A clearer picture developing in some of the groups now. In senior there was no major surprises but maybe the margin of victories. Drumcliffe looked very impressive against Tubbercurry and made them look very average indeed. It's hard to see where Tubber will pick up a win from. Young O'Brien is someone who should be considered for county set ups in future as he has the right build and well able to score. Harps may have shown a bit of weakness by just scrapping by Easkey minus Gordon. Their game with Coolera is the battle for second place and form would suggest the county holders will survive, but I'll save predictions for later in the week. Elsewhere Curry but put a brave battle but ultimately this Shamrock Gaels team look very good indeed. Mary's then disposed of Tourlestrane to confine them to a battle for 3rd place if even. As it currently stands I think it's Shamrock Gaels, Coolera, Mary's and DRP/Molaise for the semi's. The 3 South Sligo teams for relegation along with Easkey.
In the Intermediate my dark horses Enniscrone disposed of Pats fairly handily it looks like but that group has so many possibilities that 4 points could get you a semi-final spot. Enniscrone can afford to lose one game and still finish top which is some comfort to them. Impossible to see how this group goes bar Enniscrone being in a semi final. Group 2 Bunninadden could have beaten Mullinabreena I hear or at least snuck a draw, it's little comfort to them given they put themselves under serious pressure losing to Castleconnor who in turn were well beaten by Ballymote as I expected. The winner of Ballymote/Bunninadden will most likely get second but even if Bunninadden were somehow to win it, they really have to hope that Castleconnor don't win anymore games, which tbh I think is quiet possible. So Mullinabreena, Ballymote for me in semis. Bunnies safe and Castleconnor and Owenmore for relegation.
In Junior full compliments to St Michaels, they seem to have turned the tide of recent years and are the inform team in their group and have the semi-final spot booked. Should John's get over Drumcliffe next week they should join them. Cloonacool as expected going well in Group 2 with Harps to join them in second place.
Only suggestion I would have to the powers that be is to review some of the games selected for streaming, Tubber and Drumcliffe on paper could have been a big game but ended up being a snorefest. Curry v Easkey is due to be streamed this weekend for example, a game that will only decide who is 4th and 5th. Coolera and Harps is a much better prospect for a neutral. You really shouldn't pick your games after round 2 until you see how the table is shaping up. Also how does it make sense to have Drumcliffe and Molaise play one another in Tourlestrane???
Replying To RealSouthSligo: "Obviously you know him personally and posting for some fun.
Durcan was very good in the first game that they WON and his kickouts were excellent and kicked a free. In Durcan's defence, he has won 3 Ireland medals as well (1x Championship, 1x NFL and 1x Sigerson), 3 Ulster titles and 2 All Stars. Not bad to have a good replacement but I think it is easy to see why he is number one for Drumcliff RP."
Good man , take out the scrap book and the signed jersey there . Don't get me wrong he was a decent player for drp. However it's time they focus on a local lad , came up through their own ranks . He was also spoken very highly about in dcu freshers success this year which featured 2 other drp men . Time u focus on local pride and take down his posters . Because whether they get there title this year or in the next 3 , it will be OBRIEN they will be thanking
I hate to be always ranting about fixtures but it's impossible not to get frustrated. Saturday evening under lights is prime time viewing and what game is going to be played ? Curry v Easkey. This is an a dead rubber with nothing at stake as both teams are in relegation. I doubt if 40 people will pay a tenner to see it. Meanwhile at half 4 on a Sunday in Enniscrone, Molaise play Tubber. It will be 6 before it's over. No consideration for lads having to travel back to Dublin afterwards when the game could have been played much earlier. Supporters just won't bother traveling if they have to commute to work afterwards. Back to the football, and 3 of the 4 teams that are in relegation are already known. No team in either group are 100 % sure to be in the knockout stage so there is interesting games ahead. Drumcliffe are going really well in group 2 and so are Shamrock Gaels in group 1. They both had great wins. Marys are back in control of their own destiny. Harp's are still unbeaten albeit against weak opposition. Molaise have a fight on their hands but their last game is against Drumcliffe who may be qualified at that stage which could help Molaise. I will look at the intermediate/junior tomorrow.