All Ireland Football Semi Finals

Clareman

There's a lot of discussion going on in the relevent match threads so I thought it would be a good idea to start a new thread to discuss what people will happen in the semis.

Mayo v. Dublin
Donegal v. Cork

Oh yeah, and the first person to suggest the semi final should be moved from Croke Park cause it was in Dublin gets a week's holiday (from the forum)

Red Crow

Donegal or Cork for me. Dublin haven't beaten anyone of note and have been far from impressive. I think the Dubs will beat Mayo. Cork v Dublin final for me and Cork to win by 5+.

Roger Sterling

Dublin will be lucky to make another final. I agree with the quarterback above. Donegal or Cork. Would love to see Donegal do it.

Sunnyisland

I still sticking to a Cork v Dublin final, Having said that Dublin need to improve dramatically to beat Mayo,I also think Cork will beat Donegal.

yop

Cork will take Donegal by 4, I won't call the Mayo Dub match as it depends on which team turns up, both have been jekel and hyde. Mayo clocked up big scores in 2 matches but Andy Moran is a massive loss.
The Dubs should could have been beaten by Wexford, got 2 quick goals against Meath and an OG yesterday was the difference, unconvincing but still getting the wins.

So it will be a Cork v Dubyo final

Clareman

Most neutrals would love to see a Mayo Donegal final, most purists would love to see Cork Dublin, I wouldn't fancy trying to get tickets for either final.

Donnielighto

Clareman wrote: »

Most neutrals would love to see a Mayo Donegal final, most purists would love to see Cork Dublin, I wouldn't fancy trying to get tickets for either final.

Would the purist have an issue with dublin over mayo, mayo tend to play a decent brand of football to watch. Would love to see them win it the poor bástards

ProudDUB

When do semi final tickets go on sale?

ShamoBuc

Very hard to see beyond Cork beating Donegal. Cork have every attribute they need to win Sam this year and it is theirs to lose I think.
Donegal are a fine team, no doubt about that - whatever that Kerry fella Stinker thinks - but I really don't think they will beat Cork - although it will be a lot closer than todays qf.

Dublin v Mayo - Mayo have a big problem in their full forward getting injured and looks out for the season. That will be a huge loss but I still think they can beat the Dubs who have been poorer this season than reigning champions should be.

A very tentative Cork V Mayo for me - Cork to bring Sam back to Leeside for the second time in three years.

Clareman

Donnielighto wrote: »

Would the purist have an issue with dublin over mayo, mayo tend to play a decent brand of football to watch.

Very good point, my use of "purist" was incorrect there, what I meant was most "match makers" would like to see the last 2 All Ireland champions place each other

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

ProudDUB wrote: »

When do semi final tickets go on sale?

They've been on sale for at least a week now.

Downlinz

Seems to be a gulf developing in football these days between the top teams and the rest. 3 of the 4 semi finalists last year are there again. The one missing (Kerry) was only beaten by another in the club (Donegal) and same story last year with Cork losing to Mayo.
That club was 5 of the top 6 in League 1 this year too, are other teams actually capable of competing with them anymore? It'd suck if the sport became predictable.

Downlinz

As for predictions I think Cork/Donegal is the stronger side of the draw so would expect the winner to come from there. Both semi's are very tough to call and should be great games. I've felt all along this could be Donegals year so I'll go for them but not with massive confidence because on balance Cork have been the best team in the country for the past few years. Mayo should have enough to edge out Dublin even without Moran.

Clareman

Downlinz wrote: »

Seems to be a gulf developing in football these days between the top teams and the rest. 3 of the 4 semi finalists last year are there again. The one missing (Kerry) was only beaten by another in the club (Donegal) and same story last year with Cork losing to Mayo.
That club was 5 of the top 6 in League 1 this year too, are other teams actually capable of competing with them anymore? It'd suck if the sport became predictable.

I think it's a bit premature to say football is going the way of hurling, there are 4 genuine potential All Ireland Champions, you could stretch that easily enough to 6 challengers.

Every province has 2 counties that you could say on any given day could beat any other team from another province.

shiibata

Before yesterdays games, thought Dublin were nailed on for the final but after watching the 2 games yesterday, had to think again but I think Moran is a massive loss to Mayo and therefore still think Dubs will make it..

Up in Donegal here, most folk have always being fearing Cork as the team we dread meeting and now we have to face them... And after watching them today, I think they will beat us and I fear they will beat us well..
On saying that, I actually thought we played below par today(a few players had queit games today) so hopefully them players rise to occasion against Cork and hopefully overturn them, but honestly think Cork will be a bridge too far this year,,

TheGoldenAges

Just bought my 2 Hill tickets, looking forward to the semi already, get Alan Brogan back and we'll be a different team. Also need to start Connolly for the next match, always does well versus the less physical and non-blanket defense type teams.

teednab-el

Tough one to call.

CORK V DONEGAL -- a tough physical game and both teams are well capable of winning. IMO i think Cork will shade it but only just. That blanket defense Donegal have could cause Cork problems and I keep thinking back to Mayo last year when things went wrong they got worse. Kildare had Cork rattled today for a stage in the first half and I would be slightly worried about that as Donegal are better than Kildare. However Donegal gave away a 5 points from a 6 point lead and only barely won when Lacy got the insurance point. Also Donegal keep all players in defence so where are they going to get scores against a defence that is better than Kerrys today. Hard one to call but Im tipping Cork.


DUBLIN V MAYO--- I think Mayo might win this but also Dublin will be a different team next day out. If Mayo dont freeze they have every chance of taking the game to Dublin. Horan has Mayo well organised and are sure to cause problems for Dublin. That said, Mayo conceded 2 goals to a poor Down attack. Dublin will be a better outfit and Mayo must be on their game if they are to come out on top. Mayo to win by 3 points.

ascanbe

Donegal will beat Cork fairly comfortably, i think.
Simply can't see Cork competing with them at mid-field/in broken ball stakes; and they'll lose heart fairly quickly when they see that even if they manage to get ball into their forwards there'll be players all over them.
Genuinely don't think this Cork team, for all their athletic power, have the heart or even the fitness, to stick with this Donegal team once they dispossess them and come running from every angle.
Kerry was Donegal's ultimate test, i think, and if they play like they can, they've class players all over the pitch who are very comfortable on the ball, and they only skated the surface today, they'll be damn near impossible to stop.
Dublin will probably beat Mayo to set up an interesting final.
But, again, don't think they've a chance of living with Donegal.
Could be wrong. of course, 'cause there could be a bad game in Donegal.
But at the moment, they look so together that it's hard to see it coming.

7golfer

donegal are a better team than people give them credit for.deserved to win. gave kerry a tough game and won..we know their tactics but they have good forwards who score points. murphy is a great forward, one of the best in the country,..
but ,my team dublin need to play better to have a chance.

teednab-el

ascanbe wrote: »

Donegal will beat Cork fairly comfortably, i think.
Simply can't see Cork competing with them at mid-field/in broken ball stakes; and they'll lose heart fairly quickly when they see that even if they manage to get ball into their forwards there'll be players all over them.
Genuinely don't think this Cork team, for all their athletic power, have the heart or even the fitness, to stick with this Donegal team once they dispossess them and come running from every angle.
Kerry was Donegal's ultimate test, i think, and if they play like they can, they've class players all over the pitch who are very comfortable on the ball, and they only skated the surface today, they'll be damn near impossible to stop.
Dublin will probably beat Mayo to set up an interesting final.
But, again, don't think they've a chance of living with Donegal.
Could be wrong. of course, 'cause there could be a bad game in Donegal.
But at the moment, they look so together that it's hard to see it coming.

Donegal will be meeting the fittest team in Ireland next day out who are as fit if not fitter than Donegal. It will be a close but in no way do I think Donegal will win it comfortably. They keep 13 players in the defence, where are the scores going to come from?

LostBoy101

I would love to see Donegal beat Cork but Cork had an excellent season and will be tough to break down. Donegal should be proud that they got to the bonus territory again and they will defintely fight it out for a place in the final against Mayo/Dublin.

The Dubs have beaten teams that are not on par with Cork, Donegal and Mayo. They have got 4 weeks to get their heads set and raise the foot on the gas against Mayo. Gilroy will do everything it takes to retain the Sam this year and If he manages to find our form again we'll be very dangerous for Mayo and hopefully Cork.

ascanbe

teednab-el wrote: »

Donegal will be meeting the fittest team in Ireland next day out who are as fit if not fitter than Donegal. It will be a close but in no way do I think Donegal will win it comfortably. They keep 13 players in the defence, wher'sye are the scores going to come from?

Am not underestimating Cork.
In terms of athletic prowess, i'd place them comfortably at the top of current teams in the championship.
Infact, they're possibly the most powerfully athletic Gaelic Football team and squad ever assembled, certainly they are in my lifetime of watching the game, and have a wealth of talent even on the bench.
But, i think, they lack a personality, a true identity, as a team, and i think, when faced with the onslaught of Donegal, they'll find themselves rudderless and will founder.
I also think people are underestimating just how good this Donegal team is.
They're not simply a 'system' or a collection of ultra-fit players; what sets them apart is that all those players who are fit enough to get foward and burst on to the ball are actually very comfortable on the ball and make great decisions with it i.e. they're excellent footballers.
Ultimately, weighing everything up, i feel that Donegal are utltimately the better, will break down Cork and will win relatively comfortably.
Could be wrong, of course; that's just how i read it.

shiibata

As a Donegal man, am proud, what the team have achieved this last 2 years.
3 seasons ago, we were thumped by Armagh in the qualifiers and things looked as low as they could get.
If someone would have told us then you will beat Kerry in CROKE PARK in the QFs in 2 years time, you would have laughed at them big time, even last year, we nearly made final.
Just have to hand it to Jim for turning the fortunes of Donegal football around, irrespective of how they play..

teednab-el

ascanbe wrote: »

Am not underestimating Cork.
In terms of athletic prowess, i'd place them comfortably at the top of current teams in the championship.
Infact, they're possibly the most powerfully athletic Gaelic Football team and squad ever assembled, certainly they are in my lifetime of watching the game, and have a wealth of talent even on the bench.
But, i think, they lack a personality, a true identity, as a team, and i think, when faced with the onslaught of Donegal, they'll find themselves rudderless and will founder.
I also think people are underestimating just how good this Donegal team is.
They're not simply a 'system' or a collection of ultra-fit players; what sets them apart is that all those players who are fit enough to get foward and burst on to the ball are actually very comfortable on the ball and make great decisions with it i.e. they're excellent footballers.
Ultimately, weighing everything up, i feel that Donegal are utltimately the better, will break down Cork and will win relatively comfortably.
Could be wrong, of course; that's just how i read it.

You could be totally right. I know Donegal are a super team. I have watched them playing all through the championship. They look excellent. If there was one thing I would be worried about though is can they score enough to win?

Treble20

2 cracking semis ahead. As a Corkman I reckon we're really up against it in a tough physical fair team that are Donegal. This will be a war of Attrition between the 2 teams and I just hope our experience will help get Cork over the line. After last Saturday week's draw I said Mayo will reach the final and after Saturday's semis I still feel the same,Mayo to beat Dublin I reckon.

Justin10

I fully expect Dublin to click against Mayo and tear them apart.
There heavy training sessions are finished and have four weeks to get it right.

The first 15 minutes against Laois reminded me of last years game against Tyrone with some fantastic kick passing but just no end product.

Cork and Donegal, I believe this is totally up to Cork. If Cork get there tactics correct im sure they will win.
Cork must get ahead of Donegal on scoreboard which will invite Donegal to attack more.

ascanbe

teednab-el wrote: »

You could be totally right. I know Donegal are a super team. I have watched them playing all through the championship. They look excellent. If there was one thing I would be worried about though is can they score enough to win?

Certainly, i think, they'll have to have the guts to go at Cork, push players fowards and look to score; if they don't do that they'll definitely lose.
But i think they realise that and are ready to do that.
When i wrote 'relatively comfortably' i meant that i think they'll win by 3,4 maybe 5 points.
Even if Donegal play their best Cork will probably remain within in touching distance.
And if both teams play their best Cork could very well win; there's no doubting how good they are.
I just feel that Donegal have the look of a team that will outlast and out-battle them and have the ability to do so.
Anyway, should be a great game.

corny

ShamoBuc wrote: »

Very hard to see beyond Cork beating Donegal. Cork have every attribute they need to win Sam this year and it is theirs to lose I think.
Donegal are a fine team, no doubt about that - whatever that Kerry fella Stinker thinks - but I really don't think they will beat Cork - although it will be a lot closer than todays qf.

Dublin v Mayo - Mayo have a big problem in their full forward getting injured and looks out for the season. That will be a huge loss but I still think they can beat the Dubs who have been poorer this season than reigning champions should be.

A very tentative Cork V Mayo for me - Cork to bring Sam back to Leeside for the second time in three years.

I agree with everything you said but Donegal are made for Cork. Still think they'll win but very interested to see how the Cork runners get on. Immovable object and the unstoppable force!

teednab-el

corny wrote: »

I agree with everything you said but Donegal are made for Cork. Still think they'll win but very interested to see how the Cork runners get on. Immovable object and the unstoppable force!

Also experience against inexperience. Has to count for something.

applehunter

Mayo vs Dublin will be a good game. Mayo have the more reliable form. But too close to call.

Cork look by some distance to be the best side in the country but Donegal have shown that they can frustrate any side. Still expect Cork to come through and they'll be odds on for final whoever they meet.

KevinFCB

mayo havent played nothing this year theyve played a div 4 team and stumbled over the line against sligo id expect a big game from the dubs the next day out

Padkir

teednab-el wrote: »

ascanbe wrote: »

Am not underestimating Cork.
In terms of athletic prowess, i'd place them comfortably at the top of current teams in the championship.
Infact, they're possibly the most powerfully athletic Gaelic Football team and squad ever assembled, certainly they are in my lifetime of watching the game, and have a wealth of talent even on the bench.
But, i think, they lack a personality, a true identity, as a team, and i think, when faced with the onslaught of Donegal, they'll find themselves rudderless and will founder.
I also think people are underestimating just how good this Donegal team is.
They're not simply a 'system' or a collection of ultra-fit players; what sets them apart is that all those players who are fit enough to get foward and burst on to the ball are actually very comfortable on the ball and make great decisions with it i.e. they're excellent footballers.
Ultimately, weighing everything up, i feel that Donegal are utltimately the better, will break down Cork and will win relatively comfortably.
Could be wrong, of course; that's just how i read it.

You could be totally right. I know Donegal are a super team. I have watched them playing all through the championship. They look excellent. If there was one thing I would be worried about though is can they score enough to win?

Donegal have been scoring heavily all year and people are still asking where the scores will come from? The answer is they'll come from all over the pitch, when 6 men go storming at cork from the back.

Both very physical teams so if ref is fussy like today it will affect both teams. Physios will be busy I feel, cork will be better able to handle it than kerry were today! Think it will be very tight and wouldn't be surprised either way but hope donegal come through it!

Also think it won't help mayo that dublin have been poor and many will back them, but horan has them well drilled and can't see dublin pulling a big performance from nowhere after being poor all year! If mayo perform I see a 2/3 point win. Think dublin need to bite the bullet and drop bernard brogan, he's been awful the last few games, but being dropped and used as a sub might stir him into life. As a mayo man I'd be happy to see him start in this form, cafferkey would eat him alive!

Lots will depend on the reaction of the forwards and morans replacement, but hopefully they can rally and pull through!

Mayo abu!

meath12

i really cant wait for the cork v donegal game. its mad to see so many different opinions on one game, some people thinking cork could beat donegal and others thinking donegal will be too strong for cork to break down. i do honestly think that if there is any team to break donegal down then it will be cork. they are probly the most physical and the biggest team left.
on paper i think you'd have to say that cork will win but like someone else said cork do seem to lack a personality or heart, theres just something there that has stopped them from achieving what they should have won especially with the quality of players they have and if its a tight game then donegal might show more heart and fight and want it more.

seamus kenny was talking on the radio and he was saying that meath played donegal in a league game and that it was the most fustrating game he has ever played, he said you know what you have to do to beat them but when you go out and actually play them, their just so hard to break down and beat and i think this must be the same for alot of teams who play donegal. its very easy to say what you can do to beat them but to actually do it is a different story. i say thats what happened with kerry today, they would have tried to prepare themselves with tactics to beat donegal and the thing is, everyone actually knows what to expect from donegal but to go out and break them down is still very hard to do. i know dublin done it last year but i think donegal are much better this year.

Fr Tod Umptious

KevinFCB wrote: »

mayo havent played nothing this year theyve played a div 4 team and stumbled over the line against sligo id expect a big game from the dubs the next day out

Really top analysis that.

No need the mention that Dublin have not played anyone of much quality either, or the fact that Mayo beat a team that finished above them in Div 1

blackbelt

Cork v Donegal
Great performance by Donegal yesterday would suggest they will trouble Cork but I still am not convinced they will beat Cork even though it would not be a shock. Donegals goal yesterday was quite lucky and it gave them the launching pad for the win.They did get some beautiful points but I can't help but feel Donegal won't get this type luck again.

Cork are just as big and physical as Donegal but from the Tyrone game in 2009, they showed they can employ that game plan to suit the opposition or find ways to work around a blanket defense like against Dublin in 2010.

Cork by 1-2 points

Dublin v Mayo

This one is harder to call in my opinion. I think Dublin have failed to impress this championship despite digging out wins.A big performance would be expected from Dublin given the step up in quality. Mayo have been largely untested this year apart from stumbling against a Sligo side they seemed to be in control of. Dublin have gone games that were dicatated by the opposition (Wexford and Laois in parts) and won. These are battling qualities Dublin have showed in Croke Park and I think if the game is close, Dublin may just shade it this time.

One has to agree with McStay.Alan Brogan is the playmaker for Dublin and gets the forward lines working better.Andy Moran is their go to guy for goals.That threat has been reduced due to the injury. Bernard Brogan will have a tough time against Ger Cafferkey.If the ball can be broken down to another forward to get points or goals, this can upset Mayo.Kilkenny is a man I want to see in the full forward line if things are not working out and if Bernard is off form

corny

blackbelt wrote: »

Cork are just as big and physical as Donegal but from the Tyrone game in 2009, they showed they can employ that game plan to suit the opposition or find ways to work around a blanket defense like against Dublin in 2010.

Cork by 1-2 points

For large parts of that game Cork had no answer to the Dublin system though, especially in the first half. It wasn't until they pumped long balls into the square that they got back into the game. They won't get the same joy when Donegal have two or three extra defenders in there. If they try to run through Donegal i'd say it will come down to the benches and attrition.

Again on Dublin, they showed last year how you beat Donegal. Do to them what they're doing to you, keep it tight and make sure in the last 15 minutes they wilt first. Cork are very capable on doing just that.

Mayo V Dublin can go either way. Either Mayo win convincingly enough or Dublin struggle through another round in a tight affair. I've given up on the idea that Dublin have been sandbagging their way through the championship but they are still a tough nut to crack. Mayo are sharp all over the field and even without Moran they can build the scores. Mayo worthy favs at this stage. Wonder will they warm up Hill 16 end this time!

Always_Running

Dublin have been in 2nd gear in most of their games so far i expect another narrow in the semi. Cork v Donegal is harder to call i think that win over Kerry will have all the Donegal players believing they can repeat 1992.

Padkir

corny wrote: »

blackbelt wrote: »

Cork are just as big and physical as Donegal but from the Tyrone game in 2009, they showed they can employ that game plan to suit the opposition or find ways to work around a blanket defense like against Dublin in 2010.

Cork by 1-2 points

For large parts of that game Cork had no answer to the Dublin system though, especially in the first half. It wasn't until they pumped long balls into the square that they got back into the game. They won't get the same joy when Donegal have two or three extra defenders in there. If they try to run through Donegal i'd say it will come down to the benches and attrition.

Again on Dublin, they showed last year how you beat Donegal. Do to them what they're doing to you, keep it tight and make sure in the last 15 minutes they wilt first. Cork are very capable on doing just that.

Mayo V Dublin can go either way. Either Mayo win convincingly enough or Dublin struggle through another round in a tight affair. I've given up on the idea that Dublin have been sandbagging their way through the championship but they are still a tough nut to crack. Mayo are sharp all over the field and even without Moran they can build the scores. Mayo worthy favs at this stage. Wonder will they warm up Hill 16 end this time!

I think they would warm up in front of the hill again, but there's no way the gaa will allow it, so they're going to ensure dublin are out of the dressing rooms first!

That was one of my favourite moments ever in mayo gaa, really a big f*** you to the dubs who thought they'd have it all their own way! Would be wary of dublin though in general as I'd say they are dying for payback for that day!

corny

Padkir wrote: »

I think they would warm up in front of the hill again, but there's no way the gaa will allow it, so they're going to ensure dublin are out of the dressing rooms first!

That was one of my favourite moments ever in mayo gaa, really a big f*** you to the dubs who thought they'd have it all their own way! Would be wary of dublin though in general as I'd say they are dying for payback for that day!

Lovely sentiment.

Doubt Gilroys Dublin team would get drawn into that nonsense anyway.

Padkir

corny wrote: »

Padkir wrote: »

I think they would warm up in front of the hill again, but there's no way the gaa will allow it, so they're going to ensure dublin are out of the dressing rooms first!

That was one of my favourite moments ever in mayo gaa, really a big f*** you to the dubs who thought they'd have it all their own way! Would be wary of dublin though in general as I'd say they are dying for payback for that day!

Lovely sentiment.

Doubt Gilroys Dublin team would get drawn into that nonsense anyway.

I'm sure they wouldn't. But that was a marker laid down by mayo that they weren't going to be pushed around, and dublin, and in particular caffrey, couldn't handle it and made a scene.

All the talk before the game was how mayo were too nice and would collapse again, and how dublin would throw them around and tear them apart, and I find it was a perfect way of saying, 'no, you won't have our all your own way today!' And so it turned out that way!

corny

Padkir wrote: »

I'm sure they wouldn't. But that was a marker laid down by mayo that they weren't going to be pushed around, and dublin, and in particular caffrey, couldn't handle it and made a scene.

All the talk before the game was how mayo were too nice and would collapse again, and how dublin would throw them around and tear them apart, and I find it was a perfect way of saying, 'no, you won't have our all your own way today!' And so it turned out that way!

Fair enough but they should do that when the referee blows his whistle.

BTW that Dublin were guilty of some awful ****e too. I remember cringing watching them touch each others shoulders walking towards the hill.:o

Hulk Hands

So many parallels between this Donegal Cork game and the Tyrone Cork game of 09. Tyrone back then were reigning All Ireland champions and like Donegal, seemed to have an unbeatable system. Cork tore that system apart that day.

This is a different kettle of fish from Kerry for Donegal. The are coming up against a side who they cannot overpower physically, and who can match their work rate. I think their style will suit Cork down to the ground. And while Donegal are talented (underrated talent wise imo), they probably don't quite match Cork's football ability. I think Cork by 3-4, and shall be lumping the 4/5 you'll see about them over the coming weeks

Ceist_Beag

Donegal v Cork
As a proud Donegal man I would love to see our boys go one farther than last year and there is certainly room for improvement on their performance on Sunday, particularly around the midfield area. I think if we perform like that against Cork then we will be beaten. The Cork free taking on Sunday was a class act and if they get their tails up Cork are very hard to contain. That said they haven't really had anyone put it up to them this year ... which could just mean that they are so much better than the rest that nobody can put it up to them for 70 minutes! Hopefully Donegal won't let this happen and can nick it by a point or two but if I were a betting man I would say Cork to win this by 3 or 4.

Mayo v Dublin
I fancy Mayo in this one. Dublin look quite flat this year and the one thing that has them where they are is how they dominate possession. I don't know what the stats were against Laois but Dublin just owned the ball. They won't have it half as easy against Mayo and I like the way this Mayo team go about their business - they play quite a similar style to Donegal with the backs supporting the forwards at every opportunity. Plus they have a great midfield which should win their fair share of ball, so as a unit I think they have the beating of Dublin. No doubt Moran will be a huge loss to them but I still think they have enough about them.

intellectual dosser

No one appears to mention the fact that all teams beaten this past weekend had to play every week for the last month or so. Kildare even had extra time against Limerick, I think its important to factor this into the Cork-Kildare scoreline if you're going to use it as a benchmark for Corks ability and strength, early on in the second half Kildare were never going to recover, it was just Cork shooting practise.

Despite this Cork are still the team to beat but of the three remaining teams I think Donegal are the ones who can. Their number one quality is grit. They will be fearless even if the opening stages dont go their way. No Donegal team in my own memory has shown the unity and focus as this team. It should be a great occasion and I cant wait. Donegal Abu!

To throw two cents into the other game. I dont think either team have been challenged this year - maybe Dublin have more of themselves to find. Mayo in particular will probably be concerned at the quality of opposition they've had to test themselves this year. Both Down and Sligo are capable of good things on their day, both those days werent when they faced Mayo. It could go either way - but Dublin have to be favorites.

blackbelt

intellectual dosser wrote: »

To throw two cents into the other game. I dont think either team have been challenged this year - maybe Dublin have more of themselves to find. Mayo in particular will probably be concerned at the quality of opposition they've had to test themselves this year. Both Down and Sligo are capable of good things on their day, both those days werent when they faced Mayo. It could go either way - but Dublin have to be favorites.

I don't know, I can see the Dublin-Mayo game going to extra time/replay.If Brogan is unavailable, he is not out of the woods, Barry Cahill will need to be drafted in.Keep Kev Mc in reserve and Ger Brennan for the backs in reserve.Leave Connolly as full forward with Bernard and O Gara and you have a changed outfit for the Mayo game.

Fr Tod Umptious

Always_Running wrote: »

Dublin have been in 2nd gear in most of their games so far i expect another narrow in the semi. Cork v Donegal is harder to call i think that win over Kerry will have all the Donegal players believing they can repeat 1992.

I'm not convinced about this 2nd gear crack.

Maybe they are in their top gear and just do not have the fitness or desire they had last year.

They have played four games now and on three occasions they have really failed to impress.

What is holding them back ?,

Padkir wrote: »

I think they would warm up in front of the hill again, but there's no way the gaa will allow it, so they're going to ensure dublin are out of the dressing rooms first!

That was one of my favourite moments ever in mayo gaa, really a big f*** you to the dubs who thought they'd have it all their own way! Would be wary of dublin though in general as I'd say they are dying for payback for that day!

That can't happen any more as since that incident they decided to allocate warm up ends to each team prior to the game.

Still though it just added to the electricity that day, it was by far the best sporting occasion I was every lucky to be at.

paulmcn888

Hey guys,

Just set up a new Irish sports site with a few mates. Here's what we reckon on the semi-finals... would love to know what ye reckon?
http://grannykiller.com/2012/08/07/the-fantastic-four/
Cheers, Paul

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Cork vs Donegal: I think Donegal will win this, and more comfortably than against Kerry. Everyone seems to think that Cork have the players to get through the Donegal defence, but I don't see it. I think Cork will struggle to get scores on the board, and Donegal have the system to beat Cork. We saw last year with Mayo, when they contained Cork in the second half, Cork had no answers, and I think something similar will happen this time around also. If I'm right or wrong it should be a cracking match either way, and no more than a few scores in it. Really hope I'll be able to make it. I think it's Donegal's year, and I expect them to left Sam come September, only time will tell I suppose.

Mayo vs Dublin: I find this much harder to call. Dublin haven't been great all year, in fact they've been quite average, but playing in Croker, with the full support of the Hill, and 2006 fresh in the memory, anything could happen. All the signs point to a Mayo win, but again, I don't see it. I think Dublin will finally come good. If they are to win, they need both Brogan's on top form, and also someone to prevent Mayo dominating the high ball. I don't think the midf will be as much of an issue as some people think, we all know Cluxton will pick a pass from the kick-out 6/7 times out of 10, but preventing Mayo winning clean ball all the other times is key. Dublin need to crowd the middle for Mayo kick-outs, and keeping O' Connor and Dillon in check will be the deciding factor, Moran is a massive loss. Another cracking game in store, delighted I'll be going to it. Dublin to win by a few.

Sunnyisland

On this year's form Dublin certainly are the 4th best side left. Since the wexford game we have all been waiting on dublin's backlash but there hasn't really been one,Dublin need to play with that raw intensity and total focus from here on in,Personally if the right dublin team turn up it could catch Mayo out but Dublin better not underestimate them though.


On the Cork/Donegal match I am sticking with Cork for this year,They looked very impressive against Kildare.

Fr Tod Umptious

realies wrote: »

On this year's form Dublin certainly are the 4th best side left. Since the wexford game we have all been waiting on dublin's backlash but there hasn't really been one,Dublin need to play with that raw intensity and total focus from here on in,Personally if the right dublin team turn up it could catch Mayo out but Dublin better not underestimate them though.


On the Cork/Donegal match I am sticking with Cork for this year,They looked very impressive against Kildare.

But can they play with 'that raw intensity and total focus from here on in' ?

Has winning the All Ireland for the first time in 16 years taken away that raw intensity and total focus, which is not unexpected.

Kerry fan Keane2097 questioned Dublin's mentality on another thread months ago, the very same questions can be asked of them today.

Keane2097 wrote:

As for the idea that Pat Gilroy has some magic wand he's going to wave to get Dublin back up to last year's levels come championship time I think people are fooling themselves. He clearly hasn't been able to get the players to buy into what he's saying this year to the same levels he did last year as is evidenced by the fact that he's said the same things after all of their losses, i.e. application and discipline were poor. Players who are listening to what the manager is saying don't end the league making the same mistakes they were making at the start of the league.

The Brogans will obviously help, but they won't be able to carry the workmanlike majority of the rest of the players to a second AI if the intensity isn't up to where it was last year when they just about made it over the line when most people would agree a lot of things went their way.

Fritzl Funderland

is it true theirs never been a Cork Dublin final?