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Folks, not seeing any individual threads for any of the Divisions where fans from the counties can discuss together rather than just be on their own dedicated threads, so setting this up for Div2. Maybe others will do so for their divisions as required.
What's the thoughts then after the 1st weekend and leading in the 2nd round then?
Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2450 - 29/01/2024 11:20:09
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Donegal definitely the stand out team of the weekend.
Cavan not too far behind with an eye catching result v Kildare.
Massive test for them next weekend v Donegal we will know exactly where Cavan are at after that game you would imagine.
Louth and Fermanagh showing that they are no pushovers and Armagh contunuing to frustrate.
Alot of incocnsistent teams in this division which makes it so exciting.
drumalee11 (USA) - Posts: 329 - 29/01/2024 11:53:35
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Massive week 2 ahead,loser of Louth v Cork in real bother
Fkd12 (Louth) - Posts: 177 - 29/01/2024 12:05:14
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Replying To Loughduff Lad: "Folks, not seeing any individual threads for any of the Divisions where fans from the counties can discuss together rather than just be on their own dedicated threads, so setting this up for Div2. Maybe others will do so for their divisions as required.
What's the thoughts then after the 1st weekend and leading in the 2nd round then?" I'd say it will be a very competitive division. The fact that there are four Ulster teams in it will dictate that for a start.
Louth showed that they are well able to compete, perhaps unlucky not to get a draw at least.
Fermanagh got a good result away to Meath, and Cavan showed that they mean business too.
I think our scoreline flattered us a bit. Cork aren't a bad side and I fully expect them to improve in the coming weeks.
Hard to know where Kildare are at. They should be doing a lot better than they are in my opinion.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9518 - 29/01/2024 12:07:21
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Agree with a lot of that above. Health warning slightly in that taking too much from the first round. Meath looked great last year after the first week. Donegal do look very good though, although I'd expect them to come back down a little when not in extreme Ballybofey conditions and against a team who clearly didn't travel well and missing players. Donegal have a test away to Cavan who had a great win away to Kildare (who were technically away themselves) and are starting strong as they needed to for new management and returning players. Cork surely won't be as poor and will get going yet you'd think.
Armagh stuttered, but a win is a win and they'll start to motor you'd expect after this. Louth showing that they're still a good team despite the change in coaching. They'll have a lot to say and will not be the pushovers some expect for targeted results.
Hard to know what to make of Meath and Fermanagh. Were Meath poor or Fermanagh good? Probably a bit in the middle. Both were expected to be in a bit of a battle to stay up, and likely will be the same. Fermanagh will be a tough game every time and will catch teams who also targeted them for one they'll get a result. Meath might get going yet, but could get pulled into a battle easy enough and when you chase results and points it won't be easy.
Overall I expect a very tough and tight division. Most can beat each other on any given day, and some need a result already next week so they don't fall away too early. I could see this going down to the last weekend and some could be in with a chance of going up or down last day based on results. Could be a decent points total that sees you go down, or a smaller total than usual sees you go up. It could end up being that tight
Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2450 - 29/01/2024 13:12:08
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Yeah I don't think it would be too wise to be making any grand predictions about this division just yet.
I'm obviously delighted with yesterday's result. But a far stiffer test lies ahead on Sunday. Cavan have given Donegal plenty of bother in the last few years, not least of course in the Ulster final of 2020.
However, Donegal managed an impressive 1-20 without Langan and Gallen, who I would regard as probably our two best players. Jason McGee will offer further presence in midfield as well whenever he's back.
It should be a good game on Sunday. With the bank holiday upon us as well, maybe a wee night out in Cavan after it too! Is the Farnham still open?!?
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9518 - 29/01/2024 16:55:26
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Yeah I don't think it would be too wise to be making any grand predictions about this division just yet.
I'm obviously delighted with yesterday's result. But a far stiffer test lies ahead on Sunday. Cavan have given Donegal plenty of bother in the last few years, not least of course in the Ulster final of 2020.
However, Donegal managed an impressive 1-20 without Langan and Gallen, who I would regard as probably our two best players. Jason McGee will offer further presence in midfield as well whenever he's back.
It should be a good game on Sunday. With the bank holiday upon us as well, maybe a wee night out in Cavan after it too! Is the Farnham still open?!?" It is, but it's the Imperial you want to go to.
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5193 - 30/01/2024 12:34:15
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Yeah I don't think it would be too wise to be making any grand predictions about this division just yet.
I'm obviously delighted with yesterday's result. But a far stiffer test lies ahead on Sunday. Cavan have given Donegal plenty of bother in the last few years, not least of course in the Ulster final of 2020.
However, Donegal managed an impressive 1-20 without Langan and Gallen, who I would regard as probably our two best players. Jason McGee will offer further presence in midfield as well whenever he's back.
It should be a good game on Sunday. With the bank holiday upon us as well, maybe a wee night out in Cavan after it too! Is the Farnham still open?!?" You enjoy your visit to Cavan Lockjaw and have a wee word with Jim McGuinness to take it easy on us this weekend….,
ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3025 - 30/01/2024 17:09:34
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Division 2 really is a bear pit this year, really hard to call it. Armagh would be probably be favorites to get promoted after progress last season, but looking at the rest I wouldn't rule out Cavan, Meath, Cork or Donegal at this point for promotion.
I don't think Cork gave a true reflection of themselves against Donegal last Sunday, so I wouldn't read too much into that, it was clear they have serious talent in their squad, the factors took that game away from them. Cavan are a serious side, Ulster Champions 2020 and capable of beating any team in Division 2 and they might be a team to watch this year.
Expecting Meath to push on this year, although Division 2 is a tough environment for them to progress this year. Kildare are always a solid side, but too early to know if pull it together, I doubt it. Louth and Fermanagh are a tough sides, but I don't know if they have the firepower to get sufficient points to be in the promotion race.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1202 - 31/01/2024 09:36:06
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We were given a football lesson by Donegal last weekend, our scores against is in the red in a massive way.
This weekend our fixture with Louth is a really difficult assignment, by Monday morning I fear we will be well rooted to the bottom of Division 2.
Not a good start to 2024, for all connected with Cork football.
St.Mologga (Cork) - Posts: 121 - 01/02/2024 10:24:06
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I had to laugh reading what the Cork manager said in the paper I was reading , how Cork had decided to play against the wind in the first half as it had worked for them in previous games, only thing was in Ballybofey the wind had died down for the second half, Jim must have had an oul wind machine on the go lol.
The result was flattering to us I think Cork were very flat on the day, but we fully deserved the victory that's for sure.
I expect us to win in Cavan the way we are playing, could be close enough though.
Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3029 - 01/02/2024 14:15:04
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Pains me to say it as aMeath fan but i think we are in huge trouble already , the team never trained collectivily last week or this week and 14 of 26 playing sigerson cup during the week, i fear a tanking from armagh tomorrow night. to survive we need to win 2 of our last 3 home matches v kildare, cork or louth, we could win all 3 or lose all three. i cant see us getting anything away to armagh, cavan or donegal. only saving grace is donegal in last match , may have nothing to play for and with league final and ulster chamionship opener coming with a week or two, they may put out a weakended team, meath might get the win then to stay up
dickie10 (UK) - Posts: 766 - 02/02/2024 12:39:09
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So week 2 done, and a break now into Round 3. Few things as expected. Armagh and Donegal top, but maybe not as easy as they expected. Both had one easy win, but one very tight win. And the optics of that is telling. They had together game against the teams people thought would struggle, and had easier games against teams people thought would be solid at this level or possibly push for promotion.
Worth looking at that. Most punditry I saw had Louth and Fermanagh to struggle, with potentially Cavan in there too, while Kildare and Cork and maybe Meath expected to hold on here. Looks to be the opposite. Fermanagh looking quite good (although maybe 2 poor sides played so far - they'll have tougher games to come), Louth a good win v Cork and unlucky v Armagh not to get a point. Cavan a good away win v Kildare and should have got at least a draw v Donegal. It's definitely different than what was expected.
It's an interesting division. Think promotion will still be up for play in the later rounds after some of the better teams play each other and take points off each other. The teams without a win right now might find some form yet and tighten the division up. Said a few weeks ago that I see things being tight into the last week and you might find some teams that could go up or down by the last few rounds.
Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2450 - 06/02/2024 12:22:20
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Replying To Loughduff Lad: "So week 2 done, and a break now into Round 3. Few things as expected. Armagh and Donegal top, but maybe not as easy as they expected. Both had one easy win, but one very tight win. And the optics of that is telling. They had together game against the teams people thought would struggle, and had easier games against teams people thought would be solid at this level or possibly push for promotion.
Worth looking at that. Most punditry I saw had Louth and Fermanagh to struggle, with potentially Cavan in there too, while Kildare and Cork and maybe Meath expected to hold on here. Looks to be the opposite. Fermanagh looking quite good (although maybe 2 poor sides played so far - they'll have tougher games to come), Louth a good win v Cork and unlucky v Armagh not to get a point. Cavan a good away win v Kildare and should have got at least a draw v Donegal. It's definitely different than what was expected.
It's an interesting division. Think promotion will still be up for play in the later rounds after some of the better teams play each other and take points off each other. The teams without a win right now might find some form yet and tighten the division up. Said a few weeks ago that I see things being tight into the last week and you might find some teams that could go up or down by the last few rounds." Right now, Armagh and donegal should get promoted. Two of Cork, Kildare, Meath or fermanagh for the drop.
Ryanteam (Cork) - Posts: 373 - 06/02/2024 13:49:26
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Replying To Ryanteam: "Right now, Armagh and donegal should get promoted. Two of Cork, Kildare, Meath or fermanagh for the drop." Fermanagh are 3 points up already. One more win should see them safe. Think 2 from Cork, meath, and Kildare with likely Cork being just that bit better
Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2450 - 06/02/2024 14:03:03
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Replying To Ryanteam: "Right now, Armagh and donegal should get promoted. Two of Cork, Kildare, Meath or fermanagh for the drop." At the minute I would predict Meath and Kildare for the drop. Naturally as a Donegal man I think we will be in the top two, but I'm torn between Armagh and Cavan for the other top spot. Honestly think Fermanagh and Louth will have enough to stay up, but unless Cork find form quickly their All Ireland credentials will be in jeopardy.
SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 704 - 06/02/2024 14:20:08
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Replying To Loughduff Lad: "So week 2 done, and a break now into Round 3. Few things as expected. Armagh and Donegal top, but maybe not as easy as they expected. Both had one easy win, but one very tight win. And the optics of that is telling. They had together game against the teams people thought would struggle, and had easier games against teams people thought would be solid at this level or possibly push for promotion.
Worth looking at that. Most punditry I saw had Louth and Fermanagh to struggle, with potentially Cavan in there too, while Kildare and Cork and maybe Meath expected to hold on here. Looks to be the opposite. Fermanagh looking quite good (although maybe 2 poor sides played so far - they'll have tougher games to come), Louth a good win v Cork and unlucky v Armagh not to get a point. Cavan a good away win v Kildare and should have got at least a draw v Donegal. It's definitely different than what was expected.
It's an interesting division. Think promotion will still be up for play in the later rounds after some of the better teams play each other and take points off each other. The teams without a win right now might find some form yet and tighten the division up. Said a few weeks ago that I see things being tight into the last week and you might find some teams that could go up or down by the last few rounds." I don't think it really is going any different than expected.
Armagh and Donegal are clearly a cut above the rest and it looks that way so far.
Take your pick from the remaining 6, there's no much between any of them. At the minute, I agree Fermanagh looks solid and Cavan are playing at a decent level too so I expect both to be safe. Cavan will probably finish 3rd.
Kildare might be in serious trouble and I think they'll go down. Playing their home games in Carlow, and a few tough away games ahead of them too. If they can't turn it around fast, I think they go down. Armagh next is a big ask.
Cork/Meath/Louth, any one of them could join them. I think Meath although we are an absolute mess will be able to save ourselves with homes games against Kildare, Louth and Cork. But wouldn't be surprised if the wheels continue to fall off.
My pick is Cork and Kildare to go down, with Meath and Louth surviving by the skins of their teeth. Massive set back for Cork/Kildare/Meath if any of them go down and serious questions will be asked.
hyperache (Meath) - Posts: 251 - 06/02/2024 14:33:21
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Replying To Ryanteam: "Right now, Armagh and donegal should get promoted. Two of Cork, Kildare, Meath or fermanagh for the drop." Armagh Donegal should get promoted. Our biggest test is away to Armagh but even if we did lose I can't see any of the rest beating us. I still think cork will come good. What has gone wrong inn Kildare and Meath two big football counties but results are desperate . Nice to see Louth going well and Fermanagh . If I had to pick two to go down i would say Fermanagh and Meath. Finally really impressed by Cavan last Sunday a team on the up wonder what's the story with gearoid Mac Kiernan.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2563 - 06/02/2024 14:58:35
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Replying To rorysboys: "Armagh Donegal should get promoted. Our biggest test is away to Armagh but even if we did lose I can't see any of the rest beating us. I still think cork will come good. What has gone wrong inn Kildare and Meath two big football counties but results are desperate . Nice to see Louth going well and Fermanagh . If I had to pick two to go down i would say Fermanagh and Meath. Finally really impressed by Cavan last Sunday a team on the up wonder what's the story with gearoid Mac Kiernan." Think we're looking decent alright, with a few things to work on and get better, and a few players missing to come back in with 3 players missing from the week before and a few longer term to come back. We could have been better on Sunday. Think we'll go fine this year
GMac seems to be done. he missed the whole club season last year after inter county season with injury. Official word is he is not on the panel, but who knows if that changes if he gets a run injury free. He's still only 33 which is not very old for inter county these days, but a lot of miles and injury on that particular clock. I'd love if he came back in and was used as a target man inside and not have to work out the field. I'd love to see him get a proper swansong. He deserves that at least
Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2450 - 06/02/2024 15:58:27
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Replying To Loughduff Lad: "Think we're looking decent alright, with a few things to work on and get better, and a few players missing to come back in with 3 players missing from the week before and a few longer term to come back. We could have been better on Sunday. Think we'll go fine this year
GMac seems to be done. he missed the whole club season last year after inter county season with injury. Official word is he is not on the panel, but who knows if that changes if he gets a run injury free. He's still only 33 which is not very old for inter county these days, but a lot of miles and injury on that particular clock. I'd love if he came back in and was used as a target man inside and not have to work out the field. I'd love to see him get a proper swansong. He deserves that at least" Yea a fantastic player. As you say still only 33 few years left yet.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2563 - 06/02/2024 16:52:11
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