Dublin Short of Options

Who are the Dubs?

Cork 0-21
Dublin 2-14
I don't think we learned much about Dublin and Cork that we didn't already know on Sunday. We knew Dublin could more than hold their own against the defending All-Ireland Champions and that they are a real contender to lift Sam in September. We knew Cork was more experienced and tough as nails in midfield. I don't think we knew just how badly the Dublin attack would breakdown with Bernard Brogan on the sideline. That's exactly what happened when Cork returned from an 8-point deficit to win the National League Final for the second year in a row. Let's take a look at a few issues in the match...

Impact Subs
Jamie O'Sullivan wasn't meant to start for Cork but had a strong showing as the replacement for the suspended Eoin Cadogan. Against such a powerful offense, the Cork back line bent but never broke. That's the kind of depth that separates the elite county teams. Also Nicolas Murphy came into the midfield like an animal with roughly 20 minutes to play. Dublin had no answer for his speed, strength and fresh legs. In basketball there's an award for the player who makes the biggest contribution to his team as a substitute. If the GAA were to introduce such an award my vote in 2010 and so far in 2011 would be Nicolas Murphy.

Point Distribution
Cork had 9 players score on Sunday. The front line scoring was particular well spread. Daniel Goulding and Ciaran Sheehan had 0-4 each while Donncha O'Conner grabbed 0-3. Patrick Kelly and Pearse O'Neill had 0-3 each as well. With points coming from so many boots it's tough for a defence to focus. It spreads the backs and makes them reluctant to help on the ball.

Dublin Need Plan B
Dublin, on the other hand, looked lost when Bernard Brogan left with an injury. Their attack sputtered and their lead fizzled. Pat Gilroy won't let his team be caught so unprepared again. In fact, I'd argue that losing Brogan in the League final will benefit Dublin this summer. Part of being an experienced side is knowing how to win in any situation and trusting your teammates. Anyone watching the Dubs in possession as they crossed midfield could see the confusion and indecision without Bernard breaking for the ball. Mossy Quinn, Kevin McMenamon and Diarmuid Connolly are strong scoring options for the Dubs. Installing a Plan B now will serve them well this summer.

Cork: Ken O'Halloran; Ray Carey, Michael Shields, Jamie O'Sullivan (0-1); Noel O'Leary (0-1), John Miskella, Paudie Kissane; Alan O'Connor, Pearse O'Neill (0-3); Paul Kerrigan, Patrick Kelly (0-3), Fintan Goold (0-1); Daniel Goulding (0-4), Donncha O'Connor (0-3), Ciaran Sheehan (0-4). Subs: Fiachra Lynch (0-1), Denis O'Sullivan, David Goold, Nicholas Murphy.

Dublin: Stephen Cluxton; Michael Fitzsimons, Paul Brogan, Philly McMahon; Barry Cahill (0-1), Ger Brennan, Kevin Nolan (0-1); Denis Bastick, Michael Dara McAuley; Paul Flynn, Kevin McManamon (0-5), Bryan Cullen; Bernard Brogan (1-3), Diarmuid Connolly (0-2), Mossy Quinn (1-2). Subs: Darren Daly, Pat Burke, Dean Kelly, Paddy Andrews, Declan Lally.