National Forum

All Ireland Championship 2020

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Ah look every team suffers bad luck and I think if we're talking about 2019 you'd have to give Mayo credit. They were the hungrier and better team on the day.

Eoghan Ban Gallagher last year and Paddy McBrearty in 2018 were huge losses through injury but again, every team suffers in that regard.

I think we'll need an injury free run at it for our key players to have any chance. Especially key to this will be Jason McGee I think. He's had a cursed run with injuries. But if he is fit and on form then it lessens the need for Murphy to play out around the middle and we can play him closer to goal."
One hell of a draw though - Donegal v Tyrone - loser only getting 1 game in the Championship.

Definitely need the remaining league games to get both prepared for it...

Think Donegal will prevail in this cracker of a tie.

Fionn (Dublin) - Posts: 3732 - 09/10/2020 13:03:33    2296561

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "Very understandable Fionn but hope your views are just against the Kerry team more than the people. Many of us Kerry folk came to Dublin over the years due to employment etc as most jobs in Dublin and we end up having Dublin children. The two best Dublin midfielders I've ever seen are Fenton and Brian Mullins (one has a Kerry Dad and the other a Kerry mother). Cian Ó Sullivan (both parents Kerry) Actually in my lifetime every Dublin team that won Sam had a player on the team that had a Kerry parent so we have been good to you. We were lucky David Clifford was born up there to as his parents lived in Dublin for a few years. Just a bit of useless info for you Fionn but as I say I don't blame you at all especially with some of my fellow Countymens immature and begrudging posts."
Mrs Brogan also from Listowel. ;)

Didnt know that about young David, bad luck David. ;D

I think a couple of Kerry greats were born and spent some formative years in Dublin.

Paddy McBrearty, lived his young life in Drimnagh and his mother is a relation of Tommy Conroy out St. Vincents way. Just on Brian Mullins, his son Nathan togged out for Donegal.

TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 09/10/2020 13:09:50    2296562

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Replying To Fionn:  "I have to admit - you are the most genuine Kerry poster on here - it is the tripe and yerra yerra from the others that feed this view. So you are correct - yet again.. ;o)

When you read posts like - I think a Div 3 team could beat us etc etc and the constant whinging and moaning - well enough said....

Pity that there are not more Kerry posters like you on here. Fair play to you - nothing but respect...!"
Haha seriously do you really think he's from kerry? he's a very poor impostor, he's no more of a kerry man than I'm from India.

Yourjoking (USA) - Posts: 705 - 09/10/2020 13:21:28    2296565

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Replying To TheUsername:  "We have good players definitely as a another poster pointed out, still personally i think the turnover of the squad has been huge - you cant loose Paul Flynn, O Gara, Brogan, Connolly, Daly and Jack from a squad and for it not to have an impact. Thats before we talk of Jim Gavin, i think he gave Dublin an extra 15%. Its the difference between Dublin being competitive in the pack for an All Ireland like 2011 and what they achieved from 13-19 in my opinion. New managers first year and all the grace and patience in the world for me. Its a new backroom team to and that is significant.

If im being honest i was inspired by what i saw in the league this year, maybe Dublin at about 55% so i think Dessie is on a learning curve, in a tough year for a learning curve.

There is a bullet in the post for Dublin for a long time, the dominance simply inst sustainable and given the above, winter ball - that doesn't suit us and no crowds - no point saying with Mayo we aren't the most well supported the team, there are a lot of reasons why i think Dublin will regress. Hopefully we are competitive though and im proven wrong.

Just feel we will regress and the overall panel isnt as strong and that has a massive effect even away from the visible eye of playing games.

I think everyone has a chance this year. The pack is thick and we will be in there. My thinking would be this:

Logical choices:

I think any team with manager in place for a couple of years can be confident.

Kerry: Excellent players, capable of being the best scorers in Ireland if it all comes off, we know their frailties but if they can pull teams into a shoot out and improve the back line they will be confident. Year 2 for Keane, ideas and philosophy well on the way, last years experience will make them hungry. Munster, like Leinster a huge enabling factor.

Mayo: Just capable of taking anyone out on their day. Connacht will be tough, but as seasoned and experienced team no team will look forward to playing. A shorter championship might suit them.

Donegal: like Kerry excellent and developing players, a good few years under Bonnar. I often feel Donegal are better then they believe they are, so psychologically i think they need to start to believe they are contenders and aim for the big prize as a goal rather then a bit of luck.

Tyrone: The real dark horse for me, ill be rooting for Donegal in the Ulster championship. Tyrone are brilliant at winter ball and if they get out of Ulster im going to lump on them to go all the way. I cant think of two many times we've beaten Tyrone when the clocks have changed. This championship will really suit them.


Wildcards:

Galway, really admire what Joyce is doing there, the coming team in Ireland maybe, standards are being risen and philosophy imprinted, they could take out anyone. Joyces first year though and like us, you cant expect a trophy in your first year.

Cork, look another coming team, backboned by U20 and minor success for the coming years to augment quality players. Fitness will be key.

Armagh, some brilliant players there and coming through, wouldn't be a fan of Geezer, but i think Armagh are on a decent trajectory.

All to play for, for me, like i said i think its like fresh snow this year, i dont think Dublin will win this year but i think it might be a terrific competitive championship and we will have new winners."
Great Post User. Of course the retirements don't help but bar Jack Mac the others were nt starting the last few years and the panel big enough to overcome the losses altho it has to be said Jim Gavin may be the biggest loss of all. Players coming in last few years have been brill like Howard Murchain etc and maybe Basquel back with a few others. Still such a strong team. Agree Donegal and Kerry have loads of talent but Kerry have defensive issues that need to be addressed. Kavanagh big loss to Tyrone and Mayo need to unearth one or two scoring forwards. Cork coming and maybe Armagh. Monaghan still capable of taking a scalp but Galway the team that excites me most at the minute with Joyce in charge. Galway could have a big say yet.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 09/10/2020 13:21:37    2296566

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "Agreed but it's a pity Odhran Mac Niallais not playing. A superb talent"
Yeah that's true. Odhran is a rare talent. It would be fantastic to have him involved but his decision needs to be respected.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9134 - 09/10/2020 13:28:47    2296567

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Replying To Yourjoking:  "Haha seriously do you really think he's from kerry? he's a very poor impostor, he's no more of a kerry man than I'm from India."
Is that you kingdomboy/hermit.?????

Fionn (Dublin) - Posts: 3732 - 09/10/2020 13:29:07    2296568

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Replying To TheUsername:  "Mrs Brogan also from Listowel. ;)

Didnt know that about young David, bad luck David. ;D

I think a couple of Kerry greats were born and spent some formative years in Dublin.

Paddy McBrearty, lived his young life in Drimnagh and his mother is a relation of Tommy Conroy out St. Vincents way. Just on Brian Mullins, his son Nathan togged out for Donegal."
I think Fionn Fitzgerald Mom from Dublin and yes Nathan Mullins did play for Donegal and hoping for a recall I hear. Brian Mullins uncle Bill Casy won a few all ireland with Kerry. A big strong man I believe like Brian. I read that before about Mcbrearty (great player) Kieran Donaghy Dad a proud Tyrone man and Kerry s Ger Powers Dad Jackie won hurling all Irelands with Limerick. Ciarán Kilkenny s grandad wax Sean Purcell of Galway(that many older folk say was one of the greatest ever) and of course of our Kerrt s finest hurlers Darragh Ó Connell now hurling with Dublin and Cuala. The gaa is one big family.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 09/10/2020 13:30:40    2296571

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "Great Post User. Of course the retirements don't help but bar Jack Mac the others were nt starting the last few years and the panel big enough to overcome the losses altho it has to be said Jim Gavin may be the biggest loss of all. Players coming in last few years have been brill like Howard Murchain etc and maybe Basquel back with a few others. Still such a strong team. Agree Donegal and Kerry have loads of talent but Kerry have defensive issues that need to be addressed. Kavanagh big loss to Tyrone and Mayo need to unearth one or two scoring forwards. Cork coming and maybe Armagh. Monaghan still capable of taking a scalp but Galway the team that excites me most at the minute with Joyce in charge. Galway could have a big say yet."
Yes I think Galway are real dark horses this year.

Just checked the AI odds - some crazy prices being offered, considering the year that is in it....

Fionn (Dublin) - Posts: 3732 - 09/10/2020 13:31:45    2296573

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Replying To Fionn:  "Yes I think Galway are real dark horses this year.

Just checked the AI odds - some crazy prices being offered, considering the year that is in it...."
They were in the final only 2 years ago so can't be that far off despite last year collapse

Breezy (Limerick) - Posts: 1236 - 09/10/2020 13:39:21    2296574

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Replying To KingdomBoy1:  "I don't think that they're playing Waterford."
https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1167059/
Yep first round

Breezy (Limerick) - Posts: 1236 - 09/10/2020 13:41:08    2296576

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "I think Fionn Fitzgerald Mom from Dublin and yes Nathan Mullins did play for Donegal and hoping for a recall I hear. Brian Mullins uncle Bill Casy won a few all ireland with Kerry. A big strong man I believe like Brian. I read that before about Mcbrearty (great player) Kieran Donaghy Dad a proud Tyrone man and Kerry s Ger Powers Dad Jackie won hurling all Irelands with Limerick. Ciarán Kilkenny s grandad wax Sean Purcell of Galway(that many older folk say was one of the greatest ever) and of course of our Kerrt s finest hurlers Darragh Ó Connell now hurling with Dublin and Cuala. The gaa is one big family."
I think Stephen McNamara, who won All-Ireland's with Clare in the 90s, is a nephew of Ger Power's.

There's defo some sort of connection there in anyways.

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13707 - 09/10/2020 13:43:01    2296578

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Some great posts and it's good to read about football. If the championship goes ahead these are my views!

Munster - Whilst Kerry are being cautious and talking up Cork I actually agree with them to a certain extent. I can't recall who posted it but I'd agree Cork will be a Div 1 team by around April/May 2021. They've great underage structures there and seem to be going in the right direction. The Cork/Kerry game in PUC will be one of the best games of the championship and I expect Cork to come close. However close is all they'll get this year and Kerry will get over the line by 3 or 4 and subsequently win the Munster championship.

Connaught - On the face of it Galway look the strongest in the province. However will winter football suit this Galway team under Joyce; his style would appear more suited to spring/summer football! Roscommon are the most awkward team in the country; they shouldn't win their province but are the sort of team who can just turn up and put in a great forward display and beat Galway or Mayo out the gate! My prediction out West though is Mayo; they've serious miles on the clock but this short, snap championship might just suit them. Every game is a final; they've had months to rest their older players and they'll target this championship as the last realistic chance of winning Sam. They'll do enough to win out West.

Leinster - With the best will in the world just..Dublin. Dublin might fall into the pack in terms of All Ireland's but in Leinster even in an empty Croke Park and some transition they'll win all their Leinster games by 10+.

Ulster - Will this be the best of the lot!? Ballybofey in the first round will be the game of the provincial championships. If it was played in May/June then Donegal for me would win it. However winter football suits nobody better than Harte's Tyrone. His tactics, set up just suits wet, windy days and the fact they've not the same amount of top forwards won't be an issue; it will all be about the system. McKenna is back from a professional sport that was in season so fitness wise you'd expect him to be at peak; I'm wondering was that the reason Cavanagh stepped aside as that's where McKenna will slot in.

Donegal never look the same team during the national league and it's summer when they show their strengths; for that reason I think Tyrone will win in Donegal and go on to win Ulster.

All Ireland Semi Finals

Dublin - Tyrone - For reasons mentioned above Tyrone are a danger in this championship; playing Dublin in am empty Croke Park will hold no fear to them as they've shown before in winter games. I'm not convinced conditions will suit the Dubs and I'm also not sure they'll have the hunger for the winter battle after winning so much especially against the sort of negative battle Tyrone will make it. For me Tyrone to beat Dublin in the semi final.

Kerry - Mayo - Kerry no doubt are the coming team and have an exciting blend of forwards, pace and power. However although they got to the final last year; they're not yet an experienced seasoned team. Mayo will make this an almighty battle and due to less games I'd feel Mayo will win it by a point or 2.

As for the final 2020 has been a strange year; a year like no other; I feel to sum it all up we'll see Mayo lifting Sam in an empty Croke Park with no homecoming allowed as they finally bring Sam west.

sam1884 (UK) - Posts: 999 - 09/10/2020 14:02:43    2296582

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Replying To sam1884:  "Some great posts and it's good to read about football. If the championship goes ahead these are my views!

Munster - Whilst Kerry are being cautious and talking up Cork I actually agree with them to a certain extent. I can't recall who posted it but I'd agree Cork will be a Div 1 team by around April/May 2021. They've great underage structures there and seem to be going in the right direction. The Cork/Kerry game in PUC will be one of the best games of the championship and I expect Cork to come close. However close is all they'll get this year and Kerry will get over the line by 3 or 4 and subsequently win the Munster championship.

Connaught - On the face of it Galway look the strongest in the province. However will winter football suit this Galway team under Joyce; his style would appear more suited to spring/summer football! Roscommon are the most awkward team in the country; they shouldn't win their province but are the sort of team who can just turn up and put in a great forward display and beat Galway or Mayo out the gate! My prediction out West though is Mayo; they've serious miles on the clock but this short, snap championship might just suit them. Every game is a final; they've had months to rest their older players and they'll target this championship as the last realistic chance of winning Sam. They'll do enough to win out West.

Leinster - With the best will in the world just..Dublin. Dublin might fall into the pack in terms of All Ireland's but in Leinster even in an empty Croke Park and some transition they'll win all their Leinster games by 10+.

Ulster - Will this be the best of the lot!? Ballybofey in the first round will be the game of the provincial championships. If it was played in May/June then Donegal for me would win it. However winter football suits nobody better than Harte's Tyrone. His tactics, set up just suits wet, windy days and the fact they've not the same amount of top forwards won't be an issue; it will all be about the system. McKenna is back from a professional sport that was in season so fitness wise you'd expect him to be at peak; I'm wondering was that the reason Cavanagh stepped aside as that's where McKenna will slot in.

Donegal never look the same team during the national league and it's summer when they show their strengths; for that reason I think Tyrone will win in Donegal and go on to win Ulster.

All Ireland Semi Finals

Dublin - Tyrone - For reasons mentioned above Tyrone are a danger in this championship; playing Dublin in am empty Croke Park will hold no fear to them as they've shown before in winter games. I'm not convinced conditions will suit the Dubs and I'm also not sure they'll have the hunger for the winter battle after winning so much especially against the sort of negative battle Tyrone will make it. For me Tyrone to beat Dublin in the semi final.

Kerry - Mayo - Kerry no doubt are the coming team and have an exciting blend of forwards, pace and power. However although they got to the final last year; they're not yet an experienced seasoned team. Mayo will make this an almighty battle and due to less games I'd feel Mayo will win it by a point or 2.

As for the final 2020 has been a strange year; a year like no other; I feel to sum it all up we'll see Mayo lifting Sam in an empty Croke Park with no homecoming allowed as they finally bring Sam west."
If Mayo win the all ireland there's no virus or lockdown that will stop the people lining the streets. Mark my words.

ConnollyDub (Dublin) - Posts: 2007 - 09/10/2020 14:10:13    2296586

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Replying To MesAmis:  "I think Stephen McNamara, who won All-Ireland's with Clare in the 90s, is a nephew of Ger Power's.

There's defo some sort of connection there in anyways."
You are totally correctMesamis. Stephen McNamara is Ger Powers nephew (his sisters son)


. A famous gaa pub question was name a man his son and his grandson that won senior all ireland medals for 3 different counties. Answer was Jackie Power (Limerick) his son Ger Power ((Kerry) and his grandson Stephen McNamara (Clare).

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 09/10/2020 14:11:00    2296587

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Replying To Fionn:  "Is that you kingdomboy/hermit.?????"
Down man thanks.

Yourjoking (USA) - Posts: 705 - 09/10/2020 14:20:03    2296592

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Replying To Breezy:  "https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1167059/
Yep first round"
I thought if you reached the munster football final then you were straight into the munster semifinal the following year?

KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 14092 - 09/10/2020 14:24:57    2296593

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1080 cases in N Ireland - ( about same as 5,500 cases in ROL) now highest cases in all of Europe and Trump's America per 1000 people and we are going to play a All Ireland series... they are going to closed out the whole country

patmouse (Monaghan) - Posts: 111 - 09/10/2020 14:32:23    2296596

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Replying To patmouse:  "1080 cases in N Ireland - ( about same as 5,500 cases in ROL) now highest cases in all of Europe and Trump's America per 1000 people and we are going to play a All Ireland series... they are going to closed out the whole country"
Its a bloody mess up there... and we seem to be heading in the same direction unfortunately.

Another lockdown is a definite.... :o(

Fionn (Dublin) - Posts: 3732 - 09/10/2020 14:41:58    2296597

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "You are totally correctMesamis. Stephen McNamara is Ger Powers nephew (his sisters son)


. A famous gaa pub question was name a man his son and his grandson that won senior all ireland medals for 3 different counties. Answer was Jackie Power (Limerick) his son Ger Power ((Kerry) and his grandson Stephen McNamara (Clare)."
That's a great stat Ciarraí!

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13707 - 09/10/2020 14:45:39    2296598

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Replying To patmouse:  "1080 cases in N Ireland - ( about same as 5,500 cases in ROL) now highest cases in all of Europe and Trump's America per 1000 people and we are going to play a All Ireland series... they are going to closed out the whole country"
Surely its time to consider playing the championship with just the republic teams? Its out of control in Northern Ireland.

sourmilk93 (Roscommon) - Posts: 1144 - 09/10/2020 15:31:07    2296602

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