Dublin knew what to do to win final
the match (six and half minutes). Dublin knew what to do, that is, keep the ball and they had 34 possessions to Mayo’s zero in this time.
Dublin wouldn’t have coughed up that ball that Coen did and that is why they are now champions again. I did feel that Mayo had improved well in the retention stakes from their win over Kerry but this Coen example shows the fine line in winning and losing. This is not the reason Mayo lost as it’s all the small things that Dublin did better.
Back to the kick-outs where Mayo won the battle v Cluxton in the first half hands down and did what was needed pushing up forcing him long.
Unfortunately, in the 2nd half Cluxton had a 100% record that won another small battle with Mayo not pushing up as hard as the 1st half.
Now to the GPS and the ridiculing of Lee Keegan by some former Dublin footballers, with no mention of Costello’s antics with the cones and more importantly what most people wouldn’t have seen on TV the extent of the wrestling by all members of the Dublin full forward line on the Mayo backs for the last kick out which was appalling, and they give out about Keegan, it’s nothing short of ridiculous biased crap particularly from former Dub Charlie Redmond.
Finally, on the matter of player of the year I can’t see either goal keeper getting the nod so it’s between James McCarthy and Andy Moran with the Mayo man my selection.
This is based on the fact that he nearly single handily dragged Mayo to within an inch of winning an All-Ireland title and that there is no other player that had the same influence on this year’s championship.
If James McCarthy was playing for Mayo would he have had the same impact as Moran? I think not, but more on this closer to decision time.
In the Belfry Sligo Senior football championship St Mary’s and Eastern Harps won their respective quarter finals and were drawn to play each other in the semi-final.
I attended the Marys v Coolaney/Mullinabreena game where Marys were always in control against a disappointing Coolaney side who I expected more from.
If Stephen Coen had brought his scoring boots it could have been embarrassing for the South Sligo side who have failed to build on their promise of a couple of years ago as my own club aren’t setting the scene alight either, but seem to be finding some form of late.
Eastern Harps will be a different proposition in the semi-final next weekend with Tony Taylor back as he missed the earlier game between the sides in the group stages which St Mary’s won narrowly.
Eastern Harps long direct ball into their full forward line in the group game caused trouble for St Marys but with Luke Nicholson back who was outstanding last Sunday at fullback should give Marys the edge in this area and make them favourites to make the final for the third year in a row.
The GAA community and beyond is deeply saddened on hearing of the tragic untimely death of Mairead Davey (nee Marren) last weekend.
Mairead originally from Tourlestrane, sister of current senior player John, and wife of former Sligo player Sean Davey an integral player on the Connacht winning team of 2007 passed away after an innocuous accident while on holiday in Spain.
Mairead was well known through her own profession as a nurse and her own involvements in the sporting circles in South Sligo and will be sadly missed by all those connected to her, especially her heartbroken husband Sean, children Jason and Shannon, her Parents, brother and sisters.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.