players for these positions that fit the bill then Cork will be prepared for Championship.

On an aside if Counihan could entice Eoin Cadogan back from the hurlers then he would prove a big addition into defence for Cork. Obviously a number of hurlers would improve the squad but he is the only one I can see that wouldnt be as publicly entrenched in the battle

[Lapsy Pa]

Half back line looks very strong, an mhi won't get much change from that trio. J Miskella was Corks' best player against the animals in the semi's last year, carries the ball well and rarely gives it away.

If Goulding and D.O'Connor are held then i'd worry about where the scores will come from. Stephen Bray will take a lot of watching also.

[Rebelred]

On an aside if Counihan could entice Eoin Cadogan back from the hurlers then he would prove a big addition into defence for Cork. Obviously a number of hurlers would improve the squad but he is the only one I can see that wouldnt be as publicly entrenched in the battle
I was always of the opinion that Cadogan should have stuck with the footballers in the first place. He's a much better footballer and the full back position could be his.

Also, will be interesting to see how Shields does this year, he's back a while now and the league should bring him on a good bit, looked a bit like a fish out of water positionally when he returned last year, but that was to be expected.

[Swoosh]

I was always of the opinion that Cadogan should have stuck with the footballers in the first place. He's a much better footballer and the full back position could be his.

Also, will be interesting to see how Shields does this year, he's back a while now and the league should bring him on a good bit, looked a bit like a fish out of water positionally when he returned last year, but that was to be expected.

Agree 100% about Cadogan. I know for a fact he was told that he could make a serious bid for Young footballer of the year if he threw his lot in with the footballers and Cork got to the AI.

I think its a bit of a status thing with him though that being a hurler is somehow sexier.

Half Forward positions are where Cork need a find this year. Maybe moving Donnacha O'Connor out there would solve one of the positions with Kerrigan or Masters coming into the corner.

Does anyone reckon Masters at FF with Goulding and Kerrigan either Corner would be an option. Or is Cussen a cert for FF?

[Lamps]

I think Cussen should be given the 14 jersey to start with and its up to him to keep it or someone else to win it. He had a very good year last year.

[Youghal Exile]

I think Cussen should be given the 14 jersey to start with and its up to him to keep it or someone else to win it. He had a very good year last year.

I second that he's no kieran donaghy but he's still the best option for full forward.Im very dissapointed alan quirke is starting, i would prefer paddy oshea.

[Rebelred]

What about Kerrigan on the wing? Direct, pacy and strong, has played there in the past at under 21 aswell.

[Youghal Exile]

What about Kerrigan on the wing? Direct, pacy and strong, has played there in the past at under 21 aswell.

Indeed im looking forward to seeing him in championship action.Colm O'neill and Barry O'driscoll are two other prospect's im very excited about.

[Mick Lyons]

1. Paddy O'Rourke
2. Anthony Moyles
3. Kevin Reilly
4. Eoghan Harrington
5. Shane McAnarney
6. Barry Regan
7. Stephen McKenna
8. Damian Sheridan
9. Brian Meade
10. David Bray
11. Stephen Bray
12. Eoin Reilly
13. Joe Sheridan
14. Caoimhin King
15. Cian Ward

Most bizarre Meath team I've seen in a while. Dunno if they are too serious about trying to win this game. 5 debutants, our best centre back playing corner back, a wing back playing full forward.
Highly experimental.
If we are competitive I'll be happy.

[Swoosh]

Indeed im looking forward to seeing him in championship action.Colm O'neill and Barry O'driscoll are two other prospect's im very excited about.

There 2 good players but are a while off senior standard yet.

As regards Cussen he did well in the reply v Kerry but he is a limited footballer except for his height. He is definitely a good option to have

[Rebelred]

1. Paddy O'Rourke
2. Anthony Moyles
3. Kevin Reilly
4. Eoghan Harrington
5. Shane McAnarney
6. Barry Regan
7. Stephen McKenna
8. Damian Sheridan
9. Brian Meade
10. David Bray
11. Stephen Bray
12. Eoin Reilly
13. Joe Sheridan
14. Caoimhin King
15. Cian Ward

Most bizarre Meath team I've seen in a while. Dunno if they are too serious about trying to win this game. 5 debutants, our best centre back playing corner back, a wing back playing full forward.
Highly experimental.
If we are competitive I'll be happy.

Whats the story with young O'Rourke? Injured or on the bench or whats the craic?
Have to say alot of the names stood out as unknowns straight away, should be a good tussle hopefully

[Mick Lyons]

Whats the story with young O'Rourke? Injured or on the bench or whats the craic?
Have to say alot of the names stood out as unknowns straight away, should be a good tussle hopefully

He was playing for DCU last week in the O'Byrne cup final but he looked very sluggish.
He's had injury problems the last while so hopefully they've cleared up and he can gear himself up for the championship.
He has serious potential.

[Swoosh]

Whats the story with young O'Rourke? Injured or on the bench or whats the craic?
Have to say alot of the names stood out as unknowns straight away, should be a good tussle hopefully


Meath havent really been to the forefront in recent times so the names might not get the exposure teams of old got.

Young O'Rourke seemed like a bog strong lad with potential but hasnt come through. Sheridan and Bray are the only real names that have stood out for me

[Mick Lyons]

Joe Sheridan is a much better league than championship footballer.
Conditions this time of year suit him much more.

[CathalAnseo!]

Maters deserves to start this year and will simply be a disgrace if he dos'nt.
He is also best at half forward not on the wing!
My team for championship would be quirke,clarey,duggan ,lynch,o leary,miskella ,sheilds,canty,murph y, masters,o neill,kerrigan,gould ing,cussen,o conner

[Swoosh]

Maters deserves to start this year and will simply be a disgrace if he dos'nt.
He is also best at half forward not on the wing!
My team for championship would be quirke,clarey,duggan ,lynch,o leary,miskella ,sheilds,canty,murph y, masters,o neill,kerrigan,gould ing,cussen,o conner

thank god your not picking the team

[CathalAnseo!]

thank god your not picking the team


ITs better then having john hayes or conor mcarthy on the team. Fiachra lynch and Andrew o sullivan should get a few runs in the league. There just out of under 21s and deserve a shot after their displays in winning the all-ireland two years back. Have far better drive about them then any of last years minor team.

[Mick Lyons]

Off to watch the Dubs get hosed by Tyrone in HQ this evening.
The simple pleasures in life are the most enjoyable.

[Youghal Exile]

Off to watch the Dubs get hosed by Tyrone in HQ this evening.
The simple pleasures in life are the most enjoyable.

Ha Ha mick let's hope those bastard's will be waiting another 14 year's for an all ireland.Those knacker's thumped galway around the place in 83 and paddy russell won them the 95 all ireland.

[Swoosh]

ITs better then having john hayes or conor mcarthy on the team. Fiachra lynch and Andrew o sullivan should get a few runs in the league. There just out of under 21s and deserve a shot after their displays in winning the all-ireland two years back. Have far better drive about them then any of last years minor team.

What minors are picked?!

[Mick Lyons]

Jesus lads that was some nights entertainment.
Great game and Tyrone spoil Dublins fun once again.
The fireworks and light show afterwards were amazing.
Fair play to everyone involved.
I was sitting beside a few italian tourists and they had the time of their lives.

[Rebelred]

Jesus lads that was some nights entertainment.
Great game and Tyrone spoil Dublins fun once again.
The fireworks and light show afterwards were amazing.
Fair play to everyone involved.
I was sitting beside a few italian tourists and they had the time of their lives.

cracking game tonight, attacking football from both sides all through, second half especially. If we see a better pass than Stephen O'Neills for the goal all year then it will be some pass, magic stuff, great to see him back to his best. Brogan had a blinder too

[Mick Lyons]

The Hill went apeshit when Mulligan scored in the 2nd half.
Oh how I laughed!:D

[Corcaigh32]

The Hill needs to be reclaimed from the jackeen bandwagoners anyway !!!

[Mick Lyons]

7 minutes to half-time.
Cork 1-6
Meath 0-2
Pretty much as I expected so far.

[northmallexile]

Just listening to the C103 commentary there. Paudie Palmer's made a number of references to text messages he's received that he's not allowed read out, because the "censorship department" have been onto him. I assume this is something to do with the hurlers' situation.

[Mick Lyons]

Fair play today lads, ye won it handy in the end.
Dunno what positives we could take out of it.
Lots of debutants, maybe they'll have learned something or maybe they were never just up to the required standard in the first place.
One of our big problems is that we've no discernable system of playing.
When you have a system like Tyrone and Kerry do, you can slot new players in and they know exactly what their role is.
We are still a bit old school in that regard.
Ye are a top 5 team however so there's a good chance the management felt if we were going to lose we might as well try to learn as much about the new players as possible.
There were lads playing today though that as Joe Brolly would say "aren't the first-cousin of an intercounty footballer."

[Youghal Exile]

Fair play today lads, ye won it handy in the end.
Dunno what positives we could take out of it.
Lots of debutants, maybe they'll have learned something or maybe they were never just up to the required standard in the first place.
One of our big problems is that we've no discernable system of playing.
When you have a system like Tyrone and Kerry do, you can slot new players in and they know exactly what their role is.
We are still a bit old school in that regard.
Ye are a top 5 team however so there's a good chance the management felt if we were going to lose we might as well try to learn as much about the new players as possible.
There were lads playing today though that as Joe Brolly would say "aren't the first-cousin of an intercounty footballer."

Meath have been in free fall since the 01 all ireland although you guy's did beat tyrone in 07.Anyway it's nice to start the campaign with a win.

[Rebelred]

2 points and nothing more, Meath were very poor, I mean very very poor.
Our attack wasnt up to much and still scored 1-15. Gould used to be a direct and attacking player, now he turns backwards whenever anybody stands in front of him, same could be said of a few others.
Cussen dropped a world of ball, we also kicked and handpassed away a world of possession.
We have a lot of work to do. Donnacha O'Connor played well, Canty too and O'Donovan coped well with everything until he got injured

[Mick Lyons]

Why wasn't this in Pairc Uí Rinn?
An empty Pairc Uí Chaoímh is downright depressing.

[Rebelred]

Why wasn't this in Pairc Uí Rinn?
An empty Pairc Uí Chaoímh is downright depressing.

dunno Mick, I counted 46 in the uncovered stand and terrace combined, plenty space around me in the covered aswell, I'd say attendance was about 1500 to 2000.

[Corcaigh32]

I think Cussen, for a man his size, should be able to claim, hold and do more with the ball than he does. I know it was first game of the league but any 50-50 ball in the air he should be claiming. I would call it a workmanlike performance, pitch was soft (ball hardly hopped), work rate was enough, some of the passing was abysmal. Best Cork players, O'Neill, Lynch, D. O'Connor and Canty.

[Rebelred]

I think Cussen, for a man his size, should be able to claim, hold and do more with the ball than he does. I know it was first game of the league but any 50-50 ball in the air he should be claiming. I would call it a workmanlike performance, pitch was soft (ball hardly hopped), work rate was enough, some of the passing was abysmal. Best Cork players, O'Neill, Lynch, D. O'Connor and Canty.

most embarrassing moment was when Cussen solo'd the ball just before half time and missed the catch on its way back up from his foot. Basic skills were miles behind what we saw in Croker last night, Lynch gave away two awful balls in the space of 30 seconds for Meaths second point. In fact, I would say less than 30% of all kick passes found their targets in the whole game.

[Lapsy Pa]

Hard to take much from the performance. Canty was outstanding, Lynch, O'Leary, Miskella and Shields did a lot of attacking to be fair. Midfield absolutely cleaned Meath out of it. Forwards were fairly sloppy, a lot of ball wasted and kicked wide.

Can't get too carried away though, as that was the worst meath team i've ever seen.

I think its time for once and for all to abandon the Cussen "experiment". He'll a game fella, but we'll never bring back sam with a full forward who can't catch or shoot. I think he should be kept on the bench in case of emergeny.

Also a message for an runai, maybe if less money was spent on PR consultants and more was allocated to rectifying the condition of the paving around the pairc, then people could walk to the game and not trying to avoid lakes of surface water. This has been a problem since I can care to remember.

[LawrenceSummers]

Also a message for an runai, maybe if less money was spent on PR consultants and more was allocated to rectifying the condition of the paving around the pairc, then people could walk to the game and not trying to avoid lakes of surface water. This has been a problem since I can care to remember.



i think christy ring stepped in a few of them in his time, it kinda sums up the state of cork GAA

[Mick Lyons]

1. Paddy O'Rourke
2. Anthony Moyles
3. Kevin Reilly
4. Eoghan Harrington
5. Shane McAnarney
6. Barry Regan
7. Stephen McKenna
8. Damian Sheridan
9. Brian Meade
10. David Bray
11. Stephen Bray
12. Eoin Reilly
13. Joe Sheridan
14. Caoimhin King
15. Cian Ward

I've highlighted the only players that started today that will be in our championship 15 for the Dublin game.
And at least 2 of them will be playing in different lines to the ones they played in today.

[The owl]

Mike; I taught the strike was in Cork not in Meath, We were poor today but ye were shocking bad. How is Meath football gone so poor in a few years? I see a number of Club games in Meath about 8 years ago and they were tough but the standard was good. Last year and again today nothing, no hope of winning a Leinster Championship.
The Dubs must be having a laugh.

[Lamps]

By christ it was cold down there today. Some lads outside with placards asking the footballers to support the hurlers. The puddles thing is becoming a bit of a joke alright, I had three smallies down there today and apart from getting cold they got wet into the bargain. I blame Frank Murphy.

The game itself was very poor, basic skills on both sides were a let down. That said its very early in the year. Cussen didn't get going til he was brought out the field. Fintan Goold would want to get his arse in gear when he has possession, very casual altogether. Too much pissing around by the forwards in general. We could do with a bit of directness, I'd probably give Kerrigan a run out to see how he goes. By the looks of things today, each spot in the half forward line is up for grabs. Masters surely will nail down a starting place this time.

Full back line, particularly Lynch and O'Donovan looked lost whenever good ball came in, luckily that didn't happen too much as we were on top of midfield. Pearse O'Neill did his stuff again, what a ledge, and Canty needs to stay at 6, typical inspirational stuff. We have the makings of a challenge, but once again Kerry and Tyrone are looking very good.

[Mick Lyons]

Mike; I taught the strike was in Cork not in Meath, We were poor today but ye were shocking bad. How is Meath football gone so poor in a few years? I see a number of Club games in Meath about 8 years ago and they were tough but the standard was good. Last year and again today nothing, no hope of winning a Leinster Championship.
The Dubs must be having a laugh.

5 debutants.
A wing back at full forward.
I'll wait for another few games before I pass judgement.

[zimmerman]

The game itself was very poor, basic skills on both sides were a let down. That said its very early in the year. Cussen didn't get going til he was brought out the field. Fintan Goold would want to get his arse in gear when he has possession, very casual altogether.

what game were you watching?I thought he led the forward line very well. I agree with you that he wasn't making a whole pile of surging runs forward but thats not his job - the role of the centre forward is like that of a QB in american football i.e he's a playmaker. Most of Corks scores today went through him and I thought his range of passing and vision was excellent. He was also John Fenton Dalys MOTM on county sound and id take his opinion of that of someone with 19k+ posts on a message board.

Agree with you that Cussen is better at midfield.

[Youghal Exile]

Did Noel Odonovan play in the championship in 01?

[Rebelred]

what game were you watching?I thought he led the forward line very well. I agree with you that he wasn't making a whole pile of surging runs forward but thats not his job - the role of the centre forward is like that of a QB in american football i.e he's a playmaker. Most of Corks scores today went through him and I thought his range of passing and vision was excellent. He was also John Fenton Dalys MOTM on county sound and id take his opinion of that of someone with 19k+ posts on a message board.

Agree with you that Cussen is better at midfield.

Watch Declan O'Sullivan, surging runs are his forte, eveb McCullagh for Tyrone, not once do you see them backing off and running away backwards from the man marking them, they attack and take the game to them. Gould did nothing of the sort today, was pedestrian and the cause of alot of attacks breaking down, now addmitedly he wasn't the only cause of that but if he was man of the match, I'd love to know what game JFD was at.

[Youghal Exile]

Watch Declan O'Sullivan, surging runs are his forte, eveb McCullagh for Tyrone, not once do you see them backing off and running away backwards from the man marking them, they attack and take the game to them. Gould did nothing of the sort today, was pedestrian and the cause of alot of attacks breaking down, now addmitedly he wasn't the only cause of that but if he was man of the match, I'd love to know what game JFD was at.


I think all fintan need's is a few game's to settle at centre forward.

[Rebelred]

1. Paddy O'Rourke
2. Anthony Moyles
3. Kevin Reilly
4. Eoghan Harrington
5. Shane McAnarney
6. Barry Regan
7. Stephen McKenna
8. Damian Sheridan
9. Brian Meade
10. David Bray
11. Stephen Bray
12. Eoin Reilly
13. Joe Sheridan
14. Caoimhin King
15. Cian Ward

I've highlighted the only players that started today that will be in our championship 15 for the Dublin game.
And at least 2 of them will be playing in different lines to the ones they played in today.

Point taken Mick, but ye were well off the pace, thought ye were very unfit to be honest. Some harsh yellow cards though, ref was wearing red today.

[Swoosh]

Kerry looked immense v Donegal today. Moran is a real gem for them at midfield. Add in Tommy Walsh and Declan O'Sullivan and you can see why they are favourites for the championship. Aidan O'Mahony being tried at FB for them is interesting he wasnt dominating there but is probably a better option than anyone else. Maybe Bohane will come in there.

For Cork they still seem 3 players short of a really good team. 2 half forwards and a full back and they'd be in with a serious shout

[Lamps]

what game were you watching?I thought he led the forward line very well. I agree with you that he wasn't making a whole pile of surging runs forward but thats not his job - the role of the centre forward is like that of a QB in american football i.e he's a playmaker. Most of Corks scores today went through him and I thought his range of passing and vision was excellent. He was also John Fenton Dalys MOTM on county sound and id take his opinion of that of someone with 19k+ posts on a message board.

Agree with you that Cussen is better at midfield.

Were you at the game?

[Rebelred]

saw highlights of the kerry game last night, passing is way sharper than ours, its accurate and meaningful aswell. Alot of our lads were passing just for the sake of passing yesterday (Anthony Lynch raise your hand)

[Lamps]

saw highlights of the kerry game last night, passing is way sharper than ours, its accurate and meaningful aswell. Alot of our lads were passing just for the sake of passing yesterday (Anthony Lynch raise your hand)

How many times did the moves just break up around half forward line with fellas coming to a complete stop? Hopefully we won't get back into that habit. That said Cusesen was getting no change out of their full back.
Caught the highlights of Tyrone-Dublin last night, some game from the looks of it. Stephen O'Neill was on fire.

Very early days yet though

[Rebelred]

How many times did the moves just break up around half forward line with fellas coming to a complete stop? Hopefully we won't get back into that habit. That said Cusesen was getting no change out of their full back.
Caught the highlights of Tyrone-Dublin last night, some game from the looks of it. Stephen O'Neill was on fire.

Very early days yet though
Saturdays game was very enjoyable to watch, some of the scoring was superb, O'Neill in particular but Cavanaghs last two efforts aswell were worthy of winning any game.

As for our attacks breaking down yesterday, it got to the stage mid way through the second half that you were almost expecting it to break down just inside our 45 and the ball to come back out. I know we retained possession alot of the time but that Meath defence was like wet paper and none of our forwards were regularly exposing it. Still, 1st game n all that, much tougher tests lie ahead.

[BlackAvon08]

Unlike many other posters I don’t see us as potential All Ireland champions.

I see a team of some excellent footballers, a team with heart and commitment who will put in brave performances but will ultimately fall short due to a lack of real class that defines winners.

We defended well, Graham Canty is a colossus – one of the greatest of his generation. The others worked hard and if Shields was given the number 3 jersey I believe we have the makings of a very solid back unit that will make life very hard for any team.

Pearce O’Neil was very strong again yesterday. Our midfield is capable of holding it’s own against the best.

However, as with all “nearly teams” it’s the forwards where we are lacking the class, the inspiration and the cutting edge. We racked up 1-15 yesterday which is a respectable score but Meath were pedestrian.

We have no shape or purpose to our attack.

The fulcrum of the attack is Centre Forward, it is my view that the last genuine No. 11 we had was Larry Tompkins. I believe Fintan Gould is our best option and has the ability to develop into a serious player. However based on yesterday’s display he looks to be lacking guidance and coaching. He may get away with backing off his marker in February but in Championship football he will be gobbled up. He needs to attack hard and aggressively at the heart of the defence.

In fact all our half forward line yesterday were very weak. There was no hard direct running – instead they were holding onto the ball, throwing it around and carrying the ball out to the sidelines…you don’t see too many scoring from there!! The test of any defence is when you run at them – not prance around in front of them!

Cussen played his best football at midfield but I though the supply into him at Full forward was dreadful…it’s not about hoofing the ball in any old way. Look at the way Kerry play Donaghy….it is WELL DIRECTED and at an angle which suits the attacking player. Yesterday Cussen spent most of his time running trying to get into position to contest the hoofed in high ball…

Both our corner forwards played well. Goulding in particular is a serious player and would really come into his own in a properly functioning forward unit. James Masters has to come back and nail down his position. He is our best and most naturally talented forward. Kerrigan needs to get his opportunity, from the few minutes we saw of him he showed purpose and aggression which was sadly lacking from others…

Overall I was very disappointed – we know we can defend well and we know we can compete at midfield but it appears we haven’t been able to rectify the same old failings in our forwards. I know it is early in the year – but to me I saw no signs of any improvement – our forward play is well off the likes of Kerry & Tyrone and is a bridge too far cross in 2009.

Nobody will be happier than me if I’m proved to be wrong! :)

[Rebelred]

Good post Blackavon, in reference to Kerrigan, I thought he and Paul O'Flynn showed a more direct and agressive attitude in their few moments on the field that Gould and Kelly did for the whole match. As you said, the real test of a defender is when you take him on, especially with the new punishments, a couple of drag backs and it's yellow cards and farewells all round.

[Lamps]

Unlike many other posters I don’t see us as potential All Ireland champions.

I see a team of some excellent footballers, a team with heart and commitment who will put in brave performances but will ultimately fall short due to a lack of real class that defines winners.

We defended well, Graham Canty is a colossus – one of the greatest of his generation. The others worked hard and if Shields was given the number 3 jersey I believe we have the makings of a very solid back unit that will make life very hard for any team.

Pearce O’Neil was very strong again yesterday. Our midfield is capable of holding it’s own against the best.

However, as with all “nearly teams” it’s the forwards where we are lacking the class, the inspiration and the cutting edge. We racked up 1-15 yesterday which is a respectable score but Meath were pedestrian.

We have no shape or purpose to our attack.

The fulcrum of the attack is Centre Forward, it is my view that the last genuine No. 11 we had was Larry Tompkins. I believe Fintan Gould is our best option and has the ability to develop into a serious player. However based on yesterday’s display he looks to be lacking guidance and coaching. He may get away with backing off his marker in February but in Championship football he will be gobbled up. He needs to attack hard and aggressively at the heart of the defence.

In fact all our half forward line yesterday were very weak. There was no hard direct running – instead they were holding onto the ball, throwing it around and carrying the ball out to the sidelines…you don’t see too many scoring from there!! The test of any defence is when you run at them – not prance around in front of them!

Cussen played his best football at midfield but I though the supply into him at Full forward was dreadful…it’s not about hoofing the ball in any old way. Look at the way Kerry play Donaghy….it is WELL DIRECTED and at an angle which suits the attacking player. Yesterday Cussen spent most of his time running trying to get into position to contest the hoofed in high ball…

Both our corner forwards played well. Goulding in particular is a serious player and would really come into his own in a properly functioning forward unit. James Masters has to come back and nail down his position. He is our best and most naturally talented forward. Kerrigan needs to get his opportunity, from the few minutes we saw of him he showed purpose and aggression which was sadly lacking from others…

Overall I was very disappointed – we know we can defend well and we know we can compete at midfield but it appears we haven’t been able to rectify the same old failings in our forwards. I know it is early in the year – but to me I saw no signs of any improvement – our forward play is well off the likes of Kerry & Tyrone and is a bridge too far cross in 2009.

Nobody will be happier than me if I’m proved to be wrong! :)

Excellent post

[Turenne]

Your exactly right BlackAvon about Cussen - dropping the ball on top of his head is completely worthless, and it was exactly what we did all of last year. It needs to be played into the center forward line, and then the ball has to go into him head or chest height, competely taking out the full back. The way we give in the ball right now gives a good full back a decent chance of getting the ball cleanly.

As for an All-Ireland, we are still one midfielder short of that imo. We need someone to partner Nic Murphy so we can keep Pearse at center forward and Canty at center back, where they are at their best. Alan O'Connor was fantastic yesterday, but his championship performances last year were dire. Ditto for Goold at center forward, too likely to go AWOL. I would like to see what O'Flynn could do starting, I've heard good things about him.

[Youghal Exile]

I really hope im proven wrong but dare i say it are cork not cynical enough to win an all ireland?

[zimmerman]

From Setanta Sports

Allianz NFL Division Two: Kildare 0-14 Cork 0-14

Kildare will be kicking themselves for having let victory slip however, with the otherwise excellent John Doyle and Alan Smith missing outstanding opportunities in the closing period.

They will definitely be disappointed by the award of a 45 to Cork at the beginning of the final quarter, after Daniel Goulding had clearly toe-poked the ball wide. Donncha O’Connor converted the kick for what proved a crucial score.

Cork looked very threatening early on and they began brightly with points from two of their young guns, Fintan Goold and Goulding.

Kildare recovered to restore parity thanks to points from a John Doyle free and a neat finish on the run from Padraig O’Neill.

The Rebels were getting a lot of joy through the middle of the Kildare defence though, with centre-forward Goold creating oceans of space by dragging Michael Foley out deep, and to the flanks.

Three points on the trot made it double scores, 0-6 to 0-3, with Graham Canty’s left-footed effort at the end of a length-of-the-field move the pick of the bunch.

But Kildare increased their workrate visibly and responded with five in a row to lead by two at the interval.

O’Neill and Michael Conway got them to within a point before Doyle launched two lovely scores from play and a free before the change of ends.

The previously anonymous James Kavanagh burst into proceedings in some style after the resumption and his four points from play looked to have helped propel the hosts to victory.

The Ballymore man might also have bagged a goal but was denied by a splendid save from Alan Quirke straight after the resumption.

Conor Counihan threw on four attackers in the final 17 minutes and their introduction was to prove significant in the final dramatic minutes.

Goold brought his tally to four with two fine points, while Noel O’Leary cut the deficit to the minimum with a wonderful score off the outside of the right boot, after good work by Paudie Kissane and Paul O’Flynn.

Kavanagh seemed to have stemmed the Rebel tide with another fine score after a brilliant rob in defence by Michael Conway, but a very good finish by Paul Kerrigan from the left flank cancelled that out before O’Sullivan fisted over from close range to leave the sides level.

Kildare: S McCormack; D Brennan, K O’Neill, H McGrillen; B Flanagan, M Foley, M Conway 0-1; D Flynn, D Earley 0-1; E Callaghan, P O’Neill 0-2, J Kavanagh 0-4; K Donnelly, R Sweeney, J Doyle 0-5(2fs). Subs: K Brennan for Earley blood (20-21); A Smith 0-1 for Donnelly (27); M O’Flaherty for Conway (69).

Yellow: E O’Flaherty for P O’Neill (61)

Cork: A Quirke; J Miskella, R Carey, A Lynch; N O’Leary 0-1, G Canty 0-1, G Spillane; A O’Connor 0-1, P O’Neill; C McCarthy 0-1, F Goold 0-4, P Kelly; D Goulding 0-1, M Cussen, D O’Connor 0-3(2 45s). Subs: P Kissane for Canty inj.(46); P O’Flynn for Kelly (53); P Kerrigan 0-1 for McCarthy (55); J Hayes for O’Neill (58); K O’Sullivan 0-1 for Goulding (66)

[Rebelred]

what was the craic with this one? lucky to get the draw? good to see some of the young subs getting a run. Canty injury serious?

[BlackAvon08]

what was the craic with this one? lucky to get the draw? good to see some of the young subs getting a run. Canty injury serious?

I didn’t see the game, but from the reports there was some positive comments on Fintan Gould’s form which has to be good.

I watched highlights of the Tyrone V Kerry game. We’re a million miles away from that intensity.

One simple note: See the way Kerry played the high ball in for their goals – it was well directed, angled ball from no more the 35 yards out…not the big long high stuff we hoof into Cussen.