blanch152 wrote: » I always think it is a mistake to disregard the league. In the forty years after 1960, there were only 8 League/All-Ireland doubles, only 16 in the entire 20th century. However, in the 17 years of the 21st century, there have already been 7, with Dublin, Kerry, Cork and Tyrone, all completing one. That suggests there is an increasing correlation between league performance and All-Ireland success.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Double_(Gaelic_games)
charlie14 wrote: » It didn`t work to well for last years winners. Some counties may have looked at the possibility of a league and championship double this year, but I very much doubt Mayo and Galway were among them. Dublin maybe with them having such a large squad. But that is not a luxury of riches many, if any, other Div1 team has. With the introduction of the Super 8`s, other than keeping their Div 1 status, I can see reaching a league final becoming increasingly irrelevant for most teams. Height of Summer, dry pitches, extra games at championship intensity and large crowds are what players and supporters want to be involved in.
blanch152 wrote: » It is easy to say that counties aren't interested in a League/Championship double, but it would take another decade before we know as no winners in that time will see the winning rate revert to the norm. Also, it is not so much whether they are interested, but whether they should be interested. Winning tight games, even drawing and maintaining an unbeaten run brings confidence, so winning the league certainly won't harm a championship campaign, but losing to all your main rivals will only introduce/increase doubts.
charlie14 wrote: I can see where playing in a league final may have importance for Dublin in that it is an extra game at a level nearer championship than they will not experience in the Leinster championship. But many, especially those not blessed with the pick Dublin have, will most likely look on it as a distraction with the short run in to their own championship games. I would doubt many managers given the choice of playing in a league final as opposed to playing in the Super 8`s would opt for the league final. End of year, supporters judge management on the championship.
Stoner wrote: » That's a fair point. Some of the finals have been very good.The one last year I'm sure was enjoyed by the neutrals sure as yourself Charlie! Joking aside it is a tough game and it was very valuable for both Dublin and Kerry last year for different reasons. That said Dublin have introduced nobody this year. Howard played championship last year. Many of the guys who played the last day were around in 2011 and more accurately 2013 a point made by others here.
km79 wrote: » Higgins not in hurling squad Hopefully his sabbatical is now over
km79 wrote: Higgins not in hurling squad Hopefully his sabbatical is now over
glack wrote: » I’d say they’ll want him for the league final.
charlie14 wrote: » Galway at this stage are safe for Div 1 for next year and are in bonus territory. Other than looking to put in a respectable performance against the Dubs, I would see them not bothered about making a Div 1 final. In fact I could see them doing their best to avoid it, just using the rest of the league to give a run to their panel while their real focus will be tuning up for the championship. Their supporters, same as Mayo supporters, come years end could not give a toss about the league other that maintaining Div 1 status.
Audioslaven wrote: » I don't get your logic around Galway. I think walsh will like to continue winning and if this gets them to a final he will be delighted. I think Walsh and his team will not just want to put in a respectable performance against Dublin but have a real go at beating them. i hear they feel a bit left out since the hurlers are getting all the limelight. This is what will make it really interesting from a Mayo point of view to see how they fair against a well oiled machine. The only fear I have for Galway is that this system they have, if they fall behind and start to open up they could get a bit of a drilling. I am not sure they can play any other way or have a plan b if this is not working, so interesting times ahead.
seligehgit wrote: » Delighted for Adam Gallagher,great show today.
naughto wrote: » Any one think Galway will do a Roscommon on it they are peaking now for the league and will be found flat in the championship?
yop wrote: » Don't think so. Young squad and experience through it. Galway at the top team in Connacht at the moment and into a league final where they will go to win. Mayo will be doing very well to beat them next May and I expect Galway to be in the AI semis this year.
yop wrote: » Galway at the top team in Connacht at the moment.