30 PLAYERS WILL take to the field on Sunday afternoon but it is the health of one that has been most heavily debated this week.
This player is still eligible for the U21 ranks yet his participation is regarded as the key to the destination of the Sam Maguire Cup.
That’s an incredible position for Cillian O’Connor to be in but is indicative of how critical he is to the Mayo cause. Remove him and it’s a major setback.
He’s named to start but whether he will is debatable. It’s a massive call. If he’s not fit, I would not start him. He cannot have done a lot of training since the Tyrone game, certainly he must have done minimal contact work.
Mayo’s attacking inspiration
If O’Connor is absent, do Mayo have the forwards to cope? The last day we saw Alan Freeman step up to the plate. He demanded the ball, he hit his frees confidently and he converted a penalty. That’s a good sign and bodes well.
Andy Moran isn’t exactly flying. He’s such a spiritual leader of the team yet he isn’t the same player he was last year before his injury.
Alan Dillon and Kevin McLoughlin are tremendous, tireless workers. But they operate far from goal regularly during games. Michael Conroy came on and made a difference against Tyrone, looking like a player who was there to stake a claim. End Varley is another option.
But are they going to come in to kick 1-6 or 1-7? You don’t see that in them in contrast to O’Connor. He has that ability, that important calmness in front of goal. That’s what Mayo could miss.
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Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
Dublin’s strength in depth
Conceding three goals in an All-Ireland semi-final normally creates concerns for a team. But the key context for Dublin is that they’re not facing Colm Cooper on Sunday.
The Dublin player who suffered most against Cooper was Ger Brennan. I’ve said before that I believe Ger lacks pace. But what he brings to the table is that he organises his defence very well, is a very good kick passer and understands the game.
I would stick with Brennan and get Cian O’Sullivan and Michael Darragh MacAuley to drive at Mayo’s midfield. Mayo’s midfield are a superb pairing but the O’Shea brothers won’t be keen on chasing them back. Dublin’s full-back line has also come under scrutiny but they struggled against Kerry because so much space was given to Cooper outside them.
Philly McMahon came on the last day and is an option there. But he was very lucky to stay on the park in that game and I think he sails too close to the wind on many occasions. You need fellas to go out with a calm demeanour in such a big game.
Up front, I believe Dublin are better off with Kevin McManamon and Dean Rock coming in off the bench. Dublin have trusted and believed in their forwards all year. They’re a very settled unit which isn’t a bad thing.
If they’re not happy at stages on Sunday, McManamon can be brought in to inject pace and hopefully get goals. Rock gives them a different angle and is able pick off points. That’s difficult to combat.
Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
The start to the match for Mayo
I was talking on Thursday night on Newstalk about Mayo’s starts to the game with big Liam McHale and Kevin O’Neill. You look at last year when they had a calamitous start but after that, I think they technically won the game.
Their fears may prompt them to keep it nice and tight for the start to this game. But they have played a certain way all year and they shouldn’t want to change that mindset. I’d like to see them trust themselves and apply pressure up the park on Cluxton’s kickouts from the start.
Mayo need to be brave and show belief. Unfortunately for them, their past finals record is going to be a factor until they win one. It’s not a monkey on Mayo’s back but a big gorilla at this stage. Dublin were in a similar situation until they won in 2011.
I grew up in a county where you were told that Down don’t lose All-Ireland finals. I walked into Croke Park at 21 years of age expecting to win. Mayo carry the exact opposite ethos, they don’t perform in Croke Park to the extent they can win finals.
Eventually that trend has to be bucked. I do think this Mayo team have wee bit more backbone and they do crucially believe in their manager.
Verdict
The best two teams in 2013 have reached the biggest day. Mayo definitely have a chance and if they do not provide Dublin with space, their chance grows even further.
But I fancied Dublin at the start of the year. I talked and listened to Jim Gavin when he took the job about his plans. He expressed his enthusiasm for football and he has produced results. I believe they have the better balanced forward line and that’s what will get them through by a few points.
Not just the best teams this year also the most entertaining . From a Dub obvious who I want to win but wanna wish both teams the best of luck , this could be one of the most attacking finals in years ….
I’d like to see Mayo win even though I’m a Galway man. They’re always good to watch, and are rarely in a bad game. The same could be said for Dublin I suppose. Should be a cracker.
Exciting final is an understatement. Kerry ran out of steam with 15mins to go, Mayo wont. Big battle in midfield and defense for both teams. I cant wait and hope its a blue Sunday
that Kerry running out of steam is the biggest pile of horseshit, same as saying if they had the legs they woulda won the game. the game turned on the back of a sudden goal, dubs capitalised on the momentum, Kerry shoulders slumped and they got stuffed thereafter…had f*ck all to do with the aul legends fitness giving in in the last 15 minutes…load of wank saying otherwise
Another very good article, I agree with everything Conor says. With a great weather forecast for Sunday too, will just make it all the better. Can’t wait, best of luck to both teams and hope all the fans have a great day out.
This will be of no consolation to mayo unless they bring home the big prize on Sunday.im sure even the Mayo fans are sick of patronising comments made about them.I stand to get a nice return on a Dublin victory from a bet I did in Februrary but I really want Mayo to win cos me Die Hard Mayo Supporter Da Is From Mayo so COME ON MAYO !!!
I had a blast of pints last night ET here I a awake at 07:49am and can’t sleep. Only an all Ireland final will do that to ya. Looking forward to having the Craic with the dubs tomorrow on the hill. Real great bunch of fans. C’mon Mayo
So excited just got two tickets for the match on Sunday really looking forward to seen Jason Sherlock haven’t been in croker since Ireland v England #6nations. Come on let’s win the Liam Carthy for once
Would like to see mayo win just to get that ‘chokers’ monkey off their back.. if that happens then it could lead to more to come and a bit of dominance in future years.. Should be a great game of football and here’s hoping our minors can put a mini dent in the mayo celebrations :-) Tir Eoghain Abu
2 things I’m hoping for in the game is that mc Quillan has no bearing on the outcome due to a bad refereeing decision and that Cillain I conner is able to play the 70mins. He’s been one of mayos best players all year and a contender for player of the year but after that a great game we’ll never forget and a Dublin win. Don’t think I’m asking too much
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Not just the best teams this year also the most entertaining . From a Dub obvious who I want to win but wanna wish both teams the best of luck , this could be one of the most attacking finals in years ….
Gwan MAYO!!!!!
I’d like to see Mayo win even though I’m a Galway man. They’re always good to watch, and are rarely in a bad game. The same could be said for Dublin I suppose. Should be a cracker.
Exciting final is an understatement. Kerry ran out of steam with 15mins to go, Mayo wont. Big battle in midfield and defense for both teams. I cant wait and hope its a blue Sunday
that Kerry running out of steam is the biggest pile of horseshit, same as saying if they had the legs they woulda won the game. the game turned on the back of a sudden goal, dubs capitalised on the momentum, Kerry shoulders slumped and they got stuffed thereafter…had f*ck all to do with the aul legends fitness giving in in the last 15 minutes…load of wank saying otherwise
Idiot
Hope Mayo do it. They are a different animal this year. Best of luck from a Galway fan.
Finnster – what a sound comment from a Galway man! The Connaught teams should support each other!
Should be a cracker!
Mayo really deserve this!
Why? Do u think that Dublin then shouldn’t turn up, mayo deserve this!! Both teams deserve a shot at it and may the best team win.
mayo will bottle it.
Another very good article, I agree with everything Conor says. With a great weather forecast for Sunday too, will just make it all the better. Can’t wait, best of luck to both teams and hope all the fans have a great day out.
If the referee and umpires and linemen are fair Dublin will win
Two great teams, should be a terrific match, Dublin to edge it.
This will be of no consolation to mayo unless they bring home the big prize on Sunday.im sure even the Mayo fans are sick of patronising comments made about them.I stand to get a nice return on a Dublin victory from a bet I did in Februrary but I really want Mayo to win cos me Die Hard Mayo Supporter Da Is From Mayo so COME ON MAYO !!!
I wanna see Mayo win for one outstanding reason…..to see Conor Mortimers sickened face…….and he will be sickened…..
I had a blast of pints last night ET here I a awake at 07:49am and can’t sleep. Only an all Ireland final will do that to ya. Looking forward to having the Craic with the dubs tomorrow on the hill. Real great bunch of fans. C’mon Mayo
I hope the dubs do it come on the dubs
So excited just got two tickets for the match on Sunday really looking forward to seen Jason Sherlock haven’t been in croker since Ireland v England #6nations. Come on let’s win the Liam Carthy for once
Would like to see mayo win just to get that ‘chokers’ monkey off their back.. if that happens then it could lead to more to come and a bit of dominance in future years.. Should be a great game of football and here’s hoping our minors can put a mini dent in the mayo celebrations :-) Tir Eoghain Abu
dublin by 5 points.
dubs for sam.
2 things I’m hoping for in the game is that mc Quillan has no bearing on the outcome due to a bad refereeing decision and that Cillain I conner is able to play the 70mins. He’s been one of mayos best players all year and a contender for player of the year but after that a great game we’ll never forget and a Dublin win. Don’t think I’m asking too much
Brothers ( that’s the correct spelling )