We are codding ourselves if we are reading into anything we are seeing vs St Mary's and Antrim. All we can take from it is the feel-good factor and the fact that we seem to have options all over the field, especially from midfield forward. Kildare away is the acid test - I'll reserve any judgement until then - for now it's glorified challenge games and getting the lads into shape. The new players in defence will get a stiffer test on Wednesday night.
Dr. McKenna Cup 2019
- Thread starter Big Jim
- Start date
pablo
Well-Known Member
And also Ethan Rafferty
A
And Ethan Rafferty! I’m back out of the dark room. Too much light in there now. Wearing sunglasses though
Big Jim
Well-Known Member
Bo Darville
Active Member
With both Donegal and Cavan sitting on 4 points in their group, should they draw on Wednesday night Donegal would top the group on scoring difference and Cavan would finish 2nd also on 5 points. This would guarantee Cavan the best runners up spot and we’d have to top our group to make the semifinals.
If there is a winner in that game and we lose to Monaghan then I think the best runner up spot will come down to scoring differences, and with a plus 39 scoring difference at present we’d be through to play Tyrone or Donegal/Cavan.
If there is a winner in that game and we lose to Monaghan then I think the best runner up spot will come down to scoring differences, and with a plus 39 scoring difference at present we’d be through to play Tyrone or Donegal/Cavan.
Patrick-Armagh
Well-Known Member
Totally forgot about Paul Hughes and Ethan Rafferty. More quality and versatile additions to squad.
I don't think anyone will be getting carried away with a McKenna Cup win in January against a dire Antrim team. But it's exciting to see such a strong panel back and the potential of the team. We will need all the momentum possible going into the first League game in Newbridge against a Kildare side who will be looking for revenge.
pablo
Well-Known Member
Not sure I read any posts that suggested anyone was getting carried away with the big scores. Most people have been saying the same thing you state above-that it is good to have options.
A friend commented that Sunday looked like a game between one team that had been training for the past two months and another that had just got off the sofa for the first time in two months.
As Patrick said, we need to be up and ready for Kildare. Apparently they are flying at the moment-although I see they lost against Westmeath, albeit they lined out what looked to be their C squad.
Diarmi
Well-Known Member
Personally I'll take the warm fuzzy feeling of two big wins any day, it beats getting beat and keeps the bashers at bay for a while.
Yesterday's game was really enjoyable. It's nice to get a chance to be so close to the action and see the runs and hears the calls. What stood out for me was Soupy's workrate. As an ex forward you tend to play a percentage game on what runs to make but Soupy just seems to keep making them he must be a nightmare to mark. Some of his shooting was excellent and reminds me of just how valuable a player he is.
There is obviously a tactic of rotating the forward line which reminded me of what Dublin do. I noticed, Jamie, Soupy, Jack G, Pearse Casey, Aidan Nugent, Rory G and even Aidan Forker all take their place on the edge of the square at different stages. This is difficult to defend but can also lead to confusion among your own team if it's not well enough drilled.
So no all Ireland's yet but you have to start somewhere and I'd rather start here.
Oh, by the way, I think Brendan Donaghy is getting younger!!
Yesterday's game was really enjoyable. It's nice to get a chance to be so close to the action and see the runs and hears the calls. What stood out for me was Soupy's workrate. As an ex forward you tend to play a percentage game on what runs to make but Soupy just seems to keep making them he must be a nightmare to mark. Some of his shooting was excellent and reminds me of just how valuable a player he is.
There is obviously a tactic of rotating the forward line which reminded me of what Dublin do. I noticed, Jamie, Soupy, Jack G, Pearse Casey, Aidan Nugent, Rory G and even Aidan Forker all take their place on the edge of the square at different stages. This is difficult to defend but can also lead to confusion among your own team if it's not well enough drilled.
So no all Ireland's yet but you have to start somewhere and I'd rather start here.
Oh, by the way, I think Brendan Donaghy is getting younger!!
Last edited:
I agree with virtually everything that's been said above. Speed, power, skills, discipline all positives, but most of all the work rate of everyone on the field was impressive, and perhaps just because he has been mentioned less than most of his teammates I'd like to commend Jemar Hall for the amount of pure work he put in. If this team is to be beaten it won't be for want of effort!
PatMustard
Well-Known Member
I seen him in Superdrug before Christmas buying that Oil of Ulay stuff. It all makes sense now.
Ross McQuillan is another and who is arguably the brightest propect we've had in a long time in my opinion. Not to mention young Duffy, Owens etc
ragingbull
Well-Known Member
We are miles behind Tyrone,Donegal & Monaghan
JoeH
Well-Known Member
Last year I would probably have agreed
This year I do think, all be it against weaker opposition, that there is something different. When a strong team plays a weaker team a win is expected. However it's the manner of the win is what's important.
The strong running, support play, the number of scores is all impressive.
Wednesday night will be a further indication against an excellent division one squad.
Great to see players back and new players getting an opportunity in a team filled with strong players.
For me it's how the win is obtained not the scoreline.
ragingbull
Well-Known Member
what new players burns from silverbridge is the only new one
Big Jim
Well-Known Member
Last line for me is up among the best on this thread so far. A one point win with out and out effort.
Big Jim
Well-Known Member
Really?
I'm almost certain you're right about them being called although I thought it was the likes of Denis Hollywood doing the calling. I'd be fairly sure he blew up at least twice for too many passes, but the euphoria of the thought of being All Ireland champions this year after beating the mighty St. Mary's clouded my memory!
Diarmi
Well-Known Member
He definitely blew St Mary's up twice in the first half.
Yet he missed at least one time when we made more than 3