|
Replying To JimB1991: "Not sure its as even a playing field as people are making out, seems to be a clear gap developing. Connaught teams showed up very poorly this weekend, question mark now over Galway.
Dublin were good yesterday but not convinced yet, they haven't been consistent.
It will be very interesting to see how Derry and Tyrone perform next week.
The evidence so far is Donegal, Kerry and Armagh
are the real top contenders and showing a level of consistency the other teams aren't, I would be surprised if the winner isnt from these 3.
Dublin, Tyrone and Galway are the best of the rest. I would fancy Dublin or Tyrone to upset one of the other 3 more than I would fancy Galway. They have the mentality and All Ireland Winners. Derry are almost a bit of an unkown again." I think we have put too much in to winning Ulster, I think if your targeting the All Ireland now you need to forget about winning Ulster the way the season is at the minute.
We have a lot of hard games played already I think if we can win it from here it would be a fantastic achievement.
I think it's set up for a lightly raced team like Kerry to peak at the right time, the Dubs are looking dangerous again too, very hard to pick a winner, Tyrone are my dark horse to take a few big scalps.
Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3203 - 18/05/2025 21:26:21
2610770
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Scenicparish: "I'd say he is 2 hours from Castlebar and never got closer all day...." You got it in one.
ORIELMAN85 (Monaghan) - Posts: 536 - 19/05/2025 01:59:08
2610828
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Tirchonaill1: "I think we have put too much in to winning Ulster, I think if your targeting the All Ireland now you need to forget about winning Ulster the way the season is at the minute.
We have a lot of hard games played already I think if we can win it from here it would be a fantastic achievement.
I think it's set up for a lightly raced team like Kerry to peak at the right time, the Dubs are looking dangerous again too, very hard to pick a winner, Tyrone are my dark horse to take a few big scalps." Couldn't agree more, Tyrone haven't gone away you know.
Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2299 - 19/05/2025 08:58:56
2610852
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Saynothing: "Forevermoaning" Don't mind that fella, wouldn't even go to Castlebar yesterday to support his team
Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2476 - 19/05/2025 09:23:29
2610858
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Tirchonaill1: "I think we have put too much in to winning Ulster, I think if your targeting the All Ireland now you need to forget about winning Ulster the way the season is at the minute.
We have a lot of hard games played already I think if we can win it from here it would be a fantastic achievement.
I think it's set up for a lightly raced team like Kerry to peak at the right time, the Dubs are looking dangerous again too, very hard to pick a winner, Tyrone are my dark horse to take a few big scalps." Yeah you kind of have to question the point of going all out for a provincial championship if winning it means you end up with a gauntlet for the rest of the year.
Monaghan's reward for losing an Ulster Semi-Final was a group with Louth, Clare and Down, doesn't get much easier than than in terms of the All Ireland series.
While Galway winning Connacht ended up with Dublin, Armagh and Derry, Donegal get Mayo and Tyrone for winning Ulster.
Cabbagepatch1667 (Meath) - Posts: 14 - 19/05/2025 10:35:26
2610876
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Saynothing: "Couldn't agree more, Tyrone haven't gone away you know." I agree also.Tyrone has good baxks and Paraig Hampsey back now.Tyrone have a very solid midfield and real classy top forwards along with the best goalkeeper in the country.
CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3931 - 19/05/2025 11:39:29
2610904
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Cabbagepatch1667: "Yeah you kind of have to question the point of going all out for a provincial championship if winning it means you end up with a gauntlet for the rest of the year.
Monaghan's reward for losing an Ulster Semi-Final was a group with Louth, Clare and Down, doesn't get much easier than than in terms of the All Ireland series.
While Galway winning Connacht ended up with Dublin, Armagh and Derry, Donegal get Mayo and Tyrone for winning Ulster." Teams will go all out for a trophy regardless. This argument that went around a while ago of teams preferring to lose for an easier draw is madness, would never happen. Top teams trust themselves even if they go into a perceived harder group - indeed most times they're the danger in a tough group. Either way, this old system is gone and a better one is in place for next year
Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2476 - 19/05/2025 14:48:55
2610996
Link
0
|
|
Replying To ForeverBlue2: "How could it be picked when it hadn't even started lol.. Galway/Dublin was a good exciting match but it was nowhere near the perceived sell out.. My comments on the structure of the Championship are 100% correct as I usually am or otherwise explain why the powers that be are dispensing with them from next season… Now try and work that out good lad.." But, based on a single game, you still blamed the structure whereas, as I said, it would have been exactly the same regardless of the structure. That same match could well happen next year under another new structure with exactly the same outcome and lack of atmosphere.
They're in my view prematurely dispensing with the current structure, which came about from the widespread demand from all stakeholders for teams to have more championship matches. More matches inevitably means less jeopardy per match. The only structure that gives maximum jeopardy is a straight knock-out and that has been widely deprecated. In case anyone had forgotten, 2020 and 2021 showed just how bad it is.
The structure being changed so quickly was based on a kneejerk reaction to all the whinging that went on about it, particularly in the media. The whinging was in reality based more on the poor quality of a number of the matches and a lack of competitiveness, something that would have happened in any structure. All the complaining about Derry losing three matches was a bit rich considering a team in Leinster hurling can win the All Ireland having lost four matches (three in the case of Munster) and there's no talk of changing that structure.
Ironically, there's a strong chance the structure will bring great excitement this year as the quality of the games has improved and there are more teams that are truly competitive (Cavan now being a prime example).
CeachtPeile (Cavan) - Posts: 140 - 19/05/2025 14:54:03
2611000
Link
4
|
|
Replying To CeachtPeile: "But, based on a single game, you still blamed the structure whereas, as I said, it would have been exactly the same regardless of the structure. That same match could well happen next year under another new structure with exactly the same outcome and lack of atmosphere.
They're in my view prematurely dispensing with the current structure, which came about from the widespread demand from all stakeholders for teams to have more championship matches. More matches inevitably means less jeopardy per match. The only structure that gives maximum jeopardy is a straight knock-out and that has been widely deprecated. In case anyone had forgotten, 2020 and 2021 showed just how bad it is.
The structure being changed so quickly was based on a kneejerk reaction to all the whinging that went on about it, particularly in the media. The whinging was in reality based more on the poor quality of a number of the matches and a lack of competitiveness, something that would have happened in any structure. All the complaining about Derry losing three matches was a bit rich considering a team in Leinster hurling can win the All Ireland having lost four matches (three in the case of Munster) and there's no talk of changing that structure.
Ironically, there's a strong chance the structure will bring great excitement this year as the quality of the games has improved and there are more teams that are truly competitive (Cavan now being a prime example)." 100 % agree with you. In straight knockout there were too many mismatches and terrible games. Hopefully a stop is put on changing away from the round robin system that we have. It is to the benefit of the middle ranked counties. Getting more games against better opposition. My county has benefitted and your county also. So have Louth and possibly Westmeath. It is great to get around the country to various venues. Enjoyed the trip to Castlebar yesterday and looking forwars to our visit to Newbridge on Saturday. The present system like all great sporting competitions take a while to heat up. Tell Mayo, there is no jeopardy. You are right there was a knee jerk reaction mostly from the media who have no interest in the lesser counties or club football. How about a prelimary quarter final in Breffni Cavan v Monaghan ? Derry didnt win the All Ireland after losing 3 games nor will anyone do it in the future. Has the wee blue lad found out that Cavan won yesterday? Keep up the sensible posts CeachtPeile
ORIELMAN85 (Monaghan) - Posts: 536 - 19/05/2025 15:56:05
2611029
Link
1
|
|
Replying To CeachtPeile: "But, based on a single game, you still blamed the structure whereas, as I said, it would have been exactly the same regardless of the structure. That same match could well happen next year under another new structure with exactly the same outcome and lack of atmosphere.
They're in my view prematurely dispensing with the current structure, which came about from the widespread demand from all stakeholders for teams to have more championship matches. More matches inevitably means less jeopardy per match. The only structure that gives maximum jeopardy is a straight knock-out and that has been widely deprecated. In case anyone had forgotten, 2020 and 2021 showed just how bad it is.
The structure being changed so quickly was based on a kneejerk reaction to all the whinging that went on about it, particularly in the media. The whinging was in reality based more on the poor quality of a number of the matches and a lack of competitiveness, something that would have happened in any structure. All the complaining about Derry losing three matches was a bit rich considering a team in Leinster hurling can win the All Ireland having lost four matches (three in the case of Munster) and there's no talk of changing that structure.
Ironically, there's a strong chance the structure will bring great excitement this year as the quality of the games has improved and there are more teams that are truly competitive (Cavan now being a prime example)." Excellent post.
Ditching the current system was all the rage last Summer with Burns, the HQ crew and the media demonising it and pushing next years system.
Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 2322 - 19/05/2025 16:06:32
2611037
Link
0
|
|
This years group draws add to the quality of the round robin format
Sticking 7 of the 8 division 1 teams in two groups and 6 of 8 div 2 teams in the other 2, makes for a lot of even, well matched teams playing each other.
Had the draw spilt the div 1 teams evenly, then the potential for predictable groups would be much higher.
The 4x4 groups was set up to give teams ranked 9-16 more matches in the summer against better opposition.
IN the only knock out system - Dublin, Mayo, Kerry, Tyrone, Dongal were getting more matches than everyone else (in the period 2011-2019), which meant more time to train and play every year, allowing them to pull ahead of the pack.
This system was designed to correct that.
Last year no one wanted to see more football because it was boring to watch (even the knockout matches). Not that we have a set of rules that gives us better games, we will naturally want to see more football.
Next year we will be lamenting the lower amount of summer games and asking from more summer football and less league football.
tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 1400 - 19/05/2025 16:34:12
2611054
Link
2
|
|
Replying To ORIELMAN85: "100 % agree with you. In straight knockout there were too many mismatches and terrible games. Hopefully a stop is put on changing away from the round robin system that we have. It is to the benefit of the middle ranked counties. Getting more games against better opposition. My county has benefitted and your county also. So have Louth and possibly Westmeath. It is great to get around the country to various venues. Enjoyed the trip to Castlebar yesterday and looking forwars to our visit to Newbridge on Saturday. The present system like all great sporting competitions take a while to heat up. Tell Mayo, there is no jeopardy. You are right there was a knee jerk reaction mostly from the media who have no interest in the lesser counties or club football. How about a prelimary quarter final in Breffni Cavan v Monaghan ? Derry didnt win the All Ireland after losing 3 games nor will anyone do it in the future. Has the wee blue lad found out that Cavan won yesterday? Keep up the sensible posts CeachtPeile" Changes are on the way lad whether you like it or not… you probably won't care as you will be too busy watching the American basketball… The paltry crowds going to these meaningless group games have alerted the powers that be that changes to the structures are needed… 7k for Mayo at home in the Championship says it all… Now leave the real GAA talk to someone like me that knows what's going on ..: Back to your basketball good lad… !
ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3920 - 19/05/2025 16:58:51
2611061
Link
0
|
|
Replying To ORIELMAN85: "100 % agree with you. In straight knockout there were too many mismatches and terrible games. Hopefully a stop is put on changing away from the round robin system that we have. It is to the benefit of the middle ranked counties. Getting more games against better opposition. My county has benefitted and your county also. So have Louth and possibly Westmeath. It is great to get around the country to various venues. Enjoyed the trip to Castlebar yesterday and looking forwars to our visit to Newbridge on Saturday. The present system like all great sporting competitions take a while to heat up. Tell Mayo, there is no jeopardy. You are right there was a knee jerk reaction mostly from the media who have no interest in the lesser counties or club football. How about a prelimary quarter final in Breffni Cavan v Monaghan ? Derry didnt win the All Ireland after losing 3 games nor will anyone do it in the future. Has the wee blue lad found out that Cavan won yesterday? Keep up the sensible posts CeachtPeile" The Blue lad read it in the papers this morning......
Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 501 - 19/05/2025 17:37:25
2611084
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Scenicparish: "The Blue lad read it in the papers this morning......" One thing that pleased me most about Dublin's win v Galway was, not one 2 pointer required to win a close game.
2 pointers paper over cracks.
I'm not saying I wouldn't take one to win a big game, but i want it gone.
realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8756 - 19/05/2025 18:53:38
2611111
Link
2
|
|
Replying To tirawleybaron: "This years group draws add to the quality of the round robin format
Sticking 7 of the 8 division 1 teams in two groups and 6 of 8 div 2 teams in the other 2, makes for a lot of even, well matched teams playing each other.
Had the draw spilt the div 1 teams evenly, then the potential for predictable groups would be much higher.
The 4x4 groups was set up to give teams ranked 9-16 more matches in the summer against better opposition.
IN the only knock out system - Dublin, Mayo, Kerry, Tyrone, Dongal were getting more matches than everyone else (in the period 2011-2019), which meant more time to train and play every year, allowing them to pull ahead of the pack.
This system was designed to correct that.
Last year no one wanted to see more football because it was boring to watch (even the knockout matches). Not that we have a set of rules that gives us better games, we will naturally want to see more football.
Next year we will be lamenting the lower amount of summer games and asking from more summer football and less league football." I wasn't sure about the 16 teams and only 4 exiting before knockouts but its working and whilst its not complete knockout, its about timing your run and your path.
The jeopardy of 3 games in 3 weeks and home advantage puts meaning into nearly every game.
One big disadvantage of next year's system is teams are no longer guaranteed a home game.
I'd also give provincial champions two home games as added incentive and reward for the attrition of extra games..(unless they hosted their provincial final)
shaggykev (Donegal) - Posts: 337 - 19/05/2025 19:55:54
2611126
Link
0
|
|
Replying To shaggykev: "I wasn't sure about the 16 teams and only 4 exiting before knockouts but its working and whilst its not complete knockout, its about timing your run and your path.
The jeopardy of 3 games in 3 weeks and home advantage puts meaning into nearly every game.
One big disadvantage of next year's system is teams are no longer guaranteed a home game.
I'd also give provincial champions two home games as added incentive and reward for the attrition of extra games..(unless they hosted their provincial final)" 3 from 4 is a flop. A complete failure. You are depending on the Seed 4 to ignite the group. Cavan delivered in fairness. Derry will have to do the same. They'll have to get a win in Armagh to put the heat on their rivals and set the cat amongst the pigeons!
legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 8824 - 19/05/2025 20:43:31
2611144
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Seanfanbocht: "Excellent post.
Ditching the current system was all the rage last Summer with Burns, the HQ crew and the media demonising it and pushing next years system." Poor crowds in Killarney, Ennis and Castlebar. The Cavan result is great and really sparks that group but still not a reason for keeping the current terrible system.
Next year if you have Kerry v Roscommon in Round 1. You've no idea who's coming in Round 2. Lose Round 1 and you could have Galway or Mayo in Round 2B.
legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 8824 - 19/05/2025 20:52:06
2611147
Link
0
|
|
Replying To realdub: "One thing that pleased me most about Dublin's win v Galway was, not one 2 pointer required to win a close game.
2 pointers paper over cracks.
I'm not saying I wouldn't take one to win a big game, but i want it gone." I m in same boat as you RealDub. A team that scores 14 one pointers in a game are better than the team that score 4 two pointers and 6 one pointers.
Like you ill take a win anytime but im not sure im a two pointer fan but Im def against the two point frees.
Some of the rules are good but some I hate .
CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3931 - 19/05/2025 21:03:50
2611157
Link
2
|
|
Replying To shaggykev: "I wasn't sure about the 16 teams and only 4 exiting before knockouts but its working and whilst its not complete knockout, its about timing your run and your path.
The jeopardy of 3 games in 3 weeks and home advantage puts meaning into nearly every game.
One big disadvantage of next year's system is teams are no longer guaranteed a home game.
I'd also give provincial champions two home games as added incentive and reward for the attrition of extra games..(unless they hosted their provincial final)" Thats fine and an Ulster or even a Connaught winner might deserve home games but the provinces are lopsided.
CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3931 - 19/05/2025 21:07:59
2611159
Link
0
|
|
Replying To CiarraiMick: "I m in same boat as you RealDub. A team that scores 14 one pointers in a game are better than the team that score 4 two pointers and 6 one pointers.
Like you ill take a win anytime but im not sure im a two pointer fan but Im def against the two point frees.
Some of the rules are good but some I hate ." I agree…. I am tired saying the 2 pointers add nothing to the game only creates huge inflated score lines… Now people want goals increased to 4 points to make a pigs ear out of the game altogether
ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3920 - 19/05/2025 21:22:52
2611165
Link
2
|