All-Ireland QFs: Armagh/Roscommon, Dublin/Galway, Donegal/Louth, Kerry/Derry

[JoG2]

For the Derry folk, what would have constituted a good season?

What meaningful progress would they have had to have seen to be count this as an honorable end to the year? Another semi final at the least?

Based on expectations at the start of the year I think par would have another semi final. The league was brilliant and beating the Dubs in a classic league final shouldn't be laughed at given this team was in Div 4 5 seasons ago. We've taken a step back but we had taken 10 steps forward so we can't be too disheartened.

Glen won the AI, our u20s were very unlucky to lose to Tyrone on pens and they won the AI, our minors are in the AI final.  Next year we'll prob be ranked 6 to 8 in the country instead of 3. Lower expectations might not be a bad thing if there is a new mgmt in place.

It's hard to see Derry dropping outside the top tier in the next 5 years. We have a few players that turned 30 this year but most of the team are in their prime or approaching it. There have been worse times for a Derry fan.

Would agree with all this. Bit of perspective is always a good thing. The last few years have been great all in

Re alternative managers. There was a pretty exhaustive hunt for a big named manager post Gallagher, and for various reasons they couldn't / wouldn't take the job.

[yellowcard]

Kerry were as guilty if not more guilty of the puke football yesterday as Derry.

Thats very true but it doesn't suit the narrative for many. Clifford has not been firing on all cylinders this season but part of the reason is that he spends plenty of time back defending and I hope this continues in the semi final. Despite their All Ireland title wins I don't think either Mickey Harte or Jack O'Connor are tactically astute managers, most of their All Ireland wins came when gaelic football was played totally differently.

Derry now face a conundrum. They have an opportunity to win an All Ireland in the next few years but do they really believe that Mickey Harte is the man to deliver this for them. I don't think he is but it would be a big decision to get rid of him after only one season during which they won a national title. I think the only way he goes is if the players collectively push for a change.   

[93-DY-SAM]

For the Derry folk, what would have constituted a good season?

What meaningful progress would they have had to have seen to be count this as an honorable end to the year? Another semi final at the least?

Based on expectations at the start of the year I think par would have another semi final. The league was brilliant and beating the Dubs in a classic league final shouldn't be laughed at given this team was in Div 4 5 seasons ago. We've taken a step back but we had taken 10 steps forward so we can't be too disheartened.

Glen won the AI, our u20s were very unlucky to lose to Tyrone on pens and they won the AI, our minors are in the AI final.  Next year we'll prob be ranked 6 to 8 in the country instead of 3. Lower expectations might not be a bad thing if there is a new mgmt in place.

It's hard to see Derry dropping outside the top tier in the next 5 years. We have a few players that turned 30 this year but most of the team are in their prime or approaching it. There have been worse times for a Derry fan.

Would agree with all this. Bit of perspective is always a good thing. The last few years have been great all in

Re alternative managers. There was a pretty exhaustive hunt for a big named manager post Gallagher, and for various reasons they couldn't / wouldn't take the job.

That'll still be the case if Harte jumps/is pushed. Who would seriously be in a position to take/want the job? Only one man springs to mind and that brings more drama!!

[Wildweasel74]

Derry are in the same position Donegal were last year,and I think they have to change the manager. Plus blood alot of new players to see if 4/5 cut the mustard. O'Rourke still the own real option, but seems reluctant, The other brings more heat than the current manager.It was still only there 1st Yr in Division 1 and they need stay there a few yrs to improve.

[Armagh18]

Derry are in the same position Donegal were last year,and I think they have to change the manager. Plus blood alot of new players to see if 4/5 cut the mustard. O'Rourke still the own real option, but seems reluctant, The other brings more heat than the current manager.It was still only there 1st Yr in Division 1 and they need stay there a few yrs to improve.

Maybe O'Rourke will want it now that the Glen AI has happened? I'd say everyone in Derry would take RG back in a heartbeat. 

[JoG2]

Derry are in the same position Donegal were last year,and I think they have to change the manager. Plus blood alot of new players to see if 4/5 cut the mustard. O'Rourke still the own real option, but seems reluctant, The other brings more heat than the current manager.It was still only there 1st Yr in Division 1 and they need stay there a few yrs to improve.

Maybe O'Rourke will want it now that the Glen AI has happened? I'd say everyone in Derry would take RG back in a heartbeat. 

I'd say it's split down the middle, most I know would like the idea of RG back, but in reality it would be far too much of a sideshow

[marty34]

Derry are in the same position Donegal were last year,and I think they have to change the manager. Plus blood alot of new players to see if 4/5 cut the mustard. O'Rourke still the own real option, but seems reluctant, The other brings more heat than the current manager.It was still only there 1st Yr in Division 1 and they need stay there a few yrs to improve.

Maybe O'Rourke will want it now that the Glen AI has happened? I'd say everyone in Derry would take RG back in a heartbeat. 

I'd say it's split down the middle, most I know would like the idea of RG back, but in reality it would be far too much of a sideshow

It'd be a sideshow for a week or two,then it'd move on.

[StephenC]

Derry are in the same position Donegal were last year,and I think they have to change the manager. Plus blood alot of new players to see if 4/5 cut the mustard. O'Rourke still the own real option, but seems reluctant, The other brings more heat than the current manager.It was still only there 1st Yr in Division 1 and they need stay there a few yrs to improve.

Div 1 champions and a mixed championship ending in a defeat to the 2nd best team in the country? Jesus 2023 was a lot better for Donegal than I remember.

[Armagh18]

Derry are in the same position Donegal were last year,and I think they have to change the manager. Plus blood alot of new players to see if 4/5 cut the mustard. O'Rourke still the own real option, but seems reluctant, The other brings more heat than the current manager.It was still only there 1st Yr in Division 1 and they need stay there a few yrs to improve.

Maybe O'Rourke will want it now that the Glen AI has happened? I'd say everyone in Derry would take RG back in a heartbeat. 

I'd say it's split down the middle, most I know would like the idea of RG back, but in reality it would be far too much of a sideshow

It'd be a sideshow for a week or two,then it'd move on.

Bit like Harte in that be alright if the results are going well but could turn to shit quickly if not. (Obviously 2 very different scenarios)

[Derryman forever]

Derry are in the same position Donegal were last year,and I think they have to change the manager. Plus blood alot of new players to see if 4/5 cut the mustard. O'Rourke still the own real option, but seems reluctant, The other brings more heat than the current manager.It was still only there 1st Yr in Division 1 and they need stay there a few yrs to improve.

Maybe O'Rourke will want it now that the Glen AI has happened? I'd say everyone in Derry would take RG back in a heartbeat. 

I'd say you are right.
Whatever about his personal issues he was good with Derry.

[screenexile]

Very annoying the narrative around "Derry" tactics on Sunday.

Kerry had every opportunity to press our kickouts and go after us as Donegal and Armagh did but they chose not to.

They could have left Seanie O'Shea and Clifford up but they chose not to. Both teams contributed to that shitefest!

From here I'd be happy enough for Galway or Donegal to win the All Ireland I hope we've 3 good games left!

[Armagh18]

Spot on. Kerry every bit as negative as Derry if not worse. Bar the early point from play and excellent mark Clifford didn't even look interested.

[Armamike]

Very annoying the narrative around "Derry" tactics on Sunday.

Kerry had every opportunity to press our kickouts and go after us as Donegal and Armagh did but they chose not to.

They could have left Seanie O'Shea and Clifford up but they chose not to. Both teams contributed to that shitefest!

From here I'd be happy enough for Galway or Donegal to win the All Ireland I hope we've 3 good games left!

What's your beef with Armagh?   

[Applesisapples]

Anyone know why one of the Derry wans knelt during the anthem?

[tonto1888]

Anyone know why one of the Derry wans knelt during the anthem?

was wondering that myself