GAA Betting: In Search of Sam Maguire
Like whispering in a night club, the All-Ireland Football Championship will start with a barely audible meow as opposed to a loud, imposing bark this weekend. It’s a long, hard road to Croke Park, but who’ll be holding aloft the precious Sam Maguire Trophy this September?
Apart from the melee and tea throwing incidents at Parnell Park the National Hurling and Football Leagues were hardly worth watching and will prove to be inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. The O’Byrne Cup and the provincial equivalents are just pointless and serve only to…eh… …er….they serve nothing. League form will play little part in the outcome of the respective All-Ireland Championships. Case in point, Donegal last season. Rigid when winning the league, flopped like Pele in his new ad during the summer.
Having said that, this year’s Division One Champions, Derry, won’t follow in their compatriots’ footsteps. With Tyrone’s powers dwindling, Armagh historically slow starters, the Oak leaf county are strong contenders to emerge from the ultra competitive Ulster Championship. Monaghan’s strong league performances counted for nothing when they slipped up in the Division Two semi-final to Westmeath, however they shouldn’t be written off. Despite popular belief, Ulster’s teams could be in the mix come the third Sunday in September. Derry being the obvious choice, as provincial winners, but Armagh could come good through the backdoor. Whether they have the class to go all the way is questionable, but both are value for money if you have faith in the northern teams.
The lopsided betting somewhat undermines the Leinster Championship. In many respects Dublin should be favourites but being money on is slightly flattering in my opinion. The Dubs frailties are renowned and have been highlighted on numerous occasions such as the league match with Meath which was littered with cards and Armani handbags. Poor discipline could cost them dearly, but surely they’ll be composed when it comes to the crunch on the big day in front of the Hill? Another problem is their inability to finish off teams. A handy draw will prove to be beneficial, but certainties they’re absolutely not. Laois look to be in decline with an exodus of top players including Beano McDonald and Kildare have yet to find any form under the tutelage of Kieran McGeeney. Apart from Westmeath’s solid defence, their league win was more workman-like than classy and a realistic challenge isn’t expected. Wexford may go close if Matty Forde can keep his head and impose himself on their games. In honesty, it looks like a Meath/Dublin Final could be in the offing – the Royals could be the value bet.
Galway and Mayo will compete for the Connacht Championship and the pair look inseparable on paper. Discontent within the Mayo panel after Ciaran McDonald’s exclusion could allow the Tribesmen to take advantage of a shaky situation. Other than that, Leitrim continue to improve but the pool of talent at their disposal is limited and they won’t be challengers. The same applies to Roscommon. Sligo seem to have shown no improvement since their historic Championship win last year. Even with an easy route to the latter stages of the Championship, Mayo and Galway haven’t got the zeal to make an impact on the All-Ireland.
Now to Munster, specifically to Kerry, arguably the spiritual home of Sam. Without even moving into second gear, an under strength Kingdom side cruised to the National League Final but lost to a hungrier Derry team. Without doubt, Kerry are the favourites for the Championship. Cork will endeavour to win the Munster title, but the Rebels don’t have the same guile, tenacity or vigour as their fierce rivals. Since 1996, Cork have reigned supreme on only three occasions. I still remain faithful to my initial prediction that Kerry will be crowned Kings again - nothing insightful there – but I do believe some teams are being overpriced and written off. If many Apple Trees bear fruit, could you taste success?
Have your say on this year’s Football Championships!
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May 8th, 2008 at 9:17 am
The Dubs have an easy path to the Leinster Final this year, with Louth in the quarters, and probably Westmeath in the semi, this could be their undoing come the final againsta well organised Meath or Kildare side
May 8th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
kilkenny and Kerry for three in a row in both codes works out a nearly 4/1.Tipperary in hurling and a fit Tyrone in Football the dark horses.Waterford and Dublin to choke as per usual.My beloved Limerick heres hoping for a summer like last year but I wouldnt be so confident
May 9th, 2008 at 1:24 am
tir eoghain abu but we need a fit team watch out for derry,kerry and scary mary
May 9th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Monaghan for Ulster
May 9th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Dublin and Galway double. Derry for Ulster
May 9th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
dublin in the football, galway huring, derry and down both good value for ulster
May 9th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
If Paddy Bradley has an off day or gets two men placed on him Derry are out, one man team
May 9th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Until Galway move into Leinster they wont be sharp enough for Championship pace come the Quarterfinals so will fall short despite a good league campaign.Lack of proper games is killing there chances.Until Dublin learn not to bottle under pressure and change there attitude to opponents and their manager they will fall short despite the media and “supporters” believing its a god given right for them to win it.My championship accum is Tipp to win Munster Hurling Galway to win Connacht Football Kilkenny to win All Ireland Hurling and Kerry to win All Ireland Football
May 9th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Kerry aint as good as they were Sully watch. Dublin are a brilliant price when you think their guaranteed to be in the semis and you wont get that price then.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
What makes you think Kerry aren’t as good, they continually produce talent year on year. Dublin have to be a lay for the Sam, they have dodgy full back line, Bryan Cullen has been played out of position for the league campaign, Whelan is a 20 minute man and then goes missing against the better teams, Sherlock still gets his game and Vaughan gets ruffled very easily. Has to be an Ulster team v Kerry final
May 9th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I dont think the Dubs have what it takes to go all the way this year. I fancy us to win Leinster, and the inevitable bandwagon will kick into gear then, but when it comes to the crunch I cant see us making the final.
Looking at the competition this year, i wouldnt fancy coming up against Derry, Tyrone, Monaghan and obviously Kerry.
Pillar should have gone last year. He is not tactically astute enough to win Sam. How i’d love Micky Harte to take over.
A note on Jayo - While age isnt on his side, his influence was seen in the Westmeath game when he went off after half an hour. He makes the forwards tick. He’s lost his pace, but he has adapted his game very well.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Dublin are as good a price as Waterford are for the hurling but when the push comes to shove in the semis (if they get there) theyl both bottle it.Of course you can always back em now and lay em off at a tasty profit then if your that way inclined coz Im sure there be plenty hyped up fans willing to back em.Kerry are class they have just won the under 21 championship this year so the conveyor belt of talent is still producing.The only way I can see Kerry or Kilkenny getn beat is if the players get complacement but with managers like Cody and O Shea in charge that wont happen
May 9th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Killkenny @ 10/11 Galway @5/4 Kerry @ 5/4 Tipp @ 2/1 as stated above .Throw on 100 euro now collect nearly 3000 euro in September
May 9th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I think that Galway and Mayo are a toss up Sully, that could be the undoing of that quad, but I agree that Kilkeeny are nailed on. My only reservation about Kerry is that they could face two Ulster teams before the final, and they seem to struggle abit against that style of football. The Munster football final is early July and then the 1/4 finals are mid to late August, thats a lot of time to not be playing against teams that are battle hardened by that stage. Monaghan were unlucky not to beat them at that stage last year as they caught them on an off day, but it’s always a sign of a great team to not play well and still win
May 9th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Give over Eamo Ulster teams are poor, they’ve been on downward spiral for awhile now, not any Ulster team would touch Dublin. Ulster so competitive because their all as bad as each other. you’ll see Kerry will have a bad year
May 9th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I would fancy any lot out of Tyrone, Derry, Monaghan to beat Dublin no bother
May 10th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
You can throw Donegal into that mix too Eamo
May 10th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Donegal, are you having a laugh. Dublin will beat any of these easily. Ulster is poor
May 10th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
You cannot reduce every match to a scrap and whenever Dublin come up against a team better than them that is what they attempt to do. The Northern teams will put manners on them as they are not pushovers like they come up against in Leinster!
May 10th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Yeah, and Leinster is shit hot!
May 10th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Tell you what Eamo il give you a bet il have Dublin and you can have the whole of Ulster. If any Ulster team gets further than Dublin you win, how much you prepared to lose
May 10th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Spud the Northern teams are pushovers thats my whole point. Mugs would be a better word
May 10th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Mugs eh? Ask Kerry how they felt after Derry destroyed them in the second half! Everyone wants to avoid the Northern teams as pushovers are the one thing that they are not. Time will tell idiot boy!
May 10th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Yeah Derry are the best of a bad bunch, but wait for a Championship game and they’ll be put in their place as usual. Northern Mugs
May 10th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Since Dublin cheated their way to victory in 95, Ulster teams have won Sam three times, Dublin haven’t reached a final even with playing at home. Ulster football is still strong enough, far stronger than Leinster.
May 10th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
idiot boy you are the type of clown that gives dublin a bad name, i can predict you
a) have never played football at any level
b) are a knacker who goes on hill 16 with a bottle of buckfast and couple of joints
c) stole the computer you are currently using
d) you really are an idiot boy
with people like you abot its no wonder the dubs are such a loved team
May 10th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Whats the best price you’ll do me for Meath to win Leinster, since the Dubs are so shit hot?
May 10th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
bc calls me a clown with his nonsense message but yet he tipped Dublin himself, let me guess bc your from D4 and have one them chips on your shoulder. And why dont you go on Hill 16 and tell them what you think of them, no you’d rather stay home and criticise. And while im at it i’d bet your a homo aswell
May 10th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
What price you want on Meath, how does 10/1 for Leinster sound, since your bottling out of the Dublin/Ulster bet
May 10th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I haven’t bottled out of any bet, I wanted to know what price you were willing to give me on Meath as well. 10/1 is great value, I’m more than happy to take that. We have each others number so we can take these gaa bets off line if you want mate
May 11th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
idiot boy i fancy dublin for sam as the attitude in there camp has changed and they have taken the type of mentality that won armagh and tyrone to sam, way back to ballymun there and beat the wife
May 13th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
B C WHAT DRUGS R U ON THIS WEATHER
May 15th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
with the suspensions, against a unfacied hungry louth, dublin to fall at the first hurdle and if they meet donegal/ Derry or Armagh/Tyrone to be gone before August. It’ll be a good long while before a jackeen lifts sam again.
May 15th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Or they could just get their arses handed back to them after a good spanking from the Kingdom in September but it wont get that far
May 15th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
To many anti-dubs on here, cant wait till september and remind all yous mugs what yous said. And shut up bc you clown, back to D4 with ya and play bowls or something homo like that
May 18th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
First Shock of the Championship already lads with Wicklow beating Kildare, Meath are still looking good things in my eyes for Leinster
May 18th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Dublin 4/5 were the bet of all time for leinster
May 31st, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Derry buying money at 8/11 against an understrength Donegal team tomoro
June 1st, 2008 at 11:46 am
smart money on donegal -be good to yourself
June 1st, 2008 at 6:02 pm
weres your meath now eamo, told ya their dirt
June 1st, 2008 at 6:35 pm
That is a shocker alright, looks like I still have all the Ulster teams still running for me against the most over rated and over hyped team in Ireland
June 1st, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Hope your not talking about the super Dubs there
June 1st, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I’ll let you decide lad
June 1st, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Magic you just go from bad to worse - not only are you a manc but also a fan of the dubs!
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:59 am
Your right for once Magic, Dublin to win Leinster is printing money. Put it in accum with Spain, Portugal and Germany to qualify from their Euro 2008 groups and Nadal to win the French Open and put what you want on it
June 2nd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
What a tosser that Jim Bolger is, sick of this bent thicks lies. Not a bit of decency in that pig of an excuse of a man. Hope to God the p***k doesnt win the Derby now, lying twat
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:36 am
The game is not straight mate, how does the average punter stand a chance?
June 8th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
idiot boy just noticed the price of your big tip dublin 1/8 . it must have been some struggle picking that one you are a big time tipster. keep me in touch with any more big money ideas.
June 8th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
idiot boy you are a bigot you have a thing about northern teams the are so poor because the game has very little interest to the vast majority of the population. its just you being an argumentative twat. you fall out with nearly every person you grt into a debate with you are a real arse hole and sad prick
June 24th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Don’t stop fighting now boys,this is amusing!!!
June 24th, 2008 at 8:53 am
We’ll see how it pans out, Ulster is very competitive so the Dubs will not be happy to pull any Ulster team
June 25th, 2008 at 2:31 am
Its very open,alot depends on how hungry Kerry are,otherwise theres 4 or 5 teams could win it.
June 25th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Ciaran Whelan and Casey dropped for the game Sunday.Has Pillar grown a pair of balls at last.The football championship is wide open this year good to see Fermanagh and Wexford who play good honest football get their day in the sun in provincial finals.Makes a change from Kerry Armagh and Tyrone sharing Sam out
June 25th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
How are they all mugs since that is the most competitive province? We’ll see at the 1/4 final is the draw is kind enough to the Dubs to pull an Ulster team, hopefully it will be before that though
June 25th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Weatmeath and Wexford are much better then Louth Eamo F so it may happen sooner then we think
June 26th, 2008 at 2:38 am
There seems to be a lot of resentment towards Dublin on this blog,I presume and hope its down to some over zealous less than genial summertime blues fans.I’m a proud Dubs fan,not a stupid one,I feel if we improve this year,we’ll win it,otherwise its heartbreak hotel again….
June 26th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Why is it that the Dublin Hurlers can only pull a crowd of around 15k but the Footballers are treated like Gods, but have delivered nothing but Leinster Championships?
June 26th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Ye Eamo because the massed pack into Casement Pk when anyone other than Antrim plays hurling.
June 26th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
idiot boy twat
June 26th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
mon then reformed
June 26th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Anyone got the answer to my question?
June 27th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Eamo,the answer to your question lies back in the 70’s when Dublin hit their golden patch.They gave a largely depressed people something to indentify with and something to shout about.It was the Dubs and it was gaelic football that these people associated themselves with and so it was passed down to the next couple of generations.In the old days before the “modern era” you would see an equal amout of Dublin people attending the matches of both codes.Hurling has been dead in Dublin since 1961 but if things keep improving as they are,hopefully we’ll see packed houses for the hurlers of the capital once again.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Cheers Brian
June 28th, 2008 at 2:40 am
The form book is not always acurate when it comes to playing against Dublin.When teams come to Croke Park to take us on it ignites something in side of them.The sight of the blue jersey and its sea of blue behind the railway goal can do strange things to a player.Teams will rise above themselves when they encounter Dublin,but I think we have improved enough(team selection wise) to stay ahead this year!
June 28th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
As I said idiot girl,you can rip the form book up when it comes to playing Dublin!!!
June 28th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Is there any non-Dubs out there that would like to see us do it????
June 29th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Im a non-dub and I wouldnt like to see ye do it… but i have a sneaking feeling that its Dublins year
June 29th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
dublin who??
June 30th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I was there yesterday and I’m sure you will all agree the match wasn’t great. Dublin will hardly strike fear into anyone with that performance. Again there were too many wides, coupled with bad passes. If Westmeath had of had any decent forwards the result would have been different. It’s strange that everybody alawys goes on about how good the fans are, they are loud when it’s going there way, but they are just as quick to get on the players back. They only sing when they are winning
June 30th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Well Eamo I think we can be safe and say that Dublin wont win Sam this year.Cluxton still gets rushs of blood to the head the full back line will be cruelly exposed by better teams then Westmeath Cullen is not and never will be a centre back Old Man Whelan and Sherlock cant go on forever Quinn is unreliable at frees Alan Brogan is good when hes on his game annonymous when not.They will win one year but thats the law of averages if you throw enough stones youl eventually break a window.As for their fans well again thay delayed the throw in in their thirst for alcohol.Unfair on Westmeath and those genuine Dublin supporters who were on time .The GAA NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION ONCE AND FOR ALL
June 30th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
The Dubs have no chance, everybody needs to get real. They do not have the forwards to do it, and the full back is a major liability, even Wexford will put it up to them.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
who is tis dublin? who & were does he play???
couldnt be much good havent heard of him before
June 30th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Well I did say we could win it if we improve,but from what I could see yesterday we have no chance of beating a good team,but one thing we have on our side is time,time to sharpen up,and if we dont,we might not get past the quarter-finals,hopefully I’m wrong but I dont think I am…
July 1st, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Ye have till the second week in August if yere lucky about six weeks.Ye need a man who can manage on the line first.
July 15th, 2008 at 2:51 am
Yes I agree,Pillar is not the man,never was.
July 15th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Pillar is the man to lead the Dubs, no question. I just wanna take a shot at the Dubs who think he’s not the man for the job. Pillar has his team improving every year. The team are as fit and physical as any team in the country. If you took a look back a couple of years ago we looked like a bunch of auld1s. and how close were we last year? lost to kerry by 2 points in a tight encounter and cork couldn’t even give them a game in the final. So right we were the 2nd best team in the country last year, roll on this year we’ve got a few new players a stronger subs bench and a team. So we’ll improve in every game this year and take Sam home and make the culchies sick. Up The Dubs!!!!!!
July 17th, 2008 at 2:15 am
The players are fine,well trained in the physical department and proud to wear the jersey.A few childish errors on Pillar’s behalf cost us one or two Sams already.We were close in 2002 when Pillar was’nt there.If we DO win it this year,it will be down to the heart of the players and nothing else,time to lose sideline clowns like Clarke and Billings,get in a cute manager who knows what hes doing and we will have success.As for 2nd best!! You can keep it.
July 17th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Dublin have a history of rewarding failure, I hope Pillar is there for many a year to come. The worst move that they could have done was giving him his new contract in mid season. Dublin have won three in a row in Leinster but in the cold light of day, they didn’t have much to beat. They have only made the semi once in three years, so when they have came up against a decent side, well you can do the math
July 18th, 2008 at 2:35 am
Lets not be too hard on Limerick just yet,the RTE tipster has them to beat our old pal Meath(though I doubt it).The reason their hurlers are crap is because they have a fruitcake for a manager,Bennis is a clown,I bet he breaks hurleys on the dressing room table.Having said all that,I’m glad I’m a Dub.People love to knock us so when our time comes around its all the more pleasurable to win.We keep the bite in gaelic football,if we are not up there its very bad news for the GAA,c’mon Dublin!!!
July 18th, 2008 at 10:02 am
If you are all so big on Dublin GAA where are you when the Hurlers need your support? Barney Rock (idiot boy) say ‘Dublin have a history of winning’, that is old history and recent history shows that they have a history of bottling when it comes to the crunch. Wexford +3 points @ 6/5 is a gift!
July 18th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Limerick hurlers were an insult to the jersey last Saturday and our U21s get pipped by a point last night so its a bad time fair enough.But the problem I have with Dublin is the same shite and hype peddled about them every year only for them to fall on there arse when it counts.1 All Ireland in 20 odd years for a superpower of the game would make you laugh.I would love to see the Dublin hurlers do well for the good of the game so Im not anti Dub I just cant stand people that talk the talk but cant walk the walk.Look at Cork hurlers who would be in my opinion the hurling version of the Dubs very irritating to listen to their supporters but you cant deny that they put their money where their mouths are and gain success
July 19th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Sully,the hype surrounding Dublin is media induced.That mixed with a tiny minority of Dubs fans spouting off on blogs should not paint the picture that a lot of country people tend to see.Most of us are geniune GAA people who enjoy the rivalry.It should not create the hate that most people seem to have for us.But if people are small-minded enough do go along with the media-based hype,so be it.
July 19th, 2008 at 2:32 am
And as for Spud,I was at those hurling matches.Dublin are associated with football as Kilkenny are with hurling.I can’t recall observing any full houses at Kilkenny football fixtures.This would also apply to most counties,whatever their supposed codes are.So stop picking,support your county and dont be such a clown!
July 19th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Who else does anyone see fit to manage the Dubs? Every manager makes a few mistakes but Pillar has made a lot of good decisions. I mean you have to give Kerry credit for last year they are a remarkable team but this year we have that extra bit that will put more scores on the board. Its easy to point the blame at the manager if you don’t win. It’s his last year if we don’t win it this year but I fully believe we’ll take it home this year and Pillar will go on to reign like Heffo. mark my words. UP THE DUBS!!!!
July 20th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Comprehensive victory,we are now officially All-Ireland contenders!!!
July 24th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Magic display from the Dubs i think they always do better when their shooten into the Hill in the 2nd half. Hope we get Mayo in the quarter and give dem a hiden’
July 25th, 2008 at 12:15 am
I don’t care who we get,we have to prove we’re good enough!
July 26th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Dubs will Definatley win the Sam… The last Time we Won four Leinster Titles in a Row was in 1995 and that so happens to be the Last Time we won an All-Ireland. Our team has gotten Much stronger over the Last year and are Playing extremley Well (see the score of the Leinster Final) Whelans Final Got a bit of cop on and Jayo is starting to find his Head Again and as For Alan Brogan What can i say?? I Fully Believe that 2008 is our Year
July 26th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
& As for all this Ulster shite They dont stand a Chance against Dublin
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:02 am
Hi Jayos The man
Dublin are c**k-heads and will not win the ALL IRELAND This Year
Sorry
August 5th, 2008 at 12:40 am
John,we much appreciate your mindless anti-dubbery,theres obviously no brain store in whatever wonderfully successful county your’e from,theres one up here,come up and puchase one!
August 5th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
We will let the teams do the talking on the pitch on August 16th - this is the tie we all wanted to put the crap talk out of all the obnoxious Dublin idiots on this blog. The Red Hands will silence you all for another year, back under your stones you go!
August 5th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Well the Dubs will have to play two Ulster teams now to get to the final, so we’ll see how they get on. Both teams are in transition but they will give them a game alright, we’ll see what the biggest bottlers in Ireland will have to say about that though, when was the last time the dubs beat Tyrone in the championship? It was the time that Charlie Redmond stayed on the pitch when he was off, 17 men against 15 as the ref was the most biased ever. The GAA had to let the Dubs will that year, it’s all politics at the end of the day. Now that the Dub fans have brought shame on the GAA by openly taking coke on the Hill, they will not be doing that bunch of tinkers anymore favours!
August 5th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
having witnessed tyrone every game in the championship this year, I would safely say the dubs will beat tyrone by the handicap as tyrone dont have (with the exception of sean cavanagh who should be played in midfield), anyone of real quality in the full forward line. I am from ulster and can say ulster are in no way the dominant force in football they once were, the standard of play in the ulster championship and the performance of my native down and fermanagh against weak opposition would testify this. In my opinion the winner of the kerry galway game will win sam!
August 11th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Well well,the great Ulster contingent is falling one by one,still fancy Tyrone next saturday lads?It will be some game,well done to Wexford,man they have balls!
August 11th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Yeah, Armagh were muck and Tyrone are up against it alright this weekend. I’m hoping the Dubs take their eye of the ball as they know they have an easy semi against Wexford waiting on them. If all else fails, at least kerry will murder them in the final
August 11th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Tyrone will piss it, southern softies cak the pants when the boys come down from the north!
August 11th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Tyrone getting an extra week to get ready so the Gaa bank balance and the Dubs fans could be looked after could enable Tyrone to get close to the Dubs but I think the Dubs are into an All Ireland Final where Kerry will put manners on them.Kerry are in a different league and arent even breaking a sweat yet.Back to Saturdays game if Tyrone can stay with the Dubs till the last ten minutes they could well pull it off.Mickey Harte lives to manage these kind of games and the decisions on the Dublin line by Caffrey when the pressure comes on n the past show that Tyrone have a major edge but if Dublin get in the groove they should win by 5 or 6 points
August 11th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Have to agree with you on Kerry Sully, they were impressive on Saturday and will improve further. Galvin is also available for the semi’s so I cannot see anyone stopping them this year.
August 11th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I think he wont be back till the all ireland final but Cooper has yet to break a sweat this season and Declan O Sullivan coming back to fitness is like a new player.Full back line is a worry but no team left has a solid full back line.
August 11th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Spud,you might regret your idiotic remark about “southern softies” when you check the result of the Armagh game from y’day.You know Dublin are the only team that have a chance against Kerry!
August 12th, 2008 at 8:49 am
have to agree with sully about kerry as they will stroll to 3 in a row as will kilkenny!tyrone are a poor outfit this year while the dubs have improved, although the hype and the fact they have that idiot caffrey managing them should ensure the kingdom retain sam for another year!!think common sense prevailed by giving the game as a stand alone fixture!tyrone will have a much better chance on saturday if cavanagh is brought out around the middle of the park
August 12th, 2008 at 11:17 am
What have Wexford and Armagh got to do with Tyrone? Armagh are famous for bottling at Croker in recent years, time will tell Jackeen!
August 12th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Kilkenny hurlers are one of the finest teams to ever grace the ancient art of hurling.Shefflin in my humble opinion has taken up the mantle of DJ and made it his own.
August 13th, 2008 at 12:50 am
I dont like Caffrey as a manager either,never did,if we do it this year,it will be down to the players and I agree that Kerry are hot favourites…
August 13th, 2008 at 8:25 am
I think we’ll see what Caffrey is made off when he comes up against Harte on the touchline, Dublin have the superior team, but will he get the tatics spot on? I know you I would pick to come out on top
August 18th, 2008 at 12:15 am
Congrats to Tyrone,awesome display,what I said all along about Caffrey was correct,he had no idea what to do when the shit hit the fan.He did’nt rearrange the midfield when it was been beaten,and to top it he brings on our worst player,Paul Casey, to save the day,say no more.I know the anti-dubs on here will be delighted and I don’t blame them,but I hope it will shut the big-mouthed Dubs who embarrass us on this blog up for a while.Give us a real mananger,all is not lost!
August 18th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Barney Rock provincial champions Armagh and Galway felt it was their right along with Cork and Dublin to play their All Ireland Quarterfinal at Croker and they were right .Dublin wanted a stand alone fixture to ensure that the greatest supporters on earth didnt have to search for tickets like the rest of us mere mortals have to.So they had a choice play in a double header at the weekend set for the Quarterfinals or delay by a week like they did and ensure a full house 80% of which would be Dubs.I said all along that they would regret giving Tyrone the extra week to prepare as they were out on their feet after the Mayo game and that Caffery wouldnt have the tactical knowhow to outsmart Mickey Harte if the shit hit the fan.Those are the facts Im Sorry if they dont sit easy with ye
August 18th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
The best supporters in the world were seen leaving with twenty minutes to go, that fact speaks for itself
August 18th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Too many mis-matches all over the pitch, Sean Cav v Ross Mc, what was going on there? Brian Doo was running the game but he was never picked up, he kicked a couple of wonderful scores as well. Jayo still gets his game, he must be one of the most over-rated footballers ever. Whelan went missing again, the only I see him was when he was trying to punch a Tyrone player. I think it is fair to say that Mickey Harte had all the bases covered, and Pillar just didn’t know what to do
August 18th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Whelan is nothing but a thug and to see him not get an All Ireland medal is for me the greatest satisfaction
August 19th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Your’e a bitter little man Sully are’nt you,Whelan has been one the games greatest midfielders of the modern era,you called him a thug and your’e from LIMERICK!!??Cop yourself on,Dublin getting beaten should’ve of be enough for the likes of you but your’e obviously an asshole,enjoy the rest of the year and good riddance!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:37 am
come on tyrone.
i think we have the edge on kerry. not that kerry is a bad team. its just i think we are back on track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixtNZTc2zxE
September 5th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I agree,I think despite Kerry having the more natural forwards,which is what wins most matches,Tyrones 70minutes of total commitment may be something Kerry havent encountered yet,Tyrone by 3!