Now that Cork's footballers have decided to concentrate on the on-field action, are there any theories out there about what type of performance we can expect from them against Roscommon in Kiltoom next Sunday week.
After all the publicity and controversy, are they going to hit the ground running, and play out of their skins, especially with a new manager and selectors to impress.
Or, is it possible, that due to the training, and match practice that has been missed in recent months, they could be sitting ducks for an ambush in Kiltoom????
Hopefully the latter as they should be starting on -4 points. Disgraceful decision by the CCCC.
As much as I, and most other people, would like to see them get beaten, i reckon they'll be of the mindset that they have something to prove and will be going for it 100%. This will be a tricky one for Roscommon.
Kiltoom?
How come it's being played in Brigids?
Quote from: timmykelleher on February 21, 2008, 02:27:34 PM
Kiltoom?
How come it's being played in Brigids?
Its part of the Rossies plan to fool teams into feeling sorry for them before ambushing them
county board aren't getting on too well with the club that runs Hyde park so they've moved a few games. a little dispute over who owns the place!
denies the other club funds from shops, programmes etc
Get a grip of yourself Neil ::)
While Kiltoom is undoubtedly the best playing surface in the county, parking is a major problem aswell as finding a good location to see the match.
This game should be played in Hyde Park.
The official story is this:
Roscommon played Monaghan in Clones and felt that the pitch was to soft underfoot while Ros' were used to training at Kilbride all weather pitch.
It was decided by the county board to play the Cork game in Kiltoom to give Hyde Park a break as it was felt that the pitch may be unplayable. That was fair enough.
The the management team requested that the Meath game be played in Kiltoom as it was more similar to Kilbride where the team have been training. That means 2 games being played in Kiltoom
All in all Hyde Park has yet to see the kick of a football this year and with only one home fixture left for Roscommon after the Cork game (i think) it looks like Hyde Park wil be gathering lot of dust this year. Ros' also play 1st round c'ship away to Galway.
Re Kiltoom.......it seems the Ros Co.Board promised St.Brigid's an NFL game in Kiltoom, which was always intended to be the Cork game.
However,in recent weeks, it was looking increasingly likely that this game wouldn't take place , so to keep their promise, the Co.Board fixed the Meath match for there instead.
Now of course, the Cork game is going ahead, and will be in Kiltoom, although i suppose it could have been played in Hyde Park, seeing as Kiltoom already had it's game??
I'm getting confused myself now. ???
We have 2 home games left after the Cork game - v Westmeath and Cavan.
Being from parts North of the County eighty mile round trips for a home game do nothing for me.
Play it in the Hyde for God sake.
QuoteBeing from parts North of the County eighty mile round trips for a home game do nothing for me.
Play it in the Hyde for God sake
Its only about another 15 mins or so up to Kiltoom on a good road. Lots of advantages in playing the game there especially that there is a much better atmosphere if you have a crowd of three or four thusand.
Would you fit 3 or 4 thousand in there?
My memories of it are grassy small banks. Possibly one Very small stand/ large dugout.
Also doesn't that pitch have a decent slope on it?
Slope is gone Timmy, they completely dug up the pitch and made a new one. Serious job.
Top class pitch in Kiltoom, so if Cork get beaten, the pitch is one thing they won't be able to complain about.
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.
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.
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?
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)
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. ::)
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?
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.
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..
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.
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.
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. ;D
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. ;D
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.
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 :D
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.
Quote from: Tatler Jack on February 28, 2008, 02:14:38 PM
QuoteI think its officially due to a finger injury Tatler
Mannion and O'Carroll may offer more in terms of hard graft though neither are inspirational.
You may be right Tatler but I think they have the makings of a strong midfield unit - both decent fielders and cover the ground well. We also have finneran on the bench who is a really good fielder of a ball but still looks light in himself for this grade. I think O'Neill days are over - he just does not have the required speed for the modern game, well not around the middle anyway. I wonder would he be any addition in as a full forward target man?
QuoteI think O'Neill days are over - he just does not have the required speed for the modern game, well not around the middle anyway. I wonder would he be any addition in as a full forward target man?
I dont think he thinks quickly enough for a full forward, Might be OK against a poor team in the league but not intelligent enough to play a Donaghy type role at FF and would probably get booked even faster in there. If he stays in the panel he could be useful coming on as a sub though I doubt he would settle for that.
A vital game for us and hopefully the Meath game wasnt just the traditional one good game for the year. We used to have that against Longford in recent times.
A win here and we should certainly go on to stay in Div 2;a defeat and we will certainly be relegated while a draw would leave us still hovering till we go to Crossmaglen.
So come on lads repeat the Meath form and take more of ye're chances and it could be "fortress Kiltoom" henceforth.
Quote from: Tatler Jack on February 28, 2008, 02:14:38 PM
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.
Imho Tatler, he played his best football in his early years when partnered by Stephen Lohan. However when Stevie departed the scene, he seemed to suffer from the lack of a decent midfield partner, being expected to do it all on his own. While he could be and often was very influential & contributed consistently on the scoreboard too, Rossies somehow expected more than that from him. His main problem was that he had too big a repuation to live up to after the 2001 performance and didn't get the on-field support required to live up to it. The player coup fiasco & subsequent revolving doors involving managers didn't do him any favours either - it was at that stage of his career that he needed to be handled by an experienced coach \ manager, imo. I was hopeful when JM came along that he might get more consistent performances out of O'N and while he seemed to improve in that regard for JM' first few games in charge, things soon went pear shaped again. Regarding his temperament, while admittedly he was a big man, he took a lot of abuse too. I remember players from Longford and Leitrim being sent off for striking him to the head in successive games a couple of years ago. He took a lot of that type of abuse & it only increased as inferior opponents found this chink in his armour.
Quote from: heineken_on_tap on February 28, 2008, 02:27:45 PM
I wonder would he be any addition in as a full forward target man?
I think he's worth trying at FF - he'd give us another option, as he's a good ball winner, is strong on the ball & can score too. Whether he'd be able to withstand the niggling from opposition full-backs is a big question mark though, as mentioned by Tatler.
Interesting to see that out of 10 subs named by Roscommon for Sunday, no fewer than 8 of them were on the All Ireland Minor team in 06, plus David O'Gara at right half back on the team means that 9 of the minors from that year will be togged next Sunday.
Quote from: Shrewdness on February 29, 2008, 10:18:08 AM
Interesting to see that out of 10 subs named by Roscommon for Sunday, no fewer than 8 of them were on the All Ireland Minor team in 06, plus David O'Gara at right half back on the team means that 9 of the minors from that year will be togged next Sunday.
I wonder are we asking too much of these lads at this stage? No question, they are a very talented bunch and seriously improve the team but most of them are playing club, U-21 and college football as well. In the long term are we doing more damage than good - hopefully when these lads turn 26 and 27 which should be their prime they aren't suffering from burnout.
Quote from: Shrewdness on February 29, 2008, 10:18:08 AM
Interesting to see that out of 10 subs named by Roscommon for Sunday, no fewer than 8 of them were on the All Ireland Minor team in 06, plus David O'Gara at right half back on the team means that 9 of the minors from that year will be togged next Sunday.
Cathal Cregg at wing forward is another
QuoteCathal Cregg at wing forward is another
Cregg was a minor in 05 and was not on the winning team in 06. He is on the U21 team this year.
The Rossies will have 31 (and possibly half of Cork) Counties shouting for them on Sunday
Hopefully we wont let the country down, on paper cork are a far stronger team, half back line in particular. Ros have 2 decent backs, a midfield that wont win clean ball, but will work hard & score, a forward line thats decent with options on the bench. Hard to call perhaps a one point victory for the Rossies. Specator - agree fully with your comments on O Neill.
Quote from: heineken_on_tap on February 29, 2008, 10:25:29 AM
Quote from: Shrewdness on February 29, 2008, 10:18:08 AM
Interesting to see that out of 10 subs named by Roscommon for Sunday, no fewer than 8 of them were on the All Ireland Minor team in 06, plus David O'Gara at right half back on the team means that 9 of the minors from that year will be togged next Sunday.
I wonder are we asking too much of these lads at this stage? No question, they are a very talented bunch and seriously improve the team but most of them are playing club, U-21 and college football as well. In the long term are we doing more damage than good -
Agree with your comments there heini. By the end of March I would guess that those lads will have played anything up to 17 or 18 games of all sorts and maybe 30 training sessions - anything up to 50 days activity in 90 days.
Too much activity by far.
I know we're not blessed with a lot of Over 21 talent but I think the 19 and 20 year olds should be kept at U 21 until their run is over ( May Bank Holiday weekend :D I hope).
Quote from: bombidal on February 29, 2008, 11:50:46 AM
Quote from: Shrewdness on February 29, 2008, 10:18:08 AM
Interesting to see that out of 10 subs named by Roscommon for Sunday, no fewer than 8 of them were on the All Ireland Minor team in 06, plus David O'Gara at right half back on the team means that 9 of the minors from that year will be togged next Sunday.
Cathal Cregg at wing forward is another.
FINTAN CREGG was the guy on the minor team of 2006
QuoteFINTAN CREGG was the guy on the minor team of 2005
Fintan was on the winning 06 team. Cathal was minor in 05
Quote from: Tatler Jack on March 02, 2008, 09:35:15 PM
QuoteFINTAN CREGG was the guy on the minor team of 2005
Fintan was on the winning 06 team. Cathal was minor in 05
i did mean all ire winning team 2006
Poor ould Cregg was singled out for some rough treatment from O Leary yesterday. Cork were the better team well drilled & motivated, expect them to win their 5 games & challenge for promotion. Pearse O Neill and their 2 corner forwards were excellent yesterday. Roscommon did well and are improving all the time, however Westmeaths win yesterday will make staying up in div 2 difficult.
Hard luck Ros. My temporary membership of your supporters club is now over.
No doubt Cork are a better side and deserved their win yesterday. They will be a match for all teams in the division (well the one's that has the guts to play them and are not hiding behind tame excuses ;)) but I still cant see them getting promoted. That honour should go to Monaghan and Dublin IMO.
Have to say though and I know it is a very long journey but in fairness I'd say there was only 50 Cork supporters in Kiltoom yesterday. Were they making a point, very confident of beating the Rossies or are they usually that bad??
QuoteI'd say there was only 50 Cork supporters in Kiltoom yesterday. Were they making a point, very confident of beating the Rossies or are they usually that bad??
That was a big crowd for the time of year!