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Post by fullback on Jul 10, 2023 21:29:49 GMT
Are we keeping Donal Down as a secret weapon 🤣🤣 Has he featured at all in the championship? Few minutes maybe against Tipp. Hard to see him on a bench with Brosnan and Spillane. Hasn't played in the championship, been an unused sub for every game apart from the Munster Final when he had a knock. Think he's been a bit unfortunate not to have played, showed well in the league and the Tipp, Clare, Louth and Tyrone games all would have been good opportunities to give him his championship debut when they were finished as a contest after 50-55 minutes. Assuming Killian returns to the bench, someone will have to drop out, would be unusual if any of the subs that came on against Tyrone dropped out entirely which would leave the below who were unused: Shane Murphy Barry O'Sullivan Ruairi Murphy Donal O'Sullivan Dylan Casey Sean O'Brien Of those Murphy obviously isn't going anywhere as sub keeper, Barry Dan is the only midfield cover and Casey the only inside back so hard to see them being dropped. The other three are all in areas that are well stacked, Burns and Stephen O'Brien ahead of Murphy as wing forwards, O Beaglaoich and Breen in front of Sean O'Brien and Killian and Brosnan ahead of Donal Down. Of those I would put my money on Sean O'Brien being the one to drop out, he's yet to play in league or championship. Only other change to the panel I can see is possibly Ronan Buckley coming in as another option around the middle third. |
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Post by royalkerryfan on Jul 10, 2023 21:36:33 GMT
Are we keeping Donal Down as a secret weapon 🤣🤣 Has he featured at all in the championship? Few minutes maybe against Tipp. Hard to see him on a bench with Brosnan and Spillane. Hasn't played in the championship, been an unused sub for every game apart from the Munster Final when he had a knock. Think he's been a bit unfortunate not to have played, showed well in the league and the Tipp, Clare, Louth and Tyrone games all would have been good opportunities to give him his championship debut when they were finished as a contest after 50-55 minutes. Assuming Killian returns to the bench, someone will have to drop out, would be unusual if any of the subs that came on against Tyrone dropped out entirely which would leave the below who were unused: Shane Murphy Barry O'Sullivan Ruairi Murphy Donal O'Sullivan Dylan Casey Sean O'Brien Of those Murphy obviously isn't going anywhere as sub keeper, Barry Dan is the only midfield cover and Casey the only inside back so hard to see them being dropped. The other three are all in areas that are well stacked, Burns and Stephen O'Brien ahead of Murphy as wing forwards, O Beaglaoich and Breen in front of Sean O'Brien and Killian and Brosnan ahead of Donal Down. Of those I would put my money on Sean O'Brien being the one to drop out, he's yet to play in league or championship. Only other change to the panel I can see is possibly Ronan Buckley coming in as another option around the middle third. That's a very good post 👍 |
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Post by whiteheat on Jul 10, 2023 22:22:03 GMT
Would like to see Kerry utilise the mark a bit more, especially facing a blanket. Paul geaney offers that option (good in the air and place kicker). In some ways Stephen O'Brien offers that pace on the counter when the likes of Gavin and paudie are tiring. Begley and O'Brien offer that in spades coming off the bench.
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Post by Lolly Valance on Jul 10, 2023 23:01:29 GMT
To be honest, while I have watched most of the Derry matches it's normally with one eye with a split screen of something like 'Dads Army' or 'Only Fools and Horses' on the other panel. I just find their matches so difficult and boring to watch.
They are a good team with a solid structure and a very good midfield. I think their Achilles heel is their forwards and if Mcguigan has an off day they could be in trouble. They might pull something from the hat and out Chrissy in full forward. I think if our Na Gael dyo can replicate their last performance we should run out 3-4 point victors
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Post by sullyschoice on Jul 10, 2023 23:10:47 GMT
Would like to see Kerry utilise the mark a bit more, especially facing a blanket. Paul geaney offers that option (good in the air and place kicker). In some ways Stephen O'Brien offers that pace on the counter when the likes of Gavin and paudie are tiring. Begley and O'Brien offer that in spades coming off the bench. I really don't know why counties don't exploit the advanced mark more. It's an abomination on the game but is there to be exploited until it hopefully gets consigned to the bin. |
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Post by royalkerryfan on Jul 11, 2023 8:20:43 GMT
Would like to see Kerry utilise the mark a bit more, especially facing a blanket. Paul geaney offers that option (good in the air and place kicker). In some ways Stephen O'Brien offers that pace on the counter when the likes of Gavin and paudie are tiring. Begley and O'Brien offer that in spades coming off the bench. I really don't know why counties don't exploit the advanced mark more. It's an abomination on the game but is there to be exploited until it hopefully gets consigned to the bin. We certainly exploited it in last years final when our forwards weren't clicking. We've also used the same tactic in the last 2 games at the start of the 2nd half if we win the throw up. One long ball into Seanie on the square which we got a mark and free from. |
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Post by oldschool on Jul 11, 2023 8:33:48 GMT
A lot will depend on or kick out strategies.
Do our forwards make enough use of the MARK..
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tonydorigo
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Post by tonydorigo on Jul 11, 2023 10:47:53 GMT
Nerves building before the weekend. Areas of concern for us will be the rangy athletes they have in the half forward line, their midfield and shutting down McGuigan. Not going to be a classic at all but could be an interesting chess game.
Can see them pulling rabbits out of the hat and pushing forward a bit more and committing more players to the forward line straight away. Might try and get Cassidy in the full forward line or else maybe have McCarron or Heron inside with McGuigan from the off. Can see Murphy being targeted by them for matchups.
Midfield need to bring the same intensity as Tyrone game. Kerry might concede the kickout again as they did against Tyrone. Important thing is to get in front early doors and get them chasing the game. If we do that then we can force them out of their system and challenge them to break us down.
Forwards will surely see McKaigue on Clifford and maybe McEvoy on O'Shea. They have strong players for match ups and continue a strong tradition of good Derry inside backs a la Scullion, Marty Lockhart, McCloy, McGuckian. I personally don't think Dara Moynihan is suited to this game and don't think he offered much at all against Tyrone compared to the likes of Adrian who is as honest as the day is long. O'Brien could slot in as he covers far more ground and offers more of a threat in one on one situations and on the scoreboard than Moynihan.
Have confidence in our ability to break them down after the performance against Tyrone. Great tactical performance that you wouldn't really associate with Kerry. More of the same and we could be in for back to back finals.
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horsebox77
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Post by horsebox77 on Jul 11, 2023 11:18:22 GMT
I personally don't think Dara Moynihan is suited to this game and don't think he offered much at all against Tyrone compared to the likes of Adrian who is as honest as the day is long. O'Brien could slot in as he covers far more ground and offers more of a threat in one on one situations and on the scoreboard than Moynihan. I partly disagree, of both wing forwards, Dara would be more known as the better scorer of the two wing forwards, I’m a huge fan of Spillane and it is only in his absence that his worth is truly appreciated. Over the last few games, Dara hasn’t really threatened the score board, whereas, Spillane kicked a nice point in the first half in PúC and two from play the last day out. The television didn’t do justice to the covering that Spillane, Dara and Graham did the last day out, Dara may not have been in the picture, however he was invariably covering the opposite channel to the counter, he was also heavily involved where two or three Kerry men choked up and dispossessed a Tyrone man, he may have not been the final hand in, but he was one of the two or three that slowed up the man and got over them in the tackle. Both are playing exceptionally well, doing their job to perfection and when gassed out on the three-quarter mark, make way for O’Brien or Burns etc. Being honest, I see an unchanged team. |
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Post by somethingwitty on Jul 11, 2023 11:36:30 GMT
I personally don't think Dara Moynihan is suited to this game and don't think he offered much at all against Tyrone compared to the likes of Adrian who is as honest as the day is long. O'Brien could slot in as he covers far more ground and offers more of a threat in one on one situations and on the scoreboard than Moynihan. I partly disagree, of both wing forwards, Dara would be more known as the better scorer of the two wing forwards, I’m a huge fan of Spillane and it is only in his absence that his worth is truly appreciated. Over the last few games, Dara hasn’t really threatened the score board, whereas, Spillane kicked a nice point in the first half in PúC and two from play the last day out. The television didn’t do justice to the covering that Spillane, Dara and Graham did the last day out, Dara may not have been in the picture, however he was invariably covering the opposite channel to the counter, he was also heavily involved where two or three Kerry men choked up and dispossessed a Tyrone man, he may have not been the final hand in, but he was one of the two or three that slowed up the man and got over them in the tackle. Both are playing exceptionally well, doing their job to perfection and when gassed out on the three-quarter mark, make way for O’Brien or Burns etc. Being honest, I see an unchanged team. I can't see any changes either. The physicality the pair of Dara and Adrian could be vital in this matchup. Perhaps the only change I could see would be the inclusion of Brian ó Beaglaoich for Paul Murphy. While Paul has been playing well, and did excellent against Tyrone, the added size of Brian could be a benefit for Kickouts and the size of the Derry team |
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Post by somethingwitty on Jul 11, 2023 11:41:02 GMT
I would've agreed previously and dont get me wrong I think he has been playing well as a playmaker to an extent this year but he has scored 7 points in 5 games so far this year an average of less than 2 are you saying you wouldn't back o brien or Donal sullivan for that matter to kick 2 points Sunday? O brien can play inside aswell not as effectively but still. Anyway if it was me I'd play seanie and David inside with geaney as reinforcement. Having said all that I will back the man from dromid to pick what he thinks is best he probably knows a bit more than I do ! Some very good points in all fairness. However I would keep Geaney in as I feel this could be a game where Seanie comes deeper in order to play as a bit more of a playmaker and uses his kicking to beat Derry on the counter. Paul's inclusion would also force the Derry's defence to play more honest and not be able to converge on David to the same extent. His shooting has been below his standard this year, but I still think he shades any other option we may have on our bench. Maybe the return of Killian Spillane may raise questions on who should partner DC for the final should they get that far*, but I think it might just be too soon after injury to spring him to start for this game |
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Post by royalkerryfan on Jul 11, 2023 13:10:26 GMT
I would've agreed previously and dont get me wrong I think he has been playing well as a playmaker to an extent this year but he has scored 7 points in 5 games so far this year an average of less than 2 are you saying you wouldn't back o brien or Donal sullivan for that matter to kick 2 points Sunday? O brien can play inside aswell not as effectively but still. Anyway if it was me I'd play seanie and David inside with geaney as reinforcement. Having said all that I will back the man from dromid to pick what he thinks is best he probably knows a bit more than I do ! Some very good points in all fairness. However I would keep Geaney in as I feel this could be a game where Seanie comes deeper in order to play as a bit more of a playmaker and uses his kicking to beat Derry on the counter. Paul's inclusion would also force the Derry's defence to play more honest and not be able to converge on David to the same extent. His shooting has been below his standard this year, but I still think he shades any other option we may have on our bench. Maybe the return of Killian Spillane may raise questions on who should partner DC for the final, but I think it might just be too soon after injury to spring him to start for this game The final ahh lad..... We are playing the Ulster Champions on Sunday. |
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exiled
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Post by exiled on Jul 11, 2023 18:30:08 GMT
Some very good points in all fairness. However I would keep Geaney in as I feel this could be a game where Seanie comes deeper in order to play as a bit more of a playmaker and uses his kicking to beat Derry on the counter. Paul's inclusion would also force the Derry's defence to play more honest and not be able to converge on David to the same extent. His shooting has been below his standard this year, but I still think he shades any other option we may have on our bench. Maybe the return of Killian Spillane may raise questions on who should partner DC for the final, but I think it might just be too soon after injury to spring him to start for this game ONÉ Game at a time. We are not in a final yet. Let's worry about Derry first and if we win we will think about the fina then. While I understand posters wanting Ó Beaglaoich in it would be very hard on Murphy who has been playing brilliantly. I off the belief that if you have the jersey it's yours until you mess up. I didn't know you can edit other people's posts. |
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Post by thehermit on Jul 11, 2023 20:05:50 GMT
Kiss of death from Jim! www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2023/07/11/balanced-kerry-could-dominate-for-years-if-no-one-stops-them-now/When sitting down to watch any game, the first thing I look out for are trends. Analysts get paid good money because they notice and pick up on consistencies in play quicker than others. So, when I sat down to rewatch Kerry’s win over Tyrone, it was in the context of looking for trends. And it didn’t take long to notice both Kerry’s defending and attacking were very much on point. From early on you could see Kerry had a great balance throughout the team. Tyrone tried to break the Kingdom’s defence down in those opening exchanges and in the 11th minute a ball was sent in towards the Ulster side’s full-forward line, but Jason Foley got out in front of his man really well and turned over possession. Immediately, Kerry were in a transitional moment and the ball ultimately ended up with Seán O’Shea popping over a very good point from the top of the D. Moments later Tom O’Sullivan raided forward and dinked a ball inside to David Clifford, who laid it back to him and O’Sullivan nonchalantly kicked the ball over the bar for a great score. Tyrone were already starting to take on water, all over the pitch the Kerry players looked tuned in. At one point, Michael O’Neill picked up possession around his defensive 65-metre line and took off up the field. The pitch seemed to open out before him, but Adrian Spillane had other ideas. Spillane put the head down and started sprinting, by the time the Tyrone player had crossed the offensive 45 his pursuer had made up the ground, got in around O’Neill and turned the ball over. In that moment Spillane showed a serious desire to defend, because it would have been easier to let somebody else further up the pitch deal with O’Neill. But he decided not to take the easy option. That showed the intent and hunger in Kerry’s play. Kerry’s defending throughout was excellent, Spillane’s turnover was just one example of many. Kerry had the right mentality and attitude to frustrate Tyrone’s attacking game, all built around a very good structure. The attacking side of their game hasn’t gone away either. Diarmuid O’Connor’s first-half point was a perfect example of how Kerry like to attack. Foley started it off again, this time delivering a long downfield punt off the laces. As soon as Foley played the ball, O’Connor took off at speed. O’Shea won possession and then offloaded it to the third-man runner, O’Connor, who stroked it over the bar. It was a prototype point straight from the Kerry training ground. They like to attack with pace: quick, accurate kicks to their forwards, with runners coming in at speed. When they lay the ball back to that third-man runner, for me then it’s very much ‘play it as you see it’ for the man in possession. O’Connor’s goal ended the game as a contest and again the build-up play to that score oozed quality, composure, confidence and, most importantly, threat. Rewatching the game, it was hard not to sense Kerry had really started to find their groove, and that might be bad news for the rest of the country. For me, the hardest thing in sport is getting over the line. With every passing year that pressure grows, it becomes immense. But once you achieve your goal, the dynamic of a group can change very quickly. Self-validation can be a very powerful driving force for any team, and for this Kerry side there would be no stronger validation than back-to-back All-Irelands. Kerry have regrouped exceptionally well from their defeat to Mayo in Killarney. Crucially, for me they appear to have an excellent balance in the team. The finish line for this year’s championship is in sight now and this is the stage of the season when you need to know you can do both sides of the game, defending and attacking. I feel this is where Kerry have made most strides in recent years. We all know what they can bring to the table as an attacking threat - quality play, quick hands, not too many touches on the ball and free-flowing football. Then add in the individual class of the two men down the spine of that attack – O’Shea and David Clifford. If you could hand-pick the attributes you’d want for your own players in both of those positions, you wouldn’t be far off an exact model player with both of those lads – speed, power, size, athleticism, decision-making, firepower, all topped off with a large sprinkling of x-factor. Despite all of that, for me it’s the players around the edges whose work rate and intensity make a huge difference to the team. We all know what Derry are going to bring to the table on Sunday. It will be a possession-based approach, they will look to control the pace of the game, control the clock, and work off overloads in the first and middle third to create incisions for scoring opportunities. Then they’ll just start the process all over again. That’s what Derry do. But for me there is a big question here: will Derry’s challenge be real? Can they bring this game down to the wire? What if Kerry cut through the Ulster champions? What would the ramifications of that be? It would certainly make Derry stop and think. Galway cut them open at this stage last year and Dublin cut through them in the Division Two league final this season, so if Kerry were to do the same, would that be the beginning of the end of Derry’s game plan? Could they survive getting exposed at Croke Park again? Then, the bigger picture, where would two massive victories on the bounce leave Kerry and football generally? What if Dublin’s circling of the wagons this season doesn’t work? Not taking anything away from Monaghan, but most people expect Kerry and Dublin to be in the final. But what happens if, despite Dublin’s big push, Kerry prevail and even possibly do so in a rampant fashion in the final? Will we then be talking this autumn about a green and gold wave? Will we be looking at a Kerry team capable of handling any system and who have no clear challenger to their reign? Could we be looking at another decade of dominance by a single county? It would have been very painful for Dublin last year watching Kerry lift Sam. That is why they have regrouped in the manner they have done over the course of the winter, bringing everything and everybody to the fight in 2023. Obviously, Kerry are striving to win the All-Ireland again. But if Kerry want to win it, there is a sense Dublin must win it in order to stem the Kerry tide. If Kerry win again, does the dam break entirely? There are only three games and a handful of weeks left in the championship, but for me what happens within those contests could have severe ramifications for where the dominance and power base of football might lie in the years ahead. |
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Post by royalkerryfan on Jul 11, 2023 20:31:33 GMT
The last paragraph of that piece by Jim is ridiculous.
IF and its a only a IF Dublin were to beat Kerry in a final that wouldn't impact 2024.
The old boys get older and probably retire on top.
Leaving Dublin in transition in my opinion because so much of what's good about them is demonstrated in Mccarthy, Fitzsimmons, Cluxton, Kilkenny, Rock and they probably will hang up thd boots.
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horsebox77
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Post by horsebox77 on Jul 11, 2023 21:00:08 GMT
The last paragraph of that piece by Jim is ridiculous. IF and its a only a IF Dublin were to beat Kerry in a final that wouldn't impact 2024. The old boys get older and probably retire on top. Leaving Dublin in transition in my opinion because so much of what's good about them is demonstrated in Mccarthy, Fitzsimmons, Cluxton, Kilkenny, Rock and they probably will hang up thd boots. Fair point. |
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Post by A.N. Other on Jul 11, 2023 21:17:12 GMT
The last paragraph of that piece by Jim is ridiculous. IF and its a only a IF Dublin were to beat Kerry in a final that wouldn't impact 2024. The old boys get older and probably retire on top. Leaving Dublin in transition in my opinion because so much of what's good about them is demonstrated in Mccarthy, Fitzsimmons, Cluxton, Kilkenny, Rock and they probably will hang up thd boots. Kilkenny is only 30. Why would he retire? |
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Post by royalkerryfan on Jul 11, 2023 21:54:52 GMT
The last paragraph of that piece by Jim is ridiculous. IF and its a only a IF Dublin were to beat Kerry in a final that wouldn't impact 2024. The old boys get older and probably retire on top. Leaving Dublin in transition in my opinion because so much of what's good about them is demonstrated in Mccarthy, Fitzsimmons, Cluxton, Kilkenny, Rock and they probably will hang up thd boots. Kilkenny is only 30. Why would he retire? He may be 30 but he has savage miles in the legs. Next year will be 11 years at intercounty and after potentially 8 all irelands what else has he to prove ? You can add McCaffery and Mannion into that. |
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exiled
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Post by exiled on Jul 11, 2023 21:58:10 GMT
Im a bit lost Exiled.What do you mean A few important words left out from the original post |
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Post by royalkerryfan on Jul 11, 2023 22:18:07 GMT
A few important words left out from the original post Can you explain what you mean? Are you trying to say im using some other posters posts? I genuinely dont know what you re getting at! Lads I'd say it's a simple mistake, When you're quoting another post it's easy to inadvertently delete part of the post you are quoting. |
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Post by cliffy on Jul 12, 2023 6:48:24 GMT
Spare Cusack Lower ticket for game on Sunday. 50 euro for ticket-face value. DM me if interested. Thanks
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Post by cliffy on Jul 12, 2023 7:14:37 GMT
Ticket is 307. Thanks
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kerryexile
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Post by kerryexile on Jul 12, 2023 8:05:36 GMT
Thanks for posting that Hermit.
I think Jim is being insincere in elevating Kerry to such dizzy heights like that. A long ball from Jason to Seanie and quick off load to Diarmuid for a point is just good football not something to be marvelled at like Jacko’s goal against Offaly in ’81.
Is he sowing the seeds of complacency in Kerry minds for the benefit of his former colleague who is the architect of this Derry team?
The truth is much more basic and we are happy to focus on one game at a time not 10 years-time.
Jack told us this week via the Examiner that it will not be pretty. When they came back from warm weather training Jack said they were working on “being patient”. We saw what that looks like against Tyrone - measured attacks and changing direction to avoid turnovers. Kerry looked ruthlessly efficient but the lack of directness was a disadvantage to David.
So rather than talking about years to come, where we are now is facing a dull, workman like semi-final that we will win.
Then we will have a final where we will be favourites but will have different tactical options of caution and/or cutting loose. Hopefully the latter after 20 minutes having endured a quarter and semi against Ulster teams. (The final could be another Ulster team).
Some people are talking about the athleticism of the Derry players. It doesn’t matter if they had 15 Olympic sprinters, they will be corralled behind their own 45 metre line for most of the game.
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Post by Deise Exile on Jul 12, 2023 8:27:59 GMT
If anyone wants to take a Hogan stand lower ticket off me, just looking for face value, please PM me
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Post by royalkerryfan on Jul 12, 2023 8:52:47 GMT
Thanks for posting that Hermit. I think Jim is being insincere in elevating Kerry to such dizzy heights like that. A long ball from Jason to Seanie and quick off load to Diarmuid for a point is just good football not something to be marvelled at like Jacko’s goal against Offaly in ’81. Is he sowing the seeds of complacency in Kerry minds for the benefit of his former colleague who is the architect of this Derry team? The truth is much more basic and we are happy to focus on one game at a time not 10 years-time. Jack told us this week via the Examiner that it will not be pretty. When they came back from warm weather training Jack said they were working on “being patient”. We saw what that looks like against Tyrone - measured attacks and changing direction to avoid turnovers. Kerry looked ruthlessly efficient but the lack of directness was a disadvantage to David. So rather than talking about years to come, where we are now is facing a dull, workman like semi-final that we will win. Then we will have a final where we will be favourites but will have different tactical options of caution and/or cutting loose. Hopefully the latter after 20 minutes having endured a quarter and semi against Ulster teams. (The final could be another Ulster team). Some people are talking about the athleticism of the Derry players. It doesn’t matter if they had 15 Olympic sprinters, they will be corralled behind their own 45 metre line for most of the game. Jim never rated Kerry and all of a sudden he sees 1 performance and completely changes his mind. I would take his article with a fist full of salt. |
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Post by thehermit on Jul 12, 2023 9:15:43 GMT
I don't care how dull or torturous this game could potentially be. Semi-finals are there for one thing only and that's to win them. If we get out by 0-3 to 0-2 they'll be no happier man coming out of Croker than me.
I'd be hard pressed to name every losing semi-finalist in the last few years!!
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horsebox77
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Post by horsebox77 on Jul 12, 2023 9:54:23 GMT
Thanks for posting that Hermit. Hermit, is Darragh's article worth posting? |
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Post by thehermit on Jul 12, 2023 10:29:54 GMT
Meeh:
Darragh Ó Sé: Anything can happen in an All-Ireland semi-final, but I don’t see Derry or Monaghan winning
It’s almost a foregone conclusion that Dublin will reach the final, and Kerry will probably meet them there.
Given what’s at stake and the prize still on offer, it’s not unreasonable to expect two proper football contests in Croke Park this weekend. Until you start thinking them over and talking them through, and soon realise that when it comes down to it, you’d expect Kerry and Dublin to win.
Of course no team is unbeatable at any stage of the championship, least of all in an All-Ireland semi-final. We’ve witnessed some surprises at this stage over the years, but still, if you’re asking me whether I see Derry or Monaghan winning, then the answer is no.
The only thing that matters in a semi-final is getting over the line first, and no two teams are better versed in that exercise than Kerry and Dublin. Kerry have a good record in semi-finals because they always come in with that matter-of-fact approach. It’s there to be won, no hype and no fanfare, and Jack O’Connor has already made clear that is his approach too.
In my experience playing in semi-finals with Kerry, the attitude among the players is win it pretty or win it ugly. It doesn’t matter. Like Kilkenny’s approach in hurling, the players know perfectly well there are no medals handed out. It’s all for nowt if you don’t win the bloody thing.
Kerry and Derry certainly appears the more attractive game insofar as it looks to be the tighter contest. That’s not saying it’s going to be attractive to watch. We can certainly expect a lot of bodies behind the ball for a lot of the game, but again it’s difficult – if not impossible – to see how Derry are going to win.
To me Derry are looking slightly fresher than last year, when they were on virgin territory really, getting to the All-Ireland semi-final. Winning that Ulster title last year might have been sufficient, but it won’t feel that way this year.
They’ll also feel they are on the cusp of something big here, having dealt with everything that was put in front of them so far. Their form has been steady, without being spectacular, and they’re exactly where they want to be.
If you look under the bonnet, there’s no shortage of experience there, Chrissy McKaigue and Gareth McKinless in defence, Conor Glass and Brendan Rogers around midfield, Shane McGuigan is obviously a classy forward. You could argue they might even be better than Kerry defensively, but can they match the Kerry forwards?
They’ll also still be smarting at the way they were torn apart by Galway at this stage last year. Other than that day, it would have been a spectacular year for them. I can imagine that being a sore one for them.
Since Rory Gallagher’s departure, that changing of the guard doesn’t seem to have broken their stride at all. If anything, it’s galvanised them a bit, they’ve kicked on from it. Their goals have been neatly shifting along the way, they’re still very focused and tuned in, and their chance now is of making an All-Ireland final. There’s a lot of confidence in this Derry team too, the belief they can actually do this.
We saw Cork try to run the ball a lot against Derry, and repeatedly get bottled up. Derry don’t mind that style of play at all, are happy to keep bodies back, and that makes them difficult to play against. They are also very well conditioned.
Basically, we know exactly how Derry will play. They don’t tend to change their style from game to game. I expect they will go very defensive, and that could make for some dour viewing.
But Kerry have played against teams like this before. Derry certainly aren’t unique in that way. It’s part of the game now, a prerequisite that you need to be ready for. Kerry won’t mind going into a battle like that, getting down and dirty.
There are no concessions here, and Kerry have had enough kicks in the backside in the last few years, so whatever they will be, they won’t be complacent.
Kerry will just want to stick with their kicking game, same as they did against Tyrone. They will get chances, through David Clifford and Seánie O’Shea obviously, but they also got some good return from the bench the last day as well, through the likes of Tony Brosnan and Stephen O’Brien. They will stretch Derry, who will have to come out and play at some point. It’s just a matter of how much Kerry will stretch them by the end.
For me Saturday’s semi-final between Dublin and Monaghan is the more foregone conclusion, one that could get properly one-sided. Dublin just have too much strength and depth right now. We saw how ruthless they were in the second half against Mayo – Ciarán Kilkenny, Jack McCaffrey and Dean Rock all coming off the bench to make telling impacts as well.
Con O’Callaghan looks to be coming into a bit more form, Paul Mannion already has, and Colm Basquel and Cormac Costello are on fire. It’s an embarrassment of talent really, what they can pull from, and Dessie Farrell can afford to mix things up again. That’s a nice spot to be in for an All-Ireland semi-final.
Monaghan have Conor McManus to come off the bench, but it’s an older McManus now. Overall I can’t see Monaghan keeping the tide out for very long.
Dublin played some total football against Mayo, scoring 2-14 from play, and holding Mayo to 0-11. Like Kerry, they’ll also be cautious, maybe even a little understated, with a view to getting over the line, nothing more. Keep some powder dry, make sure no one gets sent off or gets injured. The result is paramount.
Having said all that, I think we’ll see more realistic displays of form, considering in the quarter-finals Tyrone and Mayo were both impacted by having three games on the bounce. It happens in the championship sometimes that you get to the semi-finals and those still standing might not be the best four teams left in it.
By Sunday evening, though, we’ll certainly be down to the best two.
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Post by jackiel on Jul 12, 2023 10:32:29 GMT
Following on from comments on Twitter this morning I'm wondering how many of us on here are actually planning to be at this match. I understand all the in's and outs of why people cant go but I'm disappointed that it looks like we're not getting behind Jack & the boys. Maybe the ticket choice is a contributory factor so I'm hoping that over the next couple of days the numbers go up.
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Post by thehermit on Jul 12, 2023 10:32:51 GMT
Tickets been on sale over a week and still only the Hill and Canal End on offer since a couple of hours in. Surely the upper Hogan/Cusack will be open for Sunday??
I know lots of others down home are holding out like me to see if better ones come. Have four to bloody get though so if anyone has any spare in and around the same spot let us know.
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