Qualifiers Round 3

Armagh, Cavan, Derry, Galway, Kildare, Laois, Tyrone and Wexford are they all the teams in the draw tomorrow?

I am going to predict

Armagh vs Cavan
Derry vs Tyrone
Wexford vs Kildare
Galway vs Laois

Hope Armagh avoid Kildare and Tyrone

Isn't the round 4 draw also on Monday morning? everyone will want a bye London.

I see London game as a game to avoid, no team is going to want to go into the last 8 after hammering London, they will learn nothing.

GAA-Fan wrote:I see London game as a game to avoid, no team is going to want to go into the last 8 after hammering London, they will learn nothing.

I know what you mean, but if Tyrone get there, I'd love to play London. Allow for an easier game before the quarter finals, and maybe a rest for a few key players who will have been playing week after week.

Anyone coming through the qualifiers should know what they do/don't have by the end of it.

Not Armagh.. Anyone but Armagh. We're having a little bit of a run in the Championship for the first time in years, could be a while before we have 5 Championship games again. Don't want it to be against the same teams. Plus I'd rather not have to listen to their thuggish support for the second time this year. I'd like Galway or Wexford.

GAA-Fan wrote:I see London game as a game to avoid, no team is going to want to go into the last 8 after hammering London, they will learn nothing.

True and thats why i said the jury is still out on Mayo.

If we got that far i'd love London, i'd rather get to the last 8 and not have been tested than have an almighty battle that leaves the team fecked!

bald eagle wrote:If we got that far i'd love London, i'd rather get to the last 8 and not have been tested than have an almighty battle that leaves the team fecked!

Same. Tyrone will know what they do/don't have by then. By that stage you just want to get into the quarters as easily and as fresh as possible.

The objective has to be to make Croker first weekend in August. The easier the route the higher the probability, but rather than being too hopeful for the easiest draw just try and avoid the hard one. Avoid Tyrone or Kildare Then avoid Cork. For every other side left (london excluded)any of the remaining 9 would give each other a game.

Gaa_lover wrote:

GAA-Fan wrote:I see London game as a game to avoid, no team is going to want to go into the last 8 after hammering London, they will learn nothing.

True and thats why i said the jury is still out on Mayo.

I'm also suspicious of Mayo to be fair. Granted they have been impressive thus far, but their opposition to date has been abysmal. I've said here before, they lack marquee forwards and that may be their downfall.

Boxtyeater wrote:

Gaa_lover wrote:

GAA-Fan wrote:I see London game as a game to avoid, no team is going to want to go into the last 8 after hammering London, they will learn nothing.

True and thats why i said the jury is still out on Mayo.

I'm also suspicious of Mayo to be fair. Granted they have been impressive thus far, but their opposition to date has been abysmal. I've said here before, they lack marquee forwards and that may be their downfall.

Agreed they make up for it somewhat with scoring half backs and midfielders and their solid defensive game plan will be tough to break down however it now looks like Mayo will be the only team going into the August bank holiday weekend without a test.

Also worth noting last year Sligo tested them as did Roscommon in 2011 and when Galway won 1998,2001 All Irelands they got tough games in Connacht.

Gaa_lover wrote:
Agreed they make up for it somewhat with scoring half backs and midfielders and their solid defensive game plan will be tough to break down however it now looks like Mayo will be the only team going into the August bank holiday weekend without a test.

Also worth noting last year Sligo tested them as did Roscommon in 2011 and when Galway won 1998,2001 All Irelands they got tough games in Connacht.

These luxuries are available when the battle has been won. When you're under pressure, trying to claw back a deficit of 2/3 points in August, only 1 half-back in the country has the self-belief to get forward and attempt the shot. (Tomás O'Sé....Mayo haven't a plethora of O'Sé's....)

Boxtyeater wrote:

Gaa_lover wrote:
Agreed they make up for it somewhat with scoring half backs and midfielders and their solid defensive game plan will be tough to break down however it now looks like Mayo will be the only team going into the August bank holiday weekend without a test.

Also worth noting last year Sligo tested them as did Roscommon in 2011 and when Galway won 1998,2001 All Irelands they got tough games in Connacht.

These luxuries are available when the battle has been won. When you're under pressure, trying to claw back a deficit of 2/3 points in August, only 1 half-back in the country has the self-belief to get forward and attempt the shot. (Tomás O'Sé....Mayo haven't a plethora of O'Sé's....)

Karl Lacey's winner v Kerry ( and brace versus cork)aleady written out of the history by Boxty.
I could mention mcglynn or even Kevin Cassidy but on the substance of the point I would rate Lacey in same company

Draw below: Home advantage in 3rd round, but 4th rounds at a neutral venue.

Galway/Armagh v Cork
Wexford/Laois v Monaghan/Donegal
Derry/Cavan v Mayo/London
Kildare/Tyrone v Meath

So, Tyrone will have yet another away match, and the toughest away match we could have drawn.  After that, we have Meath, a side who we've never beaten.  Brutal draw.

Kildare will be our 8th away fixture in our last 9 championship matches.  The other game was at a neutral venue.  Beginning to think that people really don't like us!

This is not a bad game for either Galway or Armagh, both are capable of beating each other on their day and Galway are probably in a better position with their narrow won in the last round, they know they have to up their game whereas Armagh are going to be brimming with confidence but while there is talent in the squad we still don't know if they have improved after the Cavan game.

Whoever wins will be put out against Cork anyway.

No matter what way you look at it, they are 4 decent ties. Really tough game for Tyrone away to Kildare but think they should come through that.

GAA-Fan wrote:
Whoever wins will be put out against Cork anyway.

The Cork team who played Kerry would be there for the taking. They don't look to me like the side they were 2-3 years ago. Armagh will beat Galway.

Armagh
Laois
Tyrone
Cavan

Cork
?
Tyrone
Cavan

Thomas Clarke wrote:Draw below:  Home advantage in 3rd round, but 4th rounds at a neutral venue.

Galway/Armagh v Cork
Wexford/Laois v Monaghan/Donegal
Derry/Cavan v Mayo/London
Kildare/Tyrone v Meath

Tough enough draw for Tyrone TC, but a win in Newbridge could ignite their season. The Flourbags are beatable, but in Newbridge it is a big ask. What you will have is a massive crowd and it is indeed a mouth-watering clash. In reality it's a great draw for both sides as the winner will have earned it and Meath are no slouches in the next round. Two tough games will bring the eventual winners on a lot.
Armagh should see off Galway but that's it thereafter.
Dog of a draw for Cavan, Derry are gaining impetus and the WX/LS one will go to the wire.

All isn't lost yet.....

Published on 05/08/2009

All Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter Final
Tyrone: 0-16  Kildare: 1-11

AND so it is. The end. Championship 2009 has drawn to a close for Kildare. It finished just like it did twelve months before - at the quarter final stage. It came to a conclusion with a morale victory over the All Ireland champions but such victories are for losers.

Kildare, by no means there just to make up the numbers, feel this was a game they should have won and that fact is correct and true. They could have and indeed should have booked their place in the last four but the important thing here is that they didn't. Tyrone came away with a two point victory after Kieran McGeeney's side could only muster up four points in the second half. That, coupled with some poor finishing and the concession of possession is what cost the Lilies a place in the penultimate round against Munster champions Cork.

Progress has most definitely been made but in the dressing room last Sunday evening that was scant consolation to a team that had ambitions to go all the way. Kildare might be a step or two off the pace at present but what 2009 has shown is that the Lilies are, once again, a force to be reckoned with, a young team, for the most part, with the talent and belief to contest for honours and no doubt they'll be back next year, back in the hunt again but for now these players must sit back and watch the rest battle it out for Sam.

Last Sunday in front of a 49,761 crowd at headquarters Kildare tore in to the holders during the first half and what a half they had. They led by four points (1-07 to 0-06) at the break after a crucial goal from Ronan Sweeney in the 14th minute and they had the holders on the back foot.

Tyrone's star men, none more so than Sean Cavanagh, were kept in check, Kildare fought like Trojans for each and every ball and when possession went forward they took their scores with aplomb. In short, the Lilies were on fire and were in control.

All year Dermot Earley has been earning plaudits for his performances but last Sunday his partner Daryl Flynn had an outstanding first half on Sean Cavanagh, the man considered by many as they best footballer in the country. Flynn didn't allow Cavanagh to get a grip on things in the middle, didn't allow him possession and run at the defence and although Flynn tired and was replaced in the second period, Cavanagh's influence on the game was minimal throughout.

In to the Kildare team came Gary White and he was another man to perform well, while Earley, Kavanagh, Doyle and Eamonn Callaghan, still quite obviously feeling the effects of his groin injury, all shone. In fact during that first half the whole Kildare XV were on song and they probably should have led more heading for the dressing room at the break.

If Tyrone hadn't been tested up until this point, then they most definitely have been now and indeed when Mikey Harte spoke to the waiting media at full time relief was the overriding emotion.

Kieran McGeeney said afterwards that this Tyrone team were one of, if not the best team of the last 30 years but Kildare paid scant regard to that right from the throw in. They went at the Ulster champions from the off and most certainly had them rattled. At one point, with 29 minutes on the clock to be exact, the Lilywhites led by five (1-6 to 0-4) and it was the stuff of dreams. If Kildare could keep up such intensity in the second period there was only going to be one outcome according to some at the break but they failed to do just that and paid the heavy price.

The Red Hand men enjoyed an excellent start to the final half and were back on level terms just five minutes in. Three minutes later they hit the front for the first time in the game but Kildare bounced back to lead by the minimum in the 53rd minute. However, Tyrone had the response but all Kildare could muster were a series of poor wides at the death and that was that. On the champions marched and Kildare headed home.

The Lilies didn't produce it over the 70 minutes and maybe Tyrone deserve credit for that but you can't help feeling, like the Leinster final, this is a game Kildare left behind. As aforementioned they hit some dreadful wides and on at least five occasions Tyrone scored points after Kildare needlessly gave away possession. In the first half McGeeney's men played excellent possession football, were patient in their build up but that trait went missing in the final half and more times than not they ended up conceding possession.

It's all academic now anyway. Tyrone are the favourites to go on and retain the Sam Maguire Cup but they will have to play decidedly better if they are to do it. For the Kildare players it's back to the clubs and on to the local championships and although bitterly disappointed, they can hold their heads high.

The might have finished up at the same stage, and finished up with nothing, but these players gave the county a real boost and they proved to everyone they are a free scoring, talented and determined side and no doubt they will be back next year more determined than ever. The experience of this year's championship will be of a huge benefit to the younger players who now know they are just as good as the likes of Sean Cavanagh, as Stephen O'Neill and the rest of the All Ireland medal holders. Kildare can compete with the best and make no mistake about that and if ever you wanted evidence cast your mind back to the first half of last Sunday's encounter.

Wearing green though not meeting with Napper Tandy and shooting in to the empty Hill 16 Kildare signalled their intent early and opened their account with three minutes on the clock when Johnny Doyle sent over a free after a foul on Daryl Flynn. That lead was doubled five minutes later when Doyle got inside his marker Davy Harte before firing over the bar from the left.

The holders pulled one back thanks to Stephen O'Neill after some sloppy marking from the Lilies, while they were soon back level when O'Neill grabbed a second, a superb point from a difficult angle on the right.

Kildare had the perfect response though. A goal, the game's only, from Ronan Sweeney gave McGeeney's side a three point cushion and they built on it from there to the interlude. A superb ball from substitute Andrew McLoughlin found James Kavanagh and instead of going for it himself the Ballymore man passed inside to Ronan Sweeney, who took the chance superbly when he finished in to the near corner to leave the score at 1-2 to 0-2.

With the goal came confidence and Kildare finished out the half on fire. Between the 25th and 29th minutes the Lilies hit three point without response to lead by five (1-6 to 0-4) and although Tyrone tagged on two before the break, Kildare had a 1-07 to 0-06 half time lead. Very satisfactory indeed.

One always expected a back lash from the champions and that's exactly what occurred after the turnaround. Mickey Harte's side registered six points without reply and Kildare had to wait until the 50th to open their second half account. That score came from a converted free from Doyle to pull the deficit back to one and two minutes later the Allenwood man levelled proceedings when he sent over another free.

Kildare might have been on the back foot but they showed superb spirit to weather the storm and on 53 minute they got their noses back in front once more when Doyle scored a peach of a point to leave the score at 1-10 to 0-12..

The side's then swapped points but thereafter Kildare failed to score again. Tyrone on the other hand fired over three to ensure victory and a semi final spot.

In parts it was a wonderful performance for Kildare, sometimes it was poor and perhaps experience carried Tyrone over the line but make no mistake about it Kildare had their chances to win this one.

Scorers: Tyrone - Stephen O'Neill 0-7 (2f), Owen Mulligan 0-4, Brian Dooher 0-2, Tommy McGuigan 0-1 (1f), Martin Penrose 0-1, Justin McMahon 0-1.

Kildare - Johnny Doyle 0-7 (4f, 1 line ball), Ronan Sweeney 1-0, Eamonn Callaghan 0-1, James Kavanagh 0-1, Alan Smith 0-1, Mick Foley 0-1.

Tyrone: Pascal McConnell; PJ Quinn, Justin McMahon, Ryan McMenamin; Davy Harte, Conor Gormley, Philip Jordan; Kevin Hughes, Sean Cavanagh; Brian Dooher, Tommy McGuigan, Joe McMahon; Martin Penrose, Stephen O'Neill, Owen Mulligan. Subs: Brian McGuigan replaced T McGuigan 43 mins, Sean O'Neill replaced PJ Quinn 56 mins.


Kildare: Tom Corley; Emmet Bolton, Hugh McGrillen, Mick Foley; Morgan O'Flaherty, Brian Flanagan, Gary White; Daryl Flynn, Dermot Earley; John Doyle, Padraig O'Neill, James Kavanagh, Alan Smith, Ronan Sweeney, Eamonn Callaghan. Subs: Andrew McLoughlin replaced E Bolton (inj) 11 mins, Ken Donnelly replaced P O'Neill 52 mins, Rob Kelly replaced R Sweeney 52 mins, Kevin O'Neill replaced D Flynn 61 mins, Willie Heffernan replaced E Callaghan 66 mins.


Referee: Gearoid O Conamha (Galway).

Of the 17 Tyrone players used that day, only 6 remain on the panel 4 years on.

Of those, McConnell, Gormley, Joe McMahon & Penrose were the only ones to appear in our last 2 matches, though Stevie O'Neill and Justin McMahon will also come into the reckoning for this one.

Considerable turnover, and with Justin McMahon the only one of the 6 still in his 20s, there'll be more change to come over the next 18 months.

a brutal draw for Tyrone, two very tough physically demanding games for us providing we get over the first one which i think we will.

Meath on the other hand will be a different story - that said though i thought their fitness wasnt up to scratch on Sunday - i know it was a warm day and they put a lot into the first half but they buckled at the start of the second half and never really got back into the game. In their favour is a 3 week break to recharge the batteries whilst their opponents will have little more than a week to patch up the wounds and injuries and tired bodies.

bocerty wrote:In their favour is a 3 week break to recharge the batteries whilst their opponents will have little more than a week to patch up the wounds and injuries and tired bodies.

And, at the risk of looking too far ahead, that build up of back-to-back games would be a killer for Tyrone. If we are to make an AI semi final, we will have to beat Kildare, Meath and a provincial winner in the space of 14-15 days. It is a huge task, but I guess we should only be worrying about Kildare for now!

Thomas Clarke wrote:

bocerty wrote:In their favour is a 3 week break to recharge the batteries whilst their opponents will have little more than a week to patch up the wounds and injuries and tired bodies.

And, at the risk of looking too far ahead, that build up of back-to-back games would be a killer for Tyrone.  If we are to make an AI semi final, we will have to beat Kildare, Meath and a provincial winner in the space of 14-15 days.  It is a huge task, but I guess we should only be worrying about Kildare for now!

its an unfair system TC - Cork will have a months break which an be a good thing or a bad thing, Meath have 3 weeks whilst the Ulster and Connacht losers have 6 days. There has to be a happy medium somewhere in there.

If Cork lost a man to suspension for 4 weeks during Munster final he would be back for the next game in all likelihood if the same happens in Ulster final that mans season could effectively be over - there are so many down sides to the qualifiers (the main one being the hammerings some teams are getting) the sooner we have an alternative the better.