O'Byrne Cup

The Rooster

Dublin's season gets underway with a game against UCD in O'Toole Park on Wednesday night at 8pm. Havent got a clue what kind of team UCD have, but I'd guess its fairly strong, albeit Ciaran McManus has finally graduated and is no longer eligible.

The Dubs are missing O'Shaugnessy and Moran through injury. Brogan is just back but probably will not be risked. Not sure about the availablility of the Kilmacud contingent - could only be good for them to play but usually over-protectiveness sets in in these situations. Cluxton, Cullen, Casey and Bernard Brogan Jnr all played for DCU in their defeat to Meath at the weekend, so they're not eligible for the Dubs for this competition (colleges get priority). The Cavan lads may have heard that Seanie Johnston scored 5 points from play for DCU, but alas it wasnt enough.

The winners of Dublin/UCD are at home to Wexford on Sunday.

cournioni

Yeah, Sean is a hell of a player. Very light though. Good to see him doing well for DCU. I'd give him another couple of years before he makes a real impact for Cavan.

sgarvan

Dublin 2-15 UCD 2-07 After Extra Time


A changed Dublin side were forced into
extra-time by UCD, but eventually won a
dour O'Byrne Cup tie, 2-15 to 2-07,
under the floodlights at O'Toole Park.

Goals from Craig Rogers and Pat Duggan
helped the students into a 2-04 to 1-06
half-time lead.

Kevin Bonner netted the Dubs' goal
after good work from Alan Brogan, who
was one of only four starters in the
Metropolitans side that saw
championship action last summer.

Dabhach Dineen, who was promoted from
the Dublin bench before throw-in,
impressed with three first half points.

The sides went point for point in the
second half, a Mark Ward effort pushed
UCD a point in front with six minutes
remaining.

David O'Callaghan levelled it at 1-09
to 2-06 and then Dublin's Tomas Quinn
had a chance to win it from a 45-metre
free in injury-time, but the St
Vincent's man flashed his effort wide.

Extra-time saw the Dubs pull away
though - Brogan, the lively O'Callaghan
and Donnacha O'Reilly all landed points
and a smartly-taken penalty from Quinn
set up a clash with Wexford for the
Leinster champions this Sunday.

Lemlin

PORNAPSTER wrote:

Yeah, Sean is a hell of a player. Very light though. Good to see him doing well for DCU. I'd give him another couple of years before he makes a real impact for Cavan.

He'd a great game against Meath this year. Scored some cracking points. I didn't see the Sunday Game that night (out celebrating ) but a mate of mine reckons he was singled out on it as one for the future. You're right that he needs to bulk up though.

cruiserweight

Wexford have named their team for the game against Dublin

Wexford's leading championship scorer David Shannon has been handed a senior debut in next Sunday's O'Byrne Cup senior football clash with Dublin at the O'Toole Ground.

Shannon was the chief marksman as his club Horeswood registered their first ever senior football club title.

Manager Paul Bealin includes him at centre-forward, with David Fogarty switching to the wing in place of George Sunderland.

This is one of two changes with full-back Philip Wallace having recovered from a hamstring injury returning to the defence in place of Robert Mageean, also a hamstring victim.

Matty Forde, still recovering from a slight knee problem, is included among the substitutes.

Wexford SF v Dublin: A. Masterson, C. Morris, P. Wallace, N. Murphy, P. Curtis, D. Murphy, L. O'Brien, P. Colfer, B. Doyle, C. Deely, D. Shannon, D. Fogarty, P.J. Banville, J. Hudson, G. O'Grady.

Subs: J. Cooper, L. Murphy, D. Breen, R. Purcell, T. Howlin, R. Mageean, D. O'Reilly, D. Mooney, A. Flynn, S. Sheehan, M.
Forde, G. Sunderland, J. Hearn.

blackbelt

Colfer and PJ Banville will most likely be the key players to test Dublin.Friend of mine Colm Billy O Loughlin playing for DIT is a player to look out for.He should be on the Laois panel in my opinion

cruiserweight

Shannon was the top scorer in the Wexford SFC last year! But I would say Hudson would be the biggest threat to Dublin, he was in great form at the start of the league last year but unfortunately got injured!Also O'Brien's return to the team means that Dublin cannot afford to giv away long range frees!

The Rooster

Chickened out on going because of the lashing rain and howling wind

In any event I hear the Dubs beat Wexford by 2 points. The Dubs were miles the better team in the first half, an early "dubious" penalty (apparently there was a foul but advantage was played, the forward sliced it wide), but Wexford came back into in the second half, but never really looked like challenging, albeit they had a late late chance to nick a goal and the win, but Barry Cahill made a great block. A very much understrength Dublin side:

P Copeland; M Fitzpatrick, B Cahill,C Prenderville; G Norton, D Henry, G Lewis; D Bastick, D Reilly; D Murray, A Brogan, K Leahy; D O’Callaghan, K Bonner, T Quinn

Apparently the newcomers are doing decent enough, as good as most of the lads we're missing, but nothing special. Brogan did the most damage kicking 4 points from play, and unlike last week v UCD, Quinn was good from frees kicking 5.

Dublin v Meath next week, always a dingdong affair. Parnell Park at 2pm is the rumour, but I dont think its been confirmed yet. Meath have a strong enough looking side, and have supposedly played very well against DCU and Westmeath, so will probably be slight favourites, given that Dublin are sticking with he same squad.

cruiserweight

I am disappointed with this result, but wouldn't mind if we go on to beat Dublin in the Leinster championship! That is if they make the final

According to the report in the Indo someone could be in serious trouble over the game, I wonder if anything will com of this?

Wexford manager Bealin vents fury with Dublin over Morris incident

Dublin 0-13
Wexford 1-8
O'Byrne Cup

Paddy Hickey

WEXFORD boss Paul Bealin was in a furious mood after one of his players, defender Colm Morris, was allegedly punched by a Dublin mentor during the second half of yesterday's torrid O'Byrne Cup second round clash at Ayrfield Park.

"I think it's an absolute disgrace that something like this can happen on a football field," said the former Dublin star.

"I didn't see who threw the punch, but I believe a number of members of our county board did, so there should be no difficulty in identifying the individual involved," added the new Wexford manager, an All-Ireland winner with the Dubs in 1995.

"Dublin have a lot of backroom people, but there doesn't seem to be any control over who can, and who cannot, go on the pitch. I think that the linesmen and umpires should have a role to play in ensuring that only authorisied people are allowed on the pitch."

Investigation

Wexford County Board chairman Sean Quirke said he and his fellow officials would be giving serious consideration to calling for an investigation into the incident.

"You're always going to have problems between opposing players in matches, but that should be solely between the players, and most certainly shouldn't involve officials from either team," argued Quirke.

It may have been only the second serious game of the new season for both teams, but that certainly didn't detract anything from the intensity.

Indeed, such was the adversarial nature of the game, it seemed as if there was far more than a place in the semi-final of the O'Byrne Cup - against Meath on Sunday - at stake.

The deplorable conditions of heavy rain and a strong wind militated against a high standard of football, and far too often players from both sides indulged in petty little spats.

Just like their first round win over UCD last Wednesday night, Dublin were considerably understrength, with the only regulars starting being Barry Cahill, Alan Brogan and Tomás Quinn, who were joined during the contest by Coman Goggins and Peadar Andrews.

Wexford were boosted by the return of International Rules ace Mattie Forde, who only returned to training last Tuesday, but passed a fitness test just before the throw-in.

Playing with the wind, Dublin were rocked when Forde netted a penalty on 13 minutes after he himself had been pulled down by goalkeeper Paul Copeland. That put the visitors 1-1 to 0-2 in front, but the Dubs, with Brogan and Kevin Bonner excelling up front, replied with seven points on the trot to lead 0-9 to 1-1 at half-time.

The home side looked set for the winners' enclosure when leading 0-12 to 1-5 on 45 minutes, but Wexford hit three points to their opponents' one in remaining time, and could have finished in front but for a great block by Cahill on a goal-bound shot by Ciaran Deely.

I think it's an absolute

disgrace that something like

this can happen on a football

field

"Considering that we were short so many regular players, I was happy that we came out on the right side," said Dublin boss Paul Caffrey.

"It was great to see all the lads playing their hearts out for Dublin football".

Wexford supremo Bealin remarked: "We got dispossessed far too many times, and in the first half alone, we gave away six points by losing the ball."

SCORERS - Dublin: T Quinn 0-5 (5f), A Brogan 0-4, K Bonner 0-2, K Leahy, D O'Callaghan 0-1 each: Wexford: M Forde 1-3 (1-0 pen, 2f), PJ Banville, J Hudson, D Shannon, C Deely, D Breen 0-1 each.

DUBLIN - P Copeland; C Prenderville, B Cahill, M Fitzpatrick; G Norton, D Henry, G Lewis; D Bastick, D Reilly; D Murray, A Brogan, K Leahy; D O'Callaghan, K Bonner, T Quinn. Subs: P Andrews for Prenderville (41), C Goggins for Leahy (48), E Fennell for Reilly (56), D Joyce for Murray (66), J Leonard for Copeland (68).

WEXFORD - A Masterson; C Morris, P Wallace, N Murphy; P Curtis, D Murphy, L O'Brien; P Colfer, D Fogarty; C Deely, D Shannon, M Forde; PJ Banville, J Hudson, G O'Grady. Subs: R Barry for O'Grady (28), G Sunderland for O'Brien (46), R Purcell for Colfer (56), D Breen for Shannon (68)

cruiserweight

More on the alleged punch!

Dublin mentor accused of punching player
Monday January 16th 2006
ADVERTISEMENT

Paddy Hickey

A MEMBER of the Dublin backroom team could find himself facing disciplinary action after he allegedly punched a Wexford player in yesterday's O'Byrne Cup second round clash at Ayrfield Park in Coolock.

After a rain-lashed and bad-tempered contested which Dublin won 0-13 to 1-8, Wexford right corner-back Colm Morris claimed he was punched on chin by a Dublin mentor who came on to the pitch during the latter stages of the second half.

Morris added that he was unsure of the identity of the Dublin mentor but after the game he was informed who the official in question was, and he relayed the name of the alleged culprit to members of the media who had questioned the player about the incident.

"The Dublin mentor came on the pitch to give instructions to Tomás Quinn (his direct opponent), but as they moved away from me, I followed both of them in an attempt to hear what was being said," said Morris.

"Then the mentor swung out and punched me on the chin. One of the umpires at our goal told me he had seen me being punched, and he drew the referee's attention to the incident. But all the referee (Louth official Gabriel Kenny) did was to go to the Dublin mentors to have a word with them."

"I was very disappointed the referee didn't take action against the Dublin mentor, and if a player had thrown a punch, I'm sure he wouldn't have got off scot-free."

The Rooster

A push away in the face I could understand (though not condone), but a punch seems incredible.

I'm sure the alleged offender's name will be out soon

Funsterdelux

Meath look like dark horses this year

The Rooster

Funsterdelux wrote:

Meath look like dark horses this year

For the O'Byrne Cup. Agreed.

Be interesting to see what happens on Sunday v the Dubs. The Dubs are obviously missing a heap of players, but I suppose some could argue that Whelan and maybe Cullen and the corner backs are the only ones they'll really miss. Meath are missing a few too of course, especially Geraghty. Crawford has made a couple of subs appearances recently, so I wonder will he get a start. Any news on Giles?

Meath badly need a full back. Dont think O'Connor is up to the job, the no.3 position anyway. And when Joe Sheridan is one of your star forwards, then you havent much up front. Maybe someday he will fulfill the promise he showed at minor. I'm sure most Meath fans will welcome Daithi Regan getting a decent run in the team. He can be super on his day.

Great opportunity for Meath to take the Dublin scalp - should be a good game either way.

blackbelt

Meath havent been the same since Trevor Giles was dropped but in saying that,he may be past his prime at this stage.Not saying he can't make a contribution but if he was to come back would that make Meath a serious contender for Leinster or Sam?

Geraghty is the man that guides Meath to victories.I wouldn't count Offaly out of winning the O Byrne cup although I'd hate to see it.I'd put my money on Dublin to beat Meath.Meaths new management and the fact they are in Parnell are enough to give Dublin the advantage.Its true that Ciaran Whelan is missed but Alan Brogans presence should see Dublin win most of the kickouts in midfield.

The Rooster

Don't think Trevor was ever dropped, but he is suffering a bad injury. Last I heard was that a decision was soon going to be made about whether he could start back training again shortly or whether further recuperation/possible operation would be required that would put him out of the NFL and make him very doubtful for the championship. I hope the news he gets is positive.

Bad news for Dublin is that Brogan is injured again, and so Meath's chances of victory on Sunday have improved. Dublin's team is:

P Copeland
N O'Shea, B Cahill, M Fitzpatrick
D Henry, C Goggins, G Lewis
D Bastick, D Reilly
G O'Meara, D Murray, D McConn
D O'Callaghan, K Bonner, T Quinn
Subs: J Leonard, D McCann, G Norton, S Breheny, E Fennell, D Byrne, S Smith, D Marshall, S Ryan, D Joyce, K Leahy.

Shane Ryan makes the bench after the lifting of his suspension for playing for DCU.

Funsterdelux

The Rooster wrote:

Don't think Trevor was ever dropped, but he is suffering a bad injury. Last I heard was that a decision was soon going to be made about whether he could start back training again shortly or whether further recuperation/possible operation would be required that would put him out of the NFL and make him very doubtful for the championship. I hope the news he gets is positive.

Yes anyway there is a custom in Meath for the some of the big name players if they were/are injured not to do much untill the end of the Nat. league or start of the championship

mchurl

What position does Kevin Reilly play for Meath? He has been impressing for DCU this year. Maybe he could be an answer to their full back problems.

The Rooster

He's been playing full back for Meath. I remember him having a good game in the NFLII final last year - until the last few minutes anyway - it wasnt him at fault for the goal.

I'm pretty sure he played at no.3 against the Dubs in Leinster. Can't remember how he did. I'm sure he'll improve with experience. At the moment I'd say he'd be good against a traditional full forward, less good against a mobile one who drags him around the field.

*marie*

So it's a Meath and Offaly final then...

The Rooster

Not unexpectedly Meath beat Dublin. Tight for the whole game, but I always thought Meath were the better team. Very fussy ref didnt help the game as a spectacle.

Too many new faces for Dublin appearing at the same time. Never really gelled. Mossy Quinn had a fine first half, but quiet in the second. The opposite for Kevin Bonner - his 4 second half points should ensure he'll get a decent run in the league.

Nigel Crawford for Meath was man of the match IMO. Daithi Regan was very good in patches, but had to go off injured.

Funsterdelux

whats the story with Offaly have no info on the team this year

The Rooster

They seem to be playing a pretty strong team for the O'Byrne Cup - with a couple of new faces thrown in.

I'd make Offaly slight favourites assuming similar teams are picked for the final. McManus v Crawford will be a key battle.

Funsterdelux

yes that would be interesting, it think Mcmanus is past his best, though I think he was always a bit over rated

Funsterdelux

Was at the Final yesterday in Navan,disappointing game even though Meath won, suppose the good thing to see is meath moving the ball fast, however for the first goal it was a traditional punt up the field from the defence.