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Post by jackmurphy on Apr 30, 2014 15:46:21 GMT
Here's the NY team to play Mayo :-
NEW YORK 1. Gavin Joyce (Cavan NY/Ballymartin, Down) 2. Ronan McGinley (Cavan NY/Errigal Ciaran, Tyrone) 3. Gerard McCartan (Kerry NY/Burren, Down) 4. Kieran O Connor (Kerry NY/Listowel Emmett’s, Kerry) 5. Keith Scally (Westmeath NY/Tyrrellspass, Westmeath) 6. Paul O Connor (Cork NY/Kilmurry Ibrickane, Clare) 7. Denis O Sullivan (Cork NY/Clonakilty, Cork) 8. Brendan Quigley (Captain, Donegal NY/Timahoe, Laois) 9. Alan Raftery (Cork NY/Oranmore / Maree, Galway) 10. Paddy Boyle (Donegal NY/Castlewellan, Down) 11. Jason Kelly (Offaly NY/Shannonbridge, Offaly) 12. Ross Wherity (Kerry NY/St Eunans, Donegal) 13. Johnny McGeeney (Armagh NY/Culloville Blues, Armagh) 14. Keith Quinn (Leitrim NY/Mayobridge, Down) 15. Gary O Driscoll (Kerry NY/Skellig Rangers, Kerry) Subs 16. Ray Coyle (Mayo NY/Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin, Mayo) 17. Conor McCormack (Kerry NY/St Mary’s, Dublin) 18. Hugh Curran (Cork NY/Newcestown, Cork) 19. Shaun McNamee (Cork NY/Crossmaglen Rangers, Armagh) 20. Niall Farrell (Kerry NY/Donaghmore, Ashbourne, Meath) 21. Lonan Maguire (Leitrim NY/Clones, Monaghan) 22. Tommy Warburton (Cavan NY/Castledaly, Westmeath) 23. James Huvane (St Raymond’s) 24. Pauric Graham (Monaghan NY/Oram Sarsfields, Monaghan) 25. Michael Reilly (Cavan NY/Shercock, Cavan) 26. Richey Morgan (Armagh NY/Keady Micheal Dwyers, Armagh
And a sensational story from the Donegal Democrat :-
There were persistent rumours in Donegal today (Wednesday) that Kilcar’s Mark McHugh was no longer part of the Donegal panel.
However, when contacted McHugh would not confirm that he had left the panel. He said that he was waiting to talk to Jim McGuinness.
McHugh was used as a substitute on Sunday last when Donegal lost out to Monaghan in the Allianz National Football League Division Two final. He was introduced before half-time.
McHugh was not at training with Donegal on Tuesday night and in the aftermath, the rumours that he was no longer part of the squad, started.
The Kilcar man, who won an All-Star in 2012, has been part of the Donegal panel since 2010. He had been troubled by injury for part of this year’s National League and while named for the final game away to Armagh, was not able to start.
It is learned that two other panel members, Gary McFadden of Glenswilly and Thomas McKinley of Naomh Colmcille, have opted out
Efforts to contact Donegal manager, Jim McGuinness, to confirm or deny the departures have been unsuccessful.
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Post by sidelined on Apr 30, 2014 21:50:47 GMT
it been confirmed that 4 members of the panel have opted out. this coupled with the treatment given to cassidy in 2012 raises questions of mcguinness man management which comes across as very dicatorial both to players and county board. after last sundays defeat to monaghan an early defeat in the championship could see a full time position at celtic for jim. the secret of donegal is get in front early ,defend and counter attack. this requires huge work rate and players dont seem to want train to this level for a forth year.
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Post by givehimaball on Apr 30, 2014 22:01:10 GMT
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Post by jackmurphy on May 1, 2014 7:12:03 GMT
Is this the end of the McGuinness Era. The bookmakers certainly think so as Donegal have gone from 11/1 at the start of Apr to 25/1 at the end.
Obviously we are not party to the facts but the signs are very worrying from a Donegal Perspective. The league performances were unspectacular with a loss away to Down and a fortunate home draw with Meath. They seemed very falt against Monaghan although heavy training in Portugal may offer an explanation.
In 2012, Murphy, McFadden, Lacey and McHugh were the 4 key men. Lacey has never fully recovered from his hip probllem IMO and McFadden is not as effective now. Apart from possibly Ryan McHugh, I don't see any new players of the required quality.
Donegal are fortunate that Derry took such morale damaging hammering from Dublin and if they get a win there, then maybe they can get back on track but it looks like Jim will end up as a one trick pony.
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Post by kerrygold on May 1, 2014 14:20:28 GMT
By Paddy Heaney Two sporting events from last weekend illustrated what will have to happen in order for Dublin not to win this year’s All-Ireland title.
In the Liège-Bastogne-Liège classic bike race, Ireland’s Dan Martin was poised to take victory.
Martin won the race last year and after seven hours on the saddle, it looked like he was going to make a successful defence of his crown.
With one kilometre to go, Martin jumped clear of a chasing group and bridged the gap to the two leaders.
Having raced for 164 miles, Martin found himself in the same position as last year. With 200 metres to go, he was sitting on the wheel of a tired escapee. Everything was in place. All Martin had to do was apply the coup de grâce. But at the last corner, Martin’s rear wheel slipped and he crashed. As Martin lay on the road, Australia’s Simon Gerrans swept past and won a sprint finish.
“We figure that there was a patch of oil or something,” said a devastated Martin afterwards. “I think I had tears in my eyes before I even hit the floor.”
And that’s the main thing the Dubs have to fear this year. Failing a Martin-like mishap, an act of God, or a natural disaster — Dublin are going to win the Sam Maguire Cup.
The only other scenario that could give us new All-Ireland champions was witnessed at Anfield. José Mourinho does not care about the beauty of a game you would expect him to love. He doesn’t care about principles or sportsmanship. He doesn’t care what we think of him or his team. Jose cares about winning. He cares about results. End of.
On Sunday, Chelsea travelled to Anfield and, in the words of Brendan Rogers, the visitors “parked two buses”. The fact Chelsea’s two luxury deluxe buses were worth €250m doesn’t matter a jot to Mourinho. Pitted against a first-choice Liverpool side that was assembled for €145m, Chelsea made no pretence to play the game with any semblance of imagination, creativity or flair.
To add insult to Liverpool’s pain, Mourinho’s side also gave a masterclass in time-wasting.
In the first minute, after a foul by Raheem Sterling on Ashley Cole, Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer took more than 60 seconds to take the free-kick (Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton takes less time to take a 45).
For Dublin to relinquish a title that is theirs to lose, the contenders will need a Machiavellian manager, who has a team that will go to any lengths to win.
Yes, there are a few obvious candidates. But here’s the problem, what are the chances of them getting the rub of the green in Croke Park — Dublin’s home ground for league and Championship games? Step forward the referee who will give the benefit of the doubt to a visiting team while 50,000 Dublin fans are screaming in his ear.
We must also remember that Dublin aren’t exactly the wide-eyed innocents that some would have us believe. In last year’s All-Ireland final, they committed four times as many fouls as Mayo. But in Dublin’s defence, there is evidence that Jim Gavin’s men have cleaned up their act. On their recent visit to Omagh, they only committed three times as many fouls as Tyrone (27 to 9). Judging by their performance against Derry on Sunday, the Dubs have also perfected a new style of tackle. I call it the “bear hug”. Taking advantage of their considerable upper body strength, Dublin players quickly wrap their arms around an opponent. This disrupts the target’s momentum and stops him from moving. Crucially, however, the Dubs don’t pull their opponent to the ground. This gets around the threat of a black card. Because they perform the bear hug with such speed, refs aren’t even awarding free-kicks. It’s quick. It’s clever. And it’s effective.
Moreover, it counters the notion that the Dubs might be vulnerable to underhand tactics because they are bit green around the gills.
While Dublin are a thoroughly entertaining side to watch, it would be foolish to think of them as being naïve. Their track history of tactical fouling and their tackling technique tells a different story.
During the post-mortem hours that followed Dublin’s emphatic league victory, I received a text message from a Derry supporter.
It read: “Are Derry that bad or are Dublin that good?” Both questions can be answered in the affirmative. Derry were poor. But Dublin were frighteningly impressive.
Following the destructive manner in which they systematically dismantled Derry, the debate has already started about who can actually stop the Dubs this year.
Various flimsy arguments have been presented for Cork, Mayo and Kerry. None of them stand up to much scrutiny. To beat Dublin, their opponents will have to outscore them. They will have to rack up at least 18 points. That rules out Mayo.
A victory over Dublin will also require domination at midfield. That rules out Cork.
Finally, to beat Dublin, their opponents must contain a forward line that includes the Brogan brothers, Diarmuid Connolly, Kevin McManamon, Paul Flynn and Eoghan O’Gara. Strike a line through Kerry. However, if Dublin have one fundamental failing, then it’s lies with their attacking philosophy. A Mourinho-style manager, who focuses on not making mistakes while capitalising on the errors of the opposition, would be licking his lips when studying a video of Sunday’s League final.
When Derry got 13 men behind the ball, Dublin attacked with 13 men. The dangers of this approach were shown in the fourth minute. Deprived of any cover, Rory O’Carroll and Philly McMahon were left to fight their own battles. One long ball and Derry’s scored a goal. More significantly again, Derry created seven clear goalscoring opportunities. They scored one. Other teams would be more ruthless.
Ultimately though, the cases being made against Dublin are based more on hope than theory. The terrifying reality is that this talented Dublin squad is only reaching maturity. Most of the players already own two All-Ireland medals. They are experienced, course and distance winners. Having beaten every team in the country, they fear no one. Indeed, it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that Dublin’s best is yet to come.
In Cluxton, they have the best goalkeeper in the country. As a full-back, Rory O’Carroll has few peers.
In James McCarthy they have the rarest specimen of all, a wing-back who can defend and attack.
Michael Darragh Macauley is the reigning football of the year. Bernard Brogan won the award in 2010. Alan Brogan won it in 2011. No team in the country can rival their forward line. No county gets even close to matching their depth of talent. Barring some unforeseen disaster, it’s difficult to see the Dubs slipping up. But there can be oil slicks in the Championship. Other counties have to hope fate conspires to send the high-flying Dubs crashing to the ground.
© Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved
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Jigz84
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Post by Jigz84 on May 1, 2014 15:20:39 GMT
Whoever wins Munster has a great chance of reaching the All-Ireland as they'll more than likely play Mayo in the Semis if they can get past the QF.
Dublin are looking far too good far too early in the year.
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Post by kerrygold on May 19, 2014 9:36:27 GMT
It is difficult to consider Tyrone as contenders after yesterdays performance, Monaghan will fancy their chances of reaching the Ulster final again, against either Derry or Tyrone. It is hard to call the Derry v Donegal tie.
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kot
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Post by kot on May 19, 2014 11:00:13 GMT
It is difficult to consider Tyrone as contenders after yesterdays performance, Monaghan will fancy their chances of reaching the Ulster final again, against either Derry or Tyrone. It is hard to call the Derry v Donegal tie. McManus is a huge huge loss to Monaghan which cannot be understated. Hes their one attacker who has got that little bit of something about them. Not taking anything away from the other 5 who work their socks off but McManus is definitly their most natural and clinical forward. On yesterday's game I can only say "Damn Tyrone". . . why you say?? Well. Roscommon (-4) Laois Longford Carlow (Hurling) Tyrone (-3) Waiting on Tyrone who cruise into a 7 point lead and then implode!!
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Post by kerrygold on May 19, 2014 11:54:13 GMT
It is difficult to consider Tyrone as contenders after yesterdays performance, Monaghan will fancy their chances of reaching the Ulster final again, against either Derry or Tyrone. It is hard to call the Derry v Donegal tie. McManus is a huge huge loss to Monaghan which cannot be understated. Hes their one attacker who has got that little bit of something about them. Not taking anything away from the other 5 who work their socks off but McManus is definitly their most natural and clinical forward. On yesterday's game I can only say "Damn Tyrone". . . why you say?? Well. Roscommon (-4) Laois Longford Carlow (Hurling) Tyrone (-3) Waiting on Tyrone who cruise into a 7 point lead and then implode!! Yes valid point kot, I had forgotten about McManus, which increases Tyrone's chances of reaching the Ulster final.
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Post by Dermot on May 19, 2014 12:15:42 GMT
Oh dear what a dreadful performance form us ... Wont get far playing like that !! The old guard had to rescue a draw ... Just awful !!
Meant to add that there are a lot of players that I feel are playing out of position on that team and its certainly not helping our cause!! ... Several changes needed right away !!
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Post by tyroneperson on May 19, 2014 17:01:30 GMT
Hard to know what Harte's thinking at times
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Post by givehimaball on May 19, 2014 17:05:05 GMT
Hard to know what Harte's thinking at times Any talk of Hartbeing replaced if these season ends early? Or any sorts of mumblings in that direction? I fancy Tyrone to win the next day, but very hard to see them going very far on the basis of yesterday's performance.
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Post by tyroneperson on May 19, 2014 17:13:12 GMT
Hard to know what Harte's thinking at times Any talk of Hartbeing replaced if these season ends early? Or any sorts of mumblings in that direction? I fancy Tyrone to win the next day, but very hard to see them going very far on the basis of yesterday's performance. There was plenty of criticism of the team he selected for the Down match. Also rumours of a fall-out with Ronan O'Neill, I'm not sure what the story is there. I remember Kerrygold, I think it was, posting on here that he's surprised that Harte seems to get a free pass in Tyrone though it's not really the case, Harte can be a divisive enough figure at times. I don't think there's any serious talk of Harte being replaced though there are some who think his time has passed, albeit I get the impression they'd still be in the minority.
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Post by givehimaball on May 19, 2014 17:23:38 GMT
It's just he's been there so long at this stage you'd expect there to be more mumblings.(or maybe I'm just applying the standards of us Kerry animals to the situation)
I would imagine the Michaela situation would probably make people that bit reluctant to criticize but there have been a fair bit of off-field stuff that you would imagine (the Quinn stuff, the RTE stuff, the far-right Catholic stuff) would have upset quite a few people.
Is there anyone waiting in the wings who would be ambitious to have a crack at managing Tyrone? I would presume Canavan's record in inter-county would have killed his chances as a realistic option? Are any others of the older lads from 2003 involved in management?
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seamo
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Post by seamo on May 19, 2014 17:24:55 GMT
Any talk of Hartbeing replaced if these season ends early? Or any sorts of mumblings in that direction? I fancy Tyrone to win the next day, but very hard to see them going very far on the basis of yesterday's performance. There was plenty of criticism of the team he selected for the Down match. Also rumours of a fall-out with Ronan O'Neill, I'm not sure what the story is there. I remember Kerrygold, I think it was, posting on here that he's surprised that Harte seems to get a free pass in Tyrone though it's not really the case, Harte can be a divisive enough figure at times. I don't think there's any serious talk of Harte being replaced though there are some who think his time has passed, albeit I get the impression they'd still be in the minority. I would think that it would be akin to calling for Alex Ferguson's head when he was in charge of United. Mickey Harte has been the one guy central (I'm sure others played a huge role behind the scenes) to Tyrone's emergence and success in the past ~15 years, including the underage success he's had. So I can understand if he's given a free pass; he's one of only a few managers to start at underage level and take an unsuccessful county from underage to senior level; so he has the ability to build from nothing.
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Post by givehimaball on May 19, 2014 17:32:07 GMT
I would think that it would be akin to calling for Alex Ferguson's head when he was in charge of United. Mickey Harte has been the one guy central (I'm sure others played a huge role behind the scenes) to Tyrone's emergence and success in the past ~15 years, including the underage success he's had. So I can understand if he's given a free pass; he's one of only a few managers to start at underage level and take an unsuccessful county from underage to senior level; so he has the ability to build from nothing. Ferguson was consistently successful; 2008 is a few years back at this stage now. The main thing I'm kinda wondering is whether Harte has the same manager-for-life situation Ferguson had at United and whether it will be his choice when to go or whether someone is willing to challenge his position?
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Post by tyroneperson on May 19, 2014 17:33:45 GMT
It's just he's been there so long at this stage you'd expect there to be more mumblings.(or maybe I'm just applying the standards of us Kerry animals to the situation) I would imagine the Michaela situation would probably make people that bit reluctant to criticize but there have been a fair bit of off-field stuff that you would imagine (the Quinn stuff, the RTE stuff, the far-right Catholic stuff) would have upset quite a few people. Is there anyone waiting in the wings who would be ambitious to have a crack at managing Tyrone? I would presume Canavan's record in inter-county would have killed his chances as a realistic option? Are any others of the older lads from 2003 involved in management? Yeah I've seen Harte being criticised for the off-field stuff online but in Tyrone I think most of the criticism he receives would be football-related. Some people think he's biased towards the West of the county and towards his own club as well and thought he was too slow in bringing in the new generation. I'm sure some people find his pious image a bit annoying but I think if we were winning all-irelands they'd find a way to ignore it. In fairness I thought Harte had a good 2013 and it's still early days this year. I can't really think of anyone brilliant waiting in the wings really. Brian McIvor's from Tyrone but I don't really rate him. Canavan's had an average enough start to his management career in general, not just at Inter County level. Brian Dooher and Philip Jordan helped out the under-21 team recently though I don't know if they're future manager material, or if they'd want to go down that route either.
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Post by tyroneperson on May 19, 2014 17:39:24 GMT
I would think that it would be akin to calling for Alex Ferguson's head when he was in charge of United. Mickey Harte has been the one guy central (I'm sure others played a huge role behind the scenes) to Tyrone's emergence and success in the past ~15 years, including the underage success he's had. So I can understand if he's given a free pass; he's one of only a few managers to start at underage level and take an unsuccessful county from underage to senior level; so he has the ability to build from nothing. Ferguson was consistently successful; 2008 is a few years back at this stage now. The main thing I'm kinda wondering is whether Harte has the same manager-for-life situation Ferguson had at United and whether it will be his choice when to go or whether someone is willing to challenge his position? I'm sure if we had a few bad years in a row there'd be a lot of pressure on Harte to step aside. I think Harte's been managing a Tyrone team at some level for 23 years now. It seems like most of the good intercounty managers these days are relatively young.
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Post by givehimaball on May 19, 2014 17:52:27 GMT
I'm sure if we had a few bad years in a row there'd be a lot of pressure on Harte to step aside. I think Harte's been managing a Tyrone team at some level for 23 years now. It seems like most of the good intercounty managers these days are relatively young. Obviously a huge amount depends on results. Also I'd imagine a huge amount is dependent on the fact that there is no-one obviously waiting in the wings. If Canavan for instance had been a roaring success, you'd imagine that there would be a fair few calls for him to be involved. The fact that he has been involved with Tyrone for so long is what makes the whole succession issue so interesting.
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seamo
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Post by seamo on May 19, 2014 18:08:01 GMT
I would think that it would be akin to calling for Alex Ferguson's head when he was in charge of United. Mickey Harte has been the one guy central (I'm sure others played a huge role behind the scenes) to Tyrone's emergence and success in the past ~15 years, including the underage success he's had. So I can understand if he's given a free pass; he's one of only a few managers to start at underage level and take an unsuccessful county from underage to senior level; so he has the ability to build from nothing. Ferguson was consistently successful; 2008 is a few years back at this stage now. The main thing I'm kinda wondering is whether Harte has the same manager-for-life situation Ferguson had at United and whether it will be his choice when to go or whether someone is willing to challenge his position? ah when Jose had his first stint with Chelski, there were rumblings about Fergie, plus the ownership situation. I suppose the biggest thing with Harte and Tyrone is, is there a viable replacement? If not, then Harte should be the guy, no point in changing just for the sake of it. Even if he isn't still getting the same results, he's still vastly experienced and commands great respect amongst players.
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Post by kerrygold on May 19, 2014 18:37:45 GMT
Tyrone would be rudderless without Canavan at the moment. It is unlikely Tyrone will win an All-Ireland before the remaining old guard depart, then it becomes very difficult for Tyrone to win another All-Ireland. A lot of their young players look ordinary in Championship football at the moment, I cant figure out why Peter Harte looks so one paced, a blue chip player, while central to their game plan, is not dominating games at this level. However Tyrone are probably still most likely to win this years Ulster championship, which might be more of a reflection on the quality of it's participants than anything else. The national league game between Kerry and Tyrone in Killarney might not have been too far wide of the mark as to Tyrone's actual standing and credentials in the game in 2014. Dublin were very ropey also in the league before they exploded into life in the second half v Cork in the NFL semi final and kick started their season. Strange game in Omagh that day when Diarmuid Connolly scored the late point to put Tyrone out, both teams probably just sitting there with no real intent in particular. Strange game in Omagh yesterday where a one paced Tyrone team hand passed a stagnant Down team to death and subsequently almost imploded thereafter.
This season's league was flat with a lot of mid tier teams, Tyrone, Derry, Kildare and maybe Kerry/Cork, just sitting there going through the games. Dublin did not have to be exceptional to win it out, Donegal were shocking in the div 2 final while Monaghan have lost their marquee forward and were the second best team on view in the League finals.
It is very hard to look beyond Dublin and Mayo at the moment with a wild card entry from one of Kerry, Cork, Donegal and Tyrone. The four provincials finals to be Tyrone v Donegal/Derry, Mayo v Galway, Kerry v Cork and Dublin v Kildare/Meath. Nothing particularly new in that line up, tradition is still alive and well in the GAA world. Hard to see a new team out there with the potential to do what the Clare hurlers did last season in the Cats/Tipp/Cork jungle.
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Post by Dermot on May 20, 2014 13:16:51 GMT
There are plenty of people who think Mickey should go but they are definitely still in the minority !! . While I am questioning his tactics and positioning of certain players, I still think he's the only man for the job at the minute!
If we are going to go full on man to man then I dont see why he needs to play half backs like McGinley in the half forward line and forwards like Mattie Donnelly (& possibly Harte too) in the half back line ... If we're not playing the sweeper any more we need to play men in their correct positions. We also obviously have a serious problem in defense .. Id be very very worried about that in general ... Its a bad job when we have to call the old guard in for the last few minutes to dig ourselves out of a hole!
Saying all that, Im hopeful that the extra game will actually benefit us and who knows, maybe we can kick on and get a bit of structure all over the field .. Stranger things have happened!!
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Post by jackmurphy on May 21, 2014 10:10:00 GMT
There are plenty of people who think Mickey should go but they are definitely still in the minority !! . While I am questioning his tactics and positioning of certain players, I still think he's the only man for the job at the minute! If we are going to go full on man to man then I dont see why he needs to play half backs like McGinley in the half forward line and forwards like Mattie Donnelly (& possibly Harte too) in the half back line ... If we're not playing the sweeper any more we need to play men in their correct positions. We also obviously have a serious problem in defense .. Id be very very worried about that in general ... Its a bad job when we have to call the old guard in for the last few minutes to dig ourselves out of a hole! Saying all that, Im hopeful that the extra game will actually benefit us and who knows, maybe we can kick on and get a bit of structure all over the field .. Stranger things have happened!! Dermot, I've been very impressed with Morgan's ability to find his own men with his kick-outs. I'd rate him 2nd to Cluxton. Down took over at MF after Morgan was black carded. Did you think that Morgan's absence was a big factor in this ?
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Post by Dermot on May 21, 2014 10:20:26 GMT
Yes to be fair I would have to agree with you there Jack ... He's an integral part of the team and his accuracy certainly eases the pressure from kick-outs but I think our demise on Sunday was down to more than just his omission ... It just highlighted the problems we have from MF back I think!!
Hopefully he will be playing well at the Sat replay and "hopefully" we get some sort of defense sorted out !!
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Post by kerrygold on May 26, 2014 12:08:25 GMT
Donegal looked like at finished docket at half time but subsequently burst into life after half time. Their players giving some indication that they can improve as the summer goes on. They'll be difficult to beat and will contest the Ulster final but I think they will be down a couple of percentage points on 2012 form.
Derry were very limited confirming what I had thought of them after their NFL tie with Kerry in Killarney, a journey man team with limited threat. That was one of Kerry's poorest performances in the NFL against a mid tier floating team at the time.
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Post by jackmurphy on May 26, 2014 23:20:46 GMT
Donegal looked like at finished docket at half time but subsequently burst into life after half time. Their players giving some indication that they can improve as the summer goes on. They'll be difficult to beat and will contest the Ulster final but I think they will be down a couple of percentage points on 2012 form. Derry were very limited confirming what I had thought of them after their NFL tie with Kerry in Killarney, a journey man team with limited threat. That was one of Kerry's poorest performances in the NFL against a mid tier floating team at the time. I was very surprised to hear the RTE panellists say that Derry were in a good position at HT. I thought that Donegal had created way more chances and the wind was going to be a big factor. Donegal have had their confidene shaken by losses to Monaghan (twice) and Mayo so it will take a bit of time to restore it. They made a big step on Sunday. Apart from McFadden and obviously Martin McHugh, they seem to have the big names back to a decent level. They looked really good in the 3rd quarter. If they get everyone fit and McFadden can rediscover his confidence then they could make an impact - they have an ideal path to the Ulster Final and may get it going again. Pat Spillane is gas talking about the choke tackle.
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Post by Chinatown on May 28, 2014 17:59:26 GMT
When did a team last be evens before ball kicked? Attachments:
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Post by playitfair on May 29, 2014 8:54:51 GMT
For me Tyrone are probably the best value, I think they are starting at a much higher level than last year and will improve incrementally throughout the year.
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Post by jackmurphy on May 29, 2014 12:48:36 GMT
For me Tyrone are probably the best value, I think they are starting at a much higher level than last year and will improve incrementally throughout the year. You are probably right. It's hard to believe that they would probably lost to a poor Down side if O Hare had pointed an easy free with mins left in the drawn game. They should have too much for Monaghan in a fortnight. Monaghan have not beaten them in the championship since the 1988 Ulster final and have lost all four meetings since, including the 2007 and 2010 Ulster finals and last year's All-Ireland quarter-final. Conor McManus will be a huge loss for Monaghan. It looks like a Donegal v Tyrone Ulster Final. That should be a 50:50 game. Donegal were impressive in the 3rd quarter v Derry but Derry's build-up play was pedestrian. Donegal were awesome in 2012 with Lacey, Murphy, McFadden, Gallagher and McHugh all superb. Murphy is possibly now the best forward in the Country (with Gooch out) but it's hard to see them get near their 2012 performance levels. Dublin will walk Leinster but will face better opposition thereafter. Still will require them to have a real off-day and their opponents to play oot of their skins - if they are to lose.
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Post by MrRasherstoyou on Jun 6, 2014 10:36:58 GMT
I think Tyrone will squeek past Monaghan, and then it's a massive final assuming Donegal make it through. Hard to see Donegal being at the right level to make it 4-in-a-row (or is it 3?) but there are big questionmarks about all the contenders. I think Monaghan would do really well in the qualifiers, and I also think Donegal would too. I think Tyrone need to win Ulster to push on. Although in their process of trying to vary their game to match the very top teams they need as many games as possible too. But overall you would feel that after a few years of rebuilding Tyrone need to step up now or never. I can't quite see it happening.
Donegal and Monaghan would be very dangerous opponents for anyone in the Qtr Finals (or qualifiers of course!) Derry, they progressed a bit too far too quick in the league, they may well regroup now of they get a good draw, I wouldn't write them off progressing if they rediscover the momentum. They are team for down the line I would feel, they need to strengthen and develop, another 2 years and they could be serious contenders if they have the depth in talent, which is a big question.
It's hard to take much interest or read anything much into any of the other championships, they are glorified winter provincial competitions in all but stage of training and quality of pitches and that thing called championship tradition. It will take a major bolt from the blue for anyone to beat Dublin in Leinster. Cork & Kerry are in a similar boat but if JOD is out/not back match fit Kerry will surely struggle, assuming it's a Cork-Kerry final. Are any of Limerick, Tipp, Clare, Laois, Kildare, Meath, Roscommon, Sligo really capable of a shock? For the sake of interest we must pray they are. And that Galway might put it up to Mayo, should they meet. Not looking likely though either
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