Flynn's plan a major step forward for Meath

In part one of our two-part interview with the new Meath u-20 manager Fergal Lynch talk to Bernard Flynn about the wealth of experience and committment that Flynn's backroom team will bring to the table.

After much procrastination and criticism from many quarters Meath GAA finally announced Bernard Flynn as the new manager of the county u-20 football team at Monday night's first Co Board meeting of the year.

Flynn, who coached Nobber to an IFC title in 2008 and who managed Mullingar Shamrocks to a Westmeath SFC final, will take over the reins from Ger Robinson.

The former St Colmcille's player has appointed Mayo Ladies manager Peter Leahy, Kilmacud Crokes boss and former Dunboyne player Robbie Brennan, Meath legend Graham Geraghty and recently retired Graham Reilly to his backroom team.

Last weekend Flynn contacted 60 players and gave them all a fitness programme to be maintained until collective training resumes after Covid restrictions are lifted.

"I contacted the players personally over the weekend and everyone wanted to join the panel, they’re all eager to get going," he told the Meath Chronicle.

"I also needed two good men on the coaching end to work with me. Peter Leahy might raise a few eyebrows in some circles, but I know Peter very well and I have always told him that if I was to get involved in managing again that I would want him with me.

"Peter is one of the best coaches and trainers in the country. What he has done behind the scenes already for us is very impressive and the players will see the benefit of that coaching almost immediately. He is a phenomenal coach and trainer and we have everything planned out already.

"What we are about is increasing intensity. Our intensity levels at training will be very high with Peter and myself involved.

"We will work on intensity and aggression, I've felt that in the past we have been too nice at this level.

"Skills of the game will be another big focus for us, but we will be looking at tackling, intensity and aggression and Peter will certainly get the best out of everyone in those aspects of our game.

"I think we are very lucky to get Robbie Brennan. He expressed, through Seamus Kenny, that he might be interested in getting involved and when I met with him in Dunboyne I was very impressed with him.

"He has done a great job with Kilmacud Crokes in Dublin and he will continue to manage them.

"We will train on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays, so our training won't impact on his job with Kilmacud.

"Robbie is a gem. His enthusiasm and the way he talks about the game and his ideas are infectious.

"After meeting him I knew he was someone we had to have on board with us. He ticks all the boxes for me.

"I'm very clear in what I want from my team and what I expect from them, Peter and Robbie will do the coaching and we will work well together to achieve those goals.

"I've had Graham Geraghty earmarked to help us out for a few weeks. I certainly won't be flogging the man, but he has expressed an interest at getting involved and helping out at under-age level and when I asked him to join us he said he would.

"I want to get Graham to implement a plan and a coaching strategy to show how good he was at using his body and his movement, he was one of the best in the game at that.

"I want him to deliver those skills to the young lads in Meath, that is his job, so we won't be flogging him too hard as he continues his recovery.

"Graham Reilly is someone I have had on my radar for a good while. I know from talking to people at home that he is very highly regarded for the work he does with young people through his camps and his coaching, he is brilliant with young players.

"He is mad keen to get involved. When I contacted him his enthusiasm was amazing and he is eager to get going.

"I want him to put together a plan of exercises that will help improve the skills of our young players.

"Graham Reilly is a former Meath player of the highest quality. He was nominated for Allstars, he was a former Meath captain and for five or six years he was without doubt our best forward, so he has a huge amount to bring to the table.

"He is a young man, relative to football nowadays, and to have a young man like him involved will be a great boost to the young lads of Meath.

"I have picked a backroom team, not because they're my mates, because everyone of them has a job to do and I believe they can bring their best to the table for the betterment of Meath football.

"We can do as much as we can and we will give everything to prepare the team, but the ownership of the Meath jersey will be handed over to the players to take responsibility for their own performances, their own fitness and everything necessary to be the best.

"It has to be empowered from within the group," said the two-time All-Ireland winning Meath star.

TOMORROW - In part two of our interview with new Meath u-20 boss Bernard Flynn the former St Colmcille's man explains what he expects from his players and he explains the plans in place for the development of young players coming out of minor football.