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    #26
    Plus ca change - GAA 2016

    Kerry ultimately hammer Roscommon, and look extremely fit, but the concession of casual frees would be a concern for the NFL final. Dublin should be comfortable winners against Donegal in the second semi-final, they've now gone 20 league and championship games unbeaten.

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      #27
      Plus ca change - GAA 2016

      A scoreline from yesterday's Leinster minor football championship:

      Wexford 17-20
      Kilkenny 0-1

      Initial reports had it that Kilkenny did not score a single point at all, but this seems to be incorrect.

      Seventeen goals. I can't even recall hearing of a team scoring ten goals in a championship match before.

      The Kilkenny hurlers stuck 6-28 on Offaly about a decade ago, but the winning margin in that game was 31 points, not 70.

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        #28
        Plus ca change - GAA 2016

        Unbelievable hype surrounding Kerry v Dublin this Sunday, undoubtedly the most eagerly anticipated League final in decades. A 70,000 strong crowd is expected, both teams are at Championship strength and the Kerry trains to Dublin are already booked out. Of course, the Laochra 1916 jamboree afterwards looks set to be the GAA's answer to Riverdance, so will draw crowds.

        Comment


          #29
          Plus ca change - GAA 2016

          Great anticipation for this match. There's a feeling that Kerry's tinkering in the league this Spring has rectified the shortcomings they displayed against Dublin in September. They won't want to lose again to Dublin, and whilst Kerry have beaten the Dubs in a few league games over the last five years, a defeat tomorrow will be considered their fourth 'big game' defeat on the bounce. For Dublin, they'll see this as their biggest game until the All-Ireland Q/F in August, as it's certainly the biggest challenge they'll face til then. It's a tough one to call. I'd fancy a draw, but with a concert pencilledAin for immediately after, I'm sure the referee will be instructed to ensure that extra-time is avoided.

          It's the first meeting of Dublin & Kerry in a League Final since 1987. I missed that game because I was a couple of miles up the road at Dalymount Park watching Shamrock Rovers beating Dundalk in the FAI Cup Final to secure a fourth successive cup and third successive double. Celebrations were muted though, as the fans knew the club were moving out of Glenmalure Park.

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            #30
            Plus ca change - GAA 2016

            Predictably, the 1916 event is a faux-Celtic affair, involving plenty of costumes and references to Cúchulainn. Less said about the final the better - Dublin were always slighter and more accurate thab Kerry, but once Aidan O'Mahony committed hara-kiri, the floodgates opened.

            Comment


              #31
              Plus ca change - GAA 2016

              Borracho wrote: A scoreline from yesterday's Leinster minor football championship:

              Wexford 17-20
              Kilkenny 0-1

              Initial reports had it that Kilkenny did not score a single point at all, but this seems to be incorrect.

              Seventeen goals. I can't even recall hearing of a team scoring ten goals in a championship match before.

              The Kilkenny hurlers stuck 6-28 on Offaly about a decade ago, but the winning margin in that game was 31 points, not 17.
              They really treat football with utter contempt in Kilkenny. I've heard it rumoured that they deliberately put out weak underprepared teams in the underage championships because they're obliged to field a team. Not sure how true that is but I remember the mighty Louth running up something like 10-30 in a minor game a couple of years ago.

              Comment


                #32
                Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                It's probably more socially acceptable in Kilkenny to be a murderer than to be a footballer. The GAA should start withholding parts of the county's annual grant until it ceases this non-participatory bullshit. All counties are obliged by the GAA's mission statement to promote both codes.

                The usual response from the KK hurling taliban is along the lines of "Oh, but no one likes football down here anyway". Well, exactly, because a succession of county boards have spent more than a century doing their utmost to stamp it out of existence and turn several generations of kids off it.

                This nonsense goes back to the 1910s, when the footballers had to use their mascot to make up the 15-strong line-up for a championship. KK have not won a single football fixture in the All-Ireland since about 1928 or 1929, I forget which. No one's asking them to turn into the new Dublin, or even the new Mayo, just to make some kind of an effort in the way that the Kerry hurlers and the Clare footballers do.

                I'm actually just back from Kilkenny after spending the weekend there, and didn't even bother trying to find a pub showing Dublin v Kerry. Football is treated as sporting herpes down there.

                By the way, my initial post should of course have read "31 points, not 70" instead of "31 points, not 17".

                Comment


                  #34
                  Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                  For those of us old enough to remember the Faithful County winning All-Irelands, a shocking Leinster scoreline of Westmeath 2-22 1-11 Offaly. Meanwhile, Kerry make their debut in the Leinster (sic) championship, and after an early struggle, eventually defeat Carlow comfortably, 2-19 to 0-17. The League final finishes 0-22 apiece between Clare and Waterford, the balance of play edges to and fro, but not a classic by any means.

                  Comment


                    #35
                    Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                    Yes, the Championship is back, so time for my weekend predictions:

                    Leinster: Louth v Carlow

                    You can get odds of 5,000 to 1 on the Barrowsiders winning Sam, but unlike Rainieri's men, they rarely win even two consecutive games. Louth easily won Division Four promotion, and should have 8-12 points to spare here.

                    Leinster: Offaly v Longford

                    A Midlands derby, so to be keenly contested, even if the standard will be lacking. Division Three v Division Four, so little between them, but the home side to progress by two.

                    Leinster: Laois v Wicklow

                    Match of the day, but surprisingly not shown live by RTE. The Garden County are treading water in the bottom tier, while the O'Moore County are also in the doldrums. Laois shpuld have not quality and pedigree to advance here.

                    Ulster: Fermanagh v Antrim

                    Not exactly a glamour tie to start the most competitive provincial championship, with a lower D2 team against a promoted D4 side. Fermanagh will be favourites based on spring opposition, but the Saffrons were unbeaten in seven until the divisional final, and I tip them to cause a shock here, by three points.

                    Comment


                      #36
                      Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                      Diable Rouge wrote: Yes, the Championship is back, so time for my weekend predictions:

                      Leinster: Louth v Carlow

                      You can get odds of 5,000 to 1 on the Barrowsiders winning Sam, but unlike Rainieri's men, they rarely win even two consecutive games. Louth easily won Division Four promotion, and should have 8-12 points to spare here.

                      Leinster: Offaly v Longford

                      A Midlands derby, so to be keenly contested, even if the standard will be lacking. Division Three v Division Four, so little between them, but the home side to progress by two.

                      Leinster: Laois v Wicklow

                      Match of the day, but surprisingly not shown live by RTE. The Garden County are treading water in the bottom tier, while the O'Moore County are also in the doldrums. Laois shpuld have not quality and pedigree to advance here.

                      Ulster: Fermanagh v Antrim

                      Not exactly a glamour tie to start the most competitive provincial championship, with a lower D2 team against a promoted D4 side. Fermanagh will be favourites based on spring opposition, but the Saffrons were unbeaten in seven until the divisional final, and I tip them to cause a shock here, by three points.
                      Nice work in Leinster DR!

                      Comment


                        #37
                        Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                        Most of the time, League divisions help with predicting the early rounds, it's usually in Ulster that you see any upsets before the provincial finals!

                        Comment


                          #38
                          Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                          Mostly a hurling weekend:

                          Munster: Cork v Tipperary

                          Munster hurling has flattered to deceive in the last decade, with only two titles arriving in the Southern province, and the Rebels without silverware since 2005. Similarly, Tipp are the Benfica of hurling, strong in the late Fifties/early Sixties, but the bridesmaids since then. They have been more consistent challengers, though, so should win by five.

                          Leinster: Offaly v Kerry

                          Easily the best Kerry hurling season in twenty years, success would give them a winnable quarter-final against Laois. That said, their form has dropped alarmingly in the last month, and though the Faithful County are struggling, home advantage should see them progress here.

                          Westmeath v Carlow:

                          Already guaranteed a tie with Galway, the Lake County should easily defeat their relegated opponents.

                          Dublin v Wexford:

                          Ger Cunningham's side had a decidedly flat 2015, concluding in a limp defeat to Limerick. Wexford are showing signs of revival, but a double-digit pummelling would appear their lot on this occasion.

                          Ulster Football: Tyrone v Derry

                          The Red Hand powered to promotion this spring, while the Oakleaf County displayed little consistency. A local championship derby evens the odds somewhat, however Mickey Harte's side should prevail by three.

                          Connacht: Roscommon v Leitrim

                          Much was expected of the Rossies last summer, but after an impressive League, they limped to defeat by Sligo. Their 2016 form, however, has been rather more consistent, winning away to Kerry, Cork and Donegal, though they faded rather badly in March. Still, the Shannonsiders have struggled to make any impression in recent years, and the favourites should have a comfortable four-point margin here.

                          Leinster: Wexford v Kildare

                          If there is to be a shock in any of the weekend fixtures, then tonight's game seems to be the most evenly-contested. The Yellowbellies have been regular provincial semi-finalists, and occasional finalists, in recent seasons, while the Lilywhites have ceded "best of the rest" status to Meath. Both played in Division Three this term, but Kildare's form suggests a narrow two-to-four point victory here.

                          Comment


                            #39
                            Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                            The former GAA President, Joe McDonagh (1997-2000), has passed away at the shockingly early age of 62.

                            Comment


                              #40
                              Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                              RIP Cork hurling - Tipp utterly dominant against the Rebels, leading 0-14 to 0-5 at the break, in monsoon conditions. Meanwhile, the Ulster derby proved similarly underwhelming, Tyrone ultimately prevailing by eleven at the finish.

                              Comment


                                #41
                                Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                                In one of the shocks of the decade, the Westmeath under-21 hurlers have defeated Kilkenny.

                                Comment


                                  #42
                                  Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                                  Pretty anodyne football games this weekend, so if you were planning a long drive, this may be the Sunday!

                                  Ulster SFC: Cavan v Armagh

                                  Easily the highlight of the weekend, this fixture last saw physical exchanges during the pre-match parade. The Orchard County were relegated to Division Three, while the Breffnimen were promoted to the top flight after years in the wilderness. With Seánie Johnston back in harness, Cavan should win by two.

                                  Connacht SFC: London v Mayo

                                  Time for the annual Western excursion to Ruislip, and in truth, that provincial final appearance is but a distant memory for The Exiles. Mayo appear no nearer than ever to winning Sam, but should have a dozen points to spare on Sunday.

                                  Munster SFC: Clare v Limerick

                                  The Banner have eclipsed Tipp to become the third force in the South, beating Kildare earlier this season, and should have a comfortable margin against their neighbours.

                                  Munster SFC: Tipperary v Waterford

                                  The Premier have flattered to deceive in recent years, failing to progress from the third League tier, and losing managers to aspirant rivals. That said, Waterford are clearly the runts of the Munster litter, and even a single-digit defeat would be surprising here.

                                  Comment


                                    #43
                                    Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                                    All eight Division Four counties have now played in the Championship, recording one win between them, and even that was a battle of bottom-tier teams (Louth v Carlow).

                                    My personal suggestion on the perennial Championship restructuring question is to amalgamate the League and Championship, and follow the AFL model, with two 16-team divisions, followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals. The regularity of fixtures would allow the planning of breaks for club champuonships, while provincial championships would become pre-season warm-ups.

                                    Comment


                                      #44
                                      Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                                      Leinster SFC: Dublin v Laois

                                      The cgampions and red-hot favourites are goung for a rare "double double" - hard to see their opponents coming within a single-digit margin.

                                      Ulster SFC: Monaghan v Down

                                      Time for the reigning Ulster champions to reach the next level - they've yet to reach the All-Ireland semis. Down had a miserable League, si appear four points worse off.

                                      Munster SHC: Clare v Waterford

                                      Judging by the League final, both are realistic challengers to the dominance of Mordor, apologies, Kilkenny. That said, Waterford's defensive strength seems slightly inferior to the Banber's managerial nous and squad depth.

                                      Leinster SHC: Offaly v Laois

                                      An our-of-form Laois side versus a declining Offaly force, still, tradition favours the Faithful, but possibly the hardest tie so far this summer to predict.

                                      Leinster SHC: Galway v Westmeath

                                      The Midlanders have already surpassed seasonal expectations, and while Galway will learn little, they will want to lay down a Championship marker in their display.

                                      Comment


                                        #45
                                        Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                                        Diabhal Dearg wrote: The former GAA President, Joe McDonagh (1997-2000), has passed away at the shockingly early age of 62.
                                        I live very near the church where the funeral was, and there were cars parked on the side of the road all the way from barna to the edge of knocknacarra. It was a fucking enormous funeral.

                                        I watched the 1988 all ireland hurling final in his aunt's house. His family and mine would have been very close, particularly since my grandfather was an only child. His second cousin is the White house chief of staff.

                                        Comment


                                          #46
                                          Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                                          The Premier have flattered to deceive in recent years, failing to progress from the third League tier, and losing managers to aspirant rivals. That said, Waterford are clearly the runts of the Munster litter, and even a single-digit defeat would be surprising here.

                                          I thought they lost their manager to the principal's job in Cahir secondary school, and while they have become one of the major powers in women's football, I'm not sure they're exactly direct rivals yet.

                                          Comment


                                            #47
                                            Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                                            Even Kerry might contemplate throwing in the towel - Dublin 2-4 to 0-1 up on Laois after a mere 10 minutes.

                                            Comment


                                              #48
                                              Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                                              Ah, the great GAA tradition of controversy continues - last night's Christy Ring Cup final officially ended as a one-point victory for Meath over Antrim, but journalists had recorded the scoreline as a draw, and it appears a malfunctioning scoreboard was to blame. The ref has admitted his own error in declaring a Meath win, and as of now, a repkay seems probable.

                                              Comment


                                                #49
                                                Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                                                So many matches this weekend that a two-parter's required:

                                                Leinster SFC: Louth v Meath

                                                Presumably Martin Sludden won't be on whistle duty here, the Wee County are experiencing a mini-revival, while the Royals are stagnant. Still, the seven-time champions should advance by a similar points margin.

                                                Offaly v Westmeath:

                                                Twelve minths after the historic victory over Meath, the Maroons have experienced their third successive spring relegation. The Faithful had their first provincial win in nine years earlier, and momentum may carry them on to a Kildare tie.

                                                Connacht SFC: Roscommon v Sligo

                                                This tie provided the first major upset of last summer, but the Rossies have been well-blooded by a spring of highest-quality competitive fare, and should reach a provincial final.

                                                Ulster SFC: Fermanagh v Donegal

                                                One of the two last potless teams, Fermanagh are very much the rank outsiders here. The Ulster championship has lacked its usual ferocity, but Donegal should be limited to a six-point margin here.

                                                Comment


                                                  #50
                                                  Plus ca change - GAA 2016

                                                  Munster SFC: Kerry v Clare

                                                  Despite the Banner's third-tier honours, the Kingdom should prevail by eight without getting out of first gear.

                                                  Cork v Tipperary:

                                                  Ditto for Cork.

                                                  Leinster SHC: Dublin v Kilkenny

                                                  The title-holders look decidedly vulnerable, but should pull away in the second half here.

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