Saturday's Irish News - article request

[GrandMasterFlash]

Could someone post the article from Saturday's Irish News about Seamus McEnaney and Colm Coyle if they could. I never got a chance to buy the paper.

Thanks in advance.

[aontroim]

The Irish News now appears to be free online - you can access this article by clicking on Sport then Gaelic Games.

http://www.irishnews.com/irishnews/2008/1/597/5776/577957_334034292850Bantysbo.html

Banty's boys aiming for new dizzy heights By Eamonn O'Hara
19/01/08

From the first-timers (Tommy Jordan) to the old-timers (Mick O'Dwyer), this year's National Football League programme has thrown up some mouth-watering clashes. Seamus McEnaney will be hoping to steer his Monaghan side to even greater heights than last year. Meanwhile, Mickey Harte's Red Hands are raring to go once again after last year's injury problems. Eamonn O'Hara runs his eye over the men who call the shots...



Colm Coyle

Youthful excellence and exuberance eventually ran out of fizz and fortune in the 2007 All-Ireland semi-finals. Colm Coyle seeks to move Meath forward from that very promising summer adventure highlighted by a draw with Dublin, narrow replay loss and Qualifier wins over Fermanagh and Galway and quarter-final eclipse of injury-hit Tyrone. Fatigue and a flat performance resulted in semi-final to Cork but there is no doubt Coyle is working with a highly talented bunch.

He will endeavour to bring them along with a steady NFL campaign (beat Roscommon in Division Two final last April) before the next summer quest starts back at Croke Park on May 18 against Paul Bealin's Carlow for the right to take on Wexford for a place in the semi-finals. Opening game in Division 2 is shrouded in uncertainty, as it is supposed to be at home to crisis-torn Cork who haven't been able to prepare a squad due to a players strike. That aside, Meath look to have a reasonable schedule before the 4th round matches them at home to Cavan. Last three regulation games are against Monaghan, Armagh and Dublin, the first and third of them away. Good tests to see where they are at before the SFC.

Coyle welcomes back 23-year-old forward Joe Sheridan. He surprisingly opted out of the panel during 2007 and was a spectator as Stephen Bray, Cian Ward, Shane O'Rourke and Brian Farrell led the line with Graham Geraghty against the Dubs and Co. Sheridan cited the need for a rest. His addition is a boost to a squad of exciting potential.

NFL status: Division Two

NFL fixtures: Feb 2 v Cork (home); Feb 17 v Roscommon (away); Mar 2 v Westmeath (away); Mar 15 v Cavan (home); Mar 30 v Monaghan (away); Apr 5 v Armagh (home); Apr 13 v Dublin (away).



Seamus McEnaney

One of the hits of the Sam '07 series. Seamus McEnaney's young players contributed brilliantly to the All-Ireland title run-in. So unlucky not to hang in there for another five minutes, find another score from somewhere, to shock Kerry in the quarter-finals. There was really no way Seamus could leave it at that after his third year running the ship.

He has repeatedly emphasised Monaghan's progression since he took over isn't just down to what his passion and drive to make the county competitive again at the very highest level brings to the table. His ability to secure the 'best in the country' expertise and innovative approach of coach Martin McElkennon was a huge factor last year as was Adrian Trappe.

McEnaney's fourth season sees the bar raised further. As he stressed a few weeks ago, for all the drama and delight of '07 others managed to crack the combination codes for League (despite finishing top of Division 2A after seven straights wins) and Championship silver.

One objective was to finish in 2A's top two. That secured important Division 2 status for this campaign. Promotion to the elite bracket is priority one for the NFL. A trophy at the end of it wouldn't go amiss either. Seamus will then turn to trying to win the Ulster SFC (last year's win at Pairc Esler against Down was his first as manager).

Close to it last summer before seeing off Donegal in the Qualifiers and giving Kerry a serious scare. Maturing squad will have to deal with greater expectation because of it. Difficult NFL section. Key games include Dublin and Meath back-to-back tests in mid-to-late March. Start SFC on May 25 at Enniskillen.

NFL status: Division Two

NFL fixtures: Feb 3 v Roscommon (home); Feb 16 v Cavan (away); Mar v Armagh (home); Mar 15 v Dublin (away); Mar 30 v Meath (home); Apr 5 v Cork (away); Apr 13 v Westmeath (home).



Pat Roe

Pat Roe returns for another season and has stated his wish is for Offaly is to get out of Division 4. Four defeats in Division 2A last year cost them dearly as, once out of the Leinster SFC, they were ruled out of the Qualifiers and pitched into the Tommy Murphy Cup. Crashed out of that to eventual winners Wicklow by five points to see summer ended in first week of July.

Roe wants to avoid a return to the TMC. To achieve this, must finish top or second in their new League grouping. Unlike many other counties pre-season used the O'Byrne Cup not to blood players but assess all in terms of who would start the NFL in the first 15.

Offaly, a Division 1A outfit only two seasons ago, should punch above the weight of most if not all in their division but influential Karol Slattery may miss a good part of it due to injury.

Leinster SFC starts for them against Longford (Pearse Park) or home to Westmeath on June 7.

NFL status: Division Four

NFL fixtures: Feb 3 v London (home); Feb 9 v Carlow (away); Feb 16 v Tipperary (home); Mar 1 v Antrim (away); Mar 16 v Wicklow (away); Mar 30 v Waterford (home); Apr 6 v Kilkenny (home); Apr 13 v Clare (away); Apr 20 bye.



John Maughan

ROSCOMMON

John Maughan, appointed in late '05 after spell at Fermanagh, inherited a squad that finished third from bottom in Division 2A. The Rossies managed third in '06, second last season before qualifying to play Meath in the non-promotion Division Two final. Ger Heneghan's prolific marksmanship was central to the run. A greater spread of responsibility for scores is required to progress this season. Heneghan, Gary Cox and Karol Mannion will be supported by the recalled Frankie Dolan. Senan Kilbride and Jonathan Dunning are also back in favour while Maughan has developed the panel with the additions of several of the 2006 All-Ireland MFC winning squad. Tough draw to start NFL. Go to Monaghan, then host Meath. Tail end of it no easier - away to Dublin and home to Cavan. Promotion looks a longshot. Tough Connacht SFC draw also. Go to Galway in round one on May 18.

NFL status: Division Two

NFL fixtures: Feb 3 v Monaghan (away); Feb 17 v Meath (home); Mar 2 v Cork (home); Mar 16 v Armagh (away); Mar 30 v Westmeath (home); Apr 5 v Dublin (away); Apr 13 v Cavan (home).



Tommy Jordan

One of the nine management changes from 2007 is Tommy Jordan's appointment as successor to Tommy Breheny. Jordan takes on his first senior county post sporting an impressive club management CV - he took Crossmolina to three Mayo titles, two Connacht and the 2001 All-Ireland title. Target is back-to-back provincial titles, a huge task any year, exceptionally so given the gap between the county's first and second title wins was 45 years.

NFL returns were average the past two years. Campaigned in 2B, finishing fourth last year and mid-table in '06. Former Allstar Eamonn O'Hara, Allstar nominated corner back Ross Donovan, centre half-back Michael McNamara and forwards Mark Brehony, Sean Davey and Gerry McGowan provide the backbone. Scoring weaknesses are constant. Connacht title defence begins at London on May 25. Winners play Mayo. Before then, tough tests in the League. Open at Down. Two a way games to finish at Louth and Longford.

NFL status: Division Three

NFL fixtures: Feb 2 v Down (away); Feb 17 v Wexford (home); Mar 2 v Limerick (home); Mar 16 v Leitrim (away); Mar 30 v Fermanagh (home); Apr 6 v Louth (away); Apr 13 v Longford (away).



John Evans

Kerry's former U21 manager John Evans has taken over from John Owens.

First order of business was to talk to two-time Allstar forward Declan Browne who announced his retirement at the age of 29 last autumn. Browne stated his belief that the county board had secured a first class manager in Evans but in December said he would not be going back on the decision to retire.

This is a major setback for the Premier's fortunes.

Slow starters in most games last season. Lost five of seven in Div 2B to finish second last. On the slide since Tommy Murphy Cup win in 2005. Evans appointed for two years. Not taken to challenge for Division 4 honours while SFC starts versus Limerick on May 25.

NFL status: Division Four

NFL fixtures: Feb 3 v Kilkenny (away); Feb 9 v Clare (home); Feb 16 v Offaly (away); Mar 2 v London (home); Mar 16 bye; Mar 30 v Carlow (away); Apr 6 v Antrim (home); Apr 13 v Waterford (away); Apr 20 v Wicklow (home).



Mickey Harte

For last August's All-Ireland SFC Qualifier against Meath 12 panellists were unavailable because of various injuries. After a terrible 2006 blighted by key players being sidelined, amazingly '07 wasn't much better for manager Mickey Harte. In terms of injuries, they have been prohibitatively taxed, decimating squads and their ability to challenge for major titles since winning a second All-Ireland (2005) in three seasons. Peter Canavan's retirement was an influential factor also.

Surely though, fortunes, on the injury front, will turn as this season gathers pace. With so many key players missing large portions of the past two years, most notably former All Stars Brian McGuigan and Stephen O'Neill, plenty of young prospects were handed opportunities to gain experience and stake claims, including the likes of Raymond Mulgrew, Tommy McGuigan and Colm Cavanagh. Tyrone may reap the dividends of youth development this year.

Added to that, most if not all of their experienced Championship players are expected to return in the coming weeks. Joe McMahon, Ryan McMenamin and Sean Cavanagh should be recovered from setbacks to feature in the NFL next month. It is hoped Brian McGuigan will be ready to resume League football in February also.

Harte will extend a Cead Mile Failte to former Armagh star Kieran McGeeney when he arrives at Healy Park for a floodlit first round game in Division One on February 2 to experience his NFL debut as manager of Kildare. Game on after that. Tyrone hitting the National League ground running will be what Harte wants to see on the night. In the former Division 1A Tyrone were not out of the top four in the last five campaigns (topped the section in 2003, '04 and '05). It would surprise if they are not there or thereabouts again, but the main objective is SFC success. Ulster's challenge starts home to Down on June 8.

NFL status: Division One

NFL fixtures: Feb 2 v Kildare (home); Feb 16 v Kerry (away); Mar 2 v Galway (away); Mar 15 v Laois (home); Mar 29 v Donegal (home); Apr 5 v Derry (away); Apr 13 v Mayo (home).



John Kiely

Fourth year in charge for John Kiely. Decies cause the odd shock or surprise here and there. In '06 took Carlow's scalp. Last year, better again, stunning Wexford in round one of the Division 2B schedule. Pushed Sligo close but the Model upset could not be repeated. Lost six in-a-row to prop up the section. The big success arrived in the Munster SFC at Fraher Field in Dungarvan against Clare. A 1-6 to 0-7 win - Waterford's first in senior Championship for 19 years - was their stand-out result. Flagged up the departure of Paidi O Se as Clare manager. Division 4 offers chance for progress from basement places to mid-table. Good Munster SFC draw sees them go to Ennis on May 25. All-Ireland champions Kerry await winners.

NFL status: Division Four

NFL fixtures: Feb 3 bye; Feb 9 v Wicklow (home); Feb 16 v Kilkenny (away) Mar 2 v Clare (home); Mar 16 v London (home); Mar 30 v Offaly (away); Apr 6 v Carlow (away); Apr 13 v Tipperary (home); Apr 20 v Antrim (away).



Tomas O Flatharta

Without Dessie Dolan and several others slumped to a heavy defeat against Dublin in the O'Byrne Cup tune-up. Face the Dubs in round one of the League. On paper look relegation favourites from a very strong Division 2 section. Tomas O Flatharta was reappointed for a third term and has his work cut out to avoid the trap door. Task not helped by Donal O'Donoghue asking not to be considered after the O'Byrne Cup loss.

Bustling forward Denis Glennon, a Sigerson Cup panelist with Garda College, has yet to confirm if he will play for the county this year. Glennon is reported to be unsettled. Dessie Dolan, an Allstar in 2004, continues to be their key man. There were not too many positives from last season. Round 2/3 home games against Armagh and Meath and March 30 game at Roscommon crucial to survival. Start Leinster SFC against Longford. Need improved forward unit. NFL points may be hard to find before summer trip to Pearse Park on May 11.

NFL status: Division Two

NFL fixtures: Feb 2 v Dublin (away); Feb 17 v Armagh (home); Mar 2 v Meath (home); Mar 15 v Cork (away); Mar 30 v Roscommon (away); Apr 6 v Cavan (home); Apr 13 v Monaghan (away).



Jason Ryan

ONE of the youngest senior managers in county football is newly appointed Jason Ryan. He stepped into vacancy created by Paul Bealin's controversial departure following claimed problems with the county board. Bealin quitting led to at least one high profile player, Rory Stafford, to question whether he would line out this season. Winter of discontent, speculation over possibilities of either former Meath manager Sean Boylan or Laois U21 manager Sean Dempsey taking up the post. Ryan though caught attention in Wexford in '07 by coaching Clongeen to a first SFC title win.

He will hope that achievement can galvanise the squad and prevent the loss of any players. Drawn in Division 3, home form will be key to promotion prospects as Wexford host four main rivals - Longford, Down, Leitrim and Louth. Form of former Allstar forward Mattie Forde (below) is another key element. Forde's O'Byrne Cup returns suggested a bit of rediscovered sparkle. John Hudson and PJ Banville should figure after injury absences. 2005 NFL finalists (lost to Armagh), they just missed out on a Division Two semi-final last year - the penalty for a shock early defeat at Waterford. SFC begins on June 1 against Meath or Carlow who dumped them out of the O'Byrne last week.

NFL status: Division Three

NFL fixtures: Feb 3 v Longford (home); Feb 17 v Sligo (away); Mar 2 v Down (home); Mar 16 v Limerick (away); Mar 30 v Leitrim (home); Apr 6 v Fermanagh (away); Apr 13 v Louth (home).



Mick O'Dwyer

Mick O'Dwyer, now 72, will miss the initial stages of the NFL after undergoing a hip replacement operation. Arthur French assumed the managerial role for their Tommy Murphy Cup win over Antrim and will take charge for the League's early games as Micko recuperates assisted by selector Kevin O'Brien.

Wicklow will be looking to push on from that TMC winning finish to 2007 and should be one of those challenging at the high end of Division 4. Promotion places carry with them SFC benefits as a top two finish avoids being graded in the Tommy Murphy Cup once knocked out of the Championship. Wicklow gave Leinster a tremendous crack last summer. Louth only managed to beat them after three first round battles after their initial replay ended a draw after extra-time.

Three wins from seven games in the NFL last term consigned them to inclusion in the restructure Division 4 but their summer efforts suggest they are capable of getting themselves out of the basement section. Face a fascinating opener against the county they so dramatically beat at the end of extra-time at Croke Park for the TMC, Antrim, at home. Promotion challenge hampered though by temporary loss of talisman Leighton Glynn. He underwent groin surgery recently and while back in light training is expected to miss the early rounds. Bonus there is that Waterford and Kilkenny are their second and third opponents. In the Leinster SFC open May 18 versus Kieran McGeeney's Kildare.

NFL status: Division Four

NFL fixtures: Feb 3 v Antrim (home); Feb 9 v Waterford (away); Feb 16 bye; Mar 2 v Kilkenny (home); Mar 16 v Offaly (home); Mar 30 v Clare (away); Apr 6 v London (away); Apr 13 v Carlow (home); Apr 20 v Tipperary (away)

[GrandMasterFlash]

Thanks a lot Aointrim. You're a gent. When did the IN become free online? I wasn't expecting that I have to say..

[Rav67]

Thanks a lot Aointrim. You're a gent. When did the IN become free online? I wasn't expecting that I have to say..

Just about the time i paid £65 for a year's online subsciption

[Our Nail Loney]

Unlucky Rav lad! Sure you've money to burn anyway

[Maguire01]

Why do you need a subscription? I can access them all for free!
http://www.irishnews.com/todayspdf.asp?catid=5834

Can everyone not do that?

[Maguire01]

At least 6 months - i'm thinking closer to a year since i've been accessing it.

[Puckoon]

When was Frankie Dolan recalled to the roscommon panel. I thought his days were numbered?