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Why are Kerry considered as better than Mayo?

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No cute hoorism here, just wondering why time and time again I read Dublin and Kerry are miles ahead of the rest.

Mayo in my opinion have been the closest to Dublin by far in recent years. Dublin beat us last year, and if it wasn't for the two Cluxon errors the score line would have been a lot less flattering. The year before in the final was completely one sided, how we only lost by 3 points still baffles me. We simply were never in the game.

During the same period Mayo take Dublin to a replay in the semi and the final respectively, and looked the better team in the replay, bar some ridiculous kick outs.

The fact we beat the Dubs in the league final doesn't wash as an argument for me. I've been watching football long enough to not take too much notice of games played in the spring.

Is it mainly due to the fact that Mayo have looked so out of form so far? Weren't they at a fairly similar position last year though? Over recent years form prior to the quarterfinals hasn't been the best yardstick for where a county is at.

A lot of people might point to the 2014 semifinal, but in all honesty Mayo were far superior to us in the drawn game. If it wasn't for Donaghy causing some chaos, we would have been gone.

Just interested to hear some thoughts on why Kerry are considered so far ahead of Mayo

Forpucksake (UK) - Posts: 130 - 19/07/2017 11:23:27    2019164

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They are not considered so far ahead as you say, just ahead. At the moment maybe only one Mayo forward might make the Kerry team, that is the difference. Not rocket science. Not saying Mayo couldn't beat them, just on form Kerry are ahead.

TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 7885 - 19/07/2017 11:42:38    2019176

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Replying To Forpucksake:  "No cute hoorism here, just wondering why time and time again I read Dublin and Kerry are miles ahead of the rest.

Mayo in my opinion have been the closest to Dublin by far in recent years. Dublin beat us last year, and if it wasn't for the two Cluxon errors the score line would have been a lot less flattering. The year before in the final was completely one sided, how we only lost by 3 points still baffles me. We simply were never in the game.

During the same period Mayo take Dublin to a replay in the semi and the final respectively, and looked the better team in the replay, bar some ridiculous kick outs.

The fact we beat the Dubs in the league final doesn't wash as an argument for me. I've been watching football long enough to not take too much notice of games played in the spring.

Is it mainly due to the fact that Mayo have looked so out of form so far? Weren't they at a fairly similar position last year though? Over recent years form prior to the quarterfinals hasn't been the best yardstick for where a county is at.

A lot of people might point to the 2014 semifinal, but in all honesty Mayo were far superior to us in the drawn game. If it wasn't for Donaghy causing some chaos, we would have been gone.

Just interested to hear some thoughts on why Kerry are considered so far ahead of Mayo"
I'm inclined to agree with you the last time Kerry looked to have a chance of beating Dublin was in that great semi final of 2013 and even then Kerry who had there goals in the first 20 minutes couldn't get over the line. Mayo without doubt have come closer than Kerry of turning them over .They have lost two All Ireland by a point one after a replay to maybe what could turn out to be the greatest team of all time.

dubarra (Wicklow) - Posts: 541 - 19/07/2017 11:49:52    2019181

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Probably because Kerry have better record in finals , have better forwards, win the province handily enough and don't fall to teams not expected to beat them.
Mayo may well win an all Ireland but until they do they will always have the question marks over their ability to get the job done.
Most would put money on Kerry but would you bet on Mayo ?

catch22 (USA) - Posts: 2148 - 19/07/2017 11:56:48    2019187

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Replying To Forpucksake:  "No cute hoorism here, just wondering why time and time again I read Dublin and Kerry are miles ahead of the rest.

Mayo in my opinion have been the closest to Dublin by far in recent years. Dublin beat us last year, and if it wasn't for the two Cluxon errors the score line would have been a lot less flattering. The year before in the final was completely one sided, how we only lost by 3 points still baffles me. We simply were never in the game.

During the same period Mayo take Dublin to a replay in the semi and the final respectively, and looked the better team in the replay, bar some ridiculous kick outs.

The fact we beat the Dubs in the league final doesn't wash as an argument for me. I've been watching football long enough to not take too much notice of games played in the spring.

Is it mainly due to the fact that Mayo have looked so out of form so far? Weren't they at a fairly similar position last year though? Over recent years form prior to the quarterfinals hasn't been the best yardstick for where a county is at.

A lot of people might point to the 2014 semifinal, but in all honesty Mayo were far superior to us in the drawn game. If it wasn't for Donaghy causing some chaos, we would have been gone.

Just interested to hear some thoughts on why Kerry are considered so far ahead of Mayo"
Been a long time since Kerry lost to anyone other than Dublin.

In that time Kerry have knocked Mayo out in a close semi to win an All Ireland and Mayo have lost twice to a far from world beating Galway team.

Whammo86 (Antrim) - Posts: 4210 - 19/07/2017 11:56:55    2019188

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Replying To TheFlaker:  "They are not considered so far ahead as you say, just ahead. At the moment maybe only one Mayo forward might make the Kerry team, that is the difference. Not rocket science. Not saying Mayo couldn't beat them, just on form Kerry are ahead."
agreed

ziggy32001 (Meath) - Posts: 8354 - 19/07/2017 11:59:09    2019190

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Replying To TheFlaker:  "They are not considered so far ahead as you say, just ahead. At the moment maybe only one Mayo forward might make the Kerry team, that is the difference. Not rocket science. Not saying Mayo couldn't beat them, just on form Kerry are ahead."
Andy Morans probably too old at this stage to make the Kerry team, So i dont think any Mayo Forward would make the Kerry team at present

Cuckoosinging (Roscommon) - Posts: 992 - 19/07/2017 12:02:54    2019194

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Kerry are ahead of Mayo because, they have James O'Donoghue and Paul Geaney. Kerry also have beaten Dublin, and Mayo.
Its not rocket science lads.

For the record, if Kerry lost Geaney or JOD their chances diminsh hugely

Liamwalkinstown (Dublin) - Posts: 8166 - 19/07/2017 12:07:30    2019196

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I also find it amusing that Mayo are being ranked behind Kerry and Tyrone, given the fact that Mayo beat both of them in the League away from home when they were under pressure and they only missed out on the league final on score difference. And let us not forget how Mayo turned over Tyrone last year in the quarter final. Mayo are tipping along nicely in the qualifiers and are getting much needed competitive games into Aidan O'Shea and Lee Keegan and I fully expect them to advance to a Quarter Final where they will fear nobody. Let us not forget Mayo started back collective training as late as Dublin did this year and they will be fresh and fit come quarter final time and possibly semi final stage as well. Also Mayo may have found a new attacking dimension to the side that they haven't seen since 2014, by pushing Keith Higgins up to centre forward where his pace can cause any team problems.

BigJoe14 (Meath) - Posts: 932 - 19/07/2017 12:09:34    2019199

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According to the bookies, kerry are very far ahead of mayo in the reckoning. This goes 100% down to form. Mayo are a great quarter final and semi final team. When they get to a final they wake up that morning with dread and horror.

Having said that, Mayo have the best record v Dublin this decade having won once and drawn 2 other times. Dublin have beaten Mayo 3 times, all in very close games. There might be no other reason for this except that Dublin dont like Mayo's style of football.

Kerry have not beaten the Dubs this decade and bar the 2015 final, they have been in each game until the very death. 2011 was thrown away imo.

Mayo are exceptional value at 8/1 this year considering they could be playing Ross when they inevitably beat Cork this weekend. If they draw Kerry then this thread will be vindicated one way or the other.

I fancy Kerry to beat mayo if it were a semi, and 50/50 game in a quarter final.

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3830 - 19/07/2017 12:13:04    2019203

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Cause they are

waynoI (Dublin) - Posts: 13650 - 19/07/2017 12:13:31    2019204

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Replying To Cuckoosinging:  "Andy Morans probably too old at this stage to make the Kerry team, So i dont think any Mayo Forward would make the Kerry team at present"
People will disagree with me of course but if COC had a bit of help around him he would look the part in any team, people just like to give him a hard time.

TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 7885 - 19/07/2017 12:13:33    2019205

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I genuinely do not think any Mayo forward would make the Dublin or Kerry team
I know ye think I am only rising or whatever, but I am not. Unless Cillian moves out the pitch and becomes a top class half forward then he wouldnt. He is not the player some say he is, on the big day he often fails to do what he seems capable of on lesser days.

The Mayo players who would get games for either team would be Keegan for both teams, O'Shea for both teams and Clarke for Kerry

Liamwalkinstown (Dublin) - Posts: 8166 - 19/07/2017 12:18:12    2019212

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Replying To Cuckoosinging:  "Andy Morans probably too old at this stage to make the Kerry team, So i dont think any Mayo Forward would make the Kerry team at present"
We'd find a place for Cillian O'Connor I am sure. Diarmuid O'Connor would also be in or close in our half forward line. Aiden O'Shea would also be in there although he looks more a midfielder so maybe not. I suppose the thing with these lads though is that they don't score much from play, not in the way Geaney or JOD does on a regular basis anyway. I don't think any of our forwards outside of this pair are especially brilliant.

I'd consider Kerry v Mayo a 50/50 game. Kerry have better forwards than Mayo and don't have to work as hard for scores from play which is a big factor. Mayo are such a tough team though that I wouldn't think there would be more than a kick of a ball either way.

I think the reason Mayo have done better against Dublin in recent years is down to pace and athleticism. Kerry always stay in the game until 60 minutes but the the old legs then start to give, allowing Dublin to run riot with pacy subs like McMenimin and win relatively comfortably. Mayo have had a much more athletic team in recent years, capable of staying with the Dubs all the way in to injury time.

That is starting to change now and Kerry have introduced new players and gotten the likes of JOD and Buckley back. I think bringing a 36 year old Marc O'Sé in at the end for Geaney last year epitomises the issue we have had. We look to have far better depth now. whether it's enough to get over the line remains to be seen.

I do agree it is daft to be saying the All Ireland is down to two. Tyrone and Mayo are well in with a chance. I don't see any contenders outside of this though.

GeniusGerry (Kerry) - Posts: 2105 - 19/07/2017 12:35:12    2019221

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Replying To Liamwalkinstown:  "I genuinely do not think any Mayo forward would make the Dublin or Kerry team
I know ye think I am only rising or whatever, but I am not. Unless Cillian moves out the pitch and becomes a top class half forward then he wouldnt. He is not the player some say he is, on the big day he often fails to do what he seems capable of on lesser days.

The Mayo players who would get games for either team would be Keegan for both teams, O'Shea for both teams and Clarke for Kerry"
It's fair enough that people don't rate COC htst highly but is more often than not excellent on the big day. Lat year in the final he was superb, same against Tyrone. Not playing well at the moment I will admit that but other teams like Kerry and Dublin have forwards sharing the workload. Posters on here won't admit it but they actively look for faults every time COC takes the field. As I pointed out look to his performance on the biggest day of them all last year, he was excellent.

TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 7885 - 19/07/2017 12:39:16    2019223

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I'm not sure why some people have such a gripe with Cillian O'Connor. He is a top top forward and yes, he would make any team in the country including Dublin and Kerry.

cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5010 - 19/07/2017 12:48:29    2019227

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Replying To TheFlaker:  "It's fair enough that people don't rate COC htst highly but is more often than not excellent on the big day. Lat year in the final he was superb, same against Tyrone. Not playing well at the moment I will admit that but other teams like Kerry and Dublin have forwards sharing the workload. Posters on here won't admit it but they actively look for faults every time COC takes the field. As I pointed out look to his performance on the biggest day of them all last year, he was excellent."
Problem with that Flaker is when it came down to it, when it was sh*t or get off the pot, with that last free, he got off the pot. Now, for most lads you would say fair enough, but that'd a free on his good side that he makes 9/10 times, but when the pressure was on, when he HAD to make it, he failed. That personal moment for COC almost epitomised Mayo as a whole. Good enough to get to the line, not good enough to get over the line. Somehow they always conspire not to do it. If that had been Moran, Diarmuid, Freeman or McLoughlin has missed that free, i would be more forgiving. The fact is tho that Cillian is more than capable of making that free but when he had to do it, he failed.
If that makes sense.
Look at 2011, Cluxton was in a similar position , the edge of his capabilities, when it had to be done, he did it.

Liamwalkinstown (Dublin) - Posts: 8166 - 19/07/2017 12:50:07    2019228

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Replying To Liamwalkinstown:  "Problem with that Flaker is when it came down to it, when it was sh*t or get off the pot, with that last free, he got off the pot. Now, for most lads you would say fair enough, but that'd a free on his good side that he makes 9/10 times, but when the pressure was on, when he HAD to make it, he failed. That personal moment for COC almost epitomised Mayo as a whole. Good enough to get to the line, not good enough to get over the line. Somehow they always conspire not to do it. If that had been Moran, Diarmuid, Freeman or McLoughlin has missed that free, i would be more forgiving. The fact is tho that Cillian is more than capable of making that free but when he had to do it, he failed.
If that makes sense.
Look at 2011, Cluxton was in a similar position , the edge of his capabilities, when it had to be done, he did it."
He also ran in about 10-15 yards to a much more advantageous angle from where the free was committed

and still missed.

:)

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20600 - 19/07/2017 12:55:49    2019229

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Problem with that Flaker is when it came down to it, when it was sh*t or get off the pot, with that last free, he got off the pot. Now, for most lads you would say fair enough, but that'd a free on his good side that he makes 9/10 times, but when the pressure was on, when he HAD to make it, he failed. That personal moment for COC almost epitomised Mayo as a whole. Good enough to get to the line, not good enough to get over the line. Somehow they always conspire not to do it. If that had been Moran, Diarmuid, Freeman or McLoughlin has missed that free, i would be more forgiving. The fact is tho that Cillian is more than capable of making that free but when he had to do it, he failed. 
If that makes sense. 
Look at 2011, Cluxton was in a similar position , the edge of his capabilities, when it had to be done, he did it.

Liamwalkinstown (Dublin) - Posts:7597 - 19/07/2017 12:50:07   2019228 



That doesn't hold up Liamo. In the drawn game he fairly stood up to equalise the game.

I think Jimbo's point is closer to it as I think O'Connor tried to steal a few yards and that was in his head as he was striking the ball

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13705 - 19/07/2017 13:12:16    2019237

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Replying To TheFlaker:  "It's fair enough that people don't rate COC htst highly but is more often than not excellent on the big day. Lat year in the final he was superb, same against Tyrone. Not playing well at the moment I will admit that but other teams like Kerry and Dublin have forwards sharing the workload. Posters on here won't admit it but they actively look for faults every time COC takes the field. As I pointed out look to his performance on the biggest day of them all last year, he was excellent."
Flaker, why do you think a lot of non Mayo people perhaps have a lack of fondness shall we say for COC that perhaps they dont have for maybe Andy Moran or Keith Higgins etc?
Maybe that does cloud peoples opinion's, I don't know.

Liamwalkinstown (Dublin) - Posts: 8166 - 19/07/2017 13:13:08    2019238

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