Looking Towards Football 2027

Replying To Shearer:  "Question is...........can 2027 or any other year to come ever live up to 2026?"

Replying To Gaa_lover:  "I don't believe your theory on teams focusing on certain competitions.

Donegal the same as all 8 Division 1 teams had a focus on retaining their status Monaghan and Dublin the two that fell through the trap door

In Connacht Roscommon Galway and Mayo all had the focus in winning the Nestor Cup. The semi-final exit allowed Mayo to reset and drop players.

A number of teams including had a focus on winning Ulster.

Louth most certainly had a focus to remain their Leinster title but like Mayo had to reset that focus.

Dublin focus was on find some form. They were truly awful in Division 1in Leinster and v Louth in the All-Ireland series then suddenly clicked into life v Donegal still daftness they got 5 all star nominations."

Replying To tirawleybaron:  "It was very obvious in the league that Donegal and Kerry were going after div 1 win - Kerry always do becasue they usually need a league final for decent competition (as none available in Munster). Donegal had what looked like a reasonable Ulster draw so went of the league, thinking they had a nice break to a tough Ulster match.

Donegal got cought out by Down and didnt change their approach - which led to their demise.

Armagh had the tough route in Ulster and had nothing left in the tank later in Kerry.
Tyrone ignore the league aiming for Armagh - it didnt work - but things improved as they got players back.
Monaghan ignored the league to target Ulster - but eventuall ran out of legs in the All Ireland

Galway, Roscommon and Mayo eased off in the league to be ready for Connacht. Mayo got badly done and reset their style of play and personnel. Galway and Roscommon trucked on but ran out of gas.

Dublin were dire until all their allstarts returned for the All Ireland series.
Louth were too conservative until they learned from their Dublin beating.
Meath focused on the league and had nothing left after that.

Cork were the same as Meath.
Kerry just couldnt get all their players back in time.


The lesson for all teams seeking SAM is to experiment in league and provincial championship but stay focused on having everyone fit and firing for June and July - its an 8 week season that counts - the rest is just practice.

If your building from a low base - go target the league or provincials - there will be scope for progress there."

Replying To Square_B:  "Probably would have to pay to see Sam, imagine that."