O'Byrne Cup 2017

Dan Flynn gave a big performance against they Roscommon on Monday scored 6 points and set up the same . Heard. The Roscommon manager was very impressed with him never seen him before. Made a big impact on they field. He power and pace very hard to handle looks a good understanding with n. Fylnn . Meath had a guy at the match with 1 eye on they opener in the league. Hope the leave him there at fullfoward

rob11 wrote:

Is Alan Smith gone lads? Had a lot of critics but a great servant who on his good days was a right handful. A pity we didn't see enough of them.

i think smith has other things on his mind than Kildare gaa

Distinct lack of forwards on that OB cup panel.

Worrying lack of forwards tbh. We develop all these underage talents and then they disappear!

Re Dan Flynn, with respect, a challenge game against Roscommon in January is totally meaningless.

HauntedGraffiti wrote:

Worrying lack of forwards tbh. We develop all these underage talents and then they disappear!

Re Dan Flynn, with respect, a challenge game against Roscommon in January is totally meaningless.

The schedule and commitment required isn't for everyone in fairness.. or maybe their not been given a go or call up.

And I suppose that's fair enough... But you'd have to acknowledge looking at that squad that there's a lack of players with a bit of guile to open up a defence, and a lack of natural score getters. Obviously, O'Neill can only work with those who are committed but if haven't got those elements in your squad it's really an uphill battle...

4 of your 6 forwards will be dan Flynn n.flynn n. Kelly p.cribbin anybody have a stab at the last 2 ?

Probably Eoghan O'Flaherty and Eamonn Callaghan. It's deja vu all over again etc...

Think eof has left the panel.
I agree we look short on that front hg.

6 forwards? Not many play with even 5 these days. Likes of Feely, Hurley, K Cribbin, Dowling could be named as a forward but play around middle. Ben McCormack could be good enough to feature regularly...off bench anyway.

SeamusMurphy wrote:

Think eof has left the panel.
I agree we look short on that front hg.

He has - at least for now. Big loss as he is our top scorer and I believe has made most competitive appearances over the last 5 or 6 years.

Very short up front but there's room for a McCormack to break through. Think the 6th forward will likely be an extra defender. Could be someone like K Cribbin or maybe F Conway if E Doyle plays centre back. Hartley seems like another who could play that role but probably a bit raw at this stage.

So both O'Flahertys have left panel? Both outstanding servants and sad to see them go tbh. I dunno, with so many of the young talents seemingly unavailable and stalwart senior players departing, doesn't do anything for my pessimistic feeling about 2017. Plus ca change, I suppose!

Of the available players, do you know who I think would be worth a go at FF - Fionn Dowling. If he can maintain the sort of form and scoring threat he showed against Mayo last year that could be really interesting. He does seem to be a streaky player but if he could get that bit of consistency I think he could be a really good forward. Have always had high hopes for him since that minor team beat Dubs twice in 2010.

And if D Flynn was showing a bit of potential in FF line, maybe the two could switch occasionally to change it up. Could be a really interesting proposition...

Just to say on the forward front, for the record I would absolutely no question have the following in the squad - Sherry, Healy, McMonagle, R Feely, Wayne Fitzpatrick, Podge Fogarty.

I don't know why they each aren't involved, but they definitely should be if available.

Think Fogarty is down the country with the army ? I also had great hopes for him and would have him in the panel all day long if he was fit and available.

Healy is in the panel (Chris).

Yes, both O'Flaherty's gone. Flats junior is our top scorer in competitive action over the last 7 years (see my other thread!) with 4-198 (210). Nearest to that is Johnny D with 206 and I doubt somehow he'll be adding to that.

We've also lost the player with the most appearances in that time (Paudie- 84) although he was at the end of the road I think. Flats junior was next in line with 82 with Bolton next on 78.

Rory feely playing soccer with st pats Wayne Fitzpatrick in army in Galway . Is podge actually playing any football for club at moment he never played for against athy in championship last year

Looks like Emmet Bolton is going to miss the O'Byrne Cup and most of the league. Sean Hurley should be available soon.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/lilies-blow-as-bolton-to-miss-most-of-league-after-operation-35345456.html

fone wrote:

Rory feely playing soccer with st pats  Wayne Fitzpatrick in army in Galway . Is podge actually playing any football for club  at moment he never played for against athy in championship last year

Agree with hg on those player's.
FYI.  Podge has left the army and is back studying.. And Wayne Fitz is now based in the curragh and was on the recent winning AI Army team.. podge may still be out injured.

Thanks for the update Seamus.

Several GAA writers frequent these pages... Maybe one of you could gently enquire of Cian O'Neill what the story is over the next few weeks?

I don't think we should be blase about letting these lads just drift off - they're all provincial winners at underage level with serious potential. Meath among others would kill to have them.

Lots of chat about D Flynn at FF and I think he would be a good option to rotate in and out.
His speed is awesome for a man his size and he can accelerate well enough to leave most in his wake.
If you look at O'Gara in Dublin it shows lads can be coached in terms of skills and Flynn has far more in that department.
Hurley would be another big man option who has plenty of skill and finishing power.

Eoghan Flats is a big loss but I'd like to think the door would be ajar for him?

Sherry - Yes, I wish he was there too
Healy - There but his off the ball running needs a serious amount of work
McMonagle - Poor in 2 leinster under 21 finals, inconsistent
R Feely - After his under 21 cameo and his AWOL effort in the minor semi v Tipp, soccer might be his best bet long-term (though the under 21s could do with him)
Wayne Fitzpatrick - Been more unavailable than available in the last couple of years for obvious reasons. If he goes well with Monasterevin I'm sure he'll get his chance but he won't have the extra yard of space and extra second of time he gets at club level.
Podge Fogarty - Too slow to turn, even Shrek O'Gara looks agile by comparison. Unless Hurley has had an injection of agility in Australia, he could have the same problems in that spot.

Don't see any of them as being in danger of being poached by Andy McEntee!!!

Look it, you can argue about one or two spots but, apart from those who made themselves unavailable, we have the majority of the players best suited to inter-county football involved.

I don't expect a win tomorrow with Longford looking more experienced but looking forward to seeing some of the less experienced players getting a shot.

Jesus Shergar, given your dismal view of that bunch not sure why you're so eager to see any "less experienced" players get a shot!

All of those players are comfortably better than anyone who'll get a run tomorrow - most of whom will be forgotten about in two weeks.

From talking to Meath football people, their view is three minor titles and an U21 title is a better platform to build from that zero minor titles and zero U21 titles. They'd honestly be happy with one of either at this stage.

HauntedGraffiti wrote:

Several GAA writers frequent these pages... Maybe one of you could gently enquire of Cian O'Neill what the story is over the next few weeks?

I don't think we should be blase about letting these lads just drift off - they're all provincial winners at underage level with serious potential. Meath among others would kill to have them.

Agree with this. Especially at the obvious lack of forwards at the moment.
And that's probably accurate enough assessment too shergar.

Lads, another player we shouldn't let drift away is Luke Flynn. It was mentioned in an earlier post that he's gone from the panel. Why??? Very versatile player - fullback or midfield. Has the ability in my opinion.

Luke is in college in Galway and the commitment required for the senior schedule is massive Imo as the commute alone 3 or 4 times a week is a big ask.
Team's in the west with players based in Dublin allow fellas to train in the capital.. I recall sligo players meeting up to train in moorefield in recent times.

Team v Longford
M Donellan, P Kelly, D Hyland, M O'Grady, S Ryan, E Doyle, J Byrne, T Moolick, F Dowling, F Conway, C Hartley, K Cribben, N Flynn, N Kelly, B McCormack