Dublin v. Wexford - A Sloppy Mess

Hill 16 La La La

Dublin 2-12
Wexford 1-12
A sloppy mess. That phrase ran through my mind for 70 minutes yesterday in Croke Park. Even Pat Gilroy called the match 'ugly'. The quality of play was poor enough that most think Dublin are no longer serious contenders for the All-Ireland.

Both teams were sloppy throughout and lacked a sense of urgency. The match didn't have the intensity we expect in a Leinster Final. Both teams played defensive football leaving all but 2 behind the ball. There were a shocking number of errant handpasses  and other unforced errors made by both sides but particularly Wexford. Wexford gave up an own goal!

For Dublin, Bernard Brogan had a poor afternoon. The others in the front line - Diarmuid Connolly and Eoghan O'Gara - were awful. Mossie Quinn was brought in but was equally ineffective. Kevin McMenamin at least ran at the defense and made an impact.

I want to end this post with some positives from the day. Alan Brogan was excellent. He was showing for the ball all over the pitch and played with real fire. Ben Brosnan was a constant threat for Wexford and finished with 0-9. Surely Cork and Kerry were delighted yesterday as we seem to be back to a two-horse race for Sam.

Controversy at the end of the Dublin v. Kildare match

Here's the best video I can find of the free given to Dublin in the closing moments of the Leinster Semi-Final. Have a look and decide for yourself if the ref should have blown the whistle. It's a real shame to see such a great match ruined by a single call. We've seen huge mistakes by the refs this year already yet I don't hear about anything being done to improve the situation. Is there anyone who thinks a single ref in his 50s can reasonably cover the 130-145 metres of the pitch and not make mistakes? In this case he decided there was a foul from about 50 metres away. The players and fans deserve better.

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...

Brogan, Dublin Top Kerry by Smallest of Margins

Bernard Brogan's only point from play proved the decider as Dublin defeated Kerry 3-10 to 1-15 as two Gaelic Football powers clashed last night in Croke Park. Similar to the match against Cork last week, Dublin's ability to find goals proved the difference. You can read a match report here.

This was the first match of 2011 I was able to attend in Croke Park. Considering this was a National League match and a cold evening, the atmosphere was good. There were a large number of families with children in attendance - not surprising when such value for money is on offer. The GAA should be commended for their creation of the 'Spring Series' and for their ticket prices.

Overheard in the Snug: Feb 20th

Wanna Talk Football?

The banter in the snug is picking up as the second round of League play came to a close. Surprises are to be found in every tier. Dublin are the only undefeated side in Division 1. Tyrone are winless in Division 2. Mighty Wicklow are top of the table in Division 4.

The main issues of the week were player transfers and Galway's impending collapse. With so much going on I've had a hard time limiting myself to only three topics this week. My own bravery aside, here are my points...

Australia 47 - Ireland 40: Tohill has to be Accountable

Anthony Tohill has some explaining to do. He needs to explain to the 30,000 plus in attendance at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. He needs to explain to the audience watching at home on TG4. He needs to explain to the Australian side who travelled to the other side of the globe for the match. What was Tohill thinking? The Irish strategy going into the match was dreadful until Bernard Brogan's goal inspired and ignited the team to...dare I say it...

Test 1 Prediction: International Rules

Before I head off to Limerick tomorrow to watch the first test, I thought I'd make a prediction of the results. This is pretty much impossible but I want to give it a shot anyway.  The Irish have the edge in three really important ways: familiarity with the round ball, familiarity with shooting for goal, and familiarity with the game in general. The Aussies have the edge in...

Irish Team Named for International Rules Series 2010

Manager Anthony Tohill today announced the Irish squad that will take on the Aussies in the 2010 International Rules Series. The official press release from the GAA is here.

At first glance, I'm excited by our chances. We  are bringing an experienced group against an Aussie side that is surprisingly lacking in that respect. Team captain Steven McDonnell has participated in the International Rules Series seven times. We've seen rugged and creative play from a number of the guys on the squad - particularly Seán Cavanagh and Leighton Glynn.

Semi-Final #1: Cork v Dublin

 22 Aug 2010 at 3:30pm on RTÉ

From Croke Park - So the smart money is on Cork.  They are the only safe semi-final bet according to the bookies.  Seán Moran makes a solid case for a Cork victory in the Irish Times.  Jason Sherlock is predicting a draw!  What the hell is that about?!?  Rather than make the safe choice like Moran or wimp out and not make a choice at all like Sherlock, I'm picking the Dubs.  Here's why: