All-Ireland Football Final Maigh Eo vs Baile Átha Cliath

ColeTrain

It's time to get a thread going for this game. I don't know about the rest of you but the 22nd can't come quick enough. It promises to a great occasion.



Ballintubber Abbey vs Mountjoy
Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin vs Rosanna Davison
Michael Davitt vs Wolfe Tone
Croagh Patrick vs The Spire
Charlie Haughey vs Bertie Ahern
Fresh Country Air vs Smog
Louis Walsh vs Luke Kelly
Coppers vs Krystle

It's all on the line, winner takes all.


I've also added a poll so we can see who boards.ie thinks will prevail.

ShamoBuc

This is going to be a good thread....in a couple of weeks time, concentrating on the hurling for now.

Draw I reckon all the same, Mayo by 5 in replay.

seligehgit

Dublin

Head says Dublin by a whisker but over ruled by my heart which says my home county.

ColeTrain

Dublin

seligehgit wrote: »

Head says Dublin by a whisker but over ruled by my heart which says my home county.

My heart says Mayo but my head hasn't picked a winner but is veering towards a green and red win. I just think if it's ever going to happen then it will be this year.

I think Dublin are a serious outfit btw. I saw them against us in the league Semi and couldn't help but be impressed. They have the potential to blitz teams in a matter of minutes. The one saving grace is that our defence is one of the best in the country and has pace to burn. It promises to be a fascinating match up for the neutral and nerve wrecking stuff for us

Hopefully this year is their building year - like last year was for us.

corny

Wait till i see the teams.

Wacker The Attacker

Draw

If Dublin can reproduce yesterdays performance then we'll win

ColeTrain

Dublin

Wacker The Attacker wrote: »

If Dublin can reproduce yesterdays performance then we'll win

You could say the same about Mayo's performance against Donegal.

If both teams bring their A-game then we're in for some showdown.

CS Hasuki

Dublin

Tough one to call.

lukin

Just had a look at the poll;Oh God no, don't go making Mayo favourites before an AI final again. We know how this is going to end!
I don't mean that in a sarcastic way; I'd love to see them do it at last but hisorically they don't do well as favourites.

The_Kew_Tour

Draw

If Mayo dont win this they will never win Sam.

I think Dublin will edge it though.

premierstone

Dublin

Fancy Mayo, think Horan has instilled an incredible mental fortitude and hunger into them and they would go throw a wall for him - reminisent of Donegal and McGuiness last year.

Dublins backs are weak IMO and AOS is the best midfielder in the country so Mayo should dominate those two sectors obviously Dublins attack is special but I think Mayo are the best set of backs they will have faced and they won't get the room they have been afforded up to this.

Fr Tod Umptious

premierstone wrote: »

Fancy Mayo, think Horan has instilled an incredible mental fortitude and hunger into them and they would go throw a wall for him - reminisent of Donegal and McGuiness last year.

Dublins backs are weak IMO and AOS is the best midfielder in the country so Mayo should dominate those two sectors obviously Dublins attack is special but I think Mayo are the best set of backs they will have faced and they won't get the room they have been afforded up to this.

Totally agree with this post
Mayo have a very good set of backs, something that Dublin have yet to encounter.
I think Higgins has to play at corner back because of the threat and pace of the Dublin forwards, you cannot risk him up the filed.
The availability or otherwise of O' Connor will have a bearing too, if he is fit then taking Higgins out of the forwards will not be as big a deal.
The Mayo attack is not as lethal as others but the Dublin backs have been questioned and that is a worry for them, Mayo can fairly rack up the scores whne they get going.
Mayo have to pressure the Dublin kick outs so that they are forced to kick them long into the middle where AOS should dominate, I read on the Kerry v Dublin thread that Dublin don't have 'fielding' midfielder, is that the case ?, if so then Mayo should dominate possession from kick outs in this area

yop

Dublin

A good prefix to the game

http://examiner.ie/sport/columnists/john-fogarty/john-fogarty-final-may-surpass-sunday-drama-241812.html

Gerry91

Dublin

Mayo for me, think they'll come flying out of the blocks like v Galway and Donegal here and could build up an early lead like last year.

Hope Conroy plays, will do damage to that full back line IMO

Father, i'd leave KH where he is myself. Barrett is undroppable anyway but I want to see Keith along with Keegan, Boyle, Vaughan running at that Dublin back line as much as he can. Move him back if needs be

Anyway Mayo by 5-6 I think

Can't wait

Rockfish

Draw

...

CS Hasuki

Dublin

yop wrote: »

A good prefix to the game

http://examiner.ie/sport/columnists/john-fogarty/john-fogarty-final-may-surpass-sunday-drama-241812.html

LOL they hype machine already. At least it is for the game itself, and not either team specifically.

As a Mayo fan I am much more excited about this final than last year, not because I'm confident of a win, but confident it will be a bleedin cracker

DoctaDee

Draw

I'd never accuse someone of misplaced optimism, but I'd ask that you consider the fact that Dublin have put a combined 4-30 on Mayo in the 2 games this year. The NFL S/F Dublin scored 2-14 from play with 2 frees .. Mayo on the otherhand scored 7 points from play with 9 frees. Both matches (league yeah I know) Mayo started with Boyle/Vaughan & Keegan in HB line. So you'd understand if an eyebrow or 2 was raised with talk of Mayo dominating this and dominating that, and Dublin never having played against the likes of Mayo.

To my mind there will be a greater focus on the questions Dublin will pose to Mayo. Mayo lads are chomping at the bit to crank up this thread ... we need a little more time to fully recover from Sunday

yop

Dublin

DoctaDee wrote: »

I'd never accuse someone of misplaced optimism, but I'd ask that you consider the fact that Dublin have put a combined 4-30 on Mayo in the 2 games this year. The NFL S/F Dublin scored 2-14 from play with 2 frees .. Mayo on the otherhand scored 7 points from play with 9 frees. Both matches (league yeah I know) Mayo started with Boyle/Vaughan & Keegan in HB line. So you'd understand if an eyebrow or 2 was raised with talk of Mayo dominating this and dominating that, and Dublin never having played against the likes of Mayo.

To my mind there will be a greater focus on the questions Dublin will pose to Mayo. Mayo lads are chomping at the bit to crank up this thread ... we need a little more time to fully recover from Sunday

And Tyrone beat Mayo by a point in the league and Mayo beat Donegal by 4 points.

So the fact that Clare beat Cork by 6 points in the league then Clare are favorites and it points to a Clare win....

Its the league, its tells us very little in fact.

Gerry91

Dublin

yop wrote: »

And Tyrone beat Mayo by a point in the league and Mayo beat Donegal by 4 points.

So the fact that Clare beat Cork by 6 points in the league then Clare are favorites and it points to a Clare win....

Its the league, its tells us very little in fact.

Clare and Cork both finished bottom of the league Division1 or 1A whatever it's called.

Not only that the two losing championship semi-finallists weren't even in division 1A!

Mayo could have been relegated from league, difference between league Mayo and this one is night and day

DoctaDee

Draw

yop wrote: »

And Tyrone beat Mayo by a point in the league and Mayo beat Donegal by 4 points.

So the fact that Clare beat Cork by 6 points in the league then Clare are favorites and it points to a Clare win....

Its the league, its tells us very little in fact.

Sorry YOP point seems to have been lost. I wasn't equating the 2 games this year to anything that may transpire in 3 weeks time.

I was indicating that the scoring return of Dublin will give Mayo as many questions as they will pose to us.

The Rodent

Dublin

DoctaDee wrote: »

Sorry YOP point seems to have been lost. I wasn't equating the 2 games this year to anything that may transpire in 3 weeks time.

I was indicating that the scoring return of Dublin will give Mayo as many questions as they will pose to us.

Nope you said that the game, in your opinion, is about the questions the Dubs will pose rather than Mayo. No need to backtrack Doctor. We are all friends here

purplepanda

Draw

Hope Mayo win as have relatives there, but they always freeze going back decades ago in finals so it's the Dubs for me:pac:

Sunnyisland

Draw

Don't know who will win on the day, both teams have played some fantastic football this championship, But I do hope and pray that its Dublin who lift the Sam Maguire this year.

DDC1990

Draw

Having seen both Quarter and Semi-Finals in Croke Park, I think that Dublin have a very slight edge.

They have a relentlessness that I haven't seen since the Tyrone teams in 2005-2008.

However, they have far more footballing talent (not putting Tyrone down, I just feel that this is an extremely talented Dublin team).

Their bench is phenomenal, they have speed, physicality and fitness in great numbers.

Mayo are a more physical team, and also have great pace coming from the half-back line. Dublins 6 forwards as a group are better then Mayo's (even with Cillian O'Connor) and Dublin's bench is better IMO. However (and I know this might seem odd to some people) but I do not think that Ciarán Killkenny is Dublin's best option at Centre Forward. He is a talented footballer, but he is wasted at CF. His best work (that I've seen), is closer to the goals, as a Full Forward. I think he slows the game down, and takes wrong options at CF and his shots often seem forced from that distance. Connolly maybe should play there and have Cullen working hard for 40 minutes on the wing. I'm not sure really.

Mayo's backs are a good deal better, and I think that the likes of Johnny Cooper and Kevin O'Brien are weak spots for Dublin.

Mayo's strength is at Midfield, but like they did against Kerry, Dublin will avoid a high-catching contest at midfield by using Connolly at CF splitting the midfielders to each wing and booting it straight down the middle. Mayo's use of a sweeper may scupper this plan though. MDMA and O'Sullivan's running will really test the fitness of the O'Shea's

Its a fascinating duel, and while I don't think it has the potential to be as much of an out and out footballing spectacle, as the Kerry v Dublin game was, it still has potential to be one of the fastest, most physical and most enthralling final in years.

I really hope Mayo do it. The county needs the win. Another loss would crush the county. They have a team at their peak. If they are to win, they need to pray for CO'C's shoulder. In a tight game freetaking will be so important, and O'Connor is one of the coolest in the game. He would also be far too clever for either of Dublin's corner backs IMO, and find himself with goalscoring opportunities, which, as we have seen this year, he would most likely tuck away. But I understand there is very little chance that he will start.

I think Dublin will win by a point or two and crush Mayo hearts.

oconnrpt

Dublin

I think you'll find that Maigh Eo are playing Ath Cliath. Ath Cliath includes the Baile (or city) and three other administrative counties i.e. Fingall, South Dublin, and by no means least the Borough of Dun Laoghaire and the Barony of Rathdown A.K.A. Cuala !

oconnrpt

Dublin

Is the curse over yet? If it is Mayo might just win.

DoctaDee

Draw

The Rodent wrote: »

Nope you said that the game, in your opinion, is about the questions the Dubs will pose rather than Mayo. No need to backtrack Doctor. We are all friends here

DoctaDee wrote: »

I'd never accuse someone of misplaced optimism, but I'd ask that you consider the fact that Dublin have put a combined 4-30 on Mayo in the 2 games this year. The NFL S/F Dublin scored 2-14 from play with 2 frees .. Mayo on the otherhand scored 7 points from play with 9 frees. Both matches (league yeah I know) Mayo started with Boyle/Vaughan & Keegan in HB line. So you'd understand if an eyebrow or 2 was raised with talk of Mayo dominating this and dominating that, and Dublin never having played against the likes of Mayo.

To my mind there will be a greater focus on the questions Dublin will pose to Mayo. Mayo lads are chomping at the bit to crank up this thread ... we need a little more time to fully recover from Sunday

Eh no brother I didn't ... and neither did I say that the results of the 2 games played would have any bearing on the Final. What I did say was Dublin scored 4-30 in the 2 games played this year in which the much vaunted starting HB line for Mayo played in both. The questions posed is based on that .. Dublin have shown they can score freely against Mayo ... can Mayo stop them when it matters most ? Still friends ?

The_Kew_Tour

Draw

Mayo quiet simply have to win it this year unless they want to wait another decade to get another chance.

They really have to believe this is their moment.

I think though they wont be strong mentally and thats what will see Dublin over the line.

I hope im wrong.

themandan6611

have mayo backed at 9/1. so that's them screwed in the final so :-)

Gerry91

Dublin

When you get them 9's?

Were 11/1 in places before Galway match and went into 6/1 by the week after I think

Unless you got them before league perhaps or straight after Galway match?

Stoner

Draw

Mental strength is a good one alright. I'm coming out of the blue here, but I think there is a great deal of good will out there for Mayo, they are like most of their neighbours, hard to hate.
Even though Mayo have beaten Dublin twice recently in the championship, I honestly don't think that Dublin will be as motivated to beat them as they would kerry, Donegal, meath, Tyrone kildare.
It might sound stupid but Dublin need to build some kind of rivalry with Mayo in their heads, I guarantee that this team holds nothing against Mayo for recent losses, they were blamed on Dublins mental weakness and last year on the hangover from being champions.

For example IMHO Dublin were motivated against Kerry on Sunday off the back of 2011
It was like confirmation of the 2011 win for me anyway due to all the bickering in 2011.

Dublin hold nothing against Mayo indeed I don't think they hate us as much as other counties do either, but Mayo are motivated savagely for Sam. It might tell on the day.

Just An Opinion

Draw

Stoner wrote: »

Mental strength is a good one alright. I'm coming out of the blue here, but I think there is a great deal of good will out there for Mayo, they are like most of their neighbours, hard to hate.
Even though Mayo have beaten Dublin twice recently in the championship, I honestly don't think that Dublin will be as motivated to beat them as they would kerry, Donegal, meath, Tyrone kildare.
It might sound stupid but Dublin need to build some kind of rivalry with Mayo in their heads, I guarantee that this team holds nothing against Mayo for recent losses, they were blamed on Dublins mental weakness and last year on the hangover from being champions.

For example IMHO Dublin were motivated against Kerry on Sunday off the back of 2011
It was like confirmation of the 2011 win for me anyway due to all the bickering in 2011.

Dublin hold nothing against Mayo indeed I don't think they hate us as much as other counties do either, but Mayo are motivated savagely for Sam. It might tell on the day.

Do you not think beating Mayo to win an All-Ireland title is motivation enough? I don't think there is a bigger motivation on the day.

Fr Tod Umptious

DoctaDee wrote: »

I'd never accuse someone of misplaced optimism, but I'd ask that you consider the fact that Dublin have put a combined 4-30 on Mayo in the 2 games this year. The NFL S/F Dublin scored 2-14 from play with 2 frees .. Mayo on the otherhand scored 7 points from play with 9 frees. Both matches (league yeah I know) Mayo started with Boyle/Vaughan & Keegan in HB line. So you'd understand if an eyebrow or 2 was raised with talk of Mayo dominating this and dominating that, and Dublin never having played against the likes of Mayo.

To my mind there will be a greater focus on the questions Dublin will pose to Mayo. Mayo lads are chomping at the bit to crank up this thread ... we need a little more time to fully recover from Sunday

I think that a teams league performance is a good indicator of where that team are and where they are going, however I think that individual game results in the league have no baring on what will happen in the summer, and do imply that they do is just silly

I have always believed that Mayo had two goals for the 2013 league, try out a few players\systems and stay in Div 1.
The fact that they got to a SF was almost by accident, they had to win their last game to stay up, and by winning the last game they got into the top 4.
In the SF v Dublin they gave away two gaols in the first half and when they failed to get any closer in the early part of the second half then just emptied the bench to give guys a run in Croke Park, apart for the concession of two gaols I would read zero into that result.

I would read less into the first result as an indicator of what will happen in a few weeks

Have you considered who many more training session under Buckley this team has had since those games ?

Chemical Burn ReReg

Dublin

I love it when the Dubs get so close but fall at the last. Mind you, I don't like seeing Kerry dominate either.

Hopefully Mayo can make up for last year.

seligehgit

Dublin

IMHO it would very foolish to ignore out of hand the result of the two league games between the counties this year.

Stoner

Draw

Chemical Burn ReReg wrote: »

I love it when the Dubs get so close but fall at the last. .

Who hurt you?

Fr Tod Umptious

seligehgit wrote: »

IMHO it would very foolish to ignore out of hand the result of the two league games between the counties this year.

I agree they cannot be ignored, but they are a poor indicator of what may happen 6 months later also
From a Mayo perspective I'd hope that they would have worked on the areas that failed them those two days over the past 6 months

Yellowblackbird

Chemical Burn ReReg wrote: »

I love it when the Dubs get so close but fall at the last. Mind you, I don't like seeing Kerry dominate either.

Hopefully Mayo can make up for last year.

Jesus that's almost reasonable point of view.
You're either not the real Chemical Burn.

Or else he's getting very mediocre.

Draw

Have to say, if it was anyone other than dublin in the final with them, I'd be rooting for mayo myself. I reckon it will be the while country behind them come throw-in.

As it stands, Dublin by 2 points is my prediction.

Stoner

Draw

Just An Opinion wrote: »

Do you not think beating Mayo to win an All-Ireland title is motivation enough? I don't think there is a bigger motivation on the day.

Well I think that all things being equal, Mayo are more motivated to win it as none of their players have experienced it, and there is little else there between the counties.

Yellowblackbird

I don't think the actual outcome or final result of either league or championship matches between the two in recent years will have a big effect. These are two motivated and confident sides.

The patterns of play, strenghts and weaknesses, tactical exchanges and so on of their recent encounters will form one small part of the preperation and planning for both teams.

Hitting top form and who can get big individual performances for both sides will decide this.
I find it a big worry that after the heights of the Donegal game Mayo then got a bad game out of their system in the semi. On the plus side Dublin have improved in small increments. And may have uncovered some decisive weaknesses in defense just in the nick of time. This game will surely be on a knife edge and would take a brave man to call it.

irishgeo

Dublin

Goals win games and i think its goals that will decide it.

The dublin defence is opened up a little easier, dublin are not great the kickouts if the short one is not on.

mayo forwards not as stong as dublin.

Anything could happen and one injury , red card or mistake could decide it all.

When is the ref going to be announced.

The Rodent

Dublin

Mayo man here. Missing a fully fit Cillian O'Connor has swung this in the Dubs favour. Even if he plays his effect will be diminished. He is one of the few unerring forwards we have.

That tipping of the balance alone could be enough to swing it the Dubs way. I dont like the Dubs defence. They can be wide open. But i am not sure that without O'Connor can Mayo match the 15-18 points the dubs are likely to get.

manofwisdom

Draw

ColeTrain wrote: »

You could say the same about Mayo's performance against Donegal.

If both teams bring their A-game then we're in for some showdown.

Donegal were very poor against Mayo though some of their defending was U-16 stuff and they had given up before half time much like Galway,Roscommon against Mayo. I didn't rate Mayo as highly as should have at the start of the year and i agree with above that James Horan has instilled an incredible mental fortitude and hunger into them something that hasn't been seen in Mayo side before.

On Sunday last we saw two top sides on form they went toe to toe for close to 70 minutes when it came to the crunch Dublin got the important scores to win it.
There is something different about Dublin under Jim Gavin in the past they would have lost a tight game like that and that win will give them a massive boost going into the final. Dublin 1st half defending will be concern for them however Mayo don't don't possess a Cooper in their forward line.

The Dubs will be well reminded of the defeats to Mayo in 2006,2012 and they will all know there is no better place for revenge than in All Ireland final.

Dublin by 4.

ColeTrain

Dublin

manofwisdom wrote: »

Donegal were very poor against Mayo though some of their defending was U-16 stuff and they had given up before half time much like Galway,Roscommon against Mayo. I didn't rate Mayo as highly as should have at the start of the year and i agree with above that James Horan has instilled an incredible mental fortitude and hunger into them something that hasn't been seen in Mayo side before.

On Sunday last we saw two top sides on form they went toe to toe for close to 70 minutes when it came to the crunch Dublin got the important scores to win it.
There is something different about Dublin under Jim Gavin in the past they would have lost a tight game like that and that win will give them a massive boost going into the final. Dublin 1st half defending will be concern for them however Mayo don't don't possess a Cooper in their forward line.

The Dubs will be well reminded of the defeats to Mayo in 2006,2012 and they will all know there is no better place for revenge than in All Ireland final.

Dublin by 4.

Donegal won the thing outright last year. You can't just dismiss them like you've done there. Mayo have to take credit for dismantling them the way that they did. It was probably the most complete performance I've ever seen from a Mayo team. Galway and Roscommon gave up at half-time because they were put to the sword early and not allowed to build up any momentum. Any team that can do that to the opposition continuously, in the Championship, is doing something right.

Also, how do you make out that Kerry are a "top in-form side". Sure they're definitely in the top 5 in the country on ability but where was their test before Sunday? They were hardly in-form. Their only real test was Cork and they have a rebuilding job to do.

Mayo don't have a Cooper but this Mayo team is not built on one player. They are a unit nowdays, no Ciaran Mc or Micheal Jackson. There is a multitude of scorers in the side, from Lee Keegan to Freeman to the corner back Chris Barrett - I much prefer it that way.

As for your last point well you can get revenge out of your head. It won't be a factor because it will be cancelled out by Mayo being fired up for this one. It's an All-Ireland final, no team will need motivation to win it.

I expect a fascinating game but can't call it. I expect Mayo to give a performance that will reflect their previous games. Do that and we're in with a good shout.

Stoner

Draw

ColeTrain wrote: »

Donegal won the thing outright last year. You can't just dismiss them like you've done there. Mayo have to take credit for dismantling them the way that they did. It was probably the most complete performance I've ever seen from a Mayo team. Galway and Roscommon gave up at half-time because they were put to the sword early and not allowed to build up any momentum. Any team that can do that to the opposition continuously, in the Championship, is doing something right.

Also, how do you make out that Kerry are a "top in-form side". Sure they're definitely in the top 5 in the country on ability but where was their test before Sunday? They were hardly in-form. Their only real test was Cork and they have a rebuilding job to do.

Mayo don't have a Cooper but this Mayo team is not built on one player. They are a unit nowdays, no Ciaran Mc or Micheal Jackson. There is a multitude of scorers in the side, from Lee Keegan to Freeman to the corner back Chris Barrett - I much prefer it that way.

As for your last point well you can get revenge out of your head. It won't be a factor because it will be cancelled out by Mayo being fired up for this one. It's an All-Ireland final, no team will need motivation to win it.

I expect a fascinating game but can't call it. I expect Mayo to give a performance that will reflect their previous games. Do that and we're in with a good shout.

In all fairness Donegal looked a shadow of the team Mayo played last year. They are the same players on both teams so Donegal are not that bad they were just not clicking this year.

manofwisdom

Draw

ColeTrain wrote: »

Donegal won the thing outright last year. You can't just dismiss them like you've done there. Mayo have to take credit for dismantling them the way that they did. It was probably the most complete performance I've ever seen from a Mayo team. Galway and Roscommon gave up at half-time because they were put to the sword early and not allowed to build up any momentum. Any team that can do that to the opposition continuously, in the Championship, is doing something right.

Also, how do you make out that Kerry are a "top in-form side". Sure they're definitely in the top 5 in the country on ability but where was their test before Sunday? They were hardly in-form. Their only real test was Cork and they have a rebuilding job to do.

Mayo don't have a Cooper but this Mayo team is not built on one player. They are a unit nowdays, no Ciaran Mc or Micheal Jackson. There is a multitude of scorers in the side, from Lee Keegan to Freeman to the corner back Chris Barrett - I much prefer it that way.

As for your last point well you can get revenge out of your head. It won't be a factor because it will be cancelled out by Mayo being fired up for this one. It's an All-Ireland final, no team will need motivation to win it.

I expect a fascinating game but can't call it. I expect Mayo to give a performance that will reflect their previous games. Do that and we're in with a good shout.

1) Donegal 2012 and Donegal 2013 were like chalk and cheese. The difference was for all to see in Ulster final when they lost to Monaghan side who were playing Div 3 football this autumn and they only managed 6 points in 70 minutes in that game. The passion,drive and desire to succeed from last year was long gone. Watch back that quarter final and try to tell me that Donegals defending wasn't U-16 stuff? and they certainly didn't win the All Ireland defending like that.

2) Mayo did put the games to bed early however the performances on the day from Roscommon,Galway also has to taken into account for example they gave a much better account of themselves against Cork and Tyrone.

2) Like Dublin the test came against Cork and both scored 1-16 against them. Last Sunday both played very well or like i said on form, yes you could say some of the defending wasn't the best but attacking football was the real winner. It's rebuilding job for Kerry now no doubt and Cork under new management will probably overtake them in Munster.

3) Most of the top teams nowadays have good spread of scorers, Kerry aren't built on one player either however if Mayo had player like Cooper in their forward line i would fancy them instead of Dublin in this final.

4) It's not so much motivation but those past results will focus Dublin more than ever. I'm sure both will be fired up for this one like you said it is All Ireland final.

corny

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

I think that a teams league performance is a good indicator of where that team are and where they are going, however I think that individual game results in the league have no baring on what will happen in the summer, and do imply that they do is just silly

What gives me greater hope as a Dublin supporter is what happened last year in the semi final. I keep hearing Mayo won't wilt like Kerry did. Yet last year Dublin played football for 15 minutes and took them to the cleaners in the last quarter. They were out on their feet by the end. Have they improved? Maybe but arguably Dublin have greater legs this year too. I can see Dublin winning it in the last 10 minutes if its tight.

Stoner

Draw

corny wrote: »

Maybe but arguably Dublin have greater legs this year too. I can see Dublin winning it in the last 10 minutes if its tight.

I don't see a winner here at all in the fitness battle. I haven't heard or read anything either to suggest that Horans team are not the fittest or at least as fit as any other team in the country.

Stoner

Draw

Btw is C O'Connor this year's Andy Moran?

I'd like to add that if Dublin had Alan Brogan the 2011 footballer of the year fit then I think they would beat Mayo even if Mayo had C O'Connor.

Sadly this is not the case, so Mayo will win.

dats_right

Draw

3 out of the 4 All-Ireland semi-finalists were also National League semi-finalists and 6 of the 8 quarter finalists were Division 1 teams in 2013. The league form and results cannot be dismissed out of hand and are in my view usually a good indicator. That is not to say that because Dublin beat Mayo easily enough twice already this year that they will win but Dublin have been beaten only once in league or championship whereas Mayo have been beaten 5 times.

Some might say that's only the league and it doesn't count but Dublin have also faced tougher opposition reaching the All-Ireland Final than Mayo. In reality Dublin dominated Cork totally and if a few of their 6 or 7 good goal chances found the back of the net then the score line might have been similar to Mayo- Donegal. I do not want to take anything away from Mayo as they have been playing well all year and look like a very serious team with serious metal but the demolition of Donegal should not be over emphasised. Donegal were relegated in the league and have been on a serious downward trajectory ever since. I mean scraping through against a weak enough Down team and getting a roasting by no-hopers such as Monaghan showed that the Donegal team was finished. In fact I was hoping Dublin would draw either Cavan or Donegal in the Quarters as either was really just making up the numbers. You might say Donegal were All-Ireland champions and that is true but they were gone as a team this year and it had been clear from early on that they were a team in terminal decline.

Overall the final will be fascinating and it is very hard to call between two serious teams but both my heart and head say Dublin on the basis of their form to date this year, I hope they will have just a little too much in the tank for Mayo.