No general thread open for division 1 yet so thought i'd get one started. Here's the league table after two games:
http://www.gaa.ie/fixtures-and-results/league-tables/
Biggest talking point so far has to be the two Munster teams sitting on zero points, closely followed by Kildare and Tyrone's fast start to the year. Kudos to Kildare and Tyrone for gaining their points 'on the road.'
Dublin already appear to mean business this year, however, it's hard to be certain as many of the teams are in different stages in relation to their conditioning.
Three week break now, no doubt there will be some heavy slogs ahead at training.
Dublin v Mayo is the standout fixture in the next round as well as some championship shadow boxing between Tyrone and Donegal in Omagh.
What injuries did we pick up yesterday?
I see Block and Peter Harte went off injured.
Will Mugsy and Mulgrew have any interest in a call up again or is their day over?
Struggling to analyse Dubs v Kerry. Would need to watch it again. I didnt think we were playing as well as we did against Cork, yet we seemed to completely own the ball. 1-11 was actually a very poor return for the possession we had, but can't complain about hammering "Kerry" in their own back yard.
Fuzzman - both Mugsy & Raymie are both certainly available if selected for the County panel. Both have indicated a strong desire to join up with the panel. The decision however is with the county management, so it will be very interesting to see how things pan out there.
With young forwards like Conor McAliskey, Ronan O'Neill & Darren McCurry showing well, plus the likes of Kyle Coney to return in the next few weeks it could be argued that this is the one area of the pitch were reinforcements are not needed??
on a sidenote, Dublin have been terrific so far. So many options, good youth coming through. A freshness with the new manager. Looking forward to seeing them 'live' on March 16.
Current odds from Paddy Power.
Dublin 5/4
Donegal 11/2
Kildare 6/1
Tyrone 6/1
Mayo 13/2
Cork 9/1
Kerry 10/1
Down 150/1
Have to say from a Kildare perspective, absolutely delighted with our start. After the quarter-final debacle last year McGeeney took a lot of criticism, his response has been excellent since and he deserves a lot of credit for not just recognising the potential in Daniel Flynn, Niall Kelly and Paddy Brophy but putting his faith and trust in them. He has freshened up the squad and the coaching ticket. We definitely look energised, I think the penny has dropped that O'Connor is far better coming out to the wing to win ball, very quick over the first 20 and he is like a magnet to defenders creating space inside.
You will always have the caveat "It's only the league" but if Kildare had lost our first two games we would have been written off as out of our dept, poor side etc etc as that is the way of our bi-polar media. So we've beaten the last 3 All-Ireland champions in our last 3 games and we could make it 4 in 3 weeks. That will be interesting as rightly or wrongly there will be an expectation among the faithful that we should beat a Kerry side experimenting and trying to find a new rhythm, will be interesting to see how the players respond to that.
Hard not to be impressed by Dublin and Tyrone so far maybe along side Kildare they're the sides with the most to prove to themselves this year...
It's an encouraging start but it will probably get tougher for Kildare in the weeks ahead. Kelly in particular will be a marked man from now on. The O'Byrne Cup gave us good momentum for Donegal and Cork but other counties will begin to catch up with us fitness wise during this break.
We regressed last summer but at least the early indications are that we're beginning to go in the right direction again. Another win should see us safe in the division for next year. Daryl Flynn and Leper are on the comeback trail according to McGeeney in today's paper. Hopefully we can get them fully fit for the championship. We should have some more options this year which will help.
I see that Kerry's last game in the League is away to Tyrone. I expect Kerry to have most of the old school boys back at that stage. Their second last game will be against Cork at home. I'd be expecting them to try to win both those games to maintain Division 1 status. If that is enough at that stage.
I expect Dublin, Kildare, Tyrone and Donegal to make the semi-finals. Mayo and Cork to stay up and Kerry and Down to go down.
If McGuinness and Donegal want it they will win it!
The thing is, don't read to much into the League. Counties like Kerry and Cork will be different animals come championship.
Anyway there will be a few twists and turns before the evening of the 7th of April.
Already looking forward to our game with Kerry, even if we are safe it will be a rip roaring affair after the game in Kilarney last summer. 'Tis great having the football back on, even better to be back mixing it with the big boys.
Quote from: God14 on February 11, 2013, 04:36:33 PM
Fuzzman - both Mugsy & Raymie are both certainly available if selected for the County panel. Both have indicated a strong desire to join up with the panel. The decision however is with the county management, so it will be very interesting to see how things pan out there.
With young forwards like Conor McAliskey, Ronan O'Neill & Darren McCurry showing well, plus the likes of Kyle Coney to return in the next few weeks it could be argued that this is the one area of the pitch were reinforcements are not needed??
on a sidenote, Dublin have been terrific so far. So many options, good youth coming through. A freshness with the new manager. Looking forward to seeing them 'live' on March 16.
The one thing we are missing in the forward line though is a top quality play maker, maybe Mulgrew is the answer now.
id be inclined to agree with you nrico, but as a Fr Rocks man id be accused of bias!
Did he lose interest the last time or did Mickey just stop giving him his chance.
What age is he now?
Is he back for good from Aus or will he be going back out again?
Any more word on Coney or Colm Cavanagh?
What age is Mulgrew now, seen in the IN that he's only home from Australia. I thought he would maybe be a bit too old for it now?
Quote from: Corkey22 on February 12, 2013, 01:26:26 PM
What age is Mulgrew now, seen in the IN that he's only home from Australia. I thought he would maybe be a bit too old for it now?
He is probably 27 now, so nowhere near too old. Has all the skills in his locker, I wonder was his inability to hold down a regular place the last time a result of MHs strong connection with the 03/05/08 winners which kept a lot of potential players from breaking into the team.
Stop hi-jacking this thread. Thank-you.
http://www.leinsterleader.ie/sport/gaelic-games/crowd-restrictions-for-kildare-v-kerry-clash-1-4805005#.USOdFDsYC_4.twitter (http://www.leinsterleader.ie/sport/gaelic-games/crowd-restrictions-for-kildare-v-kerry-clash-1-4805005#.USOdFDsYC_4.twitter)
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 20, 2013, 04:38:27 PM
http://www.leinsterleader.ie/sport/gaelic-games/crowd-restrictions-for-kildare-v-kerry-clash-1-4805005#.USOdFDsYC_4.twitter (http://www.leinsterleader.ie/sport/gaelic-games/crowd-restrictions-for-kildare-v-kerry-clash-1-4805005#.USOdFDsYC_4.twitter)
Would there have been much more that 6k supporters even if there were no restrictions?
Quote from: omagh_gael on February 20, 2013, 04:42:47 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 20, 2013, 04:38:27 PM
http://www.leinsterleader.ie/sport/gaelic-games/crowd-restrictions-for-kildare-v-kerry-clash-1-4805005#.USOdFDsYC_4.twitter (http://www.leinsterleader.ie/sport/gaelic-games/crowd-restrictions-for-kildare-v-kerry-clash-1-4805005#.USOdFDsYC_4.twitter)
Would there have been much more that 6k supporters even if there were no restrictions?
Kildare have averaged about 5k for home league fixtures in recent years. Div 1 opposition and the good start Kildare have made will probably make this match more attractive for the sunshine supporters. There is also a sizeable population of Kerry exiles around Kildare. Anyone travelling to Newbridge on the day without a ticket will probably be turned away which is a shame because the ground could still comfortably accommodate a much larger crowd quite comfortably.
QuoteKildare GAA @KildareGAA
NFL Kildare v Kerry is now sold out
Hi guys,
Tactical preview of Kildare and Kerry now live
http://action81.com/blog/?p=6796
Emmet
Quote from: omagh_gael on February 20, 2013, 04:42:47 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on February 20, 2013, 04:38:27 PM
http://www.leinsterleader.ie/sport/gaelic-games/crowd-restrictions-for-kildare-v-kerry-clash-1-4805005#.USOdFDsYC_4.twitter (http://www.leinsterleader.ie/sport/gaelic-games/crowd-restrictions-for-kildare-v-kerry-clash-1-4805005#.USOdFDsYC_4.twitter)
Would there have been much more that 6k supporters even if there were no restrictions?
I would have thought there'd be 8k-12k. No reason in the world why that many shouldn't be allowed in either. Now have the bizarre situation where the regulations allow about 12-13k attend club matches in Conleth's but no more than 6.4k for inter-county games. Bizarre.
Anybody think that there'll be still 3 sides unbeaten with 100% records come Sunday night?
Quote from: Farrandeelin on March 01, 2013, 08:20:40 PM
Anybody think that there'll be still 3 sides unbeaten with 100% records come Sunday night?
No, Mayo by four!
Here's the table after three rounds:
Pos. Team P W D L F A Pts.
1 Dublin 3 3 0 0 4-43 2-29 6
2 Tyrone 3 3 0 0 3-36 2-31 6
3 Kildare 3 3 0 0 6-32 2-34 6
4 Mayo 3 1 0 2 1-42 4-32 2
5 Donegal 3 1 0 2 1-37 3-34 2
6 Cork 3 1 0 2 6-30 4-45 2
7 Down 3 0 0 3 2-32 4-35 0
8 Kerry 3 0 0 3 1-22 3-34 0
Dublin, Tyrone & Kildare all more or less safe from relegation and looking to the semi finals.
Down & Kerry need to pick up some points fairly lively if they're to stay up - both only have two home games left.
From Mayo's point of view, a win next Saturday in Newry would see us in good shape with two home games to come, a defeat drags us into the relegation battle.
I think Kildare were a bit lucky today to escape with a win in the end. We were quite fortunate to get a sideline ball that led to Doyle's goal and Kerry were very wasteful, although we kicked our fair share of bad wides into the town end in the first half. We were cleaned out on our own kickout and I thought the half back line have had better days. We will have to be tighter against the Dubs.
On the plus side, Flynn showed his immense promise again. He never took a backward step against Donaghy. Foley and McGrillen were very solid. Johnston has started to repay some of the faith that was shown in him last year while Johnny (penalty aside) made the difference in the second half. He steadied the ship when we looked like throwing it away.
Never mind the football what's the story with Geezer's face. Is he going for the Mickey Harte look?
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on March 03, 2013, 04:52:48 PM
I think Kildare were a bit lucky today to escape with a win in the end. We were quite fortunate to get a sideline ball that led to Doyle's goal and Kerry were very wasteful, although we kicked our fair share of bad wides into the town end in the first half. We were cleaned out on our own kickout and I thought the half back line have had better days. We will have to be tighter against the Dubs.
On the plus side, Flynn showed his immense promise again. He never took a backward step against Donaghy. Foley and McGrillen were very solid. Johnston has started to repay some of the faith that was shown in him last year while Johnny (penalty aside) made the difference in the second half. He steadied the ship when we looked like throwing it away.
Disappointed with the awful wides we kicked ,still a big improvement .i agree about the sideline ball but still it was a well taken goal. I hope Eamon keeps working at it the next 4 league games can bring the team on a lot
I reckon Tomas O'Connor will have to be decapitated before he wins a free.
Hi lads,
Tactical preview of Kildare vs Dublin up here http://action81.com/blog/?p=6859
Thanks,
Emmet
Quote from: emmetryan on March 07, 2013, 09:08:13 AM
Hi lads,
Tactical preview of Kildare vs Dublin up here http://action81.com/blog/?p=6859
Thanks,
Emmet
Interesting point about Kelly, I'd also include Flynn here as he also played in the u21 win last night. Would like to see these two rested as they have played a lot football for two 19 year olds. Of course they then lose out on Croke Park experience in what will be a pretty intense games initially, Kildare/Dublin games tend to be tight enough affairs so that intensity might last the full 70. If Kildare can win enough primary possession, we struggled badly on Kerry's kick-outs last week we might cause a shock, we will win dirty ball but not enough in the air. Dublin will win this by 3/4 points.
Dinny, I'd be stunned if there's more than 2 in it either way at the end.
I think Kelly will be rested but Flynn should play. He has the physicality for it and it's not as if we're overloaded with midfield options at the moment. Croke Park might suit us a little bit better than Newbridge because it will be easier to place kickouts to the wings. There will probably be an element of shadow boxing to this match because neither side will want to show too much of their hand ahead of a possible Leinster semi-final in the summer. Our half back line will need to be a lot tighter than they were against Kerry. Conway and Bolton looked a bit off the pace. I'd expect Lyons to start probably in place of Eoin Doyle to mark Bernard Brogan with either Peter Kelly or McGrillen moving out to wing back.
It's Kildare's toughest test to date and it should give us a greater indication of how we're shaping up.
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on March 07, 2013, 03:34:56 PM
I think Kelly will be rested but Flynn should play. He has the physicality for it and it's not as if we're overloaded with midfield options at the moment. Croke Park might suit us a little bit better than Newbridge because it will be easier to place kickouts to the wings. There will probably be an element of shadow boxing to this match because neither side will want to show too much of their hand ahead of a possible Leinster semi-final in the summer. Our half back line will need to be a lot tighter than they were against Kerry. Conway and Bolton looked a bit off the pace. I'd expect Lyons to start probably in place of Eoin Doyle to mark Bernard Brogan with either Peter Kelly or McGrillen moving out to wing back.
It's Kildare's toughest test to date and it should give us a greater indication of how we're shaping up.
Kildare will surely have far closer to their championship team out though, no?
Quote from: heffo on March 07, 2013, 03:39:13 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on March 07, 2013, 03:34:56 PM
I think Kelly will be rested but Flynn should play. He has the physicality for it and it's not as if we're overloaded with midfield options at the moment. Croke Park might suit us a little bit better than Newbridge because it will be easier to place kickouts to the wings. There will probably be an element of shadow boxing to this match because neither side will want to show too much of their hand ahead of a possible Leinster semi-final in the summer. Our half back line will need to be a lot tighter than they were against Kerry. Conway and Bolton looked a bit off the pace. I'd expect Lyons to start probably in place of Eoin Doyle to mark Bernard Brogan with either Peter Kelly or McGrillen moving out to wing back.
It's Kildare's toughest test to date and it should give us a greater indication of how we're shaping up.
Kildare will surely have far closer to their championship team out though, no?
I'm not so sure. Back 6 maybe but from midfield up we've a good few lads out and it remains to be seen what he will do with the u21s. Gary White was missed last weekend in the middle of the field and it compounds Daryl Flynn's ongoing absence. I think we will probably see a different Kildare midfield pairing come the summer. Alan Smith is only coming back from injury as is Éamonn Callaghan. Both of them would be probable starters in the forward line for a championship match. There's greater depth to the Kildare panel this year but it's a case of finding the right balance from 8 to 15. I think we might see some more experimentation now that Div 1 football is all but secured for next year.
The three best teams are Tyrone, Dublin and Mayo (no particular order)
Imho.
Kildare are top only because they have not yet played these three.
So basically a top team is Mayo or anyone who beats Mayo.
Still and all, you might be right. As DH says, we'll know more after Sunday. I'd expect Dublin to win but I'm not travelling without hope, either.
Hi guys,
Tactical preview of Donegal and Kerry now live http://action81.com/blog/?p=6864
Emmet
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on March 07, 2013, 03:34:56 PM
I think Kelly will be rested but Flynn should play. He has the physicality for it and it's not as if we're overloaded with midfield options at the moment. Croke Park might suit us a little bit better than Newbridge because it will be easier to place kickouts to the wings. There will probably be an element of shadow boxing to this match because neither side will want to show too much of their hand ahead of a possible Leinster semi-final in the summer. Our half back line will need to be a lot tighter than they were against Kerry. Conway and Bolton looked a bit off the pace. I'd expect Lyons to start probably in place of Eoin Doyle to mark Bernard Brogan with either Peter Kelly or McGrillen moving out to wing back.
I agree middle third is an issue but full back line good Full forward line not bad
It's Kildare's toughest test to date and it should give us a greater indication of how we're shaping up.
Hi lads,
Tactical analysis of Dublin's win over Kildare up here http://action81.com/blog/?p=6884
Emmet
Some spanking, margin in the end flattered Kildare.
Very surprised that Kildare played with 13 men behind the ball when they have a gale wind behind them.
Thought we had midfield problems until I seen Kildare - unless McGeeney goes back in for Brendan Murphy I can't see them adding to their O'Byrne cup from January.
From a Dublin perspective, very happy with the continued development of McCaffrey & Kilkenny and happy Connolly kept a cool head despite several attempts to provoke him into reacting. Will be interesting when the regulars are back available.
Joe Brolly tweet from earlier:
McGeeney tactically & strategically out of his depth. Can't change tack during a game In fairness though only 7 yrs into 25 yr plan
Dublin looked awesome today. Some range of options going forward. McCaffrey & Kilkenny were excellent and that's how to finish a goal by McCaffrey. If they can keep Benard Brogan and Joe McQuillan injury free this summer, they'll take some stopping.
Starting to feel slightly positive about next weekend's game already.
Quote from: ballinaman on March 10, 2013, 05:23:31 PM
Dublin looked awesome today. Some range of options going forward. McCaffrey & Kilkenny were excellent and that's how to finish a goal by McCaffrey. If they can keep Benard Brogan and Joe McQuillan injury free this summer, they'll take some stopping.
;DA mystery how he get so many big games, an asset for the Dubs to have though.
Quote from: rodney trotter on March 10, 2013, 05:30:55 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on March 10, 2013, 05:23:31 PM
Dublin looked awesome today. Some range of options going forward. McCaffrey & Kilkenny were excellent and that's how to finish a goal by McCaffrey. If they can keep Benard Brogan and Joe McQuillan injury free this summer, they'll take some stopping.
;DA mystery how he get so many big games, an asset for the Dubs to have though.
Great myth that - he did a nice job for Mayo last year.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on March 10, 2013, 05:24:53 PM
Starting to feel slightly positive about next weekend's game already.
I'm starting to get worried about next weekend in Croker.
Just one of those days that Kildare supporters have to endure most years. Far too negative with a hurricane blowing behind us in the first half. Why we didn't force Dublin to go long from their own kickout in the first half I don't know. It was crazy to be simply surrendering the ball and not even forcing a contest around the middle. I can't say I'm overly surprised because the warning signs were there last week. We'll go nowhere without a centre half back or a midfield. I had hoped we might have seen the last of playing our best forward out there but obviously not.
The few positives to take out of it were Leper getting back on the field and that Daryl Flynn was togged out. Both of them are badly missed. Hopefully the younger players will be back in next weekend because some of the older lads are not up to it anymore.
Quote from: ballinaman on March 10, 2013, 05:23:31 PM
Dublin looked awesome today. Some range of options going forward. McCaffrey & Kilkenny were excellent and that's how to finish a goal by McCaffrey. If they can keep Benard Brogan and Joe McQuillan injury free this summer, they'll take some stopping.
[/b]
:) :)
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on March 10, 2013, 05:54:32 PM
Just one of those days that Kildare supporters have to endure most years. Far too negative with a hurricane blowing behind us in the first half. Why we didn't force Dublin to go long from their own kickout in the first half I don't know. It was crazy to be simply surrendering the ball and not even forcing a contest around the middle. I can't say I'm overly surprised because the warning signs were there last week. We'll go nowhere without a centre half back or a midfield. I had hoped we might have seen the last of playing our best forward out there but obviously not.
The few positives to take out of it were Leper getting back on the field and that Daryl Flynn was togged out. Both of them are badly missed. Hopefully the younger players will be back in next weekend because some of the older lads are not up to it anymore.
Yea Flynn played a half with the Moores yesterday, McGeeney has prioritised the 21s which is nice to see, strange tactic in the first half but I suppose they were experimenting and with Division Status more or less secure it was as good as game as any to do it. Anyone with half a brain knows Kildare have major issues at midfield, you'd have think a fit Leper, Lynch, Flynn * 2 and Kelly will make up 5 of our middle 8 come championship time. Maybe a couple of couple more the 21s might push contention as well, mainly Cribben and Hurley.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 10, 2013, 07:12:15 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on March 10, 2013, 05:54:32 PM
Just one of those days that Kildare supporters have to endure most years. Far too negative with a hurricane blowing behind us in the first half. Why we didn't force Dublin to go long from their own kickout in the first half I don't know. It was crazy to be simply surrendering the ball and not even forcing a contest around the middle. I can't say I'm overly surprised because the warning signs were there last week. We'll go nowhere without a centre half back or a midfield. I had hoped we might have seen the last of playing our best forward out there but obviously not.
The few positives to take out of it were Leper getting back on the field and that Daryl Flynn was togged out. Both of them are badly missed. Hopefully the younger players will be back in next weekend because some of the older lads are not up to it anymore.
Yea Flynn played a half with the Moores yesterday, McGeeney has prioritised the 21s which is nice to see, strange tactic in the first half but I suppose they were experimenting and with Division Status more or less secure it was as good as game as any to do it. Anyone with half a brain knows Kildare have major issues at midfield, you'd have think a fit Leper, Lynch, Flynn * 2 and Kelly will make up 5 of our middle 8 come championship time. Maybe a couple of couple more the 21s might push contention as well, mainly Cribben and Hurley.
Chalky has been missed over the last two weekends. We don't have that abrasive presence out in the middle of the field without Daryl Flynn. We were very badly bullied out of it today. Hurley is well worth a try but does McGeeney fancy him? He didn't even start him on Wednesday night.
I think Leper would be a better option in the half back line than Conway who is too inclined to give away silly frees.
To Dinny & DH - what's Ryan's role in the setup??
Awful tactic's today..
Quote from: heffo on March 10, 2013, 07:30:32 PM
To Dinny & DH - what's Ryan's role in the setup??
Awful tactic's today..
He does a lot of work with the forwards from what I can gather. He watches the matches from the stands and is linked up to Damien Hendy on the sideline.
Very unambitious tactics to say the least. Those tactics worked against a clueless Cork team who were a man down but Dublin have a lot more pace and guile. I'd be certain the personnel will be different come the summer but the harsh lessons will have to be learned re the gameplan.
Kildare are still picking too many T-800s.
Dublin have upgraded to the T-1000 model.
Quote from: heffo on March 10, 2013, 07:30:32 PM
To Dinny & DH - what's Ryan's role in the setup??
Awful tactic's today..
Attack coach.
Hard to attack when you have no ball and when you do lose possession so easily. Reports are positive though.
Quote from: Jinxy on March 10, 2013, 07:44:47 PM
Kildare are still picking too many T-800s.
Dublin have upgraded to the T-1000 model.
No money for T-1000. Word has it they're out of support with HP as well.
I guess you'll have to wait and see what happens with the human/horse dna splicing programme so.
For the most part I've liked what Kildare have done in attack sunce Ryan joined the set up. Today was horrible for the whole outfit but ir may yet prove aberrant
The attack can't do much if they don't have the ball.
Doyle is also key to the Kildare attack and today showed the folly of taking him out of the opposition's danger zone.
Johnny Doyle needs to stay in around the hot zone.
It was an Arctic zone out there today.
That was a complete head-scratcher in Croke Park yesterday.
Kildare played a blanket defence when they had the wind, effectively surrendering possession to us throughout the half. Then against the wind they went man-to-man giving our attack acres of space in the second half. No doubt the Kildare players tried their best, but you'd wonder did the management throw the game!
Very hard to judge Dublin by it. A great example was Kilkenny who had a nightmare opening quarter, continuously giving the ball away, but it just didnt matter. He kept getting it back and eventually got rolling, ending up with giving an overall good display and four points from play for good measure.
If a lad can hoof the ball up in the air, jog forward, catch it before it bounces and tap it over the bar, the opposition defenders have to take a serious look at themselves.
Quote from: Jinxy on March 11, 2013, 11:06:13 AM
If a lad can hoof the ball up in the air, jog forward, catch it before it bounces and tap it over the bar, the opposition defenders have to take a serious look at themselves.
They weren't bothered looking at themselves, the ball or anyone else. They only had eyes for Bernard! :-*
Some interesting points raised in this article by Sean Moran.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/dublin-look-leagues-apart-from-the-rest-as-contenders-so-far-1.1323703?page=1 (http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/dublin-look-leagues-apart-from-the-rest-as-contenders-so-far-1.1323703?page=1)
Quote from: heffo on March 10, 2013, 07:30:32 PM
To Dinny & DH - what's Ryan's role in the setup??
Awful tactic's today..
I know I'm late to this - been away all week - but was gonna post the same thing Heffo. Generally been impressed with our tactics under McGeeney but last Sunday was baffling.
Look, I think Dublin would have won whatever way we set up, but not contesting short kick-outs while backed with such a strong wind is mind-boggling. Looked like a gameplan that wasn't adjusted for the weather. I assume the thinking was we'd be torn apart if we didn't go for a blanket defence. Well, we couldn't have been torn apart much worse - should have been 5-20 - so why not back ourselves and try to play? It's been proven before that Kildare aren't capable of playing massed defence to try and win 0-8 to 0-6. That's what happened in 2008 against Wicklow and McGeeney admitted as much. The resurgence from late 08-2011 was based on playing attacking football. I think the Cork hammering might have affected McGeeney as much as the players in that sense.
From now on I'd like to see us try to play the expansive football we did in 2009. I don't care if it's not good enough to beat the best teams - we probably don't have an All-Ireland in us anyway and trying to shut up shop doesn't work with the players we have.
Dublin 8
Tyrone 8
Kildare 8
Cork 6
Donegal 4
Mayo 2
Down 2
Kerry 2
League table as it stands this morning. A semi final spot looking good for Tyrone, Dublin and Kildare. All we need is one more point (what's the chances of a wee draw next weekend down in Newbridge?). Out of interest, where do league semi finals be played? Neutral venues?
Quote from: omagh_gael on March 17, 2013, 07:49:56 AM
Dublin 8
Tyrone 8
Kildare 8
Cork 6
Donegal 4
Mayo 2
Down 2
Kerry 2
League table as it stands this morning. A semi final spot looking good for Tyrone, Dublin and Kildare. All we need is one more point (what's the chances of a wee draw next weekend down in Newbridge?). Out of interest, where do league semi finals be played? Neutral venues?
Top 2 at home venues this year Omagh gael. As for us, we need Kerry and Down to lose their last games and I cannot see that happening!
Well Kerry have ourselves and Cork left, both of which will be tough to get points from. They are playing us in Omagh, not sure where the Cork game is.
Down have Dublin and Kildare left, which are not easy at all.
Finally, Mayo have Cork and Donegal left.
Mayo may have the hardest games looking at those fixtures as both Cork and Donegal will be pushing for a semi spot(Donegal not completely safe from the drop either!). We owe Kerry big time so you can be sure there will be no let up from us even if we are assured of a semi berth.
Shaping up to be an interesting final few weeks.
Any word of Colm O'Neill ? It didn't look good on the TV there.
Ditto Ciaran Kilkenny.
Hope both are ok.
Quote from: orangeman on March 17, 2013, 09:06:56 PM
Any word of Colm O'Neill ? It didn't look good on the TV there.
Ditto Ciaran Kilkenny.
Hope both are ok.
O'Neill having a scan on Tuesday according to the Cork GAA twitter a/c.
Apparently Kilkenny's injury was at first thought not too bad but in the Metro Herald paper today it says he had an MRI scan and it shows medial knee ligament damage so probably out for 6 weeks from training so will miss the rest of the league.
I hear Coney has a dislocated shoulder and is out for 3-4 months.
Didn't realise John Devine retired as well. Suppose he has become No 3 keeper now for Tyrone
Hi guys,
Tactical preview of Kerry vs Cork up here http://action81.com/blog/?p=7006
Emmet
Hi lads,
Tactical analysis of Dublin's win over Down now up here http://action81.com/blog/?p=7015
I'll also be putting together a post on all the permutations sometime next week.
Emmet
Division 1
Pos. Team P W D L F A Pts.
1 Dublin 6 5 0 1 8-92 4-63 10
2 Tyrone 6 5 0 1 4-75 3-69 10
3 Kildare 6 4 0 2 9-60 5-80 8
4 Cork 6 3 0 3 6-63 4-74 6
5 Mayo 6 2 0 4 2-74 5-65 4
6 Donegal 6 2 0 4 2-68 4-59 4
7 Kerry 6 2 0 4 1-49 5-58 4
8 Down 6 1 0 5 3-59 5-72 2
Division 2
Pos. Team P W D L F A Pts.
1 Westmeath 6 5 1 0 8-71 4-70 11
2 Derry 6 4 1 1 3-95 4-69 9
3 Laois 6 3 1 2 5-80 5-66 7
4 Galway 6 3 1 2 5-76 5-75 7
5 Wexford 6 2 1 3 7-66 11-73 5
6 Louth 6 2 1 3 8-73 6-81 5
7 Armagh 6 1 2 3 8-68 6-82 4
8 Longford 6 0 0 6 7-44 10-57 0
Division 3
Pos. Team P W D L F A Pts.
1 Fermanagh 6 4 1 1 5-79 5-57 9
2 Monaghan 5 4 0 1 7-62 6-42 8
3 Cavan 6 3 1 2 5-70 5-57 7
4 Meath 5 3 0 2 6-53 3-65 6
5 Roscommon 5 2 1 2 3-53 7-47 5
6 Antrim 5 1 2 2 5-52 6-51 4
7 Sligo 6 1 1 4 6-57 4-80 3
8 Wicklow 6 0 2 4 6-55 7-82 2
Division 4
Pos. Team P W D L F A Pts.
1 Limerick 7 5 0 2 1-73 4-70 10
2 Tipperary 6 4 0 2 5-80 4-63 8
3 Offaly 6 4 0 2 8-61 3-60 8
4 Clare 5 3 0 2 2-60 6-44 6
5 Leitrim 5 2 0 3 6-55 4-53 4
6 Carlow 6 2 0 4 2-68 5-74 4
7 Waterford 6 2 0 4 8-51 5-71 4
8 London 5 1 0 4 4-44 5-57 2
Am I right in thinking that Tyrone and Dublin are guaranteed first and second spot now by virtue of both beating Kildare, who also have a much poorer scoring average if Tyrone and Dublin both lose and they win in the final round (meaning all three finish on 10 points.)
Quote from: theticklemister on March 24, 2013, 05:47:45 PM
Division 1
Pos. Team P W D L F A Pts.
1 Dublin 6 5 0 1 8-92 4-63 10
2 Tyrone 6 5 0 1 4-75 3-69 10
3 Kildare 6 4 0 2 9-60 5-80 8
4 Cork 6 3 0 3 6-63 4-74 6
5 Mayo 6 2 0 4 2-74 5-65 4
6 Donegal 6 2 0 4 2-68 4-59 4
7 Kerry 6 2 0 4 1-49 5-58 4
8 Down 6 1 0 5 3-59 5-72 2
Division 2
Pos. Team P W D L F A Pts.
1 Westmeath 6 5 1 0 8-71 4-70 11
2 Derry 6 4 1 1 3-95 4-69 9
3 Laois 6 3 1 2 5-80 5-66 7
4 Galway 6 3 1 2 5-76 5-75 7
5 Wexford 6 2 1 3 7-66 11-73 5
6 Louth 6 2 1 3 8-73 6-81 5
7 Armagh 6 1 2 3 8-68 6-82 4
8 Longford 6 0 0 6 7-44 10-57 0
Division 3
Pos. Team P W D L F A Pts.
1 Fermanagh 6 4 1 1 5-79 5-57 9
2 Monaghan 5 4 0 1 7-62 6-42 8
3 Cavan 6 3 1 2 5-70 5-57 7
4 Meath 5 3 0 2 6-53 3-65 6
5 Roscommon 5 2 1 2 3-53 7-47 5
6 Antrim 5 1 2 2 5-52 6-51 4
7 Sligo 6 1 1 4 6-57 4-80 3
8 Wicklow 6 0 2 4 6-55 7-82 2
Division 4
Pos. Team P W D L F A Pts.
1 Limerick 7 5 0 2 1-73 4-70 10
2 Tipperary 6 4 0 2 5-80 4-63 8
3 Offaly 6 4 0 2 8-61 3-60 8
4 Clare 5 3 0 2 2-60 6-44 6
5 Leitrim 5 2 0 3 6-55 4-53 4
6 Carlow 6 2 0 4 2-68 5-74 4
7 Waterford 6 2 0 4 8-51 5-71 4
8 London 5 1 0 4 4-44 5-57 2
Bloody Hell, Westmeath!!! Is that correct? I have been paying no attention to the lower divisions, shocked that Westmeath are storming it.
Quote from: omagh_gael on March 24, 2013, 06:03:16 PM
Am I right in thinking that Tyrone and Dublin are guaranteed first and second spot now by virtue of both beating Kildare, who also have a much poorer scoring average if Tyrone and Dublin both lose and they win in the final round (meaning all three finish on 10 points.)
Yeah your right if the 3 teams end level on points will go on scoring difference but Kildare would need a big win against down to over take either team. The battle for 4th has got interesting cork are in poll position knowing a win against mayo guarentees them it but if mayo were to beat them and we pull of a shock against Dublin it will go on scoring difference. Both results could also have a bearing on who gets relegated if Kerry where to beat Tyrone
Quote from: omagh_gael on March 24, 2013, 06:03:16 PM
Am I right in thinking that Tyrone and Dublin are guaranteed first and second spot now by virtue of both beating Kildare, who also have a much poorer scoring average if Tyrone and Dublin both lose and they win in the final round (meaning all three finish on 10 points.)
No. doesn't matter if they beat kildare however as if 3 teams or more finish on equal points it goes on scoring difference. indecidentally if dublin and tyrone lose and kildare put up a huge score which sees their points difference go better than tyrone, then tyrone go out of top 2.
cant see that happening however.
if 2 teams finish level thenit goes head-to-head.
Hi guys,
New video up here taking another look at Stephen Cluxton coming off his line for Dublin.
http://action81.com/blog/?p=7024
Emmet
This table from www.gaa.ie would suggest places are based on head-to-head rather than points difference
Pos Team P W L D F A Points
1 Tyrone 6 5 1 0 87 78 10
2 Dublin 6 5 1 0 116 75 10
3 Kildare 6 4 2 0 87 95 8
4 Cork 6 3 3 0 81 86 6
5 Mayo 6 2 4 0 82 80 4
6 Donegal 6 2 4 0 74 74 4
7 Kerry 6 2 4 0 53 73 4
8 Down 6 1 5 0 68 87 2
It's head to head results if there's only two joint. If a three way tie it goes to points difference.
Final round of fixtures
Sunday April 7th, 2013 1500
Down vs. Kildare Newry
Cork vs. Mayo Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Tyrone vs. Kerry Omagh
Donegal vs. Dublin Ballybofey
From a relegation point of view:
Down look certain to go down although if they hockey Kildare at home and two of the three above them lose, they could still survive.
For Mayo / Donegal / Kerry, the same result for all three would likely see Kerry go down (barring a huge points swing)
If two lose / draw and the other gets a win / draw then:
Kerry & Mayo / Donegal - Kerry would go down as they've lost to the other two.
Mayo & Donegal - Mayo have the better head to head but a win for Down would leave it as a three-way tie and there's only two points between us in favour of Mayo so it would be very tight.
I have an inkling Donegal will beat the Dubs at home and stay up with Mayo sending Kerry down on points difference as they both lose.
What about Cork? Are they safe due to Kerry's score difference?
And can Donegal qualify for the semis?
Yeah, Cork look to be safe based on Kerry's scoring difference.
If Mayo beat Cork (by say 2 points) Donegal winning by 5 would put them into the QF I think.
The three teams already qualified may take the chance to do some experimentation. And/or their intensity may be down a notch. So a treble of Down-Kerry-Donegal might offer some value.
Yeah value for the bookie ::)
Quote from: Hound on March 26, 2013, 10:40:28 AM
The three teams already qualified may take the chance to do some experimentation. And/or their intensity may be down a notch. So a treble of Down-Kerry-Donegal might offer some value.
Not a chance of Tyrone dropping their intensity or focus for this one.
How Kildare line-out very much depends on the u21 final next week, win that I expect most of the u21s who have brought fantastic energy to the senior set-up to be rested meaning Kildare will definitely experiment and the squad will be heavily rotated but a lot of the older guys are under pressure to perform so McGeeney might eek a performance out of them. Lose that and I think McGeeney will look to give Hyland, Conway, Cribben, Hurley, Niall Kelly, Dan Flynn, Brophy and Moolick opportunities to impress, if these guys are available to play I think Kildare will win.
Hi guys,
Full permutations for all 4 divisions up here http://action81.com/blog/?p=7050
Emmet
Quote from: Hound on March 26, 2013, 10:40:28 AM
The three teams already qualified may take the chance to do some experimentation. And/or their intensity may be down a notch. So a treble of Down-Kerry-Donegal might offer some value.
That's my worry. If that is the case, Mayo can't blame anyone but themselves for going down.
Quote from: omagh_gael on March 26, 2013, 11:04:02 AM
Quote from: Hound on March 26, 2013, 10:40:28 AM
The three teams already qualified may take the chance to do some experimentation. And/or their intensity may be down a notch. So a treble of Down-Kerry-Donegal might offer some value.
Not a chance of Tyrone dropping their intensity or focus for this one.
Some of the intensity and focus has to be dropped after already securing semi final place however, Tyrone should still beat Kerry at home.
Cill Dara (v An Dún) 7/4/13
1 Shane Connolly - St Laurences
2 Ollie Lyons - Celbridge
3 Michael Foley - Athy
4 Hugh McGrillen - Celbridge
5 Emmet Bolton - Eadestown
6 Peter Kelly - Two Mile House
7 Eoin Doyle - Naas
8 Daryl Flynn - Moorefield
9 Pádraig O'Neill - St Laurences
10 Daniel Flynn - Johnstownbridge
11 Éamonn Callaghan - Naas
12 Eoghan O'Flaherty - Carbury
13 John Doyle - Allenwood
14 Tomás O'Connor - Clane
15 Alan Smith - Sarsfields
Dublin have named a stronger team than expected for the game at the weekend
1 Stephen Cluxton Parnell's
2 Kevin O'Brien Naomh Mearnog
3 Philly McMahon Ballymun Kickhams
4 Darren Daly Fingal Ravens
5 Jack McCaffrey Clontarf
6 Ger Brennan St Vincent's
7 Nicky Devereux Ballinteer St John's
8 Michael Darragh Macauley Ballyboden St Enda's
9 Cian O'Sullivan Kilmacud Crokes
10 Paul Flynn Fingallians
11 Tomas Brady Na Fianna
12 Bryan Cullen Skerries Harps
13 Kevin McManamon St Jude's
14 Paddy Andrews St Brigid's
15 Paul Mannion Kilmacud Crokes
Donegal not named their team yet but word is we will be without paddy McGrath,Anthony Thompson,Neil Gallagher and the u21 players in the squad
If they'd named Berno in the corner instead of Mannion then 15 different clubs would have been represented on that team.
Quote from: Jinxy on April 06, 2013, 10:55:39 PM
If they'd named Berno in the corner instead of Mannion then 15 different clubs would have been represented on that team.
DIVISION 1 thread mate you must be deliriously ratarsed
I'm allowed talk to the division one lads if I want to.
YOU on the other hand....
Donegal score?
FT Donegal 1-10 Dublin 0-13.
Paul Mannion equalizer in 72nd minute. Donegal relegated
Semi Final lineup:
Mayo v Dublin
Kildare v Tyrone
That was a hard few mins from 4.25pm till the ref blew for fulltime today.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on April 07, 2013, 05:09:47 PM
That was a hard few mins from 4.25pm till the ref blew for fulltime today.
+1, I must be getting worse with age, had to walk away from PC as I was listening on line.
Now trying to get stream on tg4, it is possible the worst laid out website known to mankind.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on April 07, 2013, 05:09:47 PM
That was a hard few mins from 4.25pm till the ref blew for fulltime today.
Mad at the end. Donegal went from needing 2 more points to make the semi-final to being relegated by conceding 2 points.
anone know the scoop about why mcfadden was taken off?
Quote from: cadence on April 07, 2013, 05:33:15 PM
anone know the scoop about why mcfadden was taken off?
McGuinness was saying on Radio 1 that they started their championship training this week and maybe it was a bit much for McFadden!
Quote from: Tubberman on April 07, 2013, 05:46:45 PM
Quote from: cadence on April 07, 2013, 05:33:15 PM
anone know the scoop about why mcfadden was taken off?
McGuinness was saying on Radio 1 that they started their championship training this week and maybe it was a bit much for McFadden!
ah right ta.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on April 07, 2013, 05:09:47 PM
That was a hard few mins from 4.25pm till the ref blew for fulltime today.
Blood pressure stuff! ;D
Bollocks to that anyway, but if we come out in seven weeks and beat Tyrone and go on to win Ulster and reach the last four of the AI, then no one will give relegation a second thought, especially as if Mayo had not scraped through late or we'd held on ourselves and added another point or two, we'd actually be in the semis! On the other hand, if we do as most non-Kerry champions do and fall back a bit the second year, the relegation will be seen as part of a post AI hangover. But at this point, given the fine margin this year, I don't think too many Donegal people will be hitting the panic button yet.
Quote from: J70 on April 07, 2013, 07:37:35 PM
Bollocks to that anyway, but if we come out in seven weeks and beat Tyrone and go on to win Ulster and reach the last four of the AI, then no one will give relegation a second thought, especially as if Mayo had not scraped through late or we'd held on ourselves and added another point or two, we'd actually be in the semis! On the other hand, if we do as most non-Kerry champions do and fall back a bit the second year, the relegation will be seen as part of a post AI hangover. But at this point, given the fine margin this year, I don't think too many Donegal people will be hitting the panic button yet.
The relegation in itself will not worry Donegal too much I don't think, but the fact that they failed to beat an under strength Dublin team at home in a must win fixture probably WILL hurt. McGuinness as a manager is probably the best in the country but however hard he tries to guard against a drop in appetite you really only find out if this is the case in the final stages of do or die matches. At this stage it's the question marks over their hunger to do it all again coupled with their lack of options on the bench that may be their biggest obstacles. They are still strong contenders but I'd fancy Dublin at this stage, Gavin's biggest headache will be picking a starting 15.