Match Thread. Leinster SFC Final: Dublin v Meath: ***READ POST 124***

Hammer Archer

vs

Date & Time: Sunday 22 July, 4pm
Venue: Croke Park
Odds: Dublin 2/7, Meath 7/2, Draw 8/1

Well sure might as well start this now. The Cavan - Kildare thread had a two week buildup.
No one expected this to be the final pairing. Kildare were odds on favourites to beat Meath two weeks ago and make the final. But Meath, who were crippled by injuries and started with 8 players under 23, put in one of the best performances in years to win through by 6 points.
Dublin on the other hand put in a below par performance against Wexford and could consider themselves slightly lucky to have pulled through by 4 points having had Diarmuid Connolly sent off in the second half. Surely they can't be as bad in the final....

It's the first Leinster final meeting between these teams since 2001 which Meath (fortuitously perhaps) won by 2-11 to 0-14. After that final, Dublin beat Sligo before being pegged back by "that sideline ball" from Maurice Fitzgerald in Thurles. They lost the replay. Meath somehow beat Westmeath after a replay in the quarter final before destroying Kerry in the semi final by 15 points. Galway in turn easily won the All Ireland Final.
Since that final, they've met 6 times with Dublin having the upper hand, winning four of those games, Meath winning once and one ending in a draw. Dublin are odds on favourites to retain the Delaney Cup but everyone knows that odds mean very little in Meath - Dublin games.

Also, as the curtain raiser, Meath are also up against the Dubs in the Leinster minor football final. Again, Dublin are odds on to win this one. It's the first time since 1991 that both the Meath seniors and minors are in a Leinster final in the same year.

The teams from the epic 4 game series of 1991 will also be honoured before the game.

Some stats:
Last 5 Championship meetings:
2005 QF - Dublin 1-14 - 1-12 Meath
2007 QF - Dublin 1-11 - 0-14 Meath
2007 QF Replay - Dublin 0-16 - 0-12 Meath
2009 QF - Dublin 0-14 - 0-12 Meath
2010 SF - Meath 5-09 - 0-13 Dublin

Championship so far:
Dublin:
v Louth, 2-22 - 0-12
v Wexford, 2-11 - 1-10

Meath:
v Wicklow, 0-16 - 0-11
v Carlow, 1-12 - 1-12
v Carlow (R), 2-21 - 1-09
v Kildare, 1-17 - 1-11

A lot will depend on whether or not the young Meath players like Gillespie, Carroll, Tobin and Keoghan can pull out a performance similar or better to the ones against Kildare. This will be a step up in quality for the Meath defence as they'll have to deal with the likes of the Brogans, McManamon and possibly either Kilkenny/O' Gara coming in for the suspended Connolly.

Being honest, if Dublin play the way they can play, they will win, no matter how well our lads perform. The pessimist in me feels that there's no way they will be anywhere near as bad as against Wexford.
However, if we're on our game again and Dublin do underperform, I'd be quietly confident of becoming Leinster champions again.

My prediction is for Dublin to pull through but there to only be a score in it. Hopefully I'm wrong.
Cannot bloody wait!!!!

billy few mates

This appeared on the Meath section of thehoganstand.com the other day in response to some 'young buck' who was trying to rally up support to launch a Meath invasion of Hill 16 for the game. Its since been re-posted in several other parts, but in case you missed it....

Why would you even want to go on 'The Hill'....?

Did you ever ask yourself why Hill 16 is uncovered...? It was they dying wish of Doctor Park (the man who Croke Park is named after) that Hill 16 would remain an uncovered stand. Even back then, he knew that the only 'shower' most Dubs fans would ever see, is the shower of rain that will fall on them when they stand on The Hill watching their team. This is also one of the main reasons that the GAA play the Leinster Final in the rainy season of July rather than in the summer sunshine of April. With the weather forecast for this weekend, Hill 16 is one of the last places you'll want to be.

Secondly, there is nothing to match the 'electric atmosphere' you get on Hill 16 on match day, I don't mean excitement or energy, its more of a build up of static electricity when 13,000 people in identical Circa 1970 Arnotts Shell Suits and Lidl Runners gather in one place, with so much polyester and other man made fibres so densely packed into such a small area its a wonder the place doesn't go up like a firework. Experts have calculated that the static electricity generated by 13,000 Dub Fans celebrating a goal, is enough to power the entire Dublin suburb of Ashbourne for one week.

Lastly, you really have to sit in any other area of the stadium to fully enjoy the spectacle of Hill 16 stunned into silence when they get a hammering, it really is wonderful to see. I remember a few years back when Meath put five goals past them, we watched each goal go in from the comfort of our Hogan Stand seats as all 13,000 in total shock, standing perfectly still with only the slight movement as their jaws dropped in unison and the almost total silence, except for the sharp intake of breath and the barely audible chorus of "ah jay-ziz".....

Priceless....;^)

Red Crow

Hard enough to call. I just fear that Meath caught Kildare on an off day and Dublin could really turn the screw.

Would love to see Meath win tbh.

blackbelt

130 minutes plus of Dublin v Meath.... bring it on.

Mike O' Brien

Dubs by two. Are they expecting a full house?

blackbelt

Mike O' Brien wrote: »

Dubs by two. Are they expecting a full house?

I would think they would get around 60,000 or more for this.

Sunnyisland

It should be a good replay ;)

brianclown

realies wrote: »

It should be a good replay ;)

What?

Pierce_1991

Been extremely excited about this one since the full time whistle went against Wexford a couple of weeks back. I wouldn't expect a similar performance from Dublin next week. We've been cocky and foolish on the ball all year but I think that game will knock us into gear. Meath will definitely make it very difficult for us to play but I think we'll just have the extra bit of experience and fitness in the last 10 minutes which should carry us through. Regardless of the result it'll be a very good game no doubt. Can't wait!

Hammer Archer

The loser of this game will play the winner of Leitrim/Laois.

Sunnyisland

Dublin should beat meath, even though they certainly would have to improve on there performance against wexford,in which they where lucky enough to win,It will be a tough game with the rivalry between the two teams adding more pressure to the game, looking forward to it though.

corny

Hammer Archer wrote: »

The loser of this game will play the winner of Leitrim/Laois.

Laois had a good win against Monaghan and you have the curse of the beaten provincial finalists but realistically both teams should go into a quarter final.

Always feel the mental edge Dublin have over the other teams in Leinster gets them over the finish line even when they don't turn up. Don't think that will cut it this week though since Meath won the last time they played in Leinster and they've so many young lads. No fear of the Dubs so we'll have to perform to get the win. I think they will so Dublin by 6.

Garseys

Dublin usually start the pressure around now, so expect a different Dublin side than the game against Wexford. If Dublin show up determined, I can't see Meath winning this, and see Dublin comfortably taking the Delaney cup.


that being said, I do like a bit of drama and anything can happen in 70 minutes of Football :pac:

Hammer Archer

Anyone know what the presentation is going to be like this year?
I remember when they were trying to cut out the pitch invasions a few years back, they made a big fuss about the fact that they were going to have presentations in the middle of the pitch with a fireworks display. Then when people finally did remain off the pitch after the final whistle, they still resorted to presenting the trophy in the Hoganstand with the p!ss poor streamers.

DoctaDee

Personally I really wouldn't berudge Meath a Leinster title, both for the Meath supporters who've gone thru thick and thin with the team and indeed for Banty - who kept dignified when the muck was spreading. The 2010 final needs to be eradicated asap. I do however have a problem with a Leinster title being a vote of approval for Barney & his boys as a justification for what has happened with the structure of football in Meath.

From a Dublin perspective, we need to see them right some wrongs, not just the Wexford game but a pervasive lethargy and bad decision making that has afflicted us for most of this years campaign Down/Mayo in particular. In some respects another title will be a hollow victory irrespective of the manner in which it's gained. Part of me thinks that we need to lose a game to retain the All Ireland.

In saying that I think a Dublin midfield of Bastic/McCauley is a completely different proposition to Bolton/Flynn and Meade & Gillespie will be hard pressed to get 50% of what they won against Kildare. Unless Meath can find an alternative means to get the raiding runs of Forde and O'Carroll into the game, they may struggle for scores.

Dublin by 4, but I do have me Garmin fully charged and will gladly travel to a qualifier

blackbelt

DoctaDee wrote: »

Personally I really wouldn't berudge Meath a Leinster title, both for the Meath supporters who've gone thru thick and thin with the team and indeed for Banty - who kept dignified when the muck was spreading. The 2010 final needs to be eradicated asap. I do however have a problem with a Leinster title being a vote of approval for Barney & his boys as a justification for what has happened with the structure of football in Meath.

From a Dublin perspective, we need to see them right some wrongs, not just the Wexford game but a pervasive lethargy and bad decision making that has afflicted us for most of this years campaign Down/Mayo in particular. In some respects another title will be a hollow victory irrespective of the manner in which it's gained. Part of me thinks that we need to lose a game to retain the All Ireland.

In saying that I think a Dublin midfield of Bastic/McCauley is a completely different proposition to Bolton/Flynn and Meade & Gillespie will be hard pressed to get 50% of what they won against Kildare. Unless Meath can find an alternative means to get the raiding runs of Forde and O'Carroll into the game, they may struggle for scores.

Dublin by 4, but I do have me Garmin fully charged and will gladly travel to a qualifier

Are you joking? Under no circumstances unless a loss to Meath would help us win an All Ireland which I very much doubt, there is nothing to be gained from losing to the old enemy. I don't for one second believe losing a Leinster Title is in anyway good for this team now that the new players are established in their 3rd season. Granted they would be well expected to beat Leitrim/Laois, it would not do the teams confidence any good especially given how Meath have stumbled all year until they dished out a beating to Kildare who were muck nearly 3 weeks ago.

Additionally, I hope and expect Meath to bring it. Dublin need to have a competitive game, playing well to bring them on.All the teams bar Donegal this year, including the other big teams have been a big disappointment.

Pride Fighter

I always love a Dublin versus Meath clash. Brings out the best and sometimes the worst out of both counties.

I'm not going to say Dublin will win cause Meath stuffed us the last time we played. Should be good

DoctaDee

Ah I dunno Blackbelt ... you've seen enough of the Dubs this year to know that something isn't quite right. I personally don't think that winning or losing Sunday will strengthen or weaken their case. Lest we forget, we're talking about a team attempting to retain the AI which is a totally different animal, based on the great teams over the last 20 years that have failed to do so. The training, mental application etc which got you an AI aren't necessarily the same means that retain it. All the great teams seem to play well when it matters, in this context I think that begins in August. Cork/Kerry & Armagh/Tyrone rivalries never seemed to sound the death knell for the losers. I think even Gilroy alluded to the qualifier route in the build-up to the Wexford game and I think his reasoning was to freshen up the mental focus rather than the football aspect. Ta

blackbelt

DoctaDee wrote: »

Ah I dunno Blackbelt ... you've seen enough of the Dubs this year to know that something isn't quite right. I personally don't think that winning or losing Sunday will strengthen or weaken their case. Lest we forget, we're talking about a team attempting to retain the AI which is a totally different animal, based on the great teams over the last 20 years that have failed to do so. The training, mental application etc which got you an AI aren't necessarily the same means that retain it. All the great teams seem to play well when it matters, in this context I think that begins in August. Cork/Kerry & Armagh/Tyrone rivalries never seemed to sound the death knell for the losers. I think even Gilroy alluded to the qualifier route in the build-up to the Wexford game and I think his reasoning was to freshen up the mental focus rather than the football aspect. Ta

That may very well apply to a rivalry like Cork and Kerry whereby losing a Munster Final isn't a complete disaster IMO but losing to Meath in the past has been a big enough issue for the Dubs.Remember, we hardly played champagne football in 2010 until we beat a top side like Tyrone.

I remember 2010 we were lacklustre enough again against Tipperary, hard fought against Armagh and played well enough against a downbeat Louth until we opened it up against Tyrone.

If we are not the same this year as last year which you are right, our league was patchy, we would need to get those bad performances out of the way before we start peaking again.Last year we needed a solid league to get the team winning the All Ireland.Playing badly and winning is still a good sign but we do not want to be derailed by Meath this Sunday.We got the kick up the bakside we needed against Wexford just like last year.

corny

blackbelt wrote: »

That may very well apply to a rivalry like Cork and Kerry whereby losing a Munster Final isn't a complete disaster IMO but losing to Meath in the past has been a big enough issue for the Dubs.Remember, we hardly played champagne football in 2010 until we beat a top side like Tyrone.

I remember 2010 we were lacklustre enough again against Tipperary, hard fought against Armagh and played well enough against a downbeat Louth until we opened it up against Tyrone.

Don't think you're comparing like with like though. The current squad and the defensive system was only taking shape in 2010 and from what i remember there was a huge upheaval with senior players pushed aside around that time. We needed to start from scratch and the games in the qualifiers were a godsend to iron out the problems Meath exposed when thrashing us.

This side, still not veterans by any means, are more seasoned but just like Cork in 2011 and many before them there seems to be slight complacency creeping in. And like Mayo proved in 2011 thats all it takes.

No doubt in my mind that a defeat to Meath on Sunday would provoke a positive response. I don't want Meath to win obviously but i'm with DoctaDee, the players seem like they need a kick up the arse. Rather Sunday than the August bank holiday weekend.

FastFuse

Dublin (SF v Meath): Stephen Cluxton; Michael Fitzsimons, Rory O’Carroll, Philly McMahon; James McCarthy, Kevin Nolan, Cian O’Sullivan; Eamon Fennell, Denis Bastick; Paul Flynn, Alan Brogan, Bryan Cullen; Bernard Brogan, Michael Darragh Macauley, Kevin McManamon.

dubdamo

Michael Dara Mc Cauley named at full forward ? I imagine O'Gara was expecting to get the call. Brave call, hope it works, me being a Dub living in Meath it will be unbearable if we lose:eek:

DoctaDee

I'll be very surprised if that team lines out as selected.

meath12

with it going to be nearly a sellout, will the front row seats be sold? because before they had covers on them to try and stop people sitting there to prevent pitch invasions but if theres going to be a big crowd they might be forced to let people sit in these seats?

The Maverick

meath12 wrote: »

with it going to be nearly a sellout, will the front row seats be sold? because before they had covers on them to try and stop people sitting there to prevent pitch invasions but if theres going to be a big crowd they might be forced to let people sit in these seats?

Those seats are always the last ones to be released, due to a combination of them preventing pitch invasions and also having a poor enough view. I really, really cannot see this being a sell out. 70,000 would be the very most I would expect, which is still an extremely good crowd.

They could end up opening those seats for family tickets if the Upper Davin ends up being full, as there is no juvenile price offered in the Hogan.

TheTwiz

The Maverick wrote: »

meath12 wrote: »

with it going to be nearly a sellout, will the front row seats be sold? because before they had covers on them to try and stop people sitting there to prevent pitch invasions but if theres going to be a big crowd they might be forced to let people sit in these seats?

Those seats are always the last ones to be released, due to a combination of them preventing pitch invasions and also having a poor enough view. I really, really cannot see this being a sell out. 70,000 would be the very most I would expect, which is still an extremely good crowd.

They could end up opening those seats for family tickets if the Upper Davin ends up being full, as there is no juvenile price offered in the Hogan.

The game is nowhere near a sell out. The GAA haven't even released tickets for the Upper Hogan & Canal

TheTwiz

My mistake, tickets.ie have now released upper canal. They weren't there yesterday. I reckon we'll have 65,000 there on Sunday. Further proof that the Dubs are the biggest box office draw & have the best fan base around.

jonniebgood1

TheTwiz wrote: »

My mistake, tickets.ie have now released upper canal. They weren't there yesterday. I reckon we'll have 65,000 there on Sunday. Further proof that the Dubs are the biggest box office draw & have the best fan base around.

They would only be coming to see the next generation of Meathmen :pac:

rpurfield

i have to say im having good craic with the oneupmanship with the neighbours here ive car flags and bunting and all on the go to remind them where they live having great banter in work in ballymun too, but when i step back from all the hype and look at it i cant honestly see us beating dublin.even go down to the benches if it comes to it dublin have better experience to bring in and they have that big game experience we just dont have.im really hopeful for this bunch of players who are generally very young so what im really hoping is they turn up with intensity and a fairly large dollop of pride and run dublin close.because ya never know maybe the focus and hunger is dulled in dublin this year and we could cause a massive upset.

either ways itll be a cracker of a day and great to see the old order firmly established in leinster again

corny

Is Ger Brennan still carrying an injury or has he been dropped?

Interesting to see how Dublin actually line up.

ahlad

TheTwiz wrote: »

My mistake, tickets.ie have now released upper canal. They weren't there yesterday. I reckon we'll have 65,000 there on Sunday. Further proof that the Dubs are the biggest box office draw & have the best fan base around.

Lads, do ya reckon they'll release any more Hills or are they gone?

Felexicon

ahlad wrote: »

Lads, do ya reckon they'll release any more Hills or are they gone?

I heard it's sold out. Open to correction though

LeftBlank

Felexicon wrote: »

I heard it's sold out. Open to correction though

There was some Nally tickets left on ticketmaster this morning.

FastFuse

Some Nally still available on tickets.ie

https://tickets.ie/event.aspx/tickets/leinster-gaa-football-finals-dublin-v-meath-croke-park-dublin-22-July-2012/2Y65Y

Lemlin

TheTwiz wrote: »

My mistake, tickets.ie have now released upper canal. They weren't there yesterday. I reckon we'll have 65,000 there on Sunday. Further proof that the Dubs are the biggest box office draw & have the best fan base around.

I hope you're being sarcastic.

Dublin has a population of 1 million people, a quarter of the population. The population of Meath is near 200k.

The fact that they are only getting a crowd of 65,000 is a surprise to be honest.

I'm going and I'm from Cavan so I'm even supporting the numbers as a neutral!

my friend

I am sooooooooo lookin' forward to this Game!

Will I Amnt

Lemlin wrote: »

TheTwiz wrote: »

My mistake, tickets.ie have now released upper canal. They weren't there yesterday. I reckon we'll have 65,000 there on Sunday. Further proof that the Dubs are the biggest box office draw & have the best fan base around.

I hope you're being sarcastic.

Dublin has a population of 1 million people, a quarter of the population. The population of Meath is near 200k.

The fact that they are only getting a crowd of 65,000 is a surprise to be honest.

I'm going and I'm from Cavan so I'm even supporting the numbers as a neutral!

And Ireland has a population of over 4 million and can't fill a far smaller stadium........
They get the biggest crowds,that's just fact,no further proof needed really.

markie29

cambo2008 wrote: »

And Ireland has a population of over 4 million and can't fill a far smaller stadium........
They get the biggest crowds,that's just fact,no further proof needed really.

Think its the fact families cannot afford to go to these games like they could during the mid 00s.
There are other places which offer far better value for a day out than going to Croke Park on a Sunday twice a month during the summer.

Looking forward to the game on Sunday,i would love for Meath to win but i think Dublins experience the last few years will just about sneak the win for them.

rpurfield

whats the craic with the parking restrictions around croker?i normally drive in with my dad so i just park in clonliffe to save him walking but im having to work sunday morning and drive my own car down so im looking for somewhere i wont be clamped as i dont mind walking a bit

Hammer Archer

rpurfield wrote: »

whats the craic with the parking restrictions around croker?i normally drive in with my dad so i just park in clonliffe to save him walking but im having to work sunday morning and drive my own car down so im looking for somewhere i wont be clamped as i dont mind walking a bit

Long gone are the days of parking down by the bus station near Mountjoy square and paying a few kids with dodgy accents a fiver to mind the car :pac:
What time will you be hitting Dublin at? If you're getting there early (ie around the time of the minor match), you'd probably be able to get a place on the street near Mountjoy Square. I know Belvedere College used to open their car park for match days, but I'm not sure if they do anymore (anyway, they got ridiculously expensive eventually). If you were getting there later, you could probably find spaces near Phibbsboro which is a bit of a walk.

rpurfield

Hammer Archer wrote: »

rpurfield wrote: »

whats the craic with the parking restrictions around croker?i normally drive in with my dad so i just park in clonliffe to save him walking but im having to work sunday morning and drive my own car down so im looking for somewhere i wont be clamped as i dont mind walking a bit

Long gone are the days of parking down by the bus station near Mountjoy square and paying a few kids with dodgy accents a fiver to mind the car :pac:
What time will you be hitting Dublin at? If you're getting there early (ie around the time of the minor match), you'd probably be able to get a place on the street near Mountjoy Square. I know Belvedere College used to open their car park for match days, but I'm not sure if they do anymore (anyway, they got ridiculously expensive eventually). If you were getting there later, you could probably find spaces near Phibbsboro which is a bit of a walk.

im in work till 2 hopefully be out at 1 though.i work in ballymun so what i was thinking was parking somewhere round the area between griffith avenue and fagans and walking in getting the bus after is torture.the sister was up for westlife and she seen signs somewhere for a two hour limit just not sure where

curraghyid

rpurfield wrote: »

whats the craic with the parking restrictions around croker?i normally drive in with my dad so i just park in clonliffe to save him walking but im having to work sunday morning and drive my own car down so im looking for somewhere i wont be clamped as i dont mind walking a bit

There is a multi storey at the back of the Gresham I always use.its about 20 min walk to cusack stand. If you use it ask the attendant for match day special

Blingy

Any idea where is the best place to get tickets at this late stage for the match?
Can only find back rows of the upper davin on the usual websites.
At this stage would I be better off waiting till Sunday morning? Thanks.

réaltóg

rpurfield wrote: »

im in work till 2 hopefully be out at 1 though.i work in ballymun so what i was thinking was parking somewhere round the area between griffith avenue and fagans and walking in getting the bus after is torture.the sister was up for westlife and she seen signs somewhere for a two hour limit just not sure where

Head down to the very end of Hollybank Road (first right after Fagans when coming into town) to Iona Crescent/ Iona Drive and parking is free there. Always send the family there when they're up for matches or concerts.

Oh and about 15 min walk will bring you to Hogan entrance from there!

FastFuse

Blingy wrote: »

Any idea where is the best place to get tickets at this late stage for the match?
Can only find back rows of the upper davin on the usual websites.
At this stage would I be better off waiting till Sunday morning? Thanks.

Upper Cusack still available on tickets.ie. Or Nally, if you're a brave Meath man.

Felexicon

It's really nice that people set up a tickets and parking advice thread.

Yousef

Has anyone noted how the only class of people with an interest in GAA are the vermin in our society? I'm not speaking about my countryside friends, but in Dublin. There is definitively not a soul on the South side or any kind of money with an interest in Croke Park - only the scummers. It's an interesting observation.

Felexicon

Yousef wrote: »

Has anyone noted how the only class of people with an interest in GAA are the vermin in our society? I'm not speaking about my countryside friends, but in Dublin. There is definitively not a soul on the South side or any kind of money with an interest in Croke Park - only the scummers. It's an interesting observation.

Obvious is obvious

Jog on lad. Don't try that here

blackbelt

Yousef wrote: »

Has anyone noted how the only class of people with an interest in GAA are the vermin in our society? I'm not speaking about my countryside friends, but in Dublin. There is definitively not a soul on the South side or any kind of money with an interest in Croke Park - only the scummers. It's an interesting observation.

No but everybody can now note you are permabanned from here. I see you have been banned from After Hours and Pro Wrestling.No point in letting muppets like you post in a forum when you have a track record.

TheTwiz

Yousef wrote: »

Has anyone noted how the only class of people with an interest in GAA are the vermin in our society? I'm not speaking about my countryside friends, but in Dublin. There is definitively not a soul on the South side or any kind of money with an interest in Croke Park - only the scummers. It's an interesting observation.

Haha. Even though this chap is fishing there is that stereotype. Where are Rory O'Carroll, Cian O'Sullivan, McManamon, Michael Darragh Macauley, Denis Bastick, Michael Fitzsimons, Kevin Nolan all from? South of the Liffey. From areas in what can be described as fairly middle class areas.

The Dublin team is truly representative of the whole county thank god. Stillorgan, Ballymun, Dalkey, Raheny, Castleknock, Lucan, Templeougue, Terenure, Skerries, Marino.

Lemlin

cambo2008 wrote: »

And Ireland has a population of over 4 million and can't fill a far smaller stadium........
They get the biggest crowds,that's just fact,no further proof needed really.

I'm not disagreeing that they get the biggest crowds. What I am saying is that it shouldn't be surprising that they get the biggest crowds.

Dublin has by far the largest population in the country. There's 4 times more people in Fingal, an area of Dublin, than there is in the whole of my own county, Cavan.

And we're talking about GAA here, not soccer.