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Football Championship 2021

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "I heard someone say this was Dubs lowest winning margin in Leinster since 2012.One thing for certain its the first time in a while the bookies caught caught with the handicap with Dublin."
Leinster Final 2013 was a 7 point win iirc.

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13707 - 04/07/2021 22:46:08    2356316

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "I heard someone say this was Dubs lowest winning margin in Leinster since 2012.One thing for certain its the first time in a while the bookies caught caught with the handicap with Dublin."
It certainly was not on a par with what you would have come to expect from a Dublin team as regards score tall or winning margin at this stage. I honestly thought we were vulnerable last year but we know how that panned out.
You simply don't replace players of the standard that have retired as some people would have you believe.

Dubh_linn (Dublin) - Posts: 2312 - 05/07/2021 07:51:09    2356349

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Replying To TheUsername:  "Have to agree we've regressed significantly, even from last year. Think we're seeing a rebuild. No All Ireland for Dublin this year and maybe a few years. Man what fun we had though.

I'll comfort myself watching Brian Howard over the next few years, he's such an incredible footballer, on today's form he's the best footballer in Ireland."
Howard is a wonderful footballer alright and is one of what I would consider of the standard that has retired.
Of course it's early to be judging some of the new players that are being given game time but you don't just produce replacements for the calibre of those players that have stepped away. For me, last year was a bonus.

Dubh_linn (Dublin) - Posts: 2312 - 05/07/2021 07:57:25    2356350

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The Stephen Cluxton situation is a very difficult one for Dublin. Its going to be unwanted noise over the coming weeks. Constant questions after every match.
In a way, it would be better for the team if he just retired now or said he's not available this year!

Ban (Westmeath) - Posts: 1415 - 05/07/2021 09:05:51    2356358

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Good to see a couple of debuts
Overall only so so
Dubs been on the road plenty with their 5th straight game out of HQ and remain unbeaten. That's a healthy thing it's to be welcomed but unfortunately came at a time when you couldn't go and support

Overall well done to Wexford. Not much being said about their good performance

Onwards we go..

But as mentioned above, it is time to consider the players Dublin cannot call upon anymore.

I'd be talking differently if McCaffrey and Mannion were available, but it's a massive bonus to have Howard back and fully fit.

He's a very talented player and will bring the X factor when needed the most.

Cluxton is a major doubt. We just might have seen the last of him but nothing would surprise me on that front. Hope he's enjoying his time with the club and is feeling good.

I think Dublin will give it a major go this year but without the 3 players mentioned above it'll be made all the harder.

Look at the contribution those 3 players made in the two finals in 2019. There would be no 5 in a row without them.

It's all about if teams continue to drop players behind the ball and greatly limit themselves in doing so, Dublin have the unique setup, tried and perfected to continue winning if teams continue to play right into their hands.

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20600 - 05/07/2021 09:52:02    2356367

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "I can't understand the pesisism over one game.Meath will certainly not be favourites and we don't know full story with Clucko yet. He is taking a break but has nt made up his mind yet. On Dublin we ll know more v Meath."
But its not just one match CiarraiMick. I am telling you this great team are coming near the end. I can see it. We are regressing. The players coming through simply aren't as good as the ones gone by.

Look, it was the exact same with KK. No one believed it would happen until it did. KK dominated the game for near 15 years, and now look!! And why did it happen? Simple really, the players coming through are just not at the same level.

Now of course they are still extremely competitive, and still nicked an all ireland here and there. But their dominance is over.

Its exactly how i see it with the Dubs. We will still be competing year in year out, but the dominance will end.

This is not me being a ''cute hoor'' or anything like that. This is genuinely how i see it. Nothing lasts forever, even if you convince yourself it will!

ConnollyDub (Dublin) - Posts: 2007 - 05/07/2021 09:56:30    2356369

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "I heard someone say this was Dubs lowest winning margin in Leinster since 2012.One thing for certain its the first time in a while the bookies caught caught with the handicap with Dublin."
Handicap on Dublin footballers is almost always ridiculously big. It's a stupid bet anyway. It's not the bookies get caught on these sort of bets, its the eijits who put money on them! They weren't queuing up to lay 2/5 against Limerick to any decent cash :-)

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 2556 - 05/07/2021 10:04:22    2356373

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Replying To ConnollyDub:  "But its not just one match CiarraiMick. I am telling you this great team are coming near the end. I can see it. We are regressing. The players coming through simply aren't as good as the ones gone by.

Look, it was the exact same with KK. No one believed it would happen until it did. KK dominated the game for near 15 years, and now look!! And why did it happen? Simple really, the players coming through are just not at the same level.

Now of course they are still extremely competitive, and still nicked an all ireland here and there. But their dominance is over.

Its exactly how i see it with the Dubs. We will still be competing year in year out, but the dominance will end.

This is not me being a ''cute hoor'' or anything like that. This is genuinely how i see it. Nothing lasts forever, even if you convince yourself it will!"
You might well be correct, and personally I do think there is some merit in what you say! I don't think Dublin will win 10 in a row and it's my opinion a Kerry period of dominance is imminent. In saying that I'm not sure this is the year they'll fall, yesterday looked very much a pre season game for them, they know there is one game they'll need to peak in to win this All Ireland and that is still 8 weeks away.

They'll coast through Leinster and Connacht football isn't at this strongest atm so it's hard to see a Connacht combined beating Dublin in an All Ireland semi final let alone one of the individual counties, whoever that may be.

So this gives Dublin a lot of time to go through the motions, get a lot of training in and maybe a few players who aren't currently there back with the squad closer to the All Ireland Final which is likely to be Kerry this year.

I wouldn't read too much into yesterday's game against Wexford, the game Dublin are preparing for is still 8 weeks away and that showed in their performance yesterday.

sam1884 (UK) - Posts: 999 - 05/07/2021 10:09:12    2356378

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Replying To MesAmis:  "Leinster Final 2013 was a 7 point win iirc."
OK doke Mesamis. I stand corrected. I was just going on a comment I heard.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 05/07/2021 11:06:07    2356427

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Replying To ConnollyDub:  "But its not just one match CiarraiMick. I am telling you this great team are coming near the end. I can see it. We are regressing. The players coming through simply aren't as good as the ones gone by.

Look, it was the exact same with KK. No one believed it would happen until it did. KK dominated the game for near 15 years, and now look!! And why did it happen? Simple really, the players coming through are just not at the same level.

Now of course they are still extremely competitive, and still nicked an all ireland here and there. But their dominance is over.

Its exactly how i see it with the Dubs. We will still be competing year in year out, but the dominance will end.

This is not me being a ''cute hoor'' or anything like that. This is genuinely how i see it. Nothing lasts forever, even if you convince yourself it will!"
Look Connolly I agree and disagree at the same time. Of course Dublin are regressing a little. That's only natural but they still are stronger than most if not all. I'm not saying it's being cute but we all worry about our own. Last year alot of us were fearful of Cork and many said we were being cute and yerra yerra. Nothing lasts forever and of course Dublin will be beaten sooner than later but there still might be another last hurrah. As for when the loss comes Dublin will still be competing every year at the top anyway. IMO there are still only 2 or 3 teams at the mó capable of beating Dublin and that does nt mean they will. I still think Dublin will be in an all ireland final this year and then its only one game.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 05/07/2021 11:12:49    2356435

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "Look Connolly I agree and disagree at the same time. Of course Dublin are regressing a little. That's only natural but they still are stronger than most if not all. I'm not saying it's being cute but we all worry about our own. Last year alot of us were fearful of Cork and many said we were being cute and yerra yerra. Nothing lasts forever and of course Dublin will be beaten sooner than later but there still might be another last hurrah. As for when the loss comes Dublin will still be competing every year at the top anyway. IMO there are still only 2 or 3 teams at the mó capable of beating Dublin and that does nt mean they will. I still think Dublin will be in an all ireland final this year and then its only one game."
Did you watch the match yesterday Mick?

Huge changes and miles of the very high standard set we have historically set. I think we know what it takes to win an All Ireland and on yesterdays evidence its not for us this year. Many changes in players, but the performance is not up to snuff and the standard not as high. We're not the force we were. Frankly i think our sucessful run is and "era"" is over. This is a different team.

I honestly think the Dublin Vs Meath game will be really competitive - at least that will be good for the game in Leinster.

TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 05/07/2021 11:24:46    2356440

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "I can't understand the pesisism over one game.Meath will certainly not be favourites and we don't know full story with Clucko yet. He is taking a break but has nt made up his mind yet. On Dublin we ll know more v Meath."
Tongue in cheek Mick :D

realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8591 - 05/07/2021 11:26:40    2356445

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Replying To ConnollyDub:  "But its not just one match CiarraiMick. I am telling you this great team are coming near the end. I can see it. We are regressing. The players coming through simply aren't as good as the ones gone by.

Look, it was the exact same with KK. No one believed it would happen until it did. KK dominated the game for near 15 years, and now look!! And why did it happen? Simple really, the players coming through are just not at the same level.

Now of course they are still extremely competitive, and still nicked an all ireland here and there. But their dominance is over.

Its exactly how i see it with the Dubs. We will still be competing year in year out, but the dominance will end.

This is not me being a ''cute hoor'' or anything like that. This is genuinely how i see it. Nothing lasts forever, even if you convince yourself it will!"
What people dont realise is a lot of those great players
Came off 3or 4 brilliant u21 teams from 2010 2012 2014 and the 2017
Dublin U21 Team R o Carroll,J Cooper,J Mc Carthy,D Rock, C R eddin

Dublin u21 2012= J Mc Caffrey Eo Conghaile,D Byrne.C Killkenny. P Mannion
Dublin u21 2014=Davy Byrne R Mc Daid.J Small, J Mc Caffrey,B Fenton E Lowndes
P mannion,C Costelloe, < Thats an incredible no of players off one u21 team>

Dublin u21 Team 2017 E Comerford, S MC Mahon,E Murchan,B Howard,A Byrne,C Basquel
C O Callaghan,P Small < again a huge no of players who are now part of Dublin 2021

So there it is 4 U21 team have provided the Bulk of this Dublin Squad
Its incredible how successfull Dublin have brough so many players through

rhudson (Galway) - Posts: 1478 - 05/07/2021 11:28:14    2356446

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Replying To superbluedub:  "Mick open your eyes , Dublin are in a serious decline ,the subs bench is really poor"
Regression yes Superblue but serious decline nó. Think about this logically. Are they going to win Leinster? Yes and then it's Mayo or Galway? Do you think Dubs will win there? If the answer is yes then there in a final and then confidence rises and players know its one last game.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 05/07/2021 11:28:31    2356447

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Replying To realdub:  "Tongue in cheek Mick :D"
Ah I know that realdub but there is a real low mood on the Dubs over one game.Its hard to play high tempo all the time especially when you know deep down you ré going to win anyway. Also small crowd. Nothing to gee up the team. Dubs will get better with every game and then croke park with bigger crowds. That's what they thrive on!

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 05/07/2021 11:32:48    2356451

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "Ah I know that realdub but there is a real low mood on the Dubs over one game.Its hard to play high tempo all the time especially when you know deep down you ré going to win anyway. Also small crowd. Nothing to gee up the team. Dubs will get better with every game and then croke park with bigger crowds. That's what they thrive on!"
Yes Mick, simple facts are that we are not as good as we were and Cluxton will be a major factor, psychological boost for the opposition too. And at the highest level this can be the difference.

realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8591 - 05/07/2021 13:17:55    2356519

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Replying To realdub:  "Yes Mick, simple facts are that we are not as good as we were and Cluxton will be a major factor, psychological boost for the opposition too. And at the highest level this can be the difference."
Oh I agree that if Cluxton does nt come back (but he might as door not closed) that yes it should give posing teams a big lift. I'm just saying yesrday not a day to judge.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 05/07/2021 14:02:04    2356546

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Replying To TheUsername:  "Did you watch the match yesterday Mick?

Huge changes and miles of the very high standard set we have historically set. I think we know what it takes to win an All Ireland and on yesterdays evidence its not for us this year. Many changes in players, but the performance is not up to snuff and the standard not as high. We're not the force we were. Frankly i think our sucessful run is and "era"" is over. This is a different team.

I honestly think the Dublin Vs Meath game will be really competitive - at least that will be good for the game in Leinster."
No User I did nt see game nor Sunday game either. I have it recorded (TSG) and will watch the highlights. Agree Dublin not the force they were but they were nt last year either and still won Sam. This year will bring on likes of Bugler more and POCB. I expect Meath to be more competitive alright but I still see a comfortable Dublin win. With no quarter finals or qualifiers the way the draw works I expect Dublin to be in an all ireland final again. Now if there were qualifiers etc it might be different. I do agree Dublin are coming back to the pack a little but not as much as yesterday's result shows. Maybe I'll change my mind after Meath game. Time will tell. I just see that the Dubs forwards quiet enough and Con did nt score. Now I don't envisage too many more games that Con won't score in. Its hard to keep up enthusiasm for every game but no disrespect to Wexford but for a Dub they would rise for Meath much easier.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 05/07/2021 14:17:41    2356555

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "No User I did nt see game nor Sunday game either. I have it recorded (TSG) and will watch the highlights. Agree Dublin not the force they were but they were nt last year either and still won Sam. This year will bring on likes of Bugler more and POCB. I expect Meath to be more competitive alright but I still see a comfortable Dublin win. With no quarter finals or qualifiers the way the draw works I expect Dublin to be in an all ireland final again. Now if there were qualifiers etc it might be different. I do agree Dublin are coming back to the pack a little but not as much as yesterday's result shows. Maybe I'll change my mind after Meath game. Time will tell. I just see that the Dubs forwards quiet enough and Con did nt score. Now I don't envisage too many more games that Con won't score in. Its hard to keep up enthusiasm for every game but no disrespect to Wexford but for a Dub they would rise for Meath much easier."
You know ive talked about the personnel changes before and that vacuum is a concern. Yesterday though it was the performance flat, lacking inspiration, lacking cohesiveness, very little appetite. Looks like a tired and jaded team in transition and a model to get caught. Red flags all over the show. It

In all honesty Mick and this is just honest, we are well below a standard, i think we are into a rebuild. Like you say its important not to read to much into one game, but im on the road with Dublin a very long time and i know the standard it takes to be compete and win an All Ireland, we were very far below that yesterday and a number of red flags all over the place.

In all honesty i dont think we are serious threat this year, if we get to a final i think we will be taken out. On my current analysis i think there are better teams out there than Dublin at the moment. we are on a wing and prayer. Not looking beyond the Meath game which will be more competitive than any other time over the last decade.

TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 05/07/2021 14:49:47    2356569

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Replying To TheUsername:  "You know ive talked about the personnel changes before and that vacuum is a concern. Yesterday though it was the performance flat, lacking inspiration, lacking cohesiveness, very little appetite. Looks like a tired and jaded team in transition and a model to get caught. Red flags all over the show. It

In all honesty Mick and this is just honest, we are well below a standard, i think we are into a rebuild. Like you say its important not to read to much into one game, but im on the road with Dublin a very long time and i know the standard it takes to be compete and win an All Ireland, we were very far below that yesterday and a number of red flags all over the place.

In all honesty i dont think we are serious threat this year, if we get to a final i think we will be taken out. On my current analysis i think there are better teams out there than Dublin at the moment. we are on a wing and prayer. Not looking beyond the Meath game which will be more competitive than any other time over the last decade."
Fair enough and as I say I did nt see game. Look tbh I watched the hurling and Galway hurlers looked very flat and weary but maybe that was cos of the Dub hurlers too. However we will know more about Galway hurlers next day and maybe hold judgement on Dub footballers till next day

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 05/07/2021 15:24:42    2356590

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