Dublin v Westmeath

The Rooster

Right Dubs (or anyone else), what team should play on Sunday and how are we going to do?

Imposter

I don't care who Dublin play but I think it'll be a very close game. I'd say 2 points to either side at most. I reckon Dublin might just scrape it. Rory O'Connell is a huge loss for us and Dublin are only missing Cluxton afaik and while goalkeeper is a very important position, replacements are generally almost as good if not as good as those being replaced (even though i've never heard of those 2 guys that may play before).

Mighty_Mouse

I agree. A keeper is not a loss unless the new one makes a mistake!!! O' Connel is a huge loss for Westmeath. Did he deserve it or not? Does anyone know what happened yet?

I think Westmeath still have a real chance. The shankles of facing Meath are gone. Their facing a Dub teams which is similar in style to themselves. I think O' Shaugnessy can put in a huge performance but Westmeath need someone to run with Ciarin Whelan (G Dolan?).

Westmeath are now sitting looking at a Laois team that they battled and beat over the years underage. Laois are Leinster champions and favorites to retain their status whilst Westmeath are nearly men who "blow it" at every opportunity. So plenty of motivation exists. On the other-hand the Dubs must no that they are not as good as 2002 probably are aiming for a Leinster title at most.

I think the problems with Westmeath in the league were due to Paidi not settling into the job properly (opening pubs around the country instead of training!!!). But T Lyons has no such excuse.

Plus there is huge pressure on Dublin to win this game (too much?) but they don't have a free-scoring forward since 2002. (Cosgrove lost form, Connell hardly freescoring, Sherlock 0-2 at most)). Also theyre up against a tight, experienced "hounding"-like speedy Westmeath backline.

On the other hand Westmeath have several forwards who can do damage against any back-line. Dessis Dolan could walk onto any team in the country, but Fallon contributes 3-4 points most games. Jp Casey (playing ?) and Gary Dolan are always good for a goal. Also Shaughnessy is capable of picking up a few scores from midfield

Personally I think Westmeath are well-capable of beating the Dubs. Personally I hope they do!

Imposter

Originally posted by Mighty_Mouse
I think Westmeath still have a real chance. The shankles of facing Meath are gone. Their facing a Dub teams which is similar in style to themselves. I think O' Shaugnessy can put in a huge performance but Westmeath need someone to run with Ciarin Whelan (G Dolan?).

I think they've a chance at beating Dublin but imo the team is overrated. The Paidi factor might help a bit but for me it's a bit like Kildare when they were doing well, too many guys there for fitness and strength and not enough footballers. Agree with someone needing to spoil Whelan's game but Dolan is not the person for that.

Westmeath are now sitting looking at a Laois team that they battled and beat over the years underage. Laois are Leinster champions and favorites to retain their status whilst Westmeath are nearly men who "blow it" at every opportunity. So plenty of motivation exists. On the other-hand the Dubs must no that they are not as good as 2002 probably are aiming for a Leinster title at most.

Westmeath went on to beat a fantastic Laois side in a replay in 95 but you forget that Laois won Leinster (and I think at least one all-Ireland) the next 2 (or was it 3) years as well.

Plus there is huge pressure on Dublin to win this game (too much?) but they don't have a free-scoring forward since 2002. (Cosgrove lost form, Connell hardly freescoring, Sherlock 0-2 at most)). Also theyre up against a tight, experienced "hounding"-like speedy Westmeath backline.

There's always huge pressure on Dublin but it's their (fans) own fault. They always think they're going to win minimum of Leinster. Not many outside of Dublin would even go that far.

On the other hand Westmeath have several forwards who can do damage against any back-line.

If they are let play which I don't believe any capable defense will let them do. I reckon Westmeath will be relying on frees from Fallon.

Personally I think Westmeath are well-capable of beating the Dubs. Personally I hope they do!

Most people hope they do. Roll on Sunday.

The Rooster

Rory O'Connell is no huge loss to Westmeath, as they have a very able replacement in Gary Dolan. Rory is a fine footballer no doubt, but his hot-headiness and stupidity have cost Westmeath on a number of occassions.

Murphy wouldnt be as good as Cluxton, but he's still a fine keeper. Shouldnt prove a disadvantage to the Dubs.

Senan Connell and Jason Sherlock are both injury worries for Dublin. Neither have participated in training this week, but hopefully that was just precautionary and they'll take full part tonight. There has been nothing about the injuries in the media at all - but I can't work out whether thats a good sign or a bad sign. Connell would be a massive loss as he's one of the best half forwards in the country. The most reliable point taker from play Dublin have. Jason would also be a big loss, he's been in fine goalscoring form recently and any replacement wouldnt be a patch on him.

If everyone is fit, then I'd strongly fancy Dublin. If they play well, they'll win because they are a better team than Westmeath. Of course, frustratingly, they're well capable of playing sh!te too, in which case they'll lose. And if they're without Connell and Sherlock, it'll bring them down to Westmeath's level in any case.

stevemac

laois won 3 leinster in a row and 2 all-irelands

lost the 3rd all-ireland


ye said westmeath are over the meath stigma?
did they not lose to meath last year?
or do ye mean offaly.

On the match itself, i think it will be close but i'm not sure who will win. I think i picked dublin in the pools so i'll take them again. Neither teams are bad and whichever wins will have a good chance of making the final and also winning it. The only things i'd like to ask the dubs is how much of a loss is farell? should he be in the team or is the media playing it up?
And about westmeath, the last day all the reports said that all ye're forwards, except dolan drifter in a and out of the game and only dolan poised a constant threat. Are they relying on dolan too much or was it just a bad performance?

Imposter

Originally posted by The Rooster
And if they're without Connell and Sherlock, it'll bring them down to Westmeath's level in any case.

So they're a far superior side then? Just want to clarify before Sunday!:rolleyes:

Mighty_Mouse

ye said westmeath are over the meath stigma?
did they not lose to meath last year?
or do ye mean offaly.QUOTE] Re-read what I said?

how much of a loss is farell

Not much IMO

Rory O'Connell is no huge loss to Westmeath, as they have a very able replacement in Gary Dolan

i dont think Gary Dolan is a patch on O'Conell (but he's an able footballer all the same) so they will definitely fell the loss.

would be a massive loss as he's one of the best half forwards in the country.

You must be raving! Senon Connell is not one of the best half forwards in the country!

Jason would also be a big loss,

Impact sub No1

If they play well, they'll win because they are a better team

I disagree. On paper I dont think the Dubs have better players

it's a bit like Kildare when they were doing well, too many guys there for fitness and strength and not enough footballers

if i was westmeath i settle for the kildare glory days!!

The Rooster

Imposter, I believe Dublin are a better side than Westmeath. I dont think that merits a rolleyes! I dont think Westmeath cant beat us though. We are capable of being brutal on our day!

I, like you, think Westmeath are over-rated.

The last time Dublin played Westmeath in the championship was in 2000. Dublin coasted to a 6 points victory. Who have Westmeath beaten since then that would make me think they'll be any harder to beat this year?? Up to this year, they've only had one win of consequence - v Mayo, and that was arguably a poor Mayo team.

They have come very close to beating Meath in a number of championship encounters since then. But no matter how bad Meath played, Westmeath still couldnt beat them. Meath have been poor over the last few years (though the addition of Sheridan this year improves them significantly). Even Fermanagh beat them last year. And Dublin hammered Meath in 2002. 7 points was the margin, I think.

So as I say, I dont think there's any reason why anyone would rate Westmeath as highly as Dublin based on performances over the last few years - and not that you could rate Dublin overly high!

I saw Westmeath's win over Offaly. A poor enough game. Two mediocre performances. Westmeath did well to get the win of course. That will stand them in great stead, as they've finally shown a bit of bottle and mental toughness. And it has to be said that Laois and Meath both put in poor performances first time out this year too, so probably each team will improve second time out.

The Rooster

Dessie Farrell

Tommy Lyons doesnt like Dessie, and never has. I reckons he feels threatened by him. He's not worth his place on the starting XV anymore, but he would be a great sub to have for the last 10/15 minutes, if needed. Especially as Dublin have very little in terms of good forwards on the bench.

Senan Connell

Mighty Mouse, Senan is one of the best half forwards in the country. Maybe you havent seen enough of him? But we'll agree to disagree and one of us can gloat at the end of the campaign

Jason Sherlock

Anyone who thinks Jason should be on the subs bench for Dublin, either

(a) knows nothing about Dublin football
OR
(b) hasnt been able to see any Dublin club football over the last 12 months or been to any Dublin league games this year.

On Paper

I think you could probably say the teams are even enough in defence and midfield. Midfield is a big questionmark both teams are capable of being great, and of being poor. How it goes on the day will have a big impact. The forwards is where I believe Dublin have the advantage. In Connell, Keaney, Brogan and Sherlock the Dubs have 4 forwards who are in good form and raking up plenty of scores between them. I dont think Westmeath can equal that.

Of course I'm setting myself up for a big fall here, but better I mouth my honest opinons and create discussion than keeping schtum

Imposter

I agree Dublin are probably better than Westmeath but to suggest that without 2 players "it'll bring them down to Westmeath's level" suggests that you think that they're a lot better than westmeath. It's your turn of phrase that I object to there not your assumption that Dublin are better.

Who have westmath beaten since? Well they have reached the all-ireland quarters through the qualifiers system and beaten an admittedly poor Cork team and also Mayo on the way. Previously they would have bottled both of them. This year they have been poor but Paidi has been finding his feet and trying out players.

The offaly game was tough mentally but Offaly are no great shakes even though they were successful in the league. Admittedly Meath are definitely still the bogey team but Dublin are not. As I said before I reckon it'll be close on Sunday.

Waylander

Now that makes me laugh. A couple of weeks ago most people were saying Offaly were dark horses for Leinster. Don't get me wrong Imposter, I agree theya re a poor side but people have taken me to task for saying that before the Westmeath game. To be honest I think Dublin are a bit better then Westmeath, I do not think Sunday will be a walk in the park, and we are definitely capable of losing but I think that is what it would take. Dublin to lose the game, or Westmeath to play exceptionally well, and when they have done that in recent years they have only managed to draw with Meath not beat them. As for Paidi, I think he could be as much a liability as anything else. I know he is a manager with a couple of titles under his belt, but when I look at the team he had I keep thinking that Kerry team could have had at least four in a row. I am sure plenty will disagree with that but that is my opinion of Paidi as a manager. Shame though, he was a class player! So for me it is Dublin to win by more then the odd point on Sunday.

Imposter

Originally posted by Waylander
Now that makes me laugh. A couple of weeks ago most people were saying Offaly were dark horses for Leinster. Don't get me wrong Imposter, I agree theya re a poor side but people have taken me to task for saying that before the Westmeath game.

You didn't find me dissagreeing with you! I thought Wexford and Longford would be the dark horses. Obviously I got the Longford one a bit wrong!

Waylander

Also I meant to say I fancy Wexford to take Kildare in the game after. I might hang around and watch that one as I have not seen much of either team this year yet.

stevemac

I don't think wexford will be kildare. They seem to a slow and poor midfield which if kildare come out on top there should allow kildare to get through. mattie Ford is a good player and should have a good day in croker, but kildare have the better team. maybe not by much but they do.

Anyone actually know what odds are on offer for the games at the week-end. Might be worth a few bets.

The Rooster

Paddy Power has the odds as:
Dublin 2/5 Westmeath 5/2 Draw 15/2
Kildare 1/3 Wexford 3/1 Draw 15/2

I think I fancy Kildare, but I cant really back that up. Wexford had a good year in Div 1, but were disappointing against a very poor Louth side in the first round. Still won comfortably in the end though, so I suppose thats a good sign. Kildare on the other hand are a completely unknown quantity, in my eyes. They easily topped their Division (albeit a very weak division) but then in the semis, they got surprisingly hammered by Offaly. And I think that pretty much every Div 2 team so far has played badly in the championship.

It does point to an upset, and 3/1 seems quite generous, but Kildare will know that if they stop Forde, they wont be beaten. And I think they should have the defenders to do just that.

Imposter

Paddy power has given some good odds on outsiders so far. His odds on the favourites are a disgrace though.

Anyone going for 2 draws? or 2 outsiders?

Waylander

I believe Waterford are 6-4 with Tipp as odds on. Could be worth a few quid to back Waterford and Wexford!

stevemac

waterford and westmeath would be a better bet

westmeath have a better chance of winning than wexford

but waterford, dublin and kildare would't be a bad bet either
say €1 on that would get you €2.80 by my calculations (please correct me, prob wrong) . And if you can add Tyrone who should beat Fermanagh and if either Antrim or Down ?

Might be worth a go. Not really any surprises so far in the championship.

The Rooster

€1 on a treble of Waterford (6/4), Dublin (2/5) and Kildare (1/3) would return €4.67

calculated as follows:

1 x (6+4) / 4 x (2+5) / 5 x (1+3) / 3 = 4.67

Add in Tyrone (1/16!) and it increases to €4.96

Add in Antrim as well (1/3) and we're up to €6.61

The Rooster

Apparently the Indo reckon they've inside information and that the Dublin team is:

B Murphy;
B Cahill, P Christie, P Griffin;
S Ryan, D Magee, P Andrews;
C Whelan, D Homan;
C Moran, B Cullen, S Connell;
A Brogan, C Keaney, J Sherlock

Means David Henry is dropped. Bit of a surprise, but despite playing most of the time there's always been a thought that Lyons didnt like him and that Henry was just minding the number 2 jersey until Barry Cahill (who Lyons raves about) was back fit. Henry was notably dropped for the Laois game last year - which didnt work out too well! IMO Cahill is the better footballer, but Henry the better defender. I'd go with Henry.

Darren Magee centre back. Not happy with that. I dont like Darren. He's been given plenty of chances, but IMO hasnt developed into the player we thought. He's heading down the path previously thread by Pat Gilroy.

Glad to see Homan at midfield.

Surprised to see Moran at half forward. We do have a plethora of good half backs, and not too many good half forwards, so you can see the logic. But I still wouldnt have done that. Collie played the whole NFL at half back. Strange time to change formation.

Tomas Quinn dropped. Means no freetaker, though Keaney has been taken the right sided ones recently in any case. I would have kept Quinn. His freetaking has improved throughout the league (not near a Jimmy, Barney or Charlie, but decent enough) and his general play has improved considerably over the year. I think he's paid the price for Dublin having two many small forwards.

Everything else is in order, so me and Lyons agree in 12 out of the 15 positions, so I'm reasonably happy, and reasonably confident.

kaisersose77

c'mon westmeath! god dublin are terrible for a county of that size. Bye Bye Tommy Lyons

cournioni

Could be an easier route for Dublin, when you look at what Armagh done last year...

mobby

Jez after the Dubs display today i am sure even London fancy there chances next week.

Imposter

Well what can I say! (wait a sec, I know i'll think of something)

Well the dubs must be sick. Imagine sinking to Westmeath's level and actually going even lower!

But seriously I couldn't believe it when I got the news (I didn't see it). So were westmeath good, dublin bad, combination of both or are Dublin just really no good?

I also had money on Westmeath and Wexford. Shame I didn't do a double! So wahoo...

Should make for an interesting semi.

Waylander

Dublin were Ok in the first half but only led by three points. Really should have had a bigger lead, or I thought so anyway. In the second half they did what I said they could not do again. They played as badly as they did against Laois last year. I never like supporting a team that has lost but the manner in which Dublin played that secoind half left me disgusted. Fair dues to Westmeath, particularly Dessie Dolan who was impressive they deserved to win the game. Dublin cant shoot. A fourteen yard free in front of the posts was put wide and that is just one example of woeful shooting by the dubs. The only players I thought did any way decently were Paddy Christie, Shane Ryan and Griffin in at corner back. Sherlock started fairly well but fell out ogf the game as it went on. Tommy has got to go.

Mighty_Mouse

I think they've a chance at beating Dublin but imo the team is overrated. The Paidi factor might help a bit but for me it's a bit like Kildare when they were doing well, too many guys there for fitness and strength and not enough footballers.

lol!!! lol

Well the dubs must be sick. Imagine sinking to Westmeath's level and actually going even lower!

Jasus! Thats more than a little disengenious!! Even Kerry know how to lose

Imposter

Originally posted by Mighty_Mouse
lol!!! lol Jasus! Thats more than a little disengenious!! Even Kerry know how to lose

(Parden my ignorance but) What?

The Rooster

The Dubs started great, with Sherlock and Brogan on fire, and scoring for fun. They were 5 or 6 points up, but then started to get careless giving away possesion and allowing Westmeath back in. The gap was 3 at the break.

Dublin were just diabolical after the break. I wouldnt put too much blame on the forwards, they just got no ball. But the midfield and defence were winning very little, and when they did they gave it away. At the end of the day the only Dubs to come away with any credit were Christie, Brogan and Sherlock. Westmeath hit a few bad wides, but then found their scoring touch and ran out deserving winners - though I thought the keeper was very lucky to save Sherlock's goalbound effort late on!

Lots of questions for the Dubs:
- Why was Henry dropped after playing well throughout the league?
- Why was Henry not brought on when his replacement was getting roasted?
- Why was Senan Connell played in the corner, severly limiting his effectiveness?
- Why was Collie Moran played in the forwards when he's been playing at wing back for the last 2 years?
- Will Bryan Cullen ever be given a run in his correct position, i.e. centre back?
- Why was our freetaker, Mossy Quinn, dropped when he did well all through the league campaign?

jill_valentine

Y'know, for a second, I was thinking about how much I wish I was still at school (in Meath) today. In yer face, you bragging b*stards!

Sorry. I'll get me coat.

laoisfan

dublin actually have a good team - as you all know the problem is with lyons and his selectors! dublin should have been leading by more than 3pts at half-time. the players should and will have to take some of the responsibility but if the manager cannot see how bad it is and make changes as the match progresses!!!!!

leinster is def. interesting now.

meath v laois
westmeath v wexford

any takes on who will win (might) leinster?

--laoisfan

The Rooster

final possibilities:

Laois v Wexford - Laois win
Laois v Westmeath - Laois win
Meath v Wexford - Meath win
Meath v Westmeath - Westmeath win

I reckon the second one, but wouldnt put much money on it.

laoisfan

laois have to improve given their recent performance against carlow (a very good show by carlow i might add).

then again meath too have to improve, they did not exactly instill confidence against wicklow recently.

i reckon a laois - westmeath final (assuming laois improve and do not get ahead of themselves).

laois to win leinster!

--laoisfan

Waylander

Its becoming a bit of a habit but I am going to agree with Rooster here. I think the winner of the Laois v Meath game will go on to win Leinster. I think Wexford will beat Westmeath but they will not win a Leinster title. Having said that I had money on them at 3-1 for Suday and tehy came good so I might as well shout for them seeing as Dublin are out now.

thirdmantackle

Have ye all not learned from yer mistakes so far? Do not underestimate Westmeath and Wexford. Both teams are well capable of taking this Leinster title.

It will be a Laois vs Wexford final (novel or what??) and it'll be very tight.

I'm shouting for Wexford all the way - C'mon the Yella Bellies

Yavvy

Im sick and tired of agreeing with Waylander and the Rooster, but here I go again.
I was sick on sunday, I actually felt Ill as dublin crumbled in the second half

........


Oh jill_valentine is banned for a week, the very least she could have done is made a comment about the game..pure flaming.

watman

Leinster Football is more competitive now as it ever was . Its no longer Dublin v Meath or Dublin v Kildare . Every year the Leinster Championship gets more interesting..

Laois v Wexford ... Laois
Laois v Westmeath ... Remember the battles in under age a couple of years ago
Meath v Wexford ... Meath
Meath v Westmeath ... We Have to Beat them Sometime

Imposter

Of the teams that are left Laois are probably the clear favourites although in reality there's not a huge amount between any of the teams.

Wexford have been threatening doing something for a while and they have a good team there. Playing westmeath is also a big advantage as they mightn't choke like they would if it was Dublin.

Similarly for Westmeath, although I still think they are overrated, they won't fear Wexford and will probably be favourites. This imo is not good. Westmeath work better as the underdogs. They haven't handled pressure well over the years and I can't see them handling it this time either. Verdict: Wexford.

In the other match, Meath are way too quiet for my liking. Laois did well last year and Micko is an undisputable asset. Laois have built a very good, solid team on the back of underage successes down the years and last years success rightly puts them as favourites at the moment. The only question mark is again, similar to westmeath, how will they perform as favourites? I predict Meath to win this.

Now Wexford V Meath i would say Meath as Wexford could choke and Meath are never easily beaten as Westmeath know all too well.

However much I would love to see Westmeath play Meath and beat the living crap out of them, unfortunately I can't see westmeath continuing their role in Leinster. Put them as favourites and your setting them up for a fall and they usually oblige.

Mighty_Mouse

Well the dubs must be sick. Imagine sinking to Westmeath's level and actually going even lower!

(Parden my ignorance but) What?

The Dubs really feel like they have a divine right to Leinster? Do the Dubs really consider that the football that is winning Leinster is worse than what their capable of. Imagine you really believe that the Dubs "have sank" in order to be beaten by Westmeath when the fact of the matter is I really fancied Westmeath on Sunday due to them being better than the Dubs (stated here earlier I think)

I think the attitude of many Dubs supporters and certain sections of the media has been reflective of the soccer yobbish influence on Dublin supporters.

I mean FFS the dubs have only won 2 Leinster Titles in the last 9 years!! In Kildare their was nothing like the backlash delievered by Dub supporters. In Kildare huge numbers will turn out to watch their match with Offaly and get behind their team.

I hope London get their team back and run Dublin close

stevemac

why does everyone think they will beat westmeath?
is there a bit of bandwagon jumpin going on?

i think it will be westmeath who win this one. Wexford are better than i thought but don't think they will beat westmeath.

Waylander

Well the dubs must be sick. Imagine sinking to Westmeath's level and actually going even lower!

Mightymouse that was not posted by a Dub. In fact I think it was sarcasm on the part of Imposter?

thirdmantackle

I would say that Westmeath are better than I thought they would be... Wexford had a very solid League campaign and have been improving for the last few years.

Westmeath have been static since 2001 and have scrapped by in the last 2 games. I can seen Wexford beating them purely going on the current form of both teams. Westmeath will be raging favourites for the match as well - and all the hype will be on their shoulders

Waylander

I think anyone would have looked like a good side against the Dubs on Sunday in the second half. I am still inclined to think they are a bit overrated.

Imposter

Originally posted by Waylander
Mightymouse that was not posted by a Dub. In fact I think it was sarcasm on the part of Imposter?

That would be correct. An attempt to rise the rooster (hey - that sounds almost funny) after some of his comments earlier in the thread. I am actually from Westmeath.

The Rooster

That was actually the second time in this thread that Mighty Mouse replied to that comment, using the very same quote! The first time he seemed to get the irony, the second time he didnt! Ah well gave me my first smile of the week

I thought the Wexford v Kildare game was worse standard than Dublin v Westmeath. I'd fancy Westmeath in the semi, but not strongly. They will be favourites, and as Imposter said, that wont suit them.

Yavvy

i would love to take off my Mod cap for a week and hurl Abuse at Might Mouse right now. You need to cop on fella, Dublin Fans do not feel we have a devine right to anything. We do not begruge any counties sucess and we are not soccer yobs.

Seriously ...cop the **** on.

/rant.

stevemac

I thought the Wexford v Kildare game was worse standard than Dublin v Westmeath. I'd fancy Westmeath in the semi, but not strongly. They will be favourites, and as Imposter said, that wont suit them. [/B]

where you at the game?
or who was at the game, and is there anything to note from it?

Waylander

I was at the game in the premium level, ( sorry lads prawn sandwich land ), the Kildare game was so poor that I went inside to watch the Waterford v Tipp game on the telly. To be honest Ithink there were more people in the watching the game and drinking pints then there were in the stands.

Mighty_Mouse

Mightymouse that was not posted by a Dub. In fact I think it was sarcasm on the part of Imposter?

In my rush to put the boot into the Dubs I think I misread! Apologies

That was actually the second time in this thread that Mighty Mouse replied to that comment, using the very same quote! The first time he seemed to get the irony, the second time he didnt! Ah well gave me my first smile of the week

Feck it, the Jackeens have me!

i would love to take off my Mod cap for a week and hurl Abuse at Might Mouse right now.

When did you put it on?

need to cop on fella, Dublin Fans do not feel we have a devine right to anything

Sorry lads but thats the impression most GAA people down the country are left with especially after this weeks reaction to losing to Westmeath.

We do not begruge any counties sucess and we are not soccer yobs.

Again while I realise that the Dubs have a very strong GAA network this is another impression (correctly or incorrectly).

/rant.

I find it amusing that you specified this as a rant as opposed to you other non-demarcated postings

Waylander

Again while I realise that the Dubs have a very strong GAA network this is another impression (correctly or incorrectly).

It seems to me that you are the only one on these boards with this impression. Neither Imposter or Laoisfan or any of the other regular posters have called me a soccer yob just because I am a Dublin fan.

In my rush to put the boot into the Dubs I think I misread! Apologies

That is alright it is a bit of a recuurring theme with you, and we are kind of used to it now. You complain about us Dubs always talking our chances up, what do you expect when the likes of you cant even read a post properly before you have to race off and "put the boot in".

Mighty_Mouse

That is alright it is a bit of a recuurring theme with you, and we are kind of used to it now. You complain about us Dubs always talking our chances up, what do you expect when the likes of you cant even read a post properly before you have to race off and "put the boot in".

How is it recurring? Used to it - how? I've had competely different opinions from ye in the past (croker) but hardly justifies the above. In fact I think we both view the GAA, its past, present and future completely differently but it doesnt make my opinion any less correct.

Well the dubs must be sick. Imagine sinking to Westmeath's level and actually going even lower!

I know I mis-quoted but dont tell me there isn't an element of this with the Dubs this week?

Dubs are completely gutted with this loss --> over-gutted IMO. I think the Dubs need another 3-4 years to develop a strong teams with some of the U21 U18 players.

Neither Imposter or Laoisfan or any of the other regular posters have called me a soccer yob just because I am a Dublin fan

As for the mis-reading, mis-quoting accusations levelled at me!! Maybe you should re-read my origional post and I think you'll find I never called you a soccer yob (or Dublin fans for that matter). I did say however that in my opinion there is an tabloidish,typical soccer-coverage, shock, horror, over-reaction to a Dublin team (with little honours in 10 years) losing out to a very good Westmeath team. A reaction which I have not really seen to the defeat of any other GAA team in recent years and to be honest I think the Westmeath performance has been done a great injustice in the last week.

Maybe the reason for this is because the media is based in Dublin, I'm not sure but I do think its there. I'm can't think of any other team in the Championship which would of reacted in the same way to be honest. Can you?