Dublin GAA Discussion Thread MOD WARNING POST #2944

ProudDUB · 19-12-2015 09:29PM

Given the "brand" that Dublin is now - well, it is according to the culchies anyway :rolleyes: - maybe we could find some Chinese company to come on board as one of our sponsors next year? Then we can have a Chinese New Year calendar with all 15 players on it. Maybe an ancient Chinese herbal medicine for.... male pattern baldness, or sumfink like that?

Read an interview with Berno yesterday. Said he thought Alan would have stayed on, if Jim Gavin gave him the ok to take winter training and the league off & come back for the Leinster champo. I was surprised at that. I thought Gavin already did that, not just for Alan Brogan, but for all the senior, older and/or injured players. I can totally understand why Alan decided to walk away. It's a very big commitment to make, if you are going to be coming off the bench, but I think he'll be a big loss next year. He just has that intangible X factor, that very few players have.

corny · 20-12-2015 09:12PM

Nah I'm glad he's leaving.:eek: Ok not glad. I just don't see it as a huge negative or loss. Couple of reasons.

1. Dublin have options up front and i'm a big believer in asking younger lads to write their own bit of history.

2. Time eventually catches up with people and most players don't see it coming. Who's to say that after a game or two next year management might have made the decision for him. He certainly couldn't have finished his IC career on a higher note.

ProudDUB · 21-12-2015 02:50AM

Given the form he was in last years, I could definitely see him being in the mix again next year. If he is fit, why would mgt suddenly drop him?

I definitely see the merit of giving some of the newer lads games time, especially in the white hot heat of the championship. We are heading into Jim Gavins's 4th year in charge. Other than Brian Fenton, don't we head into 2016 with pretty much the same 20 odd players starting and coming off the bench, that we did back in his first year in charge?

We deffo need to get some more fresh blood coming through, but a thoroughbred like Alan Brogan doesn't come along very often. He is great asset to have coming off the bench. Given how important that bench has been for us over the years, I'm just sorry to see it get further depleted, as Dennis Bastick's departure is probably next.

Bonniedog · 21-12-2015 12:34PM

Gavin has used the O'Byrne Cup and league, and indeed the participation of fellas like Fenton and others in O'Byrne and Sigerson for their colleges, brilliantly.

He starts with a big pool of possibles and by the latter stages of the league has a battle ready, tested and honed panel for the Championship. It is true that Fenton was the only 'find' last year, but what a find he was! In any event Gavin had his eye on him from 21s and there are others coming along as well.

It also keeps the level of competition for places high. Like the Cats in hurling a lot of the real stuff happens in training matches.

I was not confident in 2012 that they would retain the AI. I am reasonably confident about 2016.

Paulzx · 21-12-2015 02:12PM

Bonniedog wrote: »

I was not confident in 2012 that they would retain the AI. I am reasonably confident about 2016.

I don't know. It's such a difficult thing to do and it's not as if there's much distance from the chasing pack.

I think it would be great to have a couple of new players in the squad who have not won an All Ireland. I think the hunger of a player without a coveted all Ireland chasing a place on the team definitely drives everyone on. The existing players have the quality and someone trying to rob their place is extra motivation.

The league will be interesting to see has Gavin found anyone he likes

ProudDUB · 21-12-2015 03:11PM

Bonniedog wrote: »

Gavin has used the O'Byrne Cup and league, and indeed the participation of fellas like Fenton and others in O'Byrne and Sigerson for their colleges, brilliantly.

He starts with a big pool of possibles and by the latter stages of the league has a battle ready, tested and honed panel for the Championship. It is true that Fenton was the only 'find' last year, but what a find he was! In any event Gavin had his eye on him from 21s and there are others coming along as well.

It also keeps the level of competition for places high. Like the Cats in hurling a lot of the real stuff happens in training matches.

I was not confident in 2012 that they would retain the AI. I am reasonably confident about 2016.

I know there is a lot of talk about competition for places being fierce, but is it really, compared to other years? By the time the 2013 champo rolled around, Paul Mannion, Jack McCaffrey, Kevin O'Brien, Johnny Cooper, Paddy Andrews & Deano had all either nailed down a starting jersery, or were one of the first to be called up when Gavin went to the bench. None of them featured in Gilroys squads the year before, but they played a massive role in 2013. I think that massive injection of fresh blood, played a big role in our success that year. It didn't happen again in 2014 or 2015, other than Fenton.

That is fair enough to a point. A new manager will be a fresh start in his first year in charge, more than he probably will be in his 2nd or 3rd. But you'd still like to see on going development of the newer lads. In the 2014/15 campaigns, there were established players who were clearly under performing, yet they never seemed remotely close to ever losing their jersey to one of the newer lads. Some of them are going to go down in the history books as all time Dublin greats, so you'd have to think long and hard about dropping them. Often, their operating at 75% capacity, is far better than someone else at 100% capacity. But still, whatever way you spin it, we need more fresh blood coming through & I'd really like to see the like of Costello and McHugh etc etc get more game time next year. We're probably not going to be needing them massively in 2016, but its only a matter of time before we do.

Bonniedog · 21-12-2015 03:38PM

I'd say McHugh will get a good bit of game time in O'Byrne and league. And of course O'Gara is back! He has same ability as Donaghy to cause havoc around the square, and they missed that a bit when he wasn't around. Hopefully Michael Darragh will be occupied with Boden until March so will be interesting to see if he introduces a new face at midfield in the early part of the year.

DoctaDee · 21-12-2015 04:02PM

It's a bit of a bind changing for changing sake .. but I do agree that the 2012 attitude could still be something that lingers around the team with all the best intentions of ensuring that it doesn't. It's hard to see where the new faces will squeeze into the championship team - certainly the back 6 barring injury or complete loss of form will remain quite stable I'd say. Strangely the one area that we don't envisage changing but maybe forced to do do is in goals - I don't think anyone involved knows Cluxtons full intention but suffice to say that it wouldn't come as a huge surprise if he decides enough is enough. I'd like to see the returning Kevin O'Brien, Culligan, Lowndes(E), Davy Byrne, Small, continue with their development and the introduction of maybe Molloy, McDaid, McGowan and Michael Concarr.

Midfield with DB possibly calling it a day will remain the problem area with a shortage of replacements as we stand, I'd see one of the HF line being drafted as an auxilliary mid, it'll be another year for the likes of O'Conghaile & Carthy to develop but I don't see an out of the box MF coming to the fore .. but then again I didn't see Fenton stepping up either, maybe Paddy Higgins will look at Fenton and say if he can do it so can I .. who knows..

There's so many decent forwards available there's no point in running through them all but I'd be interested to see if McHugh can step up - I was disappointed with him in the U21's semi v Tipp this year when we were crying out for someone to take the game by the scruff he missed some scorable chances under the pressure of the occasion. Ta

ProudDUB · 21-12-2015 11:25PM

Don't think that it is a case of change for change sake. If you remain static, you stagnate. We may think that we have no gaping holes now, but there is always room for improvement. Back in 2013, the likes of Kevin O'Brien, Mannion, Rock, Paddy Andrews, Jack Mc, Cooper, Kilkenny etc etc took the jerseys off far more established players. So its no harm to keep a fire lit under everyones arse, in actuality & not just have it be something that is trotted out in interviews.

Btw, the venues and times of the first two O'Byrne Cup fixtures are out.

Rnd 1 Sun Jan 3 - Wexford v Dublin, St Patricks Park, Enniscorthy @2pm
Rnd 2 Wed Jan 6 - Dublin v IT Carlow, Parnell Park @7.30pm
Rnd 3 is Sun Jan 10 in Parnell Park, no time announced yet.

Anything daycint to do/see in Enniscorthy over New Years weekend? Was kinda hoping for Wexford Park. The roaring fire of the Ferrycarrig bar was calling my name.

DoctaDee · 22-12-2015 03:02PM

ProudDUB wrote: »

.......
Anything daycint to do/see in Enniscorthy over New Years weekend? Was kinda hoping for Wexford Park. The roaring fire of the Ferrycarrig bar was calling my name.

Would've preferred them have it on in Bellefield if it was to be Enniscorthy, great bar facilities overlooking the pitch .. Patricks Park is tighter than a mouses ear to get inta .. best parking at the boxing club if you can. Donohoes there at the Convent/Duffry Gate was my goto pub .. locals would probably have a better spot.

ProudDUB · 22-12-2015 03:16PM

Is this St Patricks Park? Surely this can't be where we're playing the Wexicans. There isn't even a stand. Or is that blue and grey cow shed "thing" (that you can see, if you rotate the street view) a stand?

https://www.google.ie/maps/place/st+patrick's+park+enniscorthy/@52.4985514,-6.5746731,3a,75y,180h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sci2GIatSvLpWUQT4r5Y7YA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xebbb09d2a274a67c!6m1!1e1

DoctaDee · 22-12-2015 03:22PM

ProudDUB wrote: »

Is this St Patricks Park? Surely this can't be where we're playing. There isn't even a stand. Or is that blue and grey cow shed "thing" (that you can see, if you rotate the street view) a stand?

https://www.google.ie/maps/place/st+patrick's+park+enniscorthy/@52.4985514,-6.5746731,3a,75y,180h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sci2GIatSvLpWUQT4r5Y7YA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xebbb09d2a274a67c!6m1!1e1

Yeah that's the one indeed up beside the greyhound stadium .. Pearse Road which is the entrance to the park is wide enough for 1 car

ProudDUB · 22-12-2015 03:40PM

So the stand is for the greyhound stadium & not the GAA pitch?

DoctaDee · 22-12-2015 04:26PM

ProudDUB wrote: »

So the stand is for the greyhound stadium & not the GAA pitch?

Nah .. if memory serves the greyhounds are further up the way. I cant honestly say whether its a covered stand or not, I've only ever been to Bellefield as I said.

bruschi · 22-12-2015 05:05PM

ProudDUB wrote: »

Is this St Patricks Park? Surely this can't be where we're playing the Wexican. There isn't even a stand. Or is that blue and grey cow shed "thing" (that you can see, if you rotate the street view) a stand?

https://www.google.ie/maps/place/st+patrick's+park+enniscorthy/@52.4985514,-6.5746731,3a,75y,180h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sci2GIatSvLpWUQT4r5Y7YA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xebbb09d2a274a67c!6m1!1e1

thats the dressing rooms that you can see there.

There is a stand there now, not very big, but probably depends on how many Dubs come down for it. You can see it in the background here:

There is railings all down both sidelines and a very small embankment behind the dressing room goals, and nothing behind the other goal. You could still stay in the Ferrycarrig, it's a 20 minute drive at worst, and Wexford Park would be a ten minute drive too, so not a massive difference. You could also stay at the riverside, a pretty nice hotel that is about a ten minute walk away from the ground which could save on parking problems.

There will be damn all from Wexford there to be honest. Parking is usually done in the rugby pitches adjacent to the pitch. The pitch itself is actually one of the better ones in the county, and is one of the main training pitches and is used for most of the underage county finals.

Bonniedog · 22-12-2015 05:40PM

With the Wexford game on the next day, it will be interesting to see what 'Dublin' team takes the field in Crokes!

Billy Mays · 22-12-2015 10:00PM

Wexford game switched to O'Kennedy Park in New Ross

Bonniedog · 22-12-2015 11:13PM

Billy Mays wrote: »

Wexford game switched to O'Kennedy Park in New Ross

Wexford love bringing the Dubs to obscure places!

ProudDUB · 22-12-2015 11:29PM

New Ross? Ah here....that's practically Watherfuud ! :eek:

DoctaDee · 23-12-2015 11:22AM

Billy Mays wrote: »

Wexford game switched to O'Kennedy Park in New Ross

Are ya sure it isn't the other way round, New Ross to Enniscorthy ? At the launch last week it was defo Enniscorthy. Having a few relations in the town I saw the opportunity for beer and a sleepover

If it's New Ross I'll be leaving it to the hardcore Ultras i.e ProudDub

Billy Mays · 23-12-2015 11:42AM

DoctaDee wrote: »

Are ya sure it isn't the other way round, New Ross to Enniscorthy ? At the launch last week it was defo Enniscorthy. Having a few relations in the town I saw the opportunity for beer and a sleepover If it's New Ross I'll be leaving it to the hardcore Ultras i.e ProudDub

http://www.dublingaa.ie/news/change-of-venue-for-obyrne-cup-opener

DoctaDee · 23-12-2015 12:43PM

Billy Mays wrote: »

http://www.dublingaa.ie/news/change-of-venue-for-obyrne-cup-opener

Ballix .. thanks Billy

ProudDUB · 23-12-2015 04:13PM

DoctaDee wrote: »

Are ya sure it isn't the other way round, New Ross to Enniscorthy ? At the launch last week it was defo Enniscorthy. Having a few relations in the town I saw the opportunity for beer and a sleepover If it's New Ross I'll be leaving it to the hardcore Ultras i.e ProudDub

I'm the Martini Rosso* of Dublin fans.

Any time. Any place. Any where !

I actually love the first couple of O'Byrne Cup games, coming as they do so near to the New Year. It's a great way to get out of the house and get some air into your lungs, after a month spent in crowded shopping centres, noisy pubs & watching Graham Norton Xmas specials on the telly, in front of the fire, while your Aunty Nuala tries to force feed you yet more sherry trifle (vomits

) and mince pies.

There more than is a whiff of summer in the air (as well as rancid Paco Rabanne smellies from the Henry St stalls) as you freeze your giblets off in exotic far flung locations such as Dundalk, Carlow & Portarlington, wondering which of the new kids on the block, will you be seeing in August/September. All the while, hoping to God, the ref blows it up soon, so you can repair to the local hostelry and defrost yer giblets.

Gift basket of Paco Rabanne Factor 45 & aftersun lotions, that smells of dead cats, anyone....anyone? :P

*No, Martini Rosso is not the new striker for Juventus. If you are under the age of 35, get someone to explain it to you.

Slattsy · 23-12-2015 04:16PM

Your Aunty Nuala's sherry triffle is superb !!

DoctaDee · 23-12-2015 04:28PM

Martini Rosso & Cinzano Bianco 2 hard men

ProudDUB · 23-12-2015 05:10PM

Yep. He won't ever admit it, but they taught The Bucher of Bilbao all he knows...the big girls blouse.

The words "trifle" "superb" & "sherry" belong in the same sentence, about as much as carrots do in a coddle !

Slattsy · 23-12-2015 05:23PM

Tbh i dont like triffle.

bruschi · 23-12-2015 06:57PM

Bonniedog wrote: »

Wexford love bringing the Dubs to obscure places!

Hardly obscure, one of 4 towns in the county capable of holding the game.

Ross is a dump too. Ground is crap and non existent parking facilities. It's better than Patrick's park, but the pitch itself is not as good. Brandon House is main hotel to stay in, decent hotel in fairness, but nothing spectacular. It has a good spa and leisure centre, so if you need to bribe your better half to go to a game 2 hours away in a dump of a town, a voucher for there could help immensely.

DoctaDee · 23-12-2015 07:04PM

bruschi wrote: »

Hardly obscure, one of 4 towns in the county capable of holding the game.

Ross is a dump too. Ground is crap and non existent parking facilities. It's better than Patrick's park, but the pitch itself is not as good. Brandon House is main hotel to stay in, decent hotel in fairness, but nothing spectacular. It has a good spa and leisure centre, so if you need to bribe your better half to go to a game 2 hours away in a dump of a town, a voucher for there could help immensely.

LOL.. so how's that job with Wexford Tourism Board going Bruschi

New Ross has very limited appeal

bruschi · 24-12-2015 12:47AM

DoctaDee wrote: »

LOL.. so how's that job with Wexford Tourism Board going Bruschi

New Ross has very limited appeal

Limited is the word for it alright. I'd probably use something stronger tho! At least in summer the weather might be good and there are other things around to do. But winter, in Ross. Awful. And I live nearby and went to School there! At least there is nearly a full motorway down the Waterford route, and the coast road isn't too bad now either.

Dublin GAA Discussion Thread MOD WARNING POST #2944

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