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Post by jackmurphy on Jun 6, 2014 12:54:23 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 You're lucky there's no Farney Members here, Mr RTY. Donegal were going for 3-in-a-row in Ulster last year but were well beaten in the Ulster Final by Monaghan. Ulster is strange in that Monaghan seem to have the Indian Sign over Donegal but Donegal have the edge on Tyrone who seem to usually have the measure of Monaghan. I think the draw this year was perfect for Donegal because as u pointed out, it's too soon for this Derry side and Donegal will probably edge Tyrone (my pick to get through)in the Ulster Final. I think that Donegal will be very strong thereafter if they avoid injuries and McFadden gets his confidence back (big if, I know) As for shocks - Limerick were very poor v Tipp and will really struggle. Sligo are past their best too. Very hard to see anything other than a Dublin v Mayo final at this stage.
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Post by kerrygold on Jun 8, 2014 18:34:55 GMT
Dubs meandering along at their ease today, they didn't even break sweat. Mayo were disappointing and look undependable still.
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Post by givehimaball on Jun 8, 2014 20:53:09 GMT
Dubs meandering along at their ease today, they didn't even break sweat. Mayo were disappointing and look undependable still. Mayo gave up a goal after the Rossies ran at them through the centre and gave up at least 1 other chance via the same route. Had the same issue in the league and still no idea how to address it. By comparison, while the Dubs defence didnt massively impress, Laois only had 1 half-chance of a goal in the entire game (the one Cooper intercepted) Dublin subs scored 9 points - to have that sort of quality available off the bench is a massive advantage.
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Joxer
Fanatical Member
Posts: 1,364
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Post by Joxer on Jun 8, 2014 21:51:26 GMT
Roscommon left it behind them but their approach when the game was there to be won at the finish didn't deserve any more than they got. John Evans was proud of them....he might need to take a look again but for anyone who remembers John as U21 manager here in Kerry, the over carrying etc was nothing new. If they're satisfied and proud of that performance then their ambition doesn't stretch very far. Don't expect much impact in the back door.
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Post by buck02 on Jun 9, 2014 7:55:41 GMT
Massive opportunity lost by Roscommon. Mayo were on the ropes and they couldn't finish the job. Maybe if Shine had stayed on the pitch they would have had that bit of leadership needed to get them over the line. Mayo's lack of a really classy forward will again cost them at the business end this year. I also felt the ref was very biased against Mayo by the way, I'd love to see his definition of a tackle.
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Post by glengael on Jun 9, 2014 9:26:44 GMT
No real surprises in Leinster this weekend.
As you say Buck, Roscommon missed the boat. Is Donie Shine's injury serious I wonder?
Surprised that Clare didn't beat Waterford at home. They'll be short a Collins or 2 for the replay so maybe Waterford have a chance.
I hope the Powers that Be get to grips with what happened in Armagh. There is no place for that kind of carry-on at any match at any level.
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Post by misteallaigh abú on Jun 9, 2014 10:08:43 GMT
Mayo looked lethargic yesterday but never panicked. They needed the old heads to get them over the line. Their half forward line was very ineffective and this provided a platform for the Roscommon half backs to keep running at them. Roscommon's game was very defensive and very effective. I just wonder are there signs of fatigue creeping into that mayo team? 4th year on the road under Horan and plenty of stories of unrest in the camp. I was impressed with the way Kildare played yesterday. They moved the ball very well and decided against using O Connor as a target man. They used Podge Fogarty and Brophy very well, stuck Ollie Lyons in the half back line to use his speed and dominated around the middle. They had it handy against Louth, however, it was nice to see them kicking the ball more. Niall Kelly was very effective at 11. Looking forward to their joust with Meath in a few weeks. Things have come together for them in recent weeks and an excellent win against cork, in a very competitive challenge game, did confidence levels a lot of good. Dublin never panicked. They missed a lot of chances in the first half, they persisted in their habit of going for goals, going for the jugular and were unfortunate not to have had 3 goals by half time. Laois were limited, panel wise, however some of their passing and shooting was a joy to watch. The long, early ball into the forwards certainly stretched Dublin, at times, however, Dublin were a different proposition in the second half. The quality of young players they have is breathtaking. Dean Rock is just class and this year will be a big one for him. One thing I did notice yesterday was that Dublin were tetchy at times and I wonder when the pressure ratchets up in August, how their discipline will hold up? Speaking of discipline, the carry on in Ulster was sickening. Worse still was the Armagh "supporter" who hit out at the Cavan player from the sideline. He reached over the wall to try and give him a clip. I wonder if he will get the same treatment as some of the Louth fans a few years ago? I certainly hope so.
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Post by kerrygold on Jun 9, 2014 10:29:23 GMT
Kildare v Meath should be a tight affair with little between the teams. If Kildare have kicked on a bit they might win the tie. Hard to see either team living with the Dubs in the second half of the Leinster Final however.
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Post by MrRasherstoyou on Jun 9, 2014 11:11:40 GMT
Roscommon seem to have made no progress on the basis of their achievements at underrage and club level over the past number of years. I wonder is that coaching, lads just not being good enough, loss of players to emigration, all of the above? Mayo will be delighted in some ways, they were really poor and scrambled through, exactly the sort of win they needed to start their rehab proper after a fairly good league ended with another bad defeat from a mentality point of view especially. Last year they set about a poilicy of keeping a very high standard all the way through the summer, and I think it was the right thing to do. Unfortunately for them they never really met any opposition until Tyrone, and in fairness they overcame the challenge well, albeit with Tyrone having significant bad luck.
How much better prepared for the final might Mayo have been, had they come through a massive battle with Donegal? That game did them no favours, above all else. I think they were in gradual decline from that day on, almost as if they had spent a bit too much in various ways in cathartising their final defeat from the year before. Mayo are not a team of all the talents, they need everything to fall right for them to win an All-I. If they scramble their way through to an All-I semi this year, with maybe one big perforamnce along the way, and then come through a tight, dogged semi where they never look like winning, that would be the way for them to be mentally right for a final.
It worked for several teams in the past. In some ways the defeat in the league semi, along with the game against Dublin was exactly what Mayo needed. They can have absolutely no illusions as to what they must overcome, mainly themselves, to challenge for Sam again this year.
All the stuff about time added on and the one-point defeat and whatever else at the end of the final was understandable denial to shield themselves from the reality that would break many or almost all teams mentally, that for the 2nd year in a row, and even with many things having gone as well as they could for them, they hadn't been good enough. Not just 2nd year but the heavy hand of history pushing down on them again and again, each time a bit harder. I think that their redemption can be in facing their demons, they did alot of it last year but still weren't mentally right in the 2nd half of the final.
Observing that game in hindsight, the 2nd half especially, is like watching a team that expects defeat. The late desperate charge to get a result was almost like a token effort to keep it respectable, deep down, albeit aided by the fact that Dublin had 3 injured players out there and were dropping very deep to compensate.
If Mayo can face that demon of not really, truly fearing defeat in the final like it's their worst nightmare, of not fearing a close finish where they might have the winning of the game and let it slip, like against Meath in 96, then they could do it, no doubt.
If they and fate can somehow find a way back to a third final in a row, who can say they won't somehow, in some way be irresistable? I'm reminded of the Dublin team in the 1990s, who lost so many big games, so many shattering defeats that would have broken many teams mentally when put together - the 1989 All-I semi against Cork, where they led 1-4 to 1 point.
The 1990 LFinal to Meath, after having finally overcome a long spell of Royal dominance over us the year before; the incredible saga with Meath in 91 and the manner in which that was lost, has any team ever lost a championship tie in such a way? I suppose there was something heroic in that saga that would stand to them in the years that were to come.
The 92 All-I to Donegal, after been raging hot favourites. The 93 semi to Derry by a point, after leading by a few points in the 2nd half. The 94 final against Down, after putting our best attacking defender and play-maker to man-mark on their best forward, and owning the ball in the 2nd half, and missing a penalty (and a rebound!).
To still come back and win the 95 All-I after all that, Mayo haven't had to face yet the same level of disappointment and mental damage. It all depends on whether they have the grit, the determination, the hunger. That wasn't a great great Dublin team, they did not have players of all the talents around the park, they did not have "marquee" forwards, other than a mish-mash of lads who on their day could get vital scores - the Vinny Murphys, Jason Sherlocks, Paul Clarkes, Dessie Farrells, Mick Galvins, Jim Gavin FFS (who rarely got more than a point)!
I think if this Mayo team can find that grit and stubborn determination they can win Sam, everything will have to fall right for them, as it did for Dublin in 95, Meath in transition, Cork in decline, Tyrone inexperienced and lacking really top class options apart from PTG. Mayo may well need Dublin to get caught out by a Donegal, or Kerry. Then I think they could win the final.
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Jigz84
Fanatical Member
Posts: 2,017
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Post by Jigz84 on Jun 9, 2014 11:23:48 GMT
Massive opportunity lost by Roscommon. Mayo were on the ropes and they couldn't finish the job. Maybe if Shine had stayed on the pitch they would have had that bit of leadership needed to get them over the line. Mayo's lack of a really classy forward will again cost them at the business end this year. I also felt the ref was very biased against Mayo by the way, I'd love to see his definition of a tackle. If anything it was the other way around. He awarded 2 phantom frees to Cillian O' Connor following the Roscommon goal to bring Mayo back into it. Mayo were clueless for large periods.
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Post by buck02 on Jun 9, 2014 13:59:10 GMT
In todays examiner, Tony McEntee says the following about the incident before yesterdays game.
"Armagh were defensively adept and well drilled in the roles that each individual had. They displayed a level of understanding which had not been evidenced in the league and brought a level of intensity sadly unmatched by the opposition.
Home advantage would help this but so did the scuffle as the teams lined up for the parade. An unintentional tactic but a perfect boost for Armagh to dispense of any nerves."
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Post by MrRasherstoyou on Jun 9, 2014 14:19:18 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 You're lucky there's no Farney Members here, Mr RTY. Donegal were going for 3-in-a-row in Ulster last year but were well beaten in the Ulster Final by Monaghan. Ulster is strange in that Monaghan seem to have the Indian Sign over Donegal but Donegal have the edge on Tyrone who seem to usually have the measure of Monaghan. I think the draw this year was perfect for Donegal because as u pointed out, it's too soon for this Derry side and Donegal will probably edge Tyrone (my pick to get through)in the Ulster Final. I think that Donegal will be very strong thereafter if they avoid injuries and McFadden gets his confidence back (big if, I know) As for shocks - Limerick were very poor v Tipp and will really struggle. Sligo are past their best too. Very hard to see anything other than a Dublin v Mayo final at this stage. Dohhhhh! Don't know how I forgot about Monaghan's win, gas thing is I'm making them one of the potentially major players for this year and somehow I forgot their Ulster when doing my appraisal of Donegal! As you say hard to pick a winner but if I had to at this stage I'd probably just about go for Donegal, if they find the intensity and keep major players fit/healthy and on form. Could Armagh yet be the surprise package though? We have expected a revival from them but their league was disappointing. They have some serious know-how and motivation in their coaching team though, and some very good players. After the success they had, especially in Ulster in the last decade and more, they will not lack for a general sense of self-belief and ambition
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Post by donegalman on Jun 10, 2014 10:51:03 GMT
Hi fellow gaa fans.
Interesting thread, to be honest I dont ever remember an all ireland series where Kerry were such an unknown quality before a ball is kicked by their players. I looked at paddy power and saw them at 12/1 to win the all ireland, but my instinct is to watch them until at least the munster final, where we will get the bigger pict. Even so, I doubt a full hand would be shown away to cork, there could be a wait and see approach addoped by the kerry management ie go in the back door and go all out then.
I think that of all the non kerry teams we have seen so far, the dubs are a light year ahead of everyone else. They are so damn good it is not funny. Their last number of games they have outscored opposition by a cricket score in the second half. every time they break forward, they look like scoring a goal. It is going to take some kind of a miracle for their wheels to come off, there is not a single team in the country that can match their fire power.
I like the look of tyrone too. They were always going to get the better of down in the replay, and came thru a tricky tie with some thing to spare for the next day. Monaghan are going to disappear off the radar again, they will be sent packing by tyrone and the back door might not be as kind to them as it has been for other teams. They have a great spirit, but their panel lacks class, and if it is stretched then they will struggle. Similarly the black card could well come against them as they like to mix it up on the pitch.
We donegal are on the right track again, but other than another ulster final appearance, I cant see much other than that. We dont have a mid field capable of matching the mayos, corks, kerry or dublins. That is where it is at in croke park, and if a team have their scoring boots on from outside or around the 45, we are finished. So I would count winning ulster this year as being a massive year for us.
Mayo are another team who are I feel going to flop eventually. They just seem to lack the killer instinct, and Galway could well take them in the all ireland final. I saw them in salthill on the second day of the league this year, and they had not started training at that stage. having said that, they have mighty inside forwards, and their bench looked like they could do a lot of damage. (2 of the last 4 u21 winning teams).
Kildare are the last team that I would bother mention, as they are capable of half a game against dublin, other than that, I cant see it.
Sorry, I forgot cork, in whom I also think they will be relying on other teams not to turn up. They could well get to a final, but I would fancy kerry any day to put them out in a semi final in croke park.
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Post by ansúilleabhánach on Jun 10, 2014 14:01:28 GMT
...I like the look of tyrone too. They were always going to get the better of down in the replay, and came thru a tricky tie with some thing to spare for the next day. Monaghan are going to disappear off the radar again, they will be sent packing by tyrone and the back door might not be as kind to them as it has been for other teams. They have a great spirit, but their panel lacks class, and if it is stretched then they will struggle. Similarly the black card could well come against them as they like to mix it up on the pitch... Residual bitterness there much donegalman? People keep liking Tír Eoghain, but when asked, none of said people can locate the whereabouts of their full back line
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Post by donegalman on Jun 10, 2014 22:55:01 GMT
A wee bit of bitterness but not much.
I think that monaghan are about to hit their real level this year. The reality of winning consistently is what it is all about. I think that they are a very difficult team to beat, but they have not got the bench to give a meaningful push beyond ulster. That said, we have a horrendous record against them, although I feel that in order for us to meet they will have to overcome a desperate record of their own v tyrone. It could well be a year where both hoodoos are broken, or at least one!. ie if tyrone get to play us and beat us for instance. Ulster is such a desperate fight it is totally unpredictable. I could not rule armagh out of an ulster final appearance, even though they were relegated to division 3.
Back to the business of predictions, poor meath and roscommon are really out of the running now, seeing as the cruciate ligament curse has struck both teams yesterday.
There is no place for all ireland winners without a bench, and i think there are only a handful of teams who have this. We were BLESSED 2 years ago, we had every single player available, and I know that it really as important as it gets. Mayo have players who are injury prone, and if they lose young oconnor again this year, its bye bye the day it happens to them. I have no idea what to expect from cork, but I think that t hey must have something to offer seeing as they went 8 or 9 clear of the dubs in the league semis. What are your thoughts on them ?
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Post by MrRasherstoyou on Jun 11, 2014 9:19:20 GMT
Good posts Donegalman, great insight into Ulster especially. I think Cork are back under the radar now and that's good news for them in the championship. Hard to know where they are really at. If I know anything about Gaelic team games, by rights Cork are in major transition, overcoming the loss of several very experienced and talented players, trying to integrate and develop young players, and with a new and very inexperienced (at this level) coach.
On the other hand Cork always seem to have a strong well of talent, and usually have one of the most physical squads around. Their players usually seem very well-prepared and conditioned. So you'd always think they are capable of a strong showing. And when they are low in profile, they always seem to do better than expected. They never seem to lack for self-belief, they are always ambitious.
I'd expect them to possibly reach an All-I semi and have a good showing in it, if they do things right. What happened in the league semi whilst a serious jolt to confidence was probably a good wake-up call as they were way ahead of the curve all things considered.
I'd love to see Galway get it together, and the word is that the talent is there. I was talking to a Cavan guy about their style of play (I think they are making a big mistake playing that way, that it just doesn't suit them and hasn't helped them), he says that they just don't have the players to play any other way. This despite being hailed as a coming team of no little talent. Any thoughts?
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Post by ansúilleabhánach on Jun 11, 2014 12:17:29 GMT
We were BLESSED 2 years ago, we had every single player available, and I know that it really as important as it gets. Mayo have players who are injury prone, and if they lose young oconnor again this year, its bye bye the day it happens to them. I have no idea what to expect from cork, but I think that t hey must have something to offer seeing as they went 8 or 9 clear of the dubs in the league semis. What are your thoughts on them ? Maith an fear, was only rising you a bit...I think what you meant was their panel lacks depth, rather than knowledge of the correct salad knife at a formal meal?!? Without McManus I'd be very much in agreement. Though I wouldn't rule out a reversal of tradition this year, where they beat the O Neill boys out of sheer desire after last year's q-f (I have deep reservations about Tir Eoghain esp nos. 2-4), spend themselves on that effort, and then lose to ye (or, don't forget, Ard Mhacha- the time may have come for a modicum of vengeance for all your mid-noughties tonkings). Ye were lucky with injuries alright in 2012- I always wondered if Karl Lacey did his cruciate, and Andy Moran's had remained intact, how the story would have gone. The biggest gaisce McGuinness performed for me, though, was keeping Colm McFadden's head in the right zone throughout an entire championship season. I was waiting all year for his annual bout of lunacy 50 mins into some crucial game. That league semi reminded me in reverse of the 2011 league final, when the Dubs were 8 up and Corcaigh scored 9 in a row to win it, but even greater in scale. Dubs beaten by inexperience and a bare bench that day, but were champs in September. Fierce potential by the Lee, let's hope they never figure it out. To me they are the team with the best chance of beating Áth Cliath on the right day, with a biased referee, and a gale that reverses direction during the half time break. I would still be screaming for Na Garsuin i nGorm though.
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Post by donegalman on Jun 11, 2014 15:23:04 GMT
I would see nothing wrong with dublin winning either on many levels. They have a seriously good style of football. There is a massive tradition reborn in dublin of gaa now, including hurling, they are reaping the benefits of a long term strategy that has been in situ for over a decade now. You have got to credit them for this, rather than jump on the traditional anyone but the dubs bandwagon just for the sake of a bit of them and us.
Reservations I would have about them would only be the fact that they can afford a level of training and facilities that other counties dream of. AIG have given them a massive shot in the arm, but in fairness, AIG could equally have gone for Cork, Kerry, Mayo etc if they saw the potential as they saw in dublin a few years ago when they got on board. So in a way, it is up to the field to catch up, and that will be incredibly difficult, but not impossible to do, and will involve a team of pros rather than amateurs, which is where dublin are really at at the moment.
Mc Manus is an enormous loss to monaghan, and they will be lost without him as an inside option. Tyrone are a goal scoring team now, and this will keep teams playing quite deep against them. Probably will suit monaghan a bit, but i feel that their defense will not be up to the counter attacking flair of tyrone, especially in the second half as they showed in the replay against down. I honestly feel that their first game against down was a fluke game. They should have been out of sight were it not for the dismissal of their keeper, and an error by the ref in the first half re the down full back not getting black carded. All water under the bridge now.
As for injuries, Moran for mayo is only good against teams that are not in the top bracket. He will not show well against the teams that have excellent defenses. I will say again that if oconnor gets injured this year, mayo will fall apart in a serious way. Their mid field was totally found out against roscommon on sunday last.
McFadden is having a stinker of a time with his form. I dont think he is going to get it back, although you have got to give him the benefit of the doubt. There are other options for us now, with very talented runners coming into the fold. Mcfadden is a disaster when it comes to winning dirty ball. It is liable to bounce off his shoulder or something rather than a clean catch or a simple punch to a team mate. It is something that he is not going to correct either at this stage of his career. But if he gets a nice pass when he is at full pelt, then he is lethal. Excellent for frees too, but again, there are now other options that we have and it could be a useful year to blood in mcbrearty as a go to forward rather than a peripheral character. Unlikely with the family connections between mcg and mcf though.
I am intrigued by the kerry situation. IT could be a very interesting year indeed for them. I look back over the last 6 years, and with the exception of the defeat to down, they were very nearly there each year. The final in 2011 was lost in the last 5 minutes. Their performance in 2012 was marred by injury against us, and should they have beaten us, they would have faced cork and then mayo, and we all know how that pans out. 2013 was a very close call too, (mayo would have been waiting in the final). Breaking all this down, I think the law of averages is on kerrys side to go to croke park and get results this year. 2009 is starting to get more and more distant, but they were written off in a big way, before winning it quite stylishly in the end.
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Post by ansúilleabhánach on Jun 11, 2014 16:44:10 GMT
donegalman you're proving a major distraction to the actual practical internet work I'm trying to do, which is a huge compliment by the way. Gonna quickly reply this time though if you'll forgive me-
1. I've always been a Dubophile since 1991. As for the current bunch not only are they attractive to watch playing, they win with grace and deport themselves excellently on and off the pitch. (Well there is one notable exception, but I think even he is growing up a bit and learning how to count to 10).
2. They won't last forever. Look at Cill Chainnigh current minor/u21 results of last few years. Sic gloria transit mundi
3. Think you're right- Tír Eoghain should've done it the first day- but would certainly not highlight refereeing errors. That early in a game who knows what butterfly will flap its wings. Never gonna forget how easily An Dún scythed through them for 2nd goal though. Long time since I saw such a feeble defensive effort from them. Remember Gormley and Penrose being subbed in. They have some good forwards but to me that's all they are- good (Steven O Neill obviously excepted). Not within an asses roar of 2000-2001 U21 double vintage. Don't forget their full back line conceded a very silly penalty in the 1st minute of the replay- lucky for them it was missed. The Dubs annihilated them in the League by a point.
4. Will respectfully disagree with you on Andy Moran. Who got Maigh Eo's goal in the final? (Well, 'twas Cluxton's fault really, but criticism of Cluxton- or a suggestion that BÁC's half forward line might have a lot to do with kickout magic- runs extremely contrary to the prevailing culture). And certainly would disagree PRE- cruciate. He was way off last year but what would one expect. He showed leadership on Sunday when the chips were down. If he will not show well against excellent defences, he would relish the prospect of Tír Eoghain!
However after watching league s-f I have zero faith in Maigh Eo, and in my opinion they will need a kind draw to reach a semi.
5. Was referring re CAF to his psychological issues, i.e. how every now and then he would seem to lose interest on the pitch, then do several stupid things winding up in 2 bookings and the line. Maybe it's just my perspective? By the way these traits have not been seen since 2010ish.
6. Don't bother being intrigued by us. One elephant you managed to pass by in your analysis of An Ríocht seo'gainne is the absence of our flame haired von Karajan. Munster minnow hara kiri virtually guarantees us a qf place, but I have very little faith beyond that. I'm intrigued more by Gaillimh's continual lack of competence.
If we did somehow win though, it would be just the greatest....
....but we won't
7. That was way longer than intended
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Post by donegalman on Jun 11, 2014 18:01:39 GMT
ansuilleabhanach.
Thanks for the reply, and the insight. I agree 100% that the gooch is the engine, the creative spark and the spiritual heartbeat of the kerry football team, almost ageless in fact. He has been around so long, and yet you think of him as a man in his mid 20s. I just haven the experience to consider the plan b as the hearsay up this end of the country is post card distance away from munster football, and it is never accurate, no mater if it is well intentioned. Hearing this from a kerry follower based in kerry is plenty to go on for now, I personally don't think that the retirement of Galvin was necessarily a bad thing in the long run, as he was well passed his best footballing days, no disrespect to the man. I also think that there is never a perfect time for young players to have to step up, and sometimes a crisis is the best time in the world to blood in these guys without spreading discontent or dividing loyalties in the camp. This is where I am flying blind again, as i don't honestly have a clue who is coming up and showing well down there.
A massive result that I cant look away from is the trimming tyrone got in the league, there is only one other team that can do this (the dubs), and I think that you would have to factor this level of result into the equation before you totally dismiss kerry's chances of winning anything this year. A brilliant result would be to win in cork, even if it was as much as kerry won this year, as it would settle the squad nicely for 2015. I cant see cork doing the same job on kerry as happened in the league, those results come once in a blue moon, and they are not likely to be repeated, cork being in a similar stage of rebuilding means that they could be vulnerable if the going got tough too.
Just to conclude on the CMF issue, you are spot on with your analysis that he can sulk or lose the rag, sulk more often. And yes he did show a bit of that in the league final with his hands on his hips for long periods of the game. He reminds me a lot of devenney, in that if they don't get the ball in fast, and they are left isolated for long periods, they wander into a mental hall of mirrors, with some help from their markers. He did put in an enormous shift in the derry game, all over the pitch, although he was remembered for not scoring, I was glad to see him burst himself trying.
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Post by givehimaball on Jun 11, 2014 18:04:23 GMT
Quick stat from Dont Foul illustrating the Dubs strength in depth dontfoul dontfoul · 6h The 6 Dublin subs had 12 shots converting 9 (75%). Mayo & Roscommon had 23 & 27 shots respectively & converted a combined 46% #depth #gaa As a comparison Laois's five subs scored 1 point in total.
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Post by donegalman on Jun 11, 2014 18:08:32 GMT
Quick stat from Dont Foul illustrating the Dubs strength in depth dontfoul dontfoul · 6h The 6 Dublin subs had 12 shots converting 9 (75%). Mayo & Roscommon had 23 & 27 shots respectively & converted a combined 46% #depth #gaa As a comparison Laois's five subs scored 1 point in total. That sums up what the rest of the country are up against. Imagine playing at the very top level for 55 minutes, and then mcmenimin and the rock run onto the pitch.
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Post by givehimaball on Jun 11, 2014 18:12:33 GMT
Was looking at the impact of Kerry subs last Championship
Kerry made 24 subs over 5 games. The subs scored 2-5 in total. However 1-3 of this was from deadballs, so only 1-2 from play (3 scores from play in 5 games) Also of the 2-5, 2-4 of this came in the games against Tipp and Waterford. In the 3 games against Cork, Cavan and Dublin, the subs contributed 1 point, which came from a free against Cork.
It's a small enough sample and a fairly rough way of judging the impact of subs but when you compare it to 9 points from the subs bench it really puts it into context the strength of the Dubs squad.
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Post by rossranger on Jun 13, 2014 22:25:03 GMT
If they're satisfied and proud of that performance then their ambition doesn't stretch very far. Don't expect much impact in the back door. We lost to Mayo by 12 points last year and Mayo could have won that game by much more if they wanted too. I suppose we should carry on with those tactics from last year and be satisfied with another hammering? how we do in qualifiers will depend on how we approach it as a lot was put in to winning Connacht this year. Roscommon seem to have made no progress on the basis of their achievements at underrage and club level over the past number of years. I wonder is that coaching, lads just not being good enough, loss of players to emigration, all of the above? No progress? In 2011 we were div 4 level and now this year we gained promotion to div 2 for the first time since 2007. Last Sunday we lost by one point to arguably the 2nd best side in Ireland. I'm not a fan of his however Joe Brolly correctly pointed out we lost because we gave away four needless frees late on. Anyway both are progress and hopefully some more is seen in qualifiers this summer and next year in div 2. For the record we have lost some top players to emigration Peter Domican,Steven Ormsby and we also lost some top underage players to rugby Jack Carthy, Danny Qualter and Shane Layden. Our coaching,talent is as good as its been for over a decade and if we don't win a Connacht title within the next 2 or 3 years then management simply isn't good enough to bring the best out in us.
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Post by kerrygold on Jun 15, 2014 20:01:30 GMT
Tyrone were found wanting today and came up well short. Cavanagh and O'Neil are just hanging in there now by the tips of the finger nails. Harte looked cranky at the end of the game, it might be time to smell the roses. Mcmanus lining out probably tipped the game in Monaghan's favour.
The black card is farcical and unworkable when left up to the refs discretion and is becoming a shambles at this stage.
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Post by donegalman on Jun 15, 2014 21:57:55 GMT
Well I knew it would be close, but I didnt expect monaghan to pull thru this game today. They did,, and I would be very worried about them as a donegal man. Reason being is that they are well able to create goal chances, and they could have had at least one other today. I thought that tactically they got everything bang on today. They didnt overdo the class, but they worked consistently well for most of the game. They fell asleep a wee bit towards the end, which was interesting to see. I also think that they can set up to suit their opponents, they will play a very different game, should they play us in the ulster final, or indeed antrim/ armagh etc. I think that the ref had a very good game, despite the lack of time added on at the end.(not his fault, i believe that the added on time is decided on the line)? There was some cynical fouling in the game, which was rightly and efficiently punished by the ref. He had a very good game, and it was a good add for the enforcement of the black card. I was praying for a draw to be honest, so that both teams could go out and knock lumps out of each other one more time before their next game. Not to be. Monaghan will be one hell of a tough nut to crack in ulster, but they are beatable.
I also am interested in how clare will shape up the next day v kerry. They have had a very useful game in waterford to get ready for the next game, and are well and truly down the championship road. I wouldnt take them for granted, despite them being 3 divisions lower than kerry. Beware!
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Post by jackmurphy on Jun 15, 2014 22:20:40 GMT
TSG did a great job in highlighting Sean Cavenagh's disgraceful cheating - they showed him twice, grabbing an apponent by the arm as he was tackled and diving to the ground, pulling down his opponent. It looked like he was cynically dragged down and a Monanghan Player got a black when he was the one doing the fouling.
A lot of Tyrone People were very indignant when Brolly called Cavenagh a cheat and a disgrace - what will the same people say now.
It's pathetic to see once great players reduced to this kind of cynical cheating - it's time fot Harte and a few lads like Cavenagh to call it a day.
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Post by Ard Mhacha on Jun 16, 2014 1:41:01 GMT
Tyrone were found wanting today and came up well short. Cavanagh and O'Neil are just hanging in there now by the tips of the finger nails. Harte looked cranky at the end of the game, it might be time to smell the roses. Mcmanus lining out probably tipped the game in Monaghan's favour. The black card is farcical and unworkable when left up to the refs discretion and is becoming a shambles at this stage. It's not in my nature to defend Tyrone, but... One point is hardly coming up well short. 4 forwards did nothing and still they should've drawn the match at least. The O'Neills, Penrose and McGinley needed replacing earlier. That match was there for the taking. Monaghan are a decent team and they could well win Ulster again. But they lack at least two classy forwards to really push on another level.
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Post by buck02 on Jun 16, 2014 7:27:23 GMT
Tyrone were found wanting today and came up well short. Cavanagh and O'Neil are just hanging in there now by the tips of the finger nails. Harte looked cranky at the end of the game, it might be time to smell the roses. Mcmanus lining out probably tipped the game in Monaghan's favour. The black card is farcical and unworkable when left up to the refs discretion and is becoming a shambles at this stage. It's not in my nature to defend Tyrone, but... One point is hardly coming up well short. 4 forwards did nothing and still they should've drawn the match at least. The O'Neills, Penrose and McGinley needed replacing earlier. That match was there for the taking. Monaghan are a decent team and they could well win Ulster again. But they lack at least two classy forwards to really push on another level. Any comment on last weeks antics Ard Mhaca?
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Post by sullyschoice on Jun 16, 2014 7:42:04 GMT
Last week the excuse was used that Armagh should have been marching nearest to the stand because they were the home team. On various sites and social media apologists were blaming the girl holding the flag for being in the wrong place. Well from my observations yesterday, Tyrone marched nearest to the stand and as far as I know Monaghan were the home side. Now where were the traditionalists and defenders of protocol yesterday. Or maybe was it just that nobody acted the bollix and just got on with the parade.
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