hurling_lad
County: Cork
Posts: 33

763171 To respond to Lug's post, Cork last played well in the last 20 minutes of the semi-flnal, scoring 1-08.

To respond to IrvinestownGael's post would be beneath me and, I hope, most other posters here.

Well said hurling lad. Rise above it. Many of the posters here appear to be bitter about one or more counties for no apparent reason. Very little constructive to say in alot of cases

JJ1 (Kildare) - Posts: 547 - 02/09/2010 11:26:39    763176

So Down don't lose finals do they? I suppose its easy when you get to so few.

The only final I can rememeber Down being in was 2009 U21 final, where they ..... Lost?

Down are punching above their weight, I hope the unfounded enthusiasm towards Down translates to the bookies, Im waiting for Corks price to improve.

Redfoot (Cork) - Posts: 388 - 02/09/2010 11:50:11    763220

02/09/2010 10:19:34
lrvinestownGael
County: Fermanagh
Posts: 847

763118 01/09/2010 12:58:23
The_Lug_Coa
County: Fermanagh
Posts: 213

762332 question

whens was the last time dats cork played well?

--------------------------------------------

Well Lug, I can see why you might ask. Cork are not quite sure themselves and the rest of the country finds it hard to remember when they last played well.

It comes as no surprise to read that people are now questioning the ability of the Munster red rebels as there sudden rise to the headlines for championship news rather than the stricking players or dirty hurling incidents, makes one wonder if the standard of the All Ireland Championship has dimished?

I remember Pat Spillane once summing up Cork so well saying that they were a load of chancers lacking in skill but blessed with luck. I feel that the latter statement is so relevant today as the rebels progression has been largely down to luck and not on any kind of outstanding memorable performances.

So Lug, you were quite right to ask the question as it puzzles so many in GAA circles!

It is about the best statment that Pat Spillane ever mede!!!!

Cavan_gael (Cavan) - Posts: 100 - 02/09/2010 12:52:30    763299

Who will win Sam now?
02/09/2010 10:19:34
lrvinestownGael
County: Fermanagh
Posts: 847

763118 01/09/2010 12:58:23
The_Lug_Coa
County: Fermanagh
Posts: 213

762332 question

whens was the last time dats cork played well?

--------------------------------------------

Well Lug, I can see why you might ask. Cork are not quite sure themselves and the rest of the country finds it hard to remember when they last played well.

It comes as no surprise to read that people are now questioning the ability of the Munster red rebels as there sudden rise to the headlines for championship news rather than the stricking players or dirty hurling incidents, makes one wonder if the standard of the All Ireland Championship has dimished?

I remember Pat Spillane once summing up Cork so well saying that they were a load of chancers lacking in skill but blessed with luck. I feel that the latter statement is so relevant today as the rebels progression has been largely down to luck and not on any kind of outstanding memorable performances.

So Lug, you were quite right to ask the question as it puzzles so many in GAA circles!

It is about the best statment that Pat Spillane ever mede!!!!
Cavan_gael , 02/09/2010 at 12:52

I havent stopped laughing for 20 mins. The world has come full circle.

Corrxxx (Kerry) - Posts: 584 - 02/09/2010 13:09:01    763323

I remember Pat Spillane once summing up Cork so well saying that they were a load of chancers lacking in skill but blessed with luck.

Although the abovementioned is appropriate for the Cork team, Spillane has also rubbished Tyrone so i would take his views generally speaking with a pintch of salt or indeed any Kerry man for that metter.

Up4it. (Tyrone) - Posts: 199 - 02/09/2010 13:34:18    763362

Spillane has always been anti-cork/tyrone, you could go as far as saying he [/b]hates to see them win. . . .

bealatha (Limerick) - Posts: 21 - 02/09/2010 16:43:34    763616

Not too often I would agree with Spillane but I do in relation to the Cork comment. Spot on!!

WestRules (Galway) - Posts: 271 - 02/09/2010 21:59:42    764034

Could someone from Cork please tell me what they have that down doesn't?
The Cork arguement to me simply dosen't stack up.

Cavan_gael (Cavan) - Posts: 100 - 03/09/2010 14:01:40    764363

Experience of playing in an all ireland final. Subs that they can bring on and win matches. Was at open nite last night . Watched them train. Cadogan and Sheehan looked very sharp. Also headlines on tonights Echo says Anthony Lynch could be in line for recall. They Also have a huge physical presence all over the field.

marym (Cork) - Posts: 242 - 03/09/2010 14:26:21    764402

In addition to my post on the previous page about form coming into the final, I'd say that Cork's 100% record against all opponents other than Kerry (and about a 40% record against Kerry) over the last six seasonss has to be considered a difference between the teams.
Down, on the other hand, boast a 100% record over Kerry in the same period, although they also have a 100% avoiding Croke Park record between 2005 and 2009 (including game where they scored four points in losing to Sligo).

No team without experience in Croke Park in the previous few seasons has won an All-Ireland since Derry in 1993.

Given the objective evidence favouring Cork (not to mind the bookies' odd) I can only presume the opinions on here that the final is Down's to lose are due to either wishful thinking, bias or wummery.

hurling_lad (Cork) - Posts: 69 - 03/09/2010 14:28:08    764405

What relevance is Down's defeat to Sligo four years ago to this match. None. Form over the last few weeks is much more relevant than four years ago. On that basis Down have a much better chance than the 15/8 currently being offered by the bookies. Obviously, experience of all ireland finals is an advantage that Cork have that Down do not. However, whilst Cork have been winning matches this year, they have not been convincing. Maybe they won some matches convincingly in 2005 and that explains your optimism.

pgm (Down) - Posts: 32 - 03/09/2010 14:52:24    764422

pgm
County: Down
Posts: 28

764422 What relevance is Down's defeat to Sligo four years ago to this match. None. Form over the last few weeks is much more relevant than four years ago. On that basis Down have a much better chance than the 15/8 currently being offered by the bookies. Obviously, experience of all ireland finals is an advantage that Cork have that Down do not. However, whilst Cork have been winning matches this year, they have not been convincing. Maybe they won some matches convincingly in 2005 and that explains your optimism.

Its a 2 horse race. Both teams should be even money. If they where then i would lash it onto Cork. I just think our time is now seems Kerry are out of the way. Someone has got to put a stop to Downs wonderfull record.

rebeltrev (Cork) - Posts: 344 - 03/09/2010 15:04:10    764438

rebeltrev, I agree. I think this match is an even money bet and I can see many reasons why punters would lash their hard earned onto either team. Obviously I believe that Down will win as our form (particularly of our big players) is better than Corks. However, it is all on the day.

pgm (Down) - Posts: 32 - 03/09/2010 15:18:55    764464

Ok, if you want a more recent example of Down's less than stellar form, how about the 2009 championship, where they were beaten by Fermanagh in Ulster and Wicklow in the qualifiers - can you honestly say that either of those teams would get anywhere near this Cork team?

I'd also refer you, again, to my post on the previous page.

hurling_lad (Cork) - Posts: 69 - 03/09/2010 15:30:13    764476

If the bookies were giving evens and I could ever bring myself to do it, I'd put my money on Cork. They're very very marginal favourites.
In fact they were probably bigger favourites last year. Just shows what favourites tags do to ya though!

Corrxxx (Kerry) - Posts: 584 - 03/09/2010 15:34:17    764482

Without giving it much though I am struggling to think of a single defender playing on the current team who played for Down in either of the matches that you refer to from last year other than the keeper. So, unless we pick the team that lined out against either Fermanagh or Wicklow last year, sack we james and bring back Ross, then as I have said before, it is completly irrelevent.

pgm (Down) - Posts: 32 - 03/09/2010 15:58:10    764509

Ive said it in previous thread regarding Cork, especially the one V Dublin.
I asked how many Dublin players would get on the Cork team? . . . .I got little or no replies......
So ill try it once more how many Down players do you think would get onto this Cork team? 3 or 4 maybe?

In saying all that despite Corks superior ability they are found wanting in 3 main areas.
1.They lack leaders, with nicholas murphy on the bench and Canty 50/50 this is a big problem for Cork.
2.They lack workrate in the forwads, Goulding, C o Neill, Kerrigan etc dont work hard enough when they dont have the ball.
3.They have no plan B. Simple stop Corks running game and you'll stop Cork.

Whereas Down have leaders, they work hard and have lots of different plans.

bealatha (Limerick) - Posts: 21 - 03/09/2010 15:58:41    764511

bealatha
County: Limerick
Posts: 17

764511
Whereas Down have leaders, they work hard and have lots of different plans.

To be fair bealatha Down have no more plans than Cork.
Against Tyrone they had NO plan
Against Kerry they got a good early lead, faded at times but picked off kerry clinically
Against Kildare they got a good early lead, faded at times but picked off Kildare clinically

Thats only 1 plan. Thats not to say they dont have different plans, just we havent seen them yet. If Cork get a head of steam early on it will be interesting to see how they respond. If Down get the ealry momentum then they only really need the 1 plan, coz its worked well.

Corrxxx (Kerry) - Posts: 584 - 03/09/2010 16:12:08    764517

PGM - four of Down's back from Sunday started against Fermanagh (Gordon, Rafferty, Rooney Garvey).

But let's not allow facts to get in the way of things here.

hurling_lad (Cork) - Posts: 69 - 03/09/2010 16:21:28    764521

Hurling lad, as pgm says, comparing the Down side that lost to both Fermanagh and Wicklow last year is like comparing Man City pre and post Sheikh Mansour. There are numerous reasons why this is the case but the main one in my mind is the inclusion of Marty Clarke.

saulman (Down) - Posts: 38 - 03/09/2010 16:24:58    764527