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Post by nicoshea on Aug 26, 2011 11:30:45 GMT
Apparently team wont be named til Sunday Morning
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Post by MrRasherstoyou on Aug 26, 2011 16:59:41 GMT
Alot of talk in the papers about "match-ups" between players, but the way teams line out and inter-change positions and pack defence at times it's hard to clearly judge alot of "match-ups".
I do think that Donegal will assume Dublin will aim to start fast and wiht a fairly high line, alot to be gained from having a lead and then sitting on it these days, therefore I expect Donegal to use the opportunity of early space to try and seize the initiaive.
Of course I could be completely wrong and they may as many expect aim to keep tight until 15 minutes to go, in which case expect loads of scrimmages and fouling and no flow. The obvious aim being to stay in the game and finish more strongly.
For that to work for Donegal they need two things - Dublin not to have the intensity of the last day, and they themselves to improve on what they did against Kildare. One of the big questions for Dublin is have they learned to be patient and to maintain their discipline and structure in the last 15 minutes. If Dublin have that intensity and patience, then Donegal will be shooting themselves in the feet trying to keep it tight right from the start. They are gambling on Dublin doing what they have done in the past, having a whirlwind start, then losing initiative and discipline/structure. For me I don't want to see Dublin have that sort of start, if they do, I think Donegal would stay patient and try to wear them down when the lull comes. So Dublin either need full-on intensity for the whole game, or to have controlled intensity then look to make a big move early in the 2nd half, and still keep a bit in reserve. If Donegal choose to go for a quick start, they can dictate the tempo of the game better, and not find themselves behind and unable to get a foothold in the game. I suppose whatever way you look at it Donegal are gambling with the approach they take. If I was McGuinnes I'd want to not lose the game thinking I could have gambled a bit by attacking early on, but then I've no doubt he's not thinking of defeat! I will hope that this will finally be our day in a semi, whether by one point or more, or after a replay. Whatever happens, I think luck will play a part, and the ref!
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Post by bouncingsoul on Aug 26, 2011 17:58:06 GMT
Tyrone GAA club Drumragh Sarsfields will be collecting for The Michaela Foundation in Dublin on Sunday as part of their Great Solo Run which will see 150 club members solo a football, in relay, from their home pitch in Clanabogan outside Omagh all the way to Croke Park - 1 ball, 150 runners, 115 miles, 30 hours and 36,000 solos.
The first runner will leave Clanabogan at 9am on Saturday and the final runner will arrive shortly before the Dublin Donegal game on Sunday.
We will also be collecting in the 14 towns/villages we pass along the way. All money raised along the route will be going to The Michaela Foundation.
For more information visit greatsolorun.net.
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Post by nkgirl on Aug 26, 2011 18:30:06 GMT
Dublin 1-17 Donegal 0-18
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Post by patrickireland on Aug 26, 2011 18:45:10 GMT
As a defeated Tyrone supporter, I will be supporting Donegal on Sunday, I have been searching for All Ireland Final Tickets, like gold dust, so I have entered all the FREE competitions I can find - Irish Times - Town House Dublin - Globetrotters Hostel Dublin - are all running Free competitions for All Ireland Tickets, please let me know if there are any competitions I have missed.
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Post by misteallaigh abú on Aug 26, 2011 20:59:46 GMT
I think that Dublin will win this game simply because their forward unit is more productive than Donegal's. It will be interesting to see how Diarmuid Connolly deals with the physical challenge presented by Neil Magee. The Brogan brothers will find it harder to find space than they did against Tyrone. However, the mobility and fluidity that the Dublin middle six showed against Tyrone, if repeated here, will wear the Donegal resistance, eventually. Dublin need to keep the ball moving at speed, as they did previously.
I am hoping that this will be an entertaining game but I cant see that happening unless Dublin score an early goal or two. Donegal would have no choice then but to throw off the shackles and play a more open brand of football.
The biggest test for this Dublin team will be if things start to go against them on Sunday. Will they revert to panic mode and play individually, each trying harder than the next to be the hero or will they keep their patience and stick to the plan (ala Cork last year). They will have surely learned enough at this stage to keep their patience?
Dublin have a strong bench and the strong running Mc Menamin will be ideally suited to the last 25 minutes of this game when weariness in the Donegal defence may enable him to do damage.
It will be an occasion to savour, I hope the Dubs win, looking forward to it.
P.S I saw the Dublin minor team annihilate the Kildare minors in Parnell Park earlier this summer and I was in awe of what I saw. Dublin were very impressive all over the park and gave a lesson on how football should be played. I invested a few Euro at 9/2 to win the Minor title the following day. I believe it will end up being money well spent as this is one of the most impressive minor teams that I have seen in a while. They should account for Galway on Sunday.
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Post by Ard Mhacha on Aug 26, 2011 23:32:43 GMT
I was in Donegal during the week, and there's a great buzz about the county. There's hardly a house or shop that doesn't have a Donegal flag on it. The match is always a topic of conversation.
The best sign I seen up was 'McGUINNESS IS GOOD FOR YOU'.
I hope they can make the final. Would be a great lift for the whole county.
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Post by MrRasherstoyou on Aug 27, 2011 13:11:24 GMT
Although it's nervewracking and so much at stake, I've really enjoyed the build-up to this. It's fantastic to be in the semi again, nothing like the hurt and emptyness of not being involved at this stage, and it's also been wonderful the past two years that the semi-final pairings have been at least fairly fresh and we're guaranteed a team in the final that hasn't been there in a long while.
I hope the game is a great contest and that we can get the result. Should be some atmosphere & colour with all the Donegal and Ulster fans, and the Galway folks too. Was just in town this morning and it gives me great pride and excitement to see the big blue & navy flags fly along the Liffey in the lead up to games like this. Am praying this year we finally have a final to show them off too!
The minors have been very impressive and tomorrow have to cope with a very big favourites tag against a county team that has great history of success at that level. Once again, a great thrill and pride to see our young lads out there at this stage, and to hear the legendary tones and words of Micheál O'Sé. Every time I hear his voice it sends a thrill through me, because not only does he do a fantastic job of commentating on the minor games, it evokes for me the August and september sundays of my younger years when it would signify the final buil-up/count-down to the senior game, which in football would often in those days involve my own county team. I hope he keeps going because it will never be the same for me when he finishes - another good 15 years in you at least Micheál! Go n'eirí leat.
Go n'eirí le na Dubs!
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Post by Mickmack on Aug 27, 2011 14:38:57 GMT
Dublin ready to book showdown with Kingdom
GAELIC GAMES: A tight game will suit Donegal – that’s their one and only chance and I expect Dublin to win by five or six points,
writes JOHN O'KEEFFE
WE ALL know by now how both teams will set up, particularly Donegal. They will stick to Jim McGuinness’s rigid blueprint that has delivered an Ulster title, held off Kildare in Croke Park and saw them reach an All-Ireland under-21 final last year.
Putting 13 men behind the ball sends out the message that they seek a low-scoring contest and will try to take the few opportunities that present themselves. Donegal feel they are well capable of breaking out of their ultra-defensive mode and playing an open, expansive game but only when the moment demands it.
They will hope for a similar half-time score to the Kildare game, 0-5 to 0-3, as it provided confirmation that their tactics were working.
The task for Dublin is to punch holes in their collective belief as early as possible. I hope they don’t think the solution is to take a gung-ho approach from the throw-in because that patently doesn’t work against Donegal.
McGuinness has them well-drilled to resist attacks to their jugular. Kildare rather naively went route one to Tomás O’Connor in the initial stages and it robbed them of some important scores, if they had been more calculated in their approach.
You won’t get lucky against this Donegal defence. Neil McGee is a fine full back and there are just too many bodies clogging up the central arteries.
Dublin must attack with width and trust their long-range shooting even more than they did against Tyrone. Not that I expect 0-7 from Diarmuid Connolly, yet four or five Dublin players must find their range at some stage tomorrow.
The centre of Donegal’s defence is a no-go area. Just ask Antrim, Tyrone, Derry or Kildare.
Dublin have added a few strings to their bow during this championship campaign. The use of accurate kick-passing has become a weapon.
To progress it will be about playing with pace and composure. As they have done all year. But the pressure will never have been so great. They expected the white heat intensity from Tyrone and had prepared accordingly. It will surely come tomorrow.
A few early points from Connolly or the Brogans would seem important as it would eventually draw Donegal out of their defensive shell.
The fitness level of both teams is immense. Donegal’s short hand-passing game is a notable contrast to Dublin’s approach. It puts more demands on the physical element and is very difficult to sustain over 70 minutes.
If Dublin can repeat the same standard of skill levels from the wet conditions of the quarter-final against Tyrone then they will be almost impossible to defeat. Looking at their middle eight I see an impressive energy, mobility and athleticism. No other county compares to them in this area at the moment.
Denis Bastick was previously seen as a weakness but his marking of Seán Cavanagh puts that idea to rest. Barry Cahill still has a hugely significant role in the team as well.
But it is Paul Flynn, above anyone else, who typifies the principles of Pat Gilroy’s team. There is his selfless tracking back coupled with lung-busting attacking runs that are sometimes just to provide a decoy to ensure clean ball gets in to Bernard Brogan or Connolly. His delivery of possession inside is also important as is his ability to recover quickly and go again. He is the modern Dublin footballer, in the Gilroy way.
When Donegal realise an All-Ireland final cannot be reached without opening up the play and kicking some scores, we will see some quality football.
In Michael Murphy they have one of the best forwards in the country. However, Rory O’Carroll did a fabulous man-marking job on him in last year’s All-Ireland under-21 final. He played him from the front. That will be required again tomorrow but I don’t think O’Carroll will be left isolated on Murphy. Dublin never allow this to happen anymore.
Cian O’Sullivan is the man to provide assistance as he proved so excellently against Tyrone. Against Kildare, Colm McFadden seemed to struggle for pace in the wide open spaces of Croke Park.
Maurice Deegan’s interpretation of the tackle law will be significant because there will be plenty of contact. Both teams have developed a method of stripping opponents of possession. It is legal. Now all they need is the correct refereeing.
The determination of both teams to turn over possession is a key strength.
Donegal tackle in packs and it is aggressive. There is a fine line between winning possession and conceding a scoreable free.
There will be numerous examples tomorrow. Watch when a player carries the ball into a crowded area. Does he get the free or is he penalised for overcarrying? The referee will have the best view of each moment of contact. It could prove the difference in a tight game.
Overall, I just feel that Dublin will move on. They are further down the road as a group of players and coaches than Donegal. There is the bitter memory of losing to Cork at this stage last season. It should provide adequate motivation.
A mental fragility reared its head when the game was there to be won 12 months ago, and it was apparent again in the league final. Those slips in discipline seem to have since been eradicated.
Proof will only come in the last 10 minutes because Donegal proved in extra-time against Kildare that they have the necessary leadership in Kevin Cassidy and Karl Lacey to punish any team.
A tight game will suit Donegal. That’s their one and only chance.
I expect Dublin to win by five or six points and show they are the best-equipped team to take on Kerry in September.
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Post by Ballyfireside on Aug 27, 2011 16:58:56 GMT
I seen a better sign in Donegal 37 > 92
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Post by aranteorainn on Aug 28, 2011 14:23:45 GMT
Although it's nervewracking and so much at stake, I've really enjoyed the build-up to this. It's fantastic to be in the semi again, nothing like the hurt and emptyness of not being involved at this stage, and it's also been wonderful the past two years that the semi-final pairings have been at least fairly fresh and we're guaranteed a team in the final that hasn't been there in a long while. I hope the game is a great contest and that we can get the result. Should be some atmosphere & colour with all the Donegal and Ulster fans, and the Galway folks too. Was just in town this morning and it gives me great pride and excitement to see the big blue & navy flags fly along the Liffey in the lead up to games like this. Am praying this year we finally have a final to show them off too! The minors have been very impressive and tomorrow have to cope with a very big favourites tag against a county team that has great history of success at that level. Once again, a great thrill and pride to see our young lads out there at this stage, and to hear the legendary tones and words of Micheál O'Sé. Every time I hear his voice it sends a thrill through me, because not only does he do a fantastic job of commentating on the minor games, it evokes for me the August and september sundays of my younger years when it would signify the final buil-up/count-down to the senior game, which in football would often in those days involve my own county team. I hope he keeps going because it will never be the same for me when he finishes - another good 15 years in you at least Micheál! Go n'eirí leat. Go n'eirí le na Dubs! The All-Ireland Minor Finals will be in English on TV3 & as gaeilge on 3e with Sean Og O hAilpin co commentating on the Minor Hurling Final.
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pony
Senior Member
Posts: 385
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Post by pony on Aug 28, 2011 15:03:32 GMT
I don't care who either of these teams would be playing in a final, Kerry not Kerry, once neither of them EVER win it, playing this kind of muck!! And worse still Dublin get away with it scott free, whereas Donegal will be dragged from pillar to post in the press, and rightly so!
Utter utter rubbish
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mozzy
Senior Member
Nunc Coepi
Posts: 746
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Post by mozzy on Aug 28, 2011 16:44:25 GMT
The best part of this brutal horror show was the panel - I thought they were hilarious today and called it like it was ... as in Pat's Spillane, I know of a tribe in Iraq called The Shiates .... and that there was shiat ...
brutal stuff - although it probably served Dublin good to come through a test like that -
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Post by veteran on Aug 28, 2011 16:59:06 GMT
Thanks be to the great God. It looked for a while as if Donegal would come through but there is a God there after all.
That was an appalling decision by Rory Hickey the linesman to facilitate the sending off of Diarmuid Connolly for a no more than a pushing offence. If Diarmuid's action constituted striking, then surely a red card should have been issued also to Donegal's number eight for a similar "strike" in the same incident. I genuinely hope that this red card is appealed and rescinded. It is unforgivable if a player misses an All-Ireland final for such a triviality.
The problem with football is not the implementation of the blanket defence but rather the incessant use of the hand pass. Curtail it to two passes in any one movement, as was successfully tried before, and our game would be transformed.
As for the final, it would be foolish for Kerry people to judge Dublin on today's performance. Very likely Kerry would also have struggled against this type of Donegal strategy today.
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mozzy
Senior Member
Nunc Coepi
Posts: 746
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Post by mozzy on Aug 28, 2011 17:12:20 GMT
As for the final, it would be foolish for Kerry people to judge Dublin on today's performance. Very likely Kerry would also have struggled against this type of Donegal strategy today. absolutely - that was a great test for Dublin and will do their confidence a load of good - I truly hope Kerry don't listen to the hype now and get ahead of themselves - I expect Dublin to come out all guns ablazing - going for lots of goals - hope that back line is ready for them.... they won't be this bad again - and Kerry will allow them play their football -
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Post by Kingdomson on Aug 28, 2011 17:27:48 GMT
Dublin’s mental fortitude was tested today to the hilt and they came through with flying colours. Today was about patience and character and Dublin had it in abundance. Dublin’s footballing ability this year was not in question and their mental fortitude will not be in question after today. They will be very, very, hard to stop.
We are in for a right battle in the final and may the best footballing team win!! Congratulations to Dublin on reaching their first All Ireland Final in 16 years.
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Post by kerrygold on Aug 28, 2011 17:29:22 GMT
Kerry will need to be at their best to win the final on the third Sunday in September, big opportunity for Dublin, the perfect way to go into a final on the back of a poor semi final performance. kerry will need to get everything spot on with several of their players playing above themselves and current form.
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dart
Senior Member
Posts: 277
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Post by dart on Aug 28, 2011 17:35:27 GMT
The problem with football is not the implementation of the blanket defence but rather the incessant use of the hand pass. Curtail it to two passes in any one movement, as was successfully tried before, and our game would be transformed. When was it tried because I truly believe at this stage that something needs to be done. Donegal would play 70 mins with out a kick pass. Sad.
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Post by ciarrai4sam on Aug 28, 2011 18:46:30 GMT
What a dire dour game
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thepope
Fanatical Member
Posts: 1,278
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Post by thepope on Aug 28, 2011 20:04:17 GMT
The worst game of football I've ever seen. Feel sorry for anyone who paid to see it.
Analysis of the dubs on today's performance would be a waste of time, no team should be judged on playing 14 defenders.
Congrats though to the dubs and rashers, job done and a place in the final deservedly achieved.
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Post by nkgirl on Aug 28, 2011 20:10:33 GMT
Didnt see the game but all I got was text from people saying "Puke Football"... Glad didnt stay in to watch it after all
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Post by austinstacksabu on Aug 28, 2011 20:18:03 GMT
At one stage McFadden launched an attack - he was on the 45 and Donegal's only player inside the 50!!
Says it all about that game.
Next.
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Post by misteallaigh abú on Aug 28, 2011 20:30:17 GMT
Spot on pope. Anyone who judges the merits of Dublin challenge for the All-Ireland on the basis of today's performance is deluding themselves. Dublin had a massive test of their hunger and character today and they stood up to it. They will be an extremely difficult proposition for Kerry on the 18th of September. Today's game was as bad as could be imagined, an advertisement more for rugby league that anything else. I heard on the radio that Donegal completed 223 handpasses. That just about summed them up for me.
Well done to Dublin for sticking with it and not panicking. They are where they deserve to be. Hopefully we can look forward to a mighty battle and some quality football in three weeks time.
Diarmuid Connolly's sending off, in the context of the game, was most unfortunate. How the linesman ( Mr Hickey from Clare I believe) could have reported him for striking for that is madness. The Donegal player made some meal of it which was even more disappointing.
Anyway, onwards and upwards I suppose. It will be interesting to see if the Sunday game call it as it was. The most cynical, negative, putrid game of handball seen in Croke park in quite a while.
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Post by austinstacksabu on Aug 28, 2011 20:38:46 GMT
From where I was sitting - in line with the action - Connolly raised the hand first. That is a strike. Red card.
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Post by kerrygold on Aug 28, 2011 20:48:03 GMT
I wonder would Maurice Deegan like to explain the difference in his refereeing today of tackles on BB and KD in 2008. Maybe it was just total bias against KD ?
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Johnnyb
Fanatical Member
Posts: 1,444
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Post by Johnnyb on Aug 28, 2011 20:51:50 GMT
The best thing about todays game was that Donegal lost.
Kerry v Dublin, cant wait.
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Post by timelyinterception on Aug 28, 2011 21:06:34 GMT
Twas like a slightly better game of Rugby League. But still kinda entertaining. Now people are quick to jump on Donegal and critisise them, Dublin are nearly as bad, not quiet as bad, but nearly. They are very cynical at times as well, and downright arrogant for a shower of ****** who have won absoloutely nothing in the game. I'd love to clatter their midfielder Denis Spastic, false hitting all day by him. And as for Connolly, he was stupid enough to raise his hand so therefore he should be justly punished and miss the final. He is over-rated anyway and if i was Jack O Connor i'd be more worried about their other 5 Forwards.
Dublin do play an intense game and Kerry will be all out to beat them. If anything Kerry could take from todays game, perhaps they could look at Donegals defensive approach, and link it in somehow with their attack. Anyway, interesting few weeks ahead, cant wait for it.
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Post by Mickmack on Aug 28, 2011 21:28:26 GMT
I turned to the wife when Connolly got the red card and said "Dublin will win now. Donegal wont get a break from the ref after this".
At least 3 crucial decisions went Dublins way that decided the game
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Post by jackiel on Aug 28, 2011 21:56:10 GMT
This was the most awful display,seemed like the longest 70mins ever.Tthere were 2 Armagh men I spoke to at half time who said they hoped Donegal wouldn't win cos they'd ruin football.Deegan seemed to give a few soft decisions Dublins way. Dublin will be coming out all guns blazing in 3 weeks time and we'll have to be ready for them. All going well we get a decent game and obviously Sam goes back home to Kerry. Saw Jack, Diamuid & Ger O Keeffe there- would love to hear their opininions on the spectacle we were served up today.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2011 22:05:31 GMT
Putrid stuff. Fair play to Dublin in having the mental resolve to see it through. For the historians out there, when was the last time we had as low a scoring semi?? I can't ever remember any game with as low a score! I think some rule has to come in restrict the number of hand passes. Maybe after three hand passes it has to be kicked or something. It's a total scurge. All the younger coaches seem to be adopting this posession at all costs crap. I remember Wexford in the Leinster final hand passing their way though the entire game (which incidently led to numerous turn overs and cost them the game not the OG). Justin McNulty is doing the same thing with Laois.
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