HokeyPokey (Tyrone) - Posts: 1744 - 13/08/2017 11:46:44    2032712

We have had few draws this year. We will get at least one if not 2 draws before the end of the year between the 2 semis and the final. Lots of money being left on the table as a result of this. I am sure the refs will do the right thing if it comes down to it.

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3830 - 13/08/2017 14:50:31    2032750

poguemahone (Dublin) - Posts: 365 - 13/08/2017 15:02:16    2032752

Bit early but who would the dubs or Tyrone like to meet in the final?

Not that there is much difference between Kerry and Mayo in terms of opposition as either team is capable of winning the final but it would be interesting to hear.

Two very balanced semis IMO even though Kerry and Dublin are the bookies favorites I think we could see any pairing in the final.

KY4SAM2015 (Kerry) - Posts: 898 - 13/08/2017 15:14:18    2032762

AHP (Dublin) - Posts: 323 - 13/08/2017 17:14:49    2032796

I actually don't think there is anyone within Dublin GAA circles from management, players, and genuine fans etc who have a disrespect towards Tyrone, their squad, management and style of football. Like most competitive and ultimately successful sports teams in the world, They have a decent blend of youth and experience, a manager/coach with plenty of years experience, a process in which they trust, and probably, the most important aspect of any team nowadays, a solid foundation and an extremely good defence which includes every player on the pitch doing a job. In that respect, Dublin are the exact same. There was a lot of talk when Rory O'Carroll left that we may struggle defensively. However players like Fitzsimons and Cooper who have taken the number 3 jersey at different times and have been solid. Rory's absence is not even a thing any more and that's the biggest of compliments that I can pay those guys. Tyrone are what they are, They are phenomenal defensively and will get numbers back, as will Dublin. Its something you simply have to do in the modern game with wing backs and half backs vacating their position and bailing up the other end scoring. Both these sides and Mayo have incredible scoring power from #2-#7 and if their runs aren't tracked they will score. A team taking to the field playing a "more traditional" way will be chewed up and swallowed out fairly rapid against these 3 teams...

Both these sides have mirrored each other throughout the championship. Without really getting into top gear they have paced themselves I'm sure with an eye on this encounter and I expect both sides to give it socks on the day. Itll be a hard, tough but fair encounter with both sides coming off irrespective of the victor knowing they were in a bruising encounter and there will also be a mutual respect for one another. It promises to be an absolute belter of a game, Might not be very high scoring although looking at both sides records thus far in terms of scores you may be forgiven for thinking it will be. Dublin will not have met a team like Tyrone in terms of their intensity, work rate, and class so far this year but then, neither have Tyrone, They haven't met a team like Dublin yet. A team as professional, mentally tough, fit, strong, skilful and experienced. So who settles quicker could have a real bearing.

I don't think its surprising that people are predicting a Dublin win, I expect us to win too especially if we start the game on the front foot, If Dublin let Tyrone into it and they take a lead it could get very tricky, very quickly for Dublin so its imperative that we start well. Having said that, I don't think a bad start for Dublin rules them out. There is an unreal trust in the process among the Dublin panel. They have total belief even when things are going against them that the can and ultimately will turn it around. Their character isn't given enough credit in my view. They don't lose many big games. Donegal in 2014 was the last one and they have learned the harsh lessons from that defeat. JG doesn't tend to make the same mistake twice. I'm not saying Tyrone don't have trust in themselves, I just think Dublins big game experience, their ability to pull it from the fire, Stay in games when they aren't clicking, is one of their biggest assets. There is no panic, no stress. Plenty of time and they have no problem holding onto ball and switching it from one side to the other until a gap comes that be exploited (and the gap always comes).

Ive not seen an awful lot of Tyrone, but I feel another thing that may just swing it in Dublins favour in that they can change it up. Dublin have a plan B and even a plan C if they need to mix it up, I'm uncertain Tyrone have that.

In the end, I expect Dublin with the return of Connolly aswell which cant be underestimated how big a positive that will have to every Dublin fan in Croke Park in a fortnights time, to prevail by between 4 and 6 points.

waynoI (Dublin) - Posts: 13650 - 14/08/2017 10:54:41    2033119

poguemahone (Dublin) - Posts: 365 - 14/08/2017 12:28:14    2033194

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20600 - 14/08/2017 12:48:18    2033204

Its great not to be playing either Kerry or Mayo at this stage of the championship again. Looking forward to a different and refreshing challenge from a coming team that Dublin have traditionally and recently found challenging. i think if any team will beat Dublin this year it will be Tyrone, i have a lot of respect from them and this game will be in the melting pot for 70 mins. Ive always said it will be a great team that eventually beats this Dublin team in the championship in their pomp, its a massive opportunity for Tyrone on that basis.

TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 14/08/2017 13:20:10    2033221

should be a great game. dubin subs will swing in the last 10 mins of the game

kevinmayo (Mayo) - Posts: 10 - 14/08/2017 13:57:09    2033248

cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5010 - 14/08/2017 14:19:49    2033272

border Gael (Monaghan) - Posts: 894 - 14/08/2017 21:12:29    2033438

1. Cluxton
2. Copper
3. Gormley
4. McMahon
5. McCarty
6. O Sullivan
7. Jordan
8. Fenton
9. S Cavangh
10. Flynn
11. Mcguigan
12. Connolly
13. B Brogan
14. Canavan
15. O Neill

Kilkenny and McCaffrey unlucky to lose out give it a few more years and they'll be shoe in's and Alan Brogan has retired so can't be put into this team. I think that's pretty fair for a team that's won 4 all Ireland's (so far) and done back to backs they deserve more players on the team imo.

clondalkindub (Dublin) - Posts: 9926 - 15/08/2017 11:07:38    2033538

The_Fridge (Tyrone) - Posts: 2088 - 15/08/2017 13:35:06    2033609

I fear some Dubs are being a little optimistic here. We only ever scrape through semi finals.

Tyrone are super dangerous. Attacking at great speed. Exciting to watch to be fair. If anything we are lacking a cutting edge. Looking ponderous at times against Monaghan. Perhaps Connolly can help.

Question marks over our full back line as well. Mulgrews goal taking stirred painful memories for me. Tyrone fans I met were at qf's were confident. Anyone should relish a run at the champions and Tyrone have earned it.

We cant win them all and even when we do win its never handy. Could be a frustrating afternoon. It's up in the air, out of everyone's reach until Sunday week.

SirStrawHat (Dublin) - Posts: 58 - 15/08/2017 22:25:24    2033929

endgame (Roscommon) - Posts: 2155 - 16/08/2017 07:47:11    2033999

TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 16/08/2017 10:16:11    2034036

TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 16/08/2017 10:24:09    2034046

Ok i'll have a shot at this. I'll try a brief honest appraisal without my heart ruling my head.

In my opinion Dublin look sharper this year than last. More potent in attack. Having McCaffrey back is a major plus in this regard. The Diarmuid Connolly side show. Will it effect them. No, too experienced. Don't think he'll start but be kept keen on the bench and have a big impact on the support levels for Dublin when he arrives around the 45/50min mark. It's been a lovely run in for a team attempting a 3 in a row. Not too much put into the league and a mature team doesn't need a lot of hard games throughout the championship. \First real test for Con O'Callaghan probably.

Tyrone. Forwards not as good as Dublin and replacements but good enough to beat them if that makes sense. Have improved a lot from last year. Defensive system brilliant. Added incentive of winning for Sean Cavanagh's last year. If Peter Harte and Donnelly in midfield are held is there enough quality to stand up and beat Dublin.. That's the crux.. Cluxton versus Morgan on kickouts. Can Tyrone achieve parity? More question marks surround Tyrone.

But to conclude my gut says a 1 point win for Tyrone. Just because it's SO DIFFICULT to do 3 in a row. The slightest drop in hunger could lead to failure. Dublin have never completed a 3 in a row, though they never had a team like this in fairness. No disrespect to the men of the 70s. A Dublin 3 in a row would edge them ever closer to immortality and the same level on the pecking order as the great Kerry team of the 70s/80s.

Hopefully we'll have a feast of all that's good in gaelic football! Also if Tyrone win and reach the All-Ireland final will someone please speak from their hotel! Those of us with just the 4 Irish channels have heard no one speak on RTE bar Philly Jordan and Brian McGuigan for about 6 years. I don't know what the reason is but it's time it was sorted.

Laois76 (Laois) - Posts: 1270 - 16/08/2017 22:08:14    2034493

GameOfTyrones (Tyrone) - Posts: 469 - 16/08/2017 22:33:25    2034502