May as well get this started after the results last night, so far we have:
Tyrone v Kildare/Louth
Rossies v Kerry/Cork
Anyone any idea who would be favourites this year?
Any thoughts on your own county's chances?
Any standout out players to watch out for?
From a Tyrone perspective we are in complete bonus territory, we definitely would not have been favourites for Ulster based on minor performances and managed to gather momentum throughout the spring after early losses to both Cavan and Armagh in the group stages. We ground out narrow wins against Derry and Donegal and beat Monaghan relatively comfortably last night.
Shea McDermott is our main scoring threat and we've had big performances from Conor Devlin (son of Gavin) and Conor O'Neill in MF.
Conor Devlin is Fay Devlins son i think
Quote from: In hiding on April 30, 2026, 09:10:04 AMConor Devlin is Fay Devlins son i think
Is Darragh Horse's lad then?
Conor and Darragh are both Faye's sons. Horse has no sons playing
We will be bet by Kerry which will no doubt be played in fkn Ennis once again.
Quote from: TyroneTam on April 30, 2026, 09:14:46 AMQuote from: In hiding on April 30, 2026, 09:10:04 AMConor Devlin is Fay Devlins son i think
Is Darragh Horse's lad then?
He's had lads on the last 2 teams Cormac and Conan but none this year.
Quote from: square_ball on April 30, 2026, 11:19:51 AMQuote from: TyroneTam on April 30, 2026, 09:14:46 AMQuote from: In hiding on April 30, 2026, 09:10:04 AMConor Devlin is Fay Devlins son i think
Is Darragh Horse's lad then?
He's had lads on the last 2 teams Cormac and Conan but none this year.
Has Tyrones main forward played at all yet in the u20s this year?
Quote from: Topoftheworld on April 30, 2026, 09:20:24 AMConor and Darragh are both Faye's sons. Horse has no sons playing
Ah right, got mixed up with the other lads.
Quote from: Rossfan on April 30, 2026, 10:11:37 AMWe will be bet by Kerry which will no doubt be played in fkn Ennis once again.
Will be interesting to see how Cork and Kerry go this evening in Tralee. When they met earlier it was 10 to 09 in Cork's favour. Surprisingly low scoring compared to the scores they put up against Waterford.
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 30, 2026, 11:33:19 AMQuote from: square_ball on April 30, 2026, 11:19:51 AMQuote from: TyroneTam on April 30, 2026, 09:14:46 AMQuote from: In hiding on April 30, 2026, 09:10:04 AMConor Devlin is Fay Devlins son i think
Is Darragh Horse's lad then?
He's had lads on the last 2 teams Cormac and Conan but none this year.
Has Tyrones main forward played at all yet in the u20s this year?
McCullagh? Started and finished one game and came on as a sub in another but hasn't played since the Down game. Doubt he will be available for the 20s rest of the year
Quote from: weareros on April 30, 2026, 12:22:05 PMQuote from: Rossfan on April 30, 2026, 10:11:37 AMWe will be bet by Kerry which will no doubt be played in fkn Ennis once again.
Will be interesting to see how Cork and Kerry go this evening in Tralee. When they met earlier it was 10 to 09 in Cork's favour. Surprisingly low scoring compared to the scores they put up against Waterford.
Kerry didn't have Tom Kennedy last day against Cork. Will be a good trimming for Cork later. Kerry must be odds on to win All Ireland.
I'd say Mayowestros were odds on last night😉
Quote from: moonster on April 30, 2026, 06:31:23 PMQuote from: weareros on April 30, 2026, 12:22:05 PMQuote from: Rossfan on April 30, 2026, 10:11:37 AMWe will be bet by Kerry which will no doubt be played in fkn Ennis once again.
Will be interesting to see how Cork and Kerry go this evening in Tralee. When they met earlier it was 10 to 09 in Cork's favour. Surprisingly low scoring compared to the scores they put up against Waterford.
Kerry didn't have Tom Kennedy last day against Cork. Will be a good trimming for Cork later. Kerry must be odds on to win All Ireland.
Easy to know you didn't watch that game or read the match report.
Tom Kennedy played the full game scoring 0-3.
Quote from: thebigfullforward on April 30, 2026, 03:06:09 PMQuote from: nrico2006 on April 30, 2026, 11:33:19 AMQuote from: square_ball on April 30, 2026, 11:19:51 AMQuote from: TyroneTam on April 30, 2026, 09:14:46 AMQuote from: In hiding on April 30, 2026, 09:10:04 AMConor Devlin is Fay Devlins son i think
Is Darragh Horse's lad then?
He's had lads on the last 2 teams Cormac and Conan but none this year.
Has Tyrones main forward played at all yet in the u20s this year?
McCullagh? Started and finished one game and came on as a sub in another but hasn't played since the Down game. Doubt he will be available for the 20s rest of the year
Ardboe lad Cocannon one of their better players been injured half way through Derry game
Half-time in the Munster final Kerry 2-7 Cork 0-9. Kerry will be happy with that as they were 7 points behind in that half.
Quote from: Blowitupref on April 30, 2026, 07:33:07 PMHalf-time in the Munster final Kerry 2-7 Cork 0-9. Kerry will be happy with that as they were 7 points behind in that half.
Cork will be disgusted by how they let Kerry back into it given they were 0-8 to 0-1 up at one stage.
Kerry did get a cracker of a goal with the literal last kick of the ball before half-time and then the Kerry full-forward and Cork full-back both got black carded.
Hard to know exactly how good or bad this Kerry team is.
Result Kerry 3-14 Cork 0-20. Much joy in that 2nd half for Kerry getting scores on the turn overs. Cork was 8 points behind in that half so a decent fight back.
Fair play to Kerry, they are always competitive at this level. A rich history continuing.
This "screening" thing is going to become a huge problem in the football. For Kerrys first goal the player passed the ball to his own man and then just ran straight into the Cork defender taking him out. Then the free man passed it in and they got a goal. That was a clear foul to me anyway. A few key decisions went against Cork on the night.
Quote from: NotedObserver on April 30, 2026, 07:22:10 PMQuote from: thebigfullforward on April 30, 2026, 03:06:09 PMQuote from: nrico2006 on April 30, 2026, 11:33:19 AMQuote from: square_ball on April 30, 2026, 11:19:51 AMQuote from: TyroneTam on April 30, 2026, 09:14:46 AMQuote from: In hiding on April 30, 2026, 09:10:04 AMConor Devlin is Fay Devlins son i think
Is Darragh Horse's lad then?
He's had lads on the last 2 teams Cormac and Conan but none this year.
Has Tyrones main forward played at all yet in the u20s this year?
McCullagh? Started and finished one game and came on as a sub in another but hasn't played since the Down game. Doubt he will be available for the 20s rest of the year
Ardboe lad Cocannon one of their better players been injured half way through Derry game
One of the best players in Tyrone league last year. Only out of club minors too
Quote from: moonster on April 30, 2026, 10:14:25 PMThis "screening" thing is going to become a huge problem in the football. For Kerrys first goal the player passed the ball to his own man and then just ran straight into the Cork defender taking him out. Then the free man passed it in and they got a goal. That was a clear foul to me anyway. A few key decisions went against Cork on the night.
I saw a clip of this one. It should have been a black card. Hard to understand why refs don't deal with blatant cases like this.
For a screen in basketball you have to be set - you cannot run into someone. I don't see an issue with the same in gaelic football - I don't see why anyone should have to "get out of the way" but we have a rule to deal with deliberate body collisions that should be enforced.
Quote from: magpie seanie on May 01, 2026, 10:44:34 AMQuote from: moonster on April 30, 2026, 10:14:25 PMThis "screening" thing is going to become a huge problem in the football. For Kerrys first goal the player passed the ball to his own man and then just ran straight into the Cork defender taking him out. Then the free man passed it in and they got a goal. That was a clear foul to me anyway. A few key decisions went against Cork on the night.
I saw a clip of this one. It should have been a black card. Hard to understand why refs don't deal with blatant cases like this.
For a screen in basketball you have to be set - you cannot run into someone. I don't see an issue with the same in gaelic football - I don't see why anyone should have to "get out of the way" but we have a rule to deal with deliberate body collisions that should be enforced.
If we're going off what's happening in basketball moving screens are pretty much legal at this point
Quote from: thebigfullforward on May 01, 2026, 01:13:12 PMQuote from: magpie seanie on May 01, 2026, 10:44:34 AMQuote from: moonster on April 30, 2026, 10:14:25 PMThis "screening" thing is going to become a huge problem in the football. For Kerrys first goal the player passed the ball to his own man and then just ran straight into the Cork defender taking him out. Then the free man passed it in and they got a goal. That was a clear foul to me anyway. A few key decisions went against Cork on the night.
I saw a clip of this one. It should have been a black card. Hard to understand why refs don't deal with blatant cases like this.
For a screen in basketball you have to be set - you cannot run into someone. I don't see an issue with the same in gaelic football - I don't see why anyone should have to "get out of the way" but we have a rule to deal with deliberate body collisions that should be enforced.
If we're going off what's happening in basketball moving screens are pretty much legal at this point
As is travelling which is another comparison but if we keep digressing we'll be here for a year.
My point is the rules are there to deal with it. Why do we need a big media furore so the refs get told how to implement or focus on a certain aspect?
Quote from: magpie seanie on May 01, 2026, 02:02:56 PMQuote from: thebigfullforward on May 01, 2026, 01:13:12 PMQuote from: magpie seanie on May 01, 2026, 10:44:34 AMQuote from: moonster on April 30, 2026, 10:14:25 PMThis "screening" thing is going to become a huge problem in the football. For Kerrys first goal the player passed the ball to his own man and then just ran straight into the Cork defender taking him out. Then the free man passed it in and they got a goal. That was a clear foul to me anyway. A few key decisions went against Cork on the night.
I saw a clip of this one. It should have been a black card. Hard to understand why refs don't deal with blatant cases like this.
For a screen in basketball you have to be set - you cannot run into someone. I don't see an issue with the same in gaelic football - I don't see why anyone should have to "get out of the way" but we have a rule to deal with deliberate body collisions that should be enforced.
If we're going off what's happening in basketball moving screens are pretty much legal at this point
As is travelling which is another comparison but if we keep digressing we'll be here for a year.
My point is the rules are there to deal with it. Why do we need a big media furore so the refs get told how to implement or focus on a certain aspect?
Different refs are sticklers for different things, seen a couple in Armagh clubs games lately be an absolute stickler for steps where you barely get the 4, others don't care.
Who can forget last year when refs decided for one weekend to hammer keepers on the 20 second kickout and theres been barely any blown since.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 01, 2026, 02:10:14 PMQuote from: magpie seanie on May 01, 2026, 02:02:56 PMQuote from: thebigfullforward on May 01, 2026, 01:13:12 PMQuote from: magpie seanie on May 01, 2026, 10:44:34 AMQuote from: moonster on April 30, 2026, 10:14:25 PMThis "screening" thing is going to become a huge problem in the football. For Kerrys first goal the player passed the ball to his own man and then just ran straight into the Cork defender taking him out. Then the free man passed it in and they got a goal. That was a clear foul to me anyway. A few key decisions went against Cork on the night.
I saw a clip of this one. It should have been a black card. Hard to understand why refs don't deal with blatant cases like this.
For a screen in basketball you have to be set - you cannot run into someone. I don't see an issue with the same in gaelic football - I don't see why anyone should have to "get out of the way" but we have a rule to deal with deliberate body collisions that should be enforced.
If we're going off what's happening in basketball moving screens are pretty much legal at this point
As is travelling which is another comparison but if we keep digressing we'll be here for a year.
My point is the rules are there to deal with it. Why do we need a big media furore so the refs get told how to implement or focus on a certain aspect?
Different refs are sticklers for different things, seen a couple in Armagh clubs games lately be an absolute stickler for steps where you barely get the 4, others don't care.
Who can forget last year when refs decided for one weekend to hammer keepers on the 20 second kickout and theres been barely any blown since.
That rule was removed was it not?
All-Ireland U20 Football Championship Semi-Finals
Wednesday May 13
Roscommon v Kerry, Semple Stadium, 7.30pm
Tyrone v Kildare, Breffni Park 7.30pm
All-Ireland U20 B Football Championship Semi-Finals
Sunday May 10
Sligo v Tipperary, Markievicz Park, 2.45pm
Wednesday May 13
Down v Wexford, GAA Centre of Excellence Abbottstown, 7.30pm
All fixtures E.T & Winner on the Day
Kerry due a win against Tyrone in final.
Odds on the two All-Ireland semi-finals tonight.
Kerry 2/5
Roscommon 12/5
Draw 9/1
Tyrone 4/9
Kildare 9/4
Draw 8/1
To win the All-Ireland
Kerry 11/8
Tyrone 17/10
Roscommon 9/2
Kildare 6/1
HQ don't even hide their disrespect for the U20 grade anymore. Both All-Ireland semi-finals on a Wednesday night and both at 7.30pm is a bit of a joke.
Ruairi McCullagh late addition to the Tyrone squad, you'd have to imagine he'll start or play a major part of second half if required.
Kildare brutally slow in attack, at this rate they'll have completely blown the advantage of playing with a huge wind.
On a separate note this is a pathetic crowd for an all Ireland semi final. Why could this not have been played at the weekend?
Quote from: TyroneTam on May 13, 2026, 07:49:12 PMKildare brutally slow in attack, at this rate they'll have completely blown the advantage of playing with a huge wind.
On a separate note this is a pathetic crowd for an all Ireland semi final. Why could this not have been played at the weekend?
I'd imagine they have to get it finished by the start of the AI series. Not sure why Leinster couldn't get theirs finished up at the same time as the other 3 otherwise the semis would have been last weekend and the final this weekend.
Half time
Kildare 0-4 Tyrone 1-6
Roscommon 0-2 Kerry 0-8
This looks like a very good Kerry team.
Kerry was 0-11 to 0-4 ahead 48 minutes played yet the rossies fought back to draw 0-11 each. Extra time coming up.
Tyrone 2-12 Kildare 0-13 result.
Extra time half-time
Kerry 0-15 Roscommon 0-12
Result Kerry 3-17 Roscommon 0-17
These semi finals have been so underwhelming, terrible promotion from the GAA and an utter shame for the players involved.
Another Tyrone v Kerry final at this grade, will Kerry finally get one over on us?
Quote from: TyroneTam on May 13, 2026, 10:24:30 PMThese semi finals have been so underwhelming, terrible promotion from the GAA and an utter shame for the players involved.
Another Tyrone v Kerry final at this grade, will Kerry finally get one over on us?
Disgrace semi finals been played mid week.
Quote from: Aaron Boone on May 13, 2026, 08:31:30 PMThis looks like a very good Kerry team.
Yep. Their forward line will take some watching. Paddy Lane was a standout in the club championship and we all know what Thomas Kennedy can do
Isnt the final next Wednesday?
Mid week semi finals due to
A Leinster game being abandoned and
Kerry getting special treatment because they had a man on the Senior team.
Next Saturday was the original date for the Final which could have been used for the semis with the Final weekend 30th May.
None of the 4 in Senior action that weekend.
1,437 in Thurles last night, about 1,200 Ros.
Better team won in the end but we made them earn it.
Coulda shoulda sneaked it at the end of normal time....
Quote from: Rossfan on May 14, 2026, 08:56:35 AMMid week semi finals due to
A Leinster game being abandoned and
Kerry getting special treatment because they had a man on the Senior team.
Next Saturday was the original date for the Final which could have been used for the semis with the Final weekend 30th May.
None of the 4 in Senior action that weekend.
1,437 in Thurles last night, about 1,200 Ros.
Better team won in the end but we made them earn it.
Coulda shoulda sneaked it at the end of normal time....
Hardly special treatment now if Kennedy played a Munster final Sunday and has to play an u20 game the Wednesday.
Spillane is right in that the structure wants looking at but not sure his suggestion of playing it at the same time as the seniors will be preparing for all ireland quarter/semi finals is going to work.
Didn't manage to see any the games last night but Roscommon can be very pleased with their campaign, have a great trait of coming back into games where they looked like they'd be beaten. Watched a good few games in Connacht and thought Mayo had a team capable of winning an All Ireland, Rightly so they'll be questioning their management again.
Who has taken on the scoring burden for Tyrone in light of McCulloughs absence?
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 14, 2026, 09:22:55 AMSpillane is right in that the structure wants looking at but not sure his suggestion of playing it at the same time as the seniors will be preparing for all ireland quarter/semi finals is going to work.
Structure needs looking at but worth noting HQ have been trying to scrap the U20 for U19. Personally I won't have scrapped the U21 grade.
Did Kerry with their size and pick really need Thomas Kennedy to overcome Cork in the Munster final? Roscommon with a much smaller pick have no U20s on their senior panel.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 14, 2026, 09:54:26 AMDidn't manage to see any the games last night but Roscommon can be very pleased with their campaign, have a great trait of coming back into games where they looked like they'd be beaten. Watched a good few games in Connacht and thought Mayo had a team capable of winning an All Ireland, Rightly so they'll be questioning their management again.
Mayo plenty of good forwards in Berine,Lydon,Kobe etc but they simply weren't good enough defensively to be capable of winning the All-Ireland. Two Finalists Tyrone,Kerry are on a different level defensively and while we have a more offensive game now a good defence still wins any All-Ireland.
Just shows you how a winning mentality can make a team play with confidence and belief.
Talk earlier this year was that this Tyrone U20 team are not as good as last year and have brought in a few of last years winning minors like Colton and Aodhan Quinn. Young Concannon who many say has been their best player until he got injured is also an exciting prospect. I've not seen him myself.
With him and McCullagh out most of the season they've done very well to make it to the final with very tough games in Ulster.
Kerry haven't won the U20 All-Ireland since 2008 I believe which is surprising. I'd say they will be chomping at the bit to get revenge for the last few years and even how we beat them last year in the minors will still be hurting them.
Will be interesting to see do they put the final on before the Tyrone v Roscommon game in the Hyde on Sun 24th May or will they put it on the Sat as expected which will be tough for Tyrone fans to travel two days in a row.
Shea McDermott has had a great tournament and scored a cracking goal last night despite four defenders around him. He was well marked last night in fairness so it just shows this team has scores all around the team.
Will be interesting to see does Conor O'Neill and McCullagh play much for the seniors later this year or maybe they won't get the chance.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on May 14, 2026, 11:41:22 AMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 14, 2026, 09:22:55 AMSpillane is right in that the structure wants looking at but not sure his suggestion of playing it at the same time as the seniors will be preparing for all ireland quarter/semi finals is going to work.
Structure needs looking at but worth noting HQ have been trying to scrap the U20 for U19. Personally I won't have scrapped the U21 grade.
Did Kerry with their size and pick really need Thomas Kennedy to overcome Cork in the Munster final? Roscommon with a much smaller pick have no U20s on their senior panel.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 14, 2026, 09:54:26 AMDidn't manage to see any the games last night but Roscommon can be very pleased with their campaign, have a great trait of coming back into games where they looked like they'd be beaten. Watched a good few games in Connacht and thought Mayo had a team capable of winning an All Ireland, Rightly so they'll be questioning their management again.
Mayo plenty of good forwards in Berine,Lydon,Kobe etc but they simply weren't good enough defensively to be capable of winning the All-Ireland. Two Finalists Tyrone,Kerry are on a different level defensively and while we have a more offensive game now a good defence still wins any All-Ireland.
Thats a fair point, surely Kerry had others they could have played and left Kennedy out for that game but I suppose the lad is happy enough.
Tyrone have obviously improved big time from I saw them, looked very ordinary against Armagh in Ulster
A good few lads wouldnt have been considered starters at beginning of the year, now showing up very well
Aodhan Quinn, if he was a month younger he'd still be on the minor team instead of the 20s. Superb footballer.
Enda Donaghy very very good also. Hope to see all 5 Donaghy brothers on the Loughmacrory team this year. Adrian McGurren sort of come from nowhere as well - maybe some eyebrows were raised when he made the panel after the McRory cup final, where Liam McGeary Lorcan McMurray and Eoin long all starred yet none made the cut. Paul Dook judgement spot on again.
Quote from: Fuzzman on May 14, 2026, 11:59:10 AMWill be interesting to see do they put the final on before the Tyrone v Roscommon game in the Hyde on Sun 24th May or will they put it on the Sat as expected which will be tough for Tyrone fans to travel two days in a row.
Not confirmed yet but I would expect Wednesday evening the 20th in Portlaoise.
On another note Down 0-22 Wexford 1-15 in the B All-Ireland semi-final. Will play Sligo in the final.
Strange how things pan out.
Tyrone beat Down to finish only third and Down managed a draw v Cavan who beat Tyrone.
Yet here both are now in the A & B finals.
1 Armagh 3 3 0 0 78 46 +32 6 Advance to Semi-Finals
2 Cavan 3 1 1 1 50 70 -20 3 Advance to Quarter-Finals
3 Tyrone 3 1 0 2 71 61 +10 2
4 Down 3 0 1 2 55 77 -22 1
Quote from: Blowitupref on May 14, 2026, 01:00:07 PMQuote from: Fuzzman on May 14, 2026, 11:59:10 AMWill be interesting to see do they put the final on before the Tyrone v Roscommon game in the Hyde on Sun 24th May or will they put it on the Sat as expected which will be tough for Tyrone fans to travel two days in a row.
Not confirmed yet but I would expect Wednesday evening the 20th in Portlaoise.
On another note Down 0-22 Wexford 1-15 in the B All-Ireland semi-final. Will play Sligo in the final.
Saturday 30th May be my guess. Be no midweek game with the travel involved, especially middle of exams and cannot play it 23rd or 24th with both team's Seniors playing.
It's a surprise that Cavan didn't kick on from that impressive Tyrone win.
How do these Tyrone teams compare to the Cork team in the mid 80s that won 3 in a row and the Kerry team in the 70s that won 3 in a row?
Quote from: Fuzzman on May 14, 2026, 11:59:10 AMJust shows you how a winning mentality can make a team play with confidence and belief.
Talk earlier this year was that this Tyrone U20 team are not as good as last year and have brought in a few of last years winning minors like Colton and Aodhan Quinn. Young Concannon who many say has been their best player until he got injured is also an exciting prospect. I've not seen him myself.
With him and McCullagh out most of the season they've done very well to make it to the final with very tough games in Ulster.
Kerry haven't won the U20 All-Ireland since 2008 I believe which is surprising. I'd say they will be chomping at the bit to get revenge for the last few years and even how we beat them last year in the minors will still be hurting them.
Will be interesting to see do they put the final on before the Tyrone v Roscommon game in the Hyde on Sun 24th May or will they put it on the Sat as expected which will be tough for Tyrone fans to travel two days in a row.
Shea McDermott has had a great tournament and scored a cracking goal last night despite four defenders around him. He was well marked last night in fairness so it just shows this team has scores all around the team.
Will be interesting to see does Conor O'Neill and McCullagh play much for the seniors later this year or maybe they won't get the chance.
One of the best players in the county league last season with Ardboe in my opinion. Didn't really standout in the first round of Championship against Errigal but then again nobody did I suppose apart from Darragh Devlin
Word down here is final will be Friday 29th or Saturday 30th now. Better than jamming it in midweek at least which would be extremely unfair on players, management and families especially but also supporters.
Semi finals and finals of this competition should be on weekends, I would've thought that was obvious and fair but of course the GAA have their own agenda of pushing for U19 to be the Grade after Minor so no suprise they'd treat the competition poorly.
Anyway, another Kerry v Tyrone final. Kerry have some good players but a few bad injuries unfortunately at the wrong time. Killian Dennehy is a huge loss. But just have to drive on.
Quote from: Ciarrai_thuaidh on May 14, 2026, 09:13:46 PMWord down here is final will be Friday 29th or Saturday 30th now. Better than jamming it in midweek at least which would be extremely unfair on players, management and families especially but also supporters.
Semi finals and finals of this competition should be on weekends, I would've thought that was obvious and fair but of course the GAA have their own agenda of pushing for U19 to be the Grade after Minor so no suprise they'd treat the competition poorly.
Anyway, another Kerry v Tyrone final. Kerry have some good players but a few bad injuries unfortunately at the wrong time. Killian Dennehy is a huge loss. But just have to drive on.
Why on earth you'd bring in u19 unless you're also bringing back u21 I have no idea. It's already a massive step for u20's to a senior team never mind reducing it again.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 14, 2026, 12:18:47 PMQuote from: Cunny Funt on May 14, 2026, 11:41:22 AMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 14, 2026, 09:22:55 AMSpillane is right in that the structure wants looking at but not sure his suggestion of playing it at the same time as the seniors will be preparing for all ireland quarter/semi finals is going to work.
Structure needs looking at but worth noting HQ have been trying to scrap the U20 for U19. Personally I won't have scrapped the U21 grade.
Did Kerry with their size and pick really need Thomas Kennedy to overcome Cork in the Munster final? Roscommon with a much smaller pick have no U20s on their senior panel.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on May 14, 2026, 09:54:26 AMDidn't manage to see any the games last night but Roscommon can be very pleased with their campaign, have a great trait of coming back into games where they looked like they'd be beaten. Watched a good few games in Connacht and thought Mayo had a team capable of winning an All Ireland, Rightly so they'll be questioning their management again.
Mayo plenty of good forwards in Berine,Lydon,Kobe etc but they simply weren't good enough defensively to be capable of winning the All-Ireland. Two Finalists Tyrone,Kerry are on a different level defensively and while we have a more offensive game now a good defence still wins any All-Ireland.
Thats a fair point, surely Kerry had others they could have played and left Kennedy out for that game but I suppose the lad is happy enough.
Tyrone have obviously improved big time from I saw them, looked very ordinary against Armagh in Ulster
In fairness those 3 all Ireland winning teams in the last 4 years have looked very ordinary when playing in the group stage in Ulster. But whenever it's came to knockout games they always seem to get over the line.
A lot of credit obviously has to go to paul Devlin who surely has to be the front runner to be the next senior manager.
Noticeable in the business end of the Ulster & AI that Tyrone are set up very defensively. Getting their 11 players back and setting a screen around the arc with each player given their zone to defend. Its made the Derry/Donegal/Monaghan/Kildare attacks very slow and laboured and then are able to break fast once there is a turnover. Couple of good individuals but very much a team effort this year. Previous years Canavan and McElholm were the jewels in the crown.
Seems Final will be getting a weekend slot 16 or 18 days after the semi finals!!
Makes last Wednesday's fixtures all the more galling.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 14, 2026, 09:58:12 PMQuote from: Ciarrai_thuaidh on May 14, 2026, 09:13:46 PMWord down here is final will be Friday 29th or Saturday 30th now. Better than jamming it in midweek at least which would be extremely unfair on players, management and families especially but also supporters.
Semi finals and finals of this competition should be on weekends, I would've thought that was obvious and fair but of course the GAA have their own agenda of pushing for U19 to be the Grade after Minor so no suprise they'd treat the competition poorly.
Anyway, another Kerry v Tyrone final. Kerry have some good players but a few bad injuries unfortunately at the wrong time. Killian Dennehy is a huge loss. But just have to drive on.
Why on earth you'd bring in u19 unless you're also bringing back u21 I have no idea. It's already a massive step for u20's to a senior team never mind reducing it again.
A foreign perspective: U20 does seem young. In Canada Junior hockey is U21. Junior lacrosse U22. The US NCAA system basically translates to U22.
Seven minutes into extra time I thought Roscommon were in great shape. They had the momentum of their 2nd half comeback. they only trailed a point and would have the wind for the final 10 minutes. Then Kerry got two quick points right before the break. That seemed to shift momentum. Then the first Kerry goal...
Quote from: Rossfan on May 15, 2026, 09:27:19 AMSeems Final will be getting a weekend slot 16 or 18 days after the semi finals!!
Makes last Wednesday's fixtures all the more galling.
I'm surprised at that. When the masters fixtures list is published in December those in power rarely if ever change it.
The date given on that Masters fixtures for the All-Ireland U20 final was 1. Saturday the 16th of May or 2. Wednesday 20th of May.
Last years final between Louth and Tyrone was played on a Wednesday night when option 1 the Saturday before it wasn't feasible.
Quote from: Blowitupref on May 15, 2026, 12:19:45 PMQuote from: Rossfan on May 15, 2026, 09:27:19 AMSeems Final will be getting a weekend slot 16 or 18 days after the semi finals!!
Makes last Wednesday's fixtures all the more galling.
I'm surprised at that. When the masters fixtures list is published in December those in power rarely if ever change it.
The date given on that Masters fixtures for the All-Ireland U20 final was 1. Saturday the 16th of May or 2. Wednesday 20th of May.
Last years final between Louth and Tyrone was played on a Wednesday night when option 1 the Saturday before it wasn't feasible.
Louth v Tyrone last year was in Armagh on a Wednesday which was more compatible with a Wednesday night game in terms of travel. With a likely venue of Portlaoise for the Tyrone v Kerry its 3 hours for both teams. Imo that unreasonable for players and supporters for a midweek fixture. Kerry seniors playing on Saturday 23rd and Tyrone seniors on Sunday 24th. Playing the following weekend probably the only sensible solution. The abandoned Leinster QF due to the weather has thrown a spanner in the works here.
And Kerry getting special treatment because they had 1 man on the Senior and u20 teams.
"Lesser" Counties would have been told to foxtrot oscar and sort out their own team selections.
Quote from: Rossfan on May 15, 2026, 09:27:19 AMSeems Final will be getting a weekend slot 16 or 18 days after the semi finals!!
Makes last Wednesday's fixtures all the more galling.
Tyrone,Roscommon,Kildare and Kerry Seniors aren't in action this weekend so if they can push the All-Ireland final back to the last weekend in May then why wasn't the two All-Ireland semi-finals pushed back to either tonight or tomorrow. The grey hair men in suits that's running the show knows best I suppose.
Quote from: square_ball on May 15, 2026, 12:52:14 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on May 15, 2026, 12:19:45 PMQuote from: Rossfan on May 15, 2026, 09:27:19 AMSeems Final will be getting a weekend slot 16 or 18 days after the semi finals!!
Makes last Wednesday's fixtures all the more galling.
I'm surprised at that. When the masters fixtures list is published in December those in power rarely if ever change it.
The date given on that Masters fixtures for the All-Ireland U20 final was 1. Saturday the 16th of May or 2. Wednesday 20th of May.
Last years final between Louth and Tyrone was played on a Wednesday night when option 1 the Saturday before it wasn't feasible.
Louth v Tyrone last year was in Armagh on a Wednesday which was more compatible with a Wednesday night game in terms of travel. With a likely venue of Portlaoise for the Tyrone v Kerry its 3 hours for both teams. Imo that unreasonable for players and supporters for a midweek fixture. Kerry seniors playing on Saturday 23rd and Tyrone seniors on Sunday 24th. Playing the following weekend probably the only sensible solution. The abandoned Leinster QF due to the weather has thrown a spanner in the works here.
I think the main debate is on Wednesday matches clashing with exams than distance travelled to a venue. I'm sure Tyrone and Louth had some players involved in exams last year.
Confirmed today first U20 All-Ireland final to be played in Croke Park for 5 years
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Disgrace that the semis weren't on at the weekend.
Quote from: Rossfan on May 18, 2026, 03:57:23 PMDisgrace that the semis weren't on at the weekend.
Really made a hash of the scheduling with this.
Saw an article in the Examiner with O'Se saying that one of the Kerry lads missed an exam that was starting at 4pm the day of the semi-final so had to defer it until summer. Really need to do better next year.
All-Ireland B final played in Tullamore today Sligo 1-16 Down 0-8.
Stats before Saturdays U20 final.
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Quote from: Blowitupref on May 27, 2026, 06:58:13 PMStats before Saturdays U20 final.
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5-32 good kicking. How does it compare to top scorers last year?
Conditions not meant to be great on Saturday. Not sure who that will favour. Whoever wants it the most I suppose
Quote from: thebigfullforward on May 28, 2026, 11:08:53 AM5-32 good kicking. How does it compare to top scorers last year?
Top scorer in the championship last year was
R McCullagh 1-46 (49)
E McElholm 6-23 R Carthy (Roscommon) 3-23 and T Lydon (Mayo) 2-35. Joint 2nd with 41 points.
Quote from: Blowitupref on May 28, 2026, 02:04:36 PMQuote from: thebigfullforward on May 28, 2026, 11:08:53 AM5-32 good kicking. How does it compare to top scorers last year?
Top scorer in the championship last year was
R McCullagh 1-46 (49)
E McElholm 6-23 R Carthy (Roscommon) 3-23 and T Lydon (Mayo) 2-35. Joint 2nd with 41 points.
Sickening that McCullagh has missed this season.
Think McCullagh may have impact sub role.
U20 and Champions League final both starting at 5pm.
Time was apparently chosen to cater for the Chinese and Asian audience.
Westmeath and Cavan is at 5 also. The pubs in Mullingar will be busy with both
U20 and westmeath games should not be clashing like that. Even if one had started at 4.30 it would have helped to at least see the second half of both
Quote from: blanketattack on May 29, 2026, 06:20:39 PMU20 and Champions League final both starting at 5pm.
Time was apparently chosen to cater for the Chinese and Asian audience.
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The U20's or Champions League? ;D
Pretty sure the timing was picked to accommodate a triple header in Croke Park with the Tyrone hurlers in the Nickey Rackard final against New York at 1 and Kerry hurlers in the Christy Ring final at 3
Is complaining about Gaa fixtures timing our new national hobby 😄
If not it should be
Not a mention of the final in today's Irish News.
Ruairi McCullagh and Jamie Concanon both on the bench...both major weapons to bring on in the second half.
Yeah heard mccullagh will play. Definitely useful cavalry to have in reserve
Quote from: nrico2006 on May 30, 2026, 12:17:08 PMNot a mention of the final in today's Irish News.
Seen that. Thought I had missed it. Poor
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Tyrone starting as selected.
One change for Kerry Sean O Cuinn in for Killian Dennehy
After 15 minutes Kerry 0-2 Tyrone 1-5
McDermot is a serious baller...he's another year at u20 after this doesn't he?
Tyrone well on top all over the field here
Some nice tackling but Kerry carrying into it which will annoy Tomas.
Going as expected so far. McDermott is top shelf.
That was quite clearly a one pointer given as two for Kerry.
Looked like Tyrone was going to run away with it but a good purple patch by Kerry to finish the the half. Kerry 0-9 Tyrone 1-8
Kerry midfield well on top and have made better use of the ball in the last 10 minutes. Ref very good to Kerry, a ridiculous free against the Tyrone Nr 4 and a wrong call on a 2 pointer.
Quote from: oakleafgael on May 30, 2026, 05:36:26 PMKerry midfield well on top and have made better use of the ball in the last 10 minutes. Ref very good to Kerry, a ridiculous free against the Tyrone Nr 4 and a wrong call on a 2 pointer.
Plus a ridiculously harsh call against Muldoon No12 just before half time whistle...no way was that a two pointer
Quote from: oakleafgael on May 30, 2026, 05:36:26 PMKerry midfield well on top and have made better use of the ball in the last 10 minutes. Ref very good to Kerry, a ridiculous free against the Tyrone Nr 4 and a wrong call on a 2 pointer.
Brutal free call. He landed dangerously on head as well.
Donaghy was starting rows with the Langan esque kerry player who looks imperious atm
Mccullagh in. Colton looked to have dead leg, big loss as was doing well
Another ridiculous set of decisions there, obviously free not given for Tyrone and the softest free given straight away to Kerry
U lads spend u life complaining about refs!!
45 minutes played, more than a purple patch now with Kerry as they lead 0-14 to 1-8.
Kerry no. 10 nearly broke his teammates jaw trying to play the hard man
Suspected Tomas would have them wound up right. No response at all so far, mgmt seem powerless. Kerry have a lot of class
Get a man near the sideline you can do nearly anything you want
Kerry well on top now but doesn't take much to swing momentum in these games
If Kerry could shoot they'd be home and hosed. Completely dominant on kick outs and edging clear. They dont need any help but they are getting the benefit of anything going from the officials.
Tyrone's first score for 24 minutes. And another quickly follows. Kerry 0-15 Tyrone 1-10
Jack Joy looks gleeful after scoring for Kerry there.
5 pt lead now...huge ask..mcgurren stupidly went for goal
Great 2 point free, should be enough to see Kerry home you'd imagine.
Quote from: oakleafgael on May 30, 2026, 06:05:41 PMIf Kerry could shoot they'd be home and hosed. Completely dominant on kick outs and edging clear. They dont need any help but they are getting the benefit of anything going from the officials.
Thought that myself. Any decision at all they are getting.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 30, 2026, 05:56:15 PMU lads spend u life complaining about refs!!
A fellow derry man was saying the same as the tyrone ones. Are you watching the match ?
Shockingly bad kickouts but mgmt have to have a plan.
Arsenal!! Lol
Kerry dominated mf from 20 mins on which looks to have won them the game but the ref has absolutely rode Tyrone all game.
Has shea mcdermott played much club senior, enjoyable to watch but I never heard much of him until this year
Kerry much better in second half but how is there no other plan than lump it out to MF when we're getting cleaned out. Literally no plan B at all. Losing of the game.
The last 40 minutes of the game have been all Kerry. A fine side, weathered the early storm and squeezed the life out of Tyrone via restarts. Only weakness you would say has been the forwards inaccuracies.
Result Kerry 0-21 Tyrone 1-10. No three U20 All-Ireland titles in a row for Tyrone. A first U20/21 All-Ireland title for Kerry since 2008.
Kerry finish strongly and much the better team on the day. Disappointing given the start. But can have no complaints. Kerry bossed midfield, Tyrone ran the ball into too many tackles.
Pains me to say but well played Kerry.
Comfortable win for Kerry in the end. They were well up for it in the second half.
No complaints. Kerry better team on the day by a distance. McDermott some prospect, his oul boy knew where the net was as well.
Gearóid White some talent, a 17 year old up against 20 year olds and played like he was a 20 year old up against 17 year olds.
The ref missing the most blatant penalty I've ever seen in my life🙈
And some just as blatant black cards.
Congrats to Kerry. Also congrats to Tyrone on making the AIF, there are half a dozen Ulster counties wondering HTF they got there - and that is not an insult.
Tyrone dominated the first 20 minutes. Kerry dominated the last 40 minutes. For the neutral fan, there wasn't any competitive periods.
The kickout situation bothers me more than anything. A team scores then wins possession and scores again, then does it again...etc. Those scores come too easily, while the team losing its kickouts looks inept. Keystone Kops time!
By now you'd think managers would have figured out that kickouts are the most important part of the new game.
Is it old school managers unable to come to grips with the new rules and not able to plan a kickout strategy that works? Or is the fault with the new rules?
Could have been a very good game today, if Tyrone could have won their own kickouts. It's simply not interesting when one team can't get any possession.
It's utterly baffling how there wasn't any form of alternative to lumping the ball out to MF, you'd have to look towards management for not getting a message on to the field to try something different.
Fair play to all involved for getting to Croke park as this wasn't a fancied group, lots of senior potential in both teams.
Well done Kerry and congratulations
Load of bollix Eoin. Those games always happened with teams dominating for periods. Old rules, new rules. Just happens. Not everything needs to boil back down to the new rules.
Quote from: jb77 on May 30, 2026, 06:16:39 PMHas shea mcdermott played much club senior, enjoyable to watch but I never heard much of him until this year
First year at senior last year. Came off the bench in championship, started most of the league
Shea McDermott is only 18.
another small Tyrone forward, super for Errigal as he is a good forward, but just not what Tyrone need, someone over 6 ft is needed. His father Daisy was a decent player to.
Quote from: Fuzzman on June 01, 2026, 08:47:18 AMShea McDermott is only 18.
18 with a bad birthday I assume?
Quote from: Fuzzman on June 01, 2026, 08:47:18 AMShea McDermott is only 18.
Only 1 year left at u20 right?
Quote from: blanketattack on June 01, 2026, 01:02:25 PMQuote from: Fuzzman on June 01, 2026, 08:47:18 AMShea McDermott is only 18.
Only 1 year left at u20 right?
Yeah one year if he's 18 now.
The 11 for Kerry Gearoid White who kicked the 2 two pointer frees is still only 17 so is underage for 2 more year. Looks a serious prospect.
Player of the Year: Gearóid White (Kerry)
Munster Player of the Province: Gearóid White (Kerry)
Leinster Player of the Province: Jimmy Lynch (Kildare)
Ulster Player of the Province: Shea McDermott (Tyrone)
Connacht Player of the Province: Eoghan Carthy (Roscommon)
2026 U20 Football Team of the Year:
Evan Boyle (Kerry)
Eoghan Carthy (Roscommon)
Conor Devlin (Tyrone)
Tom Doherty (Monaghan)
Gearóid Evans (Kerry)
Michael Gillooly (Roscommon)
Tomás Kennedy (Kerry)
Daniel Kirby (Kerry)
Jimmy Lynch (Kildare)
Kobe McDonald (Mayo)
Shea McDermott (Tyrone)
Aodhna Ó Beaglaoich (Kerry)
Ben Ryan (Kildare)
Oisín Watson (Tyrone)
Gearóid White (Kerry)