It starts next Sunday at 9pm Irish time with the Community Service obligation in Gaelic Park New York and will, barring a replay, end on 18th September.
A few predictions to give ye all a good laugh ;D
Connacht -
We play NY followed by Leitrim, winners v Sligo
Rhus play London followed by Galway. We shpuld fulfil our potential and reach the Connacht final where I wouldn't be surprised to see us face Galway but still expect the Rhus to be there and to put us to the sword.
Leinster -
Only question here is who loses to Dublin in the Final - Wexford v Kildare, winners v Longford/Offaly or Westmeath. I expect our nice neighbours from Longford to come through and then we'll have the equivalent of a slow bicycle race to try and avoid Dublin. Lillies to have that dubious honour.
Munster - Cork v Tipp/Waterford - will be Tipp and Cork to advance to play Kerry who will have beaten Clare ( bt Limerick).
On the law of averages must be Cork's turn to win this so Cork it is.
Ulster -
Fermanagh to beat Antrim and lose to Donegal v Monaghan who will have beaten Down.
Tyrone to beat Derry and beat Cavan who will have beaten Armagh.
Tyrone to win final.
Round 4
Ros and Kerry v 3A winners
Donegal and Kildare v 3B winners
Qtr Finals
Mayowestros v Kerry
Ros v Cork
Dublin v Donegal
Tyrone v 4B winner ( who will have beaten Kildare)
Semis
Cork v Dublin
Kerry v Tyrone
Final Dublin to beat Tyrone
Cork won't win Munster.
Jaysis if we get Cork and our first team are actually fit they're in for an Evan Almighty walloping.
Does seem like the sort of year Kerry would be happy enough slinking in R4 with the Dublin death sentence in the semi awaiting the Munster champions.
Would love if the 2016 championship wasn't so predictable though it looks like the same last four as last year Dublin,Kerry,Tyrone ,Mayo. Tyrone could reach the All Ireland final however it's Dublins All Ireland to lose.
Cork were unlucky not to beat Kerry in the championship last year. Ignoring league form there is no reason to suggest they cannot raise their game again this year and get the job done in Munster at least.
Sligo is a huge obstacle for Roscommon again this year, their season is built around another ambush and with McIntyre in midfield and some good quick forwards they are much improved this year. After Clare they were the most impressive team in Division 3 for me.
Quote from: Kuwabatake Sanjuro on April 26, 2016, 09:44:06 PM
Sligo is a huge obstacle for Roscommon again this year, their season is built around another ambush and with McIntyre in midfield and some good quick forwards they are much improved this year. After Clare they were the most impressive team in Division 3 for me.
I don't much improvement in Sligo. Hopefully the gap in levels will be apparent this year if we get that far. If there's no bite in the team after last year it's a very bad sign.
This thread will be just another excuse for members from Connacht to have a 20 - 200 page natter about all things Connacht and we still won't be any the wiser about the burning question of 2016, namely, who will be the next inside forward for Mayo.
Championship doesn't start until qtr finals in August. Up to then only shadow boxing with pointless fixtures and one sided humiliations for several counties.
Quote from: Main Street on April 26, 2016, 09:58:31 PM
This thread will be just another excuse for members from Connacht to have a 20 - 200 page natter about all things Connacht and we still won't be any the wiser about the burning question of 2016, namely, who will be the next inside forward for Mayo.
Better than the northies talking about who will be the Ulster Ultimate Fighting Champion for 2016 then telling us how mighty the province is anyways.
Quote from: dublin7 on April 26, 2016, 10:29:28 PM
Championship doesn't start until qtr finals in August. Up to then only shadow boxing with pointless fixtures and one sided humiliations for several counties.
Could argue that the championship didn't "start" until the semi finals the last few years. In contrast the U21 championship this year had four competitive provincial championship before two competitive semi finals. Senior football championship is crying out for some other teams than the usual 4 or 5 to appear in the business end this summer.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 26, 2016, 10:51:25 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on April 26, 2016, 10:29:28 PM
Championship doesn't start until qtr finals in August. Up to then only shadow boxing with pointless fixtures and one sided humiliations for several counties.
Could argue that the championship didn't "start" until the semi finals the last few years. In contrast the U21 championship this year had four competitive provincial championship before two competitive semi finals. Senior football championship is crying out for some other teams than the usual 4 or 5 to appear in the business end this summer.
Championship never starts for Dublin. For the rest of us it starts in May or June.
In all sports most competitors cant win. Only the elite at any given time can win. Tennis, golf, athletics, rugby, football all have winners from a predictable group.
Quote from: Syferus on April 26, 2016, 10:53:28 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 26, 2016, 10:51:25 PM
Quote from: dublin7 on April 26, 2016, 10:29:28 PM
Championship doesn't start until qtr finals in August. Up to then only shadow boxing with pointless fixtures and one sided humiliations for several counties.
Could argue that the championship didn't "start" until the semi finals the last few years. In contrast the U21 championship this year had four competitive provincial championship before two competitive semi finals. Senior football championship is crying out for some other teams than the usual 4 or 5 to appear in the business end this summer.
Championship never starts for Dublin. For the rest of us it starts in May or June.
Championship never ends Syferus. Trophies never sleep
Quote from: moysider on April 26, 2016, 11:03:08 PM
In all sports most competitors cant win. Only the elite at any given time can win. Tennis, golf, athletics, rugby, football all have winners from a predictable group.
Most have a group of more than one. And Andy Murray doesn't get to play all his games in his back garden either.
Quote from: Syferus on April 26, 2016, 11:41:06 PM
Quote from: moysider on April 26, 2016, 11:03:08 PM
In all sports most competitors cant win. Only the elite at any given time can win. Tennis, golf, athletics, rugby, football all have winners from a predictable group.
Most have a group of more than one. And Andy Murray doesn't get to play all his games in his back garden either.
And even if Andy did ........
Not too long ago on this board there was the big three of Armagh, Tyrone and Kerry dominating things. Nobody could see a winner beyond them. Things change and others emerge. Dublin are now the biggest wolf on the lot and that's the way it is. Armagh had their cut and Tyrone were great when they had a number of quality players at the same time. Cork won an AI without anybody caring too much about them. Donegal's win was special imo. Some quality individuals and probably the best resolve and tactics tailored to maximise their resources that I've seen.
Monaghan have done well but as usual the elephant in the room is Mayo. No other county has been so close so often to the summit without planting the flag. Ridiculous when you think about it.
This year if teams play to potential and if teams get a sympathetic run as regards injuries etc. then it should be a Dublin v Mayo final.
But that would be like a Murray v Djokovic final with Djokovic playing at home.
If Leicester can win the premier league this weekend then surely Meath can swing things round.
Quote from: thejuice on April 27, 2016, 12:58:51 AM
If Leicester can win the premier league this weekend then surely Meath can swing things round.
The Leicester thing is unbelievable. Bigger even than Notting Forest nearly 40 years ago.
Not a clue what's happening in Meath but hard to see a Leicester come out of the bunch in gaelic football in a year. You'd always look to a Meath or Galway before to make a run but I don t think it's likely a team can come from that far back now quickly. Even Kerry looked jaded v Dublin. Dublin were not really punishing them like they might and Kerry looked to be really trying to compete with them.
Well this didn't take long to descend into farce
Yes, back on track....
Leinster, Dublin at a canter, but the opposite side of the draw will be very competitive. Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Wexford and Kildare will all quietly fancy their chances of making a provincial final. On the basis that Westmeath are at home versus Offaly or Longford, I'll take them to come out of that little sub section, and set up a semi final with Kildare. Kildare to win and be unofficial Midlands champions (as Laois entered the wrong side of the draw).
Munster. Unfortunately the momentum in Tipp has ground to a halt it seems, or at least hit it's first real setback in a couple of years. The defections of O'Brien and O'Riordan are very impactful, and they've also lost a couple of others through injury and or retirements. Seamus Kennedy played very well with Clonmel, a big strong man, but he's also decided to try his luck at the hurling. There is the potential for a couple of the lads cut from the hurling to come back in, like Bill Maher, and surely Kennedy and O'Brien will be cut if they don't see any meaningful time soon. If so they would be a big boost. Tipperary would have been promoted if Stephen O'Brien and George Hannigan were in midfield, I have no doubt about that. As it is, a poor minor campaign, affected by dual player controversy, and an avoidable defeat in Kerry in the U21s mean they could do with a shot in the arm. I expect them to beat Waterford handily, and give Cork a good go, but whether they seriously threaten them or not probably depends on what nights some of them lads are training in Dr. Morris Park, hurling nights or football nights. Clare have been a revelation, but I'm still not sold on them. I have watched them a couple of times and I just don't see a 'step' change in their ability. I see a good, solid, decent Division 3 team, but I don't see a team that can trouble Kerry. I know Croi disagrees with me on this, but I'd fancy Tipp to see off Clare in the Championship, and if the lads were back, even more so. So unfortunately it's probably the big 2 yet again, and given the PArk is still not ready, I assume it'll be Killarney again, so I'd take Kerry to win that.
Connacht is a bit interesting this year for the first time in about 6 years. You'd still have to fancy MAyo to come through, but maybe the Rossies can rubberstamp their progress to date. The suspicion about Roscommon is are they a league team? Their last 3 games weren't brilliant in the league, and the Kerry mauling was a bit worrying, but you'd still expect them to take care of NEw York and Leitrim comprehensively, and because they will have 2 games, or 1 and a bit maybe, under their belts, they should be able to avoid a Sligo ambush. Mayo will be comfortable in London, and probably should have too much for a Galway team that is still struggling to really find their feet again. A Mayo-Rossie final then, with the winners getting Ballagh. I'll go for the upset, and the spirit of Derek Duggan and Gerry Lohan.
Ulster is a minefield as always, and Donegal, Monaghan, Cavan and Tyrone will all fancy their chances with good reason. I remember a Derry ambush of Tyrone back in 2006 or so, but I can't see it this year. Cavan should see off an Armagh team struggling with their identity at the moment, so that will be a very good semi final. The other side seems set up to provide another tussle between Donegal and Monaghan. I'll go for a Tyrone - Donegal final, with the Red Hands coming out on top.
As for the All Ireland itself, I had tipped Tyrone as a dark horse way back at the start of the year, so i'll stick with them as my selection for 'Betting without the favourite'.
Forgetting about quality, how good would a Leinster Championship be without Dublin!!!!
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 27, 2016, 11:29:19 AM
Forgetting about quality, how good would a Leinster Championship be without Dublin!!!!
We are the official moneybagsless Leinster champions. And will probably be discarding our crown nice and early this year.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 09:55:28 AM
Yes, back on track....
Leinster, Dublin at a canter, but the opposite side of the draw will be very competitive. Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Wexford and Kildare will all quietly fancy their chances of making a provincial final. On the basis that Westmeath are at home versus Offaly or Longford, I'll take them to come out of that little sub section, and set up a semi final with Kildare. Kildare to win and be unofficial Midlands champions (as Laois entered the wrong side of the draw).
Munster. Unfortunately the momentum in Tipp has ground to a halt it seems, or at least hit it's first real setback in a couple of years. The defections of O'Brien and O'Riordan are very impactful, and they've also lost a couple of others through injury and or retirements. Seamus Kennedy played very well with Clonmel, a big strong man, but he's also decided to try his luck at the hurling. There is the potential for a couple of the lads cut from the hurling to come back in, like Bill Maher, and surely Kennedy and O'Brien will be cut if they don't see any meaningful time soon. If so they would be a big boost. Tipperary would have been promoted if Stephen O'Brien and George Hannigan were in midfield, I have no doubt about that. As it is, a poor minor campaign, affected by dual player controversy, and an avoidable defeat in Kerry in the U21s mean they could do with a shot in the arm. I expect them to beat Waterford handily, and give Cork a good go, but whether they seriously threaten them or not probably depends on what nights some of them lads are training in Dr. Morris Park, hurling nights or football nights. Clare have been a revelation, but I'm still not sold on them. I have watched them a couple of times and I just don't see a 'step' change in their ability. I see a good, solid, decent Division 3 team, but I don't see a team that can trouble Kerry. I know Croi disagrees with me on this, but I'd fancy Tipp to see off Clare in the Championship, and if the lads were back, even more so. So unfortunately it's probably the big 2 yet again, and given the PArk is still not ready, I assume it'll be Killarney again, so I'd take Kerry to win that.
Connacht is a bit interesting this year for the first time in about 6 years. You'd still have to fancy MAyo to come through, but maybe the Rossies can rubberstamp their progress to date. The suspicion about Roscommon is are they a league team? Their last 3 games weren't brilliant in the league, and the Kerry mauling was a bit worrying, but you'd still expect them to take care of NEw York and Leitrim comprehensively, and because they will have 2 games, or 1 and a bit maybe, under their belts, they should be able to avoid a Sligo ambush. Mayo will be comfortable in London, and probably should have too much for a Galway team that is still struggling to really find their feet again. A Mayo-Rossie final then, with the winners getting Ballagh. I'll go for the upset, and the spirit of Derek Duggan and Gerry Lohan.
Ulster is a minefield as always, and Donegal, Monaghan, Cavan and Tyrone will all fancy their chances with good reason. I remember a Derry ambush of Tyrone back in 2006 or so, but I can't see it this year. Cavan should see off an Armagh team struggling with their identity at the moment, so that will be a very good semi final. The other side seems set up to provide another tussle between Donegal and Monaghan. I'll go for a Tyrone - Donegal final, with the Red Hands coming out on top.
As for the All Ireland itself, I had tipped Tyrone as a dark horse way back at the start of the year, so i'll stick with them as my selection for 'Betting without the favourite'.
Clare are a good, solid, decent Division 2 team now and will hold their own if they continue to build. There is no set of scenarios where they will trouble Kerry though, still years away from that. Tipps goose is cooked for this year I'm afraid, when you're a developing county you really need a strong league behind you to give you that belief to go and achieve. If they get bodies back they might get a kick for one match but that will be it. Will be doing novenas that Tipp and Clare are drawn together. 8)
Ulster a "minefield" and a Derry "ambush"
Less of the Joe Brolly "words from my war script" please, when it comes to describing the close competitiveness and rivalry of the Ulster championship :)
Purely a figure of speech :) I also mention a Sligo ambush of Roscommon, so it's nothing personal :)
Using league standings as a guide, who would be the last two teams standings in A and B.
if Kerry do win Munster, and Cork win qualifier v ??, would it follow that Mayo (If they are Connacht champions) would play Cork for what would seem like the third time in Five years.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 27, 2016, 01:06:43 PM
Purely a figure of speech :) I also mention a Sligo ambush of Roscommon, so it's nothing personal :)
Is it really an ambush if it happened the last time they met?
Edit: Apologies, I enjoyed your long post and by picking one phrase it looks as if I disagree with it. I don't (except the Mayo losing to Ros bit and the no mention of Mayo for Sam). :D
If any of u men think that Tyrone can win the All Ireland this year then you're clearly on drugs, Dublin, Kerry, Mayo & possibly Donegal or Monaghan are ahead of Tyrone. I don't think they'll win Ulster either...That's not to say they won't improve as i believe they will and they're prob 3 years away from peaking with that young team but whether or not that'll be good enough for SAM is doubtful.
Leinster - Dublin
Munster - Kerry
Ulster - Monaghan
Connacht - Mayo
Winners...MAYO (shit did i just type that) That was a Jim Carrey moment from Liar Liar I meant to write Dublin but Mayo appeared...
Quote from: joemamas on April 27, 2016, 02:27:43 PM
Using league standings as a guide, who would be the last two teams standings in A and B.
if Kerry do win Munster, and Cork win qualifier v ??, would it follow that Mayo (If they are Connacht champions) would play Cork for what would seem like the third time in Five years.
You're correct there joemamas and it's a shambles. Since the A/B system was introduced in 2014, the quarter finals have worked out like this:
2014: Connacht Champions v Munster Runner Up
2015: Connacht Champions v Ulster Runner Up
2016: Connacht Champions v Munster Runner Up (or a qualifier team that beats them)
It should be rotated like they rotate the semi finals, meaning it would be Connacht Champions v Leinster Runner Up this year. Why it's not is anybody's guess.
Quote from: Dubhaltach on April 27, 2016, 04:26:35 PM
Quote from: joemamas on April 27, 2016, 02:27:43 PM
Using league standings as a guide, who would be the last two teams standings in A and B.
if Kerry do win Munster, and Cork win qualifier v ??, would it follow that Mayo (If they are Connacht champions) would play Cork for what would seem like the third time in Five years.
You're correct there joemamas and it's a shambles. Since the A/B system was introduced in 2014, the quarter finals have worked out like this:
2014: Connacht Champions v Munster Runner Up
2015: Connacht Champions v Ulster Runner Up
2016: Connacht Champions v Munster Runner Up (or a qualifier team that beats them)
It should be rotated like they rotate the semi finals, meaning it would be Connacht Champions v Leinster Runner Up this year. Why it's not is anybody's guess.
2014: Connacht Champions v Munster Runner Up
2015: Connacht Champions v Ulster Runner Up
2016: Connacht Champions v Munster Runner Up (or a qualifier team that beats them)
Why stop there:
2013: Connacht Champions V Ulster Runner up (Donegal)
2012: Connacht Champions V Ulster Runner up (Down)
2011: Connacht Champions V Munster Runner up (Cork)
Although I believe at least two of the last three were open draw.
Quote from: joemamas on April 27, 2016, 04:47:21 PM
Quote from: Dubhaltach on April 27, 2016, 04:26:35 PM
Quote from: joemamas on April 27, 2016, 02:27:43 PM
Using league standings as a guide, who would be the last two teams standings in A and B.
if Kerry do win Munster, and Cork win qualifier v ??, would it follow that Mayo (If they are Connacht champions) would play Cork for what would seem like the third time in Five years.
You're correct there joemamas and it's a shambles. Since the A/B system was introduced in 2014, the quarter finals have worked out like this:
2014: Connacht Champions v Munster Runner Up
2015: Connacht Champions v Ulster Runner Up
2016: Connacht Champions v Munster Runner Up (or a qualifier team that beats them)
It should be rotated like they rotate the semi finals, meaning it would be Connacht Champions v Leinster Runner Up this year. Why it's not is anybody's guess.
2014: Connacht Champions v Munster Runner Up
2015: Connacht Champions v Ulster Runner Up
2016: Connacht Champions v Munster Runner Up (or a qualifier team that beats them)
Why stop there:
2013: Connacht Champions V Ulster Runner up (Donegal)
2012: Connacht Champions V Ulster Runner up (Down)
2011: Connacht Champions V Munster Runner up (Cork)
Although I believe at least two of the last three were open draw.
Ya, prior to 2014, it was an open draw where the provincial winners could meet any one of the 4 qualifier teams.