Kildare v Down

Well the second semi is upon us and an intriguing pairing that no-one would have predicted even two months ago.

Down opened well against Tyrone but were overpowered in the end. They built momentum in the qualifiers (as did most) and then delivered the shock of the season in hammering Kerry - and thats what it was, a 9 point win only for the peno. As is known I am not convinced by Down but they are where they are fully on merit - so I may be a bit wrong with my read of things. They are not short of class or experience and in Coulter and Clarke have potent matchwinners. It will be a hugely emotional occasion for Down GAA folk too with the tragic loss of Patrick Dinsmore this week. These things can go either way but I expect Down to be fully prepared on Sunday under the excellent stewardship of McCartan, however ....

I really rate this Kildare outfit. After a shocking start when they were beat out the gate by Louth they have transformed fully. They too have had sorrow this year with Dermot Earley senior's funeral the day of the home qualifier v Antrim. I thought that would spur them to the win in a difficult tie - but they drew and I really thought that was it. But they went to Casement and gave Antrim a sound beating. They followed it up with eye-opening wins over Derry and Monaghan - coming from slow starts before doing the exact same v Meath.

I watched them after the QF on the pitch and they are a united bunch. Unlike previous Kildare teams they have steel and can tackle. They are fit beyond belief and seem to be going harder on 70 minutes than one!

I really fancy this team - Johnny D and Kavanagh are class and the other guys are capable too. I think they will win this and having seen Cork all season and close up on Sunday I reckon the Lillies have the perfect game to beat the Rebels. At 7/2 I am getting stuck in .....

jaysus JC i'll nearly follow you to de'bookies with a report like above , but...

wee james is getting the best out of his men and in 91 he burst onto a halfe decent panel and they won sam now as a manager he has a halfe decent panel who needed a bit of luck and a bit of tweaking ( see clarke returning and gordon to FB) and he has a real chance

i thin kthe whole 50 years from sam first came may add a bit of inspiration , both teams on sunday wont lack pespiration anyway. and if the mourne men make the final well whats thier current record 5 from five .

read a book once about a gaa writer who lived in london in the early ninties every sunday he went to his local to watch the gaa and this cockney wide boy would be sitting there paying little or no attention to the box when the final was played in 91 said writer walked in and the cockney wide boy was wearing as he called it a dahn jersey and proceeded to tell all and sundry who thought meath would win that nah hes granda was from dahn and that they dont lose all ireland finals

so if the english know of thier legendary finals record ....

One swallow doesn't make a summer...

This game should be a cracker which means it will probably be dreadful, both teams will be a bag of nerves - head shrink or no head shrink

Yes Kildare should win it in theory but it's a semi final.

I gave PP €20 there at lunchtime ......... I will return on Monday, 20th September to collect €90 ..... with the help of Geezer & Co.

i have to say i was totally wrong about McGeeney and his managerial credentials, never thought he'd make it as an intercounty manager for the pure and simple reason he was too much of a Roy Keane in that he was such a perfectionist and expected perfection in everyone else he worked with and if he didnt get it he wasnt a happy bunny - there was an interesting article in yesterdays Irish News about him and the high standards he expected of everyone and the lengths he went to to achieve 'perfection' he strikes me as the sort of guy who was never wrong!!!

I fully expected him to do a year or two, get fed up with a lack of skill commitment and hard work and then walk away, i also expected a sort of revolt within the Kildare ranks such was the demands he was placing on players. I think in the first year or so a lot of people were giving Grimley the credit for the success however it now appears that was misguided and that Geezer can certainly stand on his own 2 feet when it comes to tactics etc.

He certainly has brought Kildare a long way - they are a very physical side in terms of strength and power they have some decent defenders and some accurate forwards, i particularly like Kavanagh and of course there is the wily old Doyle too. They are extremely fit and play well together as a unit.

The loss of Rodgers is huge to Down and McCartan must be bemoaning his luck - that said they have a number of options to minimise the impact of his not playing, Gordon who has been a revelation at Full back (almost akin to Cormac in 2003) could move out or Coulter could be moved to the middle though i think that would severely weaken the attacking options available to Down. Clarke has the makings of a great player and has huge influence in the Down team, what impressed me most was his willingness to work hard drop deep and always made himself available for a pass, once in possession he was the main playmaker, problem is he will be a marked man come Sunday and so wont get much change.

Down made a great start against Tyrone and were tearing us apart for 20 minutes or so and they could well repeat the dose on Sunday as Kildare are notoriously slow starters, thats what McCartan would be hoping for, get off to a good start like they did before and try and close the game out, weather the Kildare onslaught in the second half and hold on for a 1 point win.

It has all the makings of a good game but with so much to lose for 2 relatively new managers/teams i dont expect either side to adopt a gung ho approach on Sunday - both will likely go ultra defensive and try to scrape an ugly victory.

The heart says Down the head says Kildare on a scoreline of 1-12 0-13

bocerty wrote:McGeeney strikes me as the sort of guy who was never wrong!!!

Jaysus he'd be at home here so!!!!

Floops wrote:One swallow doesn't make a summer...

True. But it can certainly make an evening

redhandman

Its "half" for jaysus sake

[quote="bocerty"]Down made a great start against Tyrone and were tearing us apart for 20 minutes or so and they could well repeat the dose on Sunday as Kildare are notoriously slow starters, thats what McCartan would be hoping for, get off to a good start like they did before and try and close the game out, weather the Kildare onslaught in the second half and hold on for a 1 point win.



I'm in agreement with Boc here, in the main. Kildare are slow starters, while beating Derry(In disarray), Monaghan(Spun out), Leitrim(Useless), Meath(Controversial)
I'm very unconvinced about their backline. Destroyed agin' Louth the opening day where Emmet Bolton had a mare at c/b he's now at c/h/b
Kildare are very dubious to me, even against Down, who won't fear them...15 gone, Down 1-03 - Kildare 0-02....."Lillies wilt in Northern inferno..."

whiterbananas wrote:redhandman

Its "half" for jaysus sake

i was typing quickly sure after reading it back after posting i couldnt be bothered to edit the damn thing!

nee naw nee naw, the grammar garda is on patrol!

Down will win this, in fact they'll go all the way this year. They've been building solidly for a few years, have the best forward left of any counties in Benny who I believe will raise his game now to match the occasion. They have the pedigree, the Nordie know-how and the least pressure of any of the counties left.
Down for Sam

mossbags wrote:Down will win this, in fact they'll go all the way this year. They've been building solidly for a few years, have the best forward left of any counties in Benny who I believe will raise his game now to match the occasion. They have the pedigree, the Nordie know-how and the least pressure of any of the counties left.
Down for Sam

maybe so Mossbags but they also have the least experience at this level and in my view experience is worth 2-3 points when it comes to this stage of proceedings. Would love to see Down win but just not convinced that they havent already played their 'final' against the Kingdom

2 average sides Kildare by 8 for me..

mullins wrote:2 average sides Kildare by 8 for me..

And the award for most rediculous post of the year goes to mullins!!

PS Down are reclaiming the hill and returning to an all ireland final for the first time since we beat you in it mullins... that must hurt!!

had a dream last night down win the game, scoreline of 1-14 (or 1-15) to 0-16. Hope i'm wrong and Leinsters finest go on to win Sam

People seem to be calling this game pretty confidently. I really don't know how. To me, Down have learned an important lesson this year that I really believe will lead them to eventual success whether this year or in the future. The first part of that lesson was against Tyrone when they played wonderful football for 15 mins but still let Tyrone take the game by the scruff of the neck through a lack of heart and leadership. The 2nd part of that lesson was Kerry, here Down saw what happens when you show leadership and bust a gut for the full 70. When Kerry rallied Down showed a determination which hasn't been seen for years (save that epic against Tyrone in 2008).

Down rose to the occasion against Kerry because they knew that the level they played against Tyrone wasn't good enough. And I believe that win lose or draw James McCartan will have those lads foaming at the mouth to bust themselves for 70 mins.

If Down can sustain the intensity they showed against Kerry, even raise it (which will obviously be difficult without Rodgers) I think they will pull through here. They've learned their lesson this year and they won't lose tomorrow for want of hunger.

Down, like Gilroy said about the Dubs, are in bonus territory now. They know their capabilities now and this will serve them well.

Kildare have had longer seasons than Down in recent years and have reached the latter stages before,but they have each time fallen. They look ripe this year and know they have a huge chance to get to an All-Ireland final, maybe the best chance they'll ever have. Experience could be the key to their success...they're going to have to impose their game like Tyrone did against Down. If Down are allowed to flow they will rack up a big score, and when Down score big they really score big. Kildare will have to exploit the absence of Rodgers...Dan Gordon and Ambrose once formed a really formidable midfield.....but now two relative rookies are taking their place. Dermot Early will have to be fit for this one, Kalum King is a wrecking ball in midfield and is well known for hard tackles, I'm not saying he'll go out to banjax Early but when King is bearing Down on you, you don't want to be relying on a bandage or strap to keep you in the game.

This game is tough to call. I actually believe there is more pressure on Kildare tomorrow, Down suddenly find themselves in a semi-final out of the blue and will be quite pleased with their progress this year. Kildare have been knocking at the door for a few years now and they have to deliver. If I had to call this one I would say this; if Down bust themsleves for 70 mins I think they'll win, been talking to some of the younger members of the panel who I would know from uni and they're saying everyone is relaxed in the Down camp but wary that Kildare will be their toughest match so far, much tougher than a Kerry team who dropped their heads. Down know that if Kildare are to be beaten, they will go down fighting. No fear, No complacency; the ideal mindset. Kildare are a good physical side but are also very mobile, they will have to impose their game on Down or this will be (and all the neutrals are praying for it I'm sure) an old fashioned shootout. If it comes to that, I'm going to side with my own and say Down all the way!

Bluearmy - I admit Down have surprised me hugely this year and fair play to them. But Kildare have not really been knocking on the door for a few years now - they have not even won a Leinster. Both teams are in bonus territory - that's what makes it an intriguing and hopefully good game tomorrow. You are right that Down will burst a gut for 70 but no McGeeney team will do any less.

hogan2010 wrote:

mullins wrote:2 average sides Kildare by 8 for me..

And the award for most rediculous post of the year goes to mullins!!

PS Down are reclaiming the hill and returning to an all ireland final for the first time since we beat you in it mullins... that must hurt!!

You could have at least waited till the game was over to give me that honour..Enjoy your day on the hill it will be your last for 2010..and remember swinford will be watching you and reporting back to tipster if you misbehave again..

[quote="Jayo Cluxton"]Bluearmy - I admit Down have surprised me hugely this year and fair play to them. But Kildare have not really been knocking on the door for a few years now - they have not even won a Leinster. Both teams are in bonus territory - that's what makes it an intriguing and hopefully good game tomorrow. You are right that Down will burst a gut for 70 but no McGeeney team will do any less.[/quote]

So why are they the Lily-Whites?? Their record in the trenches doesn't bear thinking about. They lack McGeeney's passion. If push comes to shove tomorrow, in a war of attrition type game, expect Kildare to fold....It's inherent in the hoors, they fold...A free-flowing scoring fest, they will excel....
Get on the men wearing the Fenagh jerseys.l....

mullins wrote:

hogan2010 wrote:

mullins wrote:2 average sides Kildare by 8 for me..

And the award for most rediculous post of the year goes to mullins!!

PS Down are reclaiming the hill and returning to an all ireland final for the first time since we beat you in it mullins... that must hurt!!

You could have at least waited till the game was over to give me that honour..Enjoy your day on the hill it will be your last for 2010..and remember swinford will be watching you and reporting back to tipster if you misbehave again..

God we could upset that poor boy again tomorrow! He struggled with around a hundred teenagers, hows he gonna manage tens of thousands of adults!! In all seriousness though I think it will be a lot tighter than you anticipate with the winner coming out one or two point winners. All going well, it will be the mourne men marching on. As for me, Ive the flag and top ready, the beers for the journey chilling and am nervous/impatient at this stage. I've moved up in the world and will be in the premium level tomorrow, I'll leave the 'thuggish beaviour' to all my 'fellow louts' on the hill!!

hogan2010 wrote:

mullins wrote:

hogan2010 wrote:

mullins wrote:2 average sides Kildare by 8 for me..

And the award for most rediculous post of the year goes to mullins!!

PS Down are reclaiming the hill and returning to an all ireland final for the first time since we beat you in it mullins... that must hurt!!

You could have at least waited till the game was over to give me that honour..Enjoy your day on the hill it will be your last for 2010..and remember swinford will be watching you and reporting back to tipster if you misbehave again..

God we could upset that poor boy again tomorrow! He struggled with around a hundred teenagers, hows he gonna manage tens of thousands of adults!! In all seriousness though I think it will be a lot tighter than you anticipate with the winner coming out one or two point winners. All going well, it will be the mourne men marching on. As for me, Ive the flag and top ready, the beers for the journey chilling and am nervous/impatient at this stage. I've moved up in the world and will be in the premium level tomorrow, I'll leave the 'thuggish beaviour' to all my 'fellow louts' on the hill!!

best of luck anyway enjoy your day out..

Enjoy it Hogan. If Kildare start as slowly as they have done in nearly every game they may find Down with their tails up and hard to peg back. Will make it interesting though. Had a great day last Sunday (some occasion) - aside from the result! But its good to be there so have a good 'un!

Hogan has 1 if not 2 days ahead...cue Johnny Logan...

Should be a 50/50 game.

If Down stop Johnny Doyle and James Kavanagh it's hard to see Kildare scoring enough to win. Alan Smyth has beinn poor all year.

Likewise, if Kildare stop Marty Clarke from spraying passes and hold Coulter inside you couldn't see them being bet.

However, at this point it is Corks All-Ireland to lose.

Yours In SPort,
Joseff

Jayo Cluxton wrote: Had a great day last Sunday (some occasion) - aside from the result! But its good to be there so have a good 'un!

I had herself, the bro +wife, and the BIL + wife in the finest seats.....Great pre-game craic in Fagans, the ramble down, where the BIL encountered a long lost buddy, the match, a lock of greasy food, pints in Bowe's until closing (family connected) a nightcapX3 in the Ashling, a wanderly weave Westward, to find the gaff intact, followed by wise words from the local sages as we regaled each other....

Good oul' times...