ROSCOMMON v CORK (MARCH 2)

agorm · February 23, 2008, 04:06:54 PM

Quote from: Turlough O Carolan on February 23, 2008, 02:12:27 PM
Great pitch and best way to view the match is to stand at the fence and be right close up to the action. In fact it's the only way. Best way to get to pitch (coming from Athlone side) take a right down a bothareen after you've passed the road for Hodson Bay Hotel (if you get there early head down to Hotel and have a look at beautiful Lough Ree). There was a tonne of local club members directing traffic into the field next to the pitch for the Meath game. They helped everyone park perfectly. I thought they'd be gone when the game ended but sure enough they were there to help everyone get out too. Otherwise you could end up with a long walk.

I agree that they had a load of people stewarding the Meath game , however if they had a brain at all they would have had some directions out on the main road!! There were literally no signs for the ground on the road. We arrived early and there was not a single indication regarding the game. The turnoff is indicated by a sign saying St Brigids Sports Club I think and we only found it after driving well past and asking for directions.Even when you turn off you have to take a left at the next Y junction (once again not signposted). There was a guy directing operations at the ground but he was not remotely interested in this when I informed him that a basic sign would be a big help.

That said, the people from the club working at the grounfd were spot on. The tea and sandwiches were nice and it's a super pitch.

Shrewdness · February 25, 2008, 09:45:57 AM

Is it safe to assume that none of the Nemo Rangers players will be playing for Cork next Sunday, by which time the All Ireland Club Final will be only 2 weeks away?

Tatler Jack · February 26, 2008, 09:37:44 PM

QuoteIs it safe to assume that none of the Nemo Rangers players will be playing for Cork next Sunday, by which time the All Ireland Club Final will be only 2 weeks away?

The Nemo players will not be playing. Masters and Kavanagh would probably be the only two automatic choices though I think Kerrigan and maybe Brian O'Regan will push for places as the year goes on. Even without Masters I thnk Cork will win. I expect they will dominate midfield where Ros are weak and their forwards are good enough to score against this Ros defence. I see Hayes was back last week for Cork - he is the kind of player who will get scores in this type of game, aginst Kerry he will be in some Kerry backs arse pocket. Also saw Paddy Kelly was in the Cork panel last week. This fellow is a good prospect and well able to handle himself (Kerry breeding stock I understand)

IolarCoisCuain · February 27, 2008, 03:41:16 PM

Every summer you have Rossies pussing that the Hyde doesn't get the Connacht Final, and now they don't even play their own league games there?

Well I don't know. I really don't.

brokencrossbar1 · February 27, 2008, 04:21:03 PM

Tatler Pa Kelly is indeed on the panel and is a fine footballer. As you say he is Kerry stock but very much a Corkonian these days. He has brothers who are handy too.

Curiosity, how do you know him? College?

jaykay · February 27, 2008, 04:33:49 PM

Quote from: IolarCoisCuain on February 27, 2008, 03:41:16 PM
Every summer you have Rossies pussing that the Hyde doesn't get the Connacht Final, and now they don't even play their own league games there?

Well I don't know. I really don't.

What are you on about? There is a home and away agreement between the Connaught sides so when the final pair are left every dog on the street knows where the final will be played. It's pretty straight forward really, no "pussing" involved.

heineken_on_tap · February 27, 2008, 04:45:12 PM

Quote from: jaykay on February 27, 2008, 04:33:49 PM
Quote from: IolarCoisCuain on February 27, 2008, 03:41:16 PM
Every summer you have Rossies pussing that the Hyde doesn't get the Connacht Final, and now they don't even play their own league games there?

Well I don't know. I really don't.

What are you on about? There is a home and away agreement between the Connaught sides so when the final pair are left every dog on the street knows where the final will be played. It's pretty straight forward really, no "pussing" involved.

Very true jaykay, obviously IolarCoisCuain you dont know all that much. Anyway Kiltoom is a fine venue for this match - dont think Cork or any other team to visit there will have any complaints about the facilities. Finding it may be a problem - hopefully it is better sign posted for this one..

Ryano · February 27, 2008, 05:04:49 PM

1. Claffey
2. O'Connor 3. A.McDermott 4. Murtagh
5. O Gara 6. Kenny 7. Seanie Mac
8. Mannion 9. O'Carroll
10. G Cox 11. Frankie 12. Cregg
13. Heneghan 14. Dunning 15. Kilbride

Great to see Seanie Mac back from injury. He is captain this year and is certain to lead by example. Interesting to see him in the HB line where he normally plays for Western Gaels. Expect to see him driving forward even more now that he is free from the FB line plus himself and Cregger will be linking up on that wing. He should also stabilise the HB line which has been very shakey so far.

Tatler Jack · February 27, 2008, 07:16:35 PM

QuoteCuriosity, how do you know him? College?

Afraid my college and playing days are a distant memory now BC1!

First saw him playing for B'Collig in an U21game about 3 years back and was very impressed with him -felt he was the type of player Cork needed. Plenty of football ability but not afraid to get stuck in. I was at the game with a Kerryman who filled me in on his pedigree. I have seen him a few times since for B'Collig and Cork U21s and my opinion has not changed. I know he has had a lot of injuries but hopefully now he will get a decent run with the team.

The Ros team looks as good as what is available. Is O'Neill injured or has Maughan lost patience with his poor form and lack of dscipline. Mannion and O'Carroll have a big task. If Ros can break even at midfield they have a chance, if Cork dominate then its a Cork win and probably by 6 or 7 points.

IolarCoisCuain · February 27, 2008, 09:20:10 PM

Quote from: heineken_on_tap on February 27, 2008, 04:45:12 PM
Quote from: jaykay on February 27, 2008, 04:33:49 PM
Quote from: IolarCoisCuain on February 27, 2008, 03:41:16 PM
Every summer you have Rossies pussing that the Hyde doesn't get the Connacht Final, and now they don't even play their own league games there?

Well I don't know. I really don't.

What are you on about? There is a home and away agreement between the Connaught sides so when the final pair are left every dog on the street knows where the final will be played. It's pretty straight forward really, no "pussing" involved.

Very true jaykay, obviously IolarCoisCuain you dont know all that much. Anyway Kiltoom is a fine venue for this match - dont think Cork or any other team to visit there will have any complaints about the facilities. Finding it may be a problem - hopefully it is better sign posted for this one..

And here's me thinking that Roscommon have been sore since spending all that money on the Hyde in 1999 (IR£250,000 I believe, but don't take my word for it: http://gaels.roscommon.gaa.ie/clubhistory.html) thinking that the Hyde would be default Connacht Final venue and it wasn't, but obviously I imagined it all. I must lead a very rich life of the imagination you know.

Which is just as well, really, as Jaykay remarks that the because "Connnaught" Finals are played home and away arguing over venues doesn't come into it, and Heineken on Tap then kicks me when I'm down by remarking that I obviously don't know all that much. I'm afraid Heineken has a point there - as last year's Connacht Final was actually at Dr Hyde Park and featured Galway and Sligo I can't for the life of me figure out which of them was the home side and which the away. Unless the Rossies had some sort of Tobbercurry Takeover or Anschluss of Elphin while no-one was looking. Which could happen without me knowing, of course, because I don't, after all, know that much.

But I'm only pulling your tails boys. I hope you hammer the Jesus out of Cork, who need to be taught manners very, very badly. Best of luck to you.

Frank Casey · February 27, 2008, 09:50:10 PM

Cork had a run out against Wexford at the weekend and came out on top. Not an awful lot that you can read into it other than it blew a few cobwebs away. Hope the Rossies take them and take them well. Home advantage, the journey and rustiness should make a home win.

From www.irishexaminer.com

25 February 2008

O'Sullivan goal gets rusty Cork back on track

By Brendan Furlong
Cork 2-6 Wexford 0-8
CORK returned to the playing field after months of controversy yesterday with a senior football challenge against Wexford at Lembrien yesterday.

Already four points down in the league, new Cork manager Conor Counihan was anxious to see his men in action. Though both sides were in somewhat experimental mood, it was Cork who had the better of the opening-half exchanges.

With half-backs Noel O'Leary, Ger Spillane and Anthony Lynch prominent and Graham Canty outstanding at full-back, they restricted the Model County to one first-half point, from Ciaran Lyng.

It was evident from the opening exchanges that the Cork attack was somewhat rusty, although a fine John Miskella goal midway through the half set them on the way. Cork added points through Donncha O'Connor (two) and Kevin O'Sullivan to lead 1-3 to 0-1 at the interval.

Both managers used their entire squads, making it difficult for either side to play a flowing game, though the quality improved after the break.

Cork looked quite assured through the second-half, and Kevin O'Sullivan's 50th-minute goal from close range set them up for victory.

Wexford introduced Mattie Forde late on, and he responded with two points, but it was Cork who capped their return with a four-point victory.

Both managers stressed it was a case of utilising all the players they had available as they step up preparations for their games next weekend.

CORK: A Quirke; D Duggan, G Canty, K O'Connor; N O'Leary, G Spillane, A Lynch; N Murphy, A O'Connor; J Miskella (1-0), K McMahon, P Kelly (0-1); J Hayes, D O'Connor (0-3, 0-1 free), K O'Sullivan (1-2).

Subs: K O'Halloran for Quirke; M Prout for K O'Connor; E Sexton for O'Leary; S O'Donoghoe for Lynch; R O'Sullivan for Spillane; C McCarthy for McMahon; D Hurley for Murphy; A O'Sullivan for Miskella.

WEXFORD: A Cullen; T Wall, M Hanrahan,D Walsh; G. Sunderland, D Murphy, N O'Sullivan; P Colfer (0-2), B. Doyle; G Brilly, P Curtis, J Mernagh (0-1); C Lyng (0-2), C Byrne, P Byrne.

Subs: M Forde (0-2, 0-1 free) for Byrne; C Morris (0-1) for Wall; A Morrissey for Curtis; A Flynn for Brilly; E Bradley for Colfer; A Masterson for Cullen; A Doyle for O'Sullivan; P Wallace for Hanrahan.

brokencrossbar1 · February 27, 2008, 10:43:12 PM

The reason I ask Tatler is I am coaching Ballincollig this year and he will be one of the main stays on the team. Bags of ability and an engine like nobodies business! He has the potential to make it all the way if thngs run right for him.

Ryano · February 28, 2008, 09:02:11 AM

Quote from: Tatler Jack on February 27, 2008, 07:16:35 PM

Is O'Neill injured or has Maughan lost patience with his poor form and lack of dscipline. Mannion and O'Carroll have a big task. If Ros can break even at midfield they have a chance, if Cork dominate then its a Cork win and probably by 6 or 7 points.

I think its officially due to a finger injury Tatler but from what i heard he was dropped after getting his dumbass sent off against Monaghan for two stupid bookings (the second one especially). Long long over due as he has been consistantly turning in sh1te performances over the last few years. I can't remember when he last played a good game and that includes for Kilbride too. He has been living off that 2001 performance against Galway in the Connaught championship for far too long.

Agree about midfield if we just break even we have a chance but loose it and loose the game. I don't think O'Neill would make any difference if he were playing.

heineken_on_tap · February 28, 2008, 10:16:40 AM

Quote from: IolarCoisCuain on February 27, 2008, 09:20:10 PM
Which is just as well, really, as Jaykay remarks that the because "Connnaught" Finals are played home and away arguing over venues doesn't come into it, and Heineken on Tap then kicks me when I'm down by remarking that I obviously don't know all that much. I'm afraid Heineken has a point there - as last year's Connacht Final was actually at Dr Hyde Park and featured Galway and Sligo I can't for the life of me figure out which of them was the home side and which the away. Unless the Rossies had some sort of Tobbercurry Takeover or Anschluss of Elphin while no-one was looking. Which could happen without me knowing, of course, because I don't, after all, know that much.

But I'm only pulling your tails boys. I hope you hammer the Jesus out of Cork, who need to be taught manners very, very badly. Best of luck to you.

Well Iolar it was played in the hyde - you are correct there - good man

. The only reason it was played in Roscommon however was that Markievicz Park wasnt deemed large enough to host a connaught final. So Sligo were given the decision - did they want to play it in the Hyde or Castlebar. Due to the fact they beat us in the hyde and were more familar with it - they chose the Hyde. Obviously Roscommon county board were delighted with that but had no say in the decision to host the final.

But anyway that is a side issue - ya hope like you Ros do it as well, IMO if they beat Cork I cant see them getting relegated this year.

Tatler Jack · February 28, 2008, 02:14:38 PM

QuoteI think its officially due to a finger injury Tatler

Did the finger injury occur as Maughan was trying to get him to take the finger out of his arse

Would not be surprised if he injured it then as it has been up there a long time.!!

Looked a great talent when he first came on the team but never really developed or matured. He needed an older and wiser head to support him at midfield in the early years. Mannion and O'Carroll may offer more in terms of hard graft though neither are inspirational.