Dublin's Drive for Five? GAA 2019

[Kevin S]

Ulster Championship:

Tyrone v Derry:

Always a needly derby game, but highlighting the contrasting fortunes of both sides - where the Red Hand reached the September showpiece, the Oak Leaf made an early exit after a nightmare league in 2018. That was remedied this April, but Tyrone still appear 6-8 points the better side.

watched it this evening; your forecast was so good as to warrant a spoiler alert!

[Diable Rouge]

Anton O'Toole, of Dublin's previous legendary side of the Seventies and Eighties, has died at the far too early age of 61.

Ulster Championship: Cavan v Monaghan

Promises to be one of the tighter games of the early phase of the football season - not only a local derby, but both scrapped against relegation from Division One in the spring. It certainly wouldn't surprise if the Breffni County turned over their neighbours, but Ciaran McManus is one of the most prolific forwards in the country, and wanting to return to the Super 8s, Monaghan should edge through after a struggle.

Down v Armagh

Again, another tie where strong cases could be made either way, even if neither are expected to trouble the main contenders later on. On the basis that the away side were a division higher this spring, that might stand to them here.

Connacht Semi-Final: Sligo v Galway

The home side have the ignominious record of 100% losses to date in 2019, and while Galway were atrocious, to put it mildly, in Ruislip, the hairdryer treatment in the dressing room afterwards, along with a potential Old Firm final against Mayo, should motivate the Tribesmen to a comfortable victory.

Hurling: Munster Championship - Tipperary v Waterford

After the earliest possible exit last year, Tipp even stunned their own fans last week with the extent of their dominance in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Waterford got stage fright at home to Clare, never convincing until too late, and while no strangers to Semple Stadium, this may prove a challenge too far.

Limerick v Cork

Last year's champions aim to continue their stunning 2019 form, following on from victory in the League. Ring-rustiness may come into play early on, with Cork already blooded, but in terms of performance, Limerick should be in a different level.


Leinster: Carlow v Kilkenny

The home side performed extremely creditable away to Galway, only losing by six points, and drawing the second half. The Cats, meanwhile, were almost shocked by Dublin, before dominating the subsequent 35 minutes, but it would be the upset of the decade if they were downed here.

Dublin v Wexford

Unfortunately, the Dubs spirited display last week was overshadowed by a selector interfering with play by grabbing the sliotar, and he was subsequently banned this week. Still, home advantage is crucial in hurling, and with this being Wexford's first game, the Dubs could take a major step towards the knockout phase.

[Ray de Galles]

Ah, thanks very much both.,

[elguapo4]

They could meet Derry who are a bit of a sleeping giant who would probably bring a decent crowd,we'll keep you posted.

[Diable Rouge]

Partly prompted by the discussion on the 'Sports I've Paid To See' thread I quite fancied making this match but parental responsibilities ruled it out.

It looks to have been a great occasion, is there any likelihood of a similarly high profile fixture (in football or hurling) this summer?

Probably not - will have a home draw in the qualifiers, but unlikely to meet anyone from the top two divisions.

[Ray de Galles]

The gallant Exiles ultimately lost by four in the end, but an excellent article on how more London-born players are featuring in the panel.

Partly prompted by the discussion on the 'Sports I've Paid To See' thread I quite fancied making this match but parental responsibilities ruled it out.

It looks to have been a great occasion, is there any likelihood of a similarly high profile fixture (in football or hurling) this summer?

[elguapo4]

Carlow are poster boys for the little counties with ambition, you need the players to begin with but they've put a lot of work in. Yes they're probably going to get a couple of hidings but it'll stand them well for the future.

[Diable Rouge]

And the football:

Munster Championship:

Tipperary v Limerick:

Both are coming off mediocre seasons, with the former relegated to Division Three, and the latter towards the bottom end of Division Four - still, the higher standards in the second tier suggest a comfortable home win.

Clare v Waterford:

Again, the Banner just survived in Division Two, and Waterford were in the bottom division, so Clare will prevail by 6-10 points.

Leinster Championship:

Wicklow v Kildare:

The Lilywhites were unlucky not to be promoted to the flight, with a direct clash with Donegal deciding their fate on the final day. Wicklow scrapped with Limerick, Waterford and London in Division Four, and while at home, all form points to a clear Kildare victory.

Wexford v Louth:

The Wee County were promoted to Division Two, and so, not only an away win, but by a decisive margin, is expected.

Meath v Offaly:

Does the promotion of the Royals mark the beginning of a more competitive Leinster? Unlikely to threaten the Dubs, but would at least avoid them until the final, assuming they triumph here.

Connacht Championship:

Roscommon v Leitrim:

A red-letter season for Leitrim, winning a first promotion in decades, and tasting the Croke Park atmosphere. That said, the Rossies will be targeting the Super 8s, and should be too strong here.

Ulster Championship:

Tyrone v Derry:

Always a needly derby game, but highlighting the contrasting fortunes of both sides - where the Red Hand reached the September showpiece, the Oak Leaf made an early exit after a nightmare league in 2018. That was remedied this April, but Tyrone still appear 6-8 points the better side.

[Diable Rouge]

This week's hurling fixtures:

Waterford v Clare:

Walsh Park should see a sell-out crowd, as Waterford play their first home Munster Championship tie since 1996. The absence of home advantage surely cost them a place in the knockout phase in 2018, and while the Banner did reach the All-Ireland semis last year, a home victory seems probable.

Cork v Tipperary:

The Rebels may feel they left last year's title behind them, beaten by Limerick in an epic last four encounter, while the Premier also seek redemption after finishing fourth in Munster last year. Form favours the away side, but Páirc Uí Chaoimh is usually a hurling fortress, and Cork may just prevail again.

Kilkenny v Dublin:

"Relegated" to Division 1B this spring (more a league reorganisation), the Cats have never been more vulnerable to an ambush, and Mattie Kenny's side won their league grouping before defeat to Limerick in the semis. However, now the Ballyhale contingent return to the squad, and playing at Nowlan Park, the shock may have to wait another season.

Galway v Carlow

Carlow have played senior hurling before, but not in the round robin format, which threatens to provide a harsh lesson. They did earn a famous draw here in the league, but the home side played an experimental side on that occasion, and will hardly be as forgiving this weekend.

[Diable Rouge]

BBC coverage of the Ulster Senior Football Championship:

The Ulster Championship begins with Tyrone v Derry on Sunday 12 May.

Four Ulster Senior Football Championship games are to be shown live on BBC NI, with full deferred coverage available of the other four ties.

The first two live matches will be Antrim v Tyrone or Derry on Saturday 25 May and Fermanagh v Donegal on 26 May.

The semi-final on Saturday 8 June and the final on Sunday 23 June will also be broadcast live by BBC NI television.

The deferred games will be Tyrone v Derry, Cavan v Monaghan, Down v Armagh and the first semi-final on 2 June.

Once again this year, the live and deferred Ulster Championship games broadcast by BBC NI can be viewed again on the BBC iPlayer - on desktop, mobile or tablet devices and on smart TVs.

Matches will be available to view from 09:00 BST on the following Tuesday.

Particularly welcome as RTE is only showing hurling until well into June.

[Kevin S]

BBC coverage of the Ulster Senior Football Championship:

The Ulster Championship begins with Tyrone v Derry on Sunday 12 May.

Four Ulster Senior Football Championship games are to be shown live on BBC NI, with full deferred coverage available of the other four ties.

The first two live matches will be Antrim v Tyrone or Derry on Saturday 25 May and Fermanagh v Donegal on 26 May.

The semi-final on Saturday 8 June and the final on Sunday 23 June will also be broadcast live by BBC NI television.

The deferred games will be Tyrone v Derry, Cavan v Monaghan, Down v Armagh and the first semi-final on 2 June.

Once again this year, the live and deferred Ulster Championship games broadcast by BBC NI can be viewed again on the BBC iPlayer - on desktop, mobile or tablet devices and on smart TVs.

Matches will be available to view from 09:00 BST on the following Tuesday.

[elguapo4]

Friend of mine is married into a Limerick family and he says everyone is expecting two (or more) in a row, think they're the best in Ireland and should be there in the mix,I know writing off Kilkenny is a fools errand but I don't think they have it this year and could struggle to get out of Leinster,I reckon
LEINSTER MUNSTER

Galway Limerick

Dublin Waterford

Wexford Tipperary

[Diable Rouge]

With the hurling season beginning this weekend, a preview of the round-robin competitions:

Joe McDonagh Cup:

Antrim
Kerry
Laois
Offaly
Westmeath

Technically a second-tier cup, though the finalists progress to the All-Ireland series, but this promises to be a highly intriguing, exceptionally well-balanced competition. Offaly are still struggling to adjust to their recent demotion, and this season may come a year too early for redemption. Instead, Westmeath appear favourites, after narrow defeat to Carlow in 2018, with Antrim likely finalists. Sadly, relegation appears the most likely fate for Kerry, though they belied the odds to finish third last year.

Leinster Hurling Championship:

Carlow
Dublin
Galway
Kilkenny
Wexford

A huge test for the Scallion Eaters, following promotion from the Joe McDonagh, and in truth, their home tie with Dublin offers the best prospect for a positive result. Galway start as favourites to retain their provincial crown, though Kilkenny will be strengthened by the return of their Ballyhale contingent after All-Ireland club success. Wexford may just edge out Dublin for the last qualification position.

Munster Hurling Championship:

Clare
Cork
Limerick
Tipperary
Waterford

The Déise welcome Munster Championship hurling for the first time since the mid-Nineties, and that should help them finish in the top three. Limerick appear incredibly consistent, and should qualify for the Munster final, with Tipperary joining them in the showpiece.

[ursus arctos]

Nice piece on the match, the crowd and New York's development

The landslide represented a bloody nose for New York football, especially after three encouraging years which culminated in taking Leitrim to extra-time last season. They named seven New York-born players in their panel, a testament to the ongoing youth development work going on in the boroughs, with Michael Creegan and Shane Hogan starting while Tiernan Mathers and Ryan Kerley was sprung from the bench.

[Diable Rouge]

New York yet to score after 25 minutes, while Mayo have racked up 0-14.

[Diable Rouge]

The gallant Exiles ultimately lost by four in the end, but an excellent article on how more London-born players are featuring in the panel.

[Diable Rouge]

Only three points between them in the last few minutes, the challenge provoking this response:

http://twitter.com/LondainGAA/status/1125057779499245568

[Diable Rouge]

The Championship begins with two games that would have been considered routine, but an interesting half-time score in Ruislip!

http://twitter.com/ConnachtGAA/status/1125047328363241477

[Sporting]

Edited

[elguapo4]

Mayo beat Kerry in the football final, excellent open game with both sides having periods of dominance, while it was good to see two teams wanting to win instead of the defensive football we often get, it also showed their defensive frailties but they will both be in the mix at the end of the season.

[elguapo4]

Limerick claim the first major trophy of the season in hurling, beating Waterford by 8 points 1.24 to 0.18. Certainly there seems to be a changing of the guard at the top with the above two sides along with Galway head and shoulders above everyone else and the traditional big three of Cork, Tipperary and Kilkenny all having their own problems, it bodes well for the Championship when it starts in May.

[Diable Rouge]

The Division One final next week will see Kerry play Mayo, after a routine win for the Kingdom away for Roscommon also relegated the Connacht side, while a win for James Horan's side against Monaghan combined with a Tyrone victory against Galway secured second place. Cavan were virtually relegated already, and a loss away to Dublin sealed their fate.

http://twitter.com/GAALeagueTables/status/1109846208372264960

Meath have ended a 13-year exile from Division One, thanks to victory over Fermanagh, and Donegal rebounded back to the top-flight also, after defeating their promotion rivals, Kildare. It was a bad day for Munster football as victory for Cork over Armagh failed to save the Rebels from relegation to Division Three, due to Clare defeating Tipperary, also dooming the Premier County.

https://twitter.com/GAALeagueTables/status/1109843300415139840

Division Three has been rendered complicated due to a back game, but what is clear is that Carlow and Sligo have been relegated, and Laois are guaranteed promotion. A combination of H2H rules and points difference also mean that Down cannot go up, regardless of the outstanding result.

http://twitter.com/GAALeagueTables/status/1109845781039718402

Division Four was decided two rounds ago, but Limerick have the ignominious crown of being the worst football team on the island of Ireland.

http://twitter.com/GAALeagueTables/status/1109830123614887937

[elguapo4]

Good performance by Tyrone but Dublin stank the place out last night, it was like a throwback to the days of Tommy Lyons and Piller Caffrey, poor passing, sloppy tackling and double figures in wides, probably best we're out of the league, we need to regroup and for Gavin to decide his best 15 and stick with them or else 5 in a row will be a dream.

[Diable Rouge]

Two surprisingly one-sided club finals today - Ballyhale won by 16 points against St Thomas's of Galway in the hurling, with Henry Shefflin making an ominous case to become Cody's successor at Kilkenny, while Corofin won back-to-back football titles, overpowering a rather anaemic Dr Crokes.

[elguapo4]

Certainly save travel expenses although Westmeath are in for a baptism of fire in that division.