gaaboard.com

Well then, it's do or die time once again.

5pm is a bit early for the Dubs

Call me over optimistic but this one has a real Offaly stopping Kerry's five in a row vibe about it...

Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 04, 2019, 10:11:08 PM
5pm is a bit early for the Dubs

The premier league is back next week so might lose a bit of support?

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 04, 2019, 10:01:32 PM
Well then, it's do or die time once again.

Aren't you the same poster that thought round 1 of the quarter finals was do or die for Mayo?

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 04, 2019, 10:32:54 PM
Call me over optimistic but this one has a real Offaly stopping Kerry's five in a row vibe about it...

Maybe if Mayo had another week to prepare. Think they'll tire in the last 20 mins but will be happily proven wrong.

If Mayo win this it definitely settles who is the team of the decade!

Surprised there is even a thread about this one.

Maybe if Mayo were injury free and in good form ( we are neither), we might get a game but neither is happening.
We probably have squeezed the best possible out of us already this year under the circumstances. Whatever happens now we have had a very good year tbf.
Dublin, in effect, have a 3 week rest before the semi + the benefit of giving a few rusty lads a kick around v Tyrone.
Mayo had a bear-pit scrap with Donegal 7 days before semi. We lost another important player injured as well. Another starter has lost form completely. That is the reality and no amount of hype/shite in the coming week can change that.

Quote from: moysider on August 05, 2019, 12:58:02 AM

Surprised there is even a thread about this one.

Maybe if Mayo were injury free and in good form ( we are neither), we might get a game but neither is happening.
We probably have squeezed the best possible out of us already this year under the circumstances. Whatever happens now we have had a very good year tbf.
Dublin, in effect, have a 3 week rest before the semi + the benefit of giving a few rusty lads a kick around v Tyrone.
Mayo had a bear-pit scrap with Donegal 7 days before semi. We lost another important player injured as well. Another starter has lost form completely. That is the reality and no amount of hype/shite in the coming week can change that.

Well said Moy , I just wish the rest of down home could take a leaf out of your book . I had to leave a family whatsapp group cause of the absolute shite hype talk already . I know they mean well but it's just ridiculous , we are so far off Dublin

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 04, 2019, 11:06:22 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 04, 2019, 10:01:32 PM
Well then, it's do or die time once again.

Aren't you the same poster that thought round 1 of the quarter finals was do or die for Mayo?

A result certainly would've helped! I meant that in the sense that we would've needed to top the group to avoid the dubs in the semi, but here we are so do or die...

Quote from: larryin89 on August 05, 2019, 01:02:06 AM

Quote from: moysider on August 05, 2019, 12:58:02 AM

Surprised there is even a thread about this one.

Maybe if Mayo were injury free and in good form ( we are neither), we might get a game but neither is happening.
We probably have squeezed the best possible out of us already this year under the circumstances. Whatever happens now we have had a very good year tbf.
Dublin, in effect, have a 3 week rest before the semi + the benefit of giving a few rusty lads a kick around v Tyrone.
Mayo had a bear-pit scrap with Donegal 7 days before semi. We lost another important player injured as well. Another starter has lost form completely. That is the reality and no amount of hype/shite in the coming week can change that.

Well said Moy , I just wish the rest of down home could take a leaf out of your book . I had to leave a family whatsapp group cause of the absolute shite hype talk already . I know they mean well but it's just ridiculous , we are so far off Dublin

When has form ever had a bearing for mayo in games like this, just enjoy the week that's in it at least and leave the doom and gloom for someone else

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 01:10:59 AM

Quote from: larryin89 on August 05, 2019, 01:02:06 AM

Quote from: moysider on August 05, 2019, 12:58:02 AM

Surprised there is even a thread about this one.

Maybe if Mayo were injury free and in good form ( we are neither), we might get a game but neither is happening.
We probably have squeezed the best possible out of us already this year under the circumstances. Whatever happens now we have had a very good year tbf.
Dublin, in effect, have a 3 week rest before the semi + the benefit of giving a few rusty lads a kick around v Tyrone.
Mayo had a bear-pit scrap with Donegal 7 days before semi. We lost another important player injured as well. Another starter has lost form completely. That is the reality and no amount of hype/shite in the coming week can change that.

Well said Moy , I just wish the rest of down home could take a leaf out of your book . I had to leave a family whatsapp group cause of the absolute shite hype talk already . I know they mean well but it's just ridiculous , we are so far off Dublin

When has form ever had a bearing for mayo in games like this, just enjoy the week that's in it at least and leave the doom and gloom for someone else

I don't think it's doom and gloom at all, we have done very well , a semi final spot in year one of four year project is very decent . I didn't think we would be anywhere near it after ros game . Very good season , dubs can have their five in a row , we will have a better equipped team next year or 21 to challenge for the cup.

We haven't a hope in hell of beating Dublin next week that's just realism .

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 01:10:59 AM

Quote from: larryin89 on August 05, 2019, 01:02:06 AM

Quote from: moysider on August 05, 2019, 12:58:02 AM

Surprised there is even a thread about this one.

Maybe if Mayo were injury free and in good form ( we are neither), we might get a game but neither is happening.
We probably have squeezed the best possible out of us already this year under the circumstances. Whatever happens now we have had a very good year tbf.
Dublin, in effect, have a 3 week rest before the semi + the benefit of giving a few rusty lads a kick around v Tyrone.
Mayo had a bear-pit scrap with Donegal 7 days before semi. We lost another important player injured as well. Another starter has lost form completely. That is the reality and no amount of hype/shite in the coming week can change that.

Well said Moy , I just wish the rest of down home could take a leaf out of your book . I had to leave a family whatsapp group cause of the absolute shite hype talk already . I know they mean well but it's just ridiculous , we are so far off Dublin

When has form ever had a bearing for mayo in games like this, just enjoy the week that's in it at least and leave the doom and gloom for someone else

It's not doom and gloom.
Of course I could be all Boris and optimistic and disappear after, but that is not what is adding up here. Last night's result v Donegal was a great win. It will always stand as a great win.
I don't want to be thick about this but maybe I will. Paddy Durcan had a massive game last night, yet some Mayo fans thought it was of little consequence when he was missing. We are still missing Diarmuid, Ruane, Parsons and now Doherty as well. Vaughan was out last night,
Yet some people think that we should show up regardless. That does not happen. Those type of players do not grow on yew trees.

Seamus O'Shea seems very under rated for Mayo,  lad hardly ever has a bad game. Him, Parsons and A O'Shea would likely be the best midfield combination past 20yrs

I'd be pretty positive about Mayo this week.

PP has Dub -5, which, if you follow the patterns of non-biased odds compilers means that Mayo are the first team in with a shout (in a serious game) v Dublin, since they last played Dublin.

Of course it's still a justifiable 5 point swing.

So we have to look for hope.

Here's my hope.

Meath kept Dublin in a game for 40 mins by being utterly aggressive in the tackle. If their forwards had have even half turned up we might have seen a duel. We didn't. Meath's defence couldn't compensate for their forward's ineptitude.

Cork went full gung ho at them and even managed to scare themselves. By running at them at pace, with the potential to switch it up. Then they got nervous. Dublin kept bringing players off the bench who were used to this sort of thing.

Mayo's defence is harder, fitter and more likely to seriously f**k anyone up than Meath.

Mayo are probably no quicker or direct in their running game than Cork. But 10 of them have been working on it together for a decade.

Mayo will most likely be bringing on DOC, Moran, Parsons and Ruane as the game moves into the final quarter. None might have 70 mins in them, but they don't need to have. There's a strong to middling chance they'll be entering a level game. The Dubs aren't used to facing that sort of quality from a bench.

Dublin are rightful favourites. But this one, in my earnest opinion, is going to come down to small margins. Much like their previous meetings. Dubs surely cannot expect to win every coin toss  just because They're Dublin.

https://youtu.be/r_5nP9VKxbQ
MAYO4SAM 😜

Dublin will win. It's the margin that will be interesting.

Quote from: thewobbler on August 05, 2019, 02:04:04 AM
I'd be pretty positive about Mayo this week.

PP has Dub -5, which, if you follow the patterns of non-biased odds compilers means that Mayo are the first team in with a shout (in a serious game) v Dublin, since they last played Dublin.

Of course it's still a justifiable 5 point swing.

So we have to look for hope.

Here's my hope.

Meath kept Dublin in a game for 40 mins by being utterly aggressive in the tackle. If their forwards had have even half turned up we might have seen a duel. We didn't. Meath's defence couldn't compensate for their forward's ineptitude.

Cork went full gung ho at them and even managed to scare themselves. By running at them at pace, with the potential to switch it up. Then they got nervous. Dublin kept bringing players off the bench who were used to this sort of thing.

Mayo's defence is harder, fitter and more likely to seriously f**k anyone up than Meath.

Mayo are probably no quicker or direct in their running game than Cork. But 10 of them have been working on it together for a decade.

Mayo will most likely be bringing on DOC, Moran, Parsons and Ruane as the game moves into the final quarter. None might have 70 mins in them, but they don't need to have. There's a strong to middling chance they'll be entering a level game. The Dubs aren't used to facing that sort of quality from a bench.

Dublin are rightful favourites. But this one, in my earnest opinion, is going to come down to small margins. Much like their previous meetings. Dubs surely cannot expect to win every coin toss  just because They're Dublin.

Higgins and Moran played in the 2006 semi final

https://youtu.be/mGs-0u1E3uw

Mayo will be praying for heavy showers.

Quote from: thewobbler on August 05, 2019, 02:04:04 AM
I'd be pretty positive about Mayo this week.

PP has Dub -5, which, if you follow the patterns of non-biased odds compilers means that Mayo are the first team in with a shout (in a serious game) v Dublin, since they last played Dublin.

Of course it's still a justifiable 5 point swing.

So we have to look for hope.

Here's my hope.

Meath kept Dublin in a game for 40 mins by being utterly aggressive in the tackle. If their forwards had have even half turned up we might have seen a duel. We didn't. Meath's defence couldn't compensate for their forward's ineptitude.

Cork went full gung ho at them and even managed to scare themselves. By running at them at pace, with the potential to switch it up. Then they got nervous. Dublin kept bringing players off the bench who were used to this sort of thing.

Mayo's defence is harder, fitter and more likely to seriously f**k anyone up than Meath.

Mayo are probably no quicker or direct in their running game than Cork. But 10 of them have been working on it together for a decade.

Mayo will most likely be bringing on DOC, Moran, Parsons and Ruane as the game moves into the final quarter. None might have 70 mins in them, but they don't need to have. There's a strong to middling chance they'll be entering a level game. The Dubs aren't used to facing that sort of quality from a bench.

Dublin are rightful favourites. But this one, in my earnest opinion, is going to come down to small margins. Much like their previous meetings. Dubs surely cannot expect to win every coin toss  just because They're Dublin.

Spot-on Wobbler. Dublin put their pants on one leg at a time, just like anybody else. Money has nothing to do with it. Mayo have a great chance on Saturday.

As much as I'd love to see a cracker on Saturday I've a feeling this could turn out pretty rough for Mayo. They've put in another serious effort to get this far and now they're meeting a rested Dublin team with a serious motivation to go for the 5 in a row. I know Mayo have put it up to the Dubs in the past but guys like Chris Barrett, Keith Higgins and Colm Boyle have two more years on the clock and haven't encountered a full throttle Dublin team since their last AI final.

I think Mayo will will seriously miss Jason Doc in this game. He had a stormer in those AI finals and has the physicality and vision to really bring guys like CoC and Moran into the games against the Dubs.

I'm going for a comfortable Dub win beating the spread.

dont get the doom and gloom around mayo. they were written off against donegal and proved people wrong, and now those same people are going to try and write them off again. fact is, Dublin haven't had a tough match in two years and the last team to give them a game was mayo. I dont know if mayo will win it but I think they'll give them a rattle.

Quote from: omagh_gael on August 05, 2019, 06:19:11 PM
As much as I'd love to see a cracker on Saturday I've a feeling this could turn out pretty rough for Mayo. They've put in another serious effort to get this far and now they're meeting a rested Dublin team with a serious motivation to go for the 5 in a row. I know Mayo have put it up to the Dubs in the past but guys like Chris Barrett, Keith Higgins and Colm Boyle have two more years on the clock and haven't encountered a full throttle Dublin team since their last AI final.

I think Mayo will will seriously miss Jason Doc in this game. He had a stormer in those AI finals and has the physicality and vision to really bring guys like CoC and Moran into the games against the Dubs.

I'm going for a comfortable Dub win beating the spread.

The Dubs haven't got out of 3rd gear since they last played Mayo in the championship though.

Quote from: WhoDat on August 05, 2019, 06:27:22 PM
dont get the doom and gloom around mayo. they were written off against donegal and proved people wrong, and now those same people are going to try and write them off again. fact is, Dublin haven't had a tough match in two years and the last team to give them a game was mayo. I dont know if mayo will win it but I think they'll give them a rattle.

Totally agree. The one team left who could beat dublin is mayo. They are experienced, physical and have real quality especially in defence and midfield. They are nowhere near efficient as dublin but if they dominate possession they might just have enough to win.

Quote from: WhoDat on August 05, 2019, 06:27:22 PM
dont get the doom and gloom around mayo. they were written off against donegal and proved people wrong, and now those same people are going to try and write them off again. fact is, Dublin haven't had a tough match in two years and the last team to give them a game was mayo. I dont know if mayo will win it but I think they'll give them a rattle.

Donegal were talked up too much more than Mayo written off, Dublin on the other hand deserve to be talked up before this game and tipped to win.  Dublin had no tough game so far this summer but last summer Donegal got within 5 points in Croke Park, Tyrone lost by just 3 points in Omagh and by 6 points in the AI final. I would class those margin of victories as giving Dublin a game and i would expect Mayo to give Dublin a game on Saturday but lose by 4 to 6 points.

Dean Rock hasn't played much football, what's the story there?

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:12:58 PM
Dean Rock hasn't played much football, what's the story there?

Missed most of the league through injury and Gavin stuck with Costello for the championship based on league form

Quote from: dublin7 on August 05, 2019, 09:20:11 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:12:58 PM
Dean Rock hasn't played much football, what's the story there?

Missed most of the league through injury and Gavin stuck with Costello for the championship based on league form

Would you be concerned about that for the season going forward?

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:21:32 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 05, 2019, 09:20:11 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:12:58 PM
Dean Rock hasn't played much football, what's the story there?

Missed most of the league through injury and Gavin stuck with Costello for the championship based on league form

Would you be concerned about that for the season going forward?

Not at all. Was available for Leinster championship, but he couldn't make the 1st 15 ahead of Costello. Has beem on fire from open play and frees last 2 games he started. What's more disappointing is Costello's dip in form from the league.

Quote from: dublin7 on August 05, 2019, 09:33:19 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:21:32 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 05, 2019, 09:20:11 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:12:58 PM
Dean Rock hasn't played much football, what's the story there?

Missed most of the league through injury and Gavin stuck with Costello for the championship based on league form

Would you be concerned about that for the season going forward?

Not at all. Was available for Leinster championship, but he couldn't make the 1st 15 ahead of Costello. Has beem on fire from open play and frees last 2 games he started. What's more disappointing is Costello's dip in form from the league.

Not to be too dismissive, I know very well the talent Rock has, but it's a lot easier to put over scores  coming on when the games more less over and your padding the score. Mayo are going to bring intensity at the least and it could be hard to come back into with little games played.

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:41:55 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 05, 2019, 09:33:19 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:21:32 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 05, 2019, 09:20:11 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:12:58 PM
Dean Rock hasn't played much football, what's the story there?

Missed most of the league through injury and Gavin stuck with Costello for the championship based on league form

Would you be concerned about that for the season going forward?

Not at all. Was available for Leinster championship, but he couldn't make the 1st 15 ahead of Costello. Has beem on fire from open play and frees last 2 games he started. What's more disappointing is Costello's dip in form from the league.

Not to be too dismissive, I know very well the talent Rock has, but it's a lot easier to put over scores  coming on when the games more less over and your padding the score. Mayo are going to bring intensity at the least and it could be hard to come back into with little games played.

Dublin have won games comfortably this season, but at the start of the last few games when they have been competitive Rock has looked good from play/frees. He has never been one of Dublin pacier forwards so he has to work that bit harder for his scores than the likes of Mannion who just makes space with his pace. His form together with Cotello's dip means he will start next Saturday night and lack of previous starts won't be an issue

Quote from: dublin7 on August 05, 2019, 09:55:23 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:41:55 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 05, 2019, 09:33:19 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:21:32 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 05, 2019, 09:20:11 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:12:58 PM
Dean Rock hasn't played much football, what's the story there?

Missed most of the league through injury and Gavin stuck with Costello for the championship based on league form

Would you be concerned about that for the season going forward?

Not at all. Was available for Leinster championship, but he couldn't make the 1st 15 ahead of Costello. Has beem on fire from open play and frees last 2 games he started. What's more disappointing is Costello's dip in form from the league.

Not to be too dismissive, I know very well the talent Rock has, but it's a lot easier to put over scores  coming on when the games more less over and your padding the score. Mayo are going to bring intensity at the least and it could be hard to come back into with little games played.

Dublin have won games comfortably this season, but at the start of the last few games when they have been competitive Rock has looked good from play/frees. He has never been one of Dublin pacier forwards so he has to work that bit harder for his scores than the likes of Mannion who just makes space with his pace. His form together with Cotello's dip means he will start next Saturday night and lack of previous starts won't be an issue

When was the last game he started?

Quote from: dublin7 on August 05, 2019, 09:20:11 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 09:12:58 PM
Dean Rock hasn’t played much football, what’s the story there?

Missed most of the league through injury and Gavin stuck with Costello for the championship based on league form

Dean Rock started all bar 1 of the Dublin's 7 NFL games this year and was their top scoring forward once again i think only Sean O'Shea scored more.  Rock i believe got a hamstring injury in June that ruled him out of the opening championship games.

I could see him displacing Costello.

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 05, 2019, 10:15:23 PM
I could see him displacing Costello.

He has already. Scored 1-11 against Roscommon.
Expect Dublin to keep the same 15 as the Roscommon game. That leaves out Cian O'Sullivan who may have lost his place after his performance in the Cork game

Quote from: inroundthesquare on August 05, 2019, 10:27:40 PM

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 05, 2019, 10:15:23 PM
I could see him displacing Costello.

He has already. Scored 1-11 against Roscommon.
Expect Dublin to keep the same 15 as the Roscommon game. That leaves out Cian O'Sullivan who may have lost his place after his performance in the Cork game

Did Rock start against Roscommon? I know he wasn't named but can't remember if he came in before throw in

Rock a defo starter imo.

It's a shame Mayo are f**ked up with injury and the scheduling or this could have got very interesting indeed.

Doherty's done his cruciate apparently. We get one soldier back and we lose another. Doherty was motm until the injury. Darren Coen's drop in form is like losing another.

Dublin has had a 3 week lead up into this with a useful kickabout v Tyrone along the way.
We went to the bottom of the well again to beat Donegal. It's a mission impossible to recover from that both mentally and physically. The gobshites who decided this timetable of events must never have competed in any sport at any level.

Mayo's old guard look in rude good health though which makes the injuries to younger guns so bloody frustrating.
Also frustrating is that some of the Dublin old guard look through to me. Lads that damaged Mayo and others for years. I'm not convinced that some of the Dublin newer players are as good or as tried and tested as the Bernard Brogans etc.
Unfortunately I dont think we are healthy enough to push them enough to crack them.

Quote from: moysider on August 05, 2019, 10:42:37 PM
Rock a defo starter imo.

It's a shame Mayo are f**ked up with injury and the scheduling or this could have got very interesting indeed.

Doherty's done his cruciate apparently. We get one soldier back and we lose another. Doherty was motm until the injury. Darren Coen's drop in form is like losing another.

Dublin has had a 3 week lead up into this with a useful kickabout v Tyrone along the way.
We went to the bottom of the well again to beat Donegal. It's a mission impossible to recover from that both mentally and physically. The gobshites who decided this timetable of events must never have competed in any sport at any level.

Mayo's old guard look in rude good health though which makes the injuries to younger guns so bloody frustrating.
Also frustrating is that some of the Dublin old guard look through to me. Lads that damaged Mayo and others for years. I'm not convinced that some of the Dublin newer players are as good or as tried and tested as the Bernard Brogans etc.
Unfortunately I dont think we are healthy enough to push them enough to crack them.

Other way to look at that is Mayo will be up to the intensity while Dublin may be coming in a bit cold

Please don't throw the "it's an amateur game" line at me here, because if that's the case then the fitness levels required should be amateur too.

So here goes: NFL playoffs. FIFA world cups, rugby world cups. All of them demand weekly or less matches in the knockout stages.

Why do the men playing our sport need more than a week to "mentally prepare" for their seasonal goals?

Imho it's absolute nonsense. Put two weeks between the matches and it means our amateurs training another 4 times, including a training weekend away from family, whilst getting fed horseshit pep talks one after the other from all the bluffers who GAA managers are obsessed with adding on.

——

Coen has been up and down all year. Hopefully he catches an upper at the weekend.


——

Regarding Rock, there is absolutely no chance that Galvin lines out without his chief gun on Saturday.

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 05, 2019, 10:46:02 PM

Quote from: moysider on August 05, 2019, 10:42:37 PM
Rock a defo starter imo.

It's a shame Mayo are f**ked up with injury and the scheduling or this could have got very interesting indeed.

Doherty's done his cruciate apparently. We get one soldier back and we lose another. Doherty was motm until the injury. Darren Coen's drop in form is like losing another.

Dublin has had a 3 week lead up into this with a useful kickabout v Tyrone along the way.
We went to the bottom of the well again to beat Donegal. It's a mission impossible to recover from that both mentally and physically. The gobshites who decided this timetable of events must never have competed in any sport at any level.

Mayo's old guard look in rude good health though which makes the injuries to younger guns so bloody frustrating.
Also frustrating is that some of the Dublin old guard look through to me. Lads that damaged Mayo and others for years. I'm not convinced that some of the Dublin newer players are as good or as tried and tested as the Bernard Brogans etc.
Unfortunately I dont think we are healthy enough to push them enough to crack them.

Other way to look at that is Mayo will be up to the intensity while Dublin may be coming in a bit cold

No chance.

Remember the state of us in Killarney after the effort against Galway in Limerick anybody?
It is not on. It would be like a top marathon runner doing a personal best and doing another PB on a tougher course a week later. Some things just do not happen.
The guys that scheduled this championship are obviously clowns that wouldn't be competent with a model train timetable. Anybody that thinks Mayo can win next weekend is.........

Quote from: thewobbler on August 05, 2019, 10:51:52 PM
Please don't throw the "it's an amateur game" line at me here, because if that's the case then the fitness levels required should be amateur too.

So here goes: NFL playoffs. FIFA world cups, rugby world cups. All of them demand weekly or less matches in the knockout stages.

Why do the men playing our sport need more than a week to "mentally prepare" for their seasonal goals?

Imho it's absolute nonsense. Put two weeks between the matches and it means our amateurs training another 4 times, including a training weekend away from family, whilst getting fed horseshit pep talks one after the other from all the bluffers who GAA managers are obsessed with adding on.

——

Coen has been up and down all year. Hopefully he catches an upper at the weekend.


——

Regarding Rock, there is absolutely no chance that Galvin lines out without his chief gun on Saturday.

I kinda know where you're coming from Wobbler, look at tennis!  I had a chat one time with an international rugby player and he was talking a lot about them scheduling in x amount of sleep on the run up to games.  Sleeping mid afternoons, after tea, that type of thing.  Rest was absolutely crucial to their preparation.  Presumably Mayo will take it very easy this week, get maximum rest, and they should be in a great place to rattle Dublin because their games have been proper championship stuff.  BUT, when it gets to 60 minutes Dublin will still be motoring and will probably find another gear.  Will the tiredness in the Mayo legs kick in then?  That's when the 6 day issue could really hurt.

Quote from: Sportacus on August 05, 2019, 11:03:48 PM
...  BUT, when it gets to 60 minutes Dublin will still be motoring and will probably find another gear.  Will the tiredness in the Mayo legs kick in then?  That's when the 6 day issue could really hurt.

BUT, Dublin have the 6 day turnaround *, not Mayo (7 days rest)?

* Though that was the Dub's B-Team, for sure.

Quote from: thewobbler on August 05, 2019, 10:51:52 PM
Please don't throw the "it's an amateur game" line at me here, because if that's the case then the fitness levels required should be amateur too.

So here goes: NFL playoffs. FIFA world cups, rugby world cups. All of them demand weekly or less matches in the knockout stages.

Why do the men playing our sport need more than a week to "mentally prepare" for their seasonal goals?

Imho it's absolute nonsense. Put two weeks between the matches and it means our amateurs training another 4 times, including a training weekend away from family, whilst getting fed horseshit pep talks one after the other from all the bluffers who GAA managers are obsessed with adding on.

——

Coen has been up and down all year. Hopefully he catches an upper at the weekend.


——

Regarding Rock, there is absolutely no chance that Galvin lines out without his chief gun on Saturday.

The bit in bold. I can agree with some of it.
When David Clarke ( out with injured ribs) was seen out with his kids in local playground on Saturday afternoon the rumour went viral that he had been dropped and quit. How sad is that? Why wouldn't he spend time off with his family.

The scheduling is still a mess though. With the Super8s there is always the possibility that some teams will be qualified after 2 games and rest up. Other teams having to slog it out the last day. 2 weeks between the 8s and the semis would have kept a bit of fairness in it.
Dublin have had the chance now to get 2 proper weeks training in and a tapering week this week. Perfect. Mayo on the other hand have to readjust mentally after Donegal win and try and recover tired legs. There is a hell of a difference between tapering and recovery.
If Dublin don't win this comfortably you can tear up every training manual book out there.

Quote from: Sportacus on August 05, 2019, 11:03:48 PM

Quote from: thewobbler on August 05, 2019, 10:51:52 PM
Please don't throw the "it's an amateur game" line at me here, because if that's the case then the fitness levels required should be amateur too.

So here goes: NFL playoffs. FIFA world cups, rugby world cups. All of them demand weekly or less matches in the knockout stages.

Why do the men playing our sport need more than a week to "mentally prepare" for their seasonal goals?

Imho it's absolute nonsense. Put two weeks between the matches and it means our amateurs training another 4 times, including a training weekend away from family, whilst getting fed horseshit pep talks one after the other from all the bluffers who GAA managers are obsessed with adding on.

——

Coen has been up and down all year. Hopefully he catches an upper at the weekend.


——

Regarding Rock, there is absolutely no chance that Galvin lines out without his chief gun on Saturday.

I kinda know where you're coming from Wobbler, look at tennis!  I had a chat one time with an international rugby player and he was talking a lot about them scheduling in x amount of sleep on the run up to games.  Sleeping mid afternoons, after tea, that type of thing.  Rest was absolutely crucial to their preparation.  Presumably Mayo will take it very easy this week, get maximum rest, and they should be in a great place to rattle Dublin because their games have been proper championship stuff.  BUT, when it gets to 60 minutes Dublin will still be motoring and will probably find another gear.  Will the tiredness in the Mayo legs kick in then?  That's when the 6 day issue could really hurt.

Getting places here.
Players will be working and driving this week - not sleeping as much as they should.
I don't want to labour the point too much but even if we park the Mayo injuries aside, we are on a hiding to nothing.
If this was a horse race and Dublin and Mayo were rated evenly with the handicappers, Dublin's advantage from their ease into this race would see them win by several lengths.

It's all blather folks.

Reminds me of the early days of the back door when everyone was giving off about how the provincial champions were at a disadvantage due to a lack of competitive action, then a year later, they enjoy too strong an advantage due to the additional rest they were getting.

It's like nobody can accept that sometimes the only thing that beats you is a better team.

Reality dose: there are no advantages here for either side. Another week might have helped with Mayo injuries, but then again they might have lost a couple of players to training injuries.

Meanwhile for all their 3 weeks of tapering, Jim Gavin only found out at 6pm I'm Sunday when his next match was. He could not have used the previous 2 weeks of training in prep for Mayo as he'd no idea who it was against.

But I'll tell you something. He made sure his hardened old warriors got plenty of game time on Sunday. He wouldn't have done that had Donegal won. He knows this one is going to be a physical battle and his young fellas might not have it in them yet. And he's only got 6 days to work out which way to throw that dice.

I'd casually estimate that the Dublin team which finished on Sunday had the highest average age of any championship team in living memory.

There's a wrestling match on the way and there will be sore bones across Mayo and Dublin when they wake Sunday.

Quote from: thewobbler on August 05, 2019, 11:42:09 PM
It's all blather folks.

Reminds me of the early days of the back door when everyone was giving off about how the provincial champions were at a disadvantage due to a lack of competitive action, then a year later, they enjoy too strong an advantage due to the additional rest they were getting.

It's like nobody can accept that sometimes the only thing that beats you is a better team.

Reality dose: there are no advantages here for either side. Another week might have helped with Mayo injuries, but then again they might have lost a couple of players to training injuries.

Meanwhile for all their 3 weeks of tapering, Jim Gavin only found out at 6pm I'm Sunday when his next match was. He could not have used the previous 2 weeks of training in prep for Mayo as he'd no idea who it was against.

But I'll tell you something. He made sure his hardened old warriors got plenty of game time on Sunday. He wouldn't have done that had Donegal won. He knows this one is going to be a physical battle and his young fellas might not have it in them yet. And he's only got 6 days to work out which way to throw that dice.

Lol.
One week of tapering. The other 2 were proper training.
Run out against Tyrone showed that most of his old warriors are through and he wont have to explain away why we wont be seeing them again. They are shot mostly but he doesn't need them. I'd love to see a Dublin team with Bernard, O Carroll and McManamon starting. Can they play Bastic still too? Please!
You have a nice romantic version of things there wobbler and I wish I could concur. Really I do. The reality is though science is going to win out.

Quote from: thewobbler on August 05, 2019, 11:45:41 PM
I'd casually estimate that the Dublin team which finished on Sunday had the highest average age of any championship team in living memory.

There's a wrestling match on the way and there will be sore bones across Mayo and Dublin when they wake Sunday.

Not sure about that but that's what I'm talking about. Fellas hanging around for the party. 

Quote from: thewobbler on August 05, 2019, 11:45:41 PM
I'd casually estimate that the Dublin team which finished on Sunday had the highest average age of any championship team in living memory.

There's a wrestling match on the way and there will be sore bones across Mayo and Dublin when they wake Sunday.

The Mayo team had a higher average age the previous day

I make the Dublin finishing team to be around 26.5 (had to guess a couple of ages based on year played U-20)

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/kevin-mcstay-mayo-may-be-washed-away-by-blue-wave-1.3977679

Kevin McStay: Mayo may be washed away by blue wave

Fully firing Dublin at Croke Park looks too tough an assignment for Horan's side


And then there were four. Kerry-Tyrone has its own recent history and edge and I am sure it will produce a worthy finalist on Sunday. But I think it is fair to say that the eyes of the country will be on the Saturday night live match. Dublin and Mayo: one more time.

One assumes it will be a full house in Croke Park. This rivalry has been bubbling for most of the decade. In a funny way, it reminds me of the old snooker wars between Jimmy White and Steve Davis. White was erratic, lovable, sometimes brilliant and sometimes left you hiding behind the sofa. So it is with Mayo. White was the people's darling.

Against that, you had Davis – the cool exterior, amazing consistency and perfect technique. That has been the story of Dublin. They love the heightened pressure of these knockout days. They have their process and that has produced the titles.

Jimmy White was always hoping that things would go right. He played on emotion. So do Mayo and they are hoping for the bounce of the ball, the brilliant goal out of the blue, the rush of blood comeback.

I was chatting with Aidan O'Rourke, the former Armagh player, on Saturday and he was saying he had become exasperated by Mayo. Aidan is an All-Ireland champion, he has his medal. He played in two All-Irelands and Armagh won their first. That Armagh team got it done – against Kerry. And that is the hard cold quality you need. So Aidan probably began to wonder, well, how many chances does a team deserve? But now he is starting to fall for Mayo all over again.
Mayo missed about 1-8 in the first half. The game should have been over and done with at the break
In a one-off game like they played against Donegal, you sense this huge character and will and drive. And they kind of draw you in. They cast a kind of spell on the public. You end up rooting for them. The form line was all about Donegal but when it was put to me, without letting my Mayo blood get in the way, I still felt it was a huge chance for James Horan's side. Because you can't draw a line with Mayo; you know they will be unreasonably cussed.


On logic, they should not have been in that game. But I was down in Mayo for a few days during the week. The Castlecourt was jammed for one of Colm Parkinson's road show gigs. Everyone was into the pre-match talk and wearing their colours and showing loads of belief.

The attitude was: we are at home in an All-Ireland quarter final, basically, and we have a good track record. I met a guy on Thursday who told me he wasn't worried about Donegal but he was very concerned about Dublin. I found the breeziness hilarious. Fair play to him. It didn't occur to him that his team could be beaten.

Recurring theme

And that belief was well founded. I reckon Mayo missed about 1-8 in the first half. The game should have been over and done with at the break. The difficulty for Mayo is that those were relatively easy chances. They were not pot shots. And this is a recurring theme with this side. If they don't tidy this issue up, it will catch up with them next Saturday night. They were blessed that Donegal replicated the wastefulness.

I felt very sorry for Donegal, even before the game. The minute I heard about the Eoghan Bán Gallagher injury, I felt that the summer wouldn't work out for them. For the second championship in a row, they have suffered a major injury. They are talented but the talent is not that deep.

They are an emerging team but so much is contingent on Michael Murphy being able to maintain his form for the next few years. They are Ulster champions for the last two years and haven't reached an All-Ireland semi-final. They had their destiny in their own hands on both occasions.

Mayo's passionate army of supporters, young and old, will once again be heading to Croke Park with hope in their hearts. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Mayo's passionate army of supporters, young and old, will once again be heading to Croke Park with hope in their hearts. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Tyrone at home and Mayo away: these are hard, hard lessons. They are a good team and I felt they had developed beyond Michael but when the chips were down on Saturday night, it fell to him to prop the others up again. They had the breeze and momentum and missed those chances in the second half when they could have regained the lead. I am not convinced they deserved to be back that close but, once again, Mayo left the door open for their opponents.

The Backdoor: it's time to ditch the dummy teams
Dublin win phoney war, now let's never speak of it again
Gavin and Harte in no mood to give anything away at Healy Park

The main reason for Mayo's victory was this. In military terms, Mayo spent a long time identifying how they would destabilise Donegal's centre of gravity.

During the week, everyone knew that Murphy, Patrick McBrearty and Ryan McHugh were the men they had to stop. But Horan still had to devise a plan and then go and execute it. Putting Chris Barrett on McBrearty and holding him to 0-2 was as good a return as they could have asked for.

Paddy Durcan keeping Ryan McHugh under wraps worked perfectly. He welded himself to the Donegal playmaker but still managed to break forward to get his three points.

Now, I am not as convinced that Lee Keegan on Michael Murphy was the thundering success that some people believe. Murphy, I felt, was heroic on Saturday night. One thing keeps coming back to me. He was tearing along under the stand with the ball and collecting return passes at speed and he moved with a pace and intensity I didn't even know he had. He was like a man possessed. The thing that stands out was actually a miss. He spun on his left and connected beautifully on a hugely important point attempt. It missed by millimetres – I was right behind the shot so had a perfect view.


Massive loss
It goes down as a wide but trust me, it was a sublime bit of skill. After he scored his penalty, he gave Lee Keegan a ferocious and entirely fair belt. He shook him. He took the game to Mayo in those moments. Nobody else on that Donegal team got to Murphy's level. And that may be why they aren't reaching the last four.

The good news for Mayo is that they have improved as the season has gone on. But by how much? They weren't brilliant on Saturday night. Rather, they were functional. They do what they do so well – hugely physical and a massive tackle count. It would seem as if Jason Doherty is badly injured and, if so, he will be a massive loss. The game has to have taken a physical toll. I know they are happy and excited now. But it was a gruelling game.

Their wastefulness and the modesty of their scoring totals do not augur well. They are still too dependent on defenders for scores. On the positive side, Matthew Ruane got a gallop and he looked comfortable. For 55 minutes, Aidan O'Shea was back to his very best. And I don't think they will fear Dublin because it's just not their nature to fear any team. They will tear into it.

What happened in Omagh on Sunday was just time that we will never get back. It was outrageous. I don't blame either team or manager; they were trying to maximise their advantage in planning ahead. The official teams submitted were just nonsense. A lot of people paid a fiver for a programme which contained fantasy teams. It shouldn't have been like this.

Brian Fenton in action against Mayo's Lee Keegan, Tom Parsons and Diarmuid O'Connor. Will Mayo put Keegan on Dublin's key man to try and curb his influence? Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Brian Fenton in action against Mayo's Lee Keegan, Tom Parsons and Diarmuid O'Connor. Will Mayo put Keegan on Dublin's key man to try and curb his influence? Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
All four games should have taken place at the same time. And so it was a glorified challenge match. It was a real wallop to the integrity of the Super 8s concept. We ended up with a reserve game of football. Nothing useful could be mined from that game.

It was Dublin's sixth game of the championship. Now they can see the summit. They are two games out from separating themselves from every football team in GAA history. Funny, that was as close as anyone got to Dublin this year. They have beaten teams by 26, 18 and 9 points. Sunday was as close as any team has come to them!

It has been a magnificent effort that has allowed them to stroll within two games of destiny. A huge amount of work and planning has gone into this. They are right now where Kerry were in 1982 against Offaly. As I see it, all other contenders have fallen back. Kerry and Tyrone have not scaled the heights. Mayo are Mayo. Donegal are out.

Meanwhile, Diarmuid Connolly is back and having the time of his life, despite the black card he was issued in Omagh. There were nine black cards this weekend, incidentally and in my view, it has become incredibly difficult to referee such fouls. I feel the word "deliberate" has to come out of the rule. We have a huge weekend ahead of us and the black card may well be a significant issue.

Evan Comerford was outstanding. Sean Bugler and Cormac Costello and Bernard Brogan did well. All of these guys want to be in the 26. Their core players were relaxing at home. Fatigue is not an issue.

What are their weaknesses? The standard reservation is that they are not great under the high ball. Well, who is? It has always been an issue for teams. Wasn't it a high ball that unseated Kerry in 1982? I think this is grasping at straws. Mayo; Kerry; Tyrone: none of these teams are great under the high ball.


Rude health
To be frank, I do not see any obvious weakness in Dublin. All I see is magnificent athleticism, a team approach, huge confidence allied to energy and humility. The hype will come into the city now but I imagine they will enjoy that. They have no injury worries. So every aspect has been very carefully and expertly managed to bring them to the pinnacle of the season in seriously rude health.

The clock is ticking for Mayo. What is Dublin's centre of gravity? Who do you go after if you want to destabilise them? When I thought about it, I wrote down Stephen Cluxton and Brian Fenton. That's about it.

The idea of Mayo beating Dublin and then either Kerry or Tyrone is pushing the realms of possibility to a place I don't think Mayo can reach
Cluxton has been tried before. He has been rumbled slightly but not to any devastating effect. Has anyone ever targeted Fenton and tried to dislodge him from that smooth, Rolls Royce midfield playmaking game of his? I think he is more important than James McCarthy now because more scores come from him.

What about Lee Keegan on Fenton? Could that provoke some sort of chaos that might, just might, unsettle Dublin enough to allow Mayo to get their claws into them?

I am not sure.

The idea of Mayo beating Dublin and then either Kerry or Tyrone is pushing the realms of possibility to a place I don't think Mayo can reach. It pains me to come to that conclusion and hopefully they can confound us yet again.

Pace will be a deciding factor. Mayo are an older team now than when they last met Dublin. It would appear as if this is the greatest team of all time they are playing. Dublin at full force in Croke Park is a different class and I think this is beyond Mayo.

It is fitting that they get to have one more shot in Croke Park and to at least stand in front of this blue wave. But that doesn't mean they won't get washed away.

I'll go with the bookies on this one

Dublin are a totally different side from two years ago

Quote from: Kurtz on August 06, 2019, 10:51:01 AM
I'll go with the bookies on this one

Dublin are a totally different side from two years ago

Not as good as they were in 2017 imo

an hour and a half queue on tickets.ie. @ €50 ahead
this is why All Dublin games must be played in Croker park always and ever

Quote from: rosnarun on August 06, 2019, 11:08:26 AM
an hour and a half queue on tickets.ie. @ €50 ahead
this is why All Dublin games must be played in Croker park always and ever

Had no problem getting them this morning in Centra
I was expecting a queue

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 06, 2019, 10:59:45 AM

Quote from: Kurtz on August 06, 2019, 10:51:01 AM
I'll go with the bookies on this one

Dublin are a totally different side from two years ago

Not as good as they were in 2017 imo

2017 they were still relying on Paul Flynn, Paddy Andrews, O'Gara and Brogan
I also think Con O Calaghan is a better player now

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 06, 2019, 10:59:45 AM

Quote from: Kurtz on August 06, 2019, 10:51:01 AM
I'll go with the bookies on this one

Dublin are a totally different side from two years ago

Not as good as they were in 2017 imo

Dubs bench isn't as strong, but the 1st 15 is actually stronger. Fenton, Mannion, Kilkenny, O'Callaghan for example are all better players now than 2 years ago.

Quote from: Kurtz on August 06, 2019, 11:18:41 AM

Quote from: rosnarun on August 06, 2019, 11:08:26 AM
an hour and a half queue on tickets.ie. @ €50 ahead
this is why All Dublin games must be played in Croker park always and ever

Had no problem getting them this morning in Centra
I was expecting a queue

where was that? line out the door for them in Tullamore

Quote from: moysider on August 05, 2019, 10:42:37 PM
Rock a defo starter imo.

It's a shame Mayo are f**ked up with injury and the scheduling or this could have got very interesting indeed.

Doherty's done his cruciate apparently. We get one soldier back and we lose another. Doherty was motm until the injury. Darren Coen's drop in form is like losing another.

Dublin has had a 3 week lead up into this with a useful kickabout v Tyrone along the way.
We went to the bottom of the well again to beat Donegal. It's a mission impossible to recover from that both mentally and physically. The gobshites who decided this timetable of events must never have competed in any sport at any level.

Mayo's old guard look in rude good health though which makes the injuries to younger guns so bloody frustrating.
Also frustrating is that some of the Dublin old guard look through to me. Lads that damaged Mayo and others for years. I'm not convinced that some of the Dublin newer players are as good or as tried and tested as the Bernard Brogans etc.
Unfortunately I dont think we are healthy enough to push them enough to crack them.

Thats a real shame about Doherty, quality player.

A few injuries for Mayo, might be a step too far, this year.

Quote from: rosnarun on August 06, 2019, 11:33:39 AM

Quote from: Kurtz on August 06, 2019, 11:18:41 AM

Quote from: rosnarun on August 06, 2019, 11:08:26 AM
an hour and a half queue on tickets.ie. @ €50 ahead
this is why All Dublin games must be played in Croker park always and ever

Had no problem getting them this morning in Centra
I was expecting a queue

where was that? line out the door for them in Tullamore

Ballinteer Centra on Ballinteer Road 
would have been the old village, before they developed the whole area around Dundrum.
I dont think many people know about it because its on the old Dundrum road

Dublin are probably playing at a similar level or at least close to what they were a few years ago. I don't think Mayo have shown signs of being anywhere close to the level of pre 2017. They have somehow ended up in a semi final however and are massive underdogs and I can see them producing another big performance again. The reality is that they will need an awful lot more possession than the Dubs to stand a chance in this match since they are nowhere near as efficient up front. Mayo need to stay in the game for as long as possible and if they are still within 3 points with 10 minutes to go then maybe they have a chance. Sadly I just don't see it happening based on the evidence of the championship to date although I think they will put it up to the Dubs physically as only they can.     

Quote from: Kurtz on August 06, 2019, 11:21:51 AM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 06, 2019, 10:59:45 AM

Quote from: Kurtz on August 06, 2019, 10:51:01 AM
I'll go with the bookies on this one

Dublin are a totally different side from two years ago

Not as good as they were in 2017 imo

2017 they were still relying on Paul Flynn, Paddy Andrews, O'Gara and Brogan
I also think Con O Calaghan is a better player now

I could be wrong but I'd definitely have the likes of Paul Flynn as better than their counterparts in the current Dublin team. Paddy Andrews, O'Gara, Brogan are also all still on the panel but have regressed.

Brogan is just age but could still do damage. Andrews has regressed and O'Gara for Dublin standards was never really at the same level as the rest of them anyway but I guess gave them something different.

In terms of progression from 2017 Howard is a massive addition, McCaffrey is better than he was, McCarthy is too. Fenton another level as well.  The FB line isn't as good though and O'Sullivan has slowed. All in all I'm not sure they are any better or any worse but have just demoralised other teams so much that they maybe look better. O"Callaghan directness a big plus too. I know he was there but he has progressed a lot.

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 06, 2019, 12:03:15 PM
Brogan is just age but could still do damage. Andrews has regressed and O'Gara for Dublin standards was never really at the same level as the rest of them anyway but I guess gave them something different.

In terms of progression from 2017 Howard is a massive addition, McCaffrey is better than he was, McCarthy is too. Fenton another level as well.  The FB line isn't as good though and O'Sullivan has slowed. All in all I'm not sure they are any better or any worse but have just demoralised other teams so much that they maybe look better. O"Callaghan directness a big plus too. I know he was there but he has progressed a lot.

On what evidence are they better now? They've hardly had a proper game all year

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 06, 2019, 12:30:25 PM

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 06, 2019, 12:03:15 PM
Brogan is just age but could still do damage. Andrews has regressed and O'Gara for Dublin standards was never really at the same level as the rest of them anyway but I guess gave them something different.

In terms of progression from 2017 Howard is a massive addition, McCaffrey is better than he was, McCarthy is too. Fenton another level as well.  The FB line isn't as good though and O'Sullivan has slowed. All in all I'm not sure they are any better or any worse but have just demoralised other teams so much that they maybe look better. O"Callaghan directness a big plus too. I know he was there but he has progressed a lot.

On what evidence are they better now? They've hardly had a proper game all year

They haven't had a proper game in 2 years. Last years championship was a joke.

Quote from: WhoDat on August 06, 2019, 12:40:09 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 06, 2019, 12:30:25 PM

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 06, 2019, 12:03:15 PM
Brogan is just age but could still do damage. Andrews has regressed and O'Gara for Dublin standards was never really at the same level as the rest of them anyway but I guess gave them something different.

In terms of progression from 2017 Howard is a massive addition, McCaffrey is better than he was, McCarthy is too. Fenton another level as well.  The FB line isn't as good though and O'Sullivan has slowed. All in all I'm not sure they are any better or any worse but have just demoralised other teams so much that they maybe look better. O"Callaghan directness a big plus too. I know he was there but he has progressed a lot.

On what evidence are they better now? They've hardly had a proper game all year

They haven't had a proper game in 2 years. Last years championship was a joke.

They're last proper championship game was the 2017 final, nothing to suggest they've improved since then

Unless Mayo up their conversion rate, Dublin will win this quite easily. I think Mayo have the ability to keep Dublin's scoring low enough, it's whether they can convert the chances they create on the other end to keep the pressure up.

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 06, 2019, 12:41:37 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 06, 2019, 12:40:09 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 06, 2019, 12:30:25 PM

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 06, 2019, 12:03:15 PM
Brogan is just age but could still do damage. Andrews has regressed and O'Gara for Dublin standards was never really at the same level as the rest of them anyway but I guess gave them something different.

In terms of progression from 2017 Howard is a massive addition, McCaffrey is better than he was, McCarthy is too. Fenton another level as well.  The FB line isn't as good though and O'Sullivan has slowed. All in all I'm not sure they are any better or any worse but have just demoralised other teams so much that they maybe look better. O"Callaghan directness a big plus too. I know he was there but he has progressed a lot.

On what evidence are they better now? They've hardly had a proper game all year

They haven't had a proper game in 2 years. Last years championship was a joke.

They're last proper championship game was the 2017 final, nothing to suggest they've improved since then

Kilkenny has bulked up and is now a reliable scorer compared to 2017 when he was almost a hindrance at times by slowing up the play and going backwards with his handpassing.

O'Calaghan has bulked up and is having a fine season. Mannion has also bulked up and is a better finisher than 2 years ago.

There's nothing to say they haven't progressed either. They're that far ahead we just don't know. If they blow Mayo away on saturday it will be mayo are done and weren't the team of 2017 rather than dublin are significantly better so to be honest I don't know if we'll ever know. If they are beat by Mayo then I guess it can be said they aren't as good. While I'd love to see Mayo win I would be very very surprised if that was the case.

Some players have got good bit better though I do think the centre of their defense is more porous than it was.

Quote from: dublin7 on August 06, 2019, 12:45:30 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 06, 2019, 12:41:37 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 06, 2019, 12:40:09 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 06, 2019, 12:30:25 PM

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 06, 2019, 12:03:15 PM
Brogan is just age but could still do damage. Andrews has regressed and O'Gara for Dublin standards was never really at the same level as the rest of them anyway but I guess gave them something different.

In terms of progression from 2017 Howard is a massive addition, McCaffrey is better than he was, McCarthy is too. Fenton another level as well.  The FB line isn't as good though and O'Sullivan has slowed. All in all I'm not sure they are any better or any worse but have just demoralised other teams so much that they maybe look better. O"Callaghan directness a big plus too. I know he was there but he has progressed a lot.

On what evidence are they better now? They've hardly had a proper game all year

They haven't had a proper game in 2 years. Last years championship was a joke.

They're last proper championship game was the 2017 final, nothing to suggest they've improved since then

Kilkenny has bulked up and is now a reliable scorer compared to 2017 when he was almost a hindrance at times by slowing up the play and going backwards with his handpassing.

O'Calaghan has bulked up and is having a fine season. Mannion has also bulked up and is a better finisher than 2 years ago.

I'd argue that along with the full back line, the overall squad depth has weakened. Looking at Dublin's bench it's very similar to 2017 minus Paul Flynn. the likes of Connolly, Brogan, McMenamon, O'Gara, Daly are all still year. Connolly has hardly played any ball, and Brogan is just back from injury. In general they're two years older and have regressed.

Definitely the big worry for me is Dublin come in undercooked. While 3 weeks break is better than 1 week, that's offset by the fact we haven't played any game with serious intensity in so long. Also we've had plenty instances this year of starting very slow and being allowed back into games by opposition not taking advantage.

Formwise, we've only been middling.

In the full back line, Cooper is motoring along, but McMahon and Fitzsimons well below par this year. David Byrne has been much better than either, but has a history of being less reliable in the really big games than the other two. Murchan will also put pressure on for a starting place (I think he'd be a cert to mark O'Brien if we ever play Kerry).

At half back, Jack is absolutely flying and Small going well too. McCarthy had a poor year last year in my view that went completely unnoticed. Not sure he's back to his absolute best, but he's much improved and I've no fears he'll play well. Midfield or centre back though? Not sure.  O'Sullivan had no involvement against either Roscommon or Tyrone. May be injured? Still a gem if let play as sweeper. If made man-mark he can be got at.

Fenton is our heart and interesting to see if Mayo put a stopper on him. Keegan or Coen? Or just let Aidan take him. I don't think they'll put Seamie on him.

If Mayo don't try to be too smart, I think their half backs match up very well against our half forward line. I'm a bit worried about that.

Like O'Connor at the other end, Rock will be steady. Give him any time and he'll score.
Con was quiet in Leinster and strong in S8. Mannion the exact opposite. If they both strike it hot, then Mayo are in trouble. If they're both cold and more miss than hit, then we could be in a spot of bother.

Going to be a cracker. Would love to put the hammer down for once v Mayo, but if you offered me a draw I'd snap your hand off!

Quote from: Hound on August 06, 2019, 01:13:45 PM
Definitely the big worry for me is Dublin come in undercooked. While 3 weeks break is better than 1 week, that's offset by the fact we haven't played any game with serious intensity in so long. Also we've had plenty instances this year of starting very slow and being allowed back into games by opposition not taking advantage.

Formwise, we've only been middling.

In the full back line, Cooper is motoring along, but McMahon and Fitzsimons well below par this year. David Byrne has been much better than either, but has a history of being less reliable in the really big games than the other two. Murchan will also put pressure on for a starting place (I think he'd be a cert to mark O'Brien if we ever play Kerry).

At half back, Jack is absolutely flying and Small going well too. McCarthy had a poor year last year in my view that went completely unnoticed. Not sure he's back to his absolute best, but he's much improved and I've no fears he'll play well. Midfield or centre back though? Not sure.  O'Sullivan had no involvement against either Roscommon or Tyrone. May be injured? Still a gem if let play as sweeper. If made man-mark he can be got at.

Fenton is our heart and interesting to see if Mayo put a stopper on him. Keegan or Coen? Or just let Aidan take him. I don't think they'll put Seamie on him.

If Mayo don't try to be too smart, I think their half backs match up very well against our half forward line. I'm a bit worried about that.

Like O'Connor at the other end, Rock will be steady. Give him any time and he'll score.
Con was quiet in Leinster and strong in S8. Mannion the exact opposite. If they both strike it hot, then Mayo are in trouble. If they're both cold and more miss than hit, then we could be in a spot of bother.

Going to be a cracker. Would love to put the hammer down for once v Mayo, but if you offered me a draw I'd snap your hand off!

One of the key differences between the sides over the years has been the strength of Dublin's squad.
Trying not to be dismissive because I'm sure they're still quality footballers, but would you be concerned at all to still be calling on the likes of McMenamon?

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 06, 2019, 01:20:47 PM

Quote from: Hound on August 06, 2019, 01:13:45 PM
Definitely the big worry for me is Dublin come in undercooked. While 3 weeks break is better than 1 week, that's offset by the fact we haven't played any game with serious intensity in so long. Also we've had plenty instances this year of starting very slow and being allowed back into games by opposition not taking advantage.

Formwise, we've only been middling.

In the full back line, Cooper is motoring along, but McMahon and Fitzsimons well below par this year. David Byrne has been much better than either, but has a history of being less reliable in the really big games than the other two. Murchan will also put pressure on for a starting place (I think he'd be a cert to mark O'Brien if we ever play Kerry).

At half back, Jack is absolutely flying and Small going well too. McCarthy had a poor year last year in my view that went completely unnoticed. Not sure he's back to his absolute best, but he's much improved and I've no fears he'll play well. Midfield or centre back though? Not sure.  O'Sullivan had no involvement against either Roscommon or Tyrone. May be injured? Still a gem if let play as sweeper. If made man-mark he can be got at.

Fenton is our heart and interesting to see if Mayo put a stopper on him. Keegan or Coen? Or just let Aidan take him. I don't think they'll put Seamie on him.

If Mayo don't try to be too smart, I think their half backs match up very well against our half forward line. I'm a bit worried about that.

Like O'Connor at the other end, Rock will be steady. Give him any time and he'll score.
Con was quiet in Leinster and strong in S8. Mannion the exact opposite. If they both strike it hot, then Mayo are in trouble. If they're both cold and more miss than hit, then we could be in a spot of bother.

Going to be a cracker. Would love to put the hammer down for once v Mayo, but if you offered me a draw I'd snap your hand off!

One of the key differences between the sides over the years has been the strength of Dublin's squad.
Trying not to be dismissive because I'm sure they're still quality footballers, but would you be concerned at all to still be calling on the likes of McMenamon?

Well if Mannion or Con have to go off then the team gets worse, for sure.

Going to be a big turnover in the forward subs next year, with Andrews, KevMac, Brogan, O'Gara all gone.
I would still have thought there would be good game in at least 3 of the above, but to be fair, there's not been much impact this year.

Paddy Small on the other hand has looked very good. But still very unproven in a big game. That's where not being in the league shake-up has been a bit costly. He would have got at least 20 minutes in a league final which would have been more useful that any other game time he's got this summer, imo.
We've also got Costello. Gone off the boil a bit, but is talented and he'd be my bet for first forward sub to come on next Saturday.

Looking back at it, it's the same bench moreless the same bench as 2017, very similar to 2015, and even the core of the bench in 2013 is the same

I think Mayo should be given a trophy if they win this.

Ruane will be brought in to mark Fenton I'd imagine, he has the engine for him and can give him his fill going forward too
Word is that Diarmuid won't be back, him and Doc are huge losses

It's hard to see how we could possibly win this with the way we've played this year

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on August 06, 2019, 02:04:28 PM
Ruane will be brought in to mark Fenton I'd imagine, he has the engine for him and can give him his fill going forward too
Word is that Diarmuid won't be back, him and Doc are huge losses

It's hard to see how we could possibly win this with the way we've played this year

Where did you hear that? Diarmuid is almost certain to be back

You could have said that in 2016 and 2017 as well

word on the street is that D O Connor suffered a muscle injury and will be out for the foreseeable. unrelated to the wrist injury

Quote from: guy crouchback on August 06, 2019, 02:51:46 PM
word on the street is that D O Connor suffered a muscle injury and will be out for the foreseeable. unrelated to the wrist injury

that rumour was almost certainly BS

50 euro for stand tickets and 35 for the Hill or the Nally. A 5 euro increase on last year and its looking like a sell out.

No online tickets left!!
Maybe it's time for a Super 4s ;D

PS 6 Co folk, that's a joke by the way.

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 06, 2019, 04:22:42 PM
50 euro for stand tickets and 35 for the Hill or the Nally. A 5 euro increase on last year and its looking like a sell out.

Yeah, E50 is getting a bit steep. the increase from 40 to 45 is only a couple of years ago

Quote from: Rossfan on August 06, 2019, 04:28:08 PM
No online tickets left!!
Maybe it's time for a Super 4s ;D

PS 6 Co folk, that's a joke by the way.

It's the way you tell 'em.

QuoteI think Mayo should be given a trophy if they win this.

The prize on offer is stopping the 5 in a row.

Queuing in super valu for over 2 hours and could only get 1 hill ticket in the end  :(

I see Peter Canavan who was one of the few pundits that got the Mayo v Donegal game spot on has now tipped Dublin to win this game by a bit to spare. Only recent championship game that Dublin beat Mayo by a bit to spare was the semi final replay 4 years ago.

James Durcan getting a minute or two at the end was a strange one, I didn't even realise he was still part of the squad

Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 06, 2019, 09:28:17 PM
I see Peter Canavan who was one of the few pundits that got the Mayo v Donegal game spot on has now tipped Dublin to win this game by a bit to spare. Only recent championship game that Dublin beat Mayo by a bit to spare was the semi final replay 4 years ago.

ah sure he can't be right all of the time !   ;D

will the ruane lad go on fenton? can't see either of the o'sheas having the gas for him

Quote from: WhoDat on August 07, 2019, 12:21:36 AM
will the ruane lad go on fenton? can't see either of the o'sheas having the gas for him

Plenty of options for Fenton:

Ruane - young, back fit, energetic, can potentially match Fenton in many areas

Coen - just to man-mark. Stick like glue, annoy, annoy, annoy, and ignore the ball when Mayo have it

Keegan - man-mark, but also have Fenton have to track him when Keegan makes runs forward

AOS - (underrated defender) primarily man-mark, get big hits in on Fenton, but also be available for Mayo kickouts and contest Dublin kickouts, and don't waste energy crossing opposition 65


Seamie looks in great shape. Less bulky but more athletic. I think perhaps a good few of the Mayo lads are less bulky than in the past. Still, if I was Mayo I'd bench him if McCarthy starts midfield, but play him if Macauley starts.

Quote from: highorlow on August 06, 2019, 05:05:03 PM

QuoteI think Mayo should be given a trophy if they win this.

The prize on offer is stopping the 5 in a row.

That is true, however i think the biggest prize is a place in the final and another shot of ending the famine.

Is Either of AOS or SOS fit enough to keep up with McCarthy

https://youtu.be/XYNWgLJNW9g

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 07, 2019, 09:00:07 AM

Quote from: highorlow on August 06, 2019, 05:05:03 PM

QuoteI think Mayo should be given a trophy if they win this.

The prize on offer is stopping the 5 in a row.

That is true, however i think the biggest prize is a place in the final and another shot of ending the famine.

Yeah. Unfortunately if we manage to beat Dublin, I wouldn't be confident going into a final.

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 07, 2019, 12:36:22 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 07, 2019, 09:00:07 AM

Quote from: highorlow on August 06, 2019, 05:05:03 PM

QuoteI think Mayo should be given a trophy if they win this.

The prize on offer is stopping the 5 in a row.

That is true, however i think the biggest prize is a place in the final and another shot of ending the famine.

Yeah. Unfortunately if we manage to beat Dublin, I wouldn't be confident going into a final.

I would. Kerry are still not the finished article. It would be a fitting end for an amazing team

Quote from: seafoid on August 07, 2019, 12:44:17 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 07, 2019, 12:36:22 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 07, 2019, 09:00:07 AM

Quote from: highorlow on August 06, 2019, 05:05:03 PM

QuoteI think Mayo should be given a trophy if they win this.

The prize on offer is stopping the 5 in a row.

That is true, however i think the biggest prize is a place in the final and another shot of ending the famine.

Yeah. Unfortunately if we manage to beat Dublin, I wouldn't be confident going into a final.

I would. Kerry are still not the finished article. It would be a fitting end for an amazing team

They aren't and that line will be rolled out if beaten by Tyrone on Sunday.

If it's wet and windy who benefits more, Dublin or Mayo?

Quote from: Sportacus on August 07, 2019, 01:50:35 PM
If it's wet and windy who benefits more, Dublin or Mayo?

With all our hot weather training camps and indoor state of the art facilities, our lads can't even remember what wind and rain feels like!

Please let their be sun. And heat.

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 07, 2019, 11:03:53 AM
Is Either of AOS or SOS fit enough to keep up with McCarthy

No

Quote from: Dire Ear on August 07, 2019, 02:31:08 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 07, 2019, 11:03:53 AM
Is Either of AOS or SOS fit enough to keep up with McCarthy

No

McCarthy isnt as strong in the air as AOS though. It's a real pity that Parsons isn't fully fit because he has arguably been the best midfielder on show in Mayo-Dublin clashes in recent years.

Quote from: Sportacus on August 07, 2019, 01:50:35 PM
If it's wet and windy who benefits more, Dublin or Mayo?

19 degrees. Dry ball - but windy.
Less than optimal conditions for Mayo.... dry ball will be a decisive factor for Dub forwards

I'm off the opinion that dry day will suit Mayo better than wet.  I do accept we played great against Donegal and appear to adapt to the wet conditions better than them, but, generally speaking, Mayo is a Summer team that enjoy playing on the hard surface of Croke Park.

Now if it does come windy ... well then... that puts the 'cat among the pigeons .. or seagulls as what have at croker'.  The swirling wind will make it difficult to judge shots for both teams.  In Mayo case that will probably help us as many of our shots go way ward anyway lol

Jason Doherty's injury confirmed as ACL.

Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 07, 2019, 05:52:18 PM
Jason Doherty's injury confirmed as ACL.

That's a f**king balls. I'm not his biggest fan but no man deserves that sort of bad luck, especially when it's caused by putting your body on the line for your county.

Quote from: trileacman on August 07, 2019, 05:55:46 PM

Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 07, 2019, 05:52:18 PM
Jason Doherty's injury confirmed as ACL.

That's a f**king balls. I'm not his biggest fan but no man deserves that sort of bad luck, especially when it's caused by putting your body on the line for your county.

why would you not be his biggest fan? very honest player who never goes for glory and always does the dirty work for mayo

Quote from: WhoDat on August 07, 2019, 05:59:11 PM

Quote from: trileacman on August 07, 2019, 05:55:46 PM

Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 07, 2019, 05:52:18 PM
Jason Doherty's injury confirmed as ACL.

That's a f**king balls. I'm not his biggest fan but no man deserves that sort of bad luck, especially when it's caused by putting your body on the line for your county.

why would you not be his biggest fan? very honest player who never goes for glory and always does the dirty work for mayo

I'd rate him behind D'OC, C'OC and Andy as a forward.

Quote from: trileacman on August 07, 2019, 06:15:16 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 07, 2019, 05:59:11 PM

Quote from: trileacman on August 07, 2019, 05:55:46 PM

Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 07, 2019, 05:52:18 PM
Jason Doherty's injury confirmed as ACL.

That's a f**king balls. I'm not his biggest fan but no man deserves that sort of bad luck, especially when it's caused by putting your body on the line for your county.

why would you not be his biggest fan? very honest player who never goes for glory and always does the dirty work for mayo

I'd rate him behind D'OC, C'OC and Andy as a forward.

works a lot harder and is much better in the tackle than any of those 3

Quote from: WhoDat on August 07, 2019, 06:19:50 PM

Quote from: trileacman on August 07, 2019, 06:15:16 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 07, 2019, 05:59:11 PM

Quote from: trileacman on August 07, 2019, 05:55:46 PM

Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 07, 2019, 05:52:18 PM
Jason Doherty's injury confirmed as ACL.

That's a f**king balls. I'm not his biggest fan but no man deserves that sort of bad luck, especially when it's caused by putting your body on the line for your county.

why would you not be his biggest fan? very honest player who never goes for glory and always does the dirty work for mayo

I'd rate him behind D'OC, C'OC and Andy as a forward.

works a lot harder and is much better in the tackle than any of those 3

Whatever it's just an opinion don't get so hung up on it.

Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 07, 2019, 05:52:18 PM
Jason Doherty's injury confirmed as ACL.

Aw thats an awful pity. Mayo having a horrible year with injuries.

Quote from: trileacman on August 07, 2019, 06:39:53 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 07, 2019, 06:19:50 PM

Quote from: trileacman on August 07, 2019, 06:15:16 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 07, 2019, 05:59:11 PM

Quote from: trileacman on August 07, 2019, 05:55:46 PM

Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 07, 2019, 05:52:18 PM
Jason Doherty's injury confirmed as ACL.

That's a f**king balls. I'm not his biggest fan but no man deserves that sort of bad luck, especially when it's caused by putting your body on the line for your county.

why would you not be his biggest fan? very honest player who never goes for glory and always does the dirty work for mayo

I'd rate him behind D'OC, C'OC and Andy as a forward.

works a lot harder and is much better in the tackle than any of those 3

Whatever it's just an opinion don't get so hung up on it.

Im also just stating an opinion, not getting hung up on it

Quote from: seafoid on August 06, 2019, 09:46:09 AM
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/kevin-mcstay-mayo-may-be-washed-away-by-blue-wave-1.3977679

Kevin McStay: Mayo may be washed away by blue wave

Fully firing Dublin at Croke Park looks too tough an assignment for Horan's side


And then there were four. Kerry-Tyrone has its own recent history and edge and I am sure it will produce a worthy finalist on Sunday. But I think it is fair to say that the eyes of the country will be on the Saturday night live match. Dublin and Mayo: one more time.

One assumes it will be a full house in Croke Park. This rivalry has been bubbling for most of the decade. In a funny way, it reminds me of the old snooker wars between Jimmy White and Steve Davis. White was erratic, lovable, sometimes brilliant and sometimes left you hiding behind the sofa. So it is with Mayo. White was the people's darling.

Against that, you had Davis – the cool exterior, amazing consistency and perfect technique. That has been the story of Dublin. They love the heightened pressure of these knockout days. They have their process and that has produced the titles.

Jimmy White was always hoping that things would go right. He played on emotion. So do Mayo and they are hoping for the bounce of the ball, the brilliant goal out of the blue, the rush of blood comeback.

I was chatting with Aidan O'Rourke, the former Armagh player, on Saturday and he was saying he had become exasperated by Mayo. Aidan is an All-Ireland champion, he has his medal. He played in two All-Irelands and Armagh won their first. That Armagh team got it done – against Kerry. And that is the hard cold quality you need. So Aidan probably began to wonder, well, how many chances does a team deserve? But now he is starting to fall for Mayo all over again.
Mayo missed about 1-8 in the first half. The game should have been over and done with at the break
In a one-off game like they played against Donegal, you sense this huge character and will and drive. And they kind of draw you in. They cast a kind of spell on the public. You end up rooting for them. The form line was all about Donegal but when it was put to me, without letting my Mayo blood get in the way, I still felt it was a huge chance for James Horan's side. Because you can't draw a line with Mayo; you know they will be unreasonably cussed.


On logic, they should not have been in that game. But I was down in Mayo for a few days during the week. The Castlecourt was jammed for one of Colm Parkinson's road show gigs. Everyone was into the pre-match talk and wearing their colours and showing loads of belief.

The attitude was: we are at home in an All-Ireland quarter final, basically, and we have a good track record. I met a guy on Thursday who told me he wasn't worried about Donegal but he was very concerned about Dublin. I found the breeziness hilarious. Fair play to him. It didn't occur to him that his team could be beaten.

Recurring theme

And that belief was well founded. I reckon Mayo missed about 1-8 in the first half. The game should have been over and done with at the break. The difficulty for Mayo is that those were relatively easy chances. They were not pot shots. And this is a recurring theme with this side. If they don't tidy this issue up, it will catch up with them next Saturday night. They were blessed that Donegal replicated the wastefulness.

I felt very sorry for Donegal, even before the game. The minute I heard about the Eoghan Bán Gallagher injury, I felt that the summer wouldn't work out for them. For the second championship in a row, they have suffered a major injury. They are talented but the talent is not that deep.

They are an emerging team but so much is contingent on Michael Murphy being able to maintain his form for the next few years. They are Ulster champions for the last two years and haven't reached an All-Ireland semi-final. They had their destiny in their own hands on both occasions.

Mayo's passionate army of supporters, young and old, will once again be heading to Croke Park with hope in their hearts. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Mayo's passionate army of supporters, young and old, will once again be heading to Croke Park with hope in their hearts. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Tyrone at home and Mayo away: these are hard, hard lessons. They are a good team and I felt they had developed beyond Michael but when the chips were down on Saturday night, it fell to him to prop the others up again. They had the breeze and momentum and missed those chances in the second half when they could have regained the lead. I am not convinced they deserved to be back that close but, once again, Mayo left the door open for their opponents.

The Backdoor: it's time to ditch the dummy teams
Dublin win phoney war, now let's never speak of it again
Gavin and Harte in no mood to give anything away at Healy Park

The main reason for Mayo's victory was this. In military terms, Mayo spent a long time identifying how they would destabilise Donegal's centre of gravity.

During the week, everyone knew that Murphy, Patrick McBrearty and Ryan McHugh were the men they had to stop. But Horan still had to devise a plan and then go and execute it. Putting Chris Barrett on McBrearty and holding him to 0-2 was as good a return as they could have asked for.

Paddy Durcan keeping Ryan McHugh under wraps worked perfectly. He welded himself to the Donegal playmaker but still managed to break forward to get his three points.

Now, I am not as convinced that Lee Keegan on Michael Murphy was the thundering success that some people believe. Murphy, I felt, was heroic on Saturday night. One thing keeps coming back to me. He was tearing along under the stand with the ball and collecting return passes at speed and he moved with a pace and intensity I didn't even know he had. He was like a man possessed. The thing that stands out was actually a miss. He spun on his left and connected beautifully on a hugely important point attempt. It missed by millimetres – I was right behind the shot so had a perfect view.


Massive loss
It goes down as a wide but trust me, it was a sublime bit of skill. After he scored his penalty, he gave Lee Keegan a ferocious and entirely fair belt. He shook him. He took the game to Mayo in those moments. Nobody else on that Donegal team got to Murphy's level. And that may be why they aren't reaching the last four.

The good news for Mayo is that they have improved as the season has gone on. But by how much? They weren't brilliant on Saturday night. Rather, they were functional. They do what they do so well – hugely physical and a massive tackle count. It would seem as if Jason Doherty is badly injured and, if so, he will be a massive loss. The game has to have taken a physical toll. I know they are happy and excited now. But it was a gruelling game.

Their wastefulness and the modesty of their scoring totals do not augur well. They are still too dependent on defenders for scores. On the positive side, Matthew Ruane got a gallop and he looked comfortable. For 55 minutes, Aidan O'Shea was back to his very best. And I don't think they will fear Dublin because it's just not their nature to fear any team. They will tear into it.

What happened in Omagh on Sunday was just time that we will never get back. It was outrageous. I don't blame either team or manager; they were trying to maximise their advantage in planning ahead. The official teams submitted were just nonsense. A lot of people paid a fiver for a programme which contained fantasy teams. It shouldn't have been like this.

Brian Fenton in action against Mayo's Lee Keegan, Tom Parsons and Diarmuid O'Connor. Will Mayo put Keegan on Dublin's key man to try and curb his influence? Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Brian Fenton in action against Mayo's Lee Keegan, Tom Parsons and Diarmuid O'Connor. Will Mayo put Keegan on Dublin's key man to try and curb his influence? Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
All four games should have taken place at the same time. And so it was a glorified challenge match. It was a real wallop to the integrity of the Super 8s concept. We ended up with a reserve game of football. Nothing useful could be mined from that game.

It was Dublin's sixth game of the championship. Now they can see the summit. They are two games out from separating themselves from every football team in GAA history. Funny, that was as close as anyone got to Dublin this year. They have beaten teams by 26, 18 and 9 points. Sunday was as close as any team has come to them!

It has been a magnificent effort that has allowed them to stroll within two games of destiny. A huge amount of work and planning has gone into this. They are right now where Kerry were in 1982 against Offaly. As I see it, all other contenders have fallen back. Kerry and Tyrone have not scaled the heights. Mayo are Mayo. Donegal are out.

Meanwhile, Diarmuid Connolly is back and having the time of his life, despite the black card he was issued in Omagh. There were nine black cards this weekend, incidentally and in my view, it has become incredibly difficult to referee such fouls. I feel the word "deliberate" has to come out of the rule. We have a huge weekend ahead of us and the black card may well be a significant issue.

Evan Comerford was outstanding. Sean Bugler and Cormac Costello and Bernard Brogan did well. All of these guys want to be in the 26. Their core players were relaxing at home. Fatigue is not an issue.

What are their weaknesses? The standard reservation is that they are not great under the high ball. Well, who is? It has always been an issue for teams. Wasn't it a high ball that unseated Kerry in 1982? I think this is grasping at straws. Mayo; Kerry; Tyrone: none of these teams are great under the high ball.


Rude health
To be frank, I do not see any obvious weakness in Dublin. All I see is magnificent athleticism, a team approach, huge confidence allied to energy and humility. The hype will come into the city now but I imagine they will enjoy that. They have no injury worries. So every aspect has been very carefully and expertly managed to bring them to the pinnacle of the season in seriously rude health.

The clock is ticking for Mayo. What is Dublin's centre of gravity? Who do you go after if you want to destabilise them? When I thought about it, I wrote down Stephen Cluxton and Brian Fenton. That's about it.

The idea of Mayo beating Dublin and then either Kerry or Tyrone is pushing the realms of possibility to a place I don't think Mayo can reach
Cluxton has been tried before. He has been rumbled slightly but not to any devastating effect. Has anyone ever targeted Fenton and tried to dislodge him from that smooth, Rolls Royce midfield playmaking game of his? I think he is more important than James McCarthy now because more scores come from him.

What about Lee Keegan on Fenton? Could that provoke some sort of chaos that might, just might, unsettle Dublin enough to allow Mayo to get their claws into them?

I am not sure.

The idea of Mayo beating Dublin and then either Kerry or Tyrone is pushing the realms of possibility to a place I don't think Mayo can reach. It pains me to come to that conclusion and hopefully they can confound us yet again.

Pace will be a deciding factor. Mayo are an older team now than when they last met Dublin. It would appear as if this is the greatest team of all time they are playing. Dublin at full force in Croke Park is a different class and I think this is beyond Mayo.

It is fitting that they get to have one more shot in Croke Park and to at least stand in front of this blue wave. But that doesn't mean they won't get washed away.

Have you yesterdays Dara O'Se article?

Do Mayo have any potential Seamus Darby's?  That supposes that Mayo can keep it tight until close to the end. Big decision for Mayo on goalkeepers.

Quote from: Denn Forever on August 08, 2019, 12:15:35 PM
Do Mayo have any potential Seamus Darby's?  That supposes that Mayo can keep it tight until close to the end. Big decision for Mayo on goalkeepers.

David drake . on for the last 5 minutes or else send to Chicago for TJ byrne

The Mayo starting team from the 2017 All Ireland final and last championship meeting v Dublin

D Clarke
B Harrison D Vaughan C Barrett
K Higgins C Boyle L Keegan
S O'Shea T Parsons
K McLoughlin A O'Shea P Durcan
J Doherty A Moran C O'Connor

Should be interesting to see how many of that team will start again on Saturday or be involved. Clearly Doherty won't be playing after his unfortunate injury. Could Parsons see some game time? Clarke back in goal??

Hi boy's, wouldn't it be poetic justice after all those glorious failures, if Mayo could stop Dublin's five in a row.

Quote from: Baile an tuaigh on August 08, 2019, 03:38:39 PM
Hi boy's, wouldn't it be poetic justice after all those glorious failures, if Mayo could stop Dublin's five in a row.

Wouldnt it be fantastic if they could get the job done.

However I would have no faith they could actually go on and finish the job regardless of opposition which would be typical of this Mayo team.

A superb team who give their all but just cant seem to finish the job - so many things always transpire against them

Quote from: Taylor on August 08, 2019, 04:03:26 PM

Quote from: Baile an tuaigh on August 08, 2019, 03:38:39 PM
Hi boy's, wouldn't it be poetic justice after all those glorious failures, if Mayo could stop Dublin's five in a row.

Wouldnt it be fantastic if they could get the job done.

However I would have no faith they could actually go on and finish the job regardless of opposition which would be typical of this Mayo team.

A superb team who give their all but just cant seem to finish the job - so many things always transpire against them

Yes Dublin have got in their way nearly every year.  Not a big ask for them to beat Dublin once in that period. I'm sure if another team met them as many times, they'd have beaten Dublin at least once or at least came close in that period.

Just providing some facts and figures for your viewing pleasure.

A lot of the players that will line out at on Saturday would have been underage in 2007, that year:
Dublin received 1,603,903 in games development funding.
Mayo received 7,475.

2008
Dublin - 1,637,380
Mayo - 25,900.

2009
Dublin - 1,638,000
Mayo - 45,500.

2010
Dublin - 1,588,000
Mayo - 43,500.

2011
Dublin - 1,371,333
Mayo - 42,000

2012
Dublin - 1,509,631
Mayo - 35,920

I think you get the picture.

the more I think about it, the more i think that Doherty injury has significantly weakened mayo. he stood up in the donegal game, showed for a lot of ball, put his body on the line, took a couple of scores. losing him also weakens their bench

Quote from: priceyreilly on August 08, 2019, 07:15:54 PM
Just providing some facts and figures for your viewing pleasure.

A lot of the players that will line out at on Saturday would have been underage in 2007, that year:
Dublin received 1,603,903 in games development funding.
Mayo received 7,475.

2008
Dublin - 1,637,380
Mayo - 25,900.

2009
Dublin - 1,638,000
Mayo - 45,500.

2010
Dublin - 1,588,000
Mayo - 43,500.

2011
Dublin - 1,371,333
Mayo - 42,000

2012
Dublin - 1,509,631
Mayo - 35,920

I think you get the picture.

That  cannot be right? You must be confusing Dublins repayments on their home pitch?

Mayo people traveling  en mass this weekend. Safe in the knowledge that their hard earned money spent on Match tickets will  help maintain the employment of GDOs in Dublin GAA for another year. Top Job!

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 08, 2019, 07:35:40 PM
Mayo people traveling  en mass this weekend. Safe in the knowledge that their hard earned money spent on Match tickets will  help maintain the employment of GDOs in Dublin GAA for another year. Top Job!

Always good to know you are secure in your job. It's needed as well based on how our minor teams struggled this year. GAA needs a successful Dublin

Quote from: priceyreilly on August 08, 2019, 07:15:54 PM
Just providing some facts and figures for your viewing pleasure.

A lot of the players that will line out at on Saturday would have been underage in 2007, that year:
Dublin received 1,603,903 in games development funding.
Mayo received 7,475.

2008
Dublin - 1,637,380
Mayo - 25,900.

2009
Dublin - 1,638,000
Mayo - 45,500.

2010
Dublin - 1,588,000
Mayo - 43,500.

2011
Dublin - 1,371,333
Mayo - 42,000

2012
Dublin - 1,509,631
Mayo - 35,920

I think you get the picture.

How much did mayo get from connacht gaa and Dublin from Leinster?

Quote from: dublin7 on August 08, 2019, 08:05:15 PM

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 08, 2019, 07:35:40 PM
Mayo people traveling  en mass this weekend. Safe in the knowledge that their hard earned money spent on Match tickets will  help maintain the employment of GDOs in Dublin GAA for another year. Top Job!

Always good to know you are secure in your job. It's needed as well based on how our minor teams struggled this year. GAA needs a successful Dublin

When ye more than likely beat us on Saturday. I'll be shouting for ye in the final. I want ye to continue to win AI after AI. The more in a row he win, the smaller the gates, the smaller the advertising money, the sooner the Gaa cop on.

Quote from: Hound on August 07, 2019, 02:11:03 PM

Quote from: Sportacus on August 07, 2019, 01:50:35 PM
If it's wet and windy who benefits more, Dublin or Mayo?

With all our hot weather training camps and indoor state of the art facilities, our lads can't even remember what wind and rain feels like!

Please let their be sun. And heat.

I suppose a plague of locusts is out of the question?

I've no problem with rooting for Dublin for the final if somehow they manage to beat us.
I have spent my working life working in the capital and I've lots of friends who are true blue GAA folk.
I don't hold the Dubs responsible for the mess the Gah is in and I suppose any other county would do the same and hog everything that they could claim. If other counties have issues about development grants it's up to the counties in question to kick up hell because nobody is in the habit of doling out money unless they have to.
Anyway, I don't think JH and his men are too hung up about any perceived funding bias right now. I'd say they can't wait for the throw in and if they can't stop the Dubs in their tracks, nobody else would be able to do it either.

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 08, 2019, 09:56:29 PM
I've no problem with rooting for Dublin for the final if somehow they manage to beat us.
I have spent my working life working in the capital and I've lots of friends who are true blue GAA folk.
I don't hold the Dubs responsible for the mess the Gah is in and I suppose any other county would do the same and hog everything that they could claim. If other counties have issues about development grants it's up to the counties in question to kick up hell because nobody is in the habit of doling out money unless they have to.
Anyway, I don't think JH and his men are too hung up about any perceived funding bias right now. I'd say they can't wait for the throw in and if they can't stop the Dubs in their tracks, nobody else would be able to do it either.

Exactly Lar. And they'll put up one helluva fight to ensure the Dubs will be stopped.

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 08, 2019, 06:05:38 PM

Quote from: Taylor on August 08, 2019, 04:03:26 PM

Quote from: Baile an tuaigh on August 08, 2019, 03:38:39 PM
Hi boy's, wouldn't it be poetic justice after all those glorious failures, if Mayo could stop Dublin's five in a row.

Wouldnt it be fantastic if they could get the job done.

However I would have no faith they could actually go on and finish the job regardless of opposition which would be typical of this Mayo team.

A superb team who give their all but just cant seem to finish the job - so many things always transpire against them

Yes Dublin have got in their way nearly every year.  Not a big ask for them to beat Dublin once in that period. I'm sure if another team met them as many times, they'd have beaten Dublin at least once or at least came close in that period.

What are the odds on Mayo ending Dublin's "five in a row " and Kerry winning the All Ireland ? Could be a winner 😀

Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 08, 2019, 08:22:37 PM

Quote from: priceyreilly on August 08, 2019, 07:15:54 PM
Just providing some facts and figures for your viewing pleasure.

A lot of the players that will line out at on Saturday would have been underage in 2007, that year:
Dublin received 1,603,903 in games development funding.
Mayo received 7,475.

2008
Dublin - 1,637,380
Mayo - 25,900.

2009
Dublin - 1,638,000
Mayo - 45,500.

2010
Dublin - 1,588,000
Mayo - 43,500.

2011
Dublin - 1,371,333
Mayo - 42,000

2012
Dublin - 1,509,631
Mayo - 35,920

I think you get the picture.

How much did mayo get from connacht gaa and Dublin from Leinster?

I don't know what Mayo got. Here's what Dublin got from Leinster GAA:

2006 - 360,006
2007 - 245,000
2008 - 245,000
2009 - 245,000
2010 - 245,000
2011 - 222,761
2012 - 241,050
2013 - 241,050
2014 - 241,050
2015 - 241,050
2016 - 241,045
2017 - 239,700
2018 - 239,700

So the greedy, thieving bastards took money off the Leinster council as well. Let's not forget that this is just the ground level of the doping. It plays a key part in the whole system of developing players but after that, there are many more layers that stretch all the way to their senior teams.

Irish Times Logo
Log In
NEWS


Darragh Ó Sé

What a waste of time Sunday's game in Omagh was. If you were left it in a will, you'd contest it. All-expenses paid, nice hotel, good feeding, all the rest of it – you'd still go back and ask if there was maybe something else there for you. At least an old clock might do you some use somewhere down the line.

Everybody has their own ideas about the Super 8s but to me there's a couple of things that stare you right in the face. The first is the timing. It's seriously wrong to give players only six or seven days to prepare for an All-Ireland semi-final. I don't know who is responsible for that but I can tell you for damn sure they never played in one.

It shows no understanding of what goes into playing these games. It basically tells these guys that the GAA does not care in the slightest about the demands the sport puts on its players. It tells them that it doesn't value them or their time or their work/life balance or any of that stuff.

We're told all the time that being amateur is the most fundamental thing about the GAA and then the fixture-makers force lads who have to go to work every day to play an All-Ireland semi-final with six days notice. How could that be seen as anything other than the GAA telling players that they're way, way down the food chain?

No wonder Tyrone and Dublin played B teams on Sunday. In hindsight, I'm nearly surprised they didn't just throw 15 jerseys apiece into the crowd.

I don't know how anyone can take the Super 8s as a guide to anything that's going to happen this weekend
The other thing about the Super 8s – and this is less important, obviously, but it's true all the same – is that it means we're all guessing to a certain extent going into this weekend. How is anyone supposed to draw a coherent formline from the games that have taken place over the past month?


Kerry hammered Mayo and then Donegal drew with Kerry and then Mayo walked all over Donegal. The Dubs looked a bit shaky at times against Cork but were given no game whatsoever by Roscommon and then Roscommon went to Cork and beat them on their home patch. I don't know how anyone can take the Super 8s as a guide to anything that's going to happen this weekend.

What do we know for sure? We know that Dublin will bring a performance that won't dip below a certain level. Any team that can afford to leave Stephen Cluxton, Brian Fenton, Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion and the rest of them at home with their feet up and a cup of tea beside them and still be easy winners on the road, we don't need to fret for.

The Dubs will be the Dubs. The question is what will Mayo bring with them. We can make a decent guess at Mayo's formline because of the four teams left, they're the only ones who had a game last weekend where everything was on the line and nothing existed beyond the final whistle.

Mayo don't have to go searching for form and they won't need the first 15 minutes to get to the pitch of things. They know what it is to be at full pelt, they'll go from the first whistle as if their backs are to the wall. In that respect, it will be up to the Dubs to match them in the early exchanges.

Real physicality
You only had to watch that Donegal game to see what real physicality is in a football match. This was big boy stuff and it made most of the Donegal players wilt in the face of it. Only Michael Murphy was able to live with it and he damn near dragged Donegal through it on his own. I was nearly more taken with Murphy in defeat the other night than in some of the games Donegal have won this year. He was heroic but Mayo made sure he didn't get enough help from elsewhere in the team.

People talk about physicality a lot without ever really defining what it means. To me, it's nothing too much more complicated than being able to hold your ground and not get knocked off what you want to do.

Like most people, I thought Murphy was pretty fortunate to get the penalty on Saturday night. But he got it because he had the physicality to be able to position himself in front of Lee Keegan and force Keegan to have to grab a hold of his shirt to get at the ball. The penalty call went his way because he had put himself in that position and didn't get knocked off it.

It was about the only physical exchange Mayo lost all night. Otherwise, those physical exchanges are where Mayo flourish. It's Colm Boyle throwing himself into a tackle with abandon. It's Aidan O'Shea standing up a man with a tackle and knocking the ball loose. It's Keegan, Chris Barrett, Paddy Durcan, even up as far as Cillian O'Connor, all being able to go into a tackle and know they've got the conditioning to go again if they have to.

I always think of physicality like the tyres on a racing car. If the tyres are a bit worn down, you have to take a bit more care going around a corner because the important thing is that you at least stay upright. But if the tyres are good, you can let loose and go full throttle, happy in the knowledge that you're not going to flip over.


Mayo are at their best when they're going full throttle – they know they have the tyres for it.

Now, Dublin know that too, obviously. That's why we've seen so many epic encounters between the two teams. Can we get it again on Saturday? I'm not so sure. I think now, more than ever, Dublin have the edge in most areas.

Brian Fenton: his midfield partnership with Michael Darragh Macauley ensures a perfect combination of fielding, power, energy and scoring ability. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Brian Fenton: his midfield partnership with Michael Darragh Macauley ensures a perfect combination of fielding, power, energy and scoring ability. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
You'd back most of their forwards to score more than their equivalent Mayo attacker. Fenton and Michael Darragh Macauley are near enough the perfect midfield in terms of a combination of fielding, power, energy, scoring power. The O'Shea brothers are the match of them (at least) in a lot of departments but they'll hardly outscore them. The Mayo defence is a serious unit but the Dubs haven't conceded a goal from play all summer.

Huge loss
Jason Doherty is a huge loss for Mayo. When Mayo are at their best, when they are constantly turning over ball in their own defence and breaking out in packs, the element that keeps the whole thing moving is a dependable ball-winner in the half-forward line.

The fact that they play at such a helter-skelter pace means it's vital that out ball sticks. Doherty is as good as Andy Moran in winning his own ball and laying it off and he's usually fairly good when shooting as well. James Horan has a big call to make there when it comes to replacing him.

Even if Doherty was available, I'd have to side with Dublin. Jim Gavin has played everything perfectly so far and he's going into the semi-final with no worries. Mayo have a kick in them but I don't see it being enough to outlast the Dubs in the end.

In the other semi-final, you're looking at two teams who have improved this year and wondering who has improved the most. Tyrone are coming from being in an All-Ireland final, whereas Kerry didn't make it through the Super 8s last year. So the question is whether Kerry have gone past Tyrone in the space of 12 months.

Tyrone haven't really changed the way they play. Cathal McShane has been the major difference, in that he is a constant danger on the edge of the square. He gives them a target man and allows them keep their shape better. In other years, the player they had in that spot was a Connor McAliskey or a Darren McCurry. McShane is a different beast and definitely an upgrade.

But I still think that the sheer amount of bodies they play behind the ball counts against them in Croke Park. It was only when Mattie Donnelly doubled up inside with McShane against Cork that they kicked into gear. I presume they will do that at some stage against Kerry but I don't know if they have enough faith in it.

In times of stress, it's human nature to go back to what you know best. Tyrone's fallback is a containing game based on a packed defence that converts into a running game when they force a turnover. It works against Ulster teams and it works against the teams that are a tier or two below the contenders. It hasn't worked against any of the really top-level teams in a long time.

The question is, are Kerry a really top-level team?

The win over Mayo in Killarney suggests that they're getting there anyway. That was a day when they came in unproven, with a score to settle against a team that had bullied them in the league final and with plenty of questions about their readiness for the battle. And they answered them all.


Best game
Kerry forced their game on Mayo that day and took them to town. They had a test to pass and they came through with flying colours. They weren't exactly found wanting against Donegal either in the best game of the summer so far.

I have plenty of worries about the Kerry defence but, in an odd sort of a way, I think this kind of test suits them. Some of the Kerry lads aren't the best one-on-one markers around the place but outside of a few key players such as Peter Harte, Donnelly and McShane, Tyrone don't really make that an issue. Instead, they put an onus on athleticism and covering every blade of grass. Kerry won't mind that too much.

David Clifford: his accuracy, along with the likes of Seán O'Shea, Paul Geaney and Stephen O'Brien, can help Kerry prevail against Tyrone on Sunday. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
David Clifford: his accuracy, along with the likes of Seán O'Shea, Paul Geaney and Stephen O'Brien, can help Kerry prevail against Tyrone on Sunday. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho
At the other end of the pitch, I would expect Kerry to do well. Dublin have shown the way to play against Tyrone – be patient, don't take the ball into contact, find the right shooters in the right positions, take your scores. David Clifford, Seán O'Shea, Paul Geaney, Stephen O'Brien – between them, I'd expect them to take their scores and put up a good enough total to win.

A big weekend with a lot of X-factors but at the end of it, I think we'll have a Dublin v Kerry final.

Quote from: priceyreilly on August 08, 2019, 10:17:23 PM

Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 08, 2019, 08:22:37 PM

Quote from: priceyreilly on August 08, 2019, 07:15:54 PM
Just providing some facts and figures for your viewing pleasure.

A lot of the players that will line out at on Saturday would have been underage in 2007, that year:
Dublin received 1,603,903 in games development funding.
Mayo received 7,475.

2008
Dublin - 1,637,380
Mayo - 25,900.

2009
Dublin - 1,638,000
Mayo - 45,500.

2010
Dublin - 1,588,000
Mayo - 43,500.

2011
Dublin - 1,371,333
Mayo - 42,000

2012
Dublin - 1,509,631
Mayo - 35,920

I think you get the picture.

How much did mayo get from connacht gaa and Dublin from Leinster?

I don't know what Mayo got. Here's what Dublin got from Leinster GAA:

2006 - 360,006
2007 - 245,000
2008 - 245,000
2009 - 245,000
2010 - 245,000
2011 - 222,761
2012 - 241,050
2013 - 241,050
2014 - 241,050
2015 - 241,050
2016 - 241,045
2017 - 239,700
2018 - 239,700

So the greedy, thieving b**tards took money off the Leinster council as well. Let's not forget that this is just the ground level of the doping. It plays a key part in the whole system of developing players but after that, there are many more layers that stretch all the way to their senior teams.

So all during the time during the noughties that Tyrone were handing Pillar's team their asses on a plate the Dubs were skimming a cool 2 million a year from the GAA and have been every year since while other counties get a pittance?    A national disgrace.   

Quote from: under the bar on August 08, 2019, 10:31:22 PM

Quote from: priceyreilly on August 08, 2019, 10:17:23 PM

Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 08, 2019, 08:22:37 PM

Quote from: priceyreilly on August 08, 2019, 07:15:54 PM
Just providing some facts and figures for your viewing pleasure.

A lot of the players that will line out at on Saturday would have been underage in 2007, that year:
Dublin received 1,603,903 in games development funding.
Mayo received 7,475.

2008
Dublin - 1,637,380
Mayo - 25,900.

2009
Dublin - 1,638,000
Mayo - 45,500.

2010
Dublin - 1,588,000
Mayo - 43,500.

2011
Dublin - 1,371,333
Mayo - 42,000

2012
Dublin - 1,509,631
Mayo - 35,920

I think you get the picture.

How much did mayo get from connacht gaa and Dublin from Leinster?

I don't know what Mayo got. Here's what Dublin got from Leinster GAA:

2006 - 360,006
2007 - 245,000
2008 - 245,000
2009 - 245,000
2010 - 245,000
2011 - 222,761
2012 - 241,050
2013 - 241,050
2014 - 241,050
2015 - 241,050
2016 - 241,045
2017 - 239,700
2018 - 239,700

So the greedy, thieving b**tards took money off the Leinster council as well. Let's not forget that this is just the ground level of the doping. It plays a key part in the whole system of developing players but after that, there are many more layers that stretch all the way to their senior teams.

So all during the time during the noughties that Tyrone were handing Pillar's team their asses on a plate the Dubs were skimming a cool 2 million a year from the GAA and have been every year since while other counties get a pittance?    A national disgrace.

From the GAA and everybody else!! sc**bag Bertie Ahern was dipping his hands into taxpayers pockets to fund them. It started in 2001. Have a read:

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/gaa-football/3191859/bertie-ahern-government-grants-saved-dublin-gaa/

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 08, 2019, 09:56:29 PM
I've no problem with rooting for Dublin for the final if somehow they manage to beat us.
I have spent my working life working in the capital and I've lots of friends who are true blue GAA folk.
I don't hold the Dubs responsible for the mess the Gah is in and I suppose any other county would do the same and hog everything that they could claim. If other counties have issues about development grants it's up to the counties in question to kick up hell because nobody is in the habit of doling out money unless they have to.
Anyway, I don't think JH and his men are too hung up about any perceived funding bias right now. I'd say they can't wait for the throw in and if they can't stop the Dubs in their tracks, nobody else would be able to do it either.

Sound man Lar (as always). I'm nervous about Saturday because we have always struggled against Mayo and I'm sure that your team will play like demons.

Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 08, 2019, 08:22:37 PM

Quote from: priceyreilly on August 08, 2019, 07:15:54 PM
Just providing some facts and figures for your viewing pleasure.

A lot of the players that will line out at on Saturday would have been underage in 2007, that year:
Dublin received 1,603,903 in games development funding.
Mayo received 7,475.

2008
Dublin - 1,637,380
Mayo - 25,900.

2009
Dublin - 1,638,000
Mayo - 45,500.

2010
Dublin - 1,588,000
Mayo - 43,500.

2011
Dublin - 1,371,333
Mayo - 42,000

2012
Dublin - 1,509,631
Mayo - 35,920

I think you get the picture.

How much did mayo get from connacht gaa and Dublin from Leinster?

Why are you replying to yourself 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

If there's a draw after 70 mins, does it go to extra time or straight to replay?

Quote from: The Hill is Blue on August 08, 2019, 10:57:59 PM

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 08, 2019, 09:56:29 PM
I've no problem with rooting for Dublin for the final if somehow they manage to beat us.
I have spent my working life working in the capital and I've lots of friends who are true blue GAA folk.
I don't hold the Dubs responsible for the mess the Gah is in and I suppose any other county would do the same and hog everything that they could claim. If other counties have issues about development grants it's up to the counties in question to kick up hell because nobody is in the habit of doling out money unless they have to.
Anyway, I don't think JH and his men are too hung up about any perceived funding bias right now. I'd say they can't wait for the throw in and if they can't stop the Dubs in their tracks, nobody else would be able to do it either.

Sound man Lar (as always). I'm nervous about Saturday because we have always struggled against Mayo and I'm sure that your team will play like demons.

The only sound man in Mayo it seems.

Best of luck to all teams this weekend.

Can we please keep the Dublin funding debate over in the Dublin GAA money thread as it has been the argument has been beaten to death at this stage?

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0807/1067354-gaa-admit-learnings-to-be-taken-over-ticket-chaos/


The tickets for both semi finals ought to have gone on sale before last weekend and let people take risk on the outcome.

I believe 6 tickets were allowed per person in the shops, there will be some amount of touting done on Saturday morning.

A sensible 2 weeks between the last round of Qtr Finals would have helped.
Also allowing 6 tickets per buyer is crazy stuff.

Quote from: Rossfan on August 09, 2019, 11:10:45 AM
A sensible 2 weeks between the last round of Qtr Finals would have helped.
Also allowing 6 tickets per buyer is crazy stuff.

I got my ticket on-line. What was the limit for on-line purchases?

Quote from: highorlow on August 09, 2019, 10:50:45 AM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0807/1067354-gaa-admit-learnings-to-be-taken-over-ticket-chaos/


The tickets for both semi finals ought to have gone on sale before last weekend and let people take risk on the outcome.

I believe 6 tickets were allowed per person in the shops, there will be some amount of touting done on Saturday morning.

Really! The GAA would have got a helluva lot more grief if that was the case. Ask Mayo and Donegal fans to buy tickets not knowing which of them was going to qualify?! The uproar would have been unreal, especially with Dublin almost sure they'd be in the Saturday game. Not a sensible suggestion IMO.

The biggest problem this week has been tickets.ie introduced a new system and that caused all the delays with SuperValu/Centra and website. tickets.ie are a far better organisation that than other shower, so hopefully GAA will give them another chance as it's the first time I'm aware that they fecked things up. Nobody wants to be paying ticketbasthad extortionate service charges.

The one week turnaround of course has to be changed. But without the "systems failure" the ticket distribution would have been much smoother and there would have been no furore.

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 09, 2019, 10:18:23 AM
Can we please keep the Dublin funding debate over in the Dublin GAA money thread as it has been the argument has been beaten to death at this stage?

Is there a thread for the Dubs giving county referees  fat brown envelopes for advising in behind closed doors games how to bend the black card rules?

Quote from: highorlow on August 09, 2019, 10:50:45 AM
https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0807/1067354-gaa-admit-learnings-to-be-taken-over-ticket-chaos/


The tickets for both semi finals ought to have gone on sale before last weekend and let people take risk on the outcome.

I believe 6 tickets were allowed per person in the shops, there will be some amount of touting done on Saturday morning.

I can't understand how Alan Milton is defending tickets.ie, it seems they messed up royally. Its 2019 the level of traffic directed at tickets.ie should of been a piece of cake to them if their application was properly designed.

Every club member in Dublin/Mayo/Cork should of had the option to buy tickets on line at 9am on Monday morning, then at 9pm tickets should of been opened up to grma members who had attended matches this year, then at 12pm on Tuesday tickets could of been placed on general sale online. I know this mechanism wouldn't accommodate people who don't use the internet, but they could still be accommodated through each clubs allocation.

Quote from: Rossfan on August 09, 2019, 11:10:45 AM
A sensible 2 weeks between the last round of Qtr Finals would have helped.
Also allowing 6 tickets per buyer is crazy stuff.

Families not allowed to go and sit together?

Wouldn't Families be buying 2 adult and a few child tickets, not 6 adult tickets.

Red card for back bar
Its
SHOULD HAVE.
Where has this "should OF" come from?

Quote from: t_mac on August 09, 2019, 12:15:05 PM

Quote from: Rossfan on August 09, 2019, 11:10:45 AM
A sensible 2 weeks between the last round of Qtr Finals would have helped.
Also allowing 6 tickets per buyer is crazy stuff.

Families not allowed to go and sit together?

I got 12 together online for a semi-final one year for my family!

Anyone buying off a tout for this match fully deserves to get fleeced. There were plenty of tickets online and in the shops, you may have just needed a bit extra perseverance! Lots of stories about people getting nowhere the first day, but anyone who tried again the following day got sorted. Even yesterday there were tickets available on tickets.ie

Most of the moaners aren't even people directly involved. They're just jumping on the bandwagon of the next great outrage. There was some hassle for some people, but really it was not crazy big deal, like some are making out. Mistakes were made, but everyone who tried hard got sorted.

Quote from: Rossfan on August 09, 2019, 12:21:07 PM
Wouldn't Families be buying 2 adult and a few child tickets, not 6 adult tickets.

Red card for back bar
Its
SHOULD HAVE.
Where has this "should OF" come from?

Kids tickets are very limited, also it's possible to have kids over 16 who still go to matches with the oul ones.

It is also possible to have a family of uncles, aunties, in-laws etc. ;)

Quote from: The Hill is Blue on August 09, 2019, 11:15:38 AM

Quote from: Rossfan on August 09, 2019, 11:10:45 AM
A sensible 2 weeks between the last round of Qtr Finals would have helped.
Also allowing 6 tickets per buyer is crazy stuff.

I got my ticket on-line. What was the limit for on-line purchases?

8

Meant to rain all day tomorrow, it will suit Mayo, Dublin being the more skillful team and better kick passers and their attacking game will be affected by the rain.

Could be a tight one.

Quote from: t_mac on August 09, 2019, 12:38:48 PM
It is also possible to have a family of uncles, aunties, in-laws etc. ;)

Do you really need to (or want to ;D) sit beside all of them?

Quote from: Rossfan on August 09, 2019, 01:24:42 PM

Quote from: t_mac on August 09, 2019, 12:38:48 PM
It is also possible to have a family of uncles, aunties, in-laws etc. ;)

Do you really need to (or want to ;D) sit beside all of them?

You could let them all go together and you stay at home in peace with the TV.  ;D

https://twitter.com/trevornaughton/status/1159757169182629888?s=21

Pride before the fall?  ;D

Something to help the Mayo lads sleep tonight.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VTOcN7MnijA

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 09, 2019, 01:31:11 PM
https://twitter.com/trevornaughton/status/1159757169182629888?s=21

Pride before the fall?  ;D

Not good, not good at all, however walking out of Croker last year i was offer Licence plates of Dubs Sam 2018 or something like that.  A couple of lads hoping to make a quick buck, the Dubs players will heed no notice to anything doing the rounds this week.

26.5 hours and counting!

5pm Saturday is about my favourite time for a game. Hard to believe it's come around so fast.

Take your time on those greasy roads all those travelling from the west.

Great build up to this one. Hope we can put the heat on Dublin and see what they are like under pressure.

The forecast makes it tough for both teams and wasn't a problem for Dublin in '18 final. This time it's pressure plus rain.

If the Dubs can overcome that tomorrow they will be worthy winners.

Best of luck to the minors also. Looking forward to seeing young Murrin in full flow in Croke Park.

Quote from: Hound on August 09, 2019, 08:04:13 AM
If there's a draw after 70 mins, does it go to extra time or straight to replay?

Extra time.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 09, 2019, 01:58:31 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 09, 2019, 01:31:11 PM
https://twitter.com/trevornaughton/status/1159757169182629888?s=21

Pride before the fall?  ;D

Not good, not good at all, however walking out of Croker last year i was offer Licence plates of Dubs Sam 2018 or something like that.  A couple of lads hoping to make a quick buck, the Dubs players will heed no notice to anything doing the rounds this week.

Pressure all on Dublin, " drive for five , "five in al row " etc,etc.
Nothing expected from Mayo.

Deja Vu all over again. Since 2012 a face-off between these two counties has become an annual event (almost). A couple of things are certain about tomorrow's clash:

1. From the throw-in Mayo will play like men possessed. They will play like their lives depended on winning every ball.

2. Dublin will be well prepared for Mayo's intensity. They will expect nothing less.

And who will win this titanic struggle? You might as well toss a coin. Each set of supporters will hope for the best.

It's easy to say "it's only a game" but I'm sure that every Mayo supporter would agree with me that it's much more than that.

Anyway good luck to all the travelling Mayo supporters and take it easy.

And finally I'd ask the security staff at Croker to carefully frisk Leeroy when he comes out on the pitch to ensure that he's not carrying any offensive weapons for use in the event of a late Dublin free  ;)   


COYBIB

Quote from: Halfquarter on August 09, 2019, 03:50:13 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 09, 2019, 01:58:31 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 09, 2019, 01:31:11 PM
https://twitter.com/trevornaughton/status/1159757169182629888?s=21

Pride before the fall?  ;D

Not good, not good at all, however walking out of Croker last year i was offer Licence plates of Dubs Sam 2018 or something like that.  A couple of lads hoping to make a quick buck, the Dubs players will heed no notice to anything doing the rounds this week.

Pressure all on Dublin, " drive for five , "five in al row " etc,etc.
Nothing expected from Mayo.

Dublin are robotic like and don't seem to get caught up in the emotion of games or what is going on in the build up the opposite of Mayo and as McStay said they play with emotion and the best of them sometimes isn't seen until they are chasing a game.

Most people expect Mayo going on recent championship games between the two to push Dublin all the way tomorrow night, that's pressure in itself.

(http://www.reservoirdubs.com/uploads/default/2961443e167e7c9175ee4bcbe842dc036abf1a48)

So if Dublin start as selected it will be 13 changes from last week with just Byrne,McCarthy starting again. And both of those players were subbed off at half time last Sunday.

That is a serioursly impressive starting 15 and bench from the Dubs!

Would expect one of Cooper,McMahon to start if not both.

A bit odd having Cooper on the bench. Guaranteed starter if fit, and makes no sense to waste a space in the 26 for him if injured. Smart money would be on him replacing Mike Darragh, with McCarthy going to midfield

Brogan, O'Carroll and O'Gara miss out on 26

Only other possible change is Philly in for either Byrne or Fitz.

Quote from: Hound on August 09, 2019, 10:07:20 PM
A bit odd having Cooper on the bench. Guaranteed starter if fit, and makes no sense to waste a space in the 26 for him if injured. Smart money would be on him replacing Mike Darragh, with McCarthy going to midfield

Brogan, O'Carroll and O'Gara miss out on 26

Only other possible change is Philly in for either Byrne or Fitz.

Who starts full back?

Anyone have the Mayo 26?

Slingerman Drake Cafferkey Crowe McCormack Plunkett
Coen, Parsons, Murray, Treacy Boland Regan,
Diskin Andy and McLoughlin

Connolly saunters in 2/3 of the way through the season and takes someones jersey.  That approach never ends well.

Quote from: Sportacus on August 09, 2019, 10:53:59 PM
Connolly saunters in 2/3 of the way through the season and takes someones jersey.  That approach never ends well.

Surprised Brogan didn't make it.

Quote from: Sportacus on August 09, 2019, 10:53:59 PM
Connolly saunters in 2/3 of the way through the season and takes someones jersey.  That approach never ends well.

Aw you'd imagine whoever misses out on 26 would be raging. Connolly is a class footballer, but some of those Dublin lads must have been training all year and to see him just come back and get a jersey would annoy ya.

Dublin's bench doesn't seem to be as strong as recent years. I'd say Mayo will still need to be up by three points with ten minutes to go to have any chance. Their legs will give out in the end.

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 09, 2019, 09:41:37 PM
That is a serioursly impressive starting 15 and bench from the Dubs!

Indeed!

Die Einsatzgruppen!!

Looks like this is their 'final solution' for the upstart, underling culchies that have been a bit of a nuisance in the past. 

Quote from: moysider on August 09, 2019, 11:52:42 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 09, 2019, 09:41:37 PM
That is a serioursly impressive starting 15 and bench from the Dubs!

Indeed!

Die Einsatzgruppen!!

Looks like this is their 'final solution' for the upstart, underling culchies that have been a bit of a nuisance in the past.

You could well be right Moy but hopefully there is a bit of madness left in this Mayo team and we can go down fighting tomorrow!!

Obviously fancy the dubs to win but reckon this could be another mayo cracker. Hopefully it's more mayo V Donegal than mayo V Kerry. Dublin have pretty much had a 3 week break compared to mayo one and that's the key here.

Would love mayo to do it but just can't see it.

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 10, 2019, 12:17:59 AM

Quote from: moysider on August 09, 2019, 11:52:42 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 09, 2019, 09:41:37 PM
That is a serioursly impressive starting 15 and bench from the Dubs!

Indeed!

Die Einsatzgruppen!!

Looks like this is their 'final solution' for the upstart, underling culchies that have been a bit of a nuisance in the past.

You could well be right Moy but hopefully there is a bit of madness left in this Mayo team and we can go down fighting tomorrow!!

Yeah.I have no doubt we will not f**k off easily.

Quote from: Jayop on August 10, 2019, 12:47:47 AM
Obviously fancy the dubs to win but reckon this could be another mayo cracker. Hopefully it's more mayo V Donegal than mayo V Kerry. Dublin have pretty much had a 3 week break compared to mayo one and that's the key here.

Would love mayo to do it but just can't see it.

It's a no brainer and unfortunately makes Dublin's ultimate achievement flawed, through no fault of their own.

It's shameful scheduling. I know everybody is all hyped up about this game because of recent history blah, blah blah. That's nice but the reality is that it is a load of bollocks. It is impossible for Dublin to lose this. If both teams went in in same conditions, Dublin would still win in all probability. Mayo would have a punchers chance though. Tomorrow Mayo have no chance.

Ach i don't think it taints it myself. It's one thing in a five year championship winning campaign we're talking about. Unreal team.

Tbh home advantage taints it more than money and the likes of this for me every time.

Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on August 09, 2019, 11:34:48 PM

Quote from: Sportacus on August 09, 2019, 10:53:59 PM
Connolly saunters in 2/3 of the way through the season and takes someones jersey.  That approach never ends well.

Aw you'd imagine whoever misses out on 26 would be raging. Connolly is a class footballer, but some of those Dublin lads must have been training all year and to see him just come back and get a jersey would annoy ya.

Dublin's bench doesn't seem to be as strong as recent years. I'd say Mayo will still need to be up by three points with ten minutes to go to have any chance. Their legs will give out in the end.

It's Darren Gavin's jersey he's taken, so very wishful thinking to think anybody is upset (apart from Darren upset that he's not fit)

Out of the 11 subs, Jim has gone for a keeper, 4 covering the backs, 2 covering midfield/half forward and 4 covering the full forward line type positions.

Unfortunately for Brogan and O'Gara, Jim picked Andrews, Costello, Kev Mac, Paddy Small as inside forwards.
Nobody with a clue would think Connolly took Brogan's jersey.

Best of luck Mayo today. I hope the players do themselves justice and go and give it one hell of a shot and you never know what might happen then. Safe travels to all. Up Mayo.

Quote from: Mayo4Sam14 on August 09, 2019, 10:22:44 PM

Quote from: Hound on August 09, 2019, 10:07:20 PM
A bit odd having Cooper on the bench. Guaranteed starter if fit, and makes no sense to waste a space in the 26 for him if injured. Smart money would be on him replacing Mike Darragh, with McCarthy going to midfield

Brogan, O'Carroll and O'Gara miss out on 26

Only other possible change is Philly in for either Byrne or Fitz.

Who starts full back?

Well exactly. We've haven't had a full back since 2015!

The corner backs will just be given men to pick up, regardless of whether those men play in the corner or at FF.

Any sign of team Maigh Eo?

How's the weather in the capital? I think a dirty aul day in Dublin will suit mayo the very best

Quote from: An Watcher on August 10, 2019, 07:43:53 AM
How's the weather in the capital? I think a dirty aul day in Dublin will suit mayo the very best

The weather is not good this morning but I really don't see that being decisive either way. This Dublin team has won in all weathers over the past five years.

COYBIB

Quote from: An Watcher on August 10, 2019, 07:43:53 AM
How's the weather in the capital? I think a dirty aul day in Dublin will suit mayo the very best

It's absolute pants.

Feck the players, it's me getting drownded that I'm worried about!

Quote from: An Watcher on August 10, 2019, 07:43:53 AM
How's the weather in the capital? I think a dirty aul day in Dublin will suit mayo the very best

Bring scuba gear.

Quote from: Hound on August 10, 2019, 08:45:30 AM

Quote from: An Watcher on August 10, 2019, 07:43:53 AM
How's the weather in the capital? I think a dirty aul day in Dublin will suit mayo the very best

It's absolute pants.

Feck the players, it's me getting drownded that I'm worried about!

You're number 1 as my oul fella keeps saying.

Any word on a Mayo team or are we just going to let the u17s play on?

McLoughlin and Boland in for Doc and Higgins

Higgins not picked in the 15. McLoughlin and Boland at half forward, Coen 4, Durkan 7. Rest as is.

Quote from: highorlow on August 10, 2019, 10:37:29 AM
Any word on a Mayo team or are we just going to let the u17s play on?

Nice one

Windy in Dublin, sun trying to break out.

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 09, 2019, 09:12:46 PM
So if Dublin start as selected it will be 13 changes from last week with just Byrne,McCarthy starting again. And both of those players were subbed off at half time last Sunday.

Aye but Dublin took last week more seriously.  ;D

Quote from: Hound on August 10, 2019, 07:14:21 AM

Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on August 09, 2019, 11:34:48 PM

Quote from: Sportacus on August 09, 2019, 10:53:59 PM
Connolly saunters in 2/3 of the way through the season and takes someones jersey.  That approach never ends well.

Aw you'd imagine whoever misses out on 26 would be raging. Connolly is a class footballer, but some of those Dublin lads must have been training all year and to see him just come back and get a jersey would annoy ya.

Dublin's bench doesn't seem to be as strong as recent years. I'd say Mayo will still need to be up by three points with ten minutes to go to have any chance. Their legs will give out in the end.

It's Darren Gavin's jersey he's taken, so very wishful thinking to think anybody is upset (apart from Darren upset that he's not fit)

Out of the 11 subs, Jim has gone for a keeper, 4 covering the backs, 2 covering midfield/half forward and 4 covering the full forward line type positions.

Unfortunately for Brogan and O'Gara, Jim picked Andrews, Costello, Kev Mac, Paddy Small as inside forwards.
Nobody with a clue would think Connolly took Brogan's jersey.

Hardly wishful thinking, missing out on a place in the 26 for an All Îreland semi final is bound to be disappointing , they are not machines !

Clarke, Vaughan and Diarmuid O'Connor named on mayo bench

Quote from: Halfquarter on August 10, 2019, 12:33:33 PM

Quote from: Hound on August 10, 2019, 07:14:21 AM

Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on August 09, 2019, 11:34:48 PM

Quote from: Sportacus on August 09, 2019, 10:53:59 PM
Connolly saunters in 2/3 of the way through the season and takes someones jersey.  That approach never ends well.

Aw you'd imagine whoever misses out on 26 would be raging. Connolly is a class footballer, but some of those Dublin lads must have been training all year and to see him just come back and get a jersey would annoy ya.

Dublin's bench doesn't seem to be as strong as recent years. I'd say Mayo will still need to be up by three points with ten minutes to go to have any chance. Their legs will give out in the end.

It's Darren Gavin's jersey he's taken, so very wishful thinking to think anybody is upset (apart from Darren upset that he's not fit)

Out of the 11 subs, Jim has gone for a keeper, 4 covering the backs, 2 covering midfield/half forward and 4 covering the full forward line type positions.

Unfortunately for Brogan and O'Gara, Jim picked Andrews, Costello, Kev Mac, Paddy Small as inside forwards.
Nobody with a clue would think Connolly took Brogan's jersey.

Hardly wishful thinking, missing out on a place in the 26 for an All Îreland semi final is bound to be disappointing , they are not machines !

Well of course, the same as any team at any time !
The point is Connolly did not take Brogan's place. If Connolly hadn't returned that position would have been taken by someone else who can cover midfield and wing forward.

Quote from: MayoBuck on August 10, 2019, 12:38:32 PM
Clarke, Vaughan and Diarmuid O'Connor named on mayo bench

Ruane presumably too.
What about Parsons?

Clarke
O'Donoghue
Higgins
Plunkett
Parsons
Vaughan
Ruane
Loftus
Andy
Diarmuid
James Durcan

Quote from: MayoBuck on August 10, 2019, 12:59:55 PM
Clarke
O'Donoghue
Higgins
Plunkett
Parsons
Vaughan
Ruane
Loftus
Andy
Diarmuid
James Durcan

Would expect a few of those subs to start Higgins probably for one.

Good luck to Mayo and all ye supporters

Hon Mayo!

Quote from: moysider on August 10, 2019, 01:03:06 AM

Quote from: Jayop on August 10, 2019, 12:47:47 AM
Obviously fancy the dubs to win but reckon this could be another mayo cracker. Hopefully it's more mayo V Donegal than mayo V Kerry. Dublin have pretty much had a 3 week break compared to mayo one and that's the key here.

Would love mayo to do it but just can't see it.

It's a no brainer and unfortunately makes Dublin's ultimate achievement flawed, through no fault of their own.

It's shameful scheduling. I know everybody is all hyped up about this game because of recent history blah, blah blah. That's nice but the reality is that it is a load of bollocks. It is impossible for Dublin to lose this. If both teams went in in same conditions, Dublin would still win in all probability. Mayo would have a punchers chance though. Tomorrow Mayo have no chance.

Well if Mayo had won the Connacht championship they wouldn't have these issues

Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on August 10, 2019, 03:03:11 PM

Quote from: moysider on August 10, 2019, 01:03:06 AM

Quote from: Jayop on August 10, 2019, 12:47:47 AM
Obviously fancy the dubs to win but reckon this could be another mayo cracker. Hopefully it's more mayo V Donegal than mayo V Kerry. Dublin have pretty much had a 3 week break compared to mayo one and that's the key here.

Would love mayo to do it but just can't see it.

It's a no brainer and unfortunately makes Dublin's ultimate achievement flawed, through no fault of their own.

It's shameful scheduling. I know everybody is all hyped up about this game because of recent history blah, blah blah. That's nice but the reality is that it is a load of bollocks. It is impossible for Dublin to lose this. If both teams went in in same conditions, Dublin would still win in all probability. Mayo would have a punchers chance though. Tomorrow Mayo have no chance.

Well if Mayo had won the Connacht championship they wouldn't have these issues

Wouldn't agree that Mayo have no chance. Their schedule would be a killer for the likes of Meath, Cork, Roscommon, Cavan, Armagh, Kildare etc however Mayo are one of those teams that train professionally and are well conditioned for games in a short space of time.

If Dublin win by a bit to spare this evening it will prove that Mayo are not as good as they were in 2016/17.

Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on August 10, 2019, 03:03:11 PM

Quote from: moysider on August 10, 2019, 01:03:06 AM

Quote from: Jayop on August 10, 2019, 12:47:47 AM
Obviously fancy the dubs to win but reckon this could be another mayo cracker. Hopefully it's more mayo V Donegal than mayo V Kerry. Dublin have pretty much had a 3 week break compared to mayo one and that's the key here.

Would love mayo to do it but just can't see it.

It's a no brainer and unfortunately makes Dublin's ultimate achievement flawed, through no fault of their own.

It's shameful scheduling. I know everybody is all hyped up about this game because of recent history blah, blah blah. That's nice but the reality is that it is a load of bollocks. It is impossible for Dublin to lose this. If both teams went in in same conditions, Dublin would still win in all probability. Mayo would have a punchers chance though. Tomorrow Mayo have no chance.

Well if Mayo had won the Connacht championship they wouldn't have these issues

That's beside the point entirely.
Fact is that any team in the championships could have wound up in the same position.
Same goes for Dublin who have had a two week break and played fewer games. Can't blame Dublin for this in any way but whoever drew up the format didn't give the matter any thought. Players are amateurs and have to have to think of work or study commitments also so asking anyone to play high-intensity games week after week shows no consideration for their physical  safety.You can add in their mental condition as well.
There is also the probability that you can get c**k ups like the Tyrone Dublin farce  where fans have to spend serious money on tickets, travelling expenses and programmes etc., apart from demeaning the integrity of the competition  where both teams can afford  not to take a game seriously.
The sooner the Super 8s are binned, the better for all concerned.

A break can go either way

The Dub hurlers had a break and were beaten by Laois.

Keith Duggan in the Irish Times re Mayo
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/united-county-on-high-alert-again-as-mayo-continue-beautiful-obsession-1.3981721

"When you go to a game on a Saturday evening and you don't know where you will be the following week, it has almost become a badge of honour for Mayo supporters over the last seven years to just get there," says Billy Joe Padden, the former Mayo player.
"It's such a positive thing. Other counties have a similar thing but probably in smaller numbers. They are determined to get to wherever the team is. It is difficult and it does put a strain on people. But they are always there."

It was McHugh who read out the celebrated open letter on RTÉ's Morning Ireland show on the weekend of the 2013 All-Ireland final. It was a genuflection from the people to the team: "Who are we? . . . We're the girls working the B shift in Baxter, the exiles in London or Long Island. We are the five Ballinrobe lads who took off one morning for Australia . . . we're the fly-by-nights, the chancers, the sleeveens and all the right sort of an auld character. We're the singletons, the married, the divorced, the widowers and the widowed. We're the dreamers and believers and the legends of the road. We're Mayo."

What we don't really see and what they don't even realise is the weight of expectation they carry on their shoulders," McHugh says now.
"Not a burden to win it but the knowledge of so many who just want to see it once in their lifetime. And these lads are going out carrying that on their shoulders. I think that is the unseen pressure that is there. I can imagine that people outside the county might say; why don't they just go and win the thing and be done with it.


There is just a huge pride in Mayo. And we aren't going to apologise for that. There is a passion for Gaelic football itself. It is the only thing here. You can't escape football. They still talk about John Morley around here. There are people here who believe they saw the '51 team playing whether they did or not. And this present team has gripped everyone's imagination. If you go out for a night to meet a few people you won't be two minutes sitting before the team comes up. It's as if the team is us."
On one level, that may sound fanciful. But during all the television and radio broadcasts of Mayo championship games since 2012, it's a constant reference point; this telepathic, hardwired connection between the team on the field and the Mayo people in the stands.
"That connection has grown through the dark days," says Timmie Glavey, teaching and living in Galway but always a Swinford man.
"The more hardship we endure and those defeats have made us more resilient. Since 2012, I have been to every banquet after the All-Ireland final. And by God they are hard but once you are there, you are always like, feck it, I am delighted I came and showed my support. And there has always been this sense after those finals that we would be back.

Ask him to pick a moment from particular period of Mayo football and he returns to the 62nd minute of the 2017 All-Ireland final.
Overwhelming feeling
"We were two points up after Cillian O'Connor kicked a free. And for about two seconds I let myself believe. I remember catching the eye of two friends of mine and tears welled up. I had this overwhelming feeling: Jesus, we are going to do this. And then that feeling immediately went again. It is a very moving thing. And I remember thinking about what it must feel like at the final whistle, if Mayo could do that. It would be ... phenomenal."

Cathal Kelly sometimes wonders what would happen in the county if the impossible thing happened.
"It is very hard to sum up. Could we cope? You know, you lose people and you lose friends and there are tragic circumstances in life. And they may have been part of this journey and you think of them on days like this. So it is a distraction. Absolutely.
"But is a beautiful distraction to have. Of course winning it would be beautiful. But getting this from the team every year has been fantastic. Every year has been new. They don't follow a script. Mayo are a bit like life in that way. You just go along with what happens.""

D Vaughan,D O'Connor,M Ruane all starting for Mayo.

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 10, 2019, 04:39:52 PM
D Vaughan,D O'Connor,M Ruane all starting for Mayo.

Interesting.

Who's out?

No announcement in stadium yet.

Any Dubs changes confirmed?

Quote from: Hound on August 10, 2019, 04:44:47 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 10, 2019, 04:39:52 PM
D Vaughan,D O'Connor,M Ruane all starting for Mayo.

Interesting.

Who's out?

No announcement in stadium yet.

Any Dubs changes confirmed?

Coen, Moran, Docherty out for Mayo

Cooper in for Cian for Dublin

Quote from: Hound on August 10, 2019, 04:44:47 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 10, 2019, 04:39:52 PM
D Vaughan,D O'Connor,M Ruane all starting for Mayo.

Interesting.

Who's out?

No announcement in stadium yet.

Any Dubs changes confirmed?

McLoughlin,D Coen,Boland out.  Cooper in for O'Sullivan the one change for Dublin

Lane blowing up for steps. Dublin could struggle now.

11 minute played.  Dublin 0-2 Mayo 0-2. Cagey affair so far.

Does anyone else think Mayo get an unusual amount of frees brought forward?

Quote from: Solo_run on August 10, 2019, 05:15:29 PM
Does anyone else think Mayo get an unusual amount of frees brought forward?

Does anyone else think Dublin do an unusual amount of hitting after frees are awarded against them

Ruane tackles like an Armagh player.

Can Mayo do it? Tense if not quality

Hardy defensive stuff!! Enthralling but can Mayo keep up the work rate??

Mayo doing well. Hopefully they can maintain the effort.

Harsh on MDMA there. Did shag all really.

Ref giving everything to Mayo, unusual to see Dublin not benefitting from ref decisions.

Would be impressed if Mayo do keep this intensity up. Dublin are just running they can't find a way around it.

Half time Dublin 0-6 Mayo 0-8.  Mayo fully deserve that lead and the game is certainly there to be won for them now.

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on August 10, 2019, 05:36:24 PM
Harsh on MDMA there. Did shag all really.

On ReserDubs theyre saying he's lucky not to have been sent off already-lol

The Henry st traders will be nervous at the minute.

I am glad I am not from mayo. Don't think my heart could take it lol. Big second half. Come on mayo.

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 10, 2019, 05:42:25 PM
I am glad I am not from mayo. Don't think my heart could take it lol. Big second half. Come on mayo.

I can't watch or even listen.  I'm just checking Twitter everyb5/10 minutes

It's showing up that Dublin are not up to pace just yet. Resting your full team probably not the best thing. Be confident that they'll put up a better show in the second half,  but can Mayo continue with their intensity and game plan?

Can't wait to see Joe struggle to explain what's happening.

Cmon to f**k Mayo!

Dublin could well be down to 12 men but I'd worry about Mayo's ability to maintain the intensity.

Rotate AOS in at FF. Hoof a few high balls in, give Dublin something to think about.

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on August 10, 2019, 05:36:24 PM
Harsh on MDMA there. Did shag all really.

Would be surprised to see him 2nd half.

Quote from: RedHand88 on August 10, 2019, 05:45:23 PM
Can't wait to see Joe struggle to explain what's happening.

I'm sure 'Mayo are gone' is nailed up in the dressing room. 

Rte: talk all fcking day about match-ups.
Match starts: f**king never mention who's marking who.

Backstards!

Good start to the 2nd half for Dublin 1-1 in 2 mins. Dublin 1-7 Mayo 0-8 now

Game over

Ballix

Money talks.

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:01:22 PM
Game over

It is now

Another O'Calaghan goal, lovely bit of skill and finish. Dublin 2-11 Mayo 0-8. 46 minutes played.

A team that could only beat an average Armagh team by a point was never going trouble the Dubs.

Nine point game. Feck sake

2-7 without reply

Fairly awesome from the Dubs to be fair since HT. I'd say Gavin ate them at the break.

Two points down at half time and seemingly rattled, now ten points up. What the fook

Dubs are some side and Gavin is a very good manager.

Mayo needed the extra week. Legs were gone at start of 2nd half.

Quote from: Rudi on August 10, 2019, 06:12:35 PM
Dubs are some side and Gavin is a very good manager.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0622/1056894-gaa-see-dublin-as-blueprint-for-future-not-the-problem

Irrespective of outcome here there is some character in this mayo team.

52 minutes Mayo's first score of the 2nd half a goal from Keegan, Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-8

Night night mayo. Dublin don't even look tired, if I were a Mayo fan I'd be concerned about the losing margin.

On that note Keegan just scored a nice goal

In a Dublin pub watching the match. Locals completely disinterested until keegan kicked in the goal. most seem to be willing mayo on to make it "interesting".

The gaa I once knew is dead.

Ref is ridiculous here

Quote from: Solo_run on August 10, 2019, 06:15:40 PM
Night night mayo. Dublin don't even look tired, if I were a Mayo fan I'd be concerned about the losing margin.

On that note Keegan just scored a nice goal

Dublin had an extra weeks rest.

Serious start to the second half from Dubs.
How is Scully still on the pitch though?
He's been dreadful today

Quote from: mrdeeds on August 10, 2019, 06:20:03 PM

Quote from: Solo_run on August 10, 2019, 06:15:40 PM
Night night mayo. Dublin don't even look tired, if I were a Mayo fan I'd be concerned about the losing margin.

On that note Keegan just scored a nice goal

Dublin had an extra weeks rest.

It would have been much more exciting had Mayo a full panel to pick from. They have a lot of depth in their team that's capable of taking on a lot of teams.

Double scores against possibly the second best team in the country. Bad times.

Some whinging Dublin are outstanding.

Another Dublin goal this time for Fenton. The good defensive play from Mayo 1st half has totally fell apart now. 62 minutes played. Dublin 3-13 Mayo 1-8

Quote from: trileacman on August 10, 2019, 06:18:18 PM
In a Dublin pub watching the match. Locals completely disinterested until keegan kicked in the goal. most seem to be willing mayo on to make it "interesting".

The gaa I once knew is dead.

On RTÉ radio 1 Bernard Flynn says Mayo couldn't live with Dublin.

Higgins and Moran played in 06 when Mayo beat Dublin in the semifinal. Dublin were still perennial losers then. The talent iterations had only started.
All the money went into Dublin. The GAA doesn't care about its main competition.

https://youtu.be/AyifuNC0MT8

Dublin fans still cheering mayo wides when they're ten points up. Classy!

Dublin's team pharmacist was clearly busy at half time!  ;) ;D

Quote from: under the bar on August 10, 2019, 06:26:32 PM
Dublin's team pharmacist was clearly busy at half time!  ;) ;D

And they talk about Dublin fans being classy.  ::)

Remarkable to see Tom Parsons come on, definitely some advances in medicine since I had a similar injury and had to quit playing.

The GAA take the piss out of Mayo fans with their financial doping

Dublin are simply awesome.

Quote from: TheOptimist on August 10, 2019, 06:25:36 PM
Dublin fans still cheering mayo wides when they're ten points up. Classy!

They done the same versus Cork and booed every free. Disgraceful.

Brian Fenton an extraordinary player

Stay classy O'Callaghan. Gobshite.

Quote from: mrdeeds on August 10, 2019, 06:31:02 PM

Quote from: TheOptimist on August 10, 2019, 06:25:36 PM
Dublin fans still cheering mayo wides when they're ten points up. Classy!

They done the same versus Cork and booed every free. Disgraceful.

They have been doing that for years.

How the f**k does a tiered championship stop hammerings?

Gavin emptying the bench rugby style.

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 10, 2019, 06:32:37 PM
Stay classy O'Callaghan. Gobshite.

Not as bad as O'Connor. Tool.

https://youtu.be/lsO_SlA7E8k

Quote from: thewobbler on August 10, 2019, 06:31:14 PM
Brian Fenton an extraordinary player

Developing into one of the best midfielders ever. Poor by his standards first half but fantastic second half.

Should be two reds for Mayo

Tyrone should pray for a Kerry win.

Well done GAA for killing the championship that lasted over 150 years. 

Was just about to say Kerry better pray they don't win tomorrow.

Real lack of class from Dubs at the end of this match.  Throwing ball away, stalling the play, play acting as though there is a point in it. Disappointing.

FT Dublin 3-14 Mayo 1-10. As poor as Mayo was 2nd half that was a stunning display by Dublin as they basically won that game within 10 minutes of 2nd half.

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 10, 2019, 06:36:28 PM
Should be two reds for Mayo

Yeah could have been multiple reds on both sides.  Thought Lane had a very poor game

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:36:51 PM
Tyrone should pray for a Kerry win.

And Kerry should pray for a Tyrone win.

Quote from: Tubberman on August 10, 2019, 06:37:02 PM
Well done GAA for killing the championship that lasted over 150 years.

Yup. And forget 5 in a row. It will be 10 in a row. At least.

Quote from: David McKeown on August 10, 2019, 06:41:07 PM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 10, 2019, 06:36:28 PM
Should be two reds for Mayo

Yeah could have been multiple reds on both sides.  Thought Lane had a very poor game

Iam at Croker still
Didn't seem that bad just two fully committed teams
See far worse at club level

Dublin not even out of puff. Mayo gasping. Waste of time even playing them. 10 in a row is realistic

The inter-county scene needed Mayo to win that. Where is this Dublin dominance going to stop?

On that note, can't wait for the Leinster championship next year ;D

The reality is Dublin are unbeatable, GAA have created a monster.

Hopefully they make it 7 in a row and then the GAA in the other 31 Counties might grow some testicles and try and rescue the sport.
Mayowestros disintegrated in 5 minutes and hadn't put enough on the scoreboard by half time.
Then they went back to their usual wide kicking.

The whole thing would make you envy the Hurley people.

Mayo 1st half was the last kick from a good consistent top 4 team. 2nd half and with Dublin winning by 10 points pulling up proved this evening that Mayo are not as good as they were in 2016/17, time doesn't stand still for any team and the high milage, wear and tear on that Mayo team is clear to see and next year will be full transition for them.

How the fcuk did that woman get Sunday game.

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:36:51 PM
Tyrone should pray for a Kerry win.

Armagh should stick to hurling and Buckfast.

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:52:40 PM
The reality is Dublin are unbeatable, GAA have created a monster.

Thats what €2 million euros free money from the GAA every year for a decade buys you.  Give the same to Belfast, Limerick or and other city and they could produce the same.

My old mate O'Connor showing his genius once again. How many reds have him and the brother picked up between them in big games over the years, 6 or 7?

How was O'Donoghue not sent off for elbowing O'Callaghan? Was about 6 inches from a linesman. Did Lane think it would be unfair to do when they were getting hammered and it was only an elbow into the chest? As blatant as can be.

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:52:40 PM
The reality is Dublin are unbeatable, GAA have created a monster.

Yup, they've turned the whole championship into a farce. Never missed watching an AI final in 34 years, but honestly, what would be the point of watching this years?

Kilkenny won 7 titles in 8 years (took a two year break and then won another three in a row) and people didn't complain in the hurling world. Lets get realistic - Mayo spend nearly as much on county teams as Dublin do but don't have a serious hurling team to pay for.

[/quote]

Armagh should stick to hurling and Buckfast.
[/quote]

One usually accompanies the other.

Quote from: under the bar on August 10, 2019, 06:57:21 PM

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:36:51 PM
Tyrone should pray for a Kerry win.

Armagh should stick to hurling and Buckfast.

Oh dear oh dear  ;D

Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on August 10, 2019, 07:08:17 PM
Kilkenny won 7 titles in 8 years (took a two year break and then won another three in a row) and people didn't complain in the hurling world.

People must have short memories.

Did Kerry not beat this same Mayo team by 10 points a few weeks ago? People getting carried away here. Based on their respective results against Mayo there is nothing between them. If you take this a bit further if Tyrone beat Kerry then they would be a good chance of beating Dublin.

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:52:40 PM
The reality is Dublin are unbeatable, GAA have created a monster.

Some prize for the winner tomorrow!

Paul Mannion Con O Callaghan and Brian Fenton are some ball players

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on August 10, 2019, 07:10:14 PM

Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on August 10, 2019, 07:08:17 PM
Kilkenny won 7 titles in 8 years (took a two year break and then won another three in a row) and people didn't complain in the hurling world.

People must have short memories.

Would say the main difference was that was a class team who didn't get 18million from croke park. Dublin will continue to dominate for years and years to come due to funding.

They might be a great team but they come across as very boring in interviews, all staged talk. O Callaghan the latest. Show some emotion like the Hurlers do. It's no crime to be happy

Hard luck to the lads. Couldn't ask for much more this year.

For the Dubs best of luck (if ye even need it) for the 5 in a row now.

Dublin is fantastic to watch there is no doubt about it but the amount of games they get at Croke Park is unfair. Yes, it is a debate that comes up all the time but in my opinion it has to be looked at.


Does anyone think the other counties are closing the gap?

Quote from: Rossfan on August 10, 2019, 06:55:44 PM
Hopefully they make it 7 in a row and then the GAA in the other 31 Counties might grow some testicles and try and rescue the sport.
Mayowestros disintegrated in 5 minutes and hadn't put enough on the scoreboard by half time.
Then they went back to their usual wide kicking.

The whole thing would make you envy the Hurley people.

The pundits are part of the pantomime

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheSundayGame/status/1160231807167557632 (https://mobile.twitter.com/TheSundayGame/status/1160231807167557632)

The horse of competition has been flogged to death.
The GAA refuses to engage with reality.

The loser in tomorrow's game the real winner. A thumping awaits

Croke Park is a neutral venue but they get to interview a Dublin lady boxer in the match build up, play a trumpet role when the Dubs take the field and have Dublin always walking down the pre parade shaking the opposition hands. Oh, and they always warm up down the hill end.

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on August 10, 2019, 07:20:46 PM
The loser in tomorrow's game the real winner. A thumping awaits

I hope the players done feel like you. There is always hope in sport

Quote from: didlyi on August 10, 2019, 07:23:00 PM

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on August 10, 2019, 07:20:46 PM
The loser in tomorrow's game the real winner. A thumping awaits

I hope the players done feel like you. There is always hope in sport

Yip no hope in the case of the Dubs.

We're doomed! We're all doomed!

Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on August 10, 2019, 07:08:17 PM
Kilkenny won 7 titles in 8 years (took a two year break and then won another three in a row) and people didn't complain in the hurling world. Lets get realistic - Mayo spend nearly as much on county teams as Dublin do but don't have a serious hurling team to pay for.

See that's a load of crap. The reason Mayo spend more is they play more games through back door, have to travel to New York or London and have mileage to pay players as they don't all study or work in Mayo. The reality is Dublin spend more as a County Board than any other county at a proportionally higher level.

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 07:26:49 PM

Quote from: didlyi on August 10, 2019, 07:23:00 PM

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on August 10, 2019, 07:20:46 PM
The loser in tomorrow's game the real winner. A thumping awaits

I hope the players done feel like you. There is always hope in sport

Yip no hope in the case of the Dubs.

Mayo played at 100% intensity for 35 minutes and only managed to lead by 2 points at half time. Dublin upped their game for 10 minutes (would question if they played at 100% intensity) and tore Mayo apart. If Dublin played at 100% against any team for 70 minutes it will be a massacre. 

I'm afraid to ask....how many of the goals/points was the Mayo goalkeeper to blame for?

He's not a good un

Should went to Dara

Quote from: tyrone08 on August 10, 2019, 07:13:56 PM

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on August 10, 2019, 07:10:14 PM

Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on August 10, 2019, 07:08:17 PM
Kilkenny won 7 titles in 8 years (took a two year break and then won another three in a row) and people didn't complain in the hurling world.

People must have short memories.

Would say the main difference was that was a class team who didn't get 18million from croke park. Dublin will continue to dominate for years and years to come due to funding.

Kilkenny hasn't got 1,400,000 of a population.
About 1 sixteenth of it.

Don't get all pure and ethosy... it's just a question - Would Professionalism enable other Counties to compete with Dublin?

Quote from: mrdeeds on August 10, 2019, 07:32:20 PM

Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on August 10, 2019, 07:08:17 PM
Kilkenny won 7 titles in 8 years (took a two year break and then won another three in a row) and people didn't complain in the hurling world. Lets get realistic - Mayo spend nearly as much on county teams as Dublin do but don't have a serious hurling team to pay for.

See that's a load of crap. The reason Mayo spend more is they play more games through back door, have to travel to New York or London and have mileage to pay players as they don't all study or work in Mayo. The reality is Dublin spend more as a County Board than any other county at a proportionally higher level.

The reason no one complained about Kilkenny was because hurling people felt it was a relatively even playing field - they weren't getting multiples more funding than other counties, a serious chunk of their players were travelling hours to and from training, they weren't playing the overwhelming majority of their games at home, they didn't have an overwhelming population advantage.

For as good as Mayo was 1st half they were awful 2nd half. No scores from any of their forwards 2nd half? and gave away three easy goals from very loose marking the opposite of how they defended 1st half when they were in Dublin's faces and fought for each and every ball.

Same margin of defeat as Killarney and today could have been a far greater margin if Dublin didn't ease off in the final 15 minutes when they only scored one point i think.  Dublin are a fine team no doubt but with each passing year it seems their main competition is becoming weaker.

Quote from: whitey on August 10, 2019, 07:34:45 PM
I'm afraid to ask....how many of the goals/points was the Mayo goalkeeper to blame for?

Some of the kickouts would make ya cringe. Not like it mattered in the end though.

Always loved the Dubs; but they have become an unstoppable juggernaut. Fair dues to their county board and their organisation, which means they are getting theri best players and getting the best out of those players. But they do have insurmountable advantages in terms of playing population, financial resources + home games. The final will be another anti-climactic drubbing.
There may not be a solution, just something we have to live with

Quote from: hardstation on August 10, 2019, 07:36:24 PM

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:56:28 PM
How the fcuk did that woman get Sunday game.

Can't have her at all. She's like a woman busting for an argument. She is constantly primed to jump down the throat of the others, turning any comment into a row. She also has the whingiest voice in the world.

Obviously a gender card she is completely wicked.

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 10, 2019, 06:56:07 PM
Mayo 1st half was the last kick from a good consistent top 4 team. 2nd half and with Dublin winning by 10 points pulling up proved this evening that Mayo are not as good as they were in 2016/17, time doesn't stand still for any team and the high milage, wear and tear on that Mayo team is clear to see and next year will be full transition for them.

Seven games in eight weeks, then Dublin have a three week lay off before the Semi Final.
How the f*ck could Mayo be expected to perform today after that match last week ? The whole thing is a farce.
I don't know why people bother turning up, only encouraging more of the same unfairness in the future.

Quote from: befair on August 10, 2019, 07:49:48 PM
Always loved the Dubs; but they have become an unstoppable juggernaut. Fair dues to their county board and their organisation, which means they are getting theri best players and getting the best out of those players. But they do have insurmountable advantages in terms of playing population, financial resources + home games. The final will be another anti-climactic drubbing.
There may not be a solution, just something we have to live with

If the Dubs weren't there, it would be a cracking c'ship.

Even the likes of Roscommon, Kildare, Monaghan, Armagh, Cork etc would have AI aspirations

The annual post mortem will inevitably commence. Fair play to Dublin. Bossed the 2nd half. Frightening how good they are. It could be a while for Mayo to get to that level again. I'm sure there will be a lot of players hanging up their intercounty boots.

Mayo will go down as the best team never to win an all-Ireland. I still think Dublin be beatable in the nxt few yrs. There 3 best forwards are gone just about, Mccarthy, McAuley, and  a few others are older and away in a few yrs. Still have Mannion, and Rock, O Callaghan and Fenton round for a good few yrs yet.. If Donegal and Mayo didn't get over the line against them yrs ago. Dublin could been going for 9 in a row. Bernard Brogan good enough for match day panel, Scully and Howard are pale and comparisons of Flynn and Connolly

Quote from: Halfquarter on August 10, 2019, 08:04:13 PM

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 10, 2019, 06:56:07 PM
Mayo 1st half was the last kick from a good consistent top 4 team. 2nd half and with Dublin winning by 10 points pulling up proved this evening that Mayo are not as good as they were in 2016/17, time doesn't stand still for any team and the high milage, wear and tear on that Mayo team is clear to see and next year will be full transition for them.

Seven games in eight weeks, then Dublin have a three week lay off before the Semi Final.
How the f*ck could Mayo be expected to perform today after that match las week ? The whole thing is a farce.
I don't know why people bother turning up, only encouraging more of the same unfairness in the future.

Well if mayo had have won  their provincial championship they would be in that position too,of which they are good enough but they didn't.

There are 3 decent teams in Connacht.
One super size juggernaut and not much else in Leinster.

Quote from: twohands!!! on August 10, 2019, 07:38:49 PM

Quote from: mrdeeds on August 10, 2019, 07:32:20 PM

Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on August 10, 2019, 07:08:17 PM
Kilkenny won 7 titles in 8 years (took a two year break and then won another three in a row) and people didn't complain in the hurling world. Lets get realistic - Mayo spend nearly as much on county teams as Dublin do but don't have a serious hurling team to pay for.

See that's a load of crap. The reason Mayo spend more is they play more games through back door, have to travel to New York or London and have mileage to pay players as they don't all study or work in Mayo. The reality is Dublin spend more as a County Board than any other county at a proportionally higher level.

The reason no one complained about Kilkenny was because hurling people felt it was a relatively even playing field - they weren't getting multiples more funding than other counties, a serious chunk of their players were travelling hours to and from training, they weren't playing the overwhelming majority of their games at home, they didn't have an overwhelming population advantage.

All that and more....
In 2007, the Kilkenny CB was so stuck for cash that the players had to fund-raise to pay for a continental holiday. They picked one Sunday and after mass every one of the AI winners had to stand outside the gates with a white plastic bucket cadging loose change from the mass goers.(or should that be mass leavers?)
Can't see Dublin players having to do the same anytime soon.

Quote from: highorlow on August 10, 2019, 07:22:27 PM
Croke Park is a neutral venue but they get to interview a Dublin lady boxer in the match build up, play a trumpet role when the Dubs take the field and have Dublin always walking down the pre parade shaking the opposition hands. Oh, and they always warm up down the hill end.

Plus they always get the same changing rooms. It's apparently done by alphabetical order but it's in Irish so unless they playing Aontrim, Atha Cliath will always get the same changing room

Quote from: TheOptimist on August 10, 2019, 08:39:25 PM

Quote from: highorlow on August 10, 2019, 07:22:27 PM
Croke Park is a neutral venue but they get to interview a Dublin lady boxer in the match build up, play a trumpet role when the Dubs take the field and have Dublin always walking down the pre parade shaking the opposition hands. Oh, and they always warm up down the hill end.

Plus they always get the same changing rooms. It's apparently done by alphabetical order but it's in Irish so unless they playing Aontrim, Atha Cliath will always get the same changing room

Ard Mhaca as well...

Quote from: Ball Hopper on August 10, 2019, 08:42:07 PM

Quote from: TheOptimist on August 10, 2019, 08:39:25 PM

Quote from: highorlow on August 10, 2019, 07:22:27 PM
Croke Park is a neutral venue but they get to interview a Dublin lady boxer in the match build up, play a trumpet role when the Dubs take the field and have Dublin always walking down the pre parade shaking the opposition hands. Oh, and they always warm up down the hill end.

Plus they always get the same changing rooms. It's apparently done by alphabetical order but it's in Irish so unless they playing Aontrim, Atha Cliath will always get the same changing room

Ard Mhaca as well...

Then it'll be ''Contae Ard Mhacha'' when they play the Dubs.

Bitterly disappointing end to the season. We put in a huge effort in the 1st half but had no answers after that. Winning the national league is something to cherish in this era of blue domination. The wins against Galway and last week against Donegal were memorable occasions too.

We'll be back next year but Dublin will have to disimprove a lot for us to win the big one.

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 07:09:36 PM

Quote from: under the bar on August 10, 2019, 06:57:21 PM

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:36:51 PM
Tyrone should pray for a Kerry win.

Armagh should stick to hurling and Buckfast.

Oh dear oh dear  ;D

Don't indulge the troll

Quote from: Rossfan on August 10, 2019, 08:24:39 PM
There are 3 decent teams in Connacht.
One super size juggernaut and not much else in Leinster.

Roscommon are basically on par with Kildare and Meath..

You feel uneasy after that start to second half by Dublin. It's realistically looking closer to 10 in a row. Is Cork now the best hope to beat them, say by middle of next decade?

Quote from: befair on August 10, 2019, 07:49:48 PM
Always loved the Dubs; but they have become an unstoppable juggernaut. Fair dues to their county board and their organisation, which means they are getting theri best players and getting the best out of those players. But they do have insurmountable advantages in terms of playing population, financial resources + home games. The final will be another anti-climactic drubbing.
There may not be a solution, just something we have to live with

Attendances will cripple the GAA and stop the machine
Numbers keep on falling
With Kerry in 82 and KK in 09 there was competition at least and a
team with greater hunger. Now what is there?

https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.irishtimes.com/business/work/mayo-s-chris-barrett-balancing-work-and-play-for-gaa-not-sustainable-any-more-1.3981640%3fmode=amp

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:52:40 PM
The reality is Dublin are unbeatable, GAA have created a monster.

How many in a row will it take before the revolt finally happens and the split becomes a serious proposal?

The championship is now like the Premier League would be if Klopp hadn't taken over Liverpool.

I reckon the other 31 counties should just have their own championship. They could play for the Sham Maguire Cup.

Seriously though, something needs done. It's boring the arse off most of the country.

Quote from: J70 on August 10, 2019, 09:45:05 PM

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:52:40 PM
The reality is Dublin are unbeatable, GAA have created a monster.

How many in a row will it take before the revolt finally happens and the split becomes a serious proposal?

The championship is now like the Premier League would be if Klopp hadn't taken over Liverpool.

Except Manchester United, Chelsea (apart from this year) and Arsenal are all still spending millions on players every season. The two aren't comparable. Dublin a semi or professional organisation playing against amateur players. The gap is going to get wider I'm afraid.

Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on August 10, 2019, 09:49:28 PM

Quote from: J70 on August 10, 2019, 09:45:05 PM

Quote from: t_mac on August 10, 2019, 06:52:40 PM
The reality is Dublin are unbeatable, GAA have created a monster.

How many in a row will it take before the revolt finally happens and the split becomes a serious proposal?

The championship is now like the Premier League would be if Klopp hadn't taken over Liverpool.

Except Manchester United, Chelsea (apart from this year) and Arsenal are all still spending millions on players every season. The two aren't comparable. Dublin a semi or professional organisation playing against amateur players. The gap is going to get wider I'm afraid.

It's comparable in terms of the yawning gap right now, which was my point.

City will finish at least 25 points ahead of the third place team. If Klopp wasn't at Liverpool, it would be 25 points ahead of the 2nd place team.

But yes, there is far more chance of City bring reeled back into the pack than Dublin with their multitude of advantages all across the board.

Quote from: BennyCake on August 10, 2019, 09:46:04 PM
I reckon the other 31 counties should just have their own championship. They could play for the Sham Maguire Cup.

Seriously though, something needs done. It's boring the arse off most of the country.

As if there was fairness amongst the other 31. A competition based on Elizabethan county boundaries will always have inequity, be it population, economy, sponsors, funding. It's a tick for Dublin in all but Mayo versus Leitrim will rarely be fair either. But no one cares for amalgamation or dividing at county level, as there is pride in tribe at play, despite the conventional nature of a county's creation. That said: let's appreciate Gavin's managerial nous and the fact that they have some wonderful players. Some of it is what it is.

Sad to say but Brolly has out done himself in his report in the snido.  Has got to be the most shameless person in this country, Last week it was high praise ,this week rehashing the Holmes  Connelly fiasco  and basically saying a lot of the players are gutless cowards. How some Mayo people have time for him is beyond me

Quote from: BennyCake on August 10, 2019, 08:06:03 PM

Quote from: befair on August 10, 2019, 07:49:48 PM
Always loved the Dubs; but they have become an unstoppable juggernaut. Fair dues to their county board and their organisation, which means they are getting theri best players and getting the best out of those players. But they do have insurmountable advantages in terms of playing population, financial resources + home games. The final will be another anti-climactic drubbing.
There may not be a solution, just something we have to live with

If the Dubs weren't there, it would be a cracking c'ship.

Even the likes of Roscommon, Kildare, Monaghan, Armagh, Cork etc would have AI aspirations

Would be absolutely brilliant without them feckers beating everyone ;D

Quote from: Aaron Boone on August 10, 2019, 09:25:54 PM
You feel uneasy after that start to second half by Dublin. It's realistically looking closer to 10 in a row. Is Cork now the best hope to beat them, say by middle of next decade?

Kerry surely with all these minor teams should be be beating the Dubs within the next 2 years.

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 10, 2019, 10:49:30 PM

Quote from: Aaron Boone on August 10, 2019, 09:25:54 PM
You feel uneasy after that start to second half by Dublin. It's realistically looking closer to 10 in a row. Is Cork now the best hope to beat them, say by middle of next decade?

Kerry surely with all these minor teams should be be beating the Dubs within the next 2 years.

Kerry looking to win their sixth successive Minor title. Don't know how anyone could see anyone but them as the obvious challengers.

Have Kerry won any u21 or u20 though?

Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on August 10, 2019, 09:16:54 PM

Quote from: Rossfan on August 10, 2019, 08:24:39 PM
There are 3 decent teams in Connacht.
One super size juggernaut and not much else in Leinster.

Roscommon are basically on par with Kildare and Meath..

So Galway and Mayowestros must be on a par with Laois and Longford then?

Mayo did so much right in 1st half but it was like Dublin hit a turbo button at half time and mayo didn't have turbo. I was in the Canal end and the movement and ball winning of con o Callaghan was outstanding. He was a wrecking ball in there as was Fenton. Dubs are just an amazing team. I don't think there is any hope now they can be bet in the final.

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 10, 2019, 10:49:30 PM

Quote from: Aaron Boone on August 10, 2019, 09:25:54 PM
You feel uneasy after that start to second half by Dublin. It's realistically looking closer to 10 in a row. Is Cork now the best hope to beat them, say by middle of next decade?

Kerry surely with all these minor teams should be be beating the Dubs within the next 2 years.

They should be doing it now.

Thank God that is over for this year. Kudos to the Gaa for inventing a competition where the best supported travelling team can lose twice and still make a semi-final. There are some decent Accountants in GAA headquarters.  In the past I would feel sorry for my fellow Mayo brethren who make the trip to Croker today. But of late I just see them as gullible idiots. Boosting the coffers of the GAA and helping with the funding of Dublin GAA. All this crap of we are in this together, it's the journey that matters and its important to be there. Oh, the irony, when you look closely at it. Or maybe most here are to close and need to take a step back to see the real picture.

The blinkered will call me mean spirited and devisive.

By the way this is probably the real beginning of the end of one of the most remarkable Mayo teams ever. They for the guts of a decade have make me proud to say I am from Mayo.

Quote from: omagh_gael on August 05, 2019, 06:19:11 PM
As much as I'd love to see a cracker on Saturday I've a feeling this could turn out pretty rough for Mayo. They've put in another serious effort to get this far and now they're meeting a rested Dublin team with a serious motivation to go for the 5 in a row. I know Mayo have put it up to the Dubs in the past but guys like Chris Barrett, Keith Higgins and Colm Boyle have two more years on the clock and haven't encountered a full throttle Dublin team since their last AI final.

I think Mayo will will seriously miss Jason Doc in this game. He had a stormer in those AI finals and has the physicality and vision to really bring guys like CoC and Moran into the games against the Dubs.

I'm going for a comfortable Dub win beating the spread.

Just wasn't to be for these Mayo warriors. Father time really caught up in that second half. Some balls to put up that effort in 1st half.

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 10, 2019, 11:40:51 PM
Thank God that is over for this year. Kudos to the Gaa for inventing a competition where the best supported travelling team can lose twice and still make a semi-final. There are some decent Accountants in GAA headquarters.  In the past I would feel sorry for my fellow Mayo brethren who make the trip to Croker today. But of late I just see them as gullible idiots. Boosting the coffers of the GAA and helping with the funding of Dublin GAA. All this crap of we are in this together, it's the journey that matters and its important to be there. Oh, the irony, when you look closely at it. Or maybe most here are to close and need to take a step back to see the real picture.

The blinkered will call me mean spirited and devisive.

By the way this is probably the real beginning of the end of one of the most remarkable Mayo teams ever. They for the guts of a decade have make me proud to say I am from Mayo.

Yeah I tend to agree with you somewhat.

If you build it, they will come... if HQ had invented a Super 16 before the Super 8, people would flock to that too. Fans are being taken for a ride. Fans from Mayo and Tyrone in particular this year, dragged all over the place week on week.

The Super 8's is purely about money. There's no need for an extra 2 rounds of QFs. It's taking the piss. But HQ knows fans will blindly follow their team.

I do think it's probably the end for a lot of Mayo players, and possibly that team. They've given so much and unfortunately just couldn't fall over the line. People rudicule us for only winning one AI. Yes we could and probably should've won more, but we easily could have won none. Mayos misfortune to come up again the Croke Park-funded Dublin machine looks like they will end up with none. That easily could Have been Armagh.

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 10, 2019, 11:40:51 PM
Thank God that is over for this year. Kudos to the Gaa for inventing a competition where the best supported travelling team can lose twice and still make a semi-final. There are some decent Accountants in GAA headquarters. 

Minor/U17 the same. Mayo and Cork both in the AI semi final and had lost two games.

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 10, 2019, 11:40:51 PM
Thank God that is over for this year. Kudos to the Gaa for inventing a competition where the best supported travelling team can lose twice and still make a semi-final. There are some decent Accountants in GAA headquarters.  In the past I would feel sorry for my fellow Mayo brethren who make the trip to Croker today. But of late I just see them as gullible idiots. Boosting the coffers of the GAA and helping with the funding of Dublin GAA. All this crap of we are in this together, it's the journey that matters and its important to be there. Oh, the irony, when you look closely at it. Or maybe most here are to close and need to take a step back to see the real picture.

The blinkered will call me mean spirited and devisive.


I have had quite a few beverages tonight, but tbh,  what you are saying crossed my mind four hours ago.
By the way this is probably the real beginning of the end of one of the most remarkable Mayo teams ever. They for the guts of a decade have make me proud to say I am from Mayo.

I probably go against the grain here being from Mayo and all.

I was probably seen as pessimistic going into today's game but I would prefer to call it realistic.

Still being realistic I think we had a good year. A lot went wrong but we got a long way being as dysfunctional as f**k at times.

Ironically our first half today is probably the first time I ve ever seen a Mayo team deliberately trying to control a game. I was genuinely impressed by that.
Not too depressed by what happened after tbh. A Dublin team 20 yrs ago could kill ye if they got a run on. In the 2006 AI semi we were on the ropes a bit before sneaking it. Not a lot has changed except now Dublin now don't f**k up when they get the opposition on the ropes.
Mayo was in a hopeless situation before a ball was kicked today. I'm not saying that another week would have changed the result but it reminded me of the scene from Gladiator where Maximus is wounded before his fight with the Emperor.
It was great to see Parsons able to come on and other injuries have defined our season in a way. I know people want to write us off but when you consider our younger players have been destroyed by injuries all summer, the older lads have dug out a good rearguard campaign and expect most to be back again. Ruane and McDonagh have been disrupted by injury. Durcan out for most of the Summer and Diarmuid O Connor not able to do himself justice today after wrist fracture.
Surely nobody thinks likes of Colm Boyle is through? One of his best years.
I'm not comfortable with a lot of the Dub bashing. I expect Mayo to match and compete with Dublin and suspect that people in Kerry, Tyrone, Donegal do as well.
The genie is not going back in the bottle. Dumbing Dublin down is not the way forward. That would make things worse. You would end up with a championship lite with no credibility at all.

Opening 15 min of the 2nd half period was Dublin at their best. Mannion, Howard, O'Callaghan now leaders in this Dublin team. Fenton must have POTY in the bag already. Ran the show in the 2nd half. Typical of Dublin v Mayo games Mayo dominated 1st half but didn't make it count on the scoreboard

Cillian O'Connor finally got the red card that has been coming for years against Dublin for his dirty cheap shots. What a horrible individual on a football pitch.

I imagine this is end for the likes of Moran, Boyle, Higgins etc in a Mayo jersey. They have been warriors down the the years

Fair play to Tom Parsons for getting back to fitness to come off the bench today for Mayo. After his injury I figured he would never get back to that level again

Quote from: moysider on August 11, 2019, 01:13:26 AM

I probably go against the grain here being from Mayo and all.

I was probably seen as pessimistic going into today's game but I would prefer to call it realistic.

Still being realistic I think we had a good year. A lot went wrong but we got a long way being as dysfunctional as f**k at times.

Ironically our first half today is probably the first time I ve ever seen a Mayo team deliberately trying to control a game. I was genuinely impressed by that.
Not too depressed by what happened after tbh. A Dublin team 20 yrs ago could kill ye if they got a run on. In the 2006 AI semi we were on the ropes a bit before sneaking it. Not a lot has changed except now Dublin now don't f**k up when they get the opposition on the ropes.
Mayo was in a hopeless situation before a ball was kicked today. I'm not saying that another week would have changed the result but it reminded me of the scene from Gladiator where Maximus is wounded before his fight with the Emperor.
It was great to see Parsons able to come on and other injuries have defined our season in a way. I know people want to write us off but when you consider our younger players have been destroyed by injuries all summer, the older lads have dug out a good rearguard campaign and expect most to be back again. Ruane and McDonagh have been disrupted by injury. Durcan out for most of the Summer and Diarmuid O Connor not able to do himself justice today after wrist fracture.
Surely nobody thinks likes of Colm Boyle is through? One of his best years.
I'm not comfortable with a lot of the Dub bashing. I expect Mayo to match and compete with Dublin and suspect that people in Kerry, Tyrone, Donegal do as well.
The genie is not going back in the bottle. Dumbing Dublin down is not the way forward. That would make things worse. You would end up with a championship lite with no credibility at all.

I think Paddy Durcan only missed out out on two of Mayo's 9 games this summer. Has been Mayo's stand out player this summer and should win All star.  Boyle a close 2nd and unlikely to be retiring yet.  Didn't a wounded Maximus win that fight?

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 11, 2019, 02:40:59 AM

Quote from: moysider on August 11, 2019, 01:13:26 AM

I probably go against the grain here being from Mayo and all.

I was probably seen as pessimistic going into today's game but I would prefer to call it realistic.

Still being realistic I think we had a good year. A lot went wrong but we got a long way being as dysfunctional as f**k at times.

Ironically our first half today is probably the first time I ve ever seen a Mayo team deliberately trying to control a game. I was genuinely impressed by that.
Not too depressed by what happened after tbh. A Dublin team 20 yrs ago could kill ye if they got a run on. In the 2006 AI semi we were on the ropes a bit before sneaking it. Not a lot has changed except now Dublin now don't f**k up when they get the opposition on the ropes.
Mayo was in a hopeless situation before a ball was kicked today. I'm not saying that another week would have changed the result but it reminded me of the scene from Gladiator where Maximus is wounded before his fight with the Emperor.
It was great to see Parsons able to come on and other injuries have defined our season in a way. I know people want to write us off but when you consider our younger players have been destroyed by injuries all summer, the older lads have dug out a good rearguard campaign and expect most to be back again. Ruane and McDonagh have been disrupted by injury. Durcan out for most of the Summer and Diarmuid O Connor not able to do himself justice today after wrist fracture.
Surely nobody thinks likes of Colm Boyle is through? One of his best years.
I'm not comfortable with a lot of the Dub bashing. I expect Mayo to match and compete with Dublin and suspect that people in Kerry, Tyrone, Donegal do as well.
The genie is not going back in the bottle. Dumbing Dublin down is not the way forward. That would make things worse. You would end up with a championship lite with no credibility at all.

I think Paddy Durcan only missed out out on two of Mayo's 9 games this summer. Has been Mayo's stand out player this summer and should win All star.  Boyle a close 2nd and unlikely to be retiring yet.  Didn't a wounded Maximus win that fight?

An Indian Summer for Boyle much like Moran in 2017 but probably unrealistic to expect him to reach those heights again if he stays on next year. Players normally don't have two Indian Summers.

Dont want to be patronizing but Fair play to Mayo. They put up a fine fight and I thought they were slightly unlucky to get sucker punched so early after the break. Tho in saying that even if they had rode out that blitz Dublin would have just overpowered them sooner or later....2016 was the year unfortunately

Quote from: clarshack on August 10, 2019, 11:18:10 PM

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 10, 2019, 10:49:30 PM

Quote from: Aaron Boone on August 10, 2019, 09:25:54 PM
You feel uneasy after that start to second half by Dublin. It's realistically looking closer to 10 in a row. Is Cork now the best hope to beat them, say by middle of next decade?

Kerry surely with all these minor teams should be be beating the Dubs within the next 2 years.

They should be doing it now.

Sure maybe they will.

Quote from: moysider on August 11, 2019, 01:13:26 AM

I probably go against the grain here being from Mayo and all.

I was probably seen as pessimistic going into today's game but I would prefer to call it realistic.

Still being realistic I think we had a good year. A lot went wrong but we got a long way being as dysfunctional as f**k at times.

Ironically our first half today is probably the first time I ve ever seen a Mayo team deliberately trying to control a game. I was genuinely impressed by that.
Not too depressed by what happened after tbh. A Dublin team 20 yrs ago could kill ye if they got a run on. In the 2006 AI semi we were on the ropes a bit before sneaking it. Not a lot has changed except now Dublin now don't f**k up when they get the opposition on the ropes.
Mayo was in a hopeless situation before a ball was kicked today. I'm not saying that another week would have changed the result but it reminded me of the scene from Gladiator where Maximus is wounded before his fight with the Emperor.
It was great to see Parsons able to come on and other injuries have defined our season in a way. I know people want to write us off but when you consider our younger players have been destroyed by injuries all summer, the older lads have dug out a good rearguard campaign and expect most to be back again. Ruane and McDonagh have been disrupted by injury. Durcan out for most of the Summer and Diarmuid O Connor not able to do himself justice today after wrist fracture.
Surely nobody thinks likes of Colm Boyle is through? One of his best years.
I'm not comfortable with a lot of the Dub bashing. I expect Mayo to match and compete with Dublin and suspect that people in Kerry, Tyrone, Donegal do as well.
The genie is not going back in the bottle. Dumbing Dublin down is not the way forward. That would make things worse. You would end up with a championship lite with no credibility at all.

In other eras your optimism would be well founded. This era of Financial Doping is a real game changer. Your long held loyalty to football is blinding you and I totally understand this. And you are afraid to admit to yourself that inter-county football is a one horse race.

Things certainly didn't look good in the first half. Mayo well on top in midfield, they must have won 80% of all the breaks around the field. Our support play wasn't up to scratch, forwards were running into traffic and had nobody close by to release it to. Our defenders were giving Mayo a yard too much space.

A lot of people who watched on tv were complaining about Scully. Sure, he made a couple of bad mistakes, but he was one of our best players in terms of making himself available all the time and pushing us forward. Himself, Howard and Macauley were the 3 in the first half who worked hardest and contributed most to keeping us in it IMO.  Glad to get away with a 2 point deficit.

Not sure tiredness can have had anything to do with the 2nd half, given the turnaround happened immediately after the half time break.

That first 15/20 minutes of the second half must be about as good as Dublin have ever played.

Fenton was probably the 4th of 5th best midfielder in the first half! There was once when Aidan picked his pocket superbly and for me it was a "head in hands" moment. But jeez he was absolutely awesome in the second half. Won everything.

And Con and Mannion were simply unplayable. What a duo. Hopefully all is well for the final, Mannion seemed to go over on his ankle and limped off. Con vomited on the sideline after the belt to the stomach that saw him go off. But I hear he seemed fine in the after match interview.

Often underrated, but absolutely crucial to our success is having the best manager and best freetaker in the land. A great day for both Jim and Dean.

I know he cant really kicks points, but why Mayo consistently insist on shackling Lee Keegan is beyond me. To take his athleticism and driving power out of the equation is nuts. He's not you best player anymore, but he's still up there. Let him play! (Interesting that he seems to be the most popular Mayo player among the Dublin players. There was a point when there was literally a queue of Dubs waiting to embrace him during the interactions after the full time whistle!)

What a warrior Colm Boyle is.

Great to see Tom Parsons back.  Got a nice ovation from everyone.

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 11, 2019, 08:11:21 AM

Quote from: moysider on August 11, 2019, 01:13:26 AM

I probably go against the grain here being from Mayo and all.

I was probably seen as pessimistic going into today's game but I would prefer to call it realistic.

Still being realistic I think we had a good year. A lot went wrong but we got a long way being as dysfunctional as f**k at times.

Ironically our first half today is probably the first time I ve ever seen a Mayo team deliberately trying to control a game. I was genuinely impressed by that.
Not too depressed by what happened after tbh. A Dublin team 20 yrs ago could kill ye if they got a run on. In the 2006 AI semi we were on the ropes a bit before sneaking it. Not a lot has changed except now Dublin now don't f**k up when they get the opposition on the ropes.
Mayo was in a hopeless situation before a ball was kicked today. I'm not saying that another week would have changed the result but it reminded me of the scene from Gladiator where Maximus is wounded before his fight with the Emperor.
It was great to see Parsons able to come on and other injuries have defined our season in a way. I know people want to write us off but when you consider our younger players have been destroyed by injuries all summer, the older lads have dug out a good rearguard campaign and expect most to be back again. Ruane and McDonagh have been disrupted by injury. Durcan out for most of the Summer and Diarmuid O Connor not able to do himself justice today after wrist fracture.
Surely nobody thinks likes of Colm Boyle is through? One of his best years.
I'm not comfortable with a lot of the Dub bashing. I expect Mayo to match and compete with Dublin and suspect that people in Kerry, Tyrone, Donegal do as well.
The genie is not going back in the bottle. Dumbing Dublin down is not the way forward. That would make things worse. You would end up with a championship lite with no credibility at all.

In other eras your optimism would be well founded. This era of Financial Doping is a real game changer. Your long held loyalty to football is blinding you and I totally understand this. And you are afraid to admit to yourself that inter-county football is a one horse race.

The height of mediocrity is the challenge
Crawling through the entrails of imbalance

https://youtu.be/HgoTSuBZPGI


All the promises our teachers made
If we worked hard
If we behaved

https://youtu.be/BHnJp0oyOxs

Funding the Dubs is like concussion in rugby. People don't want to know

https://mobile.twitter.com/EwanMacKenna/status/1160299309868302336

He left it a bit later this time 😅

Yesterday was the swan song of a brave Mayo team. While you have to sympathise with their older players who have served tirelessly for over a decade, the real sympathy is due to their huge band of loyal supporters who continue to follow the team - always with optimism only to be finally disappointed again and again.

Well done Dublin for a devastating second half. But remember it's only a semi-final. All the work has yet to be done. 

Quote from: The Hill is Blue on August 11, 2019, 12:30:26 PM
Yesterday was the swan song of a brave Mayo team. While you have to sympathise with their older players who have served tirelessly for over a decade, the real sympathy is due to their huge band of loyal supporters who continue to follow the team - always with optimism only to be finally disappointed again and again.

Well done Dublin for a devastating second half. But remember it's only a semi-final. All the work has yet to be done.

You are far to gracious in victory HIB. I would like also to congratulate the  huge loyal Dublin fans who travel near and far with always a hint of the unknown as to how the result will go. As promised, I will be shouting for the Dubs in the final. Another landslide AI win is what the GAA need ( not that they realise tbis).

Not sure why Mayo supporters need sympathy... we have had (and will continue to have) a fabulous journey. It's not just about winning and losing. Winning is the icing on the cake. The cake is the journey and experiences gained. Ultimately, the last 10 years following this team has resulted in a greatly increased sense of Mayo identity, a pride of place and indeed a resilience in our people that is priceless - and all thanks to this team of warriors. We (the supporters) are truly blessed

Quote from: blast05 on August 11, 2019, 02:06:47 PM
Not sure why Mayo supporters need sympathy... we have had (and will continue to have) a fabulous journey. It's not just about winning and losing. Winning is the icing on the cake. The cake is the journey and experiences gained. Ultimately, the last 10 years following this team has resulted in a greatly increased sense of Mayo identity, a pride of place and indeed a resilience in our people that is priceless - and all thanks to this team of warriors. We (the supporters) are truly blessed

That Mayo team would probably have won Sam in the 90s or 00s
Or if they were hurlers

Quote from: The Hill is Blue on August 11, 2019, 12:30:26 PM
Yesterday was the swan song of a brave Mayo team. While you have to sympathise with their older players who have served tirelessly for over a decade, the real sympathy is due to their huge band of loyal supporters who continue to follow the team - always with optimism only to be finally disappointed again and again.

Well done Dublin for a devastating second half. But remember it's only a semi-final. All the work has yet to be done.

Not sure what to make of your opening paragraph tbh. Sarcasometer must be in overdrive is the first thing that came to mind. It's hard to see the mainstays staying on for another year to receive another trimming. I suppose we did get a league title from them, but it could have been much, much more. If it was 10 years previous, if Hennelly hadn't have flapped in 2013, if the 2 own goals hadn't gone in in 2016, if Vaughan hadn't stupidly got himself sent off in 2017.

But we didn't and we won't either now unfortunately for a long, long time.  :(

Quote from: blast05 on August 11, 2019, 02:06:47 PM
Not sure why Mayo supporters need sympathy... we have had (and will continue to have) a fabulous journey. It's not just about winning and losing. Winning is the icing on the cake. The cake is the journey and experiences gained. Ultimately, the last 10 years following this team has resulted in a greatly increased sense of Mayo identity, a pride of place and indeed a resilience in our people that is priceless - and all thanks to this team of warriors. We (the supporters) are truly blessed

Bang on. This Mayo team have sowed the seeds for a bright future for Mayo football and I expect them to challenge for the biggest prize for many years to come even if the next few years might see them drop out of the top 3. They'll be back soon enough if that does happen.

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 11, 2019, 05:43:16 PM

Quote from: The Hill is Blue on August 11, 2019, 12:30:26 PM
Yesterday was the swan song of a brave Mayo team. While you have to sympathise with their older players who have served tirelessly for over a decade, the real sympathy is due to their huge band of loyal supporters who continue to follow the team - always with optimism only to be finally disappointed again and again.

Well done Dublin for a devastating second half. But remember it's only a semi-final. All the work has yet to be done.

Not sure what to make of your opening paragraph tbh. Sarcasometer must be in overdrive is the first thing that came to mind. It's hard to see the mainstays staying on for another year to receive another trimming. I suppose we did get a league title from them, but it could have been much, much more. If it was 10 years previous, if Hennelly hadn't have flapped in 2013, if the 2 own goals hadn't gone in in 2016, if Vaughan hadn't stupidly got himself sent off in 2017.

But we didn't and we won't either now unfortunately for a long, long time.  :(

I wouldn't be that pessimistic, Farr, not by a long shot. There are structures in place now that weren't there when James Horan first took over that should help with the development of underage football for the foreseeable future. Fundraising and facilities come to mind as well as the underage coaching and development seems to be far better organised than heretofore.
Some of the older present players may decide to retire but I bet you will be able to count the number on one hand. These lads are not quitters and I can't see that changing because of on bad result. I don''t think we could have expected to win yesterday even if we didn't have such a long list of injuries but the players will decide in their own good time if yesterday represented all they have to give.
They say history is written by the victors and that is true in the case of yesterday's result. There are bucks getting paid to waffle who wrote today that Dublin were only holding back in the first half and knew all along they had only to move up a gear to blow Mayo away. I bet those chancers had a different script penned by half time that they conveniently scrapped when the final whistle had blown.
Unreserved credit due to Dublin, they never panicked and were never going to lose their concentration or change their game plan. I felt even at half time that it would be nothing short of a miracle if Mayo still led by the end. But the long and the short of it is that their punishing schedule and the number of key players who were crocked did have an effect on their second half display. It might only have made a couple of points of a difference in the end. I dunno and never will but I didn't see anyone throwing in the towel either.
If the young lads coming through follow the example set by the great men who went before them, there will be a seamless transition- Mayo won't be going away any time soon.
Too many of the lads werestarting to look shagged well before half time.

Fenton, Mannion and Con O Callaghan are absolutely awesome in full flight and are virtually unmarkable when given a good supply of ball. You are far more likely to unearth freaks like those boys when you're dealing with a population of 1.4 million as opposed to Mayo who have a population of 130 thousand. For me, that is still the biggest advantage they have, bigger than money, Croke Park etc.

For Mayo, yesterday's game had some similarities to the 2015 Semi Final replay, a good first half performance totally undone by a 5 minute shitshow where we were destroyed on our own kickouts. The reality is that the game was over after 42 minutes. Dublin always win their own kickout after conceding a goal, they rarely lose 2 kickouts in a row and they NEVER lose more than 2 in a row. The reason for this is that winning opposition kickouts gives a team a massive momentum boost and the Dubs are well aware of this. When the Dubs win a few opposition kickouts, one after another, it creates an unstoppable blue wave aided by the hill.

After Dublin got their first goal yesterday Dublin won a barely believable 5 Mayo kickouts in a row (Durcan initially won 1 of these but lost it a second later). This is totally unacceptable form a Mayo point of view, all the more frustrating considering the lesson was not learned 4 years ago. While Hennelly has to take some of the blame for this, the fact that the same thing happened to Clarke down in Killarney shows that this is a total systems failure on behalf of management, outfield players and goalkeepers. This is not happening to any of the other 3 teams that made the semi finals (Kerry secured their last 4 kickouts today despite immense pressure from the Tyrone forwards) so there is no reason why the problem can't be fixed. James Horan needs to spend the first few months of next year specifically working on this area because the problem continuously rears it's head. Groundhog day.

I see the usual obituaries are being written for 'this great team'. It might interest some of them that of the team that started Horan's first All Ireland final in 2012, 5 of them, Keegan, Boyle, Vaughan, Aidan and Cillian started yesterday. While that's still a large number to carry across 7 years, it's far from the same team. Lads like Ruane, Carr, Stephen Coen, McDonagh and Boland will have learned a lot from yesterday and will come back stronger next year.

Well done Dublin, they're a serious team

I thought it was crying out for someone to go down injured in the first few minutes of the second half to break Dublin's momentum but instead, we were rushing to get the ball kicked out as quickly as possible and Dublin were winning everything. Very naive of us

I dont see why mayo wouldn't be there or thereabouts again next year. they wont win it, no one except dublin will for the foreseeable, but they have found a few new players, won the league and still made a semi final while carrying a number of injuries through the year. they can still be competitive next year. they should probably focus on winning connacht again. if they keep an eye on roscommon and given kevin walsh is showing no signs of moving, I'd say they've a great chance of snatching it back.

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 11, 2019, 05:43:16 PM

Quote from: The Hill is Blue on August 11, 2019, 12:30:26 PM
Yesterday was the swan song of a brave Mayo team. While you have to sympathise with their older players who have served tirelessly for over a decade, the real sympathy is due to their huge band of loyal supporters who continue to follow the team - always with optimism only to be finally disappointed again and again.

Well done Dublin for a devastating second half. But remember it's only a semi-final. All the work has yet to be done.

Not sure what to make of your opening paragraph tbh. Sarcasometer must be in overdrive is the first thing that came to mind. It's hard to see the mainstays staying on for another year to receive another trimming. I suppose we did get a league title from them, but it could have been much, much more. If it was 10 years previous, if Hennelly hadn't have flapped in 2013, if the 2 own goals hadn't gone in in 2016, if Vaughan hadn't stupidly got himself sent off in 2017.

But we didn't and we won't either now unfortunately for a long, long time.  :(

I'm surprised that you read my contribution as you did. They were my genuine feelings with absolutely no sarcasm intended.

what's the story with that o'callaghan lad? looks absolutely juiced up

Quote from: WhoDat on August 11, 2019, 11:03:03 PM
what's the story with that o'callaghan lad? looks absolutely juiced up

Feed of 🥣 according to the bomber

https://mobile.twitter.com/EoinListon/status/1159807194809929731

Quote from: WhoDat on August 11, 2019, 07:40:44 PM
I dont see why mayo wouldn't be there or thereabouts again next year. they wont win it, no one except dublin will for the foreseeable, but they have found a few new players, won the league and still made a semi final while carrying a number of injuries through the year. they can still be competitive next year. they should probably focus on winning connacht again. if they keep an eye on roscommon and given kevin walsh is showing no signs of moving, I'd say they've a great chance of snatching it back.

The manner and margin of the defeats against the two All Ireland finalists Dublin and Kerry didn't have Mayo there or thereabouts this summer. Rebuilding is needed now and it will take longer than a year before Mayo are able to give Dublin a competitive match for 70 mins.

Quote from: Cunny Funt on August 11, 2019, 11:15:04 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 11, 2019, 07:40:44 PM
I dont see why mayo wouldn't be there or thereabouts again next year. they wont win it, no one except dublin will for the foreseeable, but they have found a few new players, won the league and still made a semi final while carrying a number of injuries through the year. they can still be competitive next year. they should probably focus on winning connacht again. if they keep an eye on roscommon and given kevin walsh is showing no signs of moving, I'd say they've a great chance of snatching it back.

The manner and margin of the defeats against the two All Ireland finalists Dublin and Kerry didn't have Mayo there or thereabouts this summer. Rebuilding is needed now and it will take longer than a year before Mayo are able to give Dublin a competitive match for 70 mins.

as i said, they seem to have been dealing with a lot of injuries as well as playing week on week for most of the summer and still made a semi final. ok, the margin of the defeats to kerry and dublin weren't great, but i think there's mitigating factors there for the kerry game especially. they basially functioned with one midfielder in aidan o'shea for most of the championship, which had a big impact on the outcome of the kerry game. they've had key players spending most of their summer in a hospital ward instead of the pitch and were dealing with an insane schedule that neither kerry nor dublin were dealing with. i would have liked to see a replay of mayo v kerry with a fully fit and rested mayo squad. i think it would have been a lot closer and i'd actually fancy mayo to come out the right side of such an encounter.
for what it's worth, kerry wont lay a glove on dublin in the final and i would expect a similar beating to what mayo got yesterday for them. no one is going to give dublin a competitive match in the foreseeable future.

Quote from: WhoDat on August 11, 2019, 11:03:03 PM
what's the story with that o'callaghan lad? looks absolutely juiced up

Ten years too late with that question about the Dubs.

Quote from: Halfquarter on August 11, 2019, 11:52:14 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 11, 2019, 11:03:03 PM
what's the story with that o'callaghan lad? looks absolutely juiced up

Ten years too late with that question about the Dubs.

their fitness levels seem light years ahead of everyone. they're finishing games looking fitter and fresher than when they started them. mayo used to be the only team who were a physical match for them, but i dont think thats even true anymore

Quote from: Halfquarter on August 11, 2019, 11:52:14 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 11, 2019, 11:03:03 PM
what's the story with that o'callaghan lad? looks absolutely juiced up

Ten years too late with that question about the Dubs.

Ok. What are we talking about here?
There are posts about financial doping here all the time. Right?
Are people suggesting something else?

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 12:02:52 AM

Quote from: Halfquarter on August 11, 2019, 11:52:14 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 11, 2019, 11:03:03 PM
what's the story with that o'callaghan lad? looks absolutely juiced up

Ten years too late with that question about the Dubs.

their fitness levels seem light years ahead of everyone. they're finishing games looking fitter and fresher than when they started them. mayo used to be the only team who were a physical match for them, but i dont think thats even true anymore

Anyone taking even a passing interest in the potential for doping in the Gaa would be deeply disturbed at how easy it would be to cheat. This is a fact that applies beyond Dublin. People are horribly naive on the subject.

Quote from: moysider on August 12, 2019, 12:40:56 AM

Quote from: Halfquarter on August 11, 2019, 11:52:14 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 11, 2019, 11:03:03 PM
what's the story with that o'callaghan lad? looks absolutely juiced up

Ten years too late with that question about the Dubs.

Ok. What are we talking about here?
There are posts about financial doping here all the time. Right?
Are people suggesting something else?

This quote comes to mind !

"When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck."

Fook sake lads!

Of course you get individuals, like the Kerry idiot, who will take stuff they shouldnt. But not a chance there's anything systemic in any intercounty squad, especially not Dublin where everything they take is monitored to the nth degree.
The lads to watch in any county would be lads who have just failed to make the grade, and then themselves feel to need to get big quickly in order to have a chance of breaking in.

Of course there are morons who think that doing proper weights can't build muscle mass, and some of them post here.

Quote from: Hound on August 12, 2019, 09:14:25 AM
Fook sake lads!

Of course you get individuals, like the Kerry idiot, who will take stuff they shouldnt. But not a chance there's anything systemic in any intercounty squad, especially not Dublin where everything they take is monitored to the nth degree.
The lads to watch in any county would be lads who have just failed to make the grade, and then themselves feel to need to get big quickly in order to have a chance of breaking in.

Of course there are morons who think that doing proper weights can't build muscle mass, and some of them post here.

I agree with your last sentence especially. People think anyone with muscle is on gear. Funny thing is I haven't seen anyone question Mattie Donnelly. Only seems to be Dublin players

Quote from: Hound on August 12, 2019, 09:14:25 AM
Fook sake lads!
.

Of course there are morons who think that doing proper weights can't build muscle mass, and some of them post here.

Fair enough , I just wish mayo players would start the same programme as con o Callaghan so. Absolutely no difference in football skills in half dozen mayo forwards and o Callaghan but s&c difference between him and someone like Conor loftus is off the scale

Quote from: larryin89 on August 12, 2019, 10:04:50 AM

Quote from: Hound on August 12, 2019, 09:14:25 AM
Fook sake lads!
.

Of course there are morons who think that doing proper weights can't build muscle mass, and some of them post here.

Fair enough , I just wish mayo players would start the same programme as con o Callaghan so. Absolutely no difference in football skills in half dozen mayo forwards and o Callaghan but s&c difference between him and someone like Conor loftus is off the scale

Maybe Conor should ask Donie how to build muscles.

Quote from: larryin89 on August 12, 2019, 10:04:50 AM

Quote from: Hound on August 12, 2019, 09:14:25 AM
Fook sake lads!
.

Of course there are morons who think that doing proper weights can't build muscle mass, and some of them post here.

Fair enough , I just wish mayo players would start the same programme as con o Callaghan so. Absolutely no difference in football skills in half dozen mayo forwards and o Callaghan but s&c difference between him and someone like Conor loftus is off the scale

Believing this is why Mayo shoot wides more often than Dublin. Paul Mannion used to be a very erratic shooter. Now, you can believe if you want that he went off and got "juiced" - or you could believe the truth that this inconsistency was identified, explained to the player, and worked on relentlessly by that player.

Quote from: larryin89 on August 12, 2019, 10:04:50 AM

Quote from: Hound on August 12, 2019, 09:14:25 AM
Fook sake lads!
.

Of course there are morons who think that doing proper weights can't build muscle mass, and some of them post here.

Fair enough , I just wish mayo players would start the same programme as con o Callaghan so. Absolutely no difference in football skills in half dozen mayo forwards and o Callaghan but s&c difference between him and someone like Conor loftus is off the scale

Get real. It was obvious O'Callaghan was going to be a top class player when he was 17. There is years of quality conditioning in the Mayo players. Loftus is hardly a fair comparison with O'Callaghan skill wise.

I also think he's maybe a better hurler. His movement, pace etc are phenomenal in both sports. Performance enhancing drugs won't coach that intelligence of movement.

It's a bit of a radical conclusion to come to that because someone has bulked up a lot they're juiced up. The guy is a phenomenal talent. He's also at a young age where he probably has only started hitting the weights hard the last year or two and it's not like he was small to begin with.

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 12, 2019, 11:05:02 AM
I also think he's maybe a better hurler. His movement, pace etc are phenomenal in both sports. Performance enhancing drugs won't coach that intelligence of movement.

It's a bit of a radical conclusion to come to that because someone has bulked up a lot they're juiced up. The guy is a phenomenal talent. He's also at a young age where he probably has only started hitting the weights hard the last year or two and it's not like he was small to begin with.

Exactly. Con is one player that would have come though no matter where he was from. If his father had stayed in Mullingar then he'd be full forward for Westmeath now and be just as good. Albeit he'd be winning Div 3 medals instead of all-Ireland's.

taken out of context as per , forget what you think of Conor loftus as a footballer (I am of the opinion he can kick a ball as good as any in the country ) , my point is Conor came on the senior county scene with a savage goal v Derry in 2017 to save our blushes , played really well v Kerry in semi in 17. Two years on he's the same skinny young fella as in 17 where as o Callaghan has blown up to a machine who can shrug lee Keegan off like an annoying fly on him. Surely you can see my point , the Dublin set up is so much more advanced than ours.

Quote from: larryin89 on August 12, 2019, 10:04:50 AM

Quote from: Hound on August 12, 2019, 09:14:25 AM
Fook sake lads!
.

Of course there are morons who think that doing proper weights can't build muscle mass, and some of them post here.

Fair enough , I just wish mayo players would start the same programme as con o Callaghan so. Absolutely no difference in football skills in half dozen mayo forwards and o Callaghan but s&c difference between him and someone like Conor loftus is off the scale

Name ONE Mayo forward who has the same football skills as Con. Mayo's point shooting has been killing them all season and did again in the 2nd half on saturday. Lack of physicality has not been the problem.

Kevin McMenamon was told one of the reasons he wasn't getting a starting place was because he was so one footed and opponents could focus on this. He has worked hard on this and is now equally comfortable on his left or right foot (like the majority of the dublin forwards)

How many of the Mayo forwards are equally strong shooting on both their left and right foot?

Can anyone tell me what paper or whatever does Aidan O'Rourke write for?
Just seen a clip on RTE New Now where he says Mayo got almost everything right last day.
That's news to me and I'd like to take a lot at his article or blog or wherever he posts his work.
Incidentally, I think it's daft to even think Con is on gear.
I couldn't imagine that Jim Gavin would tolerate such behaviour by anybody on his panel and I don't think Con would consider jeopardising his career  or his health by taking shortcuts to bulking up. Given the facilities at his disposal, he didn't need drugs to get him to where he is.

Quote from: larryin89 on August 12, 2019, 11:51:52 AM
taken out of context as per , forget what you think of Conor loftus as a footballer (I am of the opinion he can kick a ball as good as any in the country ) , my point is Conor came on the senior county scene with a savage goal v Derry in 2017 to save our blushes , played really well v Kerry in semi in 17. Two years on he's the same skinny young fella as in 17 where as o Callaghan has blown up to a machine who can shrug lee Keegan off like an annoying fly on him. Surely you can see my point , the Dublin set up is so much more advanced than ours.

Mayo had Barry Solan overseeing their S&C under Rochford. If 1 player has not developed then it could be down to a number of reasons, but I guarantee you Mayo's S&C set up is excellent. You can't  force a guy to do the work, eat the right food, etc. The vast majority of the Mayo team are in top class physical condition.

Quote from: shark on August 12, 2019, 11:59:45 AM

Quote from: larryin89 on August 12, 2019, 11:51:52 AM
taken out of context as per , forget what you think of Conor loftus as a footballer (I am of the opinion he can kick a ball as good as any in the country ) , my point is Conor came on the senior county scene with a savage goal v Derry in 2017 to save our blushes , played really well v Kerry in semi in 17. Two years on he's the same skinny young fella as in 17 where as o Callaghan has blown up to a machine who can shrug lee Keegan off like an annoying fly on him. Surely you can see my point , the Dublin set up is so much more advanced than ours.

Mayo had Barry Solan overseeing their S&C under Rochford. If 1 player has not developed then it could be down to a number of reasons, but I guarantee you Mayo's S&C set up is excellent. You can't  force a guy to do the work, eat the right food, etc. The vast majority of the Mayo team are in top class physical condition.

This is not true for new additions since 17, very stringy lads , fit yes , lots of stamina but lack power and pace

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 11:57:19 AM
Can anyone tell me what paper or whatever does Aidan O'Rourke write for?
Just seen a clip on RTE New Now where he says Mayo got almost everything right last day.
That's news to me and I'd like to take a lot at his article or blog or wherever he posts his work.
Incidentally, I think it's daft to even think Con is on gear.
I couldn't imagine that Jim Gavin would tolerate such behaviour by anybody on his panel and I don't think Con would consider jeopardising his career  or his health by taking shortcuts to bulking up. Given the facilities at his disposal, he didn't need drugs to get him to where he is.

Maybe he only watched the first half

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 11:57:19 AM
Can anyone tell me what paper or whatever does Aidan O'Rourke write for?
Just seen a clip on RTE New Now where he says Mayo got almost everything right last day.
That's news to me and I'd like to take a lot at his article or blog or wherever he posts his work.
Incidentally, I think it's daft to even think Con is on gear.
I couldn't imagine that Jim Gavin would tolerate such behaviour by anybody on his panel and I don't think Con would consider jeopardising his career  or his health by taking shortcuts to bulking up. Given the facilities at his disposal, he didn't need drugs to get him to where he is.

O'Rourke has blog on RTE GAA page

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0812/1068328-mayo-got-almost-everything-right-against-dublin/

Who ever said Con O'Callaghan was juicing needs their head examined. There was a lot innuendo a few years ago about another Dublin player, never came to anything but a lot indicators were there.

Most juicing is undertook by the individual in amateur sports.

Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especially when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his time to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream media outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especiaslly when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his timet to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Where did you hear this? First I have heard about it. Can't disagree with you about O'Connor. Unfortunately,he has earned himself a hard man's reputation and I honestly think he does believe in getting his retaliation in first a lot of the time. Contrast that with Aidan O'Shea. He gets more abuse, verbal and physical than any other I can think of but he can be compared with O'Connor in this regard.
It's a pity but that's the way I see it; he has earned a bad reputation and isn't likely to get the benefit of the doubt from most referees.

Quote from: shark on August 12, 2019, 11:33:37 AM

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 12, 2019, 11:05:02 AM
I also think he's maybe a better hurler. His movement, pace etc are phenomenal in both sports. Performance enhancing drugs won't coach that intelligence of movement.

It's a bit of a radical conclusion to come to that because someone has bulked up a lot they're juiced up. The guy is a phenomenal talent. He's also at a young age where he probably has only started hitting the weights hard the last year or two and it's not like he was small to begin with.

Exactly. Con is one player that would have come though no matter where he was from. If his father had stayed in Mullingar then he'd be full forward for Westmeath now and be just as good. Albeit he'd be winning Div 3 medals instead of all-Ireland's.

I thought he was Athlone?

Heard a comment that if he'd stayed, it would have been 2 All Irelands for Garrycastle in football rather than 2 for Cuala in hurling! But maybe someone was confused...

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especiaslly when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his timet to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Where did you hear this? First I have heard about it. Can't disagree with you about O'Connor. Unfortunately,he has earned himself a hard man's reputation and I honestly think he does believe in getting his retaliation in first a lot of the time. Contrast that with Aidan O'Shea. He gets more abuse, verbal and physical than any other I can think of but he can be compared with O'Connor in this regard.
It's a pity but that's the way I see it; he has earned a bad reputation and isn't likely to get the benefit of the doubt from most referees.

I have no proof but believe my source, i wouldnt say hes doing it for nothing. I dont want to witch hunt any player and i will leave it at that Re: O Connor, i wont be opening a thread on a single player and let it run for 110 pages because he put a finger on a linesman.

Quote from: Hound on August 12, 2019, 02:34:15 PM

Quote from: shark on August 12, 2019, 11:33:37 AM

Quote from: imtommygunn on August 12, 2019, 11:05:02 AM
I also think he's maybe a better hurler. His movement, pace etc are phenomenal in both sports. Performance enhancing drugs won't coach that intelligence of movement.

It's a bit of a radical conclusion to come to that because someone has bulked up a lot they're juiced up. The guy is a phenomenal talent. He's also at a young age where he probably has only started hitting the weights hard the last year or two and it's not like he was small to begin with.

Exactly. Con is one player that would have come though no matter where he was from. If his father had stayed in Mullingar then he'd be full forward for Westmeath now and be just as good. Albeit he'd be winning Div 3 medals instead of all-Ireland's.

I thought he was Athlone?

Heard a comment that if he'd stayed, it would have been 2 All Irelands for Garrycastle in football rather than 2 for Cuala in hurling! But maybe someone was confused...

Pretty sure Mullingar, but not certain.  Con's Grandfather was Westmeath county board chairman at one stage (late 60's I think), while working as an army officer in Columb Barracks in Mullingar.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 02:42:14 PM

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especiaslly when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his timet to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Where did you hear this? First I have heard about it. Can't disagree with you about O'Connor. Unfortunately,he has earned himself a hard man's reputation and I honestly think he does believe in getting his retaliation in first a lot of the time. Contrast that with Aidan O'Shea. He gets more abuse, verbal and physical than any other I can think of but he can be compared with O'Connor in this regard.
It's a pity but that's the way I see it; he has earned a bad reputation and isn't likely to get the benefit of the doubt from most referees.

I have no proof but believe my source, i wouldnt say hes doing it for nothing. I dont want to witch hunt any player and i will leave it at that Re: O Connor, i wont be opening a thread on a single player and let it run for 110 pages because he put a finger on a linesman.

Yeah but just a former player and manager right though? You're full of shit and just because that Connolly thread was bullshit or the crap about Dublin players not having jobs or conspiracy theories that Dublin players are juiced up doesn't excuse that you are full of shite and will spew and or believe any old bollix you hear about the hill 16 hate figures like O'Shea, Keegan, Horan, Andy Moran etc...
The great Randy Newman had a song called small people and you should have a listen to it you might find it interesting!!

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 02:59:27 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 02:42:14 PM

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especiaslly when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his timet to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Where did you hear this? First I have heard about it. Can't disagree with you about O'Connor. Unfortunately,he has earned himself a hard man's reputation and I honestly think he does believe in getting his retaliation in first a lot of the time. Contrast that with Aidan O'Shea. He gets more abuse, verbal and physical than any other I can think of but he can be compared with O'Connor in this regard.
It's a pity but that's the way I see it; he has earned a bad reputation and isn't likely to get the benefit of the doubt from most referees.

I have no proof but believe my source, i wouldnt say hes doing it for nothing. I dont want to witch hunt any player and i will leave it at that Re: O Connor, i wont be opening a thread on a single player and let it run for 110 pages because he put a finger on a linesman.

Yeah but just a former player and manager right though? Your full of shit and just because that Connolly thread was bullshit or the crap about Dublin players not having jobs or conspiracy theories that Dublin players are juiced up doesn't excuse that you are full of shite and will spew and or believe any old bollix you hear about the hill 16 hate figures like O'Shea, Keegan, Horan, Andy Moran etc...
The great Randy Newman had a song called small people and you should have a listen to it you might find it interesting!!

Sorry, you will find me in the Hogan stand these days. I dont hate anyone,  i understand a lot of these guys have lives to get on with the next day, i am not like others on this forum with personal and libel attackes on players.

I do believe it should be open to the Public what managers are getting paid. It would cut out  a lot of these " rumours".

Well done to the Dubs. That first 10 mins of the second half was just awesome and is the best I have seen from the Dubs ever and maybe any football team I have seen in the flesh!!

Gavin got it perfect with the way the identified how weak Hennelly's kick outs are and exposed ruthlessly this big weakness with typical Gavin military precision!! Then throw on top natural flare of Paul Mannion who kicked one of the best points I have ever seen in front of me under the Cusack stand. Fenton then topped it off with a superb catch where he soared above three Mayo men to pluck the ball out of the sky!!

Moysider summed it up well that we actually controlled the ball well in the first half like we have never really done before in a big game in Croker but I felt despite this we still seemed a little flat footed despite bringing good intensity to the game.
Unfortunately the Hennelly experiment fell well short again. Nobody would honestly argue he is a better keeper than Clarke or better player so the main argument for starting him is his better restarts! Again as happens more often than not, these better restarts didn't really appear as Robbie nervously kicked balls straight to Dublin players immediately putting Mayo on the back foot even when we were on top in the first half!! If Horan can't come up with a plan for Clarke's kick outs then he needs to look elsewhere for a keeper because you give up to much in terms of leadership, composure and goalkeeping play for the hope that Hennelly might have a rare good day with his limited range of restarts!!

We need to improve a good bit with our delivery into the full forward line as in the first half Cillian and James Carr were showing well for the ball but we couldn't work the opening for direct quick ball into them and hence the lack of goal chances created in the first half. As good a game as Paddy Durcan had in terms of defending and work rate he really needs to get his head up more and not try too hard to take on impossible scores. Also I was very disappointed on how our more experienced players completely lost composure going for impossible goals after the Dublin blitz of 1-2 instead of working easier points to keep the scoreboard ticking over which might have slowed the Dublin onslaught and mentally kept us in the game a bit longer.

Overall though I think Horan has done well introducing the younger players into the team without tearing it all down and while there will be some retirements and some more older players moved on from, Mayo can continue to evolve and improve next year and hopefully be in the mix at the business end of the championship over the next few years.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 03:09:25 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 02:59:27 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 02:42:14 PM

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especiaslly when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his timet to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Where did you hear this? First I have heard about it. Can't disagree with you about O'Connor. Unfortunately,he has earned himself a hard man's reputation and I honestly think he does believe in getting his retaliation in first a lot of the time. Contrast that with Aidan O'Shea. He gets more abuse, verbal and physical than any other I can think of but he can be compared with O'Connor in this regard.
It's a pity but that's the way I see it; he has earned a bad reputation and isn't likely to get the benefit of the doubt from most referees.

I have no proof but believe my source, i wouldnt say hes doing it for nothing. I dont want to witch hunt any player and i will leave it at that Re: O Connor, i wont be opening a thread on a single player and let it run for 110 pages because he put a finger on a linesman.

Yeah but just a former player and manager right though? Your full of shit and just because that Connolly thread was bullshit or the crap about Dublin players not having jobs or conspiracy theories that Dublin players are juiced up doesn't excuse that you are full of shite and will spew and or believe any old bollix you hear about the hill 16 hate figures like O'Shea, Keegan, Horan, Andy Moran etc...
The great Randy Newman had a song called small people and you should have a listen to it you might find it interesting!!

Sorry, you will find me in the Hogan stand these days. I dont hate anyone,  i understand a lot of these guys have lives to get on with the next day, i am not like others on this forum with personal and libel attackes on players.

I do believe it should be open to the Public what managers are getting paid. It would cut out  a lot of these " rumours".

Again you are talking complete bullshit. You have no problem having a go at any Mayo player on here or anything connected with Mayo football or posting some bullshit statement about your perception of how Mayo get all the decisions from refs or more whataboutery on Mayo's finances or James Horan's supposed payments while posting all this anonymously on a internet forum and constantly sniping at Mayo but then coming out with a mealy mouthed I don't hate any county statement and sure good luck anyway blah blah blah!!
Provide some facts to back up your rumours or at least have the balls to stand by your sneaky comments and insults or just keep them to yourself. You would swear the Dubs had 68 year famine and were not going for a historic five in a row with the miserable threads, bollix bar stool philosopher posts and bullshit lies you spew about Mayo on here for the last couple of years.

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 03:42:45 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 03:09:25 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 02:59:27 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 02:42:14 PM

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especiaslly when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his timet to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Where did you hear this? First I have heard about it. Can't disagree with you about O'Connor. Unfortunately,he has earned himself a hard man's reputation and I honestly think he does believe in getting his retaliation in first a lot of the time. Contrast that with Aidan O'Shea. He gets more abuse, verbal and physical than any other I can think of but he can be compared with O'Connor in this regard.
It's a pity but that's the way I see it; he has earned a bad reputation and isn't likely to get the benefit of the doubt from most referees.

I have no proof but believe my source, i wouldnt say hes doing it for nothing. I dont want to witch hunt any player and i will leave it at that Re: O Connor, i wont be opening a thread on a single player and let it run for 110 pages because he put a finger on a linesman.

Yeah but just a former player and manager right though? Your full of shit and just because that Connolly thread was bullshit or the crap about Dublin players not having jobs or conspiracy theories that Dublin players are juiced up doesn't excuse that you are full of shite and will spew and or believe any old bollix you hear about the hill 16 hate figures like O'Shea, Keegan, Horan, Andy Moran etc...
The great Randy Newman had a song called small people and you should have a listen to it you might find it interesting!!

Sorry, you will find me in the Hogan stand these days. I dont hate anyone,  i understand a lot of these guys have lives to get on with the next day, i am not like others on this forum with personal and libel attackes on players.

I do believe it should be open to the Public what managers are getting paid. It would cut out  a lot of these " rumours".

Again you are talking complete bullshit. You have no problem having a go at any Mayo player on here or anything connected with Mayo football or posting some bullshit statement about your perception of how Mayo get all the decisions from refs or more whataboutery on Mayo's finances or James Horan's supposed payments while posting all this anonymously on a internet forum and constantly sniping at Mayo but then coming out with a mealy mouthed I don't hate any county statement and sure good luck anyway blah blah blah!!
Provide some facts to back up your rumours or at least have the balls to stand by your sneaky comments and insults or just keep them to yourself. You would swear the Dubs had 68 year famine and were not going for a historic five in a row with the miserable threads, bollix bar stool philosopher posts and bullshit lies you spew about Mayo on here for the last couple of years.

You must be getting me confused with a few of the Mayo posters on here. Again i wont be drawn into personal attacks, attack the post, not the poster, il leave it at that.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 03:51:09 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 03:42:45 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 03:09:25 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 02:59:27 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 02:42:14 PM

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especiaslly when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his timet to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Where did you hear this? First I have heard about it. Can't disagree with you about O'Connor. Unfortunately,he has earned himself a hard man's reputation and I honestly think he does believe in getting his retaliation in first a lot of the time. Contrast that with Aidan O'Shea. He gets more abuse, verbal and physical than any other I can think of but he can be compared with O'Connor in this regard.
It's a pity but that's the way I see it; he has earned a bad reputation and isn't likely to get the benefit of the doubt from most referees.

I have no proof but believe my source, i wouldnt say hes doing it for nothing. I dont want to witch hunt any player and i will leave it at that Re: O Connor, i wont be opening a thread on a single player and let it run for 110 pages because he put a finger on a linesman.

Yeah but just a former player and manager right though? Your full of shit and just because that Connolly thread was bullshit or the crap about Dublin players not having jobs or conspiracy theories that Dublin players are juiced up doesn't excuse that you are full of shite and will spew and or believe any old bollix you hear about the hill 16 hate figures like O'Shea, Keegan, Horan, Andy Moran etc...
The great Randy Newman had a song called small people and you should have a listen to it you might find it interesting!!

Sorry, you will find me in the Hogan stand these days. I dont hate anyone,  i understand a lot of these guys have lives to get on with the next day, i am not like others on this forum with personal and libel attackes on players.

I do believe it should be open to the Public what managers are getting paid. It would cut out  a lot of these " rumours".

Again you are talking complete bullshit. You have no problem having a go at any Mayo player on here or anything connected with Mayo football or posting some bullshit statement about your perception of how Mayo get all the decisions from refs or more whataboutery on Mayo's finances or James Horan's supposed payments while posting all this anonymously on a internet forum and constantly sniping at Mayo but then coming out with a mealy mouthed I don't hate any county statement and sure good luck anyway blah blah blah!!
Provide some facts to back up your rumours or at least have the balls to stand by your sneaky comments and insults or just keep them to yourself. You would swear the Dubs had 68 year famine and were not going for a historic five in a row with the miserable threads, bollix bar stool philosopher posts and bullshit lies you spew about Mayo on here for the last couple of years.

You must be getting me confused with a few of the Mayo posters on here. Again i wont be drawn into personal attacks, attack the post, not the poster, il leave it at that.

As I said have the balls to stand by the tripe you post and if you can't back it up then don't post it. You don't have to be drawn into personal attacks as you blindly attack certain Mayo players and management both directly and indirectly in the majority of your posts. You engage in whataboutery about Mayo posters and other posters post this and that about Dublin but then post more rumors and lies about Mayo players, managers and Mayo in general in here over and over and over!!
There is a confused poster in this thread but I will give you a clue I am not that poster so try and solve this puzzle!!!

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 03:28:13 PM
Well done to the Dubs. That first 10 mins of the second half was just awesome and is the best I have seen from the Dubs ever and maybe any football team I have seen in the flesh!!

Gavin got it perfect with the way the identified how weak Hennelly's kick outs are and exposed ruthlessly this big weakness with typical Gavin military precision!! Then throw on top natural flare of Paul Mannion who kicked one of the best points I have ever seen in front of me under the Cusack stand. Fenton then topped it off with a superb catch where he soared above three Mayo men to pluck the ball out of the sky!!

Moysider summed it up well that we actually controlled the ball well in the first half like we have never really done before in a big game in Croker but I felt despite this we still seemed a little flat footed despite bringing good intensity to the game.
Unfortunately the Hennelly experiment fell well short again. Nobody would honestly argue he is a better keeper than Clarke or better player so the main argument for starting him is his better restarts! Again as happens more often than not, these better restarts didn't really appear as Robbie nervously kicked balls straight to Dublin players immediately putting Mayo on the back foot even when we were on top in the first half!! If Horan can't come up with a plan for Clarke's kick outs then he needs to look elsewhere for a keeper because you give up to much in terms of leadership, composure and goalkeeping play for the hope that Hennelly might have a rare good day with his limited range of restarts!!

We need to improve a good bit with our delivery into the full forward line as in the first half Cillian and James Carr were showing well for the ball but we couldn't work the opening for direct quick ball into them and hence the lack of goal chances created in the first half. As good a game as Paddy Durcan had in terms of defending and work rate he really needs to get his head up more and not try too hard to take on impossible scores. Also I was very disappointed on how our more experienced players completely lost composure going for impossible goals after the Dublin blitz of 1-2 instead of working easier points to keep the scoreboard ticking over which might have slowed the Dublin onslaught and mentally kept us in the game a bit longer.

Overall though I think Horan has done well introducing the younger players into the team without tearing it all down and while there will be some retirements and some more older players moved on from, Mayo can continue to evolve and improve next year and hopefully be in the mix at the business end of the championship over the next few years.

It's a real pity that Mayo ran up against the Dubs and lost 3 all Irelands to them
Galway lost 3 in the 70s and it's never easy. 
I remember 2012 thinking they would do it. Got so close.  Brought so much respect to the county.
Galway hurlers have a very bad finals record as well but managed it in 2017. I hope post GAA reform that Mayo will finally do it.
The feeling is unbeatable.

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 03:42:45 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 03:09:25 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 02:59:27 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 02:42:14 PM

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especiaslly when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his timet to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Where did you hear this? First I have heard about it. Can't disagree with you about O'Connor. Unfortunately,he has earned himself a hard man's reputation and I honestly think he does believe in getting his retaliation in first a lot of the time. Contrast that with Aidan O'Shea. He gets more abuse, verbal and physical than any other I can think of but he can be compared with O'Connor in this regard.
It's a pity but that's the way I see it; he has earned a bad reputation and isn't likely to get the benefit of the doubt from most referees.

I have no proof but believe my source, i wouldnt say hes doing it for nothing. I dont want to witch hunt any player and i will leave it at that Re: O Connor, i wont be opening a thread on a single player and let it run for 110 pages because he put a finger on a linesman.

Yeah but just a former player and manager right though? Your full of shit and just because that Connolly thread was bullshit or the crap about Dublin players not having jobs or conspiracy theories that Dublin players are juiced up doesn't excuse that you are full of shite and will spew and or believe any old bollix you hear about the hill 16 hate figures like O'Shea, Keegan, Horan, Andy Moran etc...
The great Randy Newman had a song called small people and you should have a listen to it you might find it interesting!!

Sorry, you will find me in the Hogan stand these days. I dont hate anyone,  i understand a lot of these guys have lives to get on with the next day, i am not like others on this forum with personal and libel attackes on players.

I do believe it should be open to the Public what managers are getting paid. It would cut out  a lot of these " rumours".

Again you are talking complete bullshit. You have no problem having a go at any Mayo player on here or anything connected with Mayo football or posting some bullshit statement about your perception of how Mayo get all the decisions from refs or more whataboutery on Mayo's finances or James Horan's supposed payments while posting all this anonymously on a internet forum and constantly sniping at Mayo but then coming out with a mealy mouthed I don't hate any county statement and sure good luck anyway blah blah blah!!
Provide some facts to back up your rumours or at least have the balls to stand by your sneaky comments and insults or just keep them to yourself. You would swear the Dubs had 68 year famine and were not going for a historic five in a row with the miserable threads, bollix bar stool philosopher posts and bullshit lies you spew about Mayo on here for the last couple of years.

Fair play for calling this bullshit for what it is. This same poster is continuously at this crack and when called out on it to provide the proof he cannot show it. He claims other counties pay their managers while Jim Gavin does it for sfa. Cannot provide proof for either. Never mind the constant disparaging, snide and condescending comments emanating from every post of his.

A complete bluffer/bullshitter.

cant believe anyone is saying mayo should drop o'connor. who cares if he is aggressive? there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or any intercounty football team. mayo have been way too soft in past years, they need characters like o'connor

Quote from: seafoid on August 12, 2019, 04:18:36 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 03:28:13 PM
Well done to the Dubs. That first 10 mins of the second half was just awesome and is the best I have seen from the Dubs ever and maybe any football team I have seen in the flesh!!

Gavin got it perfect with the way the identified how weak Hennelly's kick outs are and exposed ruthlessly this big weakness with typical Gavin military precision!! Then throw on top natural flare of Paul Mannion who kicked one of the best points I have ever seen in front of me under the Cusack stand. Fenton then topped it off with a superb catch where he soared above three Mayo men to pluck the ball out of the sky!!

Moysider summed it up well that we actually controlled the ball well in the first half like we have never really done before in a big game in Croker but I felt despite this we still seemed a little flat footed despite bringing good intensity to the game.
Unfortunately the Hennelly experiment fell well short again. Nobody would honestly argue he is a better keeper than Clarke or better player so the main argument for starting him is his better restarts! Again as happens more often than not, these better restarts didn't really appear as Robbie nervously kicked balls straight to Dublin players immediately putting Mayo on the back foot even when we were on top in the first half!! If Horan can't come up with a plan for Clarke's kick outs then he needs to look elsewhere for a keeper because you give up to much in terms of leadership, composure and goalkeeping play for the hope that Hennelly might have a rare good day with his limited range of restarts!!

We need to improve a good bit with our delivery into the full forward line as in the first half Cillian and James Carr were showing well for the ball but we couldn't work the opening for direct quick ball into them and hence the lack of goal chances created in the first half. As good a game as Paddy Durcan had in terms of defending and work rate he really needs to get his head up more and not try too hard to take on impossible scores. Also I was very disappointed on how our more experienced players completely lost composure going for impossible goals after the Dublin blitz of 1-2 instead of working easier points to keep the scoreboard ticking over which might have slowed the Dublin onslaught and mentally kept us in the game a bit longer.

Overall though I think Horan has done well introducing the younger players into the team without tearing it all down and while there will be some retirements and some more older players moved on from, Mayo can continue to evolve and improve next year and hopefully be in the mix at the business end of the championship over the next few years.

It's a real pity that Mayo ran up against the Dubs and lost 3 all Irelands to them
Galway lost 3 in the 70s and it's never easy. 
I remember 2012 thinking they would do it. Got so close.  Brought so much respect to the county.
Galway hurlers have a very bad finals record as well but managed it in 2017. I hope post GAA reform that Mayo will finally do it.
The feeling is unbeatable.

Galway footballer lost three finals in a row in the forties then licked their wounds and returned in the fifties with the duo of Purcell and Stockwell so hopefully we in Mayo can continue to evolve work hard and get better!!

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 04:24:21 PM
cant believe anyone is saying mayo should drop o'connor. who cares if he is aggressive? there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or any intercounty football team. mayo have been way too soft in past years, they need characters like o'connor

He should be dropped due to his lack of quality as a forward who can't score points from play.

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 12, 2019, 05:00:23 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 04:24:21 PM
cant believe anyone is saying mayo should drop o'connor. who cares if he is aggressive? there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or any intercounty football team. mayo have been way too soft in past years, they need characters like o'connor

He should be dropped due to his lack of quality as a forward who can't score points from play.

Jesus Christ man what do you care from your south Dublin suburb about a buckeen from balintubber in co Mayo , Mayo are out too .it beggars belief yer obsession , there is something missing from your own crowd  I swear it's the truth , it's like all the dubs are closet mayo supporters .

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 12, 2019, 05:00:23 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 04:24:21 PM
cant believe anyone is saying mayo should drop o'connor. who cares if he is aggressive? there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or any intercounty football team. mayo have been way too soft in past years, they need characters like o'connor

He should be dropped due to his lack of quality as a forward who can't score points from play.

the top scorer ever in championship but sure people will still continue to try and argue with bare facts

There is no way in hell Mayo should drop COC

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 12, 2019, 05:00:23 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 04:24:21 PM
cant believe anyone is saying mayo should drop o'connor. who cares if he is aggressive? there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or any intercounty football team. mayo have been way too soft in past years, they need characters like o'connor

He should be dropped due to his lack of quality as a forward who can't score points from play.

You didn't see the game the other day then? O'Connor is a very very good forward.

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 12, 2019, 09:15:27 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 12, 2019, 05:00:23 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 04:24:21 PM
cant believe anyone is saying mayo should drop o'connor. who cares if he is aggressive? there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or any intercounty football team. mayo have been way too soft in past years, they need characters like o'connor

He should be dropped due to his lack of quality as a forward who can't score points from play.

You didn't see the game the other day then? O'Connor is a very very good forward.

He wasn't much use Sat. Kicked one nice point and a bad wide in the 1st half. 2nd half the only target he hit was Davey Byrne.

Didn't offer any leadership and let down his team mates with that red card. With all the abuse Aidan O'Shea gets from opposition teams you never see him lash out. Usually COC uses his elbows to take out players so maybe that was out of character for him.

If Connolly had done that there'd be pages of abuse from posters slaughtering him.

Quote from: dublin7 on August 12, 2019, 09:22:58 PM

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 12, 2019, 09:15:27 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 12, 2019, 05:00:23 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 04:24:21 PM
cant believe anyone is saying mayo should drop o'connor. who cares if he is aggressive? there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or any intercounty football team. mayo have been way too soft in past years, they need characters like o'connor

He should be dropped due to his lack of quality as a forward who can't score points from play.

You didn't see the game the other day then? O'Connor is a very very good forward.

He wasn't much use Sat. Kicked one nice point and a bad wide in the 1st half. 2nd half the only target he hit was Davey Byrne.

Didn't offer any leadership and let down his team mates with that red card. With all the abuse Aidan O'Shea gets from opposition teams you never see him lash out. Usually COC uses his elbows to take out players so maybe that was out of character for him.

If Connolly had done that there'd be pages of abuse from posters slaughtering him.

and yet connolly is still there playing for dublin and is cheered on by dublin fans, despite his conduct on and off the field of play. and yet you're saying o'connor should be dropped because he got a red card in a game
as i said there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or on any team and mayo have needed a player with a bit of fire for a long time now

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 11:56:36 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 12, 2019, 09:22:58 PM

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 12, 2019, 09:15:27 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 12, 2019, 05:00:23 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 04:24:21 PM
cant believe anyone is saying mayo should drop o'connor. who cares if he is aggressive? there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or any intercounty football team. mayo have been way too soft in past years, they need characters like o'connor

He should be dropped due to his lack of quality as a forward who can't score points from play.

You didn't see the game the other day then? O'Connor is a very very good forward.

He wasn't much use Sat. Kicked one nice point and a bad wide in the 1st half. 2nd half the only target he hit was Davey Byrne.

Didn't offer any leadership and let down his team mates with that red card. With all the abuse Aidan O'Shea gets from opposition teams you never see him lash out. Usually COC uses his elbows to take out players so maybe that was out of character for him.

If Connolly had done that there'd be pages of abuse from posters slaughtering him.

and yet connolly is still there playing for dublin and is cheered on by dublin fans, despite his conduct on and off the field of play. and yet you're saying o'connor should be dropped because he got a red card in a game
as i said there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or on any team and mayo have needed a player with a bit of fire for a long time now

There's having a bit of fire and there's being stupid. COC was stupid on Saturday. May well have been frustration but it was stupid

Quote from: mup on August 12, 2019, 04:19:02 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 03:42:45 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 03:09:25 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 02:59:27 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 02:42:14 PM

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especiaslly when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his timet to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Where did you hear this? First I have heard about it. Can't disagree with you about O'Connor. Unfortunately,he has earned himself a hard man's reputation and I honestly think he does believe in getting his retaliation in first a lot of the time. Contrast that with Aidan O'Shea. He gets more abuse, verbal and physical than any other I can think of but he can be compared with O'Connor in this regard.
It's a pity but that's the way I see it; he has earned a bad reputation and isn't likely to get the benefit of the doubt from most referees.

I have no proof but believe my source, i wouldnt say hes doing it for nothing. I dont want to witch hunt any player and i will leave it at that Re: O Connor, i wont be opening a thread on a single player and let it run for 110 pages because he put a finger on a linesman.

Yeah but just a former player and manager right though? Your full of shit and just because that Connolly thread was bullshit or the crap about Dublin players not having jobs or conspiracy theories that Dublin players are juiced up doesn't excuse that you are full of shite and will spew and or believe any old bollix you hear about the hill 16 hate figures like O'Shea, Keegan, Horan, Andy Moran etc...
The great Randy Newman had a song called small people and you should have a listen to it you might find it interesting!!

Sorry, you will find me in the Hogan stand these days. I dont hate anyone,  i understand a lot of these guys have lives to get on with the next day, i am not like others on this forum with personal and libel attackes on players.

I do believe it should be open to the Public what managers are getting paid. It would cut out  a lot of these " rumours".

Again you are talking complete bullshit. You have no problem having a go at any Mayo player on here or anything connected with Mayo football or posting some bullshit statement about your perception of how Mayo get all the decisions from refs or more whataboutery on Mayo's finances or James Horan's supposed payments while posting all this anonymously on a internet forum and constantly sniping at Mayo but then coming out with a mealy mouthed I don't hate any county statement and sure good luck anyway blah blah blah!!
Provide some facts to back up your rumours or at least have the balls to stand by your sneaky comments and insults or just keep them to yourself. You would swear the Dubs had 68 year famine and were not going for a historic five in a row with the miserable threads, bollix bar stool philosopher posts and bullshit lies you spew about Mayo on here for the last couple of years.

Fair play for calling this bullshit for what it is. This same poster is continuously at this crack and when called out on it to provide the proof he cannot show it. He claims other counties pay their managers while Jim Gavin does it for sfa. Cannot provide proof for either. Never mind the constant disparaging, snide and condescending comments emanating from every post of his.

A complete bluffer/bullshitter.

Again, i wont be drawn to the level of Mayo and Kildare posters in personal attacks. No supirse its posters from Mayo and Kildare, they have taken some beatings over the last decade and find it hard to deal, i understand but personal attacks shouldnt be allowed but again the mods on this forum are at it themselves.

Back to the game. As higlighted above, great aggression shown by Dublin and both team teams in the first, a real championship battle, however natural skill took over the second half and sin e.

TheGreatest, have you proof of your source's word regarding James Horan and 70k or not?

Quote from: tonto1888 on August 13, 2019, 07:26:16 AM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 11:56:36 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 12, 2019, 09:22:58 PM

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 12, 2019, 09:15:27 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 12, 2019, 05:00:23 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 04:24:21 PM
cant believe anyone is saying mayo should drop o'connor. who cares if he is aggressive? there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or any intercounty football team. mayo have been way too soft in past years, they need characters like o'connor

He should be dropped due to his lack of quality as a forward who can't score points from play.

You didn't see the game the other day then? O'Connor is a very very good forward.

He wasn't much use Sat. Kicked one nice point and a bad wide in the 1st half. 2nd half the only target he hit was Davey Byrne.

Didn't offer any leadership and let down his team mates with that red card. With all the abuse Aidan O'Shea gets from opposition teams you never see him lash out. Usually COC uses his elbows to take out players so maybe that was out of character for him.

If Connolly had done that there'd be pages of abuse from posters slaughtering him.

and yet connolly is still there playing for dublin and is cheered on by dublin fans, despite his conduct on and off the field of play. and yet you're saying o'connor should be dropped because he got a red card in a game
as i said there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or on any team and mayo have needed a player with a bit of fire for a long time now

There's having a bit of fire and there's being stupid. COC was stupid on Saturday. May well have been frustration but it was stupid

so? arguing he should be dropped over that is the height of stupidity when there are players doing the same and worse on and off the field of play all the time and one or two of them play for dublin. we're all supposed to be so angry about o'connor and at the same time feel sorry for poor dermo who was "hounded out of the game by the media" (he was in his hole)

Quote from: WhoDat on August 13, 2019, 10:04:18 AM

Quote from: tonto1888 on August 13, 2019, 07:26:16 AM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 11:56:36 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 12, 2019, 09:22:58 PM

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 12, 2019, 09:15:27 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 12, 2019, 05:00:23 PM

Quote from: WhoDat on August 12, 2019, 04:24:21 PM
cant believe anyone is saying mayo should drop o'connor. who cares if he is aggressive? there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or any intercounty football team. mayo have been way too soft in past years, they need characters like o'connor

He should be dropped due to his lack of quality as a forward who can't score points from play.

You didn't see the game the other day then? O'Connor is a very very good forward.

He wasn't much use Sat. Kicked one nice point and a bad wide in the 1st half. 2nd half the only target he hit was Davey Byrne.

Didn't offer any leadership and let down his team mates with that red card. With all the abuse Aidan O'Shea gets from opposition teams you never see him lash out. Usually COC uses his elbows to take out players so maybe that was out of character for him.

If Connolly had done that there'd be pages of abuse from posters slaughtering him.

and yet connolly is still there playing for dublin and is cheered on by dublin fans, despite his conduct on and off the field of play. and yet you're saying o'connor should be dropped because he got a red card in a game
as i said there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or on any team and mayo have needed a player with a bit of fire for a long time now

There's having a bit of fire and there's being stupid. COC was stupid on Saturday. May well have been frustration but it was stupid

so? arguing he should be dropped over that is the height of stupidity when there are players doing the same and worse on and off the field of play all the time and one or two of them play for dublin. we're all supposed to be so angry about o'connor and at the same time feel sorry for poor dermo who was "hounded out of the game by the media" (he was in his hole)

I didn't call for him to be dropped. I'm fact I said in an earlier post he shouldn't be dropped. I was just calling him out for his stupidity

He wasn't much use Sat. Kicked one nice point and a bad wide in the 1st half. 2nd half the only target he hit was Davey Byrne.

Didn't offer any leadership and let down his team mates with that red card. With all the abuse Aidan O'Shea gets from opposition teams you never see him lash out. Usually COC uses his elbows to take out players so maybe that was out of character for him.

If Connolly had done that there'd be pages of abuse from posters slaughtering him.
[/quote]

and yet connolly is still there playing for dublin and is cheered on by dublin fans, despite his conduct on and off the field of play. and yet you're saying o'connor should be dropped because he got a red card in a game
as i said there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or on any team and mayo have needed a player with a bit of fire for a long time now
[/quote]

I'm never said he should be dropped but he is becoming a liability to the team with his behaviour. Cost them the game against Galway last year with his red card for a needless elbow. I'm sure all of his teamates were gutted towards the end of the game on sat but none of them acted like a petulant child. It's not just Dublin fans who have had an issue with COC's behaviour/discipline on the field. Refs are paying more attention to it now as well

Quote from: dublin7 on August 13, 2019, 11:03:03 AM


He wasn't much use Sat. Kicked one nice point and a bad wide in the 1st half. 2nd half the only target he hit was Davey Byrne.

Didn't offer any leadership and let down his team mates with that red card. With all the abuse Aidan O'Shea gets from opposition teams you never see him lash out. Usually COC uses his elbows to take out players so maybe that was out of character for him.

If Connolly had done that there'd be pages of abuse from posters slaughtering him.

and yet connolly is still there playing for dublin and is cheered on by dublin fans, despite his conduct on and off the field of play. and yet you're saying o'connor should be dropped because he got a red card in a game
as i said there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or on any team and mayo have needed a player with a bit of fire for a long time now
[/quote]

I'm never said he should be dropped but he is becoming a liability to the team with his behaviour. Cost them the game against Galway last year with his red card for a needless elbow. I'm sure all of his teamates were gutted towards the end of the game on sat but none of them acted like a petulant child. It's not just Dublin fans who have had an issue with COC's behaviour/discipline on the field. Refs are paying more attention to it now as well
[/quote]

That wasn't cillian .

Quote from: larryin89 on August 13, 2019, 11:05:23 AM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 13, 2019, 11:03:03 AM


He wasn't much use Sat. Kicked one nice point and a bad wide in the 1st half. 2nd half the only target he hit was Davey Byrne.

Didn't offer any leadership and let down his team mates with that red card. With all the abuse Aidan O'Shea gets from opposition teams you never see him lash out. Usually COC uses his elbows to take out players so maybe that was out of character for him.

If Connolly had done that there'd be pages of abuse from posters slaughtering him.

and yet connolly is still there playing for dublin and is cheered on by dublin fans, despite his conduct on and off the field of play. and yet you're saying o'connor should be dropped because he got a red card in a game
as i said there are no shrinking violets on that dublin team or on any team and mayo have needed a player with a bit of fire for a long time now

I'm never said he should be dropped but he is becoming a liability to the team with his behaviour. Cost them the game against Galway last year with his red card for a needless elbow. I'm sure all of his teamates were gutted towards the end of the game on sat but none of them acted like a petulant child. It's not just Dublin fans who have had an issue with COC's behaviour/discipline on the field. Refs are paying more attention to it now as well
[/quote]

That wasn't cillian .
[/quote]

It was in the league against Galway. Mayo have had several red cards against Galway in the last few years in league/championship so it's easy to get mixed up

Ok . Like I said earlier to ya , you should really forget about cillian , haven't you guys a big aif to be looking forward to.

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 03:28:13 PM
Well done to the Dubs. That first 10 mins of the second half was just awesome and is the best I have seen from the Dubs ever and maybe any football team I have seen in the flesh!!

Gavin got it perfect with the way the identified how weak Hennelly's kick outs are and exposed ruthlessly this big weakness with typical Gavin military precision!! Then throw on top natural flare of Paul Mannion who kicked one of the best points I have ever seen in front of me under the Cusack stand. Fenton then topped it off with a superb catch where he soared above three Mayo men to pluck the ball out of the sky!!

Moysider summed it up well that we actually controlled the ball well in the first half like we have never really done before in a big game in Croker but I felt despite this we still seemed a little flat footed despite bringing good intensity to the game.
Unfortunately the Hennelly experiment fell well short again. Nobody would honestly argue he is a better keeper than Clarke or better player so the main argument for starting him is his better restarts! Again as happens more often than not, these better restarts didn't really appear as Robbie nervously kicked balls straight to Dublin players immediately putting Mayo on the back foot even when we were on top in the first half!! If Horan can't come up with a plan for Clarke's kick outs then he needs to look elsewhere for a keeper because you give up to much in terms of leadership, composure and goalkeeping play for the hope that Hennelly might have a rare good day with his limited range of restarts!!

We need to improve a good bit with our delivery into the full forward line as in the first half Cillian and James Carr were showing well for the ball but we couldn't work the opening for direct quick ball into them and hence the lack of goal chances created in the first half. As good a game as Paddy Durcan had in terms of defending and work rate he really needs to get his head up more and not try too hard to take on impossible scores. Also I was very disappointed on how our more experienced players completely lost composure going for impossible goals after the Dublin blitz of 1-2 instead of working easier points to keep the scoreboard ticking over which might have slowed the Dublin onslaught and mentally kept us in the game a bit longer.

Overall though I think Horan has done well introducing the younger players into the team without tearing it all down and while there will be some retirements and some more older players moved on from, Mayo can continue to evolve and improve next year and hopefully be in the mix at the business end of the championship over the next few years.

Good and very fair analysis Crete.

I had initially thought the same about Hennelly, and there were at least 2 very bad kickouts from him. Although listening to Wooly analysing the "12 in 12" spell, he said that Mayo had 8 kickouts in that time, and Dublin won 4 of them. So 4 went to Mayomen. Of the 4 that were lost, one was poor from RH, but the other 3 were right on top of AOS (2) and SOS. So with no easy options, they were the go-to men, and RH couldnt have done any more (Fenton won both of the AOS ones and Small knocked down to SOS one to Kilkenny (who just nipped in ahead of Boyle).

So I think perhaps you could ask whether Clarke's kickouts would have gone even worse. Although we'll never know if Clarke might have done better on Con's finishes. On the replay you can see RH was a bit unlucky with Fenton's goal and obviously he saved his second attempt.

I posted a while back that neither Hennelly or Clarke are any use. Anyone watching Hennelly in the warm up could see he was nervous as a bag of kittens.

Hound you pointed to the long ones as 50/50 but Boyle was showing for a few short ones during that period and Hennelly didn't have the confidence to go short. AOS was also wide open for a 20 yard dink and Hennelly changed his mind.

His confidence is gone, saw him in a club game for Breaffy last year and he was the polar opposite and probably is in Mayo training but when it comes to the big matches he is dust.

Quote from: highorlow on August 13, 2019, 12:33:54 PM
I posted a while back that neither Hennelly or Clarke are any use. Anyone watching Hennelly in the warm up could see he was nervous as a bag of kittens. 

Hound you pointed to the long ones as 50/50 but Boyle was showing for a few short ones during that period and Hennelly didn't have the confidence to go short. AOS was also wide open for a 20 yard dink and Hennelly changed his mind.

His confidence is gone, saw him in a club game for Breaffy last year and he was the polar opposite and probably is in Mayo training but when it comes to the big matches he is dust.

What about Sclingermann for nets? He was very good in 09 minor final. Seen he was on panel this year and has given up the soccer. Hennelly has always been a liability. Clarke best stop shopper in country but never improved on restarts. Has in and out of Mayo teams since been first involved in 2001.

Considering how important the kickouts are, all counties really should be focusing on training young goalies (or outfield players willing to convert) on kickouts

Probably the demise of a great Mayo team, who will be remembered when many Sam Maguire winners have been forgotten. Unlucky to be in the same era as undoubtedly the greatest gaelic football team ever. But they had their chance, the goalkeeper debacle, and then Donal Vaughan's utterly foolish needless red card (from such a great player too)

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 13, 2019, 09:07:30 AM
TheGreatest, have you proof of your source's word regarding James Horan and 70k or not?

I cant prove it. I was only told that, that it is apparentley that figure, could be rumour, i never said it was a fact. It wouldnt suprise me though, its elite county level, sure some coaches can get 20-30 k etc in Dublin, Anthony Daly doesnt manage Kimacud for the good of his health. Nor Anthony Rainbow Ballyboden.

As yes, i know there paid professionals in the Dublin set up too.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 13, 2019, 03:03:05 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 13, 2019, 09:07:30 AM
TheGreatest, have you proof of your source's word regarding James Horan and 70k or not?

I cant prove it. I was only told that, that it is apparentley that figure, could be rumour, i never said it was a fact. It wouldnt suprise me though, its elite county level, sure some coaches can get 20-30 k etc in Dublin, Anthony Daly doesnt manage Kimacud for the good of his health. Nor Anthony Rainbow Ballyboden.

As yes, i know there paid professionals in the Dublin set up too.

I'm sure what Farrandeelin is getting at is you shouldn't post in that manner if you have no proof and basing something on hearsay/rumour.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Is Horan's 70k a year worth it?

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 13, 2019, 08:55:21 AM

Quote from: mup on August 12, 2019, 04:19:02 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 03:42:45 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 03:09:25 PM

Quote from: Crete Boom on August 12, 2019, 02:59:27 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 02:42:14 PM

Quote from: Lar Naparka on August 12, 2019, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Hard luck Mayo, 10 minutes Blitz was all that was required in the end. Dublin only scored 1-02, the same as Mayo, outside this period in the 2nd half. Unfair on Mayo to come into this match with a 1 week break.

No real sympathy for Mayo overall, always nice keeping them down.

Is Horan's 70k a year worth it? Especiaslly when Jim Gavin is only volunteers his timet to the cause. 

As fo O'Connor, if that was Connolly, imagine, just imagine the social and mainstream outrage, i will say no more but he should be off the panel, too much baggage, cant be trusted.

Where did you hear this? First I have heard about it. Can't disagree with you about O'Connor. Unfortunately,he has earned himself a hard man's reputation and I honestly think he does believe in getting his retaliation in first a lot of the time. Contrast that with Aidan O'Shea. He gets more abuse, verbal and physical than any other I can think of but he can be compared with O'Connor in this regard.
It's a pity but that's the way I see it; he has earned a bad reputation and isn't likely to get the benefit of the doubt from most referees.

I have no proof but believe my source, i wouldnt say hes doing it for nothing. I dont want to witch hunt any player and i will leave it at that Re: O Connor, i wont be opening a thread on a single player and let it run for 110 pages because he put a finger on a linesman.

Yeah but just a former player and manager right though? Your full of shit and just because that Connolly thread was bullshit or the crap about Dublin players not having jobs or conspiracy theories that Dublin players are juiced up doesn't excuse that you are full of shite and will spew and or believe any old bollix you hear about the hill 16 hate figures like O'Shea, Keegan, Horan, Andy Moran etc...
The great Randy Newman had a song called small people and you should have a listen to it you might find it interesting!!

Sorry, you will find me in the Hogan stand these days. I dont hate anyone,  i understand a lot of these guys have lives to get on with the next day, i am not like others on this forum with personal and libel attackes on players.

I do believe it should be open to the Public what managers are getting paid. It would cut out  a lot of these " rumours".

Again you are talking complete bullshit. You have no problem having a go at any Mayo player on here or anything connected with Mayo football or posting some bullshit statement about your perception of how Mayo get all the decisions from refs or more whataboutery on Mayo's finances or James Horan's supposed payments while posting all this anonymously on a internet forum and constantly sniping at Mayo but then coming out with a mealy mouthed I don't hate any county statement and sure good luck anyway blah blah blah!!
Provide some facts to back up your rumours or at least have the balls to stand by your sneaky comments and insults or just keep them to yourself. You would swear the Dubs had 68 year famine and were not going for a historic five in a row with the miserable threads, bollix bar stool philosopher posts and bullshit lies you spew about Mayo on here for the last couple of years.

Fair play for calling this bullshit for what it is. This same poster is continuously at this crack and when called out on it to provide the proof he cannot show it. He claims other counties pay their managers while Jim Gavin does it for sfa. Cannot provide proof for either. Never mind the constant disparaging, snide and condescending comments emanating from every post of his.

A complete bluffer/bullshitter.

Again, i wont be drawn to the level of Mayo and Kildare posters in personal attacks. No supirse its posters from Mayo and Kildare, they have taken some beatings over the last decade and find it hard to deal, i understand but personal attacks shouldnt be allowed but again the mods on this forum are at it themselves.

Back to the game. As higlighted above, great aggression shown by Dublin and both team teams in the first, a real championship battle, however natural skill took over the second half and sin e.

Poor diddums.

The reason why it's Kildare and Mayo posters is because you claim you know how much Kieran McGeeney and James Horan were paid during their time in Kildare and Mayo respectively. You were asked several times to provide proof and you have yet to provide it.

From Castlebar to Castledermot that is called bullshitting.

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 13, 2019, 03:15:47 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 13, 2019, 03:03:05 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 13, 2019, 09:07:30 AM
TheGreatest, have you proof of your source's word regarding James Horan and 70k or not?

I cant prove it. I was only told that, that it is apparentley that figure, could be rumour, i never said it was a fact. It wouldnt suprise me though, its elite county level, sure some coaches can get 20-30 k etc in Dublin, Anthony Daly doesnt manage Kimacud for the good of his health. Nor Anthony Rainbow Ballyboden.

As yes, i know there paid professionals in the Dublin set up too.

I'm sure what Farrandeelin is getting at is you shouldn't post in that manner if you have no proof and basing something on hearsay/rumour.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Is Horan's 70k a year worth it?

Fair point, is Jack O Connor and Paul Galvin taking up roles many miles from the Kingdom for the good of their health too ! 

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 14, 2019, 08:33:21 AM

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 13, 2019, 03:15:47 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 13, 2019, 03:03:05 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 13, 2019, 09:07:30 AM
TheGreatest, have you proof of your source's word regarding James Horan and 70k or not?

I cant prove it. I was only told that, that it is apparentley that figure, could be rumour, i never said it was a fact. It wouldnt suprise me though, its elite county level, sure some coaches can get 20-30 k etc in Dublin, Anthony Daly doesnt manage Kimacud for the good of his health. Nor Anthony Rainbow Ballyboden.

As yes, i know there paid professionals in the Dublin set up too.

I'm sure what Farrandeelin is getting at is you shouldn't post in that manner if you have no proof and basing something on hearsay/rumour.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Is Horan's 70k a year worth it?

Fair point, is Jack O Connor and Paul Galvin taking up roles many miles from the Kingdom for the good of their health too !

Still no proof to back up your lies.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 14, 2019, 08:33:21 AM

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 13, 2019, 03:15:47 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 13, 2019, 03:03:05 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 13, 2019, 09:07:30 AM
TheGreatest, have you proof of your source's word regarding James Horan and 70k or not?

I cant prove it. I was only told that, that it is apparentley that figure, could be rumour, i never said it was a fact. It wouldnt suprise me though, its elite county level, sure some coaches can get 20-30 k etc in Dublin, Anthony Daly doesnt manage Kimacud for the good of his health. Nor Anthony Rainbow Ballyboden.

As yes, i know there paid professionals in the Dublin set up too.

I'm sure what Farrandeelin is getting at is you shouldn't post in that manner if you have no proof and basing something on hearsay/rumour.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Is Horan's 70k a year worth it?

Fair point, is Jack O Connor and Paul Galvin taking up roles many miles from the Kingdom for the good of their health too !

O'Connor at least has family ties with Kildare and one of his sons is living and playing club football there. Paul Galvin and his wife AFAIK are based in Dublin. Stop f@~king muckraking.

Quote from: mup on August 14, 2019, 10:10:04 AM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 14, 2019, 08:33:21 AM

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 13, 2019, 03:15:47 PM

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 13, 2019, 03:03:05 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 13, 2019, 09:07:30 AM
TheGreatest, have you proof of your source's word regarding James Horan and 70k or not?

I cant prove it. I was only told that, that it is apparentley that figure, could be rumour, i never said it was a fact. It wouldnt suprise me though, its elite county level, sure some coaches can get 20-30 k etc in Dublin, Anthony Daly doesnt manage Kimacud for the good of his health. Nor Anthony Rainbow Ballyboden.

As yes, i know there paid professionals in the Dublin set up too.

I'm sure what Farrandeelin is getting at is you shouldn't post in that manner if you have no proof and basing something on hearsay/rumour.

Quote from: TheGreatest on August 12, 2019, 01:36:38 PM
Is Horan's 70k a year worth it?

Fair point, is Jack O Connor and Paul Galvin taking up roles many miles from the Kingdom for the good of their health too !

Still no proof to back up your lies.

Only lies if proven untrue.

So no inter county or club manager are being paid? Outside of minumun expenses for travel etc.

Of course not.
Sure if they were wouldn't they be suspended for breaching the Rules and Ethos of the GAA ;D.

Quote from: befair on August 13, 2019, 01:44:11 PM
Probably the demise of a great Mayo team, who will be remembered when many Sam Maguire winners have been forgotten. Unlucky to be in the same era as undoubtedly the greatest gaelic football team ever. But they had their chance, the goalkeeper debacle, and then Donal Vaughan's utterly foolish needless red card (from such a great player too)

People say this every year but there simply aren't enough good teams to put Mayo into the wilderness, they have room to decline and still be among the top 5 or 6 teams. Teams like Cork, Kildare and Meath are the worst versions of themselves in 20 years and still make quarter finals, it's almost impossible for a big team to fall away in the current landscape.

Quote from: Ciar on August 14, 2019, 11:45:35 AM

Quote from: befair on August 13, 2019, 01:44:11 PM
Probably the demise of a great Mayo team, who will be remembered when many Sam Maguire winners have been forgotten. Unlucky to be in the same era as undoubtedly the greatest gaelic football team ever. But they had their chance, the goalkeeper debacle, and then Donal Vaughan's utterly foolish needless red card (from such a great player too)

People say this every year but there simply aren't enough good teams to put Mayo into the wilderness, they have room to decline and still be among the top 5 or 6 teams. Teams like Cork, Kildare and Meath are the worst versions of themselves in 20 years and still make quarter finals, it's almost impossible for a big team to fall away in the current landscape.

Mayo have fallen from a team capable of winning an all Ireland 2012-17 to a team well off capable , that is demise . It will be worse next year as we have a few retirements from some of the toughest warriors to ever wear the jersey coming soon. So yes it is demise , end of an era whatever takes your fancy .

Now I don't believe it will take Mayo long to build as the building has begun already , this is one part of Horan type management I think he is very good at and I expect him to have a great side put together for his last year in 22

Quote from: larryin89 on August 14, 2019, 12:42:50 PM

Quote from: Ciar on August 14, 2019, 11:45:35 AM

Quote from: befair on August 13, 2019, 01:44:11 PM
Probably the demise of a great Mayo team, who will be remembered when many Sam Maguire winners have been forgotten. Unlucky to be in the same era as undoubtedly the greatest gaelic football team ever. But they had their chance, the goalkeeper debacle, and then Donal Vaughan's utterly foolish needless red card (from such a great player too)

People say this every year but there simply aren't enough good teams to put Mayo into the wilderness, they have room to decline and still be among the top 5 or 6 teams. Teams like Cork, Kildare and Meath are the worst versions of themselves in 20 years and still make quarter finals, it's almost impossible for a big team to fall away in the current landscape.

Mayo have fallen from a team capable of winning an all Ireland 2012-17 to a team well off capable , that is demise . It will be worse next year as we have a few retirements from some of the toughest warriors to ever wear the jersey coming soon. So yes it is demise , end of an era whatever takes your fancy .

Now I don't believe it will take Mayo long to build as the building has begun already , this is one part of Horan type management I think he is very good at and I expect him to have a great side put together for his last year in 22

Everyone is in demise then other than Dublin considering it's a one team competition now and for the foreseeable future. Mayo are still well capable of beating anyone else as demonstrated by the league win and performances against Galway and Donegal. With a good draw (avoiding Dublin) and a big performance at the right time they can still make AI finals and survive in league 1 for the coming years. The era will continue IMO.

''Tis all about opinions and mine is we are seeing the end of an era for that mayo team who were capable of beating Dublin in era 12-17 and did so in 12 .  Not near the same team they were , time waits for no man . Keegan despite all his plaudits has not been the same player at all the last two years, I don't believe harry has ever been as good as people make out , Barrett , Andy , seamie, Keith they are all too old now , it's time to go home to the wife and kids . Grma for been some of the finest we have ever seen wear the jersey , honestly they brought pride back to the county , they made people's summers these last few year , the journey has been epic .

Trophies collect dust , memories last forever . Thank you .

Am I the only one who is sick of 'the journey' stuff? Yes they were probably the best Mayo team ever and created many memories, except winning Sam. No fault of their own that there was a great Dublin team in the same era, but I'm sick of the journey stuff. Sam eluded them and that's what counts.

Might not have myself clear enough but I'm sure some know what I mean. No point going on a journey when you never arrive at your destination.

Quote from: Farrandeelin on August 15, 2019, 09:52:36 AM
Am I the only one who is sick of 'the journey' stuff? Yes they were probably the best Mayo team ever and created many memories, except winning Sam. No fault of their own that there was a great Dublin team in the same era, but I'm sick of the journey stuff. Sam eluded them and that's what counts.

Might not have myself clear enough but I'm sure some know what I mean. No point going on a journey when you never arrive at your destination.

No you are not. You'll never hear that rubbish coming from the Dubs? Well first of all they win and Secondly they never have to go far to see their team.

Dads Army did well to make an AI semi-final this year. The introduction of a Super 8 was a disaster for the battle weary Mayo player and a disaster time and money wise for the Mayo supporter.

This year was a disaster for the Mayo season ticket holder.

Quote from: befair on August 13, 2019, 01:44:11 PM
Probably the demise of a great Mayo team, who will be remembered when many Sam Maguire winners have been forgotten. Unlucky to be in the same era as undoubtedly the greatest gaelic football team ever. But they had their chance, the goalkeeper debacle, and then Donal Vaughan's utterly foolish needless red card (from such a great player too)

Sam winners are never forgotten but when they are talking about losers this Mayo team will be no 1 loser, I think id rather be a forgotten winner.

Quote from: giveballaghback on August 15, 2019, 11:48:58 PM

Quote from: befair on August 13, 2019, 01:44:11 PM
Probably the demise of a great Mayo team, who will be remembered when many Sam Maguire winners have been forgotten. Unlucky to be in the same era as undoubtedly the greatest gaelic football team ever. But they had their chance, the goalkeeper debacle, and then Donal Vaughan's utterly foolish needless red card (from such a great player too)

Sam winners are never forgotten but when they are talking about losers this Mayo team will be no 1 loser, I think id rather be a forgotten winner.

They'll be forgotten!

Quote from: giveballaghback on August 15, 2019, 11:48:58 PM

Quote from: befair on August 13, 2019, 01:44:11 PM
Probably the demise of a great Mayo team, who will be remembered when many Sam Maguire winners have been forgotten. Unlucky to be in the same era as undoubtedly the greatest gaelic football team ever. But they had their chance, the goalkeeper debacle, and then Donal Vaughan's utterly foolish needless red card (from such a great player too)

Sam winners are never forgotten but when they are talking about losers this Mayo team will be no 1 loser, I think id rather be a forgotten winner.

Steve Davis or Jimmy White

Brazil 82 is the 2nd most famous world Cup team ahead of all the other winners, they never been forgotten

Quote from: giveballaghback on August 15, 2019, 11:48:58 PM

Quote from: befair on August 13, 2019, 01:44:11 PM
Probably the demise of a great Mayo team, who will be remembered when many Sam Maguire winners have been forgotten. Unlucky to be in the same era as undoubtedly the greatest gaelic football team ever. But they had their chance, the goalkeeper debacle, and then Donal Vaughan's utterly foolish needless red card (from such a great player too)

Sam winners are never forgotten but when they are talking about losers this Mayo team will be no 1 loser, I think id rather be a forgotten winner.

It's a interesting one alright. I mean Cork for example won an AI title in 2010 but I have zero doubts that the Mayo side of the last few years will be remembered long after that Cork side.  But one has an AI title and the other doesn't.

Why would you want to be remembered as losers? Mayo fans should be hoping that everyone forgets about this team.

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 17, 2019, 06:21:17 PM
Why would you want to be remembered as losers? Mayo fans should be hoping that everyone forgets about this team.

They won't be forgotten by neutrals and the reason is looking straight at you . Here you are a Dublin person , a county going for an historic five iar in two weeks time and you're passing comment about mayo .

We are everyone's obsession , it's incredible .box office , bigger than any winning team , why I don't have a clue

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 17, 2019, 06:21:17 PM
Why would you want to be remembered as losers? Mayo fans should be hoping that everyone forgets about this team.

One of the best teams ever. Of course they'll be remembered, they went toe to toe with the best team ever to play the game and in any other era they'd have won multiple AI's

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 18, 2019, 02:55:47 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 17, 2019, 06:21:17 PM
Why would you want to be remembered as losers? Mayo fans should be hoping that everyone forgets about this team.

One of the best teams ever. Of course they’ll be remembered, they went toe to toe with the best team ever to play the game and in any other era they’d have won multiple AI’s

Debatable. They only had to beat Kerry and Donegal in 2012,2014 to win the All Ireland. If they had reached this years final would they have beaten Kerry? I doubt it.

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 18, 2019, 03:14:46 PM

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 18, 2019, 02:55:47 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 17, 2019, 06:21:17 PM
Why would you want to be remembered as losers? Mayo fans should be hoping that everyone forgets about this team.

One of the best teams ever. Of course they'll be remembered, they went toe to toe with the best team ever to play the game and in any other era they'd have won multiple AI's

Debatable. They only had to beat Kerry and Donegal in 2012,2014 to win the All Ireland. If they had reached this years final would they have beaten Kerry? I doubt it.

They were to young in 2012 and Andy was injured! In 2014 they were stitched up!

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 03:17:12 PM

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 18, 2019, 03:14:46 PM

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 18, 2019, 02:55:47 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 17, 2019, 06:21:17 PM
Why would you want to be remembered as losers? Mayo fans should be hoping that everyone forgets about this team.

One of the best teams ever. Of course they'll be remembered, they went toe to toe with the best team ever to play the game and in any other era they'd have won multiple AI's

Debatable. They only had to beat Kerry and Donegal in 2012,2014 to win the All Ireland. If they had reached this years final would they have beaten Kerry? I doubt it.

They were to young in 2012 and Andy was injured! In 2014 they were stitched up!

And now too old and too many injuries? From OGs, sending offs, goalkeeping errors etc v Dublin the excuses are endless. The Dubs were desperate poor in the drawn 2016 All Ireland final scoring just 0-9. Mayo unable to take advantage as they themselves were in poor form and stumbled into that final.

I think in another time they would won 2 or 3 All-Irelands. Your judging them against a team beat only 2 in 9yrs and once was to them. And Donegal were nearly blew outta the water if Dublin had taken 2 easy goal chances. Dublin would beat any other team of any era in my opinion.

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 18, 2019, 03:29:41 PM

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 03:17:12 PM

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 18, 2019, 03:14:46 PM

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 18, 2019, 02:55:47 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 17, 2019, 06:21:17 PM
Why would you want to be remembered as losers? Mayo fans should be hoping that everyone forgets about this team.

One of the best teams ever. Of course they'll be remembered, they went toe to toe with the best team ever to play the game and in any other era they'd have won multiple AI's

Debatable. They only had to beat Kerry and Donegal in 2012,2014 to win the All Ireland. If they had reached this years final would they have beaten Kerry? I doubt it.

They were to young in 2012 and Andy was injured! In 2014 they were stitched up!

And now too old and too many injuries? From OGs, sending offs, goalkeeping errors etc v Dublin the excuses are endless. The Dubs were desperate poor in the drawn 2016 All Ireland final scoring just 0-9. Mayo unable to take advantage as they themselves were in poor form and stumbled into that final.

They still stumbled into finals! No excuses, we always lost to the better team except for 2014. If a team is better than you, a team is better than you! Them's the breaks!

We'll possibly see Armagh reach the top table in the coming years and we'll see how their fair against this new era of Financial Doping.

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on August 18, 2019, 04:53:42 PM
Dublin would beat any other team of any era in my opinion.

We could only really judge that if some of the other good teams from other eras had the fitness S&C and preparation that Dublin currently do.

I thought Dublin were beatable in the 2013,2016 and 2017 AI finals and Kerry had the beating of Dublin in the 2016 semi final also but let it slip through their fingers.

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 18, 2019, 05:21:33 PM

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on August 18, 2019, 04:53:42 PM
Dublin would beat any other team of any era in my opinion.

We could only really judge that if some of the other good teams from other eras had the fitness S&C and preparation that Dublin currently do.

I thought Dublin were beatable in the 2013,2016 and 2017 AI finals and Kerry had the beating of Dublin in the 2016 semi final also but let it slip through their fingers.

When you say beatable? What games stood out where Dublin looked weak or vulnerable?

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 05:51:30 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 18, 2019, 05:21:33 PM

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on August 18, 2019, 04:53:42 PM
Dublin would beat any other team of any era in my opinion.

We could only really judge that if some of the other good teams from other eras had the fitness S&C and preparation that Dublin currently do.

I thought Dublin were beatable in the 2013,2016 and 2017 AI finals and Kerry had the beating of Dublin in the 2016 semi final also but let it slip through their fingers.

When you say beatable? What games stood out where Dublin looked weak or vulnerable?

All the games i mentioned, not so much weak but the Dubs where there to beaten but little moments here and there made the difference.

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 04:59:06 PM

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 18, 2019, 03:29:41 PM

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 03:17:12 PM

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 18, 2019, 03:14:46 PM

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 18, 2019, 02:55:47 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 17, 2019, 06:21:17 PM
Why would you want to be remembered as losers? Mayo fans should be hoping that everyone forgets about this team.

One of the best teams ever. Of course they'll be remembered, they went toe to toe with the best team ever to play the game and in any other era they'd have won multiple AI's

Debatable. They only had to beat Kerry and Donegal in 2012,2014 to win the All Ireland. If they had reached this years final would they have beaten Kerry? I doubt it.

They were to young in 2012 and Andy was injured! In 2014 they were stitched up!

And now too old and too many injuries? From OGs, sending offs, goalkeeping errors etc v Dublin the excuses are endless. The Dubs were desperate poor in the drawn 2016 All Ireland final scoring just 0-9. Mayo unable to take advantage as they themselves were in poor form and stumbled into that final.

They still stumbled into finals! No excuses, we always lost to the better team except for 2014. If a team is better than you, a team is better than you! Them's the breaks!

We'll possibly see Armagh reach the top table in the coming years and we'll see how their fair against this new era of Financial Doping.

Armagh's level for foreseeable future is reaching the last eight at best. A level that Mayo might have to accept in the years ahead as they go through a transition period.

'financial doping' aside how strong is Dublin's main competitors at the moment are they (Tyrone, Donegal, Mayo and Kerry) at the level they once were?

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 18, 2019, 06:03:03 PM

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 04:59:06 PM

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 18, 2019, 03:29:41 PM

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 03:17:12 PM

Quote from: Captain Obvious on August 18, 2019, 03:14:46 PM

Quote from: Armagh18 on August 18, 2019, 02:55:47 PM

Quote from: SouthDublinBro on August 17, 2019, 06:21:17 PM
Why would you want to be remembered as losers? Mayo fans should be hoping that everyone forgets about this team.

One of the best teams ever. Of course they'll be remembered, they went toe to toe with the best team ever to play the game and in any other era they'd have won multiple AI's

Debatable. They only had to beat Kerry and Donegal in 2012,2014 to win the All Ireland. If they had reached this years final would they have beaten Kerry? I doubt it.

They were to young in 2012 and Andy was injured! In 2014 they were stitched up!

And now too old and too many injuries? From OGs, sending offs, goalkeeping errors etc v Dublin the excuses are endless. The Dubs were desperate poor in the drawn 2016 All Ireland final scoring just 0-9. Mayo unable to take advantage as they themselves were in poor form and stumbled into that final.

They still stumbled into finals! No excuses, we always lost to the better team except for 2014. If a team is better than you, a team is better than you! Them's the breaks!

We'll possibly see Armagh reach the top table in the coming years and we'll see how their fair against this new era of Financial Doping.

Armagh's level for foreseeable future is reaching the last eight at best. A level that Mayo might have to accept in the years ahead as they go through a transition period.

'financial doping' aside how strong is Dublin's main competitors at the moment are they (Tyrone, Donegal, Mayo and Kerry) at the level they once were?

None of them are anywhere near where they were when they were winning All Irelands but all bar Tyrone are going through transition and have plenty of good young players breaking through

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on August 18, 2019, 04:53:42 PM
I think in another time they would won 2 or 3 All-Irelands. Your judgI've seen enough of both and I don't imagine thayt th present team is better. g them against a team beat only 2 in 9yrs and once was to them. And Donegal were nearly blew outta the water if Dublin had taken 2 easy goal chances. Dublin would beat any other team of any era in my opinion.

That is something we will never know.Great fun discussing/rowing about such topics but there are too many variables involved . For instance, if, somehow, you could come up with a time machine and send the present Dubs back to the late 70s, would they beat Heffo's Heroes?
Better still, if the the present team hadn't the benefits of physiologists, nutritionists, personal trainers and individually tailored fitness and diet regimes, would they match up to John McCarthy and Jimmy Keaveney and the others ?
Heffo's training standards might have been revolutionary back then but a Div 4 side today would run around them in terms of conditioning and psychological fine tuning, for the want of a more appropriate term. If you took away the props that today's team enjoys and put them up against Heffo's side or , say, Micko's Kerry of the same era, I wouldn't honestly be prepared to bet on the outcome.
Still, I think I'd go with the teams of the 70s, purely because football back then was filthy.
Check this out!..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc9VY7BKKCw
Them were men back then!
They'd knock the stuffing out of any one around today.
(That is, if you have a ref from that time also. Today's reffs would have the whole effin' 30 of them sidelined before half time.)

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 18, 2019, 05:57:52 PM

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 05:51:30 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 18, 2019, 05:21:33 PM

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on August 18, 2019, 04:53:42 PM
Dublin would beat any other team of any era in my opinion.

We could only really judge that if some of the other good teams from other eras had the fitness S&C and preparation that Dublin currently do.

I thought Dublin were beatable in the 2013,2016 and 2017 AI finals and Kerry had the beating of Dublin in the 2016 semi final also but let it slip through their fingers.

When you say beatable? What games stood out where Dublin looked weak or vulnerable?

All the games i mentioned, not so much weak but the Dubs where there to beaten but little moments here and there made the difference.

Little moments like having a decent bench to go to coming into the last 15 minutes?

Well the next team to them be still Kerry and of the late 70's early 80's

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 08:04:13 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 18, 2019, 05:57:52 PM

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 05:51:30 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on August 18, 2019, 05:21:33 PM

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on August 18, 2019, 04:53:42 PM
Dublin would beat any other team of any era in my opinion.

We could only really judge that if some of the other good teams from other eras had the fitness S&C and preparation that Dublin currently do.

I thought Dublin were beatable in the 2013,2016 and 2017 AI finals and Kerry had the beating of Dublin in the 2016 semi final also but let it slip through their fingers.

When you say beatable? What games stood out where Dublin looked weak or vulnerable?

All the games i mentioned, not so much weak but the Dubs where there to beaten but little moments here and there made the difference.

Little moments like having a decent bench to go to coming into the last 15 minutes?

Moments like Donal Vaughan foolishly getting himself send off.

As for decent bench, I'm not going to go through each game but for the 2017 AI final Mayo brought on 3 minor and U21 All Ireland winners in Diarmuid O'Connor,Conor Loftus and Stephen Coen which would be the very definition of decent.

Or having a reliable cool headed goalkeeper and not missing free kicks in consecutive finals

Quote from: dublin7 on August 18, 2019, 09:35:18 PM
Or having a reliable cool headed goalkeeper and not missing free kicks in consecutive finals

Absolutely!

There has never been a moment where Dublin were going to lose any of the games circa 2013-2017. There may have been the illusion. But it was only that. Full credit to the Dublin GAA and to headquarters for getting the full package and more out of their resources.

It will be a proud moment for GAA President John Horan next Sunday when he hands over the Sam!

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 10:17:23 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 18, 2019, 09:35:18 PM
Or having a reliable cool headed goalkeeper and not missing free kicks in consecutive finals

Absolutely!

There has never been a moment where Dublin were going to lose any of the games circa 2013-2017. There may have been the illusion. But it was only that. Full credit to the Dublin GAA and to headquarters for getting the full package and more out of their resources.

It will be a proud moment for GAA President John Horan next Sunday when he hands over the Sam!

Have you the hotel booked Tony?

Quote from: Ball Hopper on August 18, 2019, 11:14:13 PM

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 10:17:23 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 18, 2019, 09:35:18 PM
Or having a reliable cool headed goalkeeper and not missing free kicks in consecutive finals

Absolutely!

There has never been a moment where Dublin were going to lose any of the games circa 2013-2017. There may have been the illusion. But it was only that. Full credit to the Dublin GAA and to headquarters for getting the full package and more out of their resources.

It will be a proud moment for GAA President John Horan next Sunday when he hands over the Sam!

Have you the hotel booked Tony?

Ftb will probably cite his lack of interest in intercounty football as the reason for this slip. ::)

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 10:17:23 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 18, 2019, 09:35:18 PM
Or having a reliable cool headed goalkeeper and not missing free kicks in consecutive finals

Absolutely!

There has never been a moment where Dublin were going to lose any of the games circa 2013-2017. There may have been the illusion. But it was only that. Full credit to the Dublin GAA and to headquarters for getting the full package and more out of their resources.

It will be a proud moment for GAA President John Horan next Sunday when he hands over the Sam!

Jimmy McGuinness and Donegal might disagree with about the dubs being unbeatable in 2014 and never looking like losing. Even with Dublin gone Mayo couldn't win the All Ireland, but I suppose that was to do with funding as well ::)

Quote from: dublin7 on August 19, 2019, 08:17:24 AM

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 10:17:23 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 18, 2019, 09:35:18 PM
Or having a reliable cool headed goalkeeper and not missing free kicks in consecutive finals

Absolutely!

There has never been a moment where Dublin were going to lose any of the games circa 2013-2017. There may have been the illusion. But it was only that. Full credit to the Dublin GAA and to headquarters for getting the full package and more out of their resources.

It will be a proud moment for GAA President John Horan next Sunday when he hands over the Sam!

Jimmy McGuinness and Donegal might disagree with about the dubs being unbeatable in 2014 and never looking like losing. Even with Dublin gone Mayo couldn't win the All Ireland, but I suppose that was to do with funding as well ::)

Mayo were knocked out of the 2014 championship before Dublin.

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 19, 2019, 10:05:46 AM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 19, 2019, 08:17:24 AM

Quote from: From the Bunker on August 18, 2019, 10:17:23 PM

Quote from: dublin7 on August 18, 2019, 09:35:18 PM
Or having a reliable cool headed goalkeeper and not missing free kicks in consecutive finals

Absolutely!

There has never been a moment where Dublin were going to lose any of the games circa 2013-2017. There may have been the illusion. But it was only that. Full credit to the Dublin GAA and to headquarters for getting the full package and more out of their resources.

It will be a proud moment for GAA President John Horan next Sunday when he hands over the Sam!

Jimmy McGuinness and Donegal might disagree with about the dubs being unbeatable in 2014 and never looking like losing. Even with Dublin gone Mayo couldn't win the All Ireland, but I suppose that was to do with funding as well ::)

Mayo were knocked out of the 2014 championship before Dublin.

My point is why didn't Mayo win the all Ireland without the Dubs in it?  You keep moaing about the dubs, but they were gone that year and Mayo still didn't win it.