Match Reports

Donegal’s Problems

Are they using posts in Ballybofey? When I heard that Donegal had been toppled once again on Sunday, I assumed that Laois had also found a way around what was once an unbeatable system. Having now fallen to 6 consecutive defeats on the competitive intercounty calendar, I believed that my analysis of the Derry game in January was on the money and that Donegal had well and truly been worked out. Maybe the players have lost a bit of hunger, maybe they aren’t as fit as they were, maybe McGuinness’ set up needs some form of refresher. But, after closer inspection of Tír Chonail’s second National League game, it became clear that … Continue reading →

Derry vs Galway: Player Analysis

It seems that, in just one year, Gaelic Football has come full circle from the era of the dropping half forward, to the resurgence of the marauding wing backs. And, in the first National League game of the season, Galway made full use of the lung-bursting abilities of Gareth Bradshaw and Gary O’Donnell as they exposed the space afforded to them in the open plains of Celtic Park and provided the perfect platform from which to propel their young, vibrant outfit to a convincing victory. Indeed, in his first regular-season appearance since last April, Paddy Bradley was given the unenviable task of trying to evade the attentions of Finian Hanley who made … Continue reading →

Kerry vs Dublin: Player Analysis

Having struck out in their latest competitive fixture in the O’Byrne Cup, Dublin could once again only be happy that the margin of defeat was another 6 pointer which failed to represent the opposition dominance. And, despite registering wide after wide, Jack O’Connor’s side was always going to walk out of Croke Park with the victory even though they watched the tiring umpires wave their arms apart an astonishing 18 times. They turned over the capital city, pushed them back, ran over the top of them, and pulled the boys in blue apart until they were satisfied enough to spit them back out. Eoin Fennell’s red card was met with somewhat inevitability … Continue reading →

Kildare vs Dublin: Analysis

An atrocious display of routine shooting from Kieran McGeeney’s men allowed Dublin to walk out of Newbridge with their pride still intact after a flattering six point defeat. Of course, they fielded an understrength side, but don’t we all at this stage of the year? The All-Ireland champions were abysmal today and completely outplayed by their neighbouring rivals and would-be claimants to their Leinster throne who currently look months ahead of the capital city boys. Gilroy’s outfit were poor in defence; worse in attack; and, had Kildare not miscued an outrageous 54% of their shots, shockwaves would well and truly have been sent through the island today – January or not. Having … Continue reading →

Game of Two Halves at The Cottage: Dempsey v Ben Arfa

He’s the man destined to feature in everyone’s Fantasy Football team, but Clint Dempsey continues to rack up the points, just like he has done the past few seasons. I analysed the Texan’s performance today for Fulham against a weakened Newcastle side, missing midfield general Cheick Tiote, and the league’s second top scorer Demba Ba. I also wanted to check up on Hatem Ben Arfa, basically to see how the 24 year old is progressing in the black and white stripes after a bad injury last season that saw him miss the majority of the campaign. I was looking out for the two player’s ability to find space and how successful they … Continue reading →

Have Donegal Been Worked Out?

McKenna Cup results aren’t generally something to shout home about and they certainly are in no way the be-all and end-all of defining someone’s season. But, losing their last four competitive games, I can’t help but think that ever-so-subtle chinks are beginning to appear in Donegal’s armour. Yes, Jim McGuinness fielded experimental sides throughout the campaign (didn’t we all?). And his team are probably taking longer to move up through the gears this year having prolonged their season ’til September in 2011. But three defeats on the trot to compliment lacklustre performances must surely spell some form of worry for a system specifically designed to concede less than the opposition. Whilst many … Continue reading →

Derry vs UUJ: Analysis

Having witnessed a lifeless, error-ridden encounter last week, I travelled to Celtic Park on Saturday night interested to see if Derry had learned from what was a sub-standard opening performance rescued by individual ingenuity. Of course, in the first week of January, it would be cruel to be too harsh but, registering just 5 shots from play and being turned over in 57% of our attacks, there were some pressing matters which needed urgent attention. This attention was granted. Taking a total of 27 shots (22 from play) and going straight for the jugular with direct, fluid football, Oak Leaf natives who braved the cold were treated to some superb, open entertainment. … Continue reading →

Derry Beat Cavan: Are We On The Right Track?

With 2011 well and truly behind us, why don’t we all come out and say it (this is going to hurt). Derry came up short last season; they came up well short. Reaching an Ulster Final for just the second time this century was always going to paper over any kind of crack at Owenbeg because every Oak Leafer – including myself – was simply happy to be competing again. Yes, we were missing two of the best full forwards in Ireland for the provincial decider but Donegal had us tied in knots at Clones. Indeed, our only “scalp” last year was a terrific attacking performance against a tactically inept Armagh side … Continue reading →

They Can Because They Think They Can

Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: A desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill. I had become too obsessed with talent. I had let myself believe that it didn’t matter what the circumstances, the richest cream would always rise. History had fooled me into believing that the best technical players would always prosper. And so, having just witnessed the best All-Ireland Final since Armagh’s momentous 2002 classic, I have been made to look a … Continue reading →

Derry vs Donegal (Preview)

  I remember leaving the Creighton Hotel bar, in Clones, during extra-time of Ireland’s World Cup Second Round encounter against Spain back in 2002. Robbie Keane had done it again: a 90th minute equaliser put another 30 minutes on the clock at a stage in which the Republic were beginning to dominate against the 10 man Spaniards. We, as a country, were headed towards one of the most exciting, nerve-racking moments in our sporting history. I, as an individual, was headed towards St. Tiernach’s Park on the unforgiving incline of Church Hill to take my unsheltered seat in miserable conditions. I watched a tight, yet lifeless, match unfold before a meek 7,000 … Continue reading →