Totally delighted for the team, management and for me
too. We seem to have found the correct balance between defence and attack with a good sprinkling of kick passing aiding super fast transition. I do worry though that there is a distinct gulf opening between the top 8 - 10 teams and the rest. Armagh and Donegal (particularly Armagh) basically strolled through division 2 with the league table a clear visual of that but how will we fare against a division one team? Are we a top 4/5 team and the league has proven that or are the bottom 6 in division two really poor, time will tell.
Before the Cavan game I felt that a win and then heading to Cork with promotion gained and a league final in Croke Park would be ideal preparation for the start of the championship and that certainly appears to be the case. Indeed, winning the final and then a steady run to the Ulster final now appears to be the perfect road map for an Ulster final win. All easier said than done of course but we have made the pathway, lets just drive it now.
Looking at D1 teams (forget that the first two are [most likely with the second] relegated for a moment) then Monaghan and Roscommon are easily within our reach or beating. Not a gimme, but certainly we should have enough to challenge them.
Galway, Mayo and Tyrone are shaky at best. Each on any given day can run anyone tight, but have shown that they have weaknesses. Tyrone in particular are back to their best at playing the ref. If you've saw any of their games in the league you'll have seen what I mean. Weirdly daddies boys aren't the worst at it, but are improving. That said, credit where it's due and in pure footballing terms it cannot be denied they are class to watch when they "play" and not just lay down like the victim of a sniper. I need a darkened room after that!!
Galway and Mayo are definitely an oddity. Each could go out and get beat by 10 today and tomorrow win the same game by 1 or 2.
Kerry aren't the powerhouse they were over the last few years, even if by their high standards they massively underachieved in that period. They too are vulnerable with the right plan.
Dublin blipped at the start of the league against a Monaghan with a point to prove. Thing is, once they proved it, they retreated to prove those that said their run was finished, were correct. Dublin are looking like a serious team already. They have nothing to face in Leinster at all this year again so will win their 10 millionth title without even using first team players.
Derry! Mickey has rejuvenated a really good team and given them the belief that they so badly needed after the season they had last year. They have possibly the best midfielder in Ireland right now and a great all rounder. Mark him alone out of the game and they struggle to reorganise quickly. With Gilligan's inside on the team, he will know what each is capable of, but will he commit or find it tough to try and organise the downfall of lads he loves so well? I believe Conleith is a team player. He has shown that repeatedly with other teams he has been with. We can take solace from a stupid rule on finishing on the day - a hangover form Covid that should go. I'm aware it was around for a while, but Covid embedded it in the thinking and I hear all the echos of the loud voices from those who shouted replays were a money generator. I agree, but I'd prefer to be poorer than feel cheated. Beaten fair and square after a replay is hard to take, but at least the best team theoretically wins and not a lottery of shooting that kids get to do after training. A digression but just a thought.
All of that is supposition because championship is a completely different animal from league. If we meet Cavan again in Ulster, there is not a mission of beating them again by 15. It really is down to the day, who is available, who is injured, who has an eye on a trip to the USA (remember those days for the top players??)
We have played what was in front of us and played them well. It's noted that Donegal could or maybe should have beaten us in league. I disagree. We should have won that, but for a couple of bad/silly/blood rush decisions. Thought it at the time and seen nothing from Donegal since to change that opinion. Louth and again some say we were lucky. Well yes and no. Like Donegal the result is immaterial. A 1 point win would be a win. Narrow yes, but still the history book will show it's a win, so enough was done to get the points.