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All Ireland Football Championship 2025

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Replying To cavanman47:  "Offaly beat Dublin, Galway and Kerry in the 1982 championship."
Cork didn't beat Kerry, Dublin and Galway in 1989 either - They beat Mayo in the final

tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 1521 - 16/07/2025 08:51:07    2625974

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Replying To Drax_the_destroyer:  "To refresh your memory Tyrone v Roscommon, Galway v Dublin, Kerry v Armagh and Galway v Donegal wad four games in the knock out stages last year that was better. All games that went to wire with a few underdogs winning keeping neutrals very interested.


This year in the knock out stages

Play off games

Dublin v Cork a late rally won a poor quality error ridden match.

Donegal v Louth last year Donegal beat Louth by 8 in this game it was 16 points.

Cavan v Kerry a blow out and Mayo left to wonder how they allowed Cavan finish ahead of them in the group

Galway v Down best of the four games by some distance but serious questions about Galway after that win.


Quarter finals

Tyrone v Dublin a later rally won it, not a good game and was clear then Tyrone weren't going any further

Donegal v Monaghan contest over midway through the 2nd half

Galway v Meath low quality match and was clear Meath was going no further,

Kerry v Armagh contest over midway through the 2nd half


Then the two blow out All Ireland semi finals at the weekend."
Depends on what you like in a game. They need a bit of hitting as well as skills for me. What doesn't look good on telly could be a great game to be at. The crowd add to it. Best game I was ever at was the 2005 semi final between Armagh and Tyrone. Hard hitting, great skills, not high scoring but the atmosphere in the Cusack was electric. One team scores, their supporters jump up chanting, then the other team gets the next score. Can't remember the Armagh chant but C'mon Tyrone, C'mon Tyrone, C'mon Tryone, Tyrone, roared at the Armagh supporters, lives long in the memory. New rules games can look good on television but it's nothing like being there.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8170 - 16/07/2025 10:39:11    2626015

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Replying To Saynothing:  "Tyrone still in the top 4 teams in Ireland, an off day on Saturday and Kerry playing out of their skins. Kicked too many wides and of course Joe didn't help. Calling plays back when advantage was being played cost a couple or 3 points. Tyrone will be back next year stronger and hoping for at least one retirement."
You would want to reach the last 4 again next year to be labelled a top 4 team. 2024 you didn't reach the last 8 and got relegated from division 1 this year. 2023 got a bigger beating off Kerry in the quarter final.

Kicking too many wides is not something new with that current Tyrone team once your top scorer didn't score and was subbed off it proved a further step up.

Gaa_lover (USA) - Posts: 3725 - 16/07/2025 13:22:08    2626060

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I hope it's not like 2014 either were we won a brilliant semi final against the odds and then couldn't get back to that level in the final at all,
I think we will perform well this time though, I liked the way Hughie rounded the boys up after the game to get back down the tunnel and get the focus on the final, we'll celebrate if and when we win the final.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3357 - 16/07/2025 13:55:22    2626075

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Replying To Gaa_lover:  "You would want to reach the last 4 again next year to be labelled a top 4 team. 2024 you didn't reach the last 8 and got relegated from division 1 this year. 2023 got a bigger beating off Kerry in the quarter final.

Kicking too many wides is not something new with that current Tyrone team once your top scorer didn't score and was subbed off it proved a further step up."
Tbf Tyrone were relegated this year on 7 points. I never recall that happening before.

Some teams have survived on 4 points.The league was crazy this year as in the last game at one stage Kerry were in relegation zone and 30 mins later they are in league fibal.

Tyrone had an off day last Saturday while Kerry had a good day.
Tyrone are All Ireland champiins at both minor and under 20 level.

Michael McKiernan was a huge loss and Paudie Hampsey missed alot of the year through injury too.I have no doubt Tyrone will have a huge say next year.They have too many class players not to be contenders.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 4026 - 16/07/2025 14:17:19    2626089

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All the media rubbish about kerry being a one trick pony will fuel outrage in the Kingdom.
I think Kerry will pip Donegal in a titanic battle, great final in store

maroondiesel (Mayo) - Posts: 1237 - 16/07/2025 14:18:10    2626090

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Replying To GreenandRed:  "Depends on what you like in a game. They need a bit of hitting as well as skills for me. What doesn't look good on telly could be a great game to be at. The crowd add to it. Best game I was ever at was the 2005 semi final between Armagh and Tyrone. Hard hitting, great skills, not high scoring but the atmosphere in the Cusack was electric. One team scores, their supporters jump up chanting, then the other team gets the next score. Can't remember the Armagh chant but C'mon Tyrone, C'mon Tyrone, C'mon Tryone, Tyrone, roared at the Armagh supporters, lives long in the memory. New rules games can look good on television but it's nothing like being there."
Agreed among the best games I've attended weren't high scoring. Can understand the need for change as as the game had become possession based, low risk with everything so calculated all of those traits was perfected by Jim Gavins Dublin team so the irony when he fronted the FRC.

The game we have now is where teams and matches can be more high scoring than Hurling, whoever wins the six defender All stars will certainly deserve it as defences and individual defenders have been hung out to dry this year. Kick outs have been manly a lottery although Kerry,Donegal have adjusted best in that regard especially Kerry who seemed to have learned a lot from the Meath game.

The_analyser (Roscommon) - Posts: 4125 - 16/07/2025 14:31:42    2626095

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Replying To maroondiesel:  "All the media rubbish about kerry being a one trick pony will fuel outrage in the Kingdom.
I think Kerry will pip Donegal in a titanic battle, great final in store"
To be honest I think they will use it to their advantage in another way.

Clifford might even have a quieter first half than usual in order to make space for Kerry's other big shooters to go with the 2 point template that worked for Monaghan against us in first half of our quarter final (and didn't work execution wise for Meath).

Then if Donegal are chasing the game in the second half he might be given more latitude to cut loose, if he can get away from McCole.

So it might suit Kerry if the narrative is all about how do Donegal stop Clifford in the final.

Al_Maguire (Donegal) - Posts: 319 - 16/07/2025 15:21:52    2626105

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Replying To maroondiesel:  "All the media rubbish about kerry being a one trick pony will fuel outrage in the Kingdom.
I think Kerry will pip Donegal in a titanic battle, great final in store"
its an all ireland final, motivation enough for any team to want to win it

totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 1118 - 16/07/2025 15:44:29    2626115

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "Tbf Tyrone were relegated this year on 7 points. I never recall that happening before.

Some teams have survived on 4 points.The league was crazy this year as in the last game at one stage Kerry were in relegation zone and 30 mins later they are in league fibal.

Tyrone had an off day last Saturday while Kerry had a good day.
Tyrone are All Ireland champiins at both minor and under 20 level.

Michael McKiernan was a huge loss and Paudie Hampsey missed alot of the year through injury too.I have no doubt Tyrone will have a huge say next year.They have too many class players not to be contenders."
Granted teams have survived on less points but I think Tyrone would survive also if a true top 4 team. That's something they'll have to prove in the years ahead, no guarantee with underage success.

Wasn't really an off day, Tyrone shooting efficiency wasn't great against Dublin either. Kerry played better and scored more against Armagh.

Gaa_lover (USA) - Posts: 3725 - 16/07/2025 15:46:04    2626116

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  "I hope it's not like 2014 either were we won a brilliant semi final against the odds and then couldn't get back to that level in the final at all,
I think we will perform well this time though, I liked the way Hughie rounded the boys up after the game to get back down the tunnel and get the focus on the final, we'll celebrate if and when we win the final."
That wasnt the reason Donegal lost the final.

They pulled a rope a Dope on Dublin - hitting them on the break the whole match.
Dublin attacked relentlessly, missed some early goal chances and then tried to win with nothing but long range points - getting hit on the break for goals when all their defenders had gone forward looking for scores. Dublin were over confident and it never happened again.
Kerry refused to get sucker punched in the same way, kept their defenders back and let the final go to muck. A goalkeeper error decided a dreadful game.

I think Kerry will win if they apply the same tactics. Mayo, Tyrone and Armagh kept it tight and either beat Donegal or went as close as you can. In each case, they all played a deliberate slow build up game, removing the possibility of getting hit on the counter attack. If Kerry do the same, they will win because they have better forwards. If Kerry come out to play and get hit on the counter attack (Like Monaghan and Meath)- Donegal will win pulling up

tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 1521 - 16/07/2025 18:32:56    2626151

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Donegal have been the form team all year. Pulled up the handbrake in the league. Impressive scoring in the quarter final and semi final. Not surprising to see them installed as favourites. Not sure why some are put out about that.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 9006 - 16/07/2025 21:01:35    2626169

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Replying To CiarraiMick:  "Tbf Tyrone were relegated this year on 7 points. I never recall that happening before.

Some teams have survived on 4 points.The league was crazy this year as in the last game at one stage Kerry were in relegation zone and 30 mins later they are in league fibal.

Tyrone had an off day last Saturday while Kerry had a good day.
Tyrone are All Ireland champiins at both minor and under 20 level.

Michael McKiernan was a huge loss and Paudie Hampsey missed alot of the year through injury too.I have no doubt Tyrone will have a huge say next year.They have too many class players not to be contenders."
True CiarraiMick, I'm not complaining but to me it was closer than the score line implies. Tyrone shot wides at the wrong time and everyone needs to play well to beat the likes of Kerry. Clifford is and will go down as the GOAT. Good luck in the final and personally can't wait.

Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2390 - 16/07/2025 21:50:58    2626177

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Replying To Saynothing:  "True CiarraiMick, I'm not complaining but to me it was closer than the score line implies. Tyrone shot wides at the wrong time and everyone needs to play well to beat the likes of Kerry. Clifford is and will go down as the GOAT. Good luck in the final and personally can't wait."
Agree q1100 % Saynothing.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 4026 - 16/07/2025 22:53:02    2626194

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Replying To legendzxix:  "Donegal have been the form team all year. Pulled up the handbrake in the league. Impressive scoring in the quarter final and semi final. Not surprising to see them installed as favourites. Not sure why some are put out about that."
More waffle from you know who....

Not sure who the hell are your bookies but I checked again and with the 15 different online bookies shown - kerry are favourites with all...

Enough of your nonsense....!!!

Waiting for your guardian angel to re-appear yet again and contradict me.... lol ;o)

Fionn (Dublin) - Posts: 4475 - 16/07/2025 23:02:48    2626197

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Replying To Saynothing:  "True CiarraiMick, I'm not complaining but to me it was closer than the score line implies. Tyrone shot wides at the wrong time and everyone needs to play well to beat the likes of Kerry. Clifford is and will go down as the GOAT. Good luck in the final and personally can't wait."
Ah thanks Saynothing.
Yes I agree the scoreline did nt tell the true story.
I have a soft spot for Tyrone eventhough you broke my heart a few times.
Since 1986 I just have utra respect for Tyrone and after that I just respect Peter Canavan.A legend. O Neiill Mulligan,Hughes,Cavanagh,Holmes,Gormley,McN
Meminam,Dooher,Enda McGinley .All class acts.Today the same ,the Canavans Morgan etc.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 4026 - 16/07/2025 23:18:19    2626199

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Replying To tirawleybaron:  "That wasnt the reason Donegal lost the final.

They pulled a rope a Dope on Dublin - hitting them on the break the whole match.
Dublin attacked relentlessly, missed some early goal chances and then tried to win with nothing but long range points - getting hit on the break for goals when all their defenders had gone forward looking for scores. Dublin were over confident and it never happened again.
Kerry refused to get sucker punched in the same way, kept their defenders back and let the final go to muck. A goalkeeper error decided a dreadful game.

I think Kerry will win if they apply the same tactics. Mayo, Tyrone and Armagh kept it tight and either beat Donegal or went as close as you can. In each case, they all played a deliberate slow build up game, removing the possibility of getting hit on the counter attack. If Kerry do the same, they will win because they have better forwards. If Kerry come out to play and get hit on the counter attack (Like Monaghan and Meath)- Donegal will win pulling up"
Kerry are a completely different animal to Monaghan or Meath, it's a different game now too with the new rules so it's more attacking with more room from the off.
I think Kerry will have no fear of attacking us but they will be very wary of getting turned over with our pace, key for us will be trying to limit the amount of ball David gets, then trying somehow to close him down when he has the ball.
I can't rem the odds in 2014, could have been very similar to what they are now, it will come down to who performs best on the day, also how the younger players handle the big occasion, I have a feeling it won't faze our young lads at all they are so grounded and well drilled.
Can't wait for the game now, very close one to call, should be a good game for the neutrals, a nerve wrecker for me anyway, hope the heart can stick it!

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3357 - 16/07/2025 23:20:44    2626200

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Replying To tirawleybaron:  "That wasnt the reason Donegal lost the final.

They pulled a rope a Dope on Dublin - hitting them on the break the whole match.
Dublin attacked relentlessly, missed some early goal chances and then tried to win with nothing but long range points - getting hit on the break for goals when all their defenders had gone forward looking for scores. Dublin were over confident and it never happened again.
Kerry refused to get sucker punched in the same way, kept their defenders back and let the final go to muck. A goalkeeper error decided a dreadful game.

I think Kerry will win if they apply the same tactics. Mayo, Tyrone and Armagh kept it tight and either beat Donegal or went as close as you can. In each case, they all played a deliberate slow build up game, removing the possibility of getting hit on the counter attack. If Kerry do the same, they will win because they have better forwards. If Kerry come out to play and get hit on the counter attack (Like Monaghan and Meath)- Donegal will win pulling up"
Do Kerry have better forwards overall though? They certainly have a couple of star forwards and the man himself but could argue Donegal have a much better spread and balance of forwards, and greater forwad impact of the bench. I'm not sure Kerry playing a slow build up for the entire game would work, 2 pointers could become massive in that type of game and Donegal just have a lot more options in that area.

I get what you're saying and they definetely don't want to be going gung ho and letting Donegal feed off turnovers but they need to mix it up and back their kicking game at times. If quick ball isn't getting kicked into Clifford at all and he has to come out around the arc I think Donegal will be quite happy with that. Eoghan Ban with his pace & power is the ideal 'double up' man on Clifford and him coming out from the full forward line makes that double up easier for Donegal to maintain their shape.

Donegal should try to mix it up a bit too. There best performances this year were first 30 mins of the Ulster final and second half against Monaghan, they mixed it up slightly with some kicking. Obviously Donegal never overdo it on the kicking game but they made it an option.

JimB1991 (Donegal) - Posts: 113 - 17/07/2025 11:21:17    2626234

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Replying To JimB1991:  "Do Kerry have better forwards overall though? They certainly have a couple of star forwards and the man himself but could argue Donegal have a much better spread and balance of forwards, and greater forwad impact of the bench. I'm not sure Kerry playing a slow build up for the entire game would work, 2 pointers could become massive in that type of game and Donegal just have a lot more options in that area.

I get what you're saying and they definetely don't want to be going gung ho and letting Donegal feed off turnovers but they need to mix it up and back their kicking game at times. If quick ball isn't getting kicked into Clifford at all and he has to come out around the arc I think Donegal will be quite happy with that. Eoghan Ban with his pace & power is the ideal 'double up' man on Clifford and him coming out from the full forward line makes that double up easier for Donegal to maintain their shape.

Donegal should try to mix it up a bit too. There best performances this year were first 30 mins of the Ulster final and second half against Monaghan, they mixed it up slightly with some kicking. Obviously Donegal never overdo it on the kicking game but they made it an option."
Kerry tend to play 3 around the middle to compensate for midfield injuries
Donegal have a fluid - halfback line/half forward line

So you cant compare like with like

but from a pure scoring threat Kerrys options are greater, particularly including the bench (hence the kicking game).

Kerry Forwards
Seán O'Brien; Joe O'Connor (both could be half forwards if D O Connor is fit) Seán O'Shea, Graham O'Sullivan (can ply half back); David Clifford, Paudie Clifford, Dylan Geaney.
Subs: Killian Spillane, P Geaney, Micheál Burns, Tony Brosnan

Donegal
Shane O'Donnell, Ciaran Thompson, Ciaran Moore; Conor O'Donnell, Michael Murphy, Oisin Gallen.
Subs: Paddy McBrearty, Daire O Baoill can play half forward

Donegal advantage is at halfback - hence the running game.

Donegal have
Ryan McHugh, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Caolan McColgan;
Subs: Caolan McGonagle, Daire Ó Baoill,

Kerry have
Brian Ó Beaglaíoch, Mike Breen, Gavin White;
Subs: Tadhg Morley, Graham O Sullivan can drop back if needed

The two teams have different strengths and they tend to play to them.

One thing Donegal have in Murphy is a target man who could dominate Jason Foley if the ball is kicked into him. Donegal havent done that since the 2012 final - Kerry havent been asked those question yet this year.

tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 1521 - 17/07/2025 12:43:45    2626241

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Replying To JimB1991:  "Do Kerry have better forwards overall though? They certainly have a couple of star forwards and the man himself but could argue Donegal have a much better spread and balance of forwards, and greater forwad impact of the bench. I'm not sure Kerry playing a slow build up for the entire game would work, 2 pointers could become massive in that type of game and Donegal just have a lot more options in that area.

I get what you're saying and they definetely don't want to be going gung ho and letting Donegal feed off turnovers but they need to mix it up and back their kicking game at times. If quick ball isn't getting kicked into Clifford at all and he has to come out around the arc I think Donegal will be quite happy with that. Eoghan Ban with his pace & power is the ideal 'double up' man on Clifford and him coming out from the full forward line makes that double up easier for Donegal to maintain their shape.

Donegal should try to mix it up a bit too. There best performances this year were first 30 mins of the Ulster final and second half against Monaghan, they mixed it up slightly with some kicking. Obviously Donegal never overdo it on the kicking game but they made it an option."
Jim1991, you're not from Donegal. I don't think our management need your assistance with tactical advise. Please, go away and stop pretending to be from our beloved Tír Conaill.

Ulsterchamps72 (Donegal) - Posts: 165 - 17/07/2025 12:48:26    2626242

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