Dublin v Laois 2012 AI Quarter Final

blackbelt

Thought I would start a thread on this one.Many see this game as a forgone conclusion but I think Laois will be dangerous enough.The good news for us is that we have Connolly back.I would expect a few changes from the starting lineup that played against Meath.I don't know if Fennell is set to lose out or if Gilroy will keep MDMA in the full forwards and keep Connolly in reserve. Also is Kilkenny going to get to get a run? O Gara did very well against Meath and has good cause to be introduced.

I think this is a game in which perhaps Alan Brogan could and maybe should be rested and used as a sub.I would like to see Barry Cahill get a start in the half forwards.

If Munnelly brings his form tp Croke Park, whoever is marking him will have a tough time.

Dublin by 5 IMO

Sunnyisland

Dublin should beat laois,This is the time to start playing at our best,We were lucky enough against wexford and still bet them with fourteen men,We got complacent against meath but were never under any real threat,It is now that the championship kicks of and I am confident in the Dublin team to win this one.
Dublin by 10.



Wouldn't it be some craic if donegal/down/kildare/and laois won there games ;-)

blackbelt

realies wrote: »

Dublin should beat laois,This is the time to start playing at our best,We were lucky enough against wexford and still bet them with fourteen men,We got complacent against meath but were never under any real threat,It is now that the championship kicks of and I am confident in the Dublin team to win this one.
Dublin by 10.



Wouldn't it be some craic if donegal/down/kildare/and laois won there games ;-)

I think Cork,Kerry and Down will win.
Mayo may get caught out while Cork will have a difficult game against a match fit Kildare.Cork have not had a competitive game in 9 weeks, no disrespect to Clare but if Kildare really put it up to Cork, Cork have the experience to pull a win out of the bag in unlikely circumstances.Kerry may scrape past Donegal.

I feel we should beat Laois by 5 or 6 points but I do not necessarily feel we should peak now.My fear is that we have not played any serious opposition and that Mayo/Down would have had a tough game to get them more ready for the semi than we have.We earned our stripes after Leinster last year.Facing Laois could actually be a hinderance.

Trampas

It will be an interesting Dublin line up as players who hadn't started up to the semi final have been playing well when given the chance.

Dublin should win this without having to stress the fans out for the last 5-10 mins but Laois have nothing to lose to should work in their benefit.

Sunnyisland

I too think Cork/Kerry/Mayo will win there games, and according to the man himself when asked whether Dublin need to be more ruthless going forward, Gilroy added: "The time to be ruthless is later on in the year and imo with three games left now is the time to up the ante.

blackbelt

realies wrote: »

I too think Cork/Kerry/Mayo will win there games, and according to the man himself when asked whether Dublin need to be more ruthless going forward, Gilroy added: "The time to be ruthless is later on in the year and imo with three games left now is the time to up the ante.

I think we do need to cut down the amount of wides we have.Feels like it is more this year.Hopefully the issue of indiscipline has been cut out and that some players have got it out of their system.We can't afford to be a man down against top teams.

I would be confident of us getting to the final this year.We have a great chance against Laois,Mayo/Down. Our backs need to tighten up a bit too but it looks very positive.

blackbelt

Trampas wrote: »

It will be an interesting Dublin line up as players who hadn't started up to the semi final have been playing well when given the chance.

Dublin should win this without having to stress the fans out for the last 5-10 mins but Laois have nothing to lose to should work in their benefit.

I just hope we do not get complacent. I still think if that happens that we have enough in the tank to push on and grind out a result.It has been proven that even against a team like Wexford who often dictate larger periods of games against us that our forwards can get vital goals to get the win when pushed.

TheGoldenAges

blackbelt wrote: »

I just hope we do not get complacent. I still think if that happens that we have enough in the tank to push on and grind out a result.It has been proven that even against a team like Wexford who often dictate larger periods of games against us that our forwards can get vital goals to get the win when pushed.

Midfield is going to be a mouth watering battle, can't wait!
Reckon Dublin forwards will have too much fire power for Laois backs irrespective of what Laois bring.
Dublin by 7 me thinks...
Also anyone have an idea what attendance will be like?

Tristram

Really? Will Laois be able to compete in the middle third?

copacetic

I'm very interested to see the starting line forward line up. Will Brogan be risked or given more time, will O'Gara be given a start after great display off the bench, will Connolly be given the run to give him a chance to get going again? Where does Kilkenny fit in after no run last day following rumours he would start?

I'm assuming we will leave the midfielders in midfield this time.

stevemac

Tristram wrote: »

Really? Will Laois be able to compete in the middle third?

I think we have an advantage there. Especially with the old style ball winning players. We are in bonus territory here and not expecting to win. Really only looking for a good performance.

corny

blackbelt wrote: »

I just hope we do not get complacent. I still think if that happens that we have enough in the tank to push on and grind out a result.It has been proven that even against a team like Wexford who often dictate larger periods of games against us that our forwards can get vital goals to get the win when pushed.

Complacent or not Dublin have lost just once in 7 years to Leinster sides. They know how to get the job done and surely the time to catch them on the hop is in May or June and not August.

I just can't see a situation where Laois are ahead at the final whistle. I'm sure the heads won't drop from either side though so it should be a good game.

Lots of selection headaches for the Dublin selectors. Is Brennan pushed out or will he return? Is Brogan 100%? Will Fennell keep his place? Connolly, O Gara etc? Interested to see how they line up.

I think every other team will have to put their cards on the table this weekend. In hope that Dublin do the same i'll say Dublin by 8.

GK1001

The biggest thing for Loais coming into this game is that they are not expected to be able to compete, even by their own fans, and that's great motivation for a dressing room.

We've had some great games against some of these Laois lads...Clancy, Munnelly, et al and they'll be looking for one last big performance against us before they call it a day. Super players when on form, although I've always hated how Munnelly nicks yards with his big loopy run up to his frees:mad:

However Laois's undoing will be the style of ball they play, namely they like to play gaelic football the way alot of people think it should be played, and this plays right into Dublin's hands. Loais kicked some cracking long range scores the last day and will need to do similar again to keep it close.

I'd like to see a real challenge for us and for us to eek out a win in a well fought match but I think we'll have too much for them all over the pitch. I'm going with the Dubs by 5-6.

keane2097

Is there really such a huge gulf in class between Wexford and Laois?

TheGoldenAges

keane2097 wrote: »

Is there really such a huge gulf in class between Wexford and Laois?

Not particularly but QF time is when the Dubs should kick on, it's been their aim all year to target this game

Pierce_1991

The team I'd start:

1. S Cluxton
2. M Fitzsimons
3. R O'Carroll
4. P MacMahon
5. J McCarthy
6. C O'Sullivan
7. K Nolan
8. D Bastick
9. MDM
10. P Flynn
11. A Brogan
12. B Cullen
13. B Brogan
14. E O'Gara
15. D Connolly

I feel MacManamon would be unlucky to miss out (and probably won't) but he's such a good impact sub to have it'd be worth leaving him out. If Brogan isn't 100% I'd push MacManamon into corner forward and bring Connolly out to half forward. O'Gara did enough the last day to warrant a starting place this time I think.

los cules

laois +7 points @evens is a good bet ..

Diego Maradona

Laois by 4...hopefully.

Stoner

Pierce_1991 wrote: »

The team I'd start:

1. S Cluxton
2. M Fitzsimons
3. R O'Carroll
4. P MacMahon
5. J McCarthy
6. C O'Sullivan
7. K Nolan
8. D Bastick
9. MDM
10. P Flynn
11. A Brogan
12. B Cullen
13. B Brogan
14. E O'Gara
15. D Connolly

I feel MacManamon would be unlucky to miss out (and probably won't) but he's such a good impact sub to have it'd be worth leaving him out. If Brogan isn't 100% I'd push MacManamon into corner forward and bring Connolly out to half forward. O'Gara did enough the last day to warrant a starting place this time I think.

It funny how Brennan being out of the team is not more of an issue. Gilroy is ruthless, once his speed was targeted Brennan was moved out of the team, he could still be needed though if there is a later on.
Dias seems to have moved into the O'Sullivan role of last year as the pacy guy who could just get on to the team and stay there, Brennan may be the steely guy on the bench this year, nice option, I think modern players understand that too.

I would start O'Gara, I know the league is not a huge deal for some counties, but he was very good against Laois in the League.
I agree that MacManamon may not start, I like his style a lot but I think that he is so direct but its needed more at the end of the game then the start as he does fade considerably. I thought he played alright against Meath won some frees, was in on goal a couple of times, scored from play.
Connelly could end up as an impact sub too, he is now a target for defenders to wind up and Gilroy wont take that lightly, so he may not start him, bring him on later in the game so he can get more out of him between yellow cards.

Clancy is a very underrated player IMHO, hes has been unlucky against Dublin over the years apart from their championship win 8 or 9 years ago. He has ended up going off injured in games having started well. He can be difficult at no 14 where they are playing him now and Laois have added some bigger lads to the squad.
There are potential goals in this Laois side and if they hit form they have a skillfully Ross Munnelly who can slot them over/win frees and Clancy as a good target man. I think Gilroy will have noted all that though, I'd put P MacMahon on Munnelly.

Pride Fighter

Will be a tricky tie, can see Laois doing well here. Dublin need to up their game big time.

Always_Running

I think this game will go along the lines of Dublin's last two championships games. They are pacing themselves for the bigger challenges ahead.

corny

Stoner wrote: »

It funny how Brennan being out of the team is not more of an issue.

True. I thought he deserved an All Star last year, he was better than Nolan over the campaign. His distribution and willingness to take the ball out from the back is completely underrated.

Its a marginal call given the strength in the half backs but i'd have him all day over the others.

Just An Opinion

corny wrote: »

Stoner wrote: »

It funny how Brennan being out of the team is not more of an issue.

True. I thought he deserved an All Star last year, he was better than Nolan over the campaign. His distribution and willingness to take the ball out from the back is completely underrated.

Its a marginal call given the strength in the half backs but i'd have him all day over the others.

Problem with Ger Brennan is his temperament, lucky not to see red in last years AI final, 1st his high two forearmed challenge into Declan O'Sullivans face was seriously dangerous and could have been a straight red, a yellow it was and could have been followed by a 2nd yellow for the hand into Donaghy's face in stoppage time, I know Donaghy made a meal of it but it was risky and stupid at such a critical stage of the game to throw away a free in our own half for that, luckily for us Fennell won the resulting throw ball which proceeded the build up to Cluxton's free. Could have been so very different had that throw ball been retrieved by a Kerry player. Also his moment of madness decking the Kildare player in the '09 Leinster final resulting in a needless red card, his team mates bailed him out on that occasion aswell by winning the match.

A solid player don't get me wrong but I can't help but get nervous when he's involved in a 50/50 ball or if a forward is running at him with pace, or even sometimes if he's actually in possession I fear a Brennan brain fart!

corny

Just An Opinion wrote: »

Problem with Ger Brennan is his temperament, lucky not to see red in last years AI final, 1st his high two forearmed challenge into Declan O'Sullivans face was seriously dangerous and could have been a straight red,

My memory of that is that O' Sullivan was fouled from behind by MDM i think and fell into Brennan at the last second. Unfortunate rather anything malicious.

Good article in the Independent from last year. Seems he's found Jesus!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/ger-brennan-curbs-suspect-temperament-through-devotion-to-god-2877248.html

Sunnyisland

Dublin XV v Laois: Stephen Cluxton; M ichaelFitzsimons, Rory O'Carroll, Philly McMahon; James McCarthy, Kevin Nolan, Cian O'Sullivan; Eamonn Fennell, D Bastick; Paul Flynn, Alan Brogan, Bryan Cullen; B Brogan, Michael Darragh MacAuley, Kevin McManamon

http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0802/331705-ogara-in-for-mcmanamon-on-dublin-xv/

Just in of the newstands O gara in instead of mcmanamon.

Trampas

realies wrote: »

Dublin XV v Laois: Stephen Cluxton; M ichaelFitzsimons, Rory O'Carroll, Philly McMahon; James McCarthy, Kevin Nolan, Cian O'Sullivan; Eamonn Fennell, D Bastick; Paul Flynn, Alan Brogan, Bryan Cullen; B Brogan, Michael Darragh MacAuley, Kevin McManamon

http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0802/331705-ogara-in-for-mcmanamon-on-dublin-xv/

Just in of the newstands O gara in instead of mcmanamon.

You got to love rte. Says one thing and displays the team as another.

Redsunset

I know some of the Laois players personally and they are more than happy to be underdogs. Laois coming to top form now and on the day could surprise a lot of critics. The boys are hungry.

Sunnyisland

Redsunset wrote: »

I know some of the Laois players personally and they are more than happy to be underdogs. Laois coming to top form now and on the day could surprise a lot of critics. The boys are hungry.

Can the same not be said of Dublin,We (well actually they as I am just an auld dub fan)havent played great so far and reading into what pat gilroy has said thats fair enough as it is now that we they need to start playing. I expect Dublin to play much better in this game and to notch up a few paces.

DoctaDee

Personally, and with the greatest respect to Laois - this the the one draw we didn't need. Dublin operating (again) at 80% should account for Laois, if they play near to their potential they'll easily cover the handicap spread of 7 points.

I've always enjoyed watching Laois play the game, Clancy, Tierney, Higgins, Beano,Munnelly etc lovely footballers but restricted in modern football by the lack of physical toughness against the high intensity teams. Laois under McNulty seemingly have attended to this, by becoming a more robust/defensive unit - much is made of the wealth of yellow cards dished out to them this year which is a fair indication that they're intent on not being steamrollered as in years past. Last years match was poor and but for Culliton in the 1st few minutes could've been a landslide. I hope Laois don't view the match as damage limitation, Dublin had serious problems with Clancy until he went off last year. It would be nice to think that Laois will get out of the blocks quicker than last year and possibly head down the tunnel at halftime with a lead.

The Dublin team selected for Sunday to my mind was a lost opportunity - AB could've been rested with either Kilkenny or Paddy Andrews given some game time. Likewise as much as I like the lad, Cullens performances and intensity seem to have waned this year and Cahill has a lot to give the team around the breakdown area.

Looking forward to the day itself - I'll bring the breakfast with me and get in for the minor. Sunday I'm undecided whether to go to Croker and shout for Cork (Diego are you there ) .. or nip up to Esler for the minors

DoctaDee

Diego Maradona wrote: »

Laois by 4...hopefully.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=80009737&postcount=418

Have ya a twin sister ?

Sunnyisland

DoctaDee wrote: »

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=80009737&postcount=418

I seen that myself :rolleyes: and she/he has Kildare losing for all the screaming and shouting he/she does for them., That poster is better of to be ignored tbh.

DoctaDee

realies wrote: »

I seen that myself :rolleyes: and she/he has Kildare losing for all the screaming and shouting he/she does for them., That poster is better of to be ignored tbh.

Yeah, that's the truth .. I've a yellow card hanging around me neck from a prior post to him so I'm gonna shaddup ........ hard to believe it's nearly 10 years since I picked up my last yellow on the pitch ... v St. Monicas .. dissent IIRC :rolleyes:

keane2097

How do you guys rate Philly McMahon this year? Think he's looked a bit suspect at times...

professore

As a laoiseman watching these ties over the years, I'd say either Laois will collapse completely and Dublin will run away with it or will give Dublin a hard game. You'll know which Laois team you have after 10 minutes.

If the game goes close, watch the ref giving 90% of all frees to Dublin. This happens year in year out. The number of frees a team in football gets is directly proportional to how many fans it has. The GAA needs Dublin to progress. It even happened with Laois againt Meath - there were yellow cards for nothing in that game given to Laois players. In one incident Padraig Clancy was dragged 5 yards with his head down by a Meath player and the free was awarded against him !!!

This is not some kind of sour grapes, any of the smaller counties are treated the same way.

Having said all that, Dublin are the better team and should win regardless.

Trampas

professore wrote: »

As a laoiseman watching these ties over the years, I'd say either Laois will collapse completely and Dublin will run away with it or will give Dublin a hard game. You'll know which Laois team you have after 10 minutes.

If the game goes close, watch the ref giving 90% of all frees to Dublin. This happens year in year out. The number of frees a team in football gets is directly proportional to how many fans it has. The GAA needs Dublin to progress. It even happened with Laois againt Meath - there were yellow cards for nothing in that game given to Laois players. In one incident Padraig Clancy was dragged 5 yards with his head down by a Meath player and the free was awarded against him !!!

This is not some kind of sour grapes, any of the smaller counties are treated the same way.

Having said all that, Dublin are the better team and should win regardless.

If not sour grapes then what is it?

Stoner

Trampas wrote: »

If not sour grapes then what is it?

I was reading again from McHugh about how Dublin should be split up. He makes a compelling argument from his outlook on Dublin.

I was thinking of a proposal of doing it based on the size of the county, that way Laois would stay as one team, Cork would be split into 4 county teams and Donegal into 3 teams, Kerry, Mayo and Galway would be split in two. Dublin would would only have enough land to represent one county.

que quotes for "we'll still beat you" lol

Or maybe we should leave other counties alone

Always_Running

Let's look at the teams Laois beat to reach the quarter finals.


Monaghan - off the back demoralising defeat to Down, Div 3 next year
Leitrim - Div 4 team
Carlow - Div 4 team
Meath - 6 day turnaround from Leinster final defeat, Div 3 team next year


Most in Laois would expect to win the above games now they face the defending All Ireland champions a different level to what they faced so far.

MD1990

Always_Running wrote: »

Let's look at the teams Laois beat to reach the quarter finals.


Monaghan - off the back demoralising defeat to Down, Div 3 next year
Leitrim - Div 4 team
Carlow - Div 4 team
Meath - 6 day turnaround from Leinster final defeat, Div 3 team next year


Most in Laois would expect to win the above games now they face the defending All Ireland champions a different level to what they faced so far.

most in Laois thought they would lose to Monaghan

Diego Maradona

DoctaDee wrote: »

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=80009737&postcount=418

Have ya a twin sister ?

What? I said I hope Laois win, I never said I thought they will.

IrishAm

Redsunset wrote: »

I know some of the Laois players personally and they are more than happy to be underdogs. Laois coming to top form now and on the day could surprise a lot of critics. The boys are hungry.

Absolutely no pressure on Laois in this game. Their ideal draw. I expect them to go hell for leather and give us a bit of a game. But I think our superior forwards will help us break away in the last quarter or so.

Looking forward to the game. We have got here without playing particularly well and I don't think we shall play particularly well in this game either. I think this Dublin team have one massive performance in them and if it was saved for the third week in September, I think us Dubs shall be very happy bunnies.

Ive a wedding to go to tomorrow, so won't be online until after the games. I hope everyone enjoys this weekends action. If we get the weather, hopefully it shall be the one to remember.

Sunnyisland

DUBLIN TEAM: v Laois

(1) Stephen Cluxton

(2) Michael Fitzsimons (3) Rory OCarroll (4) Philly McMahon

(5) James McCarthy (6) Kevin Nolan (7) Cian OSullivan

(8) Eamon Fennell (9) Denis Bastick

(10) Paul Flynn (11) Alan Brogan (12) Bryan Cullen (capt)

(13) Bernard Brogan (14) Michael Dara MacAuley (15) Eoghan OGara


Dublin’s manager is not one for taking any rivals lightly, especially at this stage of his team’s title defence. All Gilroy does is point to recent history as warnings. Mayo beating Cork last year. Down trumping Kerry the previous year. Dublin themselves overwhelming Tyrone, also two years ago.I’ve got a lot of messages saying it’s a great draw but it’s only a great draw if you win your game. You can say it’s a great draw if you’ve got through it. That’s just the facts of it. You can take nothing for granted. They are all decent teams in the quarter-finals. They’re all either Division One this year or next year, so it’s going to be difficult.”

Taken from Irish Times

Palytoxin

Laois starting 15 here: http://www.laoisgaa.ie/news/157547/L_o_t_m_u_l
I'm going for an optimistic Laois win by 4 points.

What's the best way from Heuston Station to Croke Park? Going up in the morning on the train for all 3 matches.

TheGoldenAges

Palytoxin wrote: »

Laois starting 15 here: http://www.laoisgaa.ie/news/157547/L_o_t_m_u_l
I'm going for an optimistic Laois win by 4 points.

What's the best way from Heuston Station to Croke Park? Going up in the morning on the train for all 3 matches.

Probably the Luas, take it to Connolly then walk the rest, only 10 minutes from Croker

AGC

Dublin should be coming through this easily.

Big call for me is Alan Brogan, I would be surprised to see him start, especially marking John O'Loughlin who will hit hard. I almost expect Connolly in the FF line and MDMA to take up a position at CF instead of roaming in midfield.

Sunnyisland

With everyone except a very few laois fans calling and expecting Dublin to win this game, One can only hope the hype does not get into the Dublin team its self,We are in the quarter finals and as we have seen before surprises can happen. Up the Dubs.

blackbelt

realies wrote: »

With everyone except a very few laois fans calling and expecting Dublin to win this game, One can only hope the hype does not get into the Dublin team its self,We are in the quarter finals and as we have seen before surprises can happen. Up the Dubs.

I still think we will win even if it appears we are in trouble.Having the likes of Connolly,Kilkenny,Cahill,Andrews and McManoman on the bench with Ger Brennan in reserve is comforting

DazMarz

Dublin will have too much in the tank for Laois. Even if both the Brogans play as badly as they did against Wexford, there are so many options on the bench, and Connolly will be back (if he doesn't get sent off) and he's deadly from anywhere in the front line. McManamon is playing excellently this year (carrying on his form as an impact sub last season) and here's hoping he can keep it up.

The backs need to tighten up a good bit, but for the most part I'd be confident in them to do the job.

Dublin by 5 points.

LostBoy101

Laois will defintely put a good fight against the Dubs but I doubt they'll have enough in them to beat Dublin.

DoctaDee

Nice afternoon here threat of rain seems tp have eased. Mayo minors gone down the tunnel 4 points to the good 0-10 to 1-3. Right back to the pint glass

Tipp look well wound up for 2nd half

Laois_Man

One things for sure. We won't be pushed around the field like we were against The Dubs 4 and 6 years ago. I really don't think we'll be blown away!

All we really want is for the team to put on a good show and put in a performance to be proud of. That's our highest expectation and that could be a great thing for us. If our best isn't good enough after 70 minutes, that's still all we can ask. Just give us something to build on!

Best of luck to the boys in REAL blue!

Up Laois!

Paully D

Dublin by 12.