2016 O'Byrne Cup

Think there is about 45 on the panel at the moment to be cut by mid January!

Disappointing to lose O'Grady. Thought he was very good. Hopefully he might be back in a few years.

Glad to have the other two guys back.

Think O'Grady only gone for the year as far as I know. Was pretty much a regular last year so definitely a loss

The return of the two lads and the hopeful addition of Feeley will considerably strengthen us in my view. Morgan's return gives us a player whose positional awareness is better than any one else and McGrillen is a player who was a good defender but could get forward and take a score when needed.
Delighted to see the two back.

Feeley strengthens the midfield and could be part of a three there with Cribben and Moolick.

I think the the return of the other lads shows the faith in O'Neill and they want to work with him.

Is Dan Flynn training?
Would be another option in midfield and also gives much needed pace to the team.

I hate to see lads leaving the panel, especially the ones with potential.. anyone know the reason ?.

Gary White and Ciaran Fitspatricks have also left the panel too.

Fitzpatrick is a surprise. On the fringes for a few years then beds down his place and leaves.
Think Hugh Lynch has hung up his boots also.

Ciaran Fitzpatrick would be a big loss. He's one of our most underrated players I think.

On the positive side it does leave more room for bringing in younger players. We have had some promising defenders at underage level in recent years who should be given a go. Wasn't overly impressed with Dan Flynn at club level this year, maybe the brother might be a better option long term.

Shite news about Chalky and Ciaran were gonna have no backs next year!! Best of luck to both though.

Ciaran Fitzpatrick was one of our better backs last year. Pity he's left the panel after finally nailing down a spot on the team. I can't think of any outstanding corner backs on the underage teams over the last few years.

It's going to be a big challenge for Cian O'Neill to organise the defence next year so it doesn't concede big totals against the better teams. It's been our downfall for a few years now.

Out of all the underage teams of recent years Paul Mescal was probably the best defender I saw. Might be a bit too early for him yet however.

Mescal dropped off the senior panel.. luke flynn is a fine prospect but again not sure if he can commit even for the u21s.

Surprised at Fitzpatrick, he had established himself in the team and was one of the better performers last year. A few years ago he was in, then dropped out then got back in again and has stepped away. Strange.

Chalky is also a loss as I'd think he would do well under O"Neill.

Chalky is gone overseas so couldn't have committed this year, I know our full back line was shredded against Kerry but it is an area where we are not exactly blessed with depth so we can ill afford to lose two lads who started there last year.

They're all whole-hearted players and fair play to them for their service but I wouldn't think any of those lads can't be replaced. O'Grady probably the biggest loss just because he's the youngest of the three. Where it might harm us is more in terms of depth. If Peter Kelly gets injured again we might be in a bit of bother.

It's a good opportunity for younger lads like Liam Healy to stake a claim in the backs although it makes it slightly more challenging to get the balance right between youth and experience.

Who will be in the full back line next year if everyone is fit and on form Peter Kelly Ollie Lyons and who?

LillieLad wrote:

Shite news about Chalky and Ciaran were gonna have no backs next year!! Best of luck to both though.

Some might argue we had no backs this year. Being flippant of course as I think the lack of a system/structure and proper coaching was the real issue. At least I hope so otherwise we're truly f^cked. I read this morning that Eanna O'Connor is on the panel so far though hampered by injuries. Oh and Seanie's back in the Cavan fold - God loves a trier I guess.

Is rob kelly also back ?

Ciaran Fitz is a big loss in my opinion. It will be a good division to blood new players but as we all know its vital we get back to division 2

Good interview with the manager in both the locals this week. Knows what he wants, has the people he wants and looks like he has the backing of the players. So that can only be good.

As regards O'Grady and Fitzpatrick he did say only two lads from last years squad failed to take up the offer to come back. They being Lynch who retired and Chalky gone abroad.
He also mentioned Tomas O'Connor was asked back but declined which surprised me.
Rob Kelly is back in training along with as we know McGrillen and O'Flaherty.

The interview was done recent enough I think.

I'd find it very strange if Fitzy opted out, having spent years trying to cement a place on the team (including a stint on the juniors) - to opt out when he finally made it - would be very strange.

On the full back line issue Ive a feeling (its only that) that he may try David Hyland at full back. Cian was very kind to him in a interview I saw a few days ago. The fact he is playing in that position for on paper the best team in the sigerson will give him great experience.

Again I could be way off the mark here but its just a hunch.