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Post by Ballyfireside on Feb 3, 2022 13:45:07 GMT
The league looks like shaping up to be a good one I don't think there are any easy touches like in other years. All the games next weekend are interesting kerry dublin is always hotly contested and this year the stakes are higher. Another loss for dublin would be terrible for farrell and the noise is pretty strong up here already. The lack of faith in him and dublin this year Is clearly evident in the small crowd that turned up last Saturday 22k is quite poor for them especially as there seemed to be a good few armagh people there. Armagh Tyrone Sunday should be good aswell be some fill up for them to beat dublin and ai champs in 1 week. Monaghan and mayo will be a battle id say with goalkeepers featuring prominently. Can kildare back up Sunday away to Donegal we will see. I hope to have my crew in Ballybofey for a full report. |
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 5, 2022 12:00:03 GMT
Sean Noran
Saturday
DIVISION ONE
Kerry v Dublin, Austin Stack Park, 7.0 – Live RTÉ 2
Allowing that the competition was mostly regionalised up until the 1970s, Dublin’s record in Tralee is poor: two wins in 95 years of the league. Those two, 1982 and 2013, were followed by All-Irelands. Historical trivia aside, this is a big date for Dessie Farrell’s team. The porous defending and aimless attack of last week will be punished here even if Kerry weren’t impressive on their own first outing and are understrength at centrefield. The quality of Dublin’s forward play has deteriorated badly and that leaves them vulnerable to anyone, let alone Kerry. Verdict: Kerry
DIVISION TWO
Down v Galway, Páirc Esler, 5.0 – Live BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport NI website
Unfortunate timing for Down in having to turn up understrength in Derry last week and compounded now by the arrival of a focused looking Galway, who have started the year as if they mean business. Cillian McDaid reminded everyone of what a bonus his return from AFL should be if he gets an injury-free run. Down will dig in and used the long ball a bit in Derry but it will hardly be enough. Verdict: Galway
Cork v Clare, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7.0
Clare were comprehensively too good for Offaly in week one and now take on another team in transition. Cork’s new manager Keith Ricken sounded pessimistic or stoic after his team, with an influx of newcomers, endured a poor outing in Roscommon. They’ll need to be careful here. Verdict: Clare
DIVISION THREE
Antrim v Limerick, Corrigan Park, 2.30
Two excellent displays on the first weekend. Antrim were a bit open at the back but survived to finish strongly in Enniskillen with nine different scorers. Limerick were impressive, bucking the low scoring trend (1.5 per game) of the opening round with four goals but the home side may be going places. Verdict: Antrim
Sunday
DIVISION ONE
Armagh v Tyrone, Athletic Grounds, 2.0 – TG4 YouTube (deferred on TG4)
Armagh lit up the start of the league with a swashbuckling take down of Dublin. Looked at in context, they have loved the good surface, which played to their forward strengths – as did the Dublin backs – and their improved defence had their spirits lifted by as uninventive an attack as they’re likely to get in Division One. This will be different. Tyrone aren’t fully back in gear but survived when under the cosh from Monaghan. Their attack got bogged down in the conditions and aren’t firing on all cylinders yet anyway but they quarried out the scores. Armagh are in good shape and buzzing after last week and are the form pick. Verdict: Armagh
Monaghan v Mayo, Clones, 2.0
Séamus McEnaney was pretty Zen about squandering the chance to win in Omagh but there were positives for Monaghan. They created a lot more scoring opportunities and need to tighten the execution. Goalkeeper Rory Beggan ran the show and even scored from play. Darren Hughes was incessant industry and newcomer Gary Mohan put himself about. Mayo equalised by taking Donegal for a late score. They had less practice under their belts and so may be excused another listless first half, necessitating the breathless chase. Lee Keegan starts his 12th year of intercounty but news of Tommy Conroy’s cruciate overshadowed James Horan’s week and this is a hard trip. Verdict: Monaghan
Donegal v Kildare, Ballybofey, 2.30
The strength of the Glenn Ryan effect in Newbridge gave Kildare a great start to their notoriously difficult first four fixtures: Tyrone and Dublin to come. Kerry dithered and played into their hands but the conviction of Kildare’s recovery was undeniable and they deserved the point. Donegal will be crestfallen to have blown another big lead and to have had an obvious win dashed at the bitter end. They were lively though in building the advantage and at home, will hope to get it right this time. Verdict: Donegal
DIVISION TWO
Meath v Roscommon, Páirc Tailteann, 2.0
Two very different experiences. Meath had the country agog as they waited until the 45th minute to register a first score. Roscommon, weakened by their clubs’ All-Ireland involvement, produced an excellent display to take the points off Cork. They’ll surely face a Meath backlash after the Galway performance but will it be enough? Verdict: Roscommon
Offaly v Derry, Bórd na Móna O’Connor Park, 2.0
Offaly were initially lively in Ennis but ran out of steam, as a more seasoned Clare asserted themselves. It’s probably going to be a campaign of hard lessons for John Maughan’s team. Derry were convincing winners against Down and evidence is the gap that existed when these counties met in last year’s Division Three final hasn’t narrowed. Verdict: Derry
DIVISION THREE
Laois v Westmeath, MW Hire O’Moore Park, 2.0
Laois found their scoring touch eventually in Drogheda with Gary Walsh hitting 2-2 as they figured out the Louth defence. Westmeath laboured more than expected in beating Wicklow but eventually harnessed the elements. Verdict: Laois
Longford v Louth, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2.0
Both beaten last week but Longford nearly recovered to overhaul Limerick whereas Louth lost early initiative. They also shipped the most goals – four and three, respectively – but if Longford can improve their conversion rate, there’s no reason why their five-year unbeaten run against this opposition can’t be extended. Verdict: Longford
Wicklow v Fermanagh, Aughrim, 2.0
Wicklow were a bit unlucky in Mullingar. Their young side blitzed Westmeath in the first half when they had the elements with them but lost Rory Stokes to a second yellow before half-time and were reeled in, in the second half. Fermanagh, ultimately well beaten by Antrim, need to do better in what is already ‘a four-pointer’. Verdict: Wicklow
DIVISION FOUR
London v Waterford, Ruislip, 1.0
Big win for London in Carlow after a long competitive lay-off and Waterford had a creditable draw against Tipp. Waterford haven’t lost this for six years and can keep that record intact. Verdict: Waterford
Sligo v Carlow, Markievicz Park, 1.0
Good win for Sligo in Wexford and they should make home advantage count against London’s victims, Carlow. Verdict: Sligo
Cavan v Wexford, Kingspan Breffni, 2.0
Cavan eventually got it done against Leitrim and will look to continue the promotion push at home. Verdict: Cavan
Tipperary v Leitrim, FBD Semple Stadium, 2.0
Disappointing result for Tipp in Dungarvan and there were signs that Andy Moran has energised Leitrim. Could be tricky. Verdict: Tipperary
ALL-IRELAND CLUB FINALS
JFC: Gneeveguilla (Kerry) v Kilmeena (Mayo), Croke Park, 1.30 – TG4 YouTube
This could be very interesting. Kilmeena are fast and cohesive but Gneeveguilla are heavy hitters – five goals in the semi-final. Verdict: Gneeveguilla
IFC: Steelstown Brian Óg’s (Derry) v Trim (Meath), Croke Park, 3.30 – TG4 YouTube
Trim arrive with a strong spine to the team and a definitively Meath tendency to dig in and fight for everything but Steelstown may be just be too potent up front. Verdict: Steelstown
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 5, 2022 12:00:58 GMT
That Armagh v Tyrone game tomorrow will be worth a look.
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 6, 2022 16:14:18 GMT
That Armagh v Tyrone game tomorrow will be worth a look. After a scrap Gough sent off 4 Tyrone men and 1 Armagh man! |
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Post by dc84 on Feb 6, 2022 18:56:14 GMT
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Post by taggert on Feb 6, 2022 19:08:39 GMT
It that a new chip for the Tyrone shoulders....
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Post by southward on Feb 6, 2022 19:28:38 GMT
Seriously impressive again by Armagh. Yes, it's early but they're looking like the real deal already.
Tyrone reverting to the Harte era with the hitting. Hard to see who was doing what in the brawl but most of the Tyrone lads must have been already booked at that stage.
Flashing all those reds together must be the most fun Gough has ever had.
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Post by onlykerry on Feb 6, 2022 19:52:18 GMT
When was the last time (if ever) four players from one team were shown red at the same time?
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 6, 2022 19:52:52 GMT
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 6, 2022 20:23:41 GMT
Just after that there was a clothes line tackle by a Tyrone man...maybe Meyler....and a yellow was given.
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Post by john4 on Feb 6, 2022 20:24:27 GMT
David Gough blew his whistle for the initial free in this clip on 18 seconds. The row ensued. He didn't blow his whistle again till the 59th second. He contributed to this mess. He's the referee not an observer. |
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horsebox77
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Posts: 1,227
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Post by horsebox77 on Feb 6, 2022 20:50:18 GMT
Kildare are the biggest winners are that series of red cards,
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Post by Annascaultilidie on Feb 6, 2022 21:03:17 GMT
Without knowing the ins and outs of the incident at all, I was only last year saying that the Tyrone side's behaviour had improved an awful lot.
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 6, 2022 21:04:58 GMT
We all despair when a ref cops out and issues two yellows where one guy is the clear culprit.
So i suppose its refreshing to see a ref singling out those responsible even if its 4 to 1 in a melee which was very strange.
David Gough loves the limelight...we all know that. He will get plenty of that on the Sunday show later.
There was a few headlocks and pushing and shoving but no punch thrown as far as i can see so it was hard to spot red card offences such as striking....at least i didnt spot any. I'd say there will be appeals.
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Post by dc84 on Feb 6, 2022 21:06:48 GMT
Looked fair enough to me didnt see any digs but 3 or 4 Tyrone lads caught people around the neck and through them to the ground. That's football says Mr.Logan....
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thehermit
Senior Member
Tell an old man who saw them in days of old, Do they still walk proudly in their green and gold?
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Post by thehermit on Feb 6, 2022 21:18:52 GMT
Armagh look the real deal (then again I often remember Galway looking majestic in the League only to not turn up in the Championship).
How soon after we play them on the 20th March is the Ulster Championship starting? Would they have half an eye on the latter by that stage I wonder?
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 6, 2022 22:06:30 GMT
Armagh look the real deal (then again I often remember Galway looking majestic in the League only to not turn up in the Championship). How soon after we play them on the 20th March is the Ulster Championship starting? Would they have half an eye on the latter by that stage I wonder? 24th April is when Armagh play Donegal in Ballybofey. If Armagh reach the league final it would be on 10th April so hard to see Armagh wanting to reach the league final |
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thehermit
Senior Member
Tell an old man who saw them in days of old, Do they still walk proudly in their green and gold?
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Post by thehermit on Feb 6, 2022 22:11:06 GMT
Cheers Mick, yes I assume all the Ulster teams will show some disinterest for the last week or two of the League. We might get another big win against Tyrone in the last game.
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 7, 2022 16:47:49 GMT
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 7, 2022 16:50:20 GMT
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 15, 2022 14:45:54 GMT
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2022 20:14:05 GMT
Eamon Fitzmaurice is earning that pay check tonight,
He's very pro dublin.
As for Gough, he seems to be giving a lot to the dubs, he's keeping the the dubs in it and his idea bringing the ball forward about 20 meters instead of 10 for dicent.
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horsebox77
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Our trees & mountains are silent ghosts, they hold wisdom and knowledge mankind has long forgotten.
Posts: 1,227
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Post by horsebox77 on Feb 19, 2022 21:13:01 GMT
Dublin’s decision making was very poor again tonight, I counted five or six aimless balls into their forwards, that wouldn’t happen under previous watch. At one stage in the first quarter, Dublin has a free and the ball was booted high and wild into the forwards,
Great win for Mayo but poor poor display by the Dublin men.
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Post by taggert on Feb 19, 2022 21:22:30 GMT
Dublin’s decision making was very poor again tonight, I counted five or six aimless balls into their forwards, that wouldn’t happen under previous watch. At one stage in the first quarter, Dublin has a free and the ball was booted high and wild into the forwards, Great win for Mayo but poor poor display by the Dublin men. Davy Byrne was terrible at the back but what was worse was he coughed up 4 decent offensive possessions and positions (2 in each half). From being ultra protected and seeing very little possession, players like Byrne are now being asked to do a lot more and are being exposed for the significantly lower calibre players that they are. |
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Post by royalkerryfan on Feb 19, 2022 21:36:32 GMT
How much more evidence do you need.
Division 2 awaits... Happy days.
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Jo90
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Post by Jo90 on Feb 19, 2022 22:00:59 GMT
I wouldn't be writing Dublin off yet, Kerry lost their first 3 league games in 2014...
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Post by ciarraimick on Feb 19, 2022 22:11:36 GMT
Dublin will still have a big say in the championship. Plenty of top players to come back. On Mayo who were better team by far tonight but yet did nt out score Dubs by much. I feel sorry a bit for Dessie. I think people giving Jim Gavin too much credit. The cracks were there in 19 under Gavin and the lateral boring play had set in under Gavin. Dessie squeezed another Sam that maybe Gavin would nt have won. Thought Horan was very smart on sideline taling off Ruane and Ó Donoghue late who were both on yellow cards. Big Aidan did well when coming on. I still don't think Dubs will be relegated and I expect them to be in all ireland semi this year. Of course like every team depending on injuries. If anything happened Fento Kilkenny or James Mccarthy they could be in dire straits. Now maybe Mayo s win puts our win in perspective. We were at home while both they and Armagh away. I still can't get Newbridge out of my head. Tomorrow will be another bad day weather wise so let's see how we do.
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Post by royalkerryfan on Feb 19, 2022 22:11:40 GMT
I wouldn't be writing Dublin off yet, Kerry lost their first 3 league games in 2014... The lads bar Con are 30+ to come back. Jesus lads time to start forgetting about the boggey man. |
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Post by royalkerryfan on Feb 19, 2022 22:15:15 GMT
Dublin will still have a big say in the championship. Plenty of top players to come back. On Mayo who were better team by far tonight but yet did nt out score Dubs by much. I feel sorry a bit for Dessie. I think people giving Jim Gavin too much credit. The cracks were there in 19 under Gavin and the lateral boring play had set in under Gavin. Dessie squeezed another Sam that maybe Gavin would nt have won. Thought Horan was very smart on sideline taling off Ruane and Ó Donoghue late who were both on yellow cards. Big Aidan did well when coming on. I still don't think Dubs will be relegated and I expect them to be in all ireland semi this year. Of course like every team depending on injuries. If anything happened Fento Kilkenny or James Mccarthy they could be in dire straits. Now maybe Mayo s win puts our win in perspective. We were at home while both they and Armagh away. I still can't get Newbridge out of my head. Tomorrow will be another bad day weather wise so let's see how we do. Think you might be around the Dubs a bit much. Objectively they are poor and a fee 30s year olds won't change that. |
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Post by john4 on Feb 19, 2022 22:34:46 GMT
Dublin v Monaghan looking like it'll be a massive game for both teams. I can't see Kildare gathering enough points to survive so it looks like Dublin or Monaghan to go with them
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