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As one of those that questioned playing the game in Stradbally, would like to add my thanks to all those Stradballians who made it an enjoyable evening. As it turned out, the atmosphere of the place would have been lost in OMP. We were lucky with the weather but it was a great evening.

Apart from that, I also thought that there were hugely encouraging signs from our lads. It's the first time in years that I thought we looked like a TEAM (in the way that Tyrone usually looks like a team). The defensive aspect was very impressive and, in my opinion, we saw a much more sophisticated defensive system there than we saw during McNulty's time.  Begley was excellent again and Meaney, I thought, was superb. Some of the passes he sprayed around were top quality. Gary Walsh was very good in the first half when and Donie was good in the second half. Sean Ramsbottom also had a strong impact when he came on. Denis Booth looked very strong at full back and Stephen Attride has matured into a really good player.

On the downside, I think Brody just had one of those days when a lot of things went wrong. I think he's one of the 3 or 4 best keepers in the country but on Saturday night kick outs were poor and the first Meath goal was soft enough. I'm not entirely sure about the idea of Darren Strong and Kieran Lillis at corner back but the excellent defensive system protected them this time. Maybe Darren will end up being our Philly McMahon? Don't know. The other worrying thing was the damage that Graham Reilly did when running from deep. Not easy to counteract that I suppose. Last thing was I thought JOL does a lot of calling for the ball in positions where he really shouldn't. We were turned over a few times when lads in possession were trying to force passes to him that were basically impossible.

Overall though I think we're definitely heading in the right direction and the team looks like it is being properly prepared.

Do you know why not?

I think we all know why not.

I think you're trying to diplomatically connect the Stradbally contingent on the County Board to the wish to play the game in Stradbally. What I don't understand is what advantage this brings Stradbally. As far as I understood all O Byrne Cup gate receipts went to a players injury fund so I don't really see how this is helping Stradbally very much.

On a separate note, Crettyard club should be commended for the excellent organisation and preparation of the pitch the previous Sunday. The whole place looked fantastic on the first week of January, which is no mean achievement.

Do you know why not?

Fair play to the lads who went to Greystones on a cold Wednesday night. I wasn't able to get to it myself.

Would agree that it doesn't make much sense to have it in Stradbally although I'd be surprised if there were thousands going to it to be honest.

Really didn't notice Donie being on fire to be honest!

Of the new lads, apart from those mentioned already, I thought Cormac Murphy did well especially in the first half. The Kelly lad (before injury) and George from Mountmellick both did well in the corner back positions. I also thought Farrell looked very comfortable at 6.

Opposition were pretty poor though it has to be said.......

A very underrated player both inside the county and outside it. Best of luck to him on his recovery.

Not sure what full back options we have now? Meaney was playing there for Leinster last weekend although I didn't think he was very comfortable there when he played in the past. Not sure what other options we have?

I would have thought that everyone who is willing to commit should be welcomed, especially lads that have a proven track record. If, in the end, there are 10 forwards in Laois that are better than Ross and also willing to commit, then fair enough. I don't think he's the kind of lad that will stand in the way of younger fellas coming through (and certainly not the kind of lad that will be bitching about serving as a sub). In any case, his commitment should be applauded.

Fair play to you Hesh.

It would be helpful for everyone I think if officials could discuss these things after matches. In the majority of cases, it would help everyone move on.

A man with a bit of class.

Fair play to him. I know the style of hurling wasn't to everyone's liking but he brought a passion and commitment to the setup that was missing for years.

Very good idea in my opinion.

Not sure how easy it would be to get the clubs to agree.

That's an interesting take on it.

I don't doubt at all that Jason Ryan is a nice guy. He certainly comes across well in media interviews.

I wouldn't consider him to be a tactical genius either (judging by the work he did in Kildare and Wexford) and I doubt the players would be particularly inspired by the appointment. His record in Kildare is appalling and they have far greater playing and financial resources than we do. Evans took Roscommon from Division 3 to Division 1 while Ryan was going in the opposite direction with Kildare.

If he comes to Laois, I very much hope I'm wrong but for me that would be the last nail in the coffin for this group of players.

Evans is way too risky for me and could mark a mass exodus in the squad.

Why do you think this would happen? I would have thought, on the contrary, that Evans' key advantage is his ability to get a good spirit and belief in the camp. I don't think he's much of a tactician so that mightn't please everyone here but his teams always play with confidence and spirit. Generally, I'm surprised that Laois support don't seem to give him much credit for the work he's done everywhere he's been.

Cavan are also looking for a manager now too and I'd be surprised if they wouldn't be looking at Evans so it may not be feasible to get him anyway. For me, Jason Ryan would be an equivalent appointment to Tomas O Flatharta - now that's where you might get the exodus......

Evans is by far the best of the established managers in my opinion.

I thought that Jason Ryan actually underachieved with an excellent bunch of Wexford players.

Portlaoise dominated in pretty much every aspect of the game and had it not been for Chris Bergin who had a great first half, there would have been a lot more in it at half time. Hard to see anyone coming close to Portlaoise again this year.

Although it wasn't his best ever game for Portlaoise, I've often wondered why Brian Smith never got a chance with the county. He has a terrific football brain, a good engine and uses the ball very well most of the time. Shame really.

That would be an interesting combination.

I know he's been dismissed as a spoofer here but I would hope that they're considering John Evans too. The work he did with both Tipp and especially Roscommon was very good. He seems to have a way to get lads believing in themselves and playing with confidence and a bit of a swagger. That's what's really missing from our setup right now.