hey all,havent been following the league too closely this year so was hoping to get your opinions on this weekends four finals,the bookies have 3 of the 4 games pretty close so was wondering where the value might be in these games.at first glance the one that stood out to me was donegal tb laois but as i said i havent been following that closely.
I was at Laois Donegal game in Portlaoise. I felt Donegal kept alot back and will have learned alot but even still I see it been tight game and wait to see latest on injury news. I am from Westmeath and have to agree that Louth do look a good bet. They are a better side and indications are that Dessie is out as well.
I was at Laois Donegal game in Portlaoise. I felt Donegal kept alot back and will have learned alot but even still I see it been tight game and wait to see latest on injury news. I am from Westmeath and have to agree that Louth do look a good bet. Th
Dublin senior football manager Pat Gilroy has made six changes to his side to take on Cork in Sunday's Allianz Division One final.
Stephen Cluxton will start in goal for the Dubs, with Michael Fitzsimons replacing Nicky Devereux at the corner-back position.
In midfield Denis Bastick and Michael Macauley both start, with Paul Casey and Sean Murray both having to settle for a place on the bench, while Kevin McManamon and Tomás Quinn have been given the nod up front.
Bryan Cullen will skipper the side.
Dublin team to play Cork in the Allianz Division One football final at Croke Park:
Stephen Cluxton, Michael Fitzsimons, Paul Brogan, Philly McMahon, Barry Cahill, Ger Brennan, Kevin Nolan, Denis Bastick, Michael Darragh Macauley, Paul Flynn, Kevin McManamon, Bryan Cullen, Tomás Quinn, Diarmuid Connolly, Bernard Brogan
Dublin senior football manager Pat Gilroy has made six changes to his side to take on Cork in Sunday's Allianz Division One final.Stephen Cluxton will start in goal for the Dubs, with Michael Fitzsimons replacing Nicky Devereux at the corner-back pos
Cork senior football manager Conor Counihan has named an experienced front line for Sunday's Allianz Division 1 football final with Dublin at Croke Park.
Donnacha O'Connor and Paddy Kelly replace Fiachra Lynch and the injured Paul Kerrigan in attack, as Counihan makes four changes from the side that beat Armagh two weeks ago.
Ciaran Sheehan has recovered sufficiently from an ankle injury he picked up on club duty and will also take his place up front.
Elsewhere, Jamie O' Sullivan replaces the suspended Eoin Cadogan at full back, while Nicholas Murphy comes in for Aidan Walsh in midfield.
Cork team to play Dublin the Allianz Division 1 football final at Croke Park on Sunday:
Ken O'Halloran; Ray Carey, Michael Shields, Jamie O'Sullivan; Noel O'Leary, John Miskella, Paudie Kissane; Alan O'Connor, Nicholas Murphy; Pearse O'Neill, Patrick Kelly, Fintan Gould; Daniel Goulding, Donncha O'Connor, Ciaran Sheehan.
Cork senior football manager Conor Counihan has named an experienced front line for Sunday's Allianz Division 1 football final with Dublin at Croke Park.Donnacha O'Connor and Paddy Kelly replace Fiachra Lynch and the injured Paul Kerrigan in attack,
Donegal boss Jim McGuinness has problem with injuries, as there are doubts over no less than seven of his players. He is hopeful, however, that star forward Michael Murphy will recover from a dead leg to lead the side out at HQ on Sunday.
Two-time All Star Karl Lacey said he was taken aback by the physicality of Laois in their recent encounter. It was pretty inevitable that the 2003 Leinster champions would go that way under Justin McNulty, who was a member of the All-Ireland wining Armagh side who, along with Tyrone, rewrote the manual when it comes to inter-county football.
Laois: E Culliton; D Booth, K Meaney, M Timmons; D Strong, S Julian, P O'Leary; P Clancy, B Quigley; C Begley, J O'Loughlin, N Donoher; R Munnelly, B Sheehan, MJ Tierney.
Donegal boss Jim McGuinness has problem with injuries, as there are doubts over no less than seven of his players. He is hopeful, however, that star forward Michael Murphy will recover from a dead leg to lead the side out at HQ on Sunday.Two-time All
Louth started the league with a bang but their last 4 games were 3 defeats (two at home) and a win over Waterford; that win only came about after they were playing against 14 men for the last 15 minutes. 10/11 about Westmeath will do for me
Louth started the league with a bang but their last 4 games were 3 defeats (two at home) and a win over Waterford; that win only came about after they were playing against 14 men for the last 15 minutes. 10/11 about Westmeath will do for me
I've backed Longford at 3.75 in the Division 4 final.
Lots of work being done underage in Longford in the last five years - reigning Leinster MFC champs and beaten finalists in the u21 final a month ago. Turned over Mayo in the Qualifiers last year and put it up to subsequent All-Ireland finalists Down, a game later.
Roscommon are a side buoyed with confidence after their Connacht success last year and will have St. Brigid's players back after the two sides drew in the first of the League. But with Glenn Ryan at the helm, you can be sure Longford will raise it big time for this game. The 11/4 has to be value in what appears to be a 50/50 match.
I've backed Longford at 3.75 in the Division 4 final. Lots of work being done underage in Longford in the last five years - reigning Leinster MFC champs and beaten finalists in the u21 final a month ago. Turned over Mayo in the Qualifiers last year a
It was a poor game alright - shooting was terrible from both sides. I'd still give Roscommon a chance of retaining their provincial crown, bit of an exaggeration to suggest that the game will set them back five years.
It was a poor game alright - shooting was terrible from both sides. I'd still give Roscommon a chance of retaining their provincial crown, bit of an exaggeration to suggest that the game will set them back five years.
On what basis are you making that assumption MiltonF?
Connacht is incredibly weak with four ordinary teams in Roscommon, Sligo, Galway and Mayo. It would not take anything extraordinary for Roscommon to retain their title, particularly as they have done reasonably well underage recently.
They were a shambles tonight, I'll concede that, however over the last year or so, they've been anything but.
On what basis are you making that assumption MiltonF?Connacht is incredibly weak with four ordinary teams in Roscommon, Sligo, Galway and Mayo. It would not take anything extraordinary for Roscommon to retain their title, particularly as they have do
Won 2010 Connacht Senior Championship, won 2010 Connacht u21 Championship, finalists 2010 Connacht minor Championship, finalists 2011 Connacht u21 Championship (albeit hammered in final), amassed 15 points in the League - unbeaten until final, the most any other Connacht side had in this year's League was Leitrim with 6. St. Brigids were beaten in the All-Ireland Club championship final.
They are no shambles!!!!!!!!!!!
Won 2010 Connacht Senior Championship, won 2010 Connacht u21 Championship, finalists 2010 Connacht minor Championship, finalists 2011 Connacht u21 Championship (albeit hammered in final), amassed 15 points in the League - unbeaten until final, the mo
Psychologically this will really set Roscommon back.. A League final win is an excellent springboard for the Championship.. I really believe in momentum.. regardless of points accumulated in the League .. they have badly disappointed on a big day.. Lacked ideas.. poor tackling.. poor all round.. I would take Galway, Mayo or Sligo to beat them any day of the week.. They really were clueless.. BUT Longford played well. the new beefed up Longford are modelling the Kildare approach.. they definitely knocked Roscommon and I don't think Roscommon expected it
Psychologically this will really set Roscommon back.. A League final win is an excellent springboard for the Championship.. I really believe in momentum.. regardless of points accumulated in the League .. they have badly disappointed on a big day.. L
It's a set-back but not five years worth of a one.
Roscommon have a big game across the Atlantic next weekend - it's possible they had one eye on that.
I would put them on a level with the other three Connacht sides you've mentioned - all ordinary enough but a provincial win is certainly within their compass.
It's a set-back but not five years worth of a one. Roscommon have a big game across the Atlantic next weekend - it's possible they had one eye on that. I would put them on a level with the other three Connacht sides you've mentioned - all ordinary en
Great to see Louth win a trophy yesterday after what went on last year. Standard in both games was very poor though.
Think Laois will shade the Div.2 final today. Haven't been to any of their games this year but from talking to those that have, they have been impressed with the set up and the structure to the play. At the prices I wouldn't be backing Donegal at odds on when Laois were supposed to play them off the field in the first half of their league encounter. Value lies with Laois at 11/8. Donegal seem to have a few doubts but I wouldn't be surprised to see a change or two the Laois team.
Going to take 11/10 that Ross Munnelly outscores Molloy for Donegal. He was flying early in the league and hitting plenty of scores. Always good for a few scores in Croke Park aswell and he'll be eager to take the scoring burden off Tierney.
Cork at 6/5 is my bet of the day. I've been going mad to get Dublin beaten since they went on this run. Down would have put them to the sword if Martin Clarke didn't try to kick a score from a line ball. In hindsight he should have played it short and kept the ball but at the time it was a case of he kicks the score then Down win. I don't see the Dubs getting the goals they have been getting today either. Cork will be a lot tighter at the back than when then they met earlier in the league. I'd have serious doubts about their backs aswell. Plenty of quick ball into that Cork Full Forward line and I think the Dubs could be in trouble.
Take a chance with the double aswell. Works out around 4/1 or so.
Great to see Louth win a trophy yesterday after what went on last year. Standard in both games was very poor though.Think Laois will shade the Div.2 final today. Haven't been to any of their games this year but from talking to those that have, they h
Milton it's terrible to watch so boring the blanket defense will be the death of gaelic football and teams are going to get better at it.Look at the mount of fans were at the Donegal v Mayo final a few years ago, see how many Donegal fans up today !
Milton it's terrible to watch so boring the blanket defense will be the death of gaelic football and teams are going to get better at it.Look at the mount of fans were at the Donegal v Mayo final a few years ago, see how many Donegal fans up today !
Now don't get me wrong.. I am a GAA fan.. I enjoy watching and have played inter county BUT what is been dished up now is depressing.. There are prototypes of 20 somethings.. strong, very fit, good ball handling skills as the result of drills who are all HALF BACKS with basically no kicking ability.. The objective is to STRANGLE the game and get a victory.. But don't put me on the side of that Pat Spillane wangker.. Kerry are not the ideal either.. have been getting away with cynical s h it for years
Now don't get me wrong.. I am a GAA fan.. I enjoy watching and have played inter county BUT what is been dished up now is depressing.. There are prototypes of 20 somethings.. strong, very fit, good ball handling skills as the result of drills who are
I 'm not sure Gant, Dubs are free flowing scored at least 2 goals every game it will be hard to stop that kind of scoring. I think for the sake of gaelic football i want to see the Dubs win but Cork will put it up to and hopefully it is a more open game that we have seen.
I 'm not sure Gant, Dubs are free flowing scored at least 2 goals every game it will be hard to stop that kind of scoring. I think for the sake of gaelic football i want to see the Dubs win but Cork will put it up to and hopefully it is a more open g
We are turning them into Aussie Rules players. It hasn't been a great set of games at all.
I think Dublin to win but I don't know how Mossy Quinn gets a game for them.
We are turning them into Aussie Rules players. It hasn't been a great set of games at all.I think Dublin to win but I don't know how Mossy Quinn gets a game for them.
I'd be with Dublin here - they are a serious outfit under Gilroy and should have beaten Cork last year.
They have an unbelievable panel of players and all their forwards are in serious form (Alan Brogan can't get his place!)
Cork without Aidan Walsh in midfield and Eoin Cadogan in defence are losses. Kerrigan in will help their cause though.
Those condemning the finals on this far can expect a cracker between the two best sides here.
I'd be with Dublin here - they are a serious outfit under Gilroy and should have beaten Cork last year.They have an unbelievable panel of players and all their forwards are in serious form (Alan Brogan can't get his place!)Cork without Aidan Walsh in
Nobody does implosions like the Dubs. Without Brogan they are very ordinary and as I said in my original post, their backs are poor when the right ball is played in. Mossy kicking the free in front of the goals didn't help their cause mind.
Nobody does implosions like the Dubs. Without Brogan they are very ordinary and as I said in my original post, their backs are poor when the right ball is played in. Mossy kicking the free in front of the goals didn't help their cause mind.
I traded out of my lay of Cork for a decent profit when the Dubs were 7 points up. I had a gut feeling that the Dubs were going to implode. Its only a pity I didn't back that up with a lay of Dublin.
I traded out of my lay of Cork for a decent profit when the Dubs were 7 points up. I had a gut feeling that the Dubs were going to implode. Its only a pity I didn't back that up with a lay of Dublin.
Dublin played very well for much of the game I thought. Joe needs to brush up on the steps rule. Sheehan took 10 steps for the last point. Paul Flynn wasnt as dominant for Dublin as he has been so far this year and in fact lost an easy ball when he went in full forward. Cork scored directly from it.
Great comeback by Cork, due credit.
How long will Philly and the Cork captain get do you think?
Dublin played very well for much of the game I thought. Joe needs to brush up on the steps rule. Sheehan took 10 steps for the last point. Paul Flynn wasnt as dominant for Dublin as he has been so far this year and in fact lost an easy ball when he w
Tony, Sheehan dropped the ball unintentionally to the ground halfway through that sequence so that would be 5 steps x 2, which is easier to get away with than 1 x 10. (If your counting is correct, and I'm not saying it isn't)
Shields wasn't roasted by Brogan, in fact Brogan was quiet by his very high standards, but when he did get the ball his return was exceptional, 1-2 from play plus the donkey work for the first goal before he went off.
By comparison, Carey conceded 1-1 in 10 minutes in the semi last year on Brogan. It's a tough job and Shields is the best Cork have to cope with him. I'd be interested to see how one of the O'Ses would do on him in a Championship match.
Tony, Sheehan dropped the ball unintentionally to the ground halfway through that sequence so that would be 5 steps x 2, which is easier to get away with than 1 x 10. (If your counting is correct, and I'm not saying it isn't)Shields wasn't roasted by
Sadly enough I slowed it down and watched it again cup. Think it could be 15 steps in total now. Even allowing for that, to concede 9 points in a row (I think) was total rubbish.
Watch Mossy's goal again. Brogan ran right around the outside of Shields before putting it on a plate for Quinn. Brogan is practically unmarkable. The 2 feet is a great advantage.
Still I'm over it now. Looking forward to beating the cats on Sunday.
Sadly enough I slowed it down and watched it again cup. Think it could be 15 steps in total now. Even allowing for that, to concede 9 points in a row (I think) was total rubbish. Watch Mossy's goal again. Brogan ran right around the outside of Shield