|
|
Post by Kingdomson on Feb 26, 2024 16:36:19 GMT
Dick Clerkin: David Clifford might have to accept his fate as the Rory McIlroy of Gaelic football
When Jim Gavin convenes his first meeting as chairperson of the newly formed Football Review Committee, his clarion call will be simple – ‘Everyone just needs to learn to play like Dublin.’
A game in which ’keepers focus on their primary jobs first, in minding the house and securing his kick-outs. Defenders defend as their first priority, man-on-man when needed. Forwards are left to do the majority of the scoring, and the midfielders knit it all together. Essentially the game as it was originally intended, and based on where Sam Maguire has resided for most of the past decade, a fairly solid template to follow.
At half-time on Saturday, we were treated to vintage Dublin, with a display as efficient and ruthless as anything Gavin oversaw, considering the opponents. By half-time, every forward was on the scoresheet, midfield was dominant, and the game’s most lethal forward was limited to a single point from play.
Before Kerry woke up, with a temporary third-quarter resurgence, the game was effectively over. Aside from the league points, in an All-Ireland context what then were the main takeaways from an evening that Dublin firmly pitched the flag at the top of Mount Sam?
Firstly, Con O’Callaghan is back to claim his place on the podium as one of the country’s top forwards. His backdoor first-half goal was vintage Con, and left the normally reliable Jason Foley red-faced.
Read more
Secondly, Kerry have a major problem in midfield that needs addressing with immediate effect.
On last week’s ‘Throw in Podcast’ the question was asked: What relevance does a game like Saturday night have on the wider All-Ireland context?. I raised concerns about the reliability of Kerry’s new midfield of Joe O’Connor and namesake Diarmuid and made the point that Saturday night presented an opportunity for them to test themselves against the best on the hard Croke Park turf. Ahead of bigger tests in the summer, the half-time report card on that front would not have been a kind read.
Dublin went out with a purpose and work-rate that Kerry couldn’t cope with in the opening 35 minutes. Dublin pressed Shane Ryan’s kick-outs hard, winning four of them in the first half alone. Brian Fenton had come to play, with a commanding performance that left the Kerry O’Connors scrambling around like Junior Bs. My pre-match fears were well-founded.
To their credit, Kerry raised a gallop in the third quarter with Joe O’Connor pushing forward for a goal and a point. But the damage was already done, and that extra effort needed to close a 10-point gap couldn’t be maintained.
That neither of the Connors had either the instruction, discipline, or the ability to keep tabs on Fenton should be a major cause of concern for Kerry.
Dessie Farrell proved again that the best way to limit the influence of David Clifford is to disrupt the supply lines. Press and congest the middle third and trust his assigned defender to do his job. Last July that task was handed to Michael Fitzsimons, whereas on Saturday Eoin Murchan seamlessly slipped into the role.
When you think of Murchan and Kerry, your mind casts back to that memorable goal in the 2019 replayed final. On Saturday, he scarcely left his full-back berth, instead focusing his energy on carrying out an old-fashioned man-marking job. For the second time in seven months, Clifford cut a frustrated figure. By comparison, O’Callaghan gorged on the feast of fast, direct ball being sent his way. It was a case of cause and effect at its simplest.
Going forward, Clifford is going to have to accept his fate as being the Rory McIlroy of Gaelic football. Forever judged by the highest of standards. On Saturday, he was still Kerry’s most impactful forward from play and assists, yet the lazy analysis will suggest he was marked out of it. Akin to a top-five placing in a Major for McIlroy. Impressive for many, yet underwhelming when measured against their unsustainably high standards.
Jack O’Connor will know he and his management have work ahead of them. Farrell on the other hand, can be happy that once the hunger and application is right, he still has the balance of players needed to win back-to-back All-Irelands.
|
|
|
|
Post by orangerhyme on Feb 26, 2024 16:57:40 GMT
Just watched the highlights on YouTube now.
Were Dublin as dominant as the scoreline and other people suggest?
I mean in terms of winning kickouts, possession, chances etc.
I thought Foley's marking of Con was atrocious for the 1st and 3rd goals.
The objective with Con is to stay touch tight and goal side of him and hope to contain him to a few points.
For the first goal Foley is ball watching and has no idea where Con is. Likewise the 3rd goal he's ball watching again and Con runs behind him. Poor marking by an experienced defender.
The penalty was a silly foul as there was no danger.
Dublin looked to come by their scores easier. Often kicking around the D under no pressure. This area should be clogged up.
Kilkenny's a great player but surely can't be too quick anymore yet he found himself in space to kick his scores.
Clifford should've done better with his goal chances. Just pass the ball into the net. Plenty of space to aim for.
How did Joe O'Connor play?
He's vital for us this year.
I wouldn't be too worried by the loss. By the summer if we meet them, it'll come down to a "grain of rice" as the great man said.
|
|
horsebox77
Fanatical Member
Our trees & mountains are silent ghosts, they hold wisdom and knowledge mankind has long forgotten.
Posts: 2,034
|
Post by horsebox77 on Feb 26, 2024 18:50:00 GMT
I'm surprised no one has commented on the fireworks from the hill on Saturdsy night... a woman sitting near me had her two children with her and one child in particular was quiet distressed...
Strange, how over the road, a high profile irish soccer team have had serious sanctions imposed due to similar behaviour.
Dare I say it, one rule for those inside as opposed those outside the pale.
|
|
|
|
Post by gahman on Feb 26, 2024 20:04:11 GMT
Re the fireworks. It happened just before the 20 minute lights on for Palestine. I was near enough to the top of hill 16 from where it seemed they came. But everyone around appeared startled. I think they may have come from outside the ground. Agree though, they frightened the * out of me when they were let off. Maybe it was to give us a taste of life in Gaza. Also Bohs are an inside the Pale team too…
|
|
|
|
Post by southward on Feb 26, 2024 20:58:08 GMT
Re the fireworks. It happened just before the 20 minute lights on for Palestine. I was near enough to the top of hill 16 from where it seemed they came. But everyone around appeared startled. I think they may have come from outside the ground. Agree though, they frightened the * out of me when they were let off. Maybe it was to give us a taste of life in Gaza. Also Bohs are an inside the Pale team too… Could be wrong but I don't think they came from outside. At the County Junior final last year, some Ballymac yobs were letting off fireworks and smoke bombs on the terrace. Horrible and dangerous. Absolute morons. |
|
|
|
Post by southward on Feb 26, 2024 21:18:19 GMT
DC is incredible and the wonderful thing is that he could possible get better even. He is some man to get on the ball and create chances. But, ever Since his debut season his conversion rate in some games can be really really low. Dangerous thing to be rating players on conversion percentages. If that gains traction, you'll have fellas afraid to take on all but the easiest of chances and no one will have a pop from any distance. Forward A takes 10 shots, scores 6; that's a 60% conversion rate. Forward B just recycles the ball all night (perhaps to Forward A) but fists one handy one over the bar; that's a 100% success per stats. Which is your most valuable forward? The more you take on, the more you should score but the percentage is likely to be smaller. Clifford takes on shots that no one else will, and often as not it works. I'd never discourage fellas from having a go. |
|
|
|
Post by royalkerryfan on Feb 26, 2024 21:57:50 GMT
Just in regards players who are not in the squad at present.
There's a myriad of reasons why a lad is not available and also why management have not discussed those reasons publicly.
Rumours are just that rumours and its far more likely that management are protecting that person's privacy.
As far as Saturday goes I'm thankful we don't have 6 months to ponder a defeat like that and that we are back in the saddle on Sunday.
But I worry that game will have a lasting impact.
League or not.
|
|
|
|
Post by mainevalley on Feb 26, 2024 22:06:37 GMT
Just in regards players who are not in the squad at present. There's a myriad of reasons why a lad is not available and also why management have not discussed those reasons publicly. Rumours are just that rumours and its far more likely that management are protecting that person's privacy. As far as Saturday goes I'm thankful we don't have 6 months to ponder a defeat like that and that we are back in the saddle on Sunday. But I worry that game will have a lasting impact. League or not. I've no doubt it has done serious psychological damage. It will take Tony griffin serious effort to spin it. It was the sheer difference in athleticism that struck me most. He could spin it that we are in a different training block to the dubs etc but the players are no fools, they will know that they are miles off it at moment. In years gone by before the split season I wouldn't be worried as we do most of our training around easter but not anymore, it's hard to get quality athletic sessions done unless you train through rest of lge and start of Munster championship or else we are done. You need at least 8 weeks training to see athletic change and can't see that happening now |
|
|
|
Post by gahman on Feb 26, 2024 22:33:48 GMT
Re the fireworks. It happened just before the 20 minute lights on for Palestine. I was near enough to the top of hill 16 from where it seemed they came. But everyone around appeared startled. I think they may have come from outside the ground. Agree though, they frightened the * out of me when they were let off. Maybe it was to give us a taste of life in Gaza. Also Bohs are an inside the Pale team too… Could be wrong but I don't think they came from outside. At the County Junior final last year, some Ballymac yobs were letting off fireworks and smoke bombs on the terrace. Horrible and dangerous. Absolute morons. I say they may have been fired from outside because there were a couple of Garda who presumably could have identified who let them off. But anyone in a ground who lets off that stuff should face a long ban from grounds. |
|
|
|
Post by veteran on Feb 26, 2024 22:47:40 GMT
DC is incredible and the wonderful thing is that he could possible get better even. He is some man to get on the ball and create chances. But, ever Since his debut season his conversion rate in some games can be really really low. Dangerous thing to be rating players on conversion percentages. If that gains traction, you'll have fellas afraid to take on all but the easiest of chances and no one will have a pop from any distance. Forward A takes 10 shots, scores 6; that's a 60% conversion rate. Forward B just recycles the ball all night (perhaps to Forward A) but fists one handy one over the bar; that's a 100% success per stats. Which is your most valuable forward? The more you take on, the more you should score but the percentage is likely to be smaller. Clifford takes on shots that no one else will, and often as not it works. I'd never discourage fellas from having a go. How right you are. Nobody complains about David’s “crazy” shot selection when they go over. Keep on being crazy, David. |
|
|
|
Post by homerj on Feb 27, 2024 10:38:59 GMT
i dont know where this "crazy shot selection" thing is coming from, not one miss the last night he had, was a bad shot choice, just poorly executed. the same in the final last year. he wouldnt have taken on that Mayo shot and 2 or 3 more in that game, if people here had their way.
we really are a strange bunch of supporters some times how we judge players.
|
|
horsebox77
Fanatical Member
Our trees & mountains are silent ghosts, they hold wisdom and knowledge mankind has long forgotten.
Posts: 2,034
|
Post by horsebox77 on Feb 27, 2024 10:48:31 GMT
i dont know where this "crazy shot selection" thing is coming from, not one miss the last night he had, was a bad shot choice, just poorly executed. the same in the final last year. he wouldnt have taken on that Mayo shot and 2 or 3 more in that game, if people here had their way. we really are a strange bunch of supporters some times how we judge players. Agree. |
|
|
|
Post by homerj on Feb 27, 2024 11:19:56 GMT
met some kerry people last night and the sense of panic and doom was incredible.
theres a glaring fact people are missing by the way that i think will become very clear if we were to win next 2 games.
|
|
|
|
Post by thehermit on Feb 27, 2024 11:43:17 GMT
met some kerry people last night and the sense of panic and doom was incredible. theres a glaring fact people are missing by the way that i think will become very clear if we were to win next 2 games. Which is? |
|
|
|
Post by royalkerryfan on Feb 27, 2024 11:55:09 GMT
met some kerry people last night and the sense of panic and doom was incredible. theres a glaring fact people are missing by the way that i think will become very clear if we were to win next 2 games. Which is? I'd assume he means we will possibly be in a league final. I think the doom and gloom is completely understandably. Dublin with lots of new faces gave us a hiding with practically our championship side. Even the most optimistic person would find it hard to be positive this week. |
|
|
|
Post by thehermit on Feb 27, 2024 12:29:55 GMT
Well if the team was targeting a League Final than what the hell explains Saturday's no show? I don't mind losing League games as long as you perform and against our bitterest rivals at present - considering what happened last July and the fact we haven't been beaten by them in Croker in the League in so long - giving them the feel good factor of a 10 point trimming is madness. Worse its hardly going to inspire confidence in our group that another meeting will not end in defeat like the AI last summer.
A bloody mess is all Saturday was and like everyone else on here I spend enough money and time travelling across the country to support the team to call it out for what it is. All Ireland's might not be won in February but they can be lost!
|
|
|
|
Post by royalkerryfan on Feb 27, 2024 12:47:57 GMT
Well if the team was targeting a League Final than what the hell explains Saturday's no show? I don't mind losing League games as long as you perform and against our bitterest rivals at present - considering what happened last July and the fact we haven't been beaten by them in Croker in the League in so long - giving them the feel good factor of a 10 point trimming is madness. Worse its hardly going to inspire confidence in our group that another meeting will not end in defeat like the AI last summer. A bloody mess is all Saturday was and like everyone else on here I spend enough money and time travelling across the country to support the team to call it out for what it is. All Ireland's might not be won in February but they can be lost! Agree completely. |
|
|
|
Post by homerj on Feb 27, 2024 13:08:23 GMT
im saying the opposite, i dont think Kerry (or Dublin) want to be in a league final. all will become clear in the next 2 or 3 weeks.
|
|
|
|
Post by royalkerryfan on Feb 27, 2024 13:37:45 GMT
im saying the opposite, i dont think Kerry (or Dublin) want to be in a league final. all will become clear in the next 2 or 3 weeks. I know they are off too Portugal at Easter and the league final is on Easter Sunday. |
|
Fado
Senior Member
Posts: 317 
|
Post by Fado on Feb 27, 2024 14:00:33 GMT
With regard to the fireworks, the were fired from outside the ground.
|
|
|
|
Post by Annascaultilidie on Feb 27, 2024 14:42:01 GMT
i dont know where this "crazy shot selection" thing is coming from, not one miss the last night he had, was a bad shot choice, just poorly executed. the same in the final last year. he wouldnt have taken on that Mayo shot and 2 or 3 more in that game, if people here had their way. we really are a strange bunch of supporters some times how we judge players. Agree. Some might say we're the roughest type of *ing animals going. |
|
|
|
Post by thehermit on Feb 27, 2024 14:52:28 GMT
im saying the opposite, i dont think Kerry (or Dublin) want to be in a league final. all will become clear in the next 2 or 3 weeks. I was aware of the trip to Faro in the week leading up to the Easter bank holiday, I think I actually posted a link to the story a couple of weeks back. But Homer just because you might not want to be in a League final that is no excuse for rolling over and letting Dublin paste you like that. I'm not an expert in sports psychology by any means but if someone on here can explain how a beating like that is part of the plan then I'm all ears. |
|
|
|
Post by oldschool on Feb 27, 2024 14:56:55 GMT
I hate to have to post this and I know I will be savaged for it but here goes anyway
For ages now we've struggled with kickouts, both our own and opposition's. Study how Dublin (Cluxton) do it , learn from it and move on. There now I've said it.
Forget not what Mick O Dwyer did when (K Heffernan ) caught us with handpass / palming / almost throwing the ball. Were we codded the second time round ? NO we were not.
Learn from this.
|
|
|
|
Post by Annascaultilidie on Feb 27, 2024 15:01:38 GMT
For ages now we've struggled with kickouts Is this true? The last time I was aware that Kerry had a problem with kickouts was Tyrone 2021 where the narrative went that because Kerry went short so often, by the end of the match Kerry players were absolutely shattered tired from carrying the football up the pitch time and time again. I thought Kerry had a strong kickout. With Shane Ryan a large part of this... when did this change? |
|
|
|
Post by veteran on Feb 27, 2024 16:08:30 GMT
I hate to have to post this and I know I will be savaged for it but here goes anyway For ages now we've struggled with kickouts, both our own and opposition's. Study how Dublin (Cluxton) do it , learn from it and move on. There now I've said it. Forget not what Mick O Dwyer did when (K Heffernan ) caught us with handpass / palming / almost throwing the ball. Were we codded the second time round ? NO we were not. Learn from this. Never be afraid to express your opinion. If somebody refutes it then you come back and flesh out your argument. If somebody savages you then you bare your teeth and savage back! There is some merit in your view regarding our kick out and that of the opposition. |
|
Ballyfireside
Full Member
People of an eternal time and an infinite place
Posts: 93
|
Post by Ballyfireside on Feb 27, 2024 18:02:00 GMT
Fitzy doesn't see an issue with Burke at MF and often a move that proves magical can change the complexion of a team and that is what we need right now.
I don't like mentioning gambling but the odds are in contrast with the way we are thinking on here - are they dictated by big bets already placed? We are still favourites for Sam and red hot favourites vs Tyrone.
|
|
|
|
Post by john4 on Feb 27, 2024 19:29:36 GMT
im saying the opposite, i dont think Kerry (or Dublin) want to be in a league final. all will become clear in the next 2 or 3 weeks. Bar Derry none of the teams are overly worried about making a league final but they all want to win their games and if it brings a league final so be it.Both Dublin and Kerry wanted to win that match sat eve. Came across this on twitter, I don't know about how much Kerry put into winning Saturday evening. Both attacks in this clip are from the 1st half so it's not like Kerry were out of gas. Dublin wanted to win this match yes. But I'm struggling to believe that we did. |
|
|
|
Post by oldschool on Feb 27, 2024 20:33:01 GMT
For ages now we've struggled with kickouts Is this true? The last time I was aware that Kerry had a problem with kickouts was Tyrone 2021 where the narrative went that because Kerry went short so often, by the end of the match Kerry players were absolutely shattered tired from carrying the football up the pitch time and time again. I thought Kerry had a strong kickout. With Shane Ryan a large part of this... when did this change? Can Kerry get kickout away as fast or as efficient as Dublin? No. Shane Ryan is good smart keeper but he needs movement to place kickout There doesn't seem to be a plan or strategy in place . Question is Is our kickout as efficient as Dublin's and the answer is no. This forces a long kickout to midfield where Kerry are vulnerable. As for players getting tired from carrying the ball upfield, I don't see too many Dubs getting tired . I know that maybe i'm doing too much comparing to Dublin but at the moment they are the best and while I'm not suggesting that we just copy their every action I think we could learn a little from them. Lets just keep an eye on KIckouts in the Tyrone game (Ours and Theirs_) |
|
|
|
Post by oldschool on Feb 27, 2024 20:46:56 GMT
For ages now we've struggled with kickouts Is this true? The last time I was aware that Kerry had a problem with kickouts was Tyrone 2021 where the narrative went that because Kerry went short so often, by the end of the match Kerry players were absolutely shattered tired from carrying the football up the pitch time and time again. I thought Kerry had a strong kickout. With Shane Ryan a large part of this... when did this change? Lets just keep an eye on kickouts in the Tyrone game (ours and Tyrone's) |
|
|
|
Post by oldschool on Feb 27, 2024 21:01:19 GMT
Is this true? The last time I was aware that Kerry had a problem with kickouts was Tyrone 2021 where the narrative went that because Kerry went short so often, by the end of the match Kerry players were absolutely shattered tired from carrying the football up the pitch time and time again. I thought Kerry had a strong kickout. With Shane Ryan a large part of this... when did this change? Lets just keep an eye on kickouts in the Tyrone game (ours and Tyrone's) I do hope I'm wrong |
|
