Late drama can’t mask mediocre season
SINCE last Sunday’s All-ireland final, there have been a few comments about the ‘brilliant’ Championship that had unfolded.
But it’s very easy to concentrate on a couple of games towards the end of the Championship and forget about the mediocre fare we had for most of it.
The structure just isn’t right.
While there will be changes for the latter stages of the Championship next year, it still doesn’t fix the provincial system.
Ulster was ultra-competitive as always and Derry’s rise from the doldrums was a huge success story.
Connacht was probably next best but with the Mayo-galway quarterfinal failing to live up to its billing, both semi-finals were won by a combined total of 38 points.
Kerry won their two Munster Championship games by a joint tally of 35 points and Dublin cruised to another Leinster title.
The four provincial finals played out over two days at the end of May was when I hoped the Championship would really take off, but it was a complete anti-climax.
If push came to shove, the only game I would rewatch of the four finals would be Galway-roscommon, which had some strong elements.
The Ulster final divided opinion at the time but mine hasn’t changed. Yes, it was competitive, but it was desperate stuff to watch.
It wasn’t just the provincial Championships that were a let-down either.
All-ireland quarter-final weekend should have been a festival of football.
Galway-armagh had everything that we want in Gaelic football: attacking play, skill, drama, controversy, along with the first ever penalty shootout in
Croke Park.
But whether it was the delayed throw-in, the change in the weather or the emptying of the stadium after the “curtain raiser”, the Mayo-kerry game was nowhere near the quality we expected. The two Saturday evening games that weekend were completely one-sided and largely forgettable.
All-ireland semi-final weekend threw up a belter of game between Dublin and Kerry. In contrast, the Galway-derry contest was one of the worst semi-finals in recent memory.
Rise of Derry from doldrums has been a big
success story
Thankfully, the final was fantastic as Shane Walsh and David Clifford put on an exhibition of forward play that we will never forget.
So, while the Championship provided some incredible games and moments, it was very average overall.
On a more positive note, the Championship is wide open next year, which will allow more teams to believe they can challenge for the major prize.
And, thanks to the huge success of the Tailteann Cup, a whole raft of other counties can entertain realistic notions of meaningful silverware too.
MY TEAM OF THE YEAR 1. SHANE RYAN (KERRY)
Very consistent with his kickouts, especially under pressure. Not worked hugely due to Kerry’s brilliant defence.
Just pips Ethan Rafferty, who had a couple of outstanding games.
2. CHRISSY MCKAIGUE (DERRY)
The ultimate tagger who completely nullified Darren Mccurry, Jack Mccarron, Paddy Mcbrearty and Rob Finnerty as Derry reached an All-ireland semi-final.
3. JASON FOLEY (KERRY)
Had a superb year from the League right through to the All-ireland final, where he dominated Damien Comer in a big match-up.
4. GRAHAM O’SULLIVAN (KERRY)
Backed up a very good year with a superb All-final
Ireland in which he was Kerry’s best player after David Clifford.
5. JOHN DALY (GALWAY)
Played his roles as sweeper and playmaker brilliantly. His wand of a left foot was a huge source of scores for Galway throughout the Championship, with his performances in the semi-final and final in particular of the highest quality.
6. TADHG MORLEY (MAYO)
Played a hugely influential role in a team that only conceded one Championship goal. Protected the D area brilliantly and didn’t waver from there.
7. LIAM SILKE (GALWAY)
Hugely consistent en route to the final and defender (inset) did an excellent job on Sean O’shea last Sunday.
8. RIAN O’NEILL (ARMAGH) Did most of his best work in the middle third. He was hugely pivotal in winning kickouts and scored 1-15 in the Championship, 0-6 from play. A massive playmaker, with his long diagonal passes being a main feature. Remained composed for the dramatic injury-time equaliser against Galway.
9. CILLIAN MCDAID (GALWAY) Came of age and had a brilliant year. Sensational in the quarter-final and final.
10. PAUDIE CLIFFORD (KERRY) Kept quiet in the quarter-final against Mayo and the first half of the final but came alive in the second half and was also brilliant in the semi-final against Dublin.
11. SEAN O’SHEA (KERRY)
A quiet final but superb in the semi-final with his dramatic injury-time free – a score for the ages.
12. CIARAN KILKENNY (DUBLIN)
My only Dublin representative.
Scored 1-6 from play from the Leinster final onwards and put in an incredible second half performance in their loss to Kerry.
13. DAVID CLIFFORD (KERRY)
The best footballer in the country. Refused to take no for an answer this year. Sensational from the quarter-final onwards.
14. SHANE MCGUIGAN (DERRY)
Scored 2-28 in the Championship with 1-14 coming from play and another point from a mark. His scoring ability was pivotal in bringing Derry to the semi-final stage.
For that reason, he just pips Damien Comer, who had an excellent year, scoring 2-9 from play.
15. SHANE WALSH (GALWAY)
His accuracy from dead balls was a big part of why Galway got to the final. His performance last Sunday will go down as one of the greatest by any player on the biggest day.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DAVID CLIFFORD (KERRY)
Kerry simply would not have won Sam Maguire without his talent.
There is not much else that can be said about the man.