Who will win the All Ireland Football now?

whassupp2

12 teams left.

smashey

We might as well all give up and hand Sam to the Dubs now.:rolleyes:

solskjaer20

Would love to see Donegal or Laois, but personally it'll be hard to look past Dubin and in particuarly Armagh.

Lemlin

I'd love to see Mayo win it but I think Armagh will.

Well done to Longford on reaching the last twelve.

monosharp

MY money would be on Armagh or Mayo. Dublin are on the same level or just below Galway and i'd put Cork & Kerry above them.

Anto McC

smashey wrote:

We might as well all give up and hand Sam to the Dubs now.:rolleyes:

And deprive us a few more days out in Croker,no thanks,we'll do it the right way but thanks for the offer!

GreenDoor

Cork for the double!

kevmy

I really don't know.
- Dublin impressed me only against Laois - today they shot 14 wides and didn't pull away until half way into the 2nd half against IMO an average team. We haven't seen them under pressure in the 2nd half yet so hard to judge their mental strenght which was always my doubt about them.
- Armagh played well but getting old and i'm wondering can they keep it going all the way to September especially with all the tough games they'll have to play to get there.
- Mayo v. poor today up front in 1st half but pulled it out when it mattered which is a good sign as previous Mayo teams would've buckled. Midfield seems to be sorted and a good defence and have now dispensed with idiotic 'nut' system up front. I won't tip them to win it as i've seen them fail in final its traumatic.
- Cork too inexperienced at top level to win it
- Laois look best of qualifiers and on their day can beat anyone but will what happened against Dublin happen again?
- Kerry no Gouch no Kerry
- Galway extremely poor in midfield today if they can break 50-50 there they have forwards could win it
- Donegal could take a few teams out but i can't quite see them win it
I would write off the rest.

So this leaves Armagh and Dublin favs on present form with question marks followed by Mayo, Laois and Cork with Galway, Kerry and Donegal outsiders.

Imposter

GreenDoor wrote:

Cork for the double!

Cork can't win leinster can they?

jank

See most teams think a successfull campagin ends in an all ireland victory... not some poxy lenister title

patmac

According to the Indo the latest odds are: Dublin 2/1, Armagh 5/2, Kerry 3/1 and Cork 7/1. Now I thought Cork beat Kerry easily yesterday so how can they justify these odds especially with Kerry to face Armagh if they beat Longford (not the foregone conclusion it should be based on the weekend's respective performances), 7/1 value.

Kojak

I think that if Armagh don't become complacent they will win the All-Ireland.

I am amazed that Dublin are considered to be favourites for the All-Ireland - its just typical of them, a whole lot of hype for an average team.

Armagh to win Sam.

Waylander

jank wrote:

See most teams think a successfull campagin ends in an all ireland victory... not some poxy lenister title

Did you get bullied by a Dub when you were small Jank? Your nitterness seems to know no ends. The thread title does not mention Dublin, and although some of the posts do, they are not posts by Dublin supporters, they are posts by other counties supporters mouthing off about Dublin. Your post is totally irrelevant to this thread, and pretty much just trolling. Grow up!

Guisseppeth

As a Tyrone fan it pains me to say that to me Armagh are favourites for Sam this year. They are looking as strong as any team and I haven't seen anything from anyone so far to say that they would beat them.

Dublin seem to be everyones favourites again after winning the Leinster title against some relatively weak teams. They destroyed Laois but everyone can have an off day. They weren't great yesterday against Offaly who won a lot of ball in the full forward line but couldn't do anything with it. If they end up playing Armagh and the same scenario occurs I can't imagine McDonnell, McConville and Clarke missing the scores that Offaly missed yesterday. As usual the media and supporters get carried away though I don't think that will happen to the players. If they are as focussed as they claim to be then yesterday will just be viewed as a stepping stone to a greater prize in September which is the way any team with serious intentions of an All Ireland need to be thinking.

Mayo will flatter to deceive as they do every year, Cork will take heart from a great win over a poor Kerry team and so cannot be discounted. You cannot rule out Kerry but without Gooch they are lost.

Outside of that I can't see any of the other teams making any real progress with the exception of maybe Donegal if they recover from the defeat to Armagh last week.

Dapos

I don't know, maybe it's just me being a wishful kerry fan but if i still believe kerry can pull there championship out of the fire. The current situation for kerry is they have been stripped of the favourite label (which is not a bad thing), and now face the possibility of not reaching the quarter finals in the championship for the first time in god knows how long. If they were to lose to longford the people will call for jack o connors head. But i believe the team will regroup and if they beat longford they will be in the quarter final with 2 extra games compared to last year.

blackbelt

I saw the odds alright..Dublin 2/1 favourites.While I think Dublin have a very good chance of winning Sam,I think Armagh are the team to worry about.Unfortunately Mayo were poor yesterday even though they won but I suspect they will up their game as Laois have done.I think its funny how the rebels are crowing about Cork doing the double.Lets face it..Kerry are no longer the team they used to be and the focus is on Gooch who is failing to deliver.A great and deserving win for Cork but I feel they would be torn to shreds by teams like Donegal or Fermanagh.

I fancy Westmeaths chances against Galway.Hopefully my cousin Duffy along with Dessie Dolan can prevent the Galway forward line and get some scores both respectively.Laois and Offaly will be some game to watch with Offaly having a pint to prove.Offaly are a very big physical team especially in midfield and it will be interesting to see physicality against athleticism.

As far as who will win the all Ireland,my money is on Armagh but hopefully we will see Dublin in the final against Mayo,Kerry or Armagh.

yurmothrintites

I think mayo will do really well this year. Im a huge mayofan myself and know alot of the team personally and they say the atmosphere in the camp is very good. Sure the display in the connaught final wasn't great but that's not them playing their best. Kerry have gone crap with the gooch and tryone are out. The scenario is very different from last year. This could be Mayos year!

Waylander

I would not be writing Kerry's chances off. They have alot of quality players and I would stil rank them as 2nd favouties after Armagh. Like they say, form is temporary but class is permanent. Gooch will get back to where he was and I think Kerry will still have some input into Sams destination.

Shaque attack

kevmy wrote:

I really don't know.
- Dublin impressed me only against Laois - today they shot 14 wides and didn't pull away until half way into the 2nd half against IMO an average team. We haven't seen them under pressure in the 2nd half yet so hard to judge their mental strenght which was always my doubt about them.
- Armagh played well but getting old and i'm wondering can they keep it going all the way to September especially with all the tough games they'll have to play to get there.
- Mayo v. poor today up front in 1st half but pulled it out when it mattered which is a good sign as previous Mayo teams would've buckled. Midfield seems to be sorted and a good defence and have now dispensed with idiotic 'nut' system up front. I won't tip them to win it as i've seen them fail in final its traumatic.
- Cork too inexperienced at top level to win it
- Laois look best of qualifiers and on their day can beat anyone but will what happened against Dublin happen again?
- Kerry no Gouch no Kerry
- Galway extremely poor in midfield today if they can break 50-50 there they have forwards could win it
- Donegal could take a few teams out but i can't quite see them win it
I would write off the rest.

So this leaves Armagh and Dublin favs on present form with question marks followed by Mayo, Laois and Cork with Galway, Kerry and Donegal outsiders.

spot on. I don't think there is any clear winner atm. anyone of armagh, dublin, mayo, cork, kerry or galway all have faults as pointed out above but at the same time can beat anyone on their day.

If i had to choose i'd say either mayo or armagh for sam. armagh because experience and cunning always wins over youth and talent . Mayo because their midfield and backs look damn good and these are the most important areas to have right, they should be able to sort out their forwards tbh.

Edit: oh yeah, and laois as my dark horse, very dark horse that is

Nalced_irl

jank wrote:

See most teams think a successfull campagin ends in an all ireland victory... not some poxy lenister title

Another hit and run from Jank i see. Anyone think a successful campaign ends at the Leinsters?? No?? Didnt think so. Thanks for dropping by anyway Jank.

I think if Armagh can last the pace they could do it. They are a very experienced team but getting on also. Their full forwards will cause a mountain of trouble for any team so they could be there. The Dubs have a chance but as has been said, they havent been properly tested yet. The first half against Offaly was poor and the second half was all 1 way. I still think we are in with a chance tho. Kerry are looking quite bad this year in comparison to last. The gooch seems to be off the boil completely and the general team performance was quite bad in the last 2 games. Cork are looking strong i think but i think its a matter of wait and see if they can keep it up.

Nalced_irl

Kojak wrote:

I think that if Armagh don't become complacent they will win the All-Ireland.

I am amazed that Dublin are considered to be favourites for the All-Ireland - its just typical of them, a whole lot of hype for an average team.

Armagh to win Sam.

Or a whole lot of betting on them. The odds drop when money goes on a team, not when there is hype. Im sure alot of Dubliners are backing Dublin and as they make up 2 thirds or whatever of the Irish population, that means alot of money.

Shaque attack

[general formula] size of loss x probality of loss occuring = betting odds [/general formula]

GreenDoor

blackbelt wrote:

.A great and deserving win for Cork but I feel they would be torn to shreds by teams like Donegal or Fermanagh.

Are you for real? Fermanagh? Cork has so many clubs we could field 5 teams to match Fermanagh. We should see off either of these teams.

Watching the football lately it seems Corks fowards are as good as any in the championship and the same with the backs.

Nalced_irl

Shaque attack wrote:

[general formula] size of loss x probality of loss occuring = betting odds [/general formula]

Its mostly down to how much money is going on. Why have odds at 5/1 when they could be 2/1 meaning you could take in 150% more money and have the same risk. The money is most important as they can make it so any result would keep them in profit. The probabilty of loss occuring is more important when the market is first opened as a mistake there could lead to a huge loss for the bookie and so before the bets start they need to have that right. After that tho, they let the money dictate the odds.

The Rooster

The reason Dublin are favourites is because they are in the easy (on paper) side of the draw. Dublin, Mayo or Galway can reach an All Ireland final without having to play anyone from Munster or Ulster. Given that Mayo and Galway have played poor enough so far, its no surprise that Dublin are favourites from that side of the draw.

If Dublin were playing Armagh tomorrow, Armagh would be favourites. However given that Kerry, Cork, Donegal and Fermanagh are all in Armagh's half, they have the more difficult run to the final, so their odds are longer than Dublin's because of this.

Some very interesting games to come:

Galway have great forwards so would have a great chance of beating Dublin in the quarters, if they can improve at midfield enough to win a decent amount of possession. However if they don't improve they could find trouble v Westmeath.

If Galway improve enough to beat Dublin, I think they'd be certainities to beat whoever they play in their semi. However a potential Dublin v Mayo semi would be a cracking affair, and very tight. Mayo would have the advantage of going in as underdog but still knowing they should be every bit as good as Dublin. It would come down to which set of forwards took their scores better - I think Dublin have the best set of forwards, but Mayo have the best individual - both sets of forwards capable of being sublime or abysmal. Laois are the dark horses in this side of the draw - with Clancy back they'd represent a major challenge to anyone - but I have a feeling Offaly will beat them before they get the chance to cause an upset.

Longford have been superb this year. Great acheivement to beat Derry. Killarney should be a step too far, which should set up a cracking quarter-final, Armagh v Kerry. Kerry being in the very unusual position of going into a game where their opponents are strong favourites. I have no doubt that Kerry will play 100% better than they did in either game v Cork, whether thats enough to beat Armagh, I dont know. Will be fascinating.

I'd rate Cork alongside Dublin, Mayo and Galway. Capable of beating anyone, but don't play well every game. I havent seen Donegal or Fermanagh live this year, so I can't properly judge. My inkling is that they could well beat a Cork or a Mayo, but they won't beat Armagh or Kerry in an All Ireland semi final. Whereas if Cork do prove good enough to beat Donegal or Fermanagh, I think they'd have a close to 50% chance of winning the semi.

On form to date, I'd predict an Armagh v Dublin All Ireland final. However, the real championship is only really starting now. Every game a knockout. And to use a soccer comparison, at a similar stage of the recent world cup, most people were predicting a Spain v Argentina final based on the form of the group stages, and neither even made the semis.

cournioni

Cavan for Tom!

bennyc

GreenDoor wrote:

Are you for real? Fermanagh? Cork has so many clubs we could field 5 teams to match Fermanagh. We should see off either of these teams.

Watching the football lately it seems Corks fowards are as good as any in the championship and the same with the backs.

I am a Donegal man and I am more worried about getting past Fermanagh than Cork. I agree with blackbelt on this one. Charlie knows the Donegal team inside out and should we get trough that game I would fancy beating Cork you have to also remember that only the Ulster Teams can actually play Ulster Football .
As for the All Ireland Ronan Clarke is the best forward in form at the minute. If himself and McDonald get a run at the Dubs it will keep the hill quiet for a while no disrespect intended.
The Rest
Kerry could be in trouble V Longford
Galway dont seem to be a danger
Mayo unfortunatly are Mayo so Croker will beat them.

Waylander

bennyc wrote:

As for the All Ireland Ronan Clarke is the best forward in form at the minute. If himself and McDonald get a run at the Dubs it will keep the hill quiet for a while no disrespect intended.

I think James Masters is the best forward in the country on current form, and by some distance. He has been pretty impressive in both games against Kerry, although I only saw some of the replay.

patmac

Heard today that Kerry have solved their internal Dutch style bickering and have refocussed for the rest of the championship. It could come down to who wants it most, I think Kerry and Galway have too many players who have been playing for too long Mooynihan the O'Shés, Donnellan and Joyce great players but have been at it too long, same could be said of Armagh but their desparation for a second All-Ireland is spurring them on, Dublin and Cork could have the talent and the hunger to win it.

mkecof

Glad to see that most people are writing Kerry off. A few posters here seem to think that Kerry don't have a team without Gooch and that is laughable to say the least. Yes, fantastic player but you could see flashes of the old Franny when he came on for a few minutes on Sunday. Should have been put on in the first game.

One of the worst Kerry displays I've ever had the misfortune to witness. Moynihan, Dara and Marc were the few players that made any effort on Sunday. Kerry tactics on Sunday were disgraceful, a half forward that has never played corner forward for Kerry isn't going to have much of an impact... and even then changes were made too late in the day. The fact that the woefully small Kerry contingent applauded with the replacement of Declan O'Sullivan says a lot about what's going on behind the scenes. patmac; I sincerely hope what you heard is correct, though I doubt it from what I hear down here. All in all it was more of a poor Kerry side as opposed to a good Cork side and I can't see them going all the way... will be found out by either Armagh or Kerry.

We were lucky with the coin toss for home advantage which should set us up with a juicy quarter with Armagh. Will reserve judgement for another two weeks on that one. Need to get their acts together and sort the disputes.

Fair play to the Dubs... the quarters will give an opportunity to proove the bookies right but to be fair it is the easier side of the draw. Armagh favourites for me at the moment but as usual the real Championship starts at the quarters. Can't see Mayo doing anything and I honestly don't think they have gotten rid of the ghosts of '94.

Armagh or Dublin for Sam but not going to give up all hope for a Kerry revival. And for those of you who say Dublin haven't faced tough opposition the side did well enough against Armagh last year.

Breezer

And for those of you who say Dublin haven't faced tough opposition the side did well enough against Armagh last year.

Tyrone, even

mkecof

D'oh... I've got feckin Armagh on the brain now, should make a good day out over the bank holiday weekend (unless the incomprehensible happens!!)

Shaque attack

patmac wrote:

Heard today that Kerry have solved their internal Dutch style bickering and have refocussed for the rest of the championship. It could come down to who wants it most, I think Kerry and Galway have too many players who have been playing for too long Mooynihan the O'Shés, Donnellan and Joyce great players but have been at it too long, same could be said of Armagh but their desparation for a second All-Ireland is spurring them on, Dublin and Cork could have the talent and the hunger to win it.

exactly what i've been thinking, especially with the kerry lads. As someone said to me today, they've been to the well too often!:)

Flukey

A Dublin v Armagh final has to be the way it is going to pan out. At that point, anything could happen. Armagh really want that second All-Ireland title, but Dublin want their 23rd. The momentum will be with Dublin as will a lot of the youth, the experience with Armagh. Dublin, just about.

blackbelt

I know now that if Kerry beat Longford they will play Armagh but a friend of a friend from Kerry embarassed himself by saying Kerry didn't want to beat Cork so they would avoid Armagh....excuses,excuse,bull****.

I think Dublin would be red hot favourites to beat Westmeath or Galway.Personally I think Westmeath will shock everybody with a win against Galway.As far as Cork are concerned,they should hope to avoid Fermanagh in my opinion but I do think Donegal have it in them to beat Cork also.Offaly v Laois will be a tight one but I feel Laois will pip Offaly.Kerry should see off Longford with one point to spare.Mayo look a real threat but they will have to improve on their shooting in order to secure a place in the next round but I fancy Armagh v Dublin in the final.

Carrickman

blackbelt wrote:

I know now that if Kerry beat Longford they will play Armagh but a friend of a friend from Kerry embarassed himself by saying Kerry didn't want to beat Cork so they would avoid Armagh....excuses,excuse,bull****.

Even though the draw was made after the result:eek:

Carrickman

Latest odds:
Dublin 15 - 8
Armagh 11 - 4
Kerry 7 - 2
Mayo 8 - 1
Cork 8 - 1
Laois 12 - 1
Galway 16 - 1
Donegal 28 - 1
Fermanagh 40 - 1
Westmeath 150 - 1
Offaly 150 - 1
Longford 250 - 1

kevmy

mkecof wrote:

... Can't see Mayo doing anything and I honestly don't think they have gotten rid of the ghosts of '94....

I know losing to Leitrim in '94 was traumatic but i'm sure you mean either '96, '97, or '04.:rolleyes:

I wouldn't take the dubs at that price. While they should get to a semi (although not defo if Galway find a player to win ball in midfield) they will have two tough games after that. If they play Mayo in the semi they could be in trouble as i would see Mayo winning at least 55% possesion in midfield and could see Mayo's backline cleaning out Dublin's forwards. Mayo's forwards have question marks but don't expect any Mayoitis in a semi that only strikes in a final:) .
If they got past that in a final they would face probably Armagh (possibly Cork, Donegal or Kerry) - any of them are capable of beating Dublin on their day. IMO the Dublin support could count against them because as we see in theses threads the fans are very cocky. If this seeps through to the players too much - as it did in '92 - it could cause problems.

whassupp2

PORNAPSTER wrote:

Cavan for Tom!

...doesnt quite have the same ring as for Sam.
I hopin Ros for Tom.

Nalced_irl

To be honest, i think Dublins odds are crazy. It does come down to the money going on them tho. I am quite a betting man but its like betting on Tiger Woods. You will never get the odds you deserve as if you know little about golf, you back Tiger, Alot of Dubliners with little knowledge of GAA think after the Leinsters the Dubs should do it and so will back them. The difference is that Tiger is better at Golf than Ronaldinho is at football and so you still have a serious chance! We do have a legitimate chance this year, definately more so than the last few years but the Offaly game has put alot of doubt in my mind. The first half we were great in possession and dominated midfield but 1. We didnt convert most chances and 2. our defense was far to loose and Offaly won most ball in their full forward and half forward lines. Another team would have punished us for it. I really hope im wrong, but i fear that the quarters could finish us IF we do not work on these problems. Pillar seems like the kind of guy who will recognise where work needs to be done tho so i think he will work on these before the next game. If i was to bet now, it would have to be Armagh but as an aging team, they may run out also. This year is definately the most "up in the air" campaign in the last decade or so. I wish i shared Flukeys faith on this but i have a feeling we may fall short. Heres hoping tho Ill be in Australia for the Final and probably the semi`s. Would be painful not to be here for a Dubs All Ireland but im sure we could create a buzz over there too.

UP THE DUBS!!

professore

solskjaer20 wrote:

Would love to see Donegal or Laois, but personally it'll be hard to look past Dubin and in particuarly Armagh.

Especially with the 4 yellow card / 2 sending off / 10 free kicks for no reason advantage that the Dubs always get against ANY opposition.

Waylander

katrien_ie wrote:

Especially with the 4 yellow card / 2 sending off / 10 free kicks for no reason advantage that the Dubs always get against ANY opposition.

Typical fookin bs. I dont deny the last match the ref was poor, and erred on the side of Dublin, but this is not a regular occurrence. Almost every match has controversial refereeing decisions, some times you get them, sometimes the ref gives Tyrone a penalty for one of the best tackles I have seen in Croke Park. That is just typical anti dublin mouthing off and flaming that is becoming more and more popular in this forum. At least this year there are a few more dubs around to defend ourselves.

DUB

katrien_ie wrote:

Especially with the 4 yellow card / 2 sending off / 10 free kicks for no reason advantage that the Dubs always get against ANY opposition.

If we did get that I'd really fancy our chances, unfortunately you're talking out yer arse.

Dapos

katrien_ie wrote:

Especially with the 4 yellow card / 2 sending off / 10 free kicks for no reason advantage that the Dubs always get against ANY opposition.

That's a ridiculous statement. They are playing good football and every match has bad ref decisions

Het-Field

kevmy wrote:

I really don't know.
- Dublin impressed me only against Laois - today they shot 14 wides and didn't pull away until half way into the 2nd half against IMO an average team. We haven't seen them under pressure in the 2nd half yet so hard to judge their mental strenght which was always my doubt about them.
- Armagh played well but getting old and i'm wondering can they keep it going all the way to September especially with all the tough games they'll have to play to get there.
- Mayo v. poor today up front in 1st half but pulled it out when it mattered which is a good sign as previous Mayo teams would've buckled. Midfield seems to be sorted and a good defence and have now dispensed with idiotic 'nut' system up front. I won't tip them to win it as i've seen them fail in final its traumatic.
- Cork too inexperienced at top level to win it
- Laois look best of qualifiers and on their day can beat anyone but will what happened against Dublin happen again?
- Kerry no Gouch no Kerry
- Galway extremely poor in midfield today if they can break 50-50 there they have forwards could win it
- Donegal could take a few teams out but i can't quite see them win it
I would write off the rest.

So this leaves Armagh and Dublin favs on present form with question marks followed by Mayo, Laois and Cork with Galway, Kerry and Donegal outsiders.

At least there is no Dublin bashing in that post. Its honest and forthright, without condemning Dublin.

In fairness, how many good sides are there in Ireland today. Personally, i believe, that with the exceptioon of Armagh, Dublin have the beating of all the teams. Glaway in the QF could be very tough, but i think DUblin's speed of movemet will carry them through. I think the Dubs a playing a different style of football, that relies on pace and fitness as opposed to blind strength. Armagh would need to pull out all the stops to beat the Dubs this year

DUB

by the same tolken het-filed, we still waste an awful lot of possession and while we look impressive when things are going well don't forget the abject performance v Monaghan in the league, they played us off the park, lost to fermanagh and cork as well. I know it was 'only the league' but I've no doubt we were trying to win those games.

blackbelt

I'd have to disagree with you on one point Dub.I was at the Monaghan match and Dublin just simply didn't turn up.Not too mention all the suspensions after the Tyrone match in Omagh,it was always going to be an uphill struggle.Dublin were very careful and reluctant to make any tackles that could end in a repeat of Omagh.The papers were having a field day on Dublin and Tyrone.I know in my mind that if Dublin were to meet Monaghan in the championship,the result would be the exact opposite with a few more to spare for Dublin.

As far as Cork and Fermanagh are concerned,In both matches Dublin played better,they actually played instead of running around the pitch as they did against Monaghan.Denis Bastick getting sent off really put the pressure on Dublin and we have the experience back in the championship as we did against Mayo and Kerry in the league.As a Dublin supporter,I'd be a lot more worried against Fermanagh than Cork.

I'm sick of this Dublin bashing and criticism.It seems to come from people like Lemlin and other people whose county are below par,so they take it amongst themselves to go on a tirade against Dublin.To me it wreaks of jealousy.So there is hype,so what,let fans hype their team.

I'd like to read somebody argue the case that Dublin didn't deserve to win any of the games against Longford,Laois and Offaly because there is no argument.Dublin got by Longford by two points.While this was hardly flattering at the time,look at Longford now.Dublin may have underperformed in that match but they won cleanly by two points in roasting conditions in Longford.Dublin roasted Laois and made them give up after half an hour.Dublin beat Offaly by 9 points in a match that was won in the second half.Yes,Cluxton should have been sent off and Offaly should have taken their chances,most notably the free before half time that torpedoed wide (chuckle chuckle) but Dublin played Offaly off the pitch with Offaly making their own fouls.

I think Dublin will beat either Galway or Westmeath.I think Westmeath will shock Galway.I have that feeling.This is the best Dublin team since 95 and we have a great manager in Pillar.I know I will get quoted and ridiculed by people but I think Dublin have a stronger chance of doing the business this year than last year but I would put my money on Armagh.

Ichiro

Ladbrokes have the Dubs as favs
I think there Dreaming

I can't see past Armagh!

DUB

blackbelt wrote:

I'd have to disagree with you on one point Dub.I was at the Monaghan match and Dublin just simply didn't turn up.Not too mention all the suspensions after the Tyrone match in Omagh,it was always going to be an uphill struggle.Dublin were very careful and reluctant to make any tackles that could end in a repeat of Omagh.The papers were having a field day on Dublin and Tyrone.I know in my mind that if Dublin were to meet Monaghan in the championship,the result would be the exact opposite with a few more to spare for Dublin.

As far as Cork and Fermanagh are concerned,In both matches Dublin played better,they actually played instead of running around the pitch as they did against Monaghan.Denis Bastick getting sent off really put the pressure on Dublin and we have the experience back in the championship as we did against Mayo and Kerry in the league.As a Dublin supporter,I'd be a lot more worried against Fermanagh than Cork.

True enough, the battle of Omagh was hanging over the team for the Monaghan match, I'm just trying to point out that there's plenty of dangerious teams left out there, I'd be very worried going in against Fermanagh or Donegal or teams like that, a re-match with Laois would also be a real banananana skin. Consistency has been our problem for a long time now, and while I'm confident this Dublin team is on the right track to say it's between us and Armagh isnt accurate. Ya know.

blackbelt

I agree Dub,

Donegal and Fermanagh may be banana skins but I'd be more confident of facing Donegal and Cork than Fermanagh.With that said,Dublins problem has been inconsistency but when you look at how they've been playing these last few matches,that 10-15 minute lag period was non-existent in the games against Longford and Laois and it was only in the first 10-15 minutes against Offaly that I have really seen Dublin play somewhat poorly.I guess we can put that down to the settling in period but this lag period I've mentioned has always plagued us in the second half.This is a problem which seems to be corrected this year.Last year we played Laois off the pitch in the first half only to let them back into it.We did the same against Tyrone last year and that cost us the win only for us to get a last gasp draw and be beaten in the replay.

Not seeing past Armagh is something that amazes me.They are the favourites in my mind but lets not get too cynical of Armagh.They are indeed mortals when it comes to football and teams like Kerry,Dublin,Mayo and Galway and Fermanagh can beat Armagh.I may be criticised for this example,but if Kildare can go to Crossmaglen and beat Armagh (albeit the league) then any of the teams left are capable of beating Armagh.I'll go as far to say that if Longford were to beat Kerry,Armagh would have a serious game on their hands.Armagh have been playing great football in the championship.Armagh along with Dublin and Cork seem to be the teams to beat this year.

smashey

I'm just looking forward to our game in Fermanagh on Sunday. I think it will be a very good match with two teams playing a nice style of football. I also believe the winners of this game would have no fear of Cork. We owe Fermanagh one after what has happened over the past five years.