AFTER INVESTING SO much in their season, Donegal enter the last-chance saloon. Two tough battles with Monaghan and that Ulster final defeat to Tyrone has physically taken it’s toll on Rory Gallagher’s side.
It’s no secret that many of Donegal’s key players are on the wrong side of 30, but fortunately they have no serious injuries to contend with. Mentally they must quickly recover from a second straight Ulster final defeat against a Cork team who are quietly rebuilding their form in the qualifiers.
Tyrone seemed to figure out Donegal’s one-dimensional game-plan of supporting from behind the ball carrier, but they need to inject pace into their attack by sending runners ahead of the ball to create space.
After they had their nose bloodied against Tipperary in Munster, Cork’s second-half against Longford was a sign that things may be coming together on the field. The pace and direct running of U21 players Michael Hurley and Sean Powter have added some much needed energy to Peader Healy’s side.
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The added presence of Peter Kelleher, Paul Kerrigan and Colm O’Neill in Cork’s attack should provide them with a solid platform to break down Donegal’s mass defence. Meanwhile the return of experienced players Alan O’Connor and Paddy Kelly give this Rebels side a real mix of youth and experience.
3. How will Cork handle Ryan McHugh in James Loughrey’s absence?
The suspension of Cork wing-back James Loughrey robs Healy of an obvious option to track the dangerous forward runs of Ryan McHugh.
McHugh is Donegal’s heartbeat and his importance to their cause was highlighted in the second-half of the Ulster final, when Rory Brennan quietened his influence after the break. Healy would be well advised to copy Mickey Harte’s approach and stick a full-time marker on McHugh.
With former Antrim defender Loughrey set to miss out on Saturday’s game after his red card against Longford, it will be interesting to see who is handed the role. It’s a decision that could have a huge affect of the outcome.
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
4. Question marks still hang over Mayo
They’ve made it through reasonably tricky backdoor games against Fermanagh and Kildare, but it’s still difficult to gauge where this Mayo team stands in relation to previous years. Are they genuine All-Ireland contenders? We’re reaching the stage of the season where Stephen Rochford’s side are running out of time to make a mark on this championship.
This could be the game where they finally cut loose and show the sort of ruthlessness required to be successful in September. Sure Colm Boyle, Diarmuid O’Connor and Evan Regan have been excellent, but Aidan O’Shea, Cillian O’Connor and Lee Keegan have yet to hit the heights they have done in years gone by.
Kevin McLoughlin remains unconvincing in his defensive duties as a sweeper. The problem is a game against Westmeath will do little to answer any of the question marks that hang over this group of players.
Tommy Grealy / INPHO
Tommy Grealy / INPHO / INPHO
5. Westmeath look for reaction after Leinster final
Following their Leinster final defeat to Dublin, Westmeath were unfortunate to draw one of the big guns in the qualifiers. The last time these counties met in the championship was in 2001 when the Lake County won a memorable clash at Dr Hyde Park, but this time around everything points towards a comfortable Mayo victory.
After last year’s defeat to Dublin at the same stage, Westmeath exited the championship rather meekly after a nine point beating to Fermanagh. This time around they’ll be focusing on a stronger display. Westmeath gave a really credibly display where they stopped Dublin from playing in the first-half of the Leinster final.
Tom Cribbin will roll out that double-sweeper system once again, and it’ll be interesting to see how Mayo cope with it.
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Mayo question marks, U21s aid Cork, Donegal recovery — Round 4B qualifier talking points
1. Donegal look to recover from Tyrone defeat
AFTER INVESTING SO much in their season, Donegal enter the last-chance saloon. Two tough battles with Monaghan and that Ulster final defeat to Tyrone has physically taken it’s toll on Rory Gallagher’s side.
It’s no secret that many of Donegal’s key players are on the wrong side of 30, but fortunately they have no serious injuries to contend with. Mentally they must quickly recover from a second straight Ulster final defeat against a Cork team who are quietly rebuilding their form in the qualifiers.
Tyrone seemed to figure out Donegal’s one-dimensional game-plan of supporting from behind the ball carrier, but they need to inject pace into their attack by sending runners ahead of the ball to create space.
2. Energy of U21s, while O’Connor & Kelly return
After they had their nose bloodied against Tipperary in Munster, Cork’s second-half against Longford was a sign that things may be coming together on the field. The pace and direct running of U21 players Michael Hurley and Sean Powter have added some much needed energy to Peader Healy’s side.
The added presence of Peter Kelleher, Paul Kerrigan and Colm O’Neill in Cork’s attack should provide them with a solid platform to break down Donegal’s mass defence. Meanwhile the return of experienced players Alan O’Connor and Paddy Kelly give this Rebels side a real mix of youth and experience.
3. How will Cork handle Ryan McHugh in James Loughrey’s absence?
The suspension of Cork wing-back James Loughrey robs Healy of an obvious option to track the dangerous forward runs of Ryan McHugh.
McHugh is Donegal’s heartbeat and his importance to their cause was highlighted in the second-half of the Ulster final, when Rory Brennan quietened his influence after the break. Healy would be well advised to copy Mickey Harte’s approach and stick a full-time marker on McHugh.
With former Antrim defender Loughrey set to miss out on Saturday’s game after his red card against Longford, it will be interesting to see who is handed the role. It’s a decision that could have a huge affect of the outcome.
4. Question marks still hang over Mayo
They’ve made it through reasonably tricky backdoor games against Fermanagh and Kildare, but it’s still difficult to gauge where this Mayo team stands in relation to previous years. Are they genuine All-Ireland contenders? We’re reaching the stage of the season where Stephen Rochford’s side are running out of time to make a mark on this championship.
This could be the game where they finally cut loose and show the sort of ruthlessness required to be successful in September. Sure Colm Boyle, Diarmuid O’Connor and Evan Regan have been excellent, but Aidan O’Shea, Cillian O’Connor and Lee Keegan have yet to hit the heights they have done in years gone by.
Kevin McLoughlin remains unconvincing in his defensive duties as a sweeper. The problem is a game against Westmeath will do little to answer any of the question marks that hang over this group of players.
5. Westmeath look for reaction after Leinster final
Following their Leinster final defeat to Dublin, Westmeath were unfortunate to draw one of the big guns in the qualifiers. The last time these counties met in the championship was in 2001 when the Lake County won a memorable clash at Dr Hyde Park, but this time around everything points towards a comfortable Mayo victory.
After last year’s defeat to Dublin at the same stage, Westmeath exited the championship rather meekly after a nine point beating to Fermanagh. This time around they’ll be focusing on a stronger display. Westmeath gave a really credibly display where they stopped Dublin from playing in the first-half of the Leinster final.
Tom Cribbin will roll out that double-sweeper system once again, and it’ll be interesting to see how Mayo cope with it.
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GAA Qualifiers Cork Donegal Mayo Westmeath