Lads / Lasses

Do you think the 5 week break will have done Dublin any good...?

Myself... I'm concerned about the length of time they've been sitting around...

With such a massive game ahead... Do you think Dublin will have lost the momentum that they built up playing, Wexford x 2, Kilkenny x 2 and Galway on the bounce

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20763 - 06/08/2013 15:11:14    1454366

I think it'll be a bad thing for Dublin. Momentum has completely switched. Had Dublin played cork right after their defeat to Limerick you could only see one winner. That said I'm
A big believer in the better team will win on the day. Should be a close one

Tomcork (Cork) - Posts: 112 - 06/08/2013 15:29:22    1454395

Think both teams will be well up for it myself ..The 5 weeks aren't an issue unless you lose the game as its seen as an excuse then. Its not an excuse, I expect Dublin to give it everything and if they are beaten it wont be because of the 5 week lay off

waynoI (Dublin) - Posts: 13655 - 06/08/2013 15:31:56    1454404

The improvement in performance from Dublin for each successive match they played was very noticeable alright but I don't think the break will have done Dublin any harm (the long break never seemed to do Kilkenny any harm anyway when they were winning Leinster championships for funa) and they probably needed a bit of a break after five matches in nearly as many weekends though something like 3 or 4 weeks would probably have been the ideal amount. Daly is astute enough to keep them on their toes and I'm sure the practice matches they played amongst themselves have kept them sharp.

They have the advantage of knowing Croke Park inside out too, as Cork have only played one championship game there since 2010 , and for many of the younger players it will be their first time ever playing in Croke Park, such has been the dreadful famine at underage level which even a win such as that over Kilkenny cannot gloss over (though the supporters of Frank and the county board down here will have you believe is down to this "mushrooms" rubbish)

The bookies can't call it, but I'd say both sets of supporters are expecting a win given how both teams are on a high after their last matches. Cork haven't scored a championship goal since last year and we're going to need at least one to win it I'd say. Luke O'Farrell and Pa Cronin of the starting 15 have been ou best goalgetters in the past but haven't looked like scoring them in this years championship and we're going to need bug performances from them.

KeyserSoze (Cork) - Posts: 363 - 06/08/2013 15:47:28    1454425

I really think Dublin can win this game & go on & win the All-Ireland. I'd love to see it! They're gonna be more at home in Croker than Cork. Maybe beating Kilkenny will have been Cork's All-Ireland & they're in bonus territory but I think Dublin have the balance & power to go all the way.

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 06/08/2013 15:47:29    1454426

Unfortunately the tame defeats of Gaillimh and (well not quite tame, but 5 points) na Cait in the quarters does throw a different perspective on the Dubs' victories so far.

This may not be a bad thing, because the focus on them has lessened a bit; also I think a) the champs had declined in freshness with each of the narrow victories from when they played in Port Laoise (despite the two week break prior to QF), and b) the manner of the Leinster final victory was more comfortable than An Clár (and Gaillimh played better).

Another factor in their favour is that it remains to be seen if Corcaigh can perform to that level again. I mean no disrespect by that, I just feel that they surpassed themselves in beating CC, much as Maigh Eo on Sunday. I may be wrong but this evens it out a bit more.

It's a rare game in that there really is no pressure to speak of on either side.

Must add the caveat that I was occupied that Sunday and only saw 2nd half of second game, and highlights that evening, so I will defer completely to anyone who was in Durlas Eile.

Having said all that, it's very hard to look past the historical pattern and predict DiRibbles lifting Liam. Not much conviction in that prediction, however. Hope they don't win Sunday cos I never can anticipate a uniprovincial final with as much relish- somehow it just seems like an extension of the provincial championship rather than a true AI.

Funny how it'd be such a disappointment to the neutral now if they do; if you offered us a tournament with Cill Chainnigh out in quarters back in April, we'd've bitten off the proferring hand. Must remember if Corcaigh win that purely for putting them out we should be grateful.

If they beat the Dubs next Sunday, though, it'll mean the 3 last counties standing all share a land or sea border with d'Keengdumb. Better pull up our socks!

an tseabhac (Kerry) - Posts: 441 - 06/08/2013 15:50:55    1454427

I fancy ye lot Jimbo.......I think this is the big chance for a huge breakthrough for the Dub hurlers. You've shown this year and in the last 3/4 years there is talent there. 3 of the so called bigger hurling counties have been vanquished and Bob O'Keefe already safe in cupboard for the year....Cork will be tough and it'll be interesting to see how the Dubs handle the favourites tag but Anthony Daly has shown his class as a a manager and I think he'll have them ready for a make or break 70 minutes.

Dubs to win by 3/4 points.

tribeinbrum (Galway) - Posts: 4155 - 06/08/2013 15:53:34    1454432

My heart says Dublin but my head says Cork. Has it ever happened that 2 teams have met after beating Kilkenny in the Championship?

If Cork can play the way they did against KK and Limerick in the first half for the whole game then I'd fancy them.

Faithfull (Offaly) - Posts: 573 - 06/08/2013 16:06:01    1454450

Its hard to say, 5 weeks is definitely a long time, and you could see Dublin put over a lot of reckless wides in the first 20 minutes because of the rust. But, it could also happen that Dublin got what they needed to get from those 5 games in a row, and they'll be able to bring that to every match from here on. What the players learned in those 5 matches they won't unlearn in 5 weeks. So much of this will be down to Anthony Daly. If he's managed to keep them focused, keep them confident, and keep them in the same state of mind as they were for the Leinster final (which is more likely than not), I'd fancy a Dubs win. But if he's let them stray at all, let them get carried away with the Leinster win, or let them get complacent, then Cork could edge it. The momentum Dublin had going into the Leinster final, Cork now have going into this semi.

I'd love to see Dublin progress, they're progress has been great for hurling, and a Dublin/Limerick final would be one of the best things to happen to hurling in the last 20 years. But I really have to take my hat off to Cork. The defections and losses they've had from their squad in the last 12 months have been unreal. If any other team lost the quality of players Cork have, they'd have given up long ago. Fair play to the Cork hurlers and JBM for persevering and getting to this stage, Cork people should be very proud of these guys.

Marlon_JD (Tipperary) - Posts: 1823 - 06/08/2013 16:06:01    1454451

5 week break has to have killed some of the momentum the boys had going. Add to that Cork wont give 2 thoughts about Dublin and will fully expect to beat us. I do believe if we can not give away sill frees we have a huge chance. Horgan will stick 99% of his frees over. Boland and McCaffrey have a huhe 70 minutes ahead of them they MUST at least break even with Cork, id gladly sub both at 55 minutes knowing they have no more to give because they have ran themselves ragged keeping the Cork midfield quite. Keaney Dwyer and Sutcliffe need a huge day to

Really hard to call Cork wont fear us but we need not fear them either. Stick my Neck out and say Dublin 1-17 Cork 0-19

Brianmac78 (Dublin) - Posts: 1168 - 06/08/2013 16:10:25    1454458

People wrongly look at Galways Leinster final defeat as a poor performance by Galway, but I can tell you lads that any selection of 'All Stars' ye want would not have beaten a driven Dublin team that day!!......There is a steel in this Dublin team of 2013 that will not be beaten this year!

Hand on heart and laying my cards on the table (and not afraid to set myself up for an almighty fall) I hereby declare that Dublin will be the All Ireland hurling champions of 2013!

This is the year that raw hunger and belief wins the day! 'Tradition' will well and truly have its back doors burst in by Dublin this year and the precedent is then set for all the 'non traditional' counties to BELIEVE!!

By the way, Dublin footballers will be beaten by 14+ goals by Kerry to deny even a shot at the double!

Regards,

Snufalufagus....Laochra Gael

Snufalufagus (Dublin) - Posts: 8100 - 06/08/2013 16:18:05    1454473

Got to be the Dub's for the DoUBle

fortyfive (Tyrone) - Posts: 5929 - 06/08/2013 16:29:36    1454489

DoUBle

Ha... love it.

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20763 - 06/08/2013 16:37:15    1454502

Struggling to call it to be honest but that bit of Cork swagger on the big day could swing it for the rebels.

banner_boy (Clare) - Posts: 1285 - 06/08/2013 20:41:34    1454809

I so so so so hope I'm wrong but I think the two teams coming through the back door will compete in this years final. I hope the other 2 do, but momentum gathered at this time of year is a massive boost. Have Dublin hurled club championship to keep these lads touch in order? I hope so, because if you dont, it's a waste of time training non-stop.

Pinkie (Wexford) - Posts: 4100 - 06/08/2013 21:02:43    1454848

Should be a cracker which could go either way. If I had to put my neck on the line I would go for the Dubs I just can't see them slipping at this stage. What a test they will get from Cork though. They will smell blood now that there inside Croke Park and will put up serious resistance. Looking forward to a great match.

07_LK_1973 (Limerick) - Posts: 115 - 06/08/2013 21:52:42    1454943

Pinkie

No the Dublin co baord as alwayss cancel every round of championship until county sides are out of championship. These lads have not even played a league game for the club. Joke. And it could be what causes a defeat

Brianmac78 (Dublin) - Posts: 1168 - 07/08/2013 10:00:20    1455029

Brianmac78
County: Dublin
Posts: 297

1455029 Pinkie

No the Dublin co baord as alwayss cancel every round of championship until county sides are out of championship. These lads have not even played a league game for the club. Joke. And it could be what causes a defeat

Surely they've had some tough challenge games??? I personally think that Dublin will be 100% ready for Sunday. I think it's going to be cracker. I am so proud of this Cork team reaching the semi after all the defections/Injuries. As for the outcome.. I just can't call it. If we stem the influence of Keaney and Sutcliffe, I think we will win, but that's a huge ask.

bloodandbandage (Cork) - Posts: 428 - 07/08/2013 10:24:46    1455054

Brianmac78 that is a joke of a yarn. We are in U-21 semi and although a couple of injuries have been picked up, matches are going ahead. It is the best way to keep lads in shape and touch good. I dont know why Dublin would not do this also.

Pinkie (Wexford) - Posts: 4100 - 07/08/2013 15:17:17    1455532

The heart says cork the head says cork its cork by 3 for me

monkstownrebel1 (Cork) - Posts: 353 - 07/08/2013 15:35:50    1455558