Champions rattled by slick Sligo
By Dan O'Neill
There might not have been many GAA fixtures over the weekend, but the games
on show produced some of the most exciting action to date in the football
championship. After easy wins for all the favourites last week, it was good
to see the minnows rattle the big guns this time round. All-Ireland
champions Galway and National League finalists Dublin were lucky to stay in
the hunt after being held to draws by Sligo and Laois.
It is often said that retaining the Sam Maguire is much harder than winning
it the first time round and no side has been able to achieve that feat this
decade. I'm sure Galway will agree with these sentiments after their narrow
escape at Markievicz Park on Sunday.
It took a last-minute point by Padraig Joyce to save Galway's crown and
earn John O'Mahoney's men a second chance on Sunday week.
To be honest, it was no more than the Tribesmen deserved, as they forced
Sligo to struggle for long periods and it was a bad error by Galway
netminder Martin McNamara early in the second half that sparked a Sligo
revival. But I don't think there would have been anybody outside Galway who
didn't feel for Sligo as Mickey Moran's side put up a brave display with
Eamonn O'Hara, Paul Taylor and Nigel Clancy in excellent form.
Unfortunately, fate is not usually kind to the underdogs in replays as
Tipperary and Cavan have discovered in recent weeks and one wonders whether
Sligo have thrown away their only chance of dethroning Galway. It should be
another keenly contested affair.
There was also an exciting climax at Croke Park as Dublin somehow came back
from the brink of defeat to earn another crack at Tom Cribbin's Laois
despite playing appallingly. Of course this is not a new phenomenon, as
Dublin sides have always proved very difficult to put away in the
championship.
Nonetheless, Laois must be kicking themselves as they had a complete grip
on this match and after a fine second-half performance went four points
clear with only a minute left in the match when Hughie Emerson kicked his
second point of the game.
The Dubs' new full-forward Ian Robertson, however, drove home a low ball
for a last-minute goal and in injury time he got on the end of a long
Dublin move to fist home an equaliser - breathtaking stuff!
Tommy Carr will be a worried man going into the replay. Man for man, Laois
looked the stronger side and Dublin's usually reliable old guard were found
wanting. Paul Curran looked out of place at centre half back and was
exposed on many occasions before going off with a broken collar bone.
Ciaran Whelan and Dessie Farrell also had a game they will want to forget,
while Whelan's midfield partner Brian Stynes was substituted, a rare
happening.
Laois, however, were very impressive, especially the experienced Maher in
midfield. Lawlor and Emerson in attack also had very good games. I believe
that all this Laois side need is the belief in themselves to finish the
Dubs off in the replay. Dublin may have got out of jail but their reprieve
may be short lived.
In Ulster, Tyrone had an easier than expected win over Fermanagh to book a
semi-final place against Down. Fermanagh's impressive victory over Monaghan
in the last round was quickly forgotten as Tyrone dominated the game from
start to finish, running out ten point winners.
I backed Tyrone for Ulster at the start of the championship and after
Sunday's game I'm sticking with them. Their manager Danny Ball must take a
lot of credit for this performance as he clearly spotted the shortcomings
in this Fermanagh side after their last game. Knowing that the Erne men
were the taller more physical side, Tyrone concentrated on breaking ball
and made sure Paul Brewster, Fermanagh's outstanding midfielder, was double
marked. The result was that Tyrone won most of the possession and with
Mattie McGleenan and Peter Canavan on form in attack, Tyrone were never
going to lose this one.
Despite an overemphasis sometimes on the short passing game, this was a
good performance by Tyrone and they should be confidant of beating the
Mourne men in their next outing.
This weekend's fixtures.
Connacht SHC Final
Galway v Roscommon
Despite last year's credible showing in the Connacht final against Galway
(in which they scored 3-13) and their impressive showing in Division Two of
the League this year, Roscommon are no closer to making the breakthrough
against the Tribesmen.
Galway had a very impressive League run and morale has lifted further in
the camp with the return of Joe Cooney, Justin Campbell and Joe Rabbitte to
the squad. Mattie Murphy's side to win easily.
Munster SHC Final.
Cork v Clare
This game has been eagerly anticipated since Clare's outstanding display
against Tipperary and Cork's trouncing of Waterford.
Jimmy Barry Murphy was heavily criticised for fielding six debutants in
their last game but he was rewarded as the Cork youngsters were on great
form against the Decies and they will not be overawed by Clare.
The Banner county are everyone's favourites for All-Ireland glory in
September and with the likes of Ollie Baker, Colin Lynch and Alan Murkham
in their side and their infamous fighting spirit, it's easy to see why.
They should have enough to get by Cork, but they will have to be at their
best.
Ulster SFC Semi-Final
Derry v Armagh
The Orchard county were very impressive in their victory over Donegal in
the last round after a replay. Andrew McCann and Kieran McGeeney look solid
in defence while John McEntee, Oisin McConville and Diarmud Marsden will
unnerve the Derry defence.
A fortnight ago nobody would have bet against Armagh winning this one but
the Oak Leafers raised a few eyebrows after their demolition of Cavan, also
in a replay.
With Henry Downey as strong as ever at centre half back and Tohill
inspirational in midfield, Derry should progress if Seamus Downey and Joe
Brolly take their chances.
Leinster SFC Semi-Final
Meath v Offaly
After a dismal 1998, Offaly were back with a bang with an impressive win
over reigning Leinster champions Kildare in the opening round of the
championship.
They will hope to avenge last year's trouncing at the hands of Meath and
have the talent in Claffy, Malone and Brady in attack to do so.
Meath are yet to be tested after Wicklow's poor showing in the last round,
but this side is full of experience and have some of the best players in
the country in Trevor Giles, Tommy Dowd and Graham Geraghty. Meath to win.
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