The vote took place at a county board meeting and was held in secret after the Meath executive recommended that the incumbent’s term with the side not be extended.

The executive had voted 8-7 in favour of letting the former Meath minor manager go but the clubs rejected the recommendation put forward.

LMFM Radio reported that the management committee did not receive the two-thirds majority it needed and that the Yes votes outweighed the no votes.

46 voted in favour of retaining McEntee for another year while 27 agreed with the committee. There was one spoiled vote.

The former Ballyboden St Enda’s manager has been at the helm of his native county’s senior side since 2016 and has taken them to Division One as well as two Leinster finals.

However, the county are yet to win a Leinster title since 2010 and have struggled to bridge the gap between themselves and Dublin on several occasions.

The Royals exited the Leinster Senior Football Championship at the semi-final stage this year after losing to Dublin by three points in a loss that also marked the end of their All-Ireland Senior Football Championship campaign.

Their second-half performance in the match was hailed by many as they came close to stopping Dublin, who won their 11th Delaney Cup in a row this year before eventually falling short to All-Ireland finalists Mayo.

Meath GAA announced the news on social media after the meeting had taken place: “The Meath G.A.A. County Committee has decided to endorse Andy McEntee as the County Senior Football Manager for 2022.

“Andy McEntee will now complete his three-year term and we are excited for the new year of Gaelic games to come.”

The post McEntee to stay on with Meath for 2022 season appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Burke was at the helm for Wicklow’s promotion from Division Four in 2020 and their success in retaining Division Three status for 2022.

The side beat then-Ulster champions Cavan by two points to secure third-tier football for another year in a shock win.

They reached the quarter-finals of the 2020 Leinster Senior Football Championship after a win over Wexford but fell to the same opponent in this year’s Championship in the preliminary round.

Wicklow GAA have thanked Burke for his contributions to their senior football team over the past two seasons: “Wicklow GAA would like to sincerely thank Davy Burke and his management team for all their hard work and dedication over the past two years.

“Both the 2020 and 2021 seasons were severely hampered with COVID restrictions, but the constant drive from Davy to improve standards resulted in promotion to Division 3 for 2022.

“We wish Davy the very best in the future and thank him for everything he has done for Wicklow GAA.”

Burke has issued a statement on his decision: “I would like to thank the group of Wicklow players that I was extremely lucky to have worked with over the past 2 years.

“I am very proud of the group and what they have achieved in gaining promotion from division 4 and retaining division 3 status for 2022 in what were very challenging times.

“I can’t thank my management team of Mike Hassett and Gary Jameson enough for their huge effort and unwavering support over the 2 years.

“I would also like to thank our backroom team for their time, commitment and expertise they each brought to our setup.

“Finally, I would like to thank the Wicklow County Board, the Wicklow Clubs and our team sponsor Renault for their invaluable support.

“Wicklow Football is in a very strong position and I look forward to following their continued progress in the coming years.”

The post Wicklow Boss Davy Burke Resigns After Two Years appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Five players from the provincial champions, Dublin and Tyrone, make an appearance in the latest team of the week.

Three spots are awarded to Leinster runners-up Kildare who had some individual gems against Dublin on Sunday in Croke Park.

The final two spots are filled by Monaghan players after their spirited second-half display put Tyrone to the sword.

Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan is one-half of his county’s representatives and earned his spot in the team after a magnificent display in the Ulster final.

The sweeper-keeper offered a different option to Tyrone counterpart Niall Morgan’s high press on kick-outs.

The Scotstown star was the 15th outfield player for his side in their first Ulster final since 2015 as he pushed up the pitch and offered himself as an extra man high up the pitch.

His work rate was evident in the fantastic steal he pulled off on Tyrone full-forward Conor McKenna, who was charging down on a Beggan-less net.

His ability to commit to this role so well and the impact it had on Monaghan makes him deserving of a spot in the team.

Padraig Hampsey is in at right corner-back after he shut down Monaghan danger man Conor McManus on the big stage.

The Tyrone skipper was up to the task and restricted McManus to just one point from play.

His leadership to organise the defence in the closing stages were also evident once again – Tyrone’s backs have formed the standout defence of this year’s Championship.

Kildare’s Kevin Flynn and Daniel Flynn appear in the left wing-back and centre full-forward spots respectively.

The pair were integral in Kildare’s competitive nature for much of the game.

Kevin Flynn’s high work rate imposed his authority on the Dubs while Daniel Flynn’s scoring ability and his fantastic goal was worthy of selection.

Dublin duo Ciarán Kilkenny and Niall Scully scored important points in the pivotal third quarter of the Leinster final to put the game beyond doubt.

Some of their work in defence was of a high standard too.

GAA.ie Football Team Of The Week – 3/8/2021

1. Rory Beggan (Monaghan)
2. Padraig Hampsey (Tyrone)
3. Mark Dempsey (Kildare)
4. Conor Boyle (Monaghan)
5. Brian Howard (Dublin)
6. Kieran McGeary (Tyrone)
7. Kevin Flynn (Kildare)
8. Brian Fenton (Dublin)
9. Conor Meyler (Tyrone)
10. Cormac Costello (Dublin)
11. Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)
12. Niall Scully (Dublin)
13. Darren McCurry (Tyrone)
14. Daniel Flynn (Kildare)
15. Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone)

The post GAA.ie Football Team Of The Week 3/8/2021 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The All-Ireland winning manager cited the lack of impact the Dublin bench had on the game – Ryan Basquel was the only point scorer off the bench.

He compared the Dublin benches from previous Delaney Cup successes over Kildare and Laois in 2017 and 2018 with the one at the county’s disposal on Sunday.

The past benches featured the likes of Jack McCaffrey, Kevin McManamon and Paul Flynn.

Their bench in the 2017 final against Kildare was worth seven points to Dublin on the day, six greater than the bench on Sunday amassed.

Fitzmaurice noted that the bench is “possibly one area that [Dublin] aren’t as strong as they were”.

The bench has been a huge asset to Dublin’s football team in recent years with their replacements having been able to enter the match after 50 minutes and play to the same level and intensity the starters had.

McManamon was the most recognisable figure that Dublin would look to when they needed a change and the St Judes forward is the catalyst for several important moments throughout the team’s recent history.

He is still part of the Dublin panel but is currently in Tokyo as the sports psychologist is part of Team Ireland’s boxing camp.

Fitzmaurice praised Dublin’s high work rate under Dessie Farrell and used examples from Sunday’s game to showcase that.

The Sunday Game pundit analysed their performance and labelled the intensity they showed as the county’s “cornerstone”.

Dublin, although troubled in attack for periods of the final, put up a dogged display, retaining the ball all over the pitch throughout the game.

Fitzmaurice applauded the Dublin forwards for tracking back and helping out their defence whenever Kildare had possession.

Their inability to roll over for their opposition is something that Fitzmaurice believes is proof that the side is still among the top teams in the country.

“I think their work rate and the way they are tackling shows they’re not ready to give it up just yet.”

The post ‘Dublin Bench One Area Of Weakness’ – Eamonn Fitzmaurice appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Dublin beat Kildare by 0-20 to 1-9 in Croke Park to retain the Delaney Cup and win their 60th Leinster title overall.

Dessie Farrell’s side was not perfect on Sunday but a strong third quarter put the game beyond any doubt after a close third half.

The eight-point win margin was the county’s lowest in a Leinster final since 2013 when Jim Gavin’s Dublin beat Meath by seven points (2-14 to 0-15) on their way to a first All-Ireland out of six under the 10-year Dublin veteran.

Dessie Farrell gave his thoughts on the Delaney Cup win over Kildare in a post-game interview with DubsTV.

The inter-county manager lamented his side’s shot selection in the first half after they squandered several chances.

The side looked as if they wanted to walk the ball through the Kildare defence and it was detrimental to their impact in the opening half.

Their strong third quarter saw the side revert to taking high-possibility chances when presented with them.

“Having discussed it at half-time, the players themselves saw that as a challenge,” Farrell said.

Kildare played the game defensively with some extra players dropping back to stifle the Dubs’ impact in attack.

Their set-up led to Dublin often moving the ball from side to side in an attempt to open up spaces for their forwards to take advantage of.

Ciarán Kilkenny led the Dubs’ third-quarter charge with two points, with Niall Scully also grabbing two in a period that was worthy of the Leinster title.

Dublin’s focus now turns to their All-Ireland semi-final showdown with Connacht champions Mayo, in a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final.

“[Mayo] were very, very impressive in that second-half performance against Galway in the Connacht final. Very little separates the teams over the year’s so I think everyone can expect a massive tussle.”

The post Dublin Football Manager Dessie Farrell On Leinster Final Win v Kildare appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Dublin will go head to head with Kildare at Croke Park in Dublin this coming Sunday at 4.00 pm in the Leinster Senior Football Championship Final live on RTÉ.

The Dubs are coming into this match on a streak of 10 consecutive Leinster title wins starting all the way back in 2011, defeating Wexford by a mere goal.

Since then they have dispatched many of their Leinster counterparts sparingly, Meath (5 times), Laois (1 time), Westmeath (2 times), Wexford (1 time), and Kildare (1 time).

In those ten finals since 2011, Dublin has averaged a winning margin of 23 points, with their largest being a 30 point victory in last years route against Meath.

Outscoring their opponents by 109 in Leinster finals in the past decade with a scoreline of 20-166 (226) to 4-105 (117)

Almost unbeatable in Leinster, any fixture involving Dublin is a foregone conclusion on who the victor will be,

This year, however, Dessie Farrell’s side are playing unusually below the Dublin standard. Winning their Allianz League (shared with Kerry).

Looking tame in the quarter-final victory over Wexford, only winning by 0-08 points and looking shaky against Meath in the semi-final winning by 6 points.

It has been the closest year in over a decade where Dublin look somewhat beatable in the provincials.

We have seen this before however when the Dubs don’t perform on any given day, they still find a way to get over the line, that is why they are the greatest footballing side to ever grace the pitch and by some margin.

Kildare are a team on the rise, the appointment of Jack O’Connor was a massive coup for the Lilywhites, having an outstanding career with Kerry, O’Connor gives them a much-needed respect factor,

Only suffering one defeat to a vibrant Clare side during their league campaign, they gained promotion to Division 1 along with Mayo.

Although in their quarter-final and semi-final outings, they got over the line in tough games.

Beating Offaly by 5 points before overcoming a young Westmeath side by 2 points.

They have not reached an All-Ireland Final since 2017, losing to the Dubs 2-23 to 1-17.

If they do defeat the Dubs this weekend, it will be their first Leinster title since 2000, where they took Dublin to a replay, winning by 3 points.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Many of Dublin’s influential players have left the panel this season, Cian O’Sullivan, Eric Lowndes, Paul Mannion, Paddy Andrews and possibly Stephen Cluxton, which has led to a mass exodus of their panel.

The Lilywhites will be without three of their most experienced players through injury.

Midfielder Paul Cribbin will be out for the foreseeable season with two fractured bones in his leg after a fall against Meath in the league.

Fellow midfielder Kevin Feely and defender Eoin Doyle were both forced off during their win against Westmeath in the Leinster semi-final.

Conclusion

As much as I would love Kildare to do the unthinkable and dethrone the Dubs, it won’t happen.

Now, saying that, if Dublin plays as they have been since their league campaign, Kildare could open them up and cause an upset.

Being without three of the key players will not do Kildare any favours, but if they are fit enough to play, their chances of lifting their first Leinster title since 2000 will look increasingly likely.

Come Sunday evening, I believe Dublin will have too much firepower and experience to capture their 11th consecutive Leinster title.

Prediction: Dublin by 8  points

Starting Teams – TBC 

Dublin

Kildare

Betting

Dublin: 1/20

Kildare: 10/1

Draw: 25/1

The post Football – Dublin v Kildare – Starting News, Live Scores, Betting; TV Coverage appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The defender is understood to have left the panel prior to Dublin’s win over Wexford in the Leinster Senior Football Championship quarter-final.

The St. Peregrine’s player is a seven-time All-Ireland champion with the side under both Jim Gavin and Dessie Farrell.

Lowndes featured in every league match for Farrell’s Dubs this year, making one start.

Although he was not a consistent starter throughout his time with the inter-county team, he was a mainstay within the squad and a cult figure among fans of the Dubs.

Wishing the very best of luck to Eric Lowndes who has left the Dublin panel. Eric, a valuable member of the senior panel since 2013, has an incredible 7 All Irelands titles, 8 Leinsters and 6 NFL medals to his name. Thank you for the memories Eric. pic.twitter.com/Kjtaw7m8T0

— Dublin GAA Fans (@DubsGAAFans) July 13, 2021

Lowndes broke through in 2013 alongside Paul Mannion, Ciaran Kilkenny and Jack McCaffrey.

However, while the other three started some of Dublin’s biggest games in the 21st century, the 27-year-old rarely stood in the spotlight.

He made his inter-county debut in 2015 and last appeared in the Championship in the 2020 Leinster final against this week’s opposition Meath.

The news now leaves Dessie Farrell with a headache as he prepares for this weekend with depleted defensive options.

On top of Lowndes’ departure, there are doubts over the fitness of John Small, Jonny Cooper, Eoin Murchan and Robbie McDaid ahead of the 2020 Leinster final rematch with Meath.

The latter went off in the Wexford fixture after sustaining a shoulder injury in the clash and this would have opened up a spot in the side for Lowndes if he was still on the panel.

Tom Lahiff, who replaced McDaid against Wexford, is expected to fill that void once again this weekend instead.

The St. Peregrine man’s departure can be added to a long list of players who have left the Dublin panel or retired since the resignation of Jim Gavin following Dublin’s record-breaking fifth All-Ireland in a row in 2019.

Cian O’Sullivan is the last player to officially announce his departure while Stephen Cluxton is currently not involved with the panel.

The post Dublin Defender Eric Lowndes Leaves Panel appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Kerry native becomes the second inter-county manager to leave his post after Padraic Davis left the Longford job on Sunday.

The four-time All-Ireland winner’s Laois side rounded off a disappointing 2021 with a terrible second-half display against the Lake County.

His side managed only two points in the final 35 minutes of their season and blew a one-point lead they had on Westmeath at half-time.

Laois went from being up 1-08 (11) to 0-10 (10) to losing 3-20 (29) to 1-10 (13).

As there is no backdoor this year, Laois now have to look towards the 2022 season.

Their National Football League left a lot to be desired, with relegation to Division Three capping off a very poor campaign.

The loss to Westmeath only added to the pressure Quirke had come under.

The post Quirke Resigns As Laois Senior Football Manager appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The game will be held at O’Connor Park and coverage of the game will be on GAAGO.

The two teams have had contrasting seasons so far with Carlow impressing but ultimately falling short in the National Football League Division Four while Longford did the opposite in Division Three.

Carlow impressed in Division Four after their strong displays against Waterford and Wexford, against whom they looked a level above.

However, they looked a level below Division Three-bound Louth in their semi-final tie, missing out on promotion as a result.

Their attack looked sharp in all three games.

The quality of Jamie Clarke, Paul Broderick and Darragh Foley in the final third shone throughout the season and the trio will certainly give the Longford defence problems.

The O’Farrell County had a particularly hard time in their season opener against Derry, conceding 21 points.

Cavan registered more (22) but Longford put up a fight to soften the blow.

Longford looked a class below Derry but had close games with Cavan and Fermanagh, the latter being a draw.

The former fell away from them in the second half but their second-half performance against Tipperary in the relegation showcased their potential.

The Fermanagh game was almost a win for the Slashers but a late equaliser prevented that.

Padraic Davis’ men showed some grit in defence and blew Davy Power’s Munster Champions out of the water (and Division Three).

Rian Brady has starred for them in the final third and will look to continue his good form in the Leinster SFC.

Darren Gallagher’s goalscoring exploits have proved important while the ever-reliable Robbie Smyth has also been a feature in this capable Longford attack.

Considering what they did to Division Three defences this year, it is tough to look past Longford in this tie.

Team News

Carlow

C Cunningham, L Roberts, S Redmond, J Moore, J Morrissey, J Murphy, S Bambrick, S Gannon, E Ruth, R Dunphy, C Hulton, J Clarke, C Crowley, P Broderick, D Foley

Longford

P Collum, P Fox, A Farrell, E Macken, I O’Sullivan, M Quinn, C P Smyth, K Diffley, D Gallagher, D Reynolds, D McGivney, D McElligott, R Smyth, J Hagan, R Brady

Predicted Winner: Longford by 5.

Betting

Carlow 2/1

Draw 15/2

Longford 1/2

A Twitter List by IrishScoresGAA

The post Leinster Football Preview, Live scores & Team News : Carlow v Longford appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES ON LOUTH v OFFALY

Both sides come into this year’s Leinster SFC after successful National Football League campaigns that saw the two sides win promotion.

Offaly finished as runners-up in Division Three while Louth beat Carlow by eight points to confirm their spot in next year’s Division Three.

Offaly weathered storms from opposition to reach the Division Three final before being swept aside by winners Derry.

Defensive errors were not unfamiliar to John Maughan’s side before the final.

Half-back John Moloney gifted Wicklow a goal early on in the season opener.

Mickey Harte’s Louth will want to force errors like these and have a penchant for goals.

Star player Sam Mulroy has been the biggest danger in attack for Harte’s men and nabbed four goals for the Wee County in their promotion push.

Ciarán Keenan has also impressed in the forward line under Mickey Harte.

The pair will be a handful for Offaly’s defence.

Offaly’s attack has often looked stagnant in periods, in contrast to Louth, and the side has relied on their substitutes on more than one occasion to get them over the line.

Namely, Niall McNamee has underlined his importance to the side.

The veteran forward kicked eight points as a substitute across their league campaign.

However, Offaly’s inability to score from play against Derry may be an omen for the future.

Joe Maher and Bernard Allen offer scoring threats in the starting 15 but it has not been enough this year so far.

Louth’s defence has kept many of their Division Four rivals in check with one exception of Antrim, the side promoted with Louth.

They conceded only 63 points across four games, the least in Division Three North – Sligo and Leitirm conceded more in just three games.

It will be a big test for the impressive Louth defence but if they can hold off the newly-promoted Division Two side, this season will be a huge success.

Team News

Louth

C Lynch, D Corcoran, D Campbell, D McKenny, E Carolan, A Williams, E Callaghan, B Duffy, C Byrne, L Jackson, S Mulroy, C Downey, C Keenan, C Grimes, R Burns

Offaly

P Duncan, J Lalor, E Rigney, N Darby, C Doyle, C Stewart, D Dempsey, P Cunningham, J Hayes, B Carroll, S Horan, A Sullivan, B Allen, C Farrell, R McNamee

Predicted Winner: Louth by 3.

Betting

Offaly 8/11

Draw 15/2

Louth 11/8

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