Donegal v Mayo: Who will you be going for and why?(Neutrals)

The_Kew_Tour

With Sundays game getting nearer by the second and for first time for me I will find it hard to go for one team over the other.

Both counties have had little success of the past number of years and this brings about change in that normally at least one team would be favoured over the other.

So as neutral who do you want to see win and why?

Being from Cork I will be going for Mayo. Nothing against Donegal, but the fact that Mayo have had such heartache over past few years I would be more inclined to see them win it. If Donegal win I wont begrudge them and its final I will enjoy no matter who wins, but only just slightly prefer to see Mayo win it.

vicwatson

Mayo, as they knocked out Dublin, oh and I deplore Ulster football and the horrible way they play the game.

TouchingVirus

Mayo

Dub here, but I'll be cheering on Donegal. For a team that played such negative football last year to turn it around and play some of the most physical, exciting football from any county this year is a change worth rewarding. I don't think Mayo have an AI in them this year but maybe next year.

In any case it should be a cracking game, I'll be glued to the TV for it, lamenting the chance we had to be there ourselves.

Skid

Mayo have suffered long enough, it would be great to see them overcome their agonising run of All Ireland Final defeats.

Although I think Donegal will win.

wow sierra

Mayo - because they have been there so often and haven't won. After all the heartache deserves a good day. And because they knocked out Dublin with a great performance

To be honest it's the first final I can remember that has me so torn as to who I want to win. Donegal have played such fabulous football this year that they deserve an All Ireland. And they got criticised too harshly last year by some of the media.

As a Rossie I suppose I am not quite neutral as will be supporting the west - if they weren't neighbours I would be supporting Donegal despite all Mayo's previous heartache.

Hammer Archer

Mayo

I've just about slid off the fence in favour of Donegal. I just think they've been the more impressive side throughout the championship and have beaten the All Ireland champions of 2003 - 2010. Also, their football was an absolute joy to watch against Cork for the whole game.
Having said that, thanks to the Land Commission, my grandparents and most of my extended family hail from Mayo so it would be fabulous to see them win also.

blowitupref

Mayo

Over the last two years under Jim McGuinness Donegal have put in huge effort they came through the preliminary stage in Ulster twice were unlucky not to reach the All Ireland final last year Lacey going off injury cost them more than negative tactics IMO and for pure effort,commitment to the cause i hope Donegal win. Mayo are a young team with a good manager and will get another chance if they lose on Sunday i'm not so sure about Donegal.

Always_Running

Mayo

Hardest route to the final and have been the most impressive Donegal for me.

buckwheat

Donegal. Too much moaning, ref blaming and general self pity from Mayo since 1996

nedsgarden

Mayo

Donegal for me - to come back after the slaggin they took last year and possibly win an AI would be great for them, shows real grit.

Nothin against Mayo - they are a very deserving team as well.

Tom Joad

Mayo

Donegal because they have been best team in Championship this year and they are an Ulster team.

But would still be delighted to see Mayo win given that its been so long..

corny

I don't want Donegal to win. I know the consensus is they're a more entertaining team this year but frankly i don't see it. Far more effective definitely but they still pull 13 men behind the ball for two thirds of the game (against Cork and Kerry they did anyway). That was unforgivable last year but now it seems ok.

As much as one can enjoy their team losing i enjoyed the Mayo performance against Dublin. Good all over the park i hope they don't get sucked into Donegals game.

Dangerous Man

As a Dub I'd like to see Mayo win. They're a good team and have endured way too much heartbreak down the years. I don't want them to win because they beat this team or that team. That's pathetic.

RoscommonTom

It has to be mayo for me. They've been close to the top for years, in division 1 for as long as I can remember and play lovely football. The arogance of the donegals is annoying as hello this year, and dont get me started about the puked football

AngeGal

Mayo, they're my neighbours and think Donegal are the more likely to win one in the coming years if they lose Sunday than vice versa.

999/112

Maigh Eo Abu!:D

Deskjockey

Being from Waterford it has to be Mayo. The poor long suffering hoors. Donegal have at least won one in living memory.

JoeGil

Mayo

Mayo usually have one big flop in a season no matter what other heroics they have performed in earlier games. Unfortunately for Mayo I think this year's flop will be on Sunday and Donegal will come through.

Hammer Archer

Mayo

RoscommonTom wrote: »

and dont get me started about the puked football

Oh for Christ's sake. Try watching a few games for once.

castletownman

Donegal. If only because I stand to win 90 euro if they win. Every penny is worth something in recessionary times!

DDC1990

Mayo.

61 years.

Kerry have beaten them so many times, we feel partly responsible :P

Great fans, very humble. Low key build up to the final, going about their business.

Nicer style of football IMO, though both rely on their defensive structure.

Been up in Mayo quite a bit in the last 2-3 year, and grown to like the place.

14 Finals since 71. 1 Won (2001 League vs Galway) 1 Drawn (vs Meath 1996) 12 Losses.

A look through Mayo's recent history makes for depressing reading. There was a Documentary on Radio 1 a few weeks ago, with John O'Mahoney. Was the most depressing thing I'd heard in a long time. Talking about losing match after match, and also about losing some promising players to accidents.

Also know a good few Donegal people. 90% of them are grand, and have been football supporters all their lives. the other 10 really have got on my tits the last few months. They wouldn't go see a local game if it was on in their yard. they didn't go to one college match. They had no interest in football at all. Until Jimmy started winning matches, and now they start making arrogent posts about Mayo not having a chance, and how great it will be to wipe the smug smile off Enda's face when he has to give the Cup to Donegal. Some of those people need a loss in an All Ireland Final to bring them down to earth.

I know the last bit comes across as petty, but little things like that tend to piss me off.

In reality, it will be a fantastic occasion, and it will be unreal for whoever wins. I'll be delighted for the 90% of my friends who have watched Donegal lose for the last 19 years, and supported them all the way, if Donegal win. Likewise, I'll be delighted for all those I know in Mayo if they pull it off. Its a win win All Ireland for many neutrals. It will be the same for many people my age. Neither of them can remember Sam being brought back to their county. Its an unforgettable feeling, so soak it up no matte what side you are on.

Always_Running

Mayo

corny wrote: »

I don't want Donegal to win. I know the consensus is they're a more entertaining team this year but frankly i don't see it. Far more effective definitely but they still pull 13 men behind the ball for two thirds of the game (against Cork and Kerry they did anyway). That was unforgivable last year but now it seems ok.

As much as one can enjoy their team losing i enjoyed the Mayo performance against Dublin. Good all over the park i hope they don't get sucked into Donegals game.

In the last 20 minutes Mayo put as many men behind the ball to stop Dublin's momentum did you enjoy that?

Gone is the 15 v 15 in proper positions teams do what it takes to win and in fairness even Dublin did it last year.

ColeTrain

Always_Running wrote: »

In the last 20 minutes Mayo put as many men behind the ball to stop Dublin's momentum did you enjoy that?

Gone is the 15 v 15 in proper positions teams do what it takes to win and in fairness even Dublin did it last year.

That picture was taken in the last few seconds of the game, three points in it with Stephen Cluxton lobbing the ball into the Mayo square. What did you expect? Mayo to have pushed up? There is no offside in Gaelic.

A bit of context wouldn't go amiss if you're going to use pictures!

Always_Running

Mayo

ColeTrain wrote: »

That picture was taken in the last few seconds of the game, three points in it with Stephen Cluxton lobbing the ball into the Mayo square. What did you expect? Mayo to have pushed up? There is no offside in Gaelic.

A bit of context wouldn't go amiss if you're going to use pictures!

Yes the picture is from the final few moments showing bodies put on the line.


My point was when Mayo backs were against the wall they played with numbers back with a few "sweepers" and fouled when needed it wasn't pretty but effective. From what i seen this year the tactics of the finalist isn't much different however for me Donegal have been more impressive vs better opposition.

wow sierra

Always_Running wrote: »

In the last 20 minutes Mayo put as many men behind the ball to stop Dublin's momentum did you enjoy that?

Gone is the 15 v 15 in proper positions teams do what it takes to win and in fairness even Dublin did it last year.

It is a brilliant picture - really glad you posted it. What I want to know is where are the other 2 Mayo players - why aren't they helping out

corny

Always_Running wrote: »

In the last 20 minutes Mayo put as many men behind the ball to stop Dublin's momentum did you enjoy that?

Gone is the 15 v 15 in proper positions teams do what it takes to win and in fairness even Dublin did it last year.

Thats a rhetorical question i'm sure but no i didn't. Its not true eanyway. Mayo couldn't keep up the work rate to get significant numbers behind the ball, thats why they were slaughtered in the last 15.

Always_Running wrote: »

Yes the picture is from the final few moments showing bodies put on the line.


My point was when Mayo backs were against the wall they played with numbers back with a few "sweepers" and fouled when needed it wasn't pretty but effective. From what i seen this year the tactics of the finalist isn't much different however for me Donegal have been more impressive vs better opposition.

No way is any of that true. BB got free one on one with the keeper ffs. Where were the extra "sweepers"? Against Donegal the entire half forward line would have been marking him!

I don't agree that their styles are similar either.

In attack Mayo play 'nice', orthodox football; easy on the eye. Donegal hand pass the ball endlessly looking to overload defences by counter attacking. They do it very well in fairness and their forwards are very capable.

In defence Donegal fill the space inside the 40 and attack the ball when it comes close. They employ more men doing that than any other team in the country. Mayo, Dublin and Kerry don't even come close to replicating the pressure they put on the ball. Mayo mainly rely on their good man markers (Cafferkey, Higgins etc) winning their personal duels. Cafferkey didn't need the help of a Mark McHugh to make BB a non entity for most of the game.

Taceom

I'm so neutral now I don't want either of them to lose. Yesterday I was a bit annoyed that Donegal had put an extra 5euro on ticket prices and I said Mayo deserved to win for that. I think Jim McGuinness is very good looking so maybe Sam Maguire should go to Donegal. But we were on holidays in Mayo this summer and it was lovely to see the excitement and build up, and flags everywhere so maybe Mayo should win. I hope it will be a good clean game, and may the best team on the day win.

NIMAN

vicwatson wrote: »

Mayo, as they knocked out Dublin, oh and I deplore Ulster football and the horrible way they play the game.

Have you watched Donegal this year at all?

And perhaps another Dub who conveniently forgets how they also packed the defence last year in the semi, yet Donegal took all the criticism from that game.

iDave

Mayo

Donegal all the way, was very impressed by their intensity against Cork
Also Mayo are the biggest bunch of whingers you'll ever meet. From a Meath perspective the wins over them in 96, 09 and this years minor were all followed by none stop complaining about the ref, style of play etc. Cant seem to take their defeats with grace

ManFromAtlantis

so i reckon since 1989, this will be Mayo's 20th (yes 20th :eek:) Final in Senior/ Minor/ U21 & incl a couple of replays.

record of wins: = 1 (u21 06)

if mayo win, croke park will shake and the world will end. There won't be a pliates class attended for week.

oh, mayo for the win.

Jaysoose

Mayo

vicwatson wrote: »

Mayo, as they knocked out Dublin, oh and I deplore Ulster football and the horrible way they play the game.

Are ulster a team?

Care to elaborate county by county on each of their own individual styles of football or are you happy to generalize without providing anything to back your nonsense up?

Feel free to quote pat spillane.

Mountjoy Mugger

What's with all the thread spoiling, lads? There's enough fuppin' threads with all that ****e going on in.

Robxxx7

Cheering on Mayo as some family members were part of the last All Ireland winning team

aidan24326

I think Mayo will win on Sunday.

- People are saying Donegal have been impressive, and I'd agree with that, but so have Mayo. For 50-55 minutes against Dublin they were superb.

- James Horan seems to have ironed out a few of the creases that had bedevilled Mayo football teams for years. Most notably their shooting. They're scoring heavily now and kicking points from distance, from all angles.

- This is the first time Donegal will meet a team who can beat them at their own game, who have the same ability to close down the opposition, the same ability to hoover up possession in the middle third, the same ability to drive forward from the half back line and always have men pouring forward when in possession, flooding back when they don't.

- It will be close but I really think this will finally be Mayo's day. My heart says Mayo and my head just about says Mayo, but I wouldn't begrudge Donegal either. It's great to have new teams in the final. Hard to call this one.

Rasheed

Mayo

Heart says Mayo, but head says Donegal.

Both deserves it, it will be a cracking game. Mayo, IMO, play better quality football but can lose the head a bit. Donegal are more dependable and solid, I think.

It's the first all Ireland in a good few years that I'm really looking forward to, I'd say the atmosphere will be unreal!

Brain Stroking

iDave wrote: »

Donegal all the way, was very impressed by their intensity against Cork
Also Mayo are the biggest bunch of whingers you'll ever meet. From a Meath perspective the wins over them in 96, 09 and this years minor were all followed by none stop complaining about the ref, style of play etc. Cant seem to take their defeats with grace

Actually you're on to something. All Meath's wins over Mayo are aided by crazy refereeing. Well pointed out

blowitupref

Mayo

corny wrote: »

No way is any of that true. BB got free one on one with the keeper ffs. Where were the extra "sweepers"? Against Donegal the entire half forward line would have been marking him!

Donegal of last year maybe. This year Cork,Kerry goals v Donegal came from high balls into full back line. They changed their style this year making themselves more open at the back however both teams strengths is in defence and this final could be lowing scoring scrappy affair.

As neutral i hope Maurice Deegan allows the game to flow and we are not talking about him after the game.

iDave

Mayo

Brain Stroking wrote: »

Actually you're on to something. All Meath's wins over Mayo are aided by crazy refereeing. Well pointed out

Point proven

rpurfield

Rasheed wrote: »

Heart says Mayo, but head says Donegal.

Both deserves it, it will be a cracking game. Mayo, IMO, play better quality football but can lose the head a bit. Donegal are more dependable and solid, I think.

It's the first all Ireland in a good few years that I'm really looking forward to, I'd say the atmosphere will be unreal!

me too i have to say.id love to see mayo bridge that gap though

DDC1990

blowitupref wrote: »

Donegal of last year maybe. This year Cork,Kerry goals v Donegal came from high balls into full back line. They changed their style this year making themselves more open at the back however both teams strengths is in defence and this final could be lowing scoring scrappy affair.

As neutral i hope Maurice Deegan allows the game to flow and we are not talking about him after the game.

To be honest I hope Deegan blow for frees when they happen.

All this about "letting the game flow" suits the more physical team in the tackle, as the referee lets them away with what other referee's term fouls.

Donegal will win in a landslide, if Deegan takes a Laissez Faire attitute to this game.

Also, by letting the game flow, referee's end up being inconsistant often, by letting some instances of fouls go, while whistling for it other times, which I find more fustrating the seeing a lot of fouls.

Hope he uses his cards early as a warning against persistant fouling, which in itself will free the game up.

c_man

I'll be shouting for (albeit quietly!), and expect, Mayo to win.

Really looking forward to it.

Brain Stroking

iDave wrote: »

Point proven

Whose point? Back to your cave Meathman, football has moved on

kieranward

Mayo

Hi all!

I don't know if this is the right thread to post this post on but I'll post it anyway! I live in Belfast and my daughter is looking for a Donegal shirt but is unable to get one both locally and online. Does anyone know anywhere near Belfast where a Donegal shirt could be purchased?

kieranward (kieranward@hotmail.com)

Donnielighto

Mayo, I don't like Donegals style of play at all. Also Donegal fans I know are awful arrogant about it.

Donnielighto

Jaysoose wrote: »

vicwatson wrote: »

Mayo, as they knocked out Dublin, oh and I deplore Ulster football and the horrible way they play the game.

Are ulster a team?

Care to elaborate county by county on each of their own individual styles of football or are you happy to generalize without providing anything to back your nonsense up?

Feel free to quote pat spillane.

Just a thought but it is probably the defensive physical style that Armagh, Tyrone, Donegal and Kieran McGeeneys kildare use that substitutes skill for fitness.

blowitupref

Mayo

DDC1990 wrote: »

To be honest I hope Deegan blow for frees when they happen.

All this about "letting the game flow" suits the more physical team in the tackle, as the referee lets them away with what other referee's term fouls.

Donegal will win in a landslide, if Deegan takes a Laissez Faire attitute to this game.

Also, by letting the game flow, referee's end up being inconsistant often, by letting some instances of fouls go, while whistling for it other times, which I find more fustrating the seeing a lot of fouls.

Hope he uses his cards early as a warning against persistant fouling, which in itself will free the game up.

This is the most physical Mayo team i've seen for years and probably the most physical team Donegal have met so far this year. If Deegan starts booking players early i expect a few will get sent off and the game could then turn into a dogfight something no neutral will want to see.

DDC1990

blowitupref wrote: »

This is the most physical Mayo team i've seen for years and probably the most physical team Donegal have met so far this year. If Deegan starts booking players early i expect a few will get sent off and the game could then turn into a dogfight something no neutral will want to see.

If players get sent off for committing 4-5 fouls then I don't imagine anyone would complain.

This persistant fouling is a scourge on the game.

As a neutral, I'd prefer players to be sent off, then to see persistant fouling like we've seen in both Semi-finals.

If it takes a player to be sent off, for players to play the game right then so be it.

Donnielighto

DDC1990 wrote: »

blowitupref wrote: »

This is the most physical Mayo team i've seen for years and probably the most physical team Donegal have met so far this year. If Deegan starts booking players early i expect a few will get sent off and the game could then turn into a dogfight something no neutral will want to see.

If players get sent off for committing 4-5 fouls then I don't imagine anyone would complain.

This persistant fouling is a scourge on the game.

As a neutral, I'd prefer players to be sent off, then to see persistant fouling like we've seen in both Semi-finals.

If it takes a player to be sent off, for players to play the game right then so be it.

Proper order

Kerrydude1981

Im finding it hard to decide which team to support on Sunday,Mayo deserve an All Ireland to get rid of the pain of the losses in the past finals they have got to,Donegal deserve to win because they have played some great stuff this year,they have raised the bar re fitness and team work.

I wouldn't begrudge either team taking home Sam Maguire

Best of luck to both counties

Treble20

Mayo

This is a unique final for the neutral in many ways as which ever team wins any neutral supporter will be happy for them but personally I'll be rooting for Donegal after backing them @ 6/1 before the All Ireland quarter finals to win Sam.

grimbergen

Mayo for me. No all-ireland since the 1950s so their need is greater. I've a feeling if Donegal do't win this one they won't win any as their level of effort will be impossible to sustain.