Cork played the best football last year but failed in the end at the final hurdle. They where the best team all year and noone can deny that.
This year they havent been as but their still winning games. Its all about the result as Kerry proved last year.
I really dont care what all of you think of Corks style cause if we take Sam back to leeside who gives a crap how we won it.
Look at Jose Mourinhios teams...... Reminds me of Cork this year. Not the most exciting team to watch but very effective.
Also to the a post i saw earlier saying that Cork would only win a low scoring All Ireland final cause they would never score a tally of (2-16).Well we
scored (1-15) last sunday so what a stupid statement.

Cork for Sam. Its our destiny and it will shut up all you begrudgers. Look forward to meeting allot of the Tyrone boys again the day of the All Ireland. Had great
craic with them last year.

rebeltrev (Cork) - Posts: 344 - 26/08/2010 14:02:59    756894

26/08/2010 12:24:14
toprow2010
County: Kildare
Posts: 115

756784 This is why kildare are in an all ireland semi fainal and why they have the best forwards in the country!!

Scorers
John Doyle...............1-43 (0-28 frees)
James Kavanagh.......2-13 (0-2 frees)
Padraig O'Neill........1-9
Eamonn Callaghan....1-9
Eoghan O'Flaherty...0-10 (0-3 frees)
Ronan Sweeney.......1-6
Alan Smith..............2-2
Emmet Bolton.........0-4
Daryl Flynn..............0-3
Morgan O'Flaherty..0-2
David Whyte............0-1
Gary White..............0-1
Dermot Earley.........0-1
Keith Cribben..........0-1
Hugh Lynch.............0-1
Hugh McGrillen.......0-1

toprow2010 when the sh*te hits the fan on Sunday what has happened before at the lower level of competition won't count.
As Mick O'Dwyer would say you are only as good as they last game and in Kildare's case it was just luck and nothing good about it!

Cavan_gael (Cavan) - Posts: 100 - 26/08/2010 17:48:43    757191

Cavan_gael
County: Cavan
Posts: 71

haha good man..with a bit of luck we'l win an all-ireland pity cavan havin had any..

toprow2010 (Kildare) - Posts: 214 - 26/08/2010 18:24:10    757227

Up4it.
County: Tyrone
Posts: 29

Their forwards remind me of the video sequel to the ending of the Benny Hill shows where Benny meanders from one end of the field to the other with the rest chasing him in meandering formation too. So it is with Kildare as their forwards meander not knowing where they are going either!!!
------------------------
They've meandered further than you lot this year. You'd better get used to it.

derfil1 (Kildare) - Posts: 1612 - 26/08/2010 20:11:41    757329

its corks to lose as i said many times they are a great team and deserve to win one i hope this is their year

hipster (Dublin) - Posts: 2509 - 26/08/2010 20:40:01    757362

All Ireland Championshipship 2010

Now that we are approaching the end of the championship of 2010 are Kildare and Down "lame duck" county teams who both are there by default (having not achieved merit through provincial titles) just fulfilling a function in the semi-final arrangement as neither are capable of an All Ireland honour?

lrvinestownGael (Fermanagh) - Posts: 847 - 27/08/2010 13:51:28    757817

26/08/2010 20:11:41
derfil1
County: Kildare
Posts: 917

757329 Up4it.
County: Tyrone
Posts: 29

Their forwards remind me of the video sequel to the ending of the Benny Hill shows where Benny meanders from one end of the field to the other with the rest chasing him in meandering formation too. So it is with Kildare as their forwards meander not knowing where they are going either!!!
------------------------
They've meandered further than you lot this year. You'd better get used to it.


LOL at Kildare poster! It wil never happen as Tyrone have shown themselves all too often that they are the best in the country!
Stock up will some tissues as you and your lot will need them come Sunday evening.
Bye.

Up4it. (Tyrone) - Posts: 199 - 27/08/2010 17:42:11    758119

All-Ireland SFC preview: Down v Kildare

Séamus Leonard casts his eye over second of this year's All-Ireland SFC semi-finals as qualifier survivors Down and Kildare do battle at Croke Park. While the meeting of these two teams at All-Ireland semi-final stage could be considered novel, there is nothing particularly surprising about their progress to this point. If it had been known that both Kerry and Tyrone would not make the final four, a lot of observers would have tipped Kildare and Down to be among the contenders to take their spots.

In Down's case they took Kerry's place directly. In overcoming the Kingdom, the Ulster side maintained an amazing unbeaten record in Championship games against the Munster giants.

And while Kerry are in a transitional stage and were missing suspended duo Tomás Ó Sé and Paul Galvin, Down's achievement should not be diminished.

The Mourne men have always had capable forwards, although the pressure on Benny Coulter to shoulder the scoring burden has weighed the Mayobridge man down at times.

But the return of Martin Clarke from his stint in Australian Rules has reinvigorated Down's attack this year, with both his dead ball expertise and contribution from open play playing a major part in their improvement.

Manager James McCartan was a forward by trade during his playing career, but he has had to focus on shoring up Down's previously leaky defence in his first year in charge. They had the most watertight rearguard in Division 2 of the National League, where they went unbeaten in their seven games.

They may have lost out to neighbours Armagh in the final, but Division 1 football for 2011 had already been secured and they had set down a marker for what was to come in the summer.

Their Ulster campaign was ended prematurely when Tyrone proved too streetwise for them in the quarter-final, but wins over Longford, Offaly and Sligo in the qualifiers afforded them a crack at Kerry in the last eight of the All-Ireland series.

Kildare's Leinster Championship was over before it even began when they were dumped out by Louth in the quarter-finals.

But just as they did when they were beaten by Wicklow in 2008, the Lilywhites were able to dust themselves down and build slowly through the back door. They needed a replay to get the better of Antrim, but got the result they needed up in Casement Park before accounting for Leitrim, Derry and Monaghan in subsequent rounds.

WestRules (Galway) - Posts: 271 - 27/08/2010 17:59:12    758143

They came up against a fancied Meath side in the All-Ireland quarters, and despite losing midfielder Dermot Earley to a knee injury early on they managed to run out eight-point winners.

It would have been hard to envisage Kildare coping with losing the Sarsfields clubman a couple of years ago, but the fact they did shows how mentally tough they have become under Kieran McGeeney's stewardship.

As you would expect from a McGeeney team, they are extremely resilient defensively, but the most notable aspect of their performances is the number of chances they create.

Granted they shoot a huge number of wides but they never lose faith and have managed to rack some impressive tallies, including a whopping 2-17 against Derry up in Celtic Park.

Earley has been named in Kildare's starting line-up, but it would be a major surprise if he makes the throw-in and even more surprising if he lasts for anything close to 70 minutes.

Kildare are probably the more complete outfit at the moment, but Down have a proud history at Croke Park. The Mourne men have an impressive ratio of five All-Ireland titles to 12 Ulster Championships.

They haven't reached the All-Ireland semis since 1994 (before the qualifier system was introduced) and so that effectively means that they have won Sam Maguire almost one in every two times they have mastered their province.

Belief plays a huge part at this stage, and while neither side should be lacking in that department, the self-assurance Down showed against Kerry suggests they could be the ones to face Cork on the third Sunday in September.

Verdict: Down

WestRules (Galway) - Posts: 271 - 27/08/2010 17:59:34    758144

I see Down are favourites by the bookies this evening!

Cavan_gael (Cavan) - Posts: 100 - 27/08/2010 18:13:41    758164

My thoughts on Down v Kildare

While the meeting of these two teams at All-Ireland semi-final stage could be considered 2nd chance by virtue of a controversial backdoor system which is objected to by Tyrone manager, Mickey Harte among others, there is nothing particularly special about either team.

If it had been known that both Kerry and Tyrone would not make the final four, a lot of observers would have tipped Kildare and Down to be among the contenders to take their spots.

In Down's case they took Kerry's place directly. In overcoming the Kingdom, the Ulster side maintained an amazing unbeaten record in Championship games against the Munster giants.The Mourne men have always had capable forwards, although the pressure on Benny Coulter to shoulder the scoring burden has weighed the Mayobridge man down at times. But the return of Martin Clarke from his stint in Australian Rules has reinvigorated Down's attack this year, with both his dead ball expertise and contribution from open play playing a major part in their improvement.

Manager James McCartan was a forward by trade during his playing career, but he has had to focus on shoring up Down's previously leaky defence in his first year in charge. They had the most watertight rearguard in Division 2 of the National League, where they went unbeaten in their seven games. Their Ulster campaign was ended prematurely when Tyrone proved too streetwise for them in the quarter-final, but wins over Longford, Offaly and Sligo in the qualifiers afforded them a crack at Kerry in the last eight of the All-Ireland series.

Kildare's Leinster Championship was over before it even began when they were dumped out by Louth in the quarter-finals. But just as they did when they were beaten by Wicklow in 2008, the Lilywhites were able to dust themselves down and build slowly through the back door. They needed a replay to get the better of Antrim, but got the result they needed up in Casement Park before accounting for Leitrim, Derry and Monaghan in subsequent rounds. It would have been hard to envisage Kildare coping with losing the Sarsfields clubman a couple of years ago, but the fact they did shows how mentally tough they have become under Kieran McGeeney's stewardship.

Down have a proud history at Croke Park and unlike Kildare have an impressive ratio of five All-Ireland titles to 12 Ulster Championships.
They haven't reached the All-Ireland semis since 1994.

Belief plays a huge part at this stage, and while neither side should be lacking in that department, the self-assurance Down showed against Kerry suggests they could be the ones to face Cork on the third Sunday in September.

Verdict: Down

WestRules (Galway) - Posts: 271 - 27/08/2010 18:48:02    758200

Just to say good luck to Down. You are the best team to bring back the Sam Maguire to Ulster again.

gaalltheway (Fermanagh) - Posts: 807 - 27/08/2010 18:53:56    758209

27/08/2010 17:42:11
Up4it.
County: Tyrone
Posts: 31

758119 26/08/2010 20:11:41
derfil1
County: Kildare
Posts: 917

757329 Up4it.
County: Tyrone
Posts: 29

Their forwards remind me of the video sequel to the ending of the Benny Hill shows where Benny meanders from one end of the field to the other with the rest chasing him in meandering formation too. So it is with Kildare as their forwards meander not knowing where they are going either!!!
------------------------
They've meandered further than you lot this year. You'd better get used to it.


LOL at Kildare poster! It wil never happen as Tyrone have shown themselves all too often that they are the best in the country!Stock up will some tissues as you and your lot will need them come Sunday evening.
Bye.

LOL at Tyrone poster. "Tyrone have shown themselves all too often that they are the best in the country". What, like the 3 times ye won it ?!! Weve won it more times & are currently on an 82 year holiday. Our history started 105 years ago, Tyrones just 7 years ago

carburycastle (Kildare) - Posts: 203 - 27/08/2010 19:34:49    758245

carburycastle it will be at another 82 years before you see glory again so enjoy your continuing holiday.

Cavan_gael (Cavan) - Posts: 100 - 27/08/2010 20:10:27    758272

82 + 82 = 164 years thats over a century and ahalf before Kildare can crow again :))

Up4it. (Tyrone) - Posts: 199 - 27/08/2010 21:35:58    758344

I still don't get it why so many believe that Kildare has no chance. Why do so many seem to hate them as I'm puzzled?

YesterdaysMan (Fermanagh) - Posts: 732 - 27/08/2010 21:59:20    758373

27/08/2010 20:10:27
Cavan_gael
County: Cavan
Posts: 74

758272 carburycastle it will be at another 82 years before you see glory again so enjoy your continuing holiday.

When do Cavan plan on taking the finger out & stop being the whippin boys ?

carburycastle (Kildare) - Posts: 203 - 28/08/2010 09:26:15    758384

Down v Kildare - All-Ireland Semi-Final

(Yet another preview also giving the odds in favour of down!)

Preview by Roscommon's Donie Shine

The second of this year's All Ireland semi finals features two teams who have never previously met in the All Ireland senior football championship. Down and Kildare have been the two stand out teams of this year's championship, and Sundays meeting has the potential to be a cracker. However, both sides could be without influential figures in the form of Dermot Earley and Ambrose Rogers, and the inclusion or exclusion of these two players could have a major psychological effect on the teams.

Down, who performed well in the national league have steadily improved as the year has progressed and have players capable of causing problems for any opposition. With Danny Hughes, Paul McComiskey and Mark Poland possessing a real treat with pace and finishing and the quality and experience of players like Martin Clarke, Benny Coulter and John Clarke, they might just have too much up front for Kildare.

On the other hand, Kildare had a slow start to the year, which included suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Down back in February. However, since their loss to Louth in the Leinster championship they have looked somewhat unstoppable. They cruised through the qualifiers, with Antrim the only team who came close to them. They have started slow in their last few games, and if this happens again Sunday they might have no way back.

Down Strengths and Weaknesses
Down are very well balanced up front and have six forwards who are all capable of holding their own in terms of scoring.
Defensively they are weak and could encounter a lot of problems at the hands of the inform duo of James Kavanagh and Johnny Doyle.

Kildare Strengths and Weaknesses
Kildare pose a serious goal scoring threat up front and have hit the net eight times in seven championship outings this year.
Slow starts to games have been a big problem for them, and if Down are clinical in front of goals early on this may be costly.

Verdict: Down


Team News

Down:
B McVeighD McCartan, D Gordon, D Rafferty, D Rooney, K McKernan, C Garvey, P Fitzpatrick, K King, D Hughes, M Poland, P McComiskey, B Coulter, J Clarke, M Clarke.

Kildare:
S McCormack; P Kelly, H McGrillan, A Mac Lochlainn; M O'Flaherty, E Bolton, B Flanagan; D Flynn, D Earley; J Kavanagh, P O'Neill, J Doyle; E O'Flaherty, A Smith, E Callaghan.

WestRules (Galway) - Posts: 271 - 28/08/2010 11:06:08    758430

All kildare's hot air will evapour into the Dublin air tomorrow afternoon!

Up4it. (Tyrone) - Posts: 199 - 28/08/2010 12:36:07    758496

Kildare should win. Experience plays a massive role. They've had some very big performances over the last 3 years and have the benefit of a few genuinly classy experienced footballers whereas Down, although they have the catalytic and inspriational Clarke back, have failed to deliver on promising minor performances up until 2010.

Would be happy with a Down win as they are a great footballing county and have always produced fine footballers.
Would be happy with a Kildare win for the energetic and attacking football they can play and because of '98 which was too long a wait for them even back then. Their time must be nigh.

thykingdomcome (Kerry) - Posts: 1206 - 28/08/2010 13:39:55    758540