Muckser
Well-Known Member
Not 100% they may play games the Saturday as per the gaa site.
National Football League 2024
- Thread starter Big Jim
- Start date
I agree to some degree but remember there is no progress here - this was a setback put right (if we think we're a top 6 team). Louth fluffed it against us, we beat a poor Meath & Fermanagh, a Kildare in disaray and a safe Cavan team happy not to be promoted. We were lucky to draw with Donegal in my opinion also.
I don't want to be all negative but set it all in context - we've really played Tailteann Cup teams so far bar Donegal.
We have a lovely draw in Ulster also so the first div 1 calibre side we'll possibly come across will be in the final.
Just putting it all in context really. The big gains have been the likes of McGrane & Conaty for me and a bit of feel good factor back.
We'll need Ethan, Morgan, O'Neill's etc come the big games later down the line.
JoeH
Well-Known Member
Not so sure division 2 was that bad this year
I think two teams, ourselves and Donegal, made it look that way.
Most of that division would beat div 3 teams easily
I think from well before the league the expectations and difficulty were set at such levels that us struggling was a given and promotion would be tough.
Last year we didn't lose any league game by more than 3 points, should have stayed in div 1, and technically we didn't lose any championship match ( removing those deciding penalty kick competitions)
This year, playing without so called first team players, the team cantered through division 2. This is regardless of the last game and the final
Personally I'd like to think that everything is set now at the Ulster final with games v Cork, Donegal, Fermanagh and probably Down as part of that schedule
That squad is excellent, seems to be as tight if not tighter than ever, and maybe lady luck will be on our side
I expect an Ulster title and at least an AI semi final if not then final
Couldn't give two f*cks about the league final - we're currently top and that's all that matters
I think two teams, ourselves and Donegal, made it look that way.
Most of that division would beat div 3 teams easily
I think from well before the league the expectations and difficulty were set at such levels that us struggling was a given and promotion would be tough.
Last year we didn't lose any league game by more than 3 points, should have stayed in div 1, and technically we didn't lose any championship match ( removing those deciding penalty kick competitions)
This year, playing without so called first team players, the team cantered through division 2. This is regardless of the last game and the final
Personally I'd like to think that everything is set now at the Ulster final with games v Cork, Donegal, Fermanagh and probably Down as part of that schedule
That squad is excellent, seems to be as tight if not tighter than ever, and maybe lady luck will be on our side
I expect an Ulster title and at least an AI semi final if not then final
Couldn't give two f*cks about the league final - we're currently top and that's all that matters
Should we not look to take a bit of silverware in Croker? Only done this 3/4 times in our history.
JoeH
Well-Known Member
Yes of course but it shouldn't define our season
Big Jim
Well-Known Member
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.Totally delighted for the team, management and for metoo. 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.
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.
Big Jim
Well-Known Member
Final game against Sligo and that penalty that should never have been comes back to haunt the memory. Never should have been, because it was a wrong decision, but we also should have had the game over by half time. This season we're in a D2 league final with a game to spare and only had the drop down for 1 season. That's progress, but not enough yet
Let's forget for now where we should be going. We have the game against Cork and then the league final. A short break and then back to Brewster park. That's far enough to look, but concentrate on what's next. That old "one game at a time" thing. Anything else opens you up to complacency and disaster.
ragingbull
Well-Known Member
Muckser
Well-Known Member
Yep they could mix it about no guarantee the Sunday....as it stands we know its us and Donegal and likely Derry Dublin plus have Down in Div 3 final. Wont want the place empty on the Saturday and a crowd the Sunday....M1 will be great craic.
Down could yet balls it up
Armagh_paul
Well-Known Member
Orangeman87
New Member
Anyone got any experience with parking at pairc ui chaoimh? Is there any parking close to the ground? Heading back up the road after the game so would like to be parked close to the ground if that’s possible
Terrible place for parking. Crowd all comes from one direction as POC is on the bank of the Lee. Also there is a hurling match as a curtain raiser. Might be better to approach the ground after the hurling match and hope that it doesn’t end in a draw with extra time. The hurling crowd- Limerick and Kilkenny probably won’t stay for the football which may leave parking easier. In any case be prepared for a walk.
ragingbull
Well-Known Member
At least we've a chance of beating Cork this weekend with the referee being from Kerry
PatMustard
Well-Known Member
What about public transport to PUC? Or is it walkable from city centre?
PatMustard
Well-Known Member
What are you suggesting, Bull?At least we've a chance of beating Cork this weekend with the referee being from Kerry
Dominic Mckeag
New Member
I’m living in Kerry for the last 4years asked some people at work they said to try cork constitution rugby club for parking but every one said it’s a bit of a bollox parking
Looking at the map it seems walkable. Not sure about buses but wouldn’t depend on them.
Orangeman87
New Member
2.3km from the q park city hall to the north stand. Decent discount if you book through the Páirc Uí Chaoimh website