U20 Footballers

[ah lethimoutwithit]

Any word on how this group is progressing?
Will be a fairly changed team from the minors of 3 years ago.
Car yes and Cian Bracken are 3 no longer involved plus Cillian Bourke??
Few of last years minors in the mix I’d say?
Play Kildare on 1/4/26 and Wicklow following week I think. Only 3 in the group.
Be interesting to see how they progress and play under Roger Ryan

[Faithfulfollower1]

Anyone know the full panel of this team

[Barnes]

Panel announced tonight few surprises I thought

[Faithfully]

Playing Kildare, who beat Wicklow by 16 points in their opening game, tonight in Hawkfield.

[classof81]

Thoughts on tonight's game?

[jimbob17]

Not good enough tonight unfortunately and Kildare were full value for win. That said, we had young enough team out and they will grow from tonight. Kildare had game last week and had benefit of that which stood to them. I wouldnt fear playing Kildare again if we got through. Main thing I took from it is that pace kills, their middle third were a bit better and physically stronger than ours and their two wing backs hurt us. They were a little more mature on the ball and kept it better than us when they needed to against the wind than we did. Think Bracken's pace could have hurt them bit more in 2nd half when we had more attacks, but he was gone off at early enough at that stage. Got little supply against the wind in first half, and only for Jack Ryan brilliant kicking in first half, game was done early doors......

On plus side, Ryan was exceptional on the frees. Maher was very good, as was Dylan Dunne and McNamee at times. We did well to get back in game and posed a threat at times, but giving up the goal and timing of it was the killer. Some brilliant tackling and dispossessing from Offaly in 2nd half too. We have every chance of getting a run in this competition if we can get out of group.

[Barnes]

Playing Kildare, who beat Wicklow by 16 points in their opening game, tonight in Hawkfield.

Was this the actual team? Amazed to see only 1 Rhode man play? Are they not under 20 county champions? Whats the story with that? I think it's wicklow next in Tullamore next week, win that and we through

[jonsey]

management were slow to make changes which were needed playing against a strong wind in the first half, got back to 2 points early in second half due mainly to Ryan's frees. Offaly looked like a team that had not played together and this match will bring them forward and they should beat Wicklow next Wednesday in Tullamore and be in the quarters. Very dissapointed with Dunne in midfield, also no Offaly support last night, terrible really.

[Lone Shark]

management were slow to make changes which were needed playing against a strong wind in the first half, got back to 2 points early in second half due mainly to Ryan's frees. Offaly looked like a team that had not played together and this match will bring them forward and they should beat Wicklow next Wednesday in Tullamore and be in the quarters. Very dissapointed with Dunne in midfield, also no Offaly support last night, terrible really.

I know I've said this before, but we've U-20 football last night, U-20 hurling Saturday, minor football Tuesday, U-20 football Wednesday, senior football and minor hurling both on Saturday week. Plus our club leagues are up and running, with full rounds of games in one code or another each weekend.

People can only do so much, and the slate of games at this time of year is truly ridiculous.

[greenairfield]

Would the goalie be good enough as senior goalie for goal kicking alone ?

[Lone Shark]

Would the goalie be good enough as senior goalie for goal kicking alone ?

There's no doubt he'll be called into the panel next year. He's not eligible in 2026, you're not allowed play adult intercounty in your first year out of minor.

[biffinbanner]

beat wicklow and into a 1/4 final. onwards and upwards. kildare are very highly rated. it seems mayo have a v v good side.

[Doon Exile]

I know I've said this before, but we've U-20 football last night, U-20 hurling Saturday, minor football Tuesday, U-20 football Wednesday, senior football and minor hurling both on Saturday week. Plus our club leagues are up and running, with full rounds of games in one code or another each weekend.

People can only do so much, and the slate of games at this time of year is truly ridiculous.

And throw in the ludicrous idea of a full fixture of u13 games on Wednesday nights. Can’t fathom for the life of me where the logic behind this is.

I’m coaching our u13’s so couldn’t not go but I wanted to be in Hawkfield. I have contacted the county board asking if they could avoid fixing club games on the same night as any county games - less than favourable response.

[Barnes]

Does anyone know why there isn't more ferbane or rhode players on this? They were by far best teams in under 20 championship

[Plain of the Herbs]

I’d say it’s because the management are picking what they see as the best team that fits in with their plans. Bear in mind that this management has ben with the Minors in each of the last three years – they know each and every footballer in Offaly that’s 18, 19 or 20 this year.

They’d be very foolish to select a team based on club quotas. The cult of the selector. That’s how teams were picked long ago, and why Offaly got nowhere for the first 70 years of the Association in football and the first 85 years in hurling. Thankfully coaching got rid of all that.

I would suggest that Ferbane and Rhode – to pick the two examples you use – are more successful at U20 because they have the stronger overall 15 than clubs like Doon, Pullough, Clodiagh or Ballinagar. Would you leave off a lad from Doon, Pullough, Clodiagh or Ballinagar because they don’t reach U20 finals or semi-finals?

Does anyone know why there isn't more ferbane or rhode players on this? They were by far best teams in under 20 championship