Messages

2 weeks of rest aren't going to make much difference to Meath or Monaghan.

Disagree. The rest will give both a better chance of winning their All Ireland quarter than if they had three matches in consecutive weekends and then playing a rested opponent.

Neither Meath nor Monaghan are weapons grade. They won't get anywhere near Sam.

I think they'll be very hard stopped. How many teams have ever beaten Dublin and Kerry in the one year? Us in 02 and Tyrone in one of their years? Not too many more I'd say. Neither of those will fear anyone coming through that prelim draw. 

I do think people don't realise how very few teams have beaten Kerry in championship or Dublin in chamionship. Kerry and Dublin have an aura, many teams are beaten before they go on the field, going back generations.

Let's take leinster teams,with exception Meath very few counties beaten Dubs in 70 years, top counties once or twice in 50 years. Very rare to beat Dubs in leinster final

Wicklow, Carlow, Wexford haven't beaten Dubs in championship in over 70 years.
Longford haven't beaten Dubs in championship in 57 years.
Louth havent beaten Dubs in championship in 52 years.
Offaly haven't beaten Dubs in championship in 43 years.
Westmeath have beaten Dubs twice in championship in 140 yrs.
Laois have beaten Dubs twice in championship in last 70 years.
Kildare have beaten Dubs in championship twice in last 50 years.

Meath have beaten Dubs 9 times and 5 draws in championship in last 40 years.

Laois, Westmeath have never beaten Dubs in leinster final. Kildare have beaten Dubs in leinster final once in last 97 years, that was in 2000. Meath beat Dubs in 7 leinster in 15 years in 80s and 90s.

Nationwide only kerry have good records v Dubs.
Cork have only beaten Dubs twice in championship ever in 1989 and 2010.
Mayo have beaten Dubs 3 times in championship in 2006, 2012, 2021.
Donegal have beaten Dubd twice in championship.
Tyrone have beaten Dubs twice in championship.
Armagh have beaten 3 times in championship.
Derry and Down have beaten Dubs once in championship.
Galway beaten Dubs 3 times in 1933 1934 2024.


Regards kerry again teams rarely beat Kerry in championship.
Donegal have beaten Keery once in championship
Derry Roscommon have never beaten Kerry in championship.
Laois Louth Westmeath have never beaten Kerry in championship
Galway have beaten Kerry in championship once in last 60 years.
Armagh have beaten Twice in championship
Kildare have beaten Kerry once in championship in 97 years.

The counties with best records v Dubs is Meath and Kerry and county with best record in championship v kerry is Down. The one county Kerry has never beaten in championship.

When you look at when county beats Dublin or Kerry it usually one of the greatest performances in their counties history by one of the greatest teams ever to come of that county. Just think of when teams in leinster beat Dubs Offaly in 1982, kildare in 1998, Laois 2003, Westmeath in 2004. Or when teams beat Dubs outside leinster eg Donegal 1992 Derry 1993 Armagh 2002 Tyrone 2005 Mayo 2012. Same with kerry think of kerrys loses in last in 70 years to great Down Galway teams of 60s. Offaly in 70s and 80s. Meath, Tyrone Armagh in 00s.
To beat kerry in championship for any county is rare and wonderful thing, exception is Down. To beat Dublin in championship for any county is rare and wonderful thing, exceptions r Meath and Kerry.

2 weeks of rest aren't going to make much difference to Meath or Monaghan.

Disagree. The rest will give both a better chance of winning their All Ireland quarter than if they had three matches in consecutive weekends and then playing a rested opponent.

Neither Meath nor Monaghan are weapons grade. They won't get anywhere near Sam.

I think they'll be very hard stopped. How many teams have ever beaten Dublin and Kerry in the one year? Us in 02 and Tyrone in one of their years? Not too many more I'd say. Neither of those will fear anyone coming through that prelim draw. 

Very few here are the list of teams below that have beaten Kerry and Dublin in one championship season. Meath are only 5th leinster team ever do it. And Meath are youngest team in history ever to beat Dublin kerry in same championship. Only 6 counties have beaten Dubs and kerry in same championship, they are Meath, Tyrone, Armagh, Cork, Offaly, kildare.

Here below are the only teams in history to beat Dubs and kerry and in the same championship in same year

1 Meath 2025
2 Tyrone 2008
3 Tyrone 2005
4 Armagh 2002
5 Meath 2001
6 Kildare 1998
7 Cork 1989
8 Offaly 1982
9 kildare 1927

Watching Sunday Game clearly didn't watch the game. It was pundits talking about Meath worked harder. But forgot to mention quality of football Meath was brillant. It was better performance than Dublin game. Meath could struggle in quarter final v Donegal or Dublin looking for revenge. They are young team, possibly youngest team in the country. But in 2 or 3 years time Meath should have serious team. Peoole don't realise how young this Meath team is.

Billy Hogan 22
Brian O'Halloran 21
Sean Coffey 22
Ciaran Caulfield 21
Eoghan Frayne 21
Conor Duke 20
Ruari kinsella 21
Keith Curtis 23
Adam O'Neill 23
Jack Flynn 24
Jordan Morris 24
Matthew Costello 25
Shane Walsh 25
Cian McBride 23
Sean Brennan 22
Diarmaid Moriarty 22
Jack kinlough 20
Conor Gray 21

That is youngest Meath of last 50 years. Some of these young players are as good as I have seen come out of Meath. I have followed Meath since 1984. Ciaran Caulfield is as good as half back I have ever seen play for Meath. Jordan Morris is better corner forward at 24 than Ollie Murphy was at 24. Ruari kinsella is best playmaker we have had since Giles. Matthew Costello is as talented as Geraghty and could become an even greater player than Graham Geraghty.

Also Meath still have players to come through from All Ireland underage winning teams and leinster underage winning teams. Players like Brian Stafford nephew Rian only 19 scored 16 pts at club match last week. He is serious talent. There is also allot 6ft 4 6ft 5 18 19 year old midfield half forwards who are brillant at 2 pointers coming through. Conor Duke has being excellent this year, especially 2 pointers. But I personally think  this years U20s Rian Stafford, Cian Commins and John Harkin are better than Duke. Jamie Murphy who was hitting 10 pts in championship games for Meath U20s this years looks like player with real potential. Another 6ft 4 Meath gaint. And Jack Flynn, Ronan Jones, Jack kinlough and James Conlon who are now out for the year. Should be back next year. Jack O Connor will be back from his travels and Conor Nash auzzie rules contact us up in 12 months and he says he wants to play for Meath. Nash is most talented footballer Meath have produced in last ten years. And as Frayne Caulfield Costello get older hit 23 24 25 next few years Meath should get stronger.

Meath will probably bow out at quarter stage, but if they were deliver the performance they beat kerry with, they will beat any team in country. Meath have brilliant this year in games v Down Cavan Roscommon Carlow Cork Offaly kerry Dublin. Even in first half v louth in leinster final, Meath played some brillant play. Is there chance seen how Meath are getting better even since Dublib game. Could we b looking at Kerry 1975, Meath 1996, Cork hurlers 1999, Clare hurlers 2013 were young team mushrooms over night from nowhere into All Ireland winners. Unlikely but Meath win their quarter final, they are definitely contenders than. But in coming years especially 2027 2028 2029, Meath potential is huge. Tyrone are defintly coming team in gaelic football. I definitely think Meath are another team to 5ÿwatch out for.

I don't think people realise how remarkable Meath victory over kerry was at weekend. Kerry are rarely hammered in championship. It was one worst defeats in history of kerry football.

Meaths defeat of kerry was in top 5 worst championship defeats kerry have had since 1950

Kerrys Worst defeats in Championship since 1950 are

1 Meath 2001 15 pts
2 Cork 1990 15 pts
3 Cork 1971 11 pts
4 Meath 2025 9 pts
5 Offaly 1972 9 pts
6 Cork 1973 9 pts
7 Down 1960 8 pts

It was 5th worst defeat kerry have had in championship v team outside Munster ever

Kerrys top ten defeats in championship ever in last 140 years
to teams outside Munster

1 Meath 2001 15 pts
2 Antrim 1912 12 pts
3 Dublin 1934 11 pts
4 Mayo 1948 10 pts
5 Meath 2025 9 pts
6 Offaly 1972 9 pts
7 Down 1960 8 pts
8 Down 1991 7 pts
9 Dublin 1976 7 pts
10 Dublin 2013 7 pts
11 Tyrone 2003 7 pts

It was also the first team has beaten kerry and Dublin in same championship in 18 years since Tyrone in 2008

Only teams ever to beat Kerry & Dublin in same championship are

Meath 2025
Tyrone 2008
Tyrone 2005
Armagh 2002
Meath 2001
Kildare 1998
Offaly 1982
Cork 1989
Kildare 1927

Meath are youngest team ever to beat Kerry & Dublin in same championship

Meath also are first team to beat Dubs in leinster in 15 years

Meath wouldn't win trophy this year but they have definitely had eye catching significant results.

Kerry v Meath - Meath by 3
Roscommon v Cork - cork by 3
Dublin v Derry - Dublin by 6
Galway v Armagh - Galway by 2
Louth v Clare - clare by 4
Monaghan v Down - Monaghan by 6
Donegal v Mayo - mayo  by 4
Tyrone v Cavan - draw

With both Cliffords, Geaney, DOC and Barry Dan out, that Meath prediction might be right and good value at 12/1

All injured?  That could be interesting, not just  for this weekend

A Kerryman I was talking to this morning said this week's Kerryman said DOC, Barry Dan, Geaney and Paudie won't play. He said the Kerryman (as a local paper) tends to be very reliable with injuries and stuff like that and that DC and O'Beaglaoich are also rumoured to be out. Said the talk is Barry Dan is gone for the year and it's very doubtful whether DOC will feature anytime soon. Could just be yerra but if all that lot are missing it could be a very different 26 named and could be a serious blow to Kerry's chances at Sam.

If all six are out Meath will fancy their chances of finishing top of the group, any team with injuries won't want three games in consecutive weeks which is what Kerry will likely get if they drop into 2nd place.


Possible starting 15 if all six are out?

Shane Ryan
Tom O'Sullivan Jason Foley  Dylan Casey
Gavin White Mike Breen Paul Murphy
Joe O'Connor Mark O'Shea
Micheal Burns Sean O'Shea Graham O'Sullivan
Killian Spillane  Dylan Geaney Tony Brosnan

Meath are missing players also. All the talk about kerry missing midfielders Meath are down 4 midfielders. Meath will be playing with their third or fourth choice midfield. Meath are missing Ronan Jones, Jack Flynn, Jack kinlough and Conor Gray missing all midfielders. Jones, Flynn,Kinlough are out for the rest of the year. Jack Flynn is Meath best midfielder, Ronan Jones is Meaths real leader around mid field area, only playet on team at his peak at 28. While kinlough who started ad third man midfielder in 8 games in a row the league and start of championship was excellent is also out. While Conor Gray who was outstanding in Tailtean cup winning campaign is coming back after three months in hospital pneumonia and injury after injury is only now able to take his place on bench. Meath will have three man midfield of veteran 34 year old Brian Menton who struggles to last 70 minutes and past his best. Adam O Neill will partner him who is defender basically a full back. Meath third man midfielder is 20 year old Conor Duke. No one mentioning Meath are missing best midfielders Flynn and Jones and another midfield starter on 40 kinlough. Not one mentioning in this media. Meath are down 4 midfielders and have to play defender at midfield.

Menton and Adam O'Neill was your midfield partnership against Dublin and absolutely dominated the Cluxton kick out.    Jack Flynn, Jack kinlough and Conor Gray didn't play in that match and Ronan Jones was introduced for the final 15 minutes.  Matthew Costello  out the bigger taking point and blow to Meath's chances.

Costello is huge loss. Meaths best player and means Meath have just as many important players missing as kerry.

Still doesn't take away O Neill is defender and Meaths 5th or 6th choice midfielder, Menton is veteran who struggles to last 70 mins and Duke is 20 year old novice. Jack Flynn, Ronan Jones, Jack kinlough are guaranteed starters for Meath at midfield. Jones and Flynn are Meath best players in mid sector and in my view fully fit Conor Gray playing like he did before he got pneumonia is Meaths best all round midfielder. Meath get everyone fit, in coming years it will very strong area for Meath. Menton will retire but you have Jack Flynn 25, Ronan Jones 28, Jack Kinlough 20, Conor Duke 20, Conor Gray 21 all options in mid section. While Cian McBride and Daithi McGowan are midfield options on panel. Conor Nash whose Aussie rules contract is up at end 2026 says he want to play for Meath. He is hugely talented midfielder. Also Charlie Gallagher Meath minor and Michael Mcivor Meath u20 both 6ft 5 midfielders and exceptional at 2 pointers look like real potential future midfielders also. Throw in John Harkin, Cian Commins and brillant Rian Stafford from Meath U20s half forward line last year and this year teams. All 3 are 6ft 4 anf brillant at 2 pointers. Meath have had problems at midfield since 2010. But in the coming years Meath will have huge depth in this area with many 6ft 4 6ft 5 midfielders and half forwards who are excellent at 2 pointer. I would expect in next 2 years player like Adam O Neill would end up being 8th or 9th choice Meath midfielder. Adam is excellent young defender and will replace Seamus Lavin in defence but he is not midfielder. And it does look like Dublin have issues at midfield, and with no real midfield talent coming through. Meath v Dublin rivalry does hinge at midfield. In that once Mullins retired in 1985 McEntee Hayes came dominate. Than McDermott in 90s Dublin couldn't deal with him. Same way Meath couldn't deal with Brian Fenton in last 10 years. Fenton  retires Meath beat Dublin. Its linked.

Regards Meath beating kerry and Dublin in same championship year that would be an incredible achievement. Very few counties have beaten Dublin and kerry in same year in championship. Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Donegal,Derry, Down have never beaten Kerry and Dublin in same year in championship. As far as I can see Only 6 counties have beaten Dublin and kerry in championship in same year and they are Meath, Offaly, kildare, Cork, Tyrone and Armagh.

As far I can see only 4 teams in leinster in 140 years have beaten kerry and Dublin in same year. They are
Meath in 2001
Kildare in 1998
Offaly in 1982
Kildare in 1927

Only 4 teams outside leinster have beaten Dubs and kerry in same year they are
Tyrone 2008
Tyrone 2005
Armagh 2002
Cork 1989

Only 8 teams have beaten Kerry and Dublin in same years in championship in 140 years. 7 of the 8 teams won All Ireland the other kildare got to All Ireland final. If Meath were to beat kerry, they would be youngest team ever in history of gaa to beat kerry and Dublin in same year in championship. With 8 Meath players starting who will 20 21 22 23, average age of this Meath team is 23. A Meath team that wouldn't peak for another 3 or 4 years. If Meath were to beat kerry after beating Dublin it would be historic achievement.

Kerry v Meath - Meath by 3
Roscommon v Cork - cork by 3
Dublin v Derry - Dublin by 6
Galway v Armagh - Galway by 2
Louth v Clare - clare by 4
Monaghan v Down - Monaghan by 6
Donegal v Mayo - mayo  by 4
Tyrone v Cavan - draw

With both Cliffords, Geaney, DOC and Barry Dan out, that Meath prediction might be right and good value at 12/1

All injured?  That could be interesting, not just  for this weekend

A Kerryman I was talking to this morning said this week's Kerryman said DOC, Barry Dan, Geaney and Paudie won't play. He said the Kerryman (as a local paper) tends to be very reliable with injuries and stuff like that and that DC and O'Beaglaoich are also rumoured to be out. Said the talk is Barry Dan is gone for the year and it's very doubtful whether DOC will feature anytime soon. Could just be yerra but if all that lot are missing it could be a very different 26 named and could be a serious blow to Kerry's chances at Sam.

If all six are out Meath will fancy their chances of finishing top of the group, any team with injuries won't want three games in consecutive weeks which is what Kerry will likely get if they drop into 2nd place.


Possible starting 15 if all six are out?

Shane Ryan
Tom O'Sullivan Jason Foley  Dylan Casey
Gavin White Mike Breen Paul Murphy
Joe O'Connor Mark O'Shea
Micheal Burns Sean O'Shea Graham O'Sullivan
Killian Spillane  Dylan Geaney Tony Brosnan

Meath are missing players also. All the talk about kerry missing midfielders Meath are down 4 midfielders. Meath will be playing with their third or fourth choice midfield. Meath are missing Ronan Jones, Jack Flynn, Jack kinlough and Conor Gray missing all midfielders. Jones, Flynn,Kinlough are out for the rest of the year. Jack Flynn is Meath best midfielder, Ronan Jones is Meaths real leader around mid field area, only playet on team at his peak at 28. While kinlough who started ad third man midfielder in 8 games in a row the league and start of championship was excellent is also out. While Conor Gray who was outstanding in Tailtean cup winning campaign is coming back after three months in hospital pneumonia and injury after injury is only now able to take his place on bench. Meath will have three man midfield of veteran 34 year old Brian Menton who struggles to last 70 minutes and past his best. Adam O Neill will partner him who is defender basically a full back. Meath third man midfielder is 20 year old Conor Duke. No one mentioning Meath are missing best midfielders Flynn and Jones and another midfield starter on 40 kinlough. Not one mentioning in this media. Meath are down 4 midfielders and have to play defender at midfield.

With Eamon Fitzmaurice assistant manager and coach and Donie Buckley coach and Jimmy McGuinnes s and c coach also involved strong looking management team.

Got a link to such info?

It's all over the county at moment and We are Meath podcast which is main official Meath gaa podcast which always breaks news in the county gaa wise, it has links to county board. We are Meath podcast has said Eamon Fitzmaurice is strongly touted as being member of O Rourkes management team as assistant manager and coach. They said Donie Buckley as coach also. The podcast always breaks news whose new on the panel whose leaving oanel any managerial appointments. All over the county Fitzmaurice Buckley names are being mentioned. O Rourke does build big management teams. At Simontowns when he managed he had management of over 20 people for that Meath senior club. You would expect a big management team under Colm.

Buckley is part of McStays proposed Mayo management. Still no word in the national media that Jim McGuinness Eamon Fitzmaurice will be part of O'Rourke management.

The Star newspaper last week linked Fitzmaurice to New Meath Management team. And the Irish Examinor also last week linked Fitzmaurice to New Meath Management team. And LMFM main radio station in North East louth and Meath asked Colm O Rourke about rumours  circulating in that Eamon Fitzmaurice and Donie Buckley our part of his management and he didn't rule it out and he didn't deny it.

With Eamon Fitzmaurice assistant manager and coach and Donie Buckley coach and Jimmy McGuinnes s and c coach also involved strong looking management team.

Got a link to such info?

It's all over the county at moment and We are Meath podcast which is main official Meath gaa podcast which always breaks news in the county gaa wise, it has links to county board. We are Meath podcast has said Eamon Fitzmaurice is strongly touted as being member of O Rourkes management team as assistant manager and coach. They said Donie Buckley as coach also. The podcast always breaks news whose new on the panel whose leaving oanel any managerial appointments. All over the county Fitzmaurice Buckley names are being mentioned. O Rourke does build big management teams. At Simontowns when he managed he had management of over 20 people for that Meath senior club. You would expect a big management team under Colm.

Buckley is part of McStays proposed Mayo management. Still no word in the national media that Jim McGuinness Eamon Fitzmaurice will be part of O'Rourke management.

Yes there is.
The Star Newspaper, a  national newspaper said at end of last week that Eamon Fitzmaurice has being linked with being part of Meaths management set up as assitant manager and coach. They also said Donie Buckley could be involved in Meath management team also. The Star newspaper asked Colm O Rourke about Eamon Fitzmaurice as part of his management team and Buckley also dnd O Rourke didn't rule either out. They asked him about Fitzmaurice and he didnt rule it out. If Fitzmaurice wasn't in talks he would have said straight out no.
O Rourke said basically be believe in big strong management with many Individuals with different roles to play.
When O Rourke managed Simontown to two Meath senior club titles in a row he had management team of over 20 people. O Rourke has always stated a big management team is needed for gaa now. O Rourke will have biggest most varied management team in Meath ever. But decisions on every member needs to be finalised. So putting together a massive management team will take time.

But as I said the national media have mentioned Fitzmaurice joining Meath and Buckley also. And O Rourke didn't deny it. That's because Fitzmaurice has being in talks with Meath county board for weeks and attended interview for the job and was frontrunner 3 weeks ago. It will take a few more weeks before we see O Rourkes management team. But it will quite a big set up with allot of good people. From international rules to club O Rourke has always had good management teams.

With Eamon Fitzmaurice assistant manager and coach and Donie Buckley coach and Jimmy McGuinnes s and c coach also involved strong looking management team.

Got a link to such info?

It's all over the county at moment and We are Meath podcast which is main official Meath gaa podcast which always breaks news in the county gaa wise, it has links to county board. We are Meath podcast has said Eamon Fitzmaurice is strongly touted as being member of O Rourkes management team as assistant manager and coach. They said Donie Buckley as coach also. The podcast always breaks news whose new on the panel whose leaving oanel any managerial appointments. All over the county Fitzmaurice Buckley names are being mentioned. O Rourke does build big management teams. At Simontowns when he managed he had management of over 20 people for that Meath senior club. You would expect a big management team under Colm.

[They said he would never manage Meath here is managing at 65. They now say he wouldn't be successful. We will have to wait and see.]

O Rourke has being successful any other level he is managed. The only international rules manager to win home and away. Managed school to 3 All Ireland schools titles in 5 years. And managed his club to their first and second club senior title.

How successful was he when managing Meath minors and U21s in the past?

He managed U21 for one year in 2011. Meath played Westmeath and John Heslin was unmarkable and played brilliantly and led Westmeath to victory. Trevor Giles was assistant. He was Meath U21 manager for just 1 year. I not sure about minors might have managed team for 1 year in 2000s. I cannot remeber.

O Rourke as manager starts of slow but over period of time he is successful. He started slowly with international rules team, lost first game. Than went on to be only Irish manager successful home and away. He lost senior county final with Simontown in 2003 or 2004. Came back for 2nd stint and led them to their first and second ever county club senior title. He managed St Pats again started slowly. Pats had never won even leinster title. He won leinster than won 3 all Ireland schools title in 5 years  he is Meath most successful underage manager ever.

O Rourke is a winner. They said he would never play again after injury at 19, he players inter County til he was 36. They said he would never win Sam as played in early or mid 80s, he won two by end of decade. He won Footballer of the year in his 30s, one of few who lost All Ireland and won footballer of the year. They said he would never win county title after losing 4 finals with Skyrne. He ended winning 2 titles in his 30s. They said he would never win All Ireland school with St Pats he won 3. They said he would never manage his club to county title after lose in 2004. Ten years later he managed his club to 2 titled. O Rourke carrer is about proving doubters wrong. He keeps at it and keeps at it. They said he would never manage Meath here is managing at 65. They now say he wouldn't be successful. We will have to wait and see.
But O Rourke is a winner and he is incredibly driven individual who with the force of his personality over 3 years he will be pushing Meath further. He might atart slowly but over 3 years he could really make impact. Many will want him to fail after Subday Game. But don't rule out O Rourke. First year or so could be up and down but over 3 or 4 years don't be surprised he makes real impact. On sporting field manager or player everything he has done he has been successful. I wouldn't back against O Rourke. Behind his Sunday game persona is very very driven individual. On football field The Times Sports journalist Denis Walah said O Rourke was the most competitive sportsperson he ever saw on sports field soccer gaa rugby. O Rourke had the skills of top class footballer of the year forward but determination of Roy keane. One of the All time great forwards. The only thing left on his Cv is to manage Meath seniors successfully. Time will tell if he will suceed.

At 65 it's hardly a long term appointment. Considering where Meath seniors currently are what would be regarded as a success in the next two years?

Clearly there is succession plan. Meath minor All Ireland winning manager Cathal O Bric  will take U19 management panel in 2023 and will manage U20 Meath team in 2024. With John Mccarrhy 2020 Leinster minor manager managing U20s this year and next year. It looks like O Bric minor All Ireland winning manager wil take those player at U20 and than all going well will take over as senior manager in 3 r 4 years time. Kevin Reilly ex player who led Trim to Intermediate All Ireland final last year is another potential manager in 3 or 4 years time. Barry Callaghan who is O Rourke selector has also managed Meath minors U20s and U21 in the past is also potential future manager. O Rourke is not long term manager.. 3 to 4 years maybe 5 maybe 3. We will see. There is group of young Meath managers Cathal O Bric, Kevin Reilly, Barry Callaghan and Brian Farrell who (managed Rataoth to senior club title) who are not ready but in 3 t 4 y3srs time who cud take over from Colm. If O Bric is successful with minors at U20 he will take over from Colm O Rourke. There will be succession plan when O Rourke takes over. That's what it looks will happen.

O Rourke has being successful any other level he is managed. The only international rules manager to win home and away. Managed school to 3 All Ireland schools titles in 5 years. And managed his club to their first and second club senior title.

How successful was he when managing Meath minors and U21s in the past?

He managed U21 for one year in 2011. Meath played Westmeath and John Heslin was unmarkable and played brilliantly and led Westmeath to victory. Trevor Giles was assistant. He was Meath U21 manager for just 1 year. I not sure about minors might have managed team for 1 year in 2000s. I cannot remeber.

O Rourke as manager starts of slow but over period of time he is successful. He started slowly with international rules team, lost first game. Than went on to be only Irish manager successful home and away. He lost senior county final with Simontown in 2003 or 2004. Came back for 2nd stint and led them to their first and second ever county club senior title. He managed St Pats again started slowly. Pats had never won even leinster title. He won leinster than won 3 all Ireland schools title in 5 years  he is Meath most successful underage manager ever.

O Rourke is a winner. They said he would never play again after injury at 19, he players inter County til he was 36. They said he would never win Sam as played in early or mid 80s, he won two by end of decade. He won Footballer of the year in his 30s, one of few who lost All Ireland and won footballer of the year. They said he would never win county title after losing 4 finals with Skyrne. He ended winning 2 titles in his 30s. They said he would never win All Ireland school with St Pats he won 3. They said he would never manage his club to county title after lose in 2004. Ten years later he managed his club to 2 titled. O Rourke carrer is about proving doubters wrong. He keeps at it and keeps at it. They said he would never manage Meath here is managing at 65. They now say he wouldn't be successful. We will have to wait and see.
But O Rourke is a winner and he is incredibly driven individual who with the force of his personality over 3 years he will be pushing Meath further. He might atart slowly but over 3 years he could really make impact. Many will want him to fail after Subday Game. But don't rule out O Rourke. First year or so could be up and down but over 3 or 4 years don't be surprised he makes real impact. On sporting field manager or player everything he has done he has been successful. I wouldn't back against O Rourke. Behind his Sunday game persona is very very driven individual. On football field The Times Sports journalist Denis Walah said O Rourke was the most competitive sportsperson he ever saw on sports field soccer gaa rugby. O Rourke had the skills of top class footballer of the year forward but determination of Roy keane. One of the All time great forwards. The only thing left on his Cv is to manage Meath seniors successfully. Time will tell if he will suceed.

Colm O Rourke new Meath manager.

If true its very strange to step into his first attempt at county management at this stage.

It's true

Won't end well.

With Eamon Fitzmaurice assistant manager and coach and Donie Buckley coach and Jimmy McGuinnes s and c coach also involved strong looking management team. O Rourke has being successful any other level he is managed. The only international rules manager to win home and away. Managed school to 3 All Ireland schools titles in 5 years. And managed his club to their first and second club senior title. Along with Trevor Giles Meath best player of last 50 years. Also will have Best talent to come through Meath in a generation. With Meath winning 4 U17 minor leinster titles in 5 years and one best underage teams to come out of leinster in last 20 years. Meath minors 2022 are only third leinster team to win minor All Ireland since 2000 in last 22 years along with laois 2003 and Dublin 2012 . Meath also have two top class midfielders in Auzzie rules with a good chance one of them potentially coming back next year with McBride. The other Conor Nash a generational talent says he want to come back in coming years to play for Meath. Look at Meath ladies. Meath did feck all work at underage for 20 years and stayed div 2 team. With huge work being done good management appointment, onwards and upwards.. Meath have huge potential.

It's look like a serious management team with Eamon Fitzmaurice and Donie Buckley also involved
Colm O Rourke will be manager rumours are Eamon fitzmaurice is coach and assistant manager, Donie Buckley coach and Barry Callaghan Stephen Bray selectors. Meath ladies S and C coach who was also Jimmy McGuinnes S and C coach Ivers also part of management team. Strong looking management team.

He's in the running for Dublin hurling job now

Brillant performances by minors this year it would be great to see Offaly back doing well at senior.