Supplemental to the blog, I thought I'd post up my thoughts and predictions on the Senior Intercounty Championship games upcoming this weekend. I'm aware that predicting results is a mug's game, but sure we all think we know everything, and I'm sure I'll have excuses if when I'm proved wrong. Agree/Disagree or stunned by my ignorance? Leave a comment.
* Odds correct (Paddy Power) as of Friday morning.
Leinster Senior Football Semi Finals
Sunday June 26th
Carlow v Wexford. Croke Park 2pm. (Ref. Michael Collins)
Carlow were over the moon to beat Louth in the quarter final, and deservedly so. They've been in the doldrums for quite a while, with a large element of club versus county contributing to their malaise. This seems to have been sorted out this year at least, and they reaped their rewards with a deserved victory over last years beaten Leinster finalists. This promises to be a tougher assignment though. Wexford have had comprehensive and high scoring victories over fellow division 3 teams in Offaly and Westmeath, and seem to be making light of life after the great Mattie Forde. Ciaran Lyng and Ben Brosnan have been on fire, and while Brendan Murphy showed some form towards the end of the Louth game, it may be a bridge too far for himself, Daniel St. Leger and Thomas Walsh.
Odds. Carlow 13/2; Wexford 1/10; Draw 14/1
Verdict. Wexford by 6.
Dublin v Kildare. Croke Park 4pm. (Ref. David Coldrick)
Live on RTE2
This may well be the game of the weekend, on a weekend of several appetising fixtures. Dublin seem to be much more downbeat this year, which can only be a good thing, but more importantly they also seem to have the nucleus of a serious championship side, as opposed to a hype before achievement outfit. Kildare have been working on that model for a couple of years now, and in Kieran McGeeney and Pat Gilroy, you sense you have two managers who are more interested in what the scoreboard says rather than what the back page of the newspaper says. There are those (Sunday Game I'm looking at you) who constantly opine that Kildare have 'no natural forwards' apart from the great Johnny Doyle (pictured), but I beg to differ. Alan Smith and James Kavanagh are two lads I would love to see in an Offaly jersey, and Eamonn Callaghan is well able to knock over vital scores, as he showed against Meath. The knock I would have had against Dublin in the past is that they usually lined out a goalkeeper, two big midfielders, a corner forward of indeterminate quality, and 11 half backs slotted into the other positions. They now have quality themselves going forward, with natural forwards filling forward roles, and one of the games young stars, Bernard Brogan as the totem. Alan Brogan, the brother, is an accomplished playmaker who tends to drift out the field and leaves Brogan Óg and Diarmuid Connolly to do the damage inside. The inclusion of Eoghan O'Gara is a surprise to me, but his awkward style may create chances for the two more cultured forwards. A lot may hinge on how Kildare cope with continued key absences in midfield, which has led to Johnny Doyle admirably filling in there. I have a sense that Kildare might be slightly more interested in a Leinster title than Dublin at this stage.
Odds. Dublin 4/9; Kildare 9/4; Draw 8/1
Verdict. Kildare by 2.
Connacht Senior Football Semi Final
Sunday June 26th.
Mayo v Galway 2pm. McHale Park Castelbar (Ref. Rory Hickey)
Live on RTE2
One of the most eagerly awaited tussles almost every year sees the two heavyweights in Connacht head to McHale Park to renew rivalries. This time, it feels different. Galway are rocked with injuries to star forwards Sean Armstrong and Michael Meehan, and are coming off a poor league campaign, while Mayo almost suffered the indignity of falling at the Ruislip hurdle.
James Horan has reacted to that performance by naming 6 changes, with the O'Shea brothers forming a novel midfield partnership. Galway include several of the victorious Under 21s in the squad, but history has shown us that players like that need time to get their feet under the table. If Mayo can win the middle of the field, I think they have more to prove, and the London game might well be a blessing in disguise.
Odds. Mayo 4/5; Galway 11/8; Draw 7/1
Verdict. Mayo by 3
Ulster Senior Football Semi Final
Sunday June 26th
Tyrone v Donegal 3.30pm Clones. (Ref. Joe McQuillan)
Live on BBC
The Red Hands versus Jimmy McGuinness' Donegal promises to be an intriguing clash as well, as Clones welcomes both counties for the Ulster Semi Final, with the right to face Derry in the final at stake. Tyrone have been there, done that and bought many T-Shirts at this stage, and the suspicion may be that they are beginning, just beginning, to get a little stale. Mickey Harte is one of the best managers in the game, if not the very best, but it must be a challenge to keep things fresh every year when you are one of the top scalps in the game. Donegal, on the other hand, always seem to be 'coming'. Since they won their All Ireland in 1992, there's been at least 4 or 5 false dawns in Tir Chonnaill, and only time will tell if this is another of them. In Jimmy McGuinness they have one of the brightest, and most dedicated and prepared, young managers in the game, and in Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden they have two genuinely top class forwards. How Donegal cope with Tyrone's all action style will make or break them, and with the likes of Sean Cavanagh, Stephen O'Neill and the redoubtable Brian Dooher on duty, I tend to lean towards the old maxim. 'The auld dog for the hard road'. Don't be surprised if we have to do this one all again though.
Odds. Tyrone 8/13; Donegal 13/8; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Tyrone by 2
All Ireland Senior Football Qualifiers Round 1
And now onto the excitement and desperation stakes of the Qualifiers. The closest we have to the old style knockout championships, the All Ireland Qualifiers offer a chance at redemption for those teams who collapsed in the first round (See Offaly, Sligo, Westmeath), a chance a rebuilding a genuine challenge after a disappointing provincial defeat (see Down, Monaghan, Meath) or a chance to make a name for yourself by going on a run, and prepping for next year ( see Longford, Cavan, Antrim)
Saturday June 25th
London v Fermanagh. 1.30 pm Ruislip. (Ref. Derek Fahy)
A home draw at last for London in the Qualifiers; a narrow extra time defeat to one of the traditional heavyweights; a wounded, downtrodden opponent coming off a heavy defeat arriving in town. It's all set fair as far as London are concerned, but it may not be that straightforward. Fermanagh are certainly vulnerable, but they will have their pride, and fear of losing in Ruislip will be a strong motivating factor. London have never had as much expectation, and if they don't start well again, that may be a hinderence. I may be mad, but I think the Erne men will prevail.
Odds. London 2/1; Fermanagh 4/9; Draw 8/1
Verdict. Fermanagh by 4.
Antrim v Westmeath. 2pm. Casement Park. (Ref. Martin Sludden).
I'm not going to make any jokes or remarks about the ref, the best of luck to him. As for the game itself, it's certainly a case of 'must do better' for both teams. Antrim were tame and insipid against Donegal, but that's over a month ago now, and you would have to expect them to have a bit more fire in their bellies, and hopefully a more positive approach in Casement Park. They swapped league divisions with their opponents this spring, but Westmeath showed little of that form against Wexford in Wexford Park. A horrendous display there left them with a lot of questions, and if Dessie Dolan isn't fit, then they may not have the answers.
Odds. Antrim 5/6; Westmeath 6/5; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Antrim by 2
Clare v Down. 3pm. Cusack Park Ennis. (Ref. Padraig O'Sullivan).
Down were brought back to earth with a bump by a rampant Armagh team in Ulster, and the orchard's subsequent collapse to Derry must be even more cause for concern in the Mournes. John Clarkes unfortunate withdrawal from the panel is another less than ideal scenario, but if there was a draw to get Down going again, this may be it. They are racked with injury doubts, and Clare will be tricky as hell in Ennis, so Down will need to be focussed and prepared. Anything less may lead to a repeat of their very narrow escape in Tullamore last year. That said, they have the better footballers, and if they are right, then they should have too much for a Clare team that went down by 15 points to Cork in Munster.
Odds. Clare 7/1; Down 1/12; Draw 14/1
Verdict. Down by 7
Cavan v Longford. 5pm. Kingspan Breffni Park. (Ref. Michael Duffy).
It seems like a long time since Longford were unlucky losers against Laois in the Leinster championship, and they will be eager to try and get themselves back on track against a Cavan team that was decimated against Donegal. Cavan are at home, and have the promising Under 21s to call upon, but they learned in that defeat against Donegal that there's a steep learning curve when you get in with the big boys of Senior Championship football.
Longford are not Donegal, but they are a steady, decent side, with good forwards who can be dangerous when they click. I expect a much sterner Cavan performance, but I think Longford may just be able to march on.
Odds. Cavan 6/5; Longford 5/6; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Longford by 3
Wicklow v Sligo. 5pm. Aughrim. (Ref. Eddie Kinsella).
There are the signs that the Micko effect is on the wane in Wicklow. The performance against Kildare bore all the hallmarks of a team that had reached it's ceiling in the years previous, and is in grave danger of slipping into reverse again. Micko is a great man manager, and his record speaks for itself in Kildare, Laois and Kerry, but it is noticeable that the greatest effect from the Micko arrival tends to be in the initial years as he makes teams believe they are the best. Unfortunately, apart from the great Kerry team, reality tends to set in sooner or later, and it's hard to bounce back afterwards. His dedication, interest, and energy are a credit to him, and he's forgotten more about football than most of us will ever know, but I believe he may be running out of road in Wicklow. I wonder does he fancy a trip to Tullamore?
As for Sligo; the less said about the performance in Markievicz Park against Leitrim, the better. Sligo believe they threw away a Connacht title last year, so to bow out in such circumstances this year has left a bitter taste, and has put pressure for the first time on big Kevin Walsh. Leitrim's subsequent admonishment at the hands of a hungry Roscommon side showed Sligo in an even worse light, and it will take some comeback to salvage the season. That comeback may well start here, but Aughrim is a hard place to go to at the best of times, and better teams than Sligo have seen their ambitions perish here. The bookies make this an even game, and I can see why, but I think home advantage may swing it to the Garden county, and elongate Micko's sojourn.
Odds. Wicklow evens; Sligo evens; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Wicklow by 2
Laois v Tipperary. 7pm. O'Moore Park, Portlaoise. (Ref. Maurice Condon).
This is the start of the Championship, you suspect, as far as Tipperary are concerned. John Evans will not have expected to beat Kerry in Killarney, but an 11 point defeat probably wasn't on his agenda either. You feel that Tipperary footballers are made for games like this though. Saturday evening qualifiers, against a good but not fearsome team, with a very real chance of an upset. Laois were never really troubling Dublin, and were lucky to see off Longford, and will need to see Donie Kingston really step up to lead this forward line, in my opinion. He has loads of size and talent, but he just seems to be not 'at it' with Laois. Billy Sheehan will have to be disciplined, and Ross Munnelly will have to be accurate. Laois have the better footballers, but Tipp are dangerous in these situations, and I think they may come through.
Odds. Laois 2/5; Tipperary 5/2; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Tipperary by 2
Louth v Meath. 7pm. Kingspan Breffni Park. (Ref. Maurice Deegan).
Live on RTE 2
Karma's a bitch. I'd say there was a fair few people up and down the country who were hoping, and half expecting to see this pairing pop up out of the drum. Louth were robbed in the Leinster Final last year, no doubt, but that has happened before and will happen again. They need to make sure they don't allow that to consume them, or they will be focussing on the wrong thing. Use it as a motivating factor, sure, but don't allow it to become THE motivating factor, or you are wasting energy on the wrong thing. Meath, for their part, need to look at this game as a chance to prove that last year was as much about their lack of performance as it was about Louth's brilliant, yet cursed, outing.
Louth let themselves down against Carlow, which will anger them and Peter Fitzpatrick, but unless they treat this game correctly, you may see frustration and anger boiling over and hamstringing them completely. Meath were not great against Kildare, but were ironically done down by an error by the referee with regard to Graham Geraghty's 'square ball' goal. I fancy Meath to have enough to ride out the emotional storm and come through in the end. Banty's reputation in Meath depends on it.
Odds. Louth 9/4; Meath 4/9; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Meath by 4.
Offaly v Monaghan. 7pm. O'Connor Park, Tullamore. (Ref. Syl Doyle).
Thanks again to the GAA in fixing our footballers and hurlers on the same day, in two different locations. At least they gave us a few hours to get up from Cork after the hurlers play, but I think Offaly fans, few as they are, will have to master bi-location sooner rather than later. By my count this is the 3rd time this has happened. Of course it's hard to feel sorry for the footballers given their abject performance against Wexford, and particularly the capitulation when the Wexford second goal went in. That was something unheard of from Offaly until relatively recently. We've had poor teams before, and had bad defeats many times, but we seldom threw in the towel. Down in 2009, Wexford in 2011 and various other debacles in Limerick, Louth, Wexford (again) amongst other places have seriously damaged Offaly's 'never give up' reputation.
That said, I do retain faith in the majority of these lads. They can play football, but the time for excuses is long gone. It's time to start delivering, and the arrival in Tullamore of Monaghan gives an opportunity to make a statement and begin to shove words back down people's throats and keyboards. Surely Michael Duignan, an Offaly hero, will have stoked the embers with his uncalled for dig at the footballers' dedication as he defended the hurlers. Monaghan are big, strong , awkward and have good footballers. Offaly are, theoretically at least, lighter, but with more natural footballers. Offaly need their leaders to step up, and they need to formulate a plan that doens't simply revolve around Niall McNamee. I think they will, but it may not be enough. Loyalty precludes me from listening to my head, so the heart wins out.
Odds. Offaly 9/4; Monaghan 4/9; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Offaly by 2
All Ireland Senior Hurling Qualifiers Phase I
The hurling qualifiers phase I is also down for decision this weekend, as Cork, Offaly, Antrim and Carlow face off to try and earn a berth with the winners of the Phase II teams, Limerick, Clare, Wexford and Galway in phase III.
Saturday June 25th
Cork v Offaly. 2.30pm. Pairc Ui Chaoimh. (Ref. Johnny Ryan).
Another stiff assignment for Offaly hurlers as the draw was unkind and sent them down to Cork to play a team coming off a 10 goal demolition of Laois. That the week has also seen ructions about their treatment at the hands of their own County Board (a feeling the Cork lads must empathise with), and a mauling at the hands of Dublin last night in the Under 21 semi final, just reinforces the point that Offaly hurling is at a real crossroads.
It's not as bleak a landscape as the aftermath of that horrendous 31 point humiliation in Croke Park against Kilkenny, where at one stage the Cats were drawing with the time of day, 6-28 to 5-31, but it still a serious situation. The feeling that Offaly were at last making progress was engendered following a promising 2008 campaign with a win over Limerick, and a narrow defeat to Waterford, coupled with a renewing of the traditional Offaly fighting spirit. That spirit still seems to be there, as witnessed in the fightback in 2011 against Dublin and 2010 against Galway, both with 14 men, but the harsh reality is that we are still waiting for our first really big win since 2008, and even that was a case of what's rare is wonderful since the glory days really ended in 2000. Our underage has not had results that would give grounds for great optimisim, and the bad defeats to Westmeath and Dublin at minor and under 21 respectively have shone the spotlight there more than ever.
So, Offaly need a win against a recognised 'big' team, and badly. The bad news is that it's unlikely to be this weekend. Cork are far from the finished article, and are probably operating at a level behind the likes of Kilkenny, Tipp and maybe even Dublin and Waterford, but they are operating at a level above Offaly. The fact that they are coming off a 10 goal performance against Laois will mean they might be over confident, but their younger players will take great heart from it at the same time. If Cork are not 100% focussed, the question is whether Offaly are good enough to take advantage. Offaly's injuries mitigate that likelihood, but Offaly are better than Laois.
Odds. Cork 1/12; Offaly 7/1; Draw 14/1
Verdict. Cork by 7
Antrim v Carlow. 4pm. Casement Park. (Ref. James McGrath).
It's been a busy, and relatively positive, year for Antrim so far, as they face their 4th game of the championship already against a Carlow side that faltered against Westmeath in Leinster. That Antrim were fairly comfortable in their joust with Westmeath in the Qualifer preliminary round probably gives a pretty accurate formline. That the game is in Belfast also lends weight to Antrim's case and they should have too much quality for the Carlow men. Carlow are making their own strides, but it is all relative, and in the world of hurling tiers, Carlow would still be further down the foodchain than Antrim. Dinny Cahill is still toiling away up there in the glens, and if the Antrim lads come through this, they will feel that they have a beatable team in the next round, even as underdogs.
Odds. Antrim 2/7; Carlow 3/1; Draw 11/1
Verdict. Antrim by 6
* Odds correct (Paddy Power) as of Friday morning.
Leinster Senior Football Semi Finals
Sunday June 26th
Carlow v Wexford. Croke Park 2pm. (Ref. Michael Collins)
Carlow were over the moon to beat Louth in the quarter final, and deservedly so. They've been in the doldrums for quite a while, with a large element of club versus county contributing to their malaise. This seems to have been sorted out this year at least, and they reaped their rewards with a deserved victory over last years beaten Leinster finalists. This promises to be a tougher assignment though. Wexford have had comprehensive and high scoring victories over fellow division 3 teams in Offaly and Westmeath, and seem to be making light of life after the great Mattie Forde. Ciaran Lyng and Ben Brosnan have been on fire, and while Brendan Murphy showed some form towards the end of the Louth game, it may be a bridge too far for himself, Daniel St. Leger and Thomas Walsh.
Odds. Carlow 13/2; Wexford 1/10; Draw 14/1
Verdict. Wexford by 6.
Dublin v Kildare. Croke Park 4pm. (Ref. David Coldrick)
Live on RTE2
This may well be the game of the weekend, on a weekend of several appetising fixtures. Dublin seem to be much more downbeat this year, which can only be a good thing, but more importantly they also seem to have the nucleus of a serious championship side, as opposed to a hype before achievement outfit. Kildare have been working on that model for a couple of years now, and in Kieran McGeeney and Pat Gilroy, you sense you have two managers who are more interested in what the scoreboard says rather than what the back page of the newspaper says. There are those (Sunday Game I'm looking at you) who constantly opine that Kildare have 'no natural forwards' apart from the great Johnny Doyle (pictured), but I beg to differ. Alan Smith and James Kavanagh are two lads I would love to see in an Offaly jersey, and Eamonn Callaghan is well able to knock over vital scores, as he showed against Meath. The knock I would have had against Dublin in the past is that they usually lined out a goalkeeper, two big midfielders, a corner forward of indeterminate quality, and 11 half backs slotted into the other positions. They now have quality themselves going forward, with natural forwards filling forward roles, and one of the games young stars, Bernard Brogan as the totem. Alan Brogan, the brother, is an accomplished playmaker who tends to drift out the field and leaves Brogan Óg and Diarmuid Connolly to do the damage inside. The inclusion of Eoghan O'Gara is a surprise to me, but his awkward style may create chances for the two more cultured forwards. A lot may hinge on how Kildare cope with continued key absences in midfield, which has led to Johnny Doyle admirably filling in there. I have a sense that Kildare might be slightly more interested in a Leinster title than Dublin at this stage.
Odds. Dublin 4/9; Kildare 9/4; Draw 8/1
Verdict. Kildare by 2.
Connacht Senior Football Semi Final
Sunday June 26th.
Mayo v Galway 2pm. McHale Park Castelbar (Ref. Rory Hickey)
Live on RTE2
One of the most eagerly awaited tussles almost every year sees the two heavyweights in Connacht head to McHale Park to renew rivalries. This time, it feels different. Galway are rocked with injuries to star forwards Sean Armstrong and Michael Meehan, and are coming off a poor league campaign, while Mayo almost suffered the indignity of falling at the Ruislip hurdle.
James Horan has reacted to that performance by naming 6 changes, with the O'Shea brothers forming a novel midfield partnership. Galway include several of the victorious Under 21s in the squad, but history has shown us that players like that need time to get their feet under the table. If Mayo can win the middle of the field, I think they have more to prove, and the London game might well be a blessing in disguise.
Odds. Mayo 4/5; Galway 11/8; Draw 7/1
Verdict. Mayo by 3
Ulster Senior Football Semi Final
Sunday June 26th
Tyrone v Donegal 3.30pm Clones. (Ref. Joe McQuillan)
Live on BBC
The Red Hands versus Jimmy McGuinness' Donegal promises to be an intriguing clash as well, as Clones welcomes both counties for the Ulster Semi Final, with the right to face Derry in the final at stake. Tyrone have been there, done that and bought many T-Shirts at this stage, and the suspicion may be that they are beginning, just beginning, to get a little stale. Mickey Harte is one of the best managers in the game, if not the very best, but it must be a challenge to keep things fresh every year when you are one of the top scalps in the game. Donegal, on the other hand, always seem to be 'coming'. Since they won their All Ireland in 1992, there's been at least 4 or 5 false dawns in Tir Chonnaill, and only time will tell if this is another of them. In Jimmy McGuinness they have one of the brightest, and most dedicated and prepared, young managers in the game, and in Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden they have two genuinely top class forwards. How Donegal cope with Tyrone's all action style will make or break them, and with the likes of Sean Cavanagh, Stephen O'Neill and the redoubtable Brian Dooher on duty, I tend to lean towards the old maxim. 'The auld dog for the hard road'. Don't be surprised if we have to do this one all again though.
Odds. Tyrone 8/13; Donegal 13/8; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Tyrone by 2
All Ireland Senior Football Qualifiers Round 1
And now onto the excitement and desperation stakes of the Qualifiers. The closest we have to the old style knockout championships, the All Ireland Qualifiers offer a chance at redemption for those teams who collapsed in the first round (See Offaly, Sligo, Westmeath), a chance a rebuilding a genuine challenge after a disappointing provincial defeat (see Down, Monaghan, Meath) or a chance to make a name for yourself by going on a run, and prepping for next year ( see Longford, Cavan, Antrim)
Saturday June 25th
London v Fermanagh. 1.30 pm Ruislip. (Ref. Derek Fahy)
A home draw at last for London in the Qualifiers; a narrow extra time defeat to one of the traditional heavyweights; a wounded, downtrodden opponent coming off a heavy defeat arriving in town. It's all set fair as far as London are concerned, but it may not be that straightforward. Fermanagh are certainly vulnerable, but they will have their pride, and fear of losing in Ruislip will be a strong motivating factor. London have never had as much expectation, and if they don't start well again, that may be a hinderence. I may be mad, but I think the Erne men will prevail.
Odds. London 2/1; Fermanagh 4/9; Draw 8/1
Verdict. Fermanagh by 4.
Antrim v Westmeath. 2pm. Casement Park. (Ref. Martin Sludden).
I'm not going to make any jokes or remarks about the ref, the best of luck to him. As for the game itself, it's certainly a case of 'must do better' for both teams. Antrim were tame and insipid against Donegal, but that's over a month ago now, and you would have to expect them to have a bit more fire in their bellies, and hopefully a more positive approach in Casement Park. They swapped league divisions with their opponents this spring, but Westmeath showed little of that form against Wexford in Wexford Park. A horrendous display there left them with a lot of questions, and if Dessie Dolan isn't fit, then they may not have the answers.
Odds. Antrim 5/6; Westmeath 6/5; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Antrim by 2
Clare v Down. 3pm. Cusack Park Ennis. (Ref. Padraig O'Sullivan).
Down were brought back to earth with a bump by a rampant Armagh team in Ulster, and the orchard's subsequent collapse to Derry must be even more cause for concern in the Mournes. John Clarkes unfortunate withdrawal from the panel is another less than ideal scenario, but if there was a draw to get Down going again, this may be it. They are racked with injury doubts, and Clare will be tricky as hell in Ennis, so Down will need to be focussed and prepared. Anything less may lead to a repeat of their very narrow escape in Tullamore last year. That said, they have the better footballers, and if they are right, then they should have too much for a Clare team that went down by 15 points to Cork in Munster.
Odds. Clare 7/1; Down 1/12; Draw 14/1
Verdict. Down by 7
Cavan v Longford. 5pm. Kingspan Breffni Park. (Ref. Michael Duffy).
It seems like a long time since Longford were unlucky losers against Laois in the Leinster championship, and they will be eager to try and get themselves back on track against a Cavan team that was decimated against Donegal. Cavan are at home, and have the promising Under 21s to call upon, but they learned in that defeat against Donegal that there's a steep learning curve when you get in with the big boys of Senior Championship football.
Longford are not Donegal, but they are a steady, decent side, with good forwards who can be dangerous when they click. I expect a much sterner Cavan performance, but I think Longford may just be able to march on.
Odds. Cavan 6/5; Longford 5/6; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Longford by 3
Wicklow v Sligo. 5pm. Aughrim. (Ref. Eddie Kinsella).
There are the signs that the Micko effect is on the wane in Wicklow. The performance against Kildare bore all the hallmarks of a team that had reached it's ceiling in the years previous, and is in grave danger of slipping into reverse again. Micko is a great man manager, and his record speaks for itself in Kildare, Laois and Kerry, but it is noticeable that the greatest effect from the Micko arrival tends to be in the initial years as he makes teams believe they are the best. Unfortunately, apart from the great Kerry team, reality tends to set in sooner or later, and it's hard to bounce back afterwards. His dedication, interest, and energy are a credit to him, and he's forgotten more about football than most of us will ever know, but I believe he may be running out of road in Wicklow. I wonder does he fancy a trip to Tullamore?
As for Sligo; the less said about the performance in Markievicz Park against Leitrim, the better. Sligo believe they threw away a Connacht title last year, so to bow out in such circumstances this year has left a bitter taste, and has put pressure for the first time on big Kevin Walsh. Leitrim's subsequent admonishment at the hands of a hungry Roscommon side showed Sligo in an even worse light, and it will take some comeback to salvage the season. That comeback may well start here, but Aughrim is a hard place to go to at the best of times, and better teams than Sligo have seen their ambitions perish here. The bookies make this an even game, and I can see why, but I think home advantage may swing it to the Garden county, and elongate Micko's sojourn.
Odds. Wicklow evens; Sligo evens; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Wicklow by 2
Laois v Tipperary. 7pm. O'Moore Park, Portlaoise. (Ref. Maurice Condon).
This is the start of the Championship, you suspect, as far as Tipperary are concerned. John Evans will not have expected to beat Kerry in Killarney, but an 11 point defeat probably wasn't on his agenda either. You feel that Tipperary footballers are made for games like this though. Saturday evening qualifiers, against a good but not fearsome team, with a very real chance of an upset. Laois were never really troubling Dublin, and were lucky to see off Longford, and will need to see Donie Kingston really step up to lead this forward line, in my opinion. He has loads of size and talent, but he just seems to be not 'at it' with Laois. Billy Sheehan will have to be disciplined, and Ross Munnelly will have to be accurate. Laois have the better footballers, but Tipp are dangerous in these situations, and I think they may come through.
Odds. Laois 2/5; Tipperary 5/2; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Tipperary by 2
Louth v Meath. 7pm. Kingspan Breffni Park. (Ref. Maurice Deegan).
Live on RTE 2
Karma's a bitch. I'd say there was a fair few people up and down the country who were hoping, and half expecting to see this pairing pop up out of the drum. Louth were robbed in the Leinster Final last year, no doubt, but that has happened before and will happen again. They need to make sure they don't allow that to consume them, or they will be focussing on the wrong thing. Use it as a motivating factor, sure, but don't allow it to become THE motivating factor, or you are wasting energy on the wrong thing. Meath, for their part, need to look at this game as a chance to prove that last year was as much about their lack of performance as it was about Louth's brilliant, yet cursed, outing.
Louth let themselves down against Carlow, which will anger them and Peter Fitzpatrick, but unless they treat this game correctly, you may see frustration and anger boiling over and hamstringing them completely. Meath were not great against Kildare, but were ironically done down by an error by the referee with regard to Graham Geraghty's 'square ball' goal. I fancy Meath to have enough to ride out the emotional storm and come through in the end. Banty's reputation in Meath depends on it.
Odds. Louth 9/4; Meath 4/9; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Meath by 4.
Offaly v Monaghan. 7pm. O'Connor Park, Tullamore. (Ref. Syl Doyle).
Thanks again to the GAA in fixing our footballers and hurlers on the same day, in two different locations. At least they gave us a few hours to get up from Cork after the hurlers play, but I think Offaly fans, few as they are, will have to master bi-location sooner rather than later. By my count this is the 3rd time this has happened. Of course it's hard to feel sorry for the footballers given their abject performance against Wexford, and particularly the capitulation when the Wexford second goal went in. That was something unheard of from Offaly until relatively recently. We've had poor teams before, and had bad defeats many times, but we seldom threw in the towel. Down in 2009, Wexford in 2011 and various other debacles in Limerick, Louth, Wexford (again) amongst other places have seriously damaged Offaly's 'never give up' reputation.
That said, I do retain faith in the majority of these lads. They can play football, but the time for excuses is long gone. It's time to start delivering, and the arrival in Tullamore of Monaghan gives an opportunity to make a statement and begin to shove words back down people's throats and keyboards. Surely Michael Duignan, an Offaly hero, will have stoked the embers with his uncalled for dig at the footballers' dedication as he defended the hurlers. Monaghan are big, strong , awkward and have good footballers. Offaly are, theoretically at least, lighter, but with more natural footballers. Offaly need their leaders to step up, and they need to formulate a plan that doens't simply revolve around Niall McNamee. I think they will, but it may not be enough. Loyalty precludes me from listening to my head, so the heart wins out.
Odds. Offaly 9/4; Monaghan 4/9; Draw 15/2
Verdict. Offaly by 2
All Ireland Senior Hurling Qualifiers Phase I
The hurling qualifiers phase I is also down for decision this weekend, as Cork, Offaly, Antrim and Carlow face off to try and earn a berth with the winners of the Phase II teams, Limerick, Clare, Wexford and Galway in phase III.
Saturday June 25th
Cork v Offaly. 2.30pm. Pairc Ui Chaoimh. (Ref. Johnny Ryan).
Another stiff assignment for Offaly hurlers as the draw was unkind and sent them down to Cork to play a team coming off a 10 goal demolition of Laois. That the week has also seen ructions about their treatment at the hands of their own County Board (a feeling the Cork lads must empathise with), and a mauling at the hands of Dublin last night in the Under 21 semi final, just reinforces the point that Offaly hurling is at a real crossroads.
It's not as bleak a landscape as the aftermath of that horrendous 31 point humiliation in Croke Park against Kilkenny, where at one stage the Cats were drawing with the time of day, 6-28 to 5-31, but it still a serious situation. The feeling that Offaly were at last making progress was engendered following a promising 2008 campaign with a win over Limerick, and a narrow defeat to Waterford, coupled with a renewing of the traditional Offaly fighting spirit. That spirit still seems to be there, as witnessed in the fightback in 2011 against Dublin and 2010 against Galway, both with 14 men, but the harsh reality is that we are still waiting for our first really big win since 2008, and even that was a case of what's rare is wonderful since the glory days really ended in 2000. Our underage has not had results that would give grounds for great optimisim, and the bad defeats to Westmeath and Dublin at minor and under 21 respectively have shone the spotlight there more than ever.
So, Offaly need a win against a recognised 'big' team, and badly. The bad news is that it's unlikely to be this weekend. Cork are far from the finished article, and are probably operating at a level behind the likes of Kilkenny, Tipp and maybe even Dublin and Waterford, but they are operating at a level above Offaly. The fact that they are coming off a 10 goal performance against Laois will mean they might be over confident, but their younger players will take great heart from it at the same time. If Cork are not 100% focussed, the question is whether Offaly are good enough to take advantage. Offaly's injuries mitigate that likelihood, but Offaly are better than Laois.
Odds. Cork 1/12; Offaly 7/1; Draw 14/1
Verdict. Cork by 7
Antrim v Carlow. 4pm. Casement Park. (Ref. James McGrath).
It's been a busy, and relatively positive, year for Antrim so far, as they face their 4th game of the championship already against a Carlow side that faltered against Westmeath in Leinster. That Antrim were fairly comfortable in their joust with Westmeath in the Qualifer preliminary round probably gives a pretty accurate formline. That the game is in Belfast also lends weight to Antrim's case and they should have too much quality for the Carlow men. Carlow are making their own strides, but it is all relative, and in the world of hurling tiers, Carlow would still be further down the foodchain than Antrim. Dinny Cahill is still toiling away up there in the glens, and if the Antrim lads come through this, they will feel that they have a beatable team in the next round, even as underdogs.
Odds. Antrim 2/7; Carlow 3/1; Draw 11/1
Verdict. Antrim by 6
Youse got dinner in St Pauls.
ReplyDeleteGoood blog AZ, as an offalyman myself i dont think we have much chance of beating Monaghan . My bet of the weekend (Antrim already 2 points up v westmeath) Antrim , Monaghan ,Dublin , Tyrone and Cork hurlers ..
ReplyDeleteA free dinner in St Pauls will beat the Mushrooms in the long run any day.
ReplyDelete