Powerhouse wrote: » I realise the nature of the role he was playing, but the way I see it "recycling possession" is really just charmschool-speak for punching the ball to an unmarked colleague five or fifteen yards away. The only reason I took issue with the praise he was getting is that the possessions he was praised for were an inevitable function of the role. Of course he was going to get more possessions than Bernard Brigan or Jonny Cooper because he was the go-to man and everyone was passing through him. To praise him for the number of possessions is like praising the goalkeeper for the number of times he kicks out the ball. Similarly praising him for not losing possession fails to take into account that he was playing zero-risk football almost all the time. Many times he could hardly have given away possession as there was no Donegal player challenging. Many times he has so much time that he had the football in one hand and was directing colleagues with the other. Not saying that doesn't require having your wits about you but let's acknowledge the inevitability of possessions and accurate passes in this context. I think it is way over the top that he is singled out by someone for his performance and think that is a triumph of statistical thinking over creativity. I'm not saying he didn't do the appointed job well enough but praising him for getting on the ball a lot and not losing possession with his passes is like praising the postman for posting letters. Any player playing that role would rack up largely similar statistics because of its nature. I'd be more inclined to praise McManamam for breaking the line regularly with his runs (which runs genuine risk of dispossession) or Duarmuid Connolly's long-range points. Sorry for the long reply but I am trying to get across that I am not saying he played badly but that I see his performance in a certain context where a high level of possessions and pass accuracy were inevitable given his role. I am not saying that his performance did not require discipline and patience. But those characteristics are not what he was being praised for in the post to which I initially replied.
Ted111 wrote: » Apparently Eoghan O'Gara has spent the last two years in the mountains of tibet. Learning from a Martial Arts Guru who has thought him the mystic 427 Pressure Points in the human body to cause instant death. But with Neil McGee miraculously surviving the touch of death on saturday Eoghan is looking for his money back.
Powerhouse wrote: » I think it's a little more complex than that. Donegal would be disappointed not to get some credit for Connolly's dismissal too as they constantly goaded him and wrestled him to try to get him on a card and then tried to start a row when he tackled the other player later to make sure the referee would take action. And if you believe Connolly has "only himself to blame" then surely the same applies to O'Gara? Remember that "attempting to strike" never mind actually striking is a red card so technically the perceived power of the strike is irrelevant.
blue4ever wrote: » The sooner it's realised that O'Gara is a liability the better. In his return game he was carded in 30 seconds. Galvin took the unprecedented step of going on to the pitch and speaking to him on that occasion. As I'm at it - I don't know what to make of Connelly. A truly gifted player and a anchor man of the strategy. BUT another liability - there's a risk/reward there that of late tilts towards risk.
blue4ever wrote: » Galvin took the unprecedented step of going on to the pitch and speaking to him on that occasion.
Ted111 wrote: » blue4ever wrote: » Galvin took the unprecedented step of going on to the pitch and speaking to him on that occasion. I don't think skinny jeans is in a position to lecture anyone on discipline. Nor should be encroaching on the pitch in dublin matches.
Slattsy wrote: » Ted seems bitter. Someone give Ted a hug.
Bonniedog wrote: » There is one incident just before Connolly was sent off, that deserves to be frozen in time. Let's be honest, if you did that sort of sh1te when you were playing for Kerry, Rossies, Cork, Dubs, Meath, Offaly, Galway back in the day you would be a laughing stock. In fact you would never be picked to play again.
blue4ever wrote: » Galvin played in a completely different eara of football. And No, he shouldn't be on the pitch - but he was and took that step possibly to calm OG - he obviously understands what a livewire he is. I note that many papers today mention Dublin's discipline - it's probably unwarranted and I'd have to watch it again on the player to see the incidents. But it only flags this to Refs and makes us vulnerable to soft cards. And... I though David Gough took charge of the Mayo Tyrone game really well - he needed to act quick - what he didn't take as any backchat and handed out a few cards and extra yards for that. I hope he's in the mix for a bigger game this year.
gormdubhgorm wrote: » As far as I could from where I was Connolly did very little to get the second yellow and was clearly goaded into it by the Donegal fella who went down with an oscar level of performance. Other teams will always target three Dublin players: Connolly EOG Philly At least Connolly was not unprovoked and the anger management courses have obviously helped:http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0129/500958-diarmuid-connolly-anthony-kelly/
Ted111 wrote: » blue4ever wrote: » Galvin played in a completely different eara of football. And No, he shouldn't be on the pitch - but he was and took that step possibly to calm OG - he obviously understands what a livewire he is. I note that many papers today mention Dublin's discipline - it's probably unwarranted and I'd have to watch it again on the player to see the incidents. But it only flags this to Refs and makes us vulnerable to soft cards. And... I though David Gough took charge of the Mayo Tyrone game really well - he needed to act quick - what he didn't take as any backchat and handed out a few cards and extra yards for that. I hope he's in the mix for a bigger game this year. The manager of your county team is Jim Gavin. Paul skinny jeans Galvin is a kerry footballer who has played in the present era. My response to you was just a light hearted joke but maybe you and slattsy are a bit hung over this morning. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.
corny wrote: » Anyone notice the parallels with the first Mayo game (first big game in the championship. Sorry Fermanagh) last year? Discipline not great. Lots of off the ball stuff. I'd say the team chats are going overboard trying to prevent complacency. Lads are hyped to bits.
[Deleted User] wrote: » You only have to rub his hair to get this type of response from a few weeks ago. Unfortunately for him Kerry will be doing more than rub his hair so Gavin might need to book some more therapy sessions:D
gladrags wrote: » Besides,if Kerry persisted with such a ridiculous tactic,it would be more of a reflection on Kerry's inability to take on Dublin as a team. But I know Kerry are much better than that.
[Deleted User] wrote: » The last few years have shown there not capable, can't see them improving this year. Dublin will be clear favourites for the game and All-Ireland.
gladrags wrote: » The fact that they are favourites means little.Kerry are clearly capable of beating any team,on the day. Were you get the idea that Kerry are incapable,beats me.
ProudDUB wrote: » Well, they have not beaten Dublin in the championship since 2009. .
