2010 football rankings

homerjay2005

expected this thread but nothing appeared yet. about this time last year, patmac produced his ranking and then again in september it was revisited, updating the changes...

here is that thread.

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055690841&highlight=football+rankings


RTE produced their rankings prior to this year starting. here it is below. how would people rank each team now, many huge changes i would think. it is quite alarming how quickly some teams like mayo, galway and armagh have gone back. the likes of limerick, sligo, down, kildare are the coming force and now make up the 2nd teir along with meath of the next best teams in the land after the top 2.

In any event, here's the list -

1 Kerry: The Kingdom now have a manager to rival Mickey Harte and all the tactical nous the Tyrone supremo possesses. The way Jack O'Connor reshaped his team throughout the campaign, while getting the best out of Paul Galvin, the returning Mike McCarthy and 'newcomer' Tadhg Kennelly, is a glowing tribute to the Dromid native, who clearly saw that a new path had to be taken after the Cork reverse by the banks of the Lee.

Make no mistake, Kerry will fancy their chances of reaching a seventh consecutive September decider in 2010. And how they would love the Red Hand of Tyrone to be their opponents!

2 Cork: Despite losing the All-Ireland final, Conor Counihan will feel that his side are on the right track. Failure to push on when five points up against their rivals cost them dearly. Two or three scoring forwards with an eye for the posts would greatly enhance their prospects, and so compliment a strong half-back line and midfield sector.

At least Cork will have the winter to get over the disappointment of another final failure - enough time you would think for Counihan and his backroom team to come up with a different plan of action.

3 Tyrone: Seán Cavanagh's absence from the start against Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final was a huge blow for a team who couldn't handle the strong running game that the Rebels employed. Tyrone were a well beaten docket long before the end. Indeed, the warnings signs were there in the quarter-final, as Kildare also ran at them all too easy.

Only a fool would write off their chances of them challenging for Sam next year even if Brian Dooher and Brian McGuigan were to call it a day. After the loss to Cork, Martin McHugh rattled off the names of certain youngsters who could step up to the plate.

And who better than Mickey Harte to blend them into a unit who, on their day, could emerge into an irresistible force.

4 Kildare: I know that Dublin beat Kildare in the Leinster final, but the better showing by McGeeney's side in the All-Ireland quarter-final, has them one rung higher up the ladder. Kildare played some sparkling football in this year's Championship - a far cry from the ragged display that saw them fall to Wicklow in May of 2008.

Against Dublin they went six points down after five minutes, yet recovered to lead by one at half-time. However, they lost their momentum after the break. A similar scenario befell them against Tyrone, and another narrow loss was their lot. The Geezer knows his crew can mix it with the best and they should now aim to break Dublin's monopoly in Leinster.

5 Dublin: I suppose you could call in Dr Phil to explain why a team has capitulated in August for the last two years. And this was after producing some swashbuckling football, albeit against some woeful opposition, namely Westmeath.

However, in the real world it is up to Pat Gilroy and his selectors to pick up the pieces. Dublin are not as bad as the whippings handed out by Tyrone and Kerry, but neither are they as good as they would like to think they are.

Going down the qualifier route may harden their resolve, but ultimately the boys in blue still don't look like a side who can win Sam anytime soon.

6 Mayo: Let's start with the positives. John O'Mahony's side did play some sparkling football in regaining Connacht and saw off Galway more decisively in the final than the one-point winning margin. In Aidan O'Shea, they have a talent who certainly has an eye for the posts and will prove a handful for many full-back lines in the years ahead.

On the debit side was their failure to kick on when four points up against Meath with 20 minutes to go in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Okay some crucial refereeing calls went against them in the second-half - but that only masked the capitulation that left Mayo fans at home and abroad feeling very frustrated.

O'Mahony will be in place for another year. He obviously feels the talent is there to mount a serious challenge. Whether that view has universal acceptance is debatable.

7 Meath: Eamonn O'Brien deserves much credit in getting Meath through to the last four of the Championship. They are a hard-working, resilient bunch, who benefited from a relatively easy run through the qualifiers and Mayo's brittleness, to set up their meeting with the Kingdom.

However, the Royals still lack quality in many sectors, although the experience of this year should stand to them. Getting promotion to Division 1 of the Allianz League would be good starting point to launch another productive summer campaign.

8 Galway: Why bother looking back now that Joe Kernan has been installed as the new boss. He will be keen for the current squad to stay in place, while also having an eye out for new players. Many are of the opinion that Kernan will add an extra bit a steel to bolster the Galway challenge in 2010.

If that happens, and the team can unearth one or two more scoring forwards, while also playing the free- flowing football that would have Purcell and Stockwell smiling up in heaven, then Big Joe could be on to something.

Ok maybe it's too much to ask in the first year, but seeing how the project develops will be interesting.

9 Donegal: From the low of losing to Antrim to the relative high of beating Derry and then plummeting again when rampant Cork played puck - it has been a funny season for Donegal. The situation was not helped when manager John Joe Doherty had to banish a couple of players from the squad.

The performance of Karl Lacey in defence and the talented Michael Murphy up front were bright spots in an all too muddled season for the 1992 All-Ireland champions. Consistency is the key, as the current Donegal squad are good enough to win Ulster, if Tyrone have an off day, or want to take the scenic route again.

10 Limerick: The Treaty county have made the top 10, courtesy of their spirited performance in the Munster final which certainly had Cork rattled. Prior to that, Mickey Ned's charges had seen off Tipperary and Clare, and approached the provincial decider in confident mood.

A bit more poise in front of the posts would have seen them over the line, and a quarter-final showdown would not have overawed them. If the panel can stick together, they have the ability to ruffle a few more feathers next year, although a spring campaign in Division 4 of the League will not be the ideal preparation.

11 Antrim: All involved with football in the Glens will look back on the season with a fair degree of satisfaction. Michael McCann getting an All-Star nomination was also well deserved. While Antrim never looked like beating Tyrone in the Ulster final, they certainly asked enough questions of Kerry the next day out in the qualifiers.

Building on the success of this year will be the next task, and the fact that they have already sampled the limelight will leave Liam Bradley and Co wanting more in 2010.

12 Wicklow: The Garden County garnering two All-Star nominations says much for their contribution to the 2009 Championship. They should have beaten Westmeath in the Leinster quarter-final, but yet they took to the qualifiers with much relish, seeing off three Ulster sides, before bowing out admirably to Kildare.

Some criticism has come Mick O'Dwyer's way for not making more use of the bench, but the Waterville legend is shrewder than most, so it's best not to dwell on it.

Getting to a Leinster semi-final would represent another step forward for Wicklow next summer, assuming, of course that Micko is still in charge.

13 Derry: Another season of disappointment for the Oak Leaf men. They looked poised for a quarter-final berth after their impressive victory over Monaghan in the qualifiers - a marked contrast to the dour contest involving both counties in the Ulster championship.

However, they fell to a Donegal side, of whom they thought were vulnerable and could be picked off with ease. Derry have a forward unit that can chalk up big scores - it's just that they don't do it often enough.

14 Sligo: Kevin Walsh's entry into management revitalised a Sligo side that were a shambles in '08. They could have taken the scalps of Galway and Kerry, despite lacking any real potency up front. David Kelly and Mark Breheny stand out in their forward division, but the Yeats county need a few more players who have the confidence to shoot when the opportunity presents itself.

They are certainly not lacking when it comes to grit and determination and will not fear meeting any of the big two in Connacht in 2010.

15 Down: Had chances to end the Wicklow odyssey in Aughrim, but they could not deliver the knockout punch. New manager James McCartan has promised to search the county for new talent. It's fair to say, Down need a new impetus with too many tame championship exits the legacy they have left in this decade.

16 Monaghan: Seamus McEnaney has opted to stay on and with Paul Grimley also on the ticket, Farney fans are entitled to believe that a new dawn is on the horizon. On their day, Monaghan can play good football, as evidenced by their display against Derry in the qualifiers.

That sense of purpose, allied with the doggedness that has been their trademark in the 'Banty' era, may make them somewhat easier on the eye over the next few years.

17 Tipperary: After going down by a point to Sligo in round two of the qualifiers, manager John Evans was still a happy man. His side had gained promotion to Division 2 of the league and had managed to win a Championship match for the first time in six years. Much interest will be on how Evans' charges operate in a more rarefied atmosphere from next spring.

18 Laois: After Laois won Leinster in 2003, many thought that they could push on and grace the big stage at the business end of the championship with regularity. Sadly for supporters of the O'Moore County, they have been let down more often than not.

This campaign was a case in point. Laois struggled past Louth in Leinster, before Kildare blew them away with ease. Against Down in the qualifiers, they did not look interested. Sean Dempsey has been ratified for another year, and will hope that his side are at least competitive when serious action resumes.

19 Roscommon: 2009 saw signs of recovery with the patient that is the Roscommon senior football team. The trauma of recent years has taken its toll, and a serious relapse looked likely after a heavy beating by Mayo in the Connacht semi-final.

However, the side found the resolve to beat Wexford after a replay in the qualifiers, before putting up a gallant showing in the defeat to Meath. The hope remains that a few of the minors from 2006 will step up and ensure that Roscommon get further redemption in the short term.

20 Longford: Glen Ryan's first steps into management saw his side produce a spirited display against Kerry, that followed a hard-earned victory over Leitrim in round one of the qualifiers. In the Leinster Championship, they lost to Wicklow in a close encounter.

Add it all up, and Ryan has achieved well above the pass rate for his first year in charge. Immediate target for 2010 is to get Longford out of Division 4. It will not be easy as many teams will be vying for the two spots.

21 Armagh: The success of the minor side in winning the All-Ireland gave Armagh a much needed boost in a year the county will want to forget. Remember their match against Monaghan in the qualifiers. As forgettable an inter-county game one could imagine. We also had to endure extra-time.

A new manager will be expected to bring a difference to the way Armagh play the game as they have been far too predictable in recent seasons.

22 Louth: Eamonn McEnaney has moved on, no doubt thinking he has gone as far he could with the Wee County. A fresh voice will obviously kick start something, but whether it will be enough to make Louth any more competitive remains to be seen.

23 Fermanagh: A friend of mine had dreams of another Ulster final appearance when Fermanagh beat Down in the preliminary round. He didn't see the listless display against Cavan coming, but neither did most observers.

Going to Aughrim after that in the qualifiers was never going to be easy and so it proved. It's fair to say that Malachy O'Rourke and his team owe their supporters much in 2010.

24 Cavan: Facing into an Ulster semi-final against Antrim, the Breffni chant was of a date with Tyrone in the Clones decider. It's a pity the players weren't as driven, as they were a beaten team well before the final whistle. Tom Carr has been given another year in charge and his reputation and that of the players is very much on the line from here on.

25 Westmeath: I'm sure all football fans in the county will want to look ahead now that Brendan Hackett is in place as the new manager. 2009 was a truly miserable year in both league and championship. Hackett will no doubt want to make the side tough to beat again, while also trying to unearth a few more forwards to improve Westmeath's average scoring return.

26 Wexford: The county board have kept faith with Jason Ryan as manager following a year he and his players will want to forget. It's hard to see them reaching the heights of 2008 any time soon, but Wexford football is not as bad as what was presented in this calendar year.

27 Offaly: After the Richie Connor removal earlier in the year, Offaly went with Tom Cribben as manager. He presided over two championship defeats, although, at least his team played with a bit of heart. Cribben has already made noises about Offaly being a more serious force in 2010. We'll wait and see.

28 Leitrim: The arrival of Mickey Moran as manager was greeted with much excitement. After his first year in charge, Leitrim failed to get promoted from Division 4, were beaten rather handily in the end by Roscommon in the Connacht Championship and are still searching for their first win in the qualifiers after another defeat, this time at the hands of Longford.

The loss of Emlyn Mulligan was a huge blow to the side, however, but Leitrim fans will still believe that they are due a break some time soon. The rest of the GAA family would not begrudge them that.

29 Waterford: Promising displays in the league have not transferred to the Championship and a new voice in the shape of John Owens will guide their fortunes in 2010.

30 Clare: They were not disgraced in going down to Limerick and Donegal in 2009 and should target the upcoming league to build up confidence.

31 Carlow: Luke Dempsey's side fought gamely in their losses to Louth and Donegal. The news that former minor star Brendan Murphy is returning home after a spell with the Sydney Swans will be a boost. It is also thought that Thomas Walsh will make himself available to Dempsey after a couple of seasons with Wicklow.

32 London: At least the Exiles are not getting a thumping every year and Galway were less than impressive when winning in Ruislip in 2009.

33 New York: The GAA fraternity in the Big Apple are keen to remain in the Connacht Championship and the respective Connacht counties are also eager to sample the bright lights in the month of May.

shezmagic

1. Kerry
2. Cork
3. Tyrone
4. Kildare
5. Limerick
6. Meath
7. Dublin
8. Monaghan
9. Down
10. Louth
11. Sligo
12. Roscommon

...of the rest

Moving up - Offaly, Armagh, Westmeath, Longford, Waterford, Tipperary

Moving down - Mayo, Galway, Donegal, Wicklow

Stuck in neutral - everybody else

DH2K9

1 = KERRY
2 = TYRONE
3 = CORK
4 = DUBLIN
5 = KILDARE
6 = LOUTH
7 = MEATH
8 = DOWN
9 = SLIGO
10 = WEXFORD
11 = MONAGHAN
12 = LIMERICK
13 = GALWAY
14 = ROSCOMMON
15 = ARMAGH
16 = TIPPERARY
17 = MAYO
18 = ANTRIM
19 = LONGFORD
20 = OFFALY
21 = LAOIS
22 = DERRY
23 = WESTMEATH
24 = DONEGAL
25 = WICKLOW
26 = FERMANAGH
27 = CAVAN
28 = WATERFORD
29 = LEITRIM
30 = CLARE
31 = CARLOW
32 = LONDON
33 = NEW YORK

corny

DH2K9 wrote: »

1 = KERRY
2 = TYRONE
3 = CORK
4 = DUBLIN
5 = KILDARE
6 = LOUTH
7 = MEATH
8 = DOWN
9 = SLIGO
10 = WEXFORD
11 = MONAGHAN
12 = LIMERICK
13 = GALWAY
14 = ROSCOMMON
15 = ARMAGH
16 = TIPPERARY
17 = MAYO
18 = ANTRIM
19 = LONGFORD
20 = OFFALY
21 = LAOIS
22 = DERRY
23 = WESTMEATH
24 = DONEGAL
25 = WICKLOW
26 = FERMANAGH
27 = CAVAN
28 = WATERFORD
29 = LEITRIM
30 = CLARE
31 = CARLOW
32 = LONDON
33 = NEW YORK

Not bad. Think you have Louth a bit high but not bad.

KevIRL

DH2K9 wrote: »

1 = KERRY
2 = TYRONE
3 = CORK
4 = DUBLIN
5 = KILDARE
6 = LOUTH
7 = MEATH
8 = DOWN
9 = SLIGO
10 = WEXFORD
11 = MONAGHAN
12 = LIMERICK
13 = GALWAY
14 = ROSCOMMON
15 = ARMAGH
16 = TIPPERARY
17 = MAYO
18 = ANTRIM
19 = LONGFORD
20 = OFFALY
21 = LAOIS
22 = DERRY
23 = WESTMEATH
24 = DONEGAL
25 = WICKLOW
26 = FERMANAGH
27 = CAVAN
28 = WATERFORD
29 = LEITRIM
30 = CLARE
31 = CARLOW
32 = LONDON
33 = NEW YORK

Not a bad list, but Waterford should be higher and Longford are overrated on that list in 18th

Browney7

I'm just going to do top 15 because I think ranking the others is a waste of time because they are all capable of beating one another to be honest and it's hard to rank them all fairly.

1 = KERRY (Their worst team for years yet I still don't think there is anyone there to beat them. They can just grind out results)
2 = TYRONE (I think it's safe to say they are the one team Kerry fear most in Croker. Kavanagh is a class act and again they just seem to be able to grind out results)
3 = KILDARE (Controversial maybe especially since they came a cropper against Louth but I think they would beat Cork on their day because I've never rated Cork as potential all Ireland winners)
4 = CORK (Win plenty of ball at midfield but their forwards aren't good enough to win an all Ireland)
5 = MEATH (They have classy forwards that know where the posts are and I found it hard to rank them behind Cork and Kildare but I think Kildare will beat them the next day so will throw them into fifth)
6 = DUBLIN (Going about their business quietly and efficiently and Giller will be delighted that no one is hyping them up like in the last few years)
7 = LIMERICK (Open to being accused of being biased but not many teams could run the all Ireland finalists of last year to just one score 2 games in a row. Just can't get the big win they need but I think they would beat all the teams listed below)
8 = DOWN (They've only beaten Longford, Offaly and a Sligo team in disarray after losing Connacht. They are still in the championship though)
9 = MONAGHAN (I think I might be being a bit kind to them considering they only beat Armagh and Fermanagh but they are still a tough team to beat)
10 = MAYO (Annus Horiblis but I still think they are the best team in Connacht)
11 = LOUTH (Had a great year but I think the Leinster final will set them back a good bit. A bit naive at this level)
12 = ARMAGH (Might be being a bit kind here a if that shot wasnt cleared off the line by the Dublin defender they would probably still be in the championship)
13 = ROSCOMMON (It was great for them winning Connacht and Donie Shine is a great player but I don't think they would beat any of the above)
14 = SLIGO (Beat the worst Galway team for years and a Mayo team that didn't look to be playing for O'Mahoney. Not beating the Rossies could be a setback)
15 = ANTRIM (Considering they brought Kildare to a replay and I ranked them third, I suppose they have to feature somewhere)

I'm open to correction and debate on these but this is how I see it. I'm sure people will disagree which is the nature of sport

redzerdrog

Browney7 wrote: »

I'm just going to do top 15 because I think ranking the others is a waste of time because they are all capable of beating one another to be honest and it's hard to rank them all fairly.

1 = KERRY (Their worst team for years yet I still don't think there is anyone there to beat them. They can just grind out results)
2 = TYRONE (I think it's safe to say they are the one team Kerry fear most in Croker. Kavanagh is a class act and again they just seem to be able to grind out results)
3 = KILDARE (Controversial maybe especially since they came a cropper against Louth but I think they would beat Cork on their day because I've never rated Cork as potential all Ireland winners)
4 = CORK (Win plenty of ball at midfield but their forwards aren't good enough to win an all Ireland)
5 = MEATH (They have classy forwards that know where the posts are and I found it hard to rank them behind Cork and Kildare but I think Kildare will beat them the next day so will throw them into fifth)
6 = DUBLIN (Going about their business quietly and efficiently and Giller will be delighted that no one is hyping them up like in the last few years)
7 = LIMERICK (Open to being accused of being biased but not many teams could run the all Ireland finalists of last year to just one score 2 games in a row. Just can't get the big win they need but I think they would beat all the teams listed below)
8 = DOWN (They've only beaten Longford, Offaly and a Sligo team in disarray after losing Connacht. They are still in the championship though)
9 = MONAGHAN (I think I might be being a bit kind to them considering they only beat Armagh and Fermanagh but they are still a tough team to beat)
10 = MAYO (Annus Horiblis but I still think they are the best team in Connacht)
11 = LOUTH (Had a great year but I think the Leinster final will set them back a good bit. A bit naive at this level)
12 = ARMAGH (Might be being a bit kind here a if that shot wasnt cleared off the line by the Dublin defender they would probably still be in the championship)
13 = ROSCOMMON (It was great for them winning Connacht and Donie Shine is a great player but I don't think they would beat any of the above)
14 = SLIGO (Beat the worst Galway team for years and a Mayo team that didn't look to be playing for O'Mahoney. Not beating the Rossies could be a setback)
15 = ANTRIM (Considering they brought Kildare to a replay and I ranked them third, I suppose they have to feature somewhere)

I'm open to correction and debate on these but this is how I see it. I'm sure people will disagree which is the nature of sport

that is just shocking!

Stevecw

Wow, we are very good at this. Love making things easy, so we always stay at 31!!!

Browney7

redzerdrog wrote: »

that is just shocking!

Throw up yours there like a good man so.

NufcNavan

DH2K9 wrote: »

1 = KERRY
2 = TYRONE
3 = CORK
4 = DUBLIN
5 = KILDARE
6 = LOUTH
7 = MEATH
8 = DOWN
9 = SLIGO
10 = WEXFORD
11 = MONAGHAN
12 = LIMERICK
13 = GALWAY
14 = ROSCOMMON
15 = ARMAGH
16 = TIPPERARY
17 = MAYO
18 = ANTRIM
19 = LONGFORD
20 = OFFALY
21 = LAOIS
22 = DERRY
23 = WESTMEATH
24 = DONEGAL
25 = WICKLOW
26 = FERMANAGH
27 = CAVAN
28 = WATERFORD
29 = LEITRIM
30 = CLARE
31 = CARLOW
32 = LONDON
33 = NEW YORK

Dublin the next best team outside the big 3??

unknown13

NufcNavan wrote: »

Dublin the next best team outside the big 3??

They are IMO. Dublin have done the most outside of the top 3, despite the disaster performance against Meath they are still winning games well and they are improving in every match since Meath. They could shock Tyrone on Saturday.

unknown13

1. Kerry
2. Tyrone
3. Cork
4. Dublin
5. Meath
6. Kildare
7. Down
8. Limerick
9. Monaghan
10. Roscommon
11. Louth
12. Sligo

K-9

1 = KERRY
2 = CORK
3 = TYRONE

4 = KILDARE
5 = MEATH
6 = DUBLIN
7 = DOWN

8 = SLIGO
9 = ARMAGH
10 = MONAGHAN
11 = ANTRIM
12 = GALWAY
13 = LIMERICK
14 = ROSCOMMON
15 = LOUTH

16 = MAYO
17 = DONEGAL
18 = DERRY
19 = WEXFORD

20 = TIPPERARY
21 = LONGFORD
22 = LAOIS
23 = OFFALY
24 = WESTMEATH
25 = FERMANAGH
26 = CAVAN
27 = WATERFORD

28 = WICKLOW
29 = CLARE
30 = LEITRIM
31 = CARLOW
32 = LONDON
33 = NEW YORK

quagmar

K-9 wrote: »

1 = KERRY
2 = CORK
3 = TYRONE

4 = KILDARE
5 = MEATH
6 = DUBLIN
7 = DOWN

8 = SLIGO
9 = ARMAGH
10 = MONAGHAN
11 = ANTRIM
12 = GALWAY
13 = LIMERICK
14 = ROSCOMMON
15 = LOUTH

16 = MAYO
17 = DONEGAL
18 = DERRY
19 = WEXFORD

20 = TIPPERARY
21 = LONGFORD
22 = LAOIS
23 = OFFALY
24 = WESTMEATH
25 = FERMANAGH
26 = CAVAN
27 = WATERFORD

28 = WICKLOW
29 = CLARE
30 = LEITRIM
31 = CARLOW
32 = LONDON
33 = NEW YORK

Think that is a great list but i would move New York up a couple of places. Thought they had a solid team this year and could of easily beat Galway. Also like the group break downs, think the second group maybe altered. Think Kildare and Meath are way ahead of Dublin.

DH2K9

NufcNavan wrote: »

Dublin the next best team outside the big 3??

If Dublin aren't the next best team, who is?

quagmar

DH2K9 wrote: »

If Dublin aren't the next best team, who is?

Dublin were two years ago but not now. Kildare Meath Down all look better this year. All rated ahead of Dublin

dcr22B

quagmar wrote: »

Think Kildare and Meath are way ahead of Dublin.

Rubbish, based on what? An 11 point win in a Leinster semi final with 9 of that margin coming thanks to the referee.

Kildare are ahead of us I think but I'd have fancied us to beat Meath this weekend had we been drawn against them.

quagmar

dcr22B wrote: »

Rubbish, based on what? An 11 point win in a Leinster semi final with 9 of that margin coming thanks to the referee.

Kildare are ahead of us I think but I'd have fancied us to beat Meath this weekend had we been drawn against them.

So Dublin are better than Meath because they got embarassed in the last two AI quarters. Meath hammered Dublin this year have had better runs in the AI in recent years. Three years ago Dublin were miles ahead of them both. This Dublin team is pathetic at the moment cant put it near the top 4. I also believe Down would comfortable beat Dublin at the moment

corny

quagmar wrote: »

Dublin were two years ago but not now. Kildare Meath Down all look better this year. All rated ahead of Dublin

It would be foolish to say Dublin haven't improved since the game against Meath and IMO they don't need to improve much to better them. The goals really distorted the game and hide the fact that Meath were cleaned out in midfield for most of the game. Disastrous defending from inexperienced lads and a couple of controversial refereeing decisions shifted the game in Meaths favour. As for Kildare, they gave it everything against 14 Dublin men last year and still lost. Have they improved? They lost to Louth, beat Antrim, Derry, Leitrim and a shell shocked Monaghan. Beat nothing in other words. Wait till they're tested before pronouncing them best team in Leinster.

For what its worth Dublin are still the best team in Leinster but still a distance behind Kerry and Tyrone.

quagmar

corny wrote: »

It would be foolish to say Dublin haven't improved since the game against Meath and IMO they don't need to improve much to better them. The goals really distorted the game and hide the fact that Meath were cleaned out in midfield for most of the game. Disastrous defending from inexperienced lads and a couple of controversial refereeing decisions shifted the game in Meaths favour. As for Kildare, they gave it everything against 14 Dublin men last year and still lost. Have they improved? They lost to Louth, beat Antrim, Derry, Leitrim and a shell shocked Monaghan. Beat nothing in other words. Wait till they're tested before pronouncing them best team in Leinster.

For what its worth Dublin are still the best team in Leinster but still a distance behind Kerry and Tyrone.

Simple fact is Dublin still lost to Meath. I am a Dublin fan but they are going backwards. Kildare i think looked to get knocked out of Leinster, look at their substitutions against Louth and see if see anything strange. Look who came off after 20 mins then the next substitution. Kildare wanted to take the backdoor and i think Dublin may have been the same but a Dublin select would beat the starting team in my eyes there for i cannot rate this team in the top 5 let alone top 4 in Ireland. we have'nt got to a semi-final in 2 years

corny

quagmar wrote: »

Simple fact is Dublin still lost to Meath. I am a Dublin fan but they are going backwards. Kildare i think looked to get knocked out of Leinster, look at their substitutions against Louth and see if see anything strange. Look who came off after 20 mins then the next substitution. Kildare wanted to take the backdoor and i think Dublin may have been the same but a Dublin select would beat the starting team in my eyes there for i cannot rate this team in the top 5 let alone top 4 in Ireland. we have'nt got to a semi-final in 2 years

Don't know how you can justify that. All Dublin have done all summer is improve. They might not be giant leaps forward but they're improving none the less. Take O' Carroll. Against Meath he looked absolutely lost at times and yet a couple of games later he does a super job on Stevie McDonnell. Not an easy task. Ger Brennans got better, MD McAuley's done better, the 2 corner backs and Keving Nolan are bedding in. Hard to see how anyone can claim Dublin are going backwards. Their work rate and commitment might not be enough to live with Tyrone next day but for my money they'd be good enough for Kildare and Meath.

As for deliberately losing a game as a tactic. Thats genius.

quagmar

corny wrote: »

Don't know how you can justify that. All Dublin have done all summer is improve. They might not be giant leaps forward but they're improving none the less. Take O' Carroll. Against Meath he looked absolutely lost at times and yet a couple of games later he does a super job on Stevie McDonnell. Not an easy task. Ger Brennans got better, MD McAuley's done better, the 2 corner backs and Keving Nolan are bedding in. Hard to see how anyone can claim Dublin are going backwards. Their work rate and commitment might not be enough to live with Tyrone next day but for my money they'd be good enough for Kildare and Meath.

As for deliberately losing a game as a tactic. Thats genius.

I am saying Dublin 3yrs ago would hammer this team that we have now.

Take the facts, Armagh got beaten by Monaghan by 12 points irrelevant if they got somone sent off or not. Monaghan got hammered by Kildare. Louth are the same side Dublin beat by 20+ points 3yrs ago. Wexford are a poor outfit that we struggled badly against. Tipp are at best a divison 3 side. Look at the team, O'gara wouldnt start on every club team. Kev Mc is not good enough. we have three forwards that start Bernard, Alan and Cullen. One on the bench Keaney. The rest are terrible, our starting midfield are the laughing stock of Ireland. Defensive we have Catser and Henry in half backs, Ger Brennan will exposed at the first sight of someone with two legs, then in fb line only Rory the other two are jokers. The only decent forwards they marked all year were the meath forwards and i need'nt say anymore. Therefore Dublin are at best in the 6-9 est teams in Ireland they havent got near a semi since 07 so how can you put them in top 4

AGC

quagmar wrote: »

This Dublin team is pathetic at the moment cant put it near the top 4. I also believe Down would comfortable beat Dublin at the moment

Crazy comment based on nothing but 1 game. I am far from Gilroys biggest fan but they have come back from the Meath defeat quite well IMO and now have a settled back 6 with some excellent replacements.....A mid-field doing OK, McConnell had his best game in a Dublin shirt last weekend and McCauley is flying and they have great back ups in McGee and Fennell.

The forward line is the weak link although on Saturday it should they just don't need Bernard. Cully and O'Gara got scores and Flynn was excellent when called upon.

I honestly think Tyrone are the only team Dublin can't beat at the moment but again they have come through against a couple of poor teams so who knows.

AGC

quagmar wrote: »

Take the facts, Armagh got beaten by Monaghan by 12 points irrelevant if they got somone sent off or not. Monaghan got hammered by Kildare. Louth are the same side Dublin beat by 20+ points 3yrs ago. Wexford are a poor outfit that we struggled badly against. Tipp are at best a divison 3 side.

Louth are not the same side and either are Dublin, the Dublin side Louth bet 3 years ago was a hugh amount of inexperienced underage players.

Pointless arguement anyway. Kerry should have been beaten by Sligo and Longford last season but are still everyone's number 1(not saying they aren't) because you play what's put infront of you on the day.

quagmar

AGC wrote: »

Crazy comment based on nothing but 1 game. I am far from Gilroys biggest fan but they have come back from the Meath defeat quite well IMO and now have a settled back 6 with some excellent replacements.....A mid-field doing OK, McConnell had his best game in a Dublin shirt last weekend and McCauley is flying and they have great back ups in McGee and Fennell.

The forward line is the weak link although on Saturday it should they just don't need Bernard. Cully and O'Gara got scores and Flynn was excellent when called upon.

I honestly think Tyrone are the only team Dublin can't beat at the moment but again they have come through against a couple of poor teams so who knows.

First off Kerry would beat Dublin by a minimum of 10 points. I stated clearly our starting midfield Magee and Fennell should both be starting. McConnell was up against the Louth midfield, he disappeared when the game was tough aginst Armagh. O'Gara would struggle to get on the top club teams. Did you forget the game against wexford, Armagh (they are in a rebuilding phase and its the worst team they have had for 15 years+), Tipp and maybe a semi respectable performance against very weak opposition in Louth who had played their All-Ireland final 2 weeks early and got robbed. Rory O'Carroll did well against Stevie but you have to remember the Armagh team is poor now so the quality ball in has deteriate and he is 30+ now.

quagmar

AGC wrote: »

Louth are not the same side and either are Dublin, the Dublin side Louth bet 3 years ago was a hugh amount of inexperienced underage players.

Pointless arguement anyway. Kerry should have been beaten by Sligo and Longford last season but are still everyone's number 1(not saying they aren't) because you play what's put infront of you on the day.

If Dublin played outside of Croker they would be beaten in 50% of games. kerry will beat any team in Croker besides Tyrone and Cork by atleast 10 points

AGC

quagmar wrote: »

First off Kerry would beat Dublin by a minimum of 10 points. I stated clearly our starting midfield Magee and Fennell should both be starting. McConnell was up against the Louth midfield, he disappeared when the game was tough aginst Armagh. O'Gara would struggle to get on the top club teams. Did you forget the game against wexford, Armagh (they are in a rebuilding phase and its the worst team they have had for 15 years+), Tipp and maybe a semi respectable performance against very weak opposition in Louth who had played their All-Ireland final 2 weeks early and got robbed. Rory O'Carroll did well against Stevie but you have to remember the Armagh team is poor now so the quality ball in has deteriate and he is 30+ now.

So what is the excuse if we did manage to beat Tyrone?

McConnell was up against a player regarded by the Sunday Game as 1 of the 2 best midfielders in the country. Now don't get me wrong I think Fennell should be there ahead of him but he has been struggling with injury so McConnell has done OK.

O'Carroll was great against Stevie Mc and last weekend on Rooney, McMahon was excellent in both games. Fitz is the weak link.

O'Gara was struggling coming into the Armagh game and redeemed himself against Louth, I prefare Keaney but O'Gara doing exactly what Gilroy wants and a good performance Saturday and he is tehre to stay IMO.

1st half against Wexford was shambolic, second half much improved and since Meath they have got stronger every week, regardless of opposition.

They didn't allow Louth play and had the game won in 20 minutes, whoever is on the field for Armagh it is a tough game and Dublin did well. Tipp was like a training session.

AGC

quagmar wrote: »

If Dublin played outside of Croker they would be beaten in 50% of games. kerry will beat any team in Croker besides Tyrone and Cork by atleast 10 points

I think you will see Sunday against Down that won't be the case(Hopefully), i expect Down to give them a game and id like to think Dublin would have.

Midfield they haven't been great and with Galvin and O'Sé out they could struggle like they did at times against Limerick.

quagmar

AGC wrote: »

I think you will see Sunday against Down that won't be the case(Hopefully), i expect Down to give them a game and id like to think Dublin would have.

Midfield they haven't been great and with Galvin and O'Sé out they could struggle like they did at times against Limerick.

Im a big Dublin fan and i will happy if we get within 10 of Tyrone. I will also be happy with that result in fact that Gilroy will have to leave. He has become a joke and people are laughing at Dublin football

corny

quagmar wrote: »

If Dublin played outside of Croker they would be beaten in 50% of games. kerry will beat any team in Croker besides Tyrone and Cork by atleast 10 points

This is laughable.

AGC

quagmar wrote: »

Im a big Dublin fan and i will happy if we get within 10 of Tyrone. I will also be happy with that result in fact that Gilroy will have to leave. He has become a joke and people are laughing at Dublin football

As I have said I am far from a Gilroy fan and would love to see him go but let him step down on a high with an All-Irleand;).....Dreamland!!

No one is laughing at Dublin football as far as I can see, this year has certainly got rid of the fair weather fan and brought some decent conversation on Dublin instead of the usual All-Ireland hype.

Also gilroy is only half the problem....Whelan:mad:

aidan24326

AGC wrote: »

I think you will see Sunday against Down that won't be the case(Hopefully), i expect Down to give them a game and id like to think Dublin would have.

Midfield they haven't been great and with Galvin and O'Sé out they could struggle like they did at times against Limerick.

But Kerry will go up a gear when they get to Croke Park, just like they always do. They will beat Down. In all honesty what have Down done that people think they might beat Kerry? Not a whole lot if you leave tradition out of it. They struggled to beat a weak Offaly team and then hammered a Sligo team who had obviously left their heads in Castlebar the previous Sunday.


Anyway these rankings are near pointless. Kerry, Tyrone and Cork are the 3 best teams as we all know. And I don't rate Cork as being likely winners as they still lack a bit of class in attack.

After that you have any number of teams who could all beat each other. Take your pick. Kildare have looked sharp in the last couple of games but they face a stiff test this weekend, and I agree with those who say Dublin are steadily improving. There's been alot to like about their last two performances, and I think they will give Tyrone a good test even though they probably lack the forward quailty to actually beat them.

quagmar

aidan24326 wrote: »

But Kerry will go up a gear when they get to Croke Park, just like they always do. They will beat Down. In all honesty what have Down done that people think they might beat Kerry? Not a whole lot if you leave tradition out of it. They struggled to beat a weak Offaly team and then hammered a Sligo team who had obviously left their heads in Castlebar the previous Sunday.


Anyway these rankings are near pointless. Kerry, Tyrone and Cork are the 3 best teams as we all know. And I don't rate Cork as being likely winners as they still lack a bit of class in attack.

After that you have any number of teams who could all beat each other. Take your pick. Kildare have looked sharp in the last couple of games but they face a stiff test this weekend, and I agree with those who say Dublin are steadily improving. There's been alot to like about their last two performances, and I think they will give Tyrone a good test even though they probably lack the forward quailty to actually beat them.

Great points Aidean. Just dont think Dublin will be near Tyrone think what you said about the top three is spot on. I still have'nt seen this improvement if it was'nt for ALAN Brogan against Armagh we were beaten simple as

dcr22B

Christ quagmar, you really are from the glass half empty brigade when it comes to the Dubs' chances.

Some of your comments are disrespectful to the players i.e. the corner backs are a joke and the midfield is the laughing stock (yeah, that's why McAuley is being lauded by a lot of the media).

Hopefully, we'll come back here on Saturday evening and see you eat some humble pie. I don't expect us to win on Saturday but I can guarantee you this much, the lads selected will not implode like the teams of 2008 and 2009.

quagmar

dcr22B wrote: »

Christ quagmar, you really are from the glass half empty brigade when it comes to the Dubs' chances.

Some of your comments are disrespectful to the players i.e. the corner backs are a joke and the midfield is the laughing stock (yeah, that's why McAuley is being lauded by a lot of the media).

Hopefully, we'll come back here on Saturday evening and see you eat some humble pie. I don't expect us to win on Saturday but I can guarantee you this much, the lads selected will not implode like the teams of 2008 and 2009.

McAuley has been up against noboday yet. went to the three matches last year in the Dublin Senior Champioship in which he got schooled by another poor player Corkery, the only thing he did in the first two games was score a goal whoch he did dispatch of well i must admit. He was good in the last 15 mins of the third game and in extra time. He will be schooled first decent midfielder he meets. Both corner backs are jokers. Put Henry back in there and pray that Griffin makes a miraclious recover and plays the corner so we can keep it below a ten point loss. cant see dublin scoring more than 12 points

dcr22B

quagmar wrote: »

McAuley has been up against noboday yet

Eh, Paddy Keenan? Best midfielder of the championship thus far with Brian White yet MDMA and McConnell dominated midfield in the first half the last day.

quagmar

dcr22B wrote: »

Eh, Paddy Keenan? Best midfielder of the championship thus far with Brian White yet MDMA and McConnell dominated midfield in the first half the last day.

Magee and Fennell would beat those two in midfield hands down. Keenan come on, he had one good game please stop. McConnell is a midfield and cant win his own ball. Yes he is great passer when given 5 mins as most intercounty players are, but we shall see Saturday i will eat my words if im wring

dcr22B

quagmar wrote: »

Magee and Fennell would beat those two in midfield hands down. Keenan come on, he had one good game please stop. McConnell is a midfield and cant win his own ball. Yes he is great passer when given 5 mins as most intercounty players are, but we shall see Saturday i will eat my words if im wring

I would have agreed with you on McConnell up until the Louth game where he finally stepped up to the plate and surprised a lot of people and winning clean ball.

I think you're being far too over critical of the set up as a whole.

Saturday will be the proof in the pudding and one of us will be right and the other wrong.

aidan24326

quagmar wrote: »

Great points Aidean. Just dont think Dublin will be near Tyrone think what you said about the top three is spot on. I still have'nt seen this improvement if it was'nt for ALAN Brogan against Armagh we were beaten simple as

I actually think Alan Brogan has had a poor championship so far and doesn't look half the player he was.

Dublin HAVE improved, there's no denying it. Admittedly they were starting from a pretty low base but after the shambles of the Meath game and that shocking first half against Wexford they've at least steadied the ship and managed to salvage some pride from what could have been an absolutely disastrous season.

The likes of Corkery, Flynn and McAuley aren't fancy footballers by any means but what they do have is toughness and a huge workrate and if they get stuck into Tyrone early on this game could be closer than alot of people seem to think. They will hardly lie down the way some of their spineless predecessors did anyway, and that's all you can ask for.

K-9

quagmar wrote: »

Think that is a great list but i would move New York up a couple of places. Thought they had a solid team this year and could of easily beat Galway. Also like the group break downs, think the second group maybe altered. Think Kildare and Meath are way ahead of Dublin.

I had thought of putting them ahead of London, but London improved in the league too, bit more competitive than they used to be.

It's very hard to list teams now, Q/F's will tell alot. Personally I prefer Kildare over Meath and both them are more settled than Dublin. Down I think are finally ready to deliver on their potential and replace Monaghan as the second team in Ulster. Roscommon could be higher if they put it up to Cork, just not tested barring Sligo.

Barring the top 4/5 teams, there isn't much between the the next 14/15 teams! On any given day, a lower team could beat a team higher ranked and I wouldn't be surprised.

dcr22B

aidan24326 wrote: »

They will hardly lie down the way some of their spineless predecessors did anyway, and that's all you can ask for.

That's exactly it and that's why I simply can't see quagmar's prediction of a 10+ point defeat coming to fruition.

The Meath game was an aberration of the highest order and has resulted in Meath being built up to being better than the sum of their parts and the Dubs to be less than the sum of their parts (I'll take that though as the hype has been delightfully missing this summer).

quagmar

dcr22B wrote: »

I would have agreed with you on McConnell up until the Louth game where he finally stepped up to the plate and surprised a lot of people and winning clean ball.

I think you're being far too over critical of the set up as a whole.

Saturday will be the proof in the pudding and one of us will be right and the other wrong.

i have stated from the start of the year Gilroy's ambition is to try not get hammered by the top three. I as a Dublin fanatic want them to go out and win ever game i would prefer us to lose by 20 but know that the lads tried to win, instead of knowing that lads are trying to keep the loss to a minimum. McConnell was up against a very poor midfield. Lets see this weekend i will never post agin if proven wrong. McConnell will runaway

dcr22B

I know McConnell has gone hiding in the past but I'd like to think that he might finally have turned a corner last weekend (about time, says you, me and many others besides).

I know we're all singing off the same hymn sheet and want Dublin to do well but calling the likes of Philly McMahon and Mick Fitzsimons "jokers" is a bit much don't you think. By all means be critcial but you don't need to get personal about it.

corny

quagmar wrote: »

i have stated from the start of the year Gilroy's ambition is to try not get hammered by the top three. I as a Dublin fanatic want them to go out and win ever game i would prefer us to lose by 20 but know that the lads tried to win, instead of knowing that lads are trying to keep the loss to a minimum. McConnell was up against a very poor midfield. Lets see this weekend i will never post agin if proven wrong. McConnell will runaway

You're speaking nonsense man. You're suggesting Dublin are going to approach this game with damage limitation in mind? I've heard it all now.

Where was this 'ambition' to not lose by much in the league. Dublin made mince meat of Tyrone in Omagh. Tore into them.

I know Dublin are up against it with Tyrone and will likely lose but it won't be for the want of trying.

dcr22B

corny wrote: »

I know Dublin are up against it with Tyrone and will likely lose but it won't be for the want of trying.

+1

All the new lads have no baggage in terms of losing to Tyrone (having beaten pretty much a similar team in Omagh) and each game in the qualifiers has solidified them defensively.

DH2K9

DH2K9 wrote: »

1 = KERRY
2 = TYRONE
3 = CORK
4 = DUBLIN
5 = KILDARE
6 = LOUTH
7 = MEATH
8 = DOWN
9 = SLIGO
10 = WEXFORD
11 = MONAGHAN
12 = LIMERICK
13 = GALWAY
14 = ROSCOMMON
15 = ARMAGH
16 = TIPPERARY
17 = MAYO
18 = ANTRIM
19 = LONGFORD
20 = OFFALY
21 = LAOIS
22 = DERRY
23 = WESTMEATH
24 = DONEGAL
25 = WICKLOW
26 = FERMANAGH
27 = CAVAN
28 = WATERFORD
29 = LEITRIM
30 = CLARE
31 = CARLOW
32 = LONDON
33 = NEW YORK

It's getting a little off topic. Anyone disagree with any of these positions?

Magi11

DH2K9 wrote: »

It's getting a little off topic. Anyone disagree with any of these positions?

I'd agree with most of it. I think it's tossing a coin at this stage on Tyrone and Kerry. You can't go by league form because neither really cared. The only great championship performance so far was Tyrone against Monaghan but Kerry proved last year that it is pointless making judgements on them before they reach Dublin 3. Cork are becoming more 3.5 than 3. After that you could argue forever about who is next but it matters not as no one outside the top 3.5 are going to win an All Ireland in the near future. I would make a case for my own county of Monaghan being higher up. Im discounting the Kildare game as we obviously werent up for it and I think Tyrone would have beaten anyone outside Kerry by a similar margin. Because of this I would put us ahead of Down who have been blessed with the draw up until now, Wexford who I believe have shot their bolt and Louth who shot their bolt and missed. This time next year they will be 16th (and we'll be 14th!!!!!)
It's good to see Mayo and Derry in the lower reaches where they deserve to be.
Pretty accurate I would have thought!

K-9

DH2K9 wrote: »

It's getting a little off topic. Anyone disagree with any of these positions?

Can't see why Louth would be a top 6 side. Also why Donegal, Derry and Laois are higher than Longford. Bad and all as their campaigns were, what have Longford done barring beating Mayo?

megadodge

1 = KERRY
2 = TYRONE
3 = CORK
4 = DUBLIN
5 = KILDARE
6 = LOUTH
7 = MEATH
8 = DOWN
9 = SLIGO
10 = WEXFORD
11 = MONAGHAN
12 = LIMERICK
13 = GALWAY
14 = ROSCOMMON
15 = ARMAGH
16 = TIPPERARY
17 = MAYO
18 = ANTRIM
19 = LONGFORD
20 = OFFALY
21 = LAOIS
22 = DERRY
23 = WESTMEATH
24 = DONEGAL
25 = WICKLOW
26 = FERMANAGH
27 = CAVAN
28 = WATERFORD
29 = LEITRIM
30 = CLARE
31 = CARLOW
32 = LONDON
33 = NEW YORK

I have major problems with this list.

How come Roscommon are FIVE places behind a team they have just beaten?

What exactly have Wexford done to justify their lofty position?

Louth are far too high at no. 6.

Limerick have just drawn and lost narrowly to two of 'the big three' and yet are ranked NINE and ELEVEN places below them!

Have to also mention the earlier poster who crazily had Mayo as the highest ranking team from Connacht - the same team that were comfortably beaten by Sligo, who themselves had two terribly close games with Galway and were then beaten by Roscommon. To top all that Mayo went on to lose to Longford! Still think they're the best team in Connacht?

DH2K9

megadodge wrote: »

I have major problems with this list.

How come Roscommon are FIVE places behind a team they have just beaten?

What exactly have Wexford done to justify their lofty position?

Louth are far too high at no. 6.

Limerick have just drawn and lost narrowly to two of 'the big three' and yet are ranked NINE and ELEVEN places below them!

Have to also mention the earlier poster who crazily had Mayo as the highest ranking team from Connacht - the same team that were comfortably beaten by Sligo, who themselves had two terribly close games with Galway and were then beaten by Roscommon. To top all that Mayo went on to lose to Longford! Still think they're the best team in Connacht?

Roscommon have only had one significant victory all year.

Wexford beat a Galway team at home never easy and ran Dublin close.

Louth if you haven't forgotton hammered Kildare and all but beat Meath.

Limerick is a difficult one because they always have a big day against kerry and Cork but haven't proven themselves. Cork aren't as good as people think they are!

rossie1977

DH2K9 wrote: »

Roscommon have only had one significant victory all year.

Wexford beat a Galway team at home never easy and ran Dublin close.

Louth if you haven't forgotton hammered Kildare and all but beat Meath.

Limerick is a difficult one because they always have a big day against kerry and Cork but haven't proven themselves. Cork aren't as good as people think they are!

so running dublin close is better than losing to cork by a point limericks performances against kerry and cork have been more impressive than anything wexford or louth have done this year as cork and kerry are on a different level to anything in leinster imo

also galway haven't won a qualifer game since 2001, wexford last year lost to roscommon remember