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Replying To cavanman47: "Surprised this topic isn't hopping, maybe its a bit early, maybe some (like myself) are savouring the Ulster final win for as long as we can, maybe there isn't enough genuine belief that we can in fact beat Dublin.
So here goes. .a list of reasons why we CAN beat Dublin on Saturday:
1. We are Ulster Champions.
People have been saying for weeks that Donegal could be the team to finally beat Dublin. Well they're out. Because we beat them. In fact, we beat them even more comprehensively than the final scoreline suggests. So why shouldn't we feel that we're the ones who'll beat Dublin!?
2. Our midfield.
Meath pushed up on Dublin's kickouts. . .and got torn asunder. Because they allowed Con O'Callaghan to fetch ball unmarked in the centre of the pitch. Once Menton and Jones were pulled out of position, Cluxton had acres of space to pick out Con. We won't make the same mistake. Gearoid had dropped into that space for kickouts over the 4 games and can do so again (we'll need someone else to push up on John Small in that instance).
3. The high ball.
See Conor Madden's goal v Donegal.
Now see the Tyrone penalty in the 2018 final, the Kerry penalty in the 2019 drawn final, Comer's goal in 2018, Geaney's goal in 2016, McFadden's goal in 2014, Down's goal in the league in 2016. The list goes on.
The Dublin full back line and keeper can be got at under the high ball. And our delivery of ball last Sunday into the full forward line was top drawer. We'll need goals and we have a route to goal here.
4. Management.
It's hard to point out a huge amount that Dessie Farrell has done wrong with this Dublin team. But it's also hard to say he's done a massive amount right. They didn't make the league final and they weren't tested in Leinster. If it comes down to the wire this Saturday, I'll be much happier that we've got Mickey Graham on the line. He's pulled an army of rabbits out of the hat so far.
5. Pressure.
We have nothing to lose. Nothing. This season is the most successful season Cavan have had in 23 years, regardless of what happens on Saturday. It should let our lads play with an element of abandon, but also with a freedom to express themselves (which, crazily, they still managed to do on Sunday last).
I was going to add discipline to this list. The black cards were harsh the last day but maybe would've served as a reminder to be on our best behaviour. Add into the mix that Small and Cooper in particular are notoriously hot-headed and I'd have given us the upper hand there. Branagan probably evens that up because I don't think he'll make the big call against Dublin when the time comes." Good post. I agree with most of it.
The one area I am apprehensive about is just what Cavan will turn up on the day.
We are notoriously inconsistent. It is our achilles heal. Will we see the Cavan who lost at home to Roscommon in the league? Or will we see the Cavan who knocked out the AI contenders to win the Ulster championship?
If, and it's a big if, Mickey can get consistency into these guys, I genuinely believe we can compete with anyone. Truly. Our players have shown glimpses of serious talent, we just need to show it all the time.
Agree 100% that the long ball is the way to go. Forget about trying to play running football against Dublin. They are too fit, too strong, too atheltic, and too quick. They can be got at with a high ball and a route one style of football.
Also, we have the best man in Ireland for the job on the sideline. Slayed Kilmacud crokes in a club final recently, no reason to doubt him.
Cavan_Shambles (Cavan) - Posts: 575 - 02/12/2020 20:23:01
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Replying To lilypad: "Have to hand it to ye lads, all this talk about refs maybe causing you the match, and not a word about what you're facing into, ye'll do well to get within ten, even with the ref of your side." Put it like this, we won't wilt in the face of a tough challenge, unlike the Kildares and Meaths of this world who are already beaten before the ball is even thrown in.
Cavan_Shambles (Cavan) - Posts: 575 - 02/12/2020 20:26:16
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Replying To Cavan_Shambles: "Good post. I agree with most of it.
The one area I am apprehensive about is just what Cavan will turn up on the day.
We are notoriously inconsistent. It is our achilles heal. Will we see the Cavan who lost at home to Roscommon in the league? Or will we see the Cavan who knocked out the AI contenders to win the Ulster championship?
If, and it's a big if, Mickey can get consistency into these guys, I genuinely believe we can compete with anyone. Truly. Our players have shown glimpses of serious talent, we just need to show it all the time.
Agree 100% that the long ball is the way to go. Forget about trying to play running football against Dublin. They are too fit, too strong, too atheltic, and too quick. They can be got at with a high ball and a route one style of football.
Also, we have the best man in Ireland for the job on the sideline. Slayed Kilmacud crokes in a club final recently, no reason to doubt him." Yeah a very fair point.
I think the thing that gives me confidence that we will turn up is:
We knew if we didn't hit the ground running v Donegal, we hadn't a hope. And we came out firing.
We know if we don't do the same v Dublin, we are in for one hell of a beating. We simply must start well and the players and management will know that.
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5200 - 02/12/2020 20:45:34
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Lookin forward to saturday and seeing how we apply ourselves against the best in the business.
From reflecting on the wonderful win in armagh and our ulster championship I think something has changed in our county team. There is a new found belief and team spirit that is growing with every game and I think we are starting to know what we're about. We have a nice blend of disciplined footballers who simply work hard and play as a TEAM. I cant stress enough how this is the most important factor. The togetherness in that bunch is so plain to see and its power cannot be understated.
We can mix it in many ways and are very adaptable in game which has been showed throughout the Ulster champ. We have an outstanding goalkeeper some very experienced defenders with a penchant for turnovers, ball playing combatitive half backs, potentially one of the best midfield partnerships in the country, a hugely industrious half forward line who can all take scores and an inside forward line where the ball sticks.
We have a committed management team who are clearly very composed,excellent tactically and have displayed great trust in their squad and use of substitutes.
Against dublin I would like to see us put our best foot forward and seize the day. As impressive as dublin are, if we allow them impose their game it will be difficult but if we can win primary possession and control tempo of the game, trust in our football skills and commit bodies forward then we might just suprise a few people. Best of luck lads ye have lifted so many hearts this year so thank you but dont stop now.
Bluehead (Cavan) - Posts: 8 - 02/12/2020 22:06:29
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Loving the optimism in this comment section. But unfortunately the simple analysis of this game is Cavan like to play as compact as possible. Compact football is easier played on smaller pitches like the Athletic grounds. Dublin love playing with as much width as possible and will easily find space. Dublin by 10, Cavan can definitely be in it after 45 minutes though.
theroadtocroker (Leitrim) - Posts: 27 - 03/12/2020 04:35:59
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The dimensions are not as big as it may look
Armagh pitch 143 x 88 m
Croke Park 145 x 88 m
Its more how use to Dublin are to playing in Croke Park. They played Meath in the league, in Parnell before Championship. The first time they played a league game in Parnell Park in 10 years
But an excellent bench too. Mannion, Howard, McMenamin used as subs in Leinster this year
FoolsGold (Cavan) - Posts: 2832 - 03/12/2020 09:47:36
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Replying To theroadtocroker: "Loving the optimism in this comment section. But unfortunately the simple analysis of this game is Cavan like to play as compact as possible. Compact football is easier played on smaller pitches like the Athletic grounds. Dublin love playing with as much width as possible and will easily find space. Dublin by 10, Cavan can definitely be in it after 45 minutes though." That's true, we do prefer a smaller field, it works to our strengths.
Nonetheless, we are capable of making this game a contest.
My head says Dublin by 6 after a strong Cavan performance in which we at least tested them and asked questions.
My heart says Cavan by 4 :D :D
Cavan_Shambles (Cavan) - Posts: 575 - 03/12/2020 09:50:23
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Any idea what time lads will be heading for Dublin? Don't know if there is anything planned but might be an idea to let people know so they can maybe stand out along the route from breffni to white gate in there breffni blue colours and show there support for this brilliant group of lads heading off to battle.
Bla (Cavan) - Posts: 1 - 03/12/2020 10:39:12
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Replying To Bla: "Any idea what time lads will be heading for Dublin? Don't know if there is anything planned but might be an idea to let people know so they can maybe stand out along the route from breffni to white gate in there breffni blue colours and show there support for this brilliant group of lads heading off to battle." No idea.
For a 5.30 throw-in, they'll probably aim to be in Croke Park for 4pm.
They'll probably stop around Castleknock or the Halfway House on their way. (All in separate cars, some living in Dublin, so meet up and head into Croker at same time).
Work backwards from there, and they'll probably be heading thru Virginia sometime between 1.30pm and 2.15pm.
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5200 - 03/12/2020 10:57:03
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Replying To FoolsGold: "The dimensions are not as big as it may look
Armagh pitch 143 x 88 m
Croke Park 145 x 88 m
Its more how use to Dublin are to playing in Croke Park. They played Meath in the league, in Parnell before Championship. The first time they played a league game in Parnell Park in 10 years
But an excellent bench too. Mannion, Howard, McMenamin used as subs in Leinster this year" It is truly extraordinary that they get to use Croke Park even for league games. No other sport would countenance this arrangement.
Cavan_Shambles (Cavan) - Posts: 575 - 03/12/2020 13:06:42
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Replying To cavanman47: "No idea.
For a 5.30 throw-in, they'll probably aim to be in Croke Park for 4pm.
They'll probably stop around Castleknock or the Halfway House on their way. (All in separate cars, some living in Dublin, so meet up and head into Croker at same time).
Work backwards from there, and they'll probably be heading thru Virginia sometime between 1.30pm and 2.15pm." l want them to know l never was prouder of them. I first saw Cavan play in 1948 when they were at their best. The intervening years have had their moments but often painful. I met Mick Higgins after an Ulster final in the early sixties and l asked him what was the problem. "No winning team can carry duds" he confided. Last Sunday there were no duds in sight. The commitment and energy was immense and the result was a joy to behold. Come on the Blues!!
Declankillann
declankillann (Dublin) - Posts: 83 - 03/12/2020 13:17:55
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Thanks Quiet man for the tip off about the Ulster Final programme - a great idea that they have made them available especially when we couldn't get to the match. Your correct too about that elbow to the Donegal players head in the Ulster final - it was a red card all day and I'm glad the ref didn't spot it. No pundit or commentator seemed to notice it either but it was a break for us and they haven't always gone our way!
TheFean (Cavan) - Posts: 28 - 03/12/2020 22:57:15
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The nerves are beginning to sink in now. I wonder what awaits tomorrow?
I see two potential eventualities unfolding.
1. We don't show up and get steamrolled (like the Tyrone game last year).
2. We do show up and we give Dublin an almighty fright, but just succumb in the end and we earn the respect of the nation for our valour.
Ok, I see a third scenario too....
We rattle in two goals in the first ten minutes, one from Thomas Galligan who bursts two Dublin defenders in the process, and a Martin Reilly tap-in after Cluxton and Fitzsimons make a mess of a Gearoid McKiernan high ball.
We go in at half time 2 points up. Dublin enjoy a purple patch for the first 15 minutes of the second half and rattle off 6 without reply. 50 minutes. We're down by 4. We claw it back to one and it remains that way until 65 minutes, when Conor Madden rifles one over from outside the 45. It's a one point game with 3 minutes left. Cavan are probing, Dublin look rattled, they never got into it. Cavan win a free. Up steps Raymon Galligan and he nails a free off the ground.
There is one last attack, Dublin are in panic mode, Cavan throw everything in their way, it breaks for Dean Rock 40 metres out.......He looks up, but Gunner Brady races to close him down, he puts just enough pressure on a skyward shot.....it's dropping.......it hits the post, falls to Luke Fortune who clears it and the ref blows the whistle.
Cavan make the AI final............
COYBIB.........BELIEVE.
Cavan_Shambles (Cavan) - Posts: 575 - 04/12/2020 18:44:27
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Replying To Cavan_Shambles: "The nerves are beginning to sink in now. I wonder what awaits tomorrow?
I see two potential eventualities unfolding.
1. We don't show up and get steamrolled (like the Tyrone game last year).
2. We do show up and we give Dublin an almighty fright, but just succumb in the end and we earn the respect of the nation for our valour.
Ok, I see a third scenario too....
We rattle in two goals in the first ten minutes, one from Thomas Galligan who bursts two Dublin defenders in the process, and a Martin Reilly tap-in after Cluxton and Fitzsimons make a mess of a Gearoid McKiernan high ball.
We go in at half time 2 points up. Dublin enjoy a purple patch for the first 15 minutes of the second half and rattle off 6 without reply. 50 minutes. We're down by 4. We claw it back to one and it remains that way until 65 minutes, when Conor Madden rifles one over from outside the 45. It's a one point game with 3 minutes left. Cavan are probing, Dublin look rattled, they never got into it. Cavan win a free. Up steps Raymon Galligan and he nails a free off the ground.
There is one last attack, Dublin are in panic mode, Cavan throw everything in their way, it breaks for Dean Rock 40 metres out.......He looks up, but Gunner Brady races to close him down, he puts just enough pressure on a skyward shot.....it's dropping.......it hits the post, falls to Luke Fortune who clears it and the ref blows the whistle.
Cavan make the AI final............
COYBIB.........BELIEVE." Would that not make it a draw
tom84 (Cavan) - Posts: 334 - 04/12/2020 19:24:49
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Replying To tom84: "Would that not make it a draw" :D :D Well spotted!
I meant to say Ray would kick the winner.
Cavan_Shambles (Cavan) - Posts: 575 - 04/12/2020 19:47:43
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Replying To FoolsGold: "The dimensions are not as big as it may look
Armagh pitch 143 x 88 m
Croke Park 145 x 88 m
Its more how use to Dublin are to playing in Croke Park. They played Meath in the league, in Parnell before Championship. The first time they played a league game in Parnell Park in 10 years
But an excellent bench too. Mannion, Howard, McMenamin used as subs in Leinster this year" Croke Park is 145 x 89.5/90m, not much difference, but the surface is different with a portion of artificial grass which makes may make it a little bit faster. It is a home venue for the Dubs.
browncows (Meath) - Posts: 2342 - 04/12/2020 22:34:33
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Dublin are a fantastic Football team but are way over hyped in 2020. I feel they had a much better team 3 to 4 years ago when the Brogans and Connolly were playing with them. The reason they have been so dominant in recent years is that their main rivals Kerry and Mayo and to a lesser extent Donegal and Tyrone have gone backwards in recent years. They have a new manager this year and have not been impressive in the league losing to Tyrone and drawing with Kerry and Monaghan (who should have beten them). They have not been tested yet in the championship with facile victories over laois and Meath who like Cavan in last years Ulster final never showed up. This should all help cavan. The big advantage Dublin have is that at present all the other teams dont really believe they can beat them kerry if they had really believed had great chances in the last 5 minutes of the drawn game to put them away last year the same with Mayo on numerous occasion a few years ago when they had a brilliant team. if Cavan can stay in the game tomorrow and are still there with ten minutes to go i believe the opposite is true because of what they have achieved in each game so far this year they and Mickey truly believe they can down the Dubs
Come on Cavan
breffnibluewhite (Cavan) - Posts: 479 - 04/12/2020 22:37:40
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Good luck today from all in Donegal.
TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1194 - 05/12/2020 00:06:12
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Replying To browncows: "Croke Park is 145 x 89.5/90m, not much difference, but the surface is different with a portion of artificial grass which makes may make it a little bit faster. It is a home venue for the Dubs." Yes the surface a big thing. It's like a a carpet.
Dublin should really have a better stadium without relying on Croke Park. Parnell Park capacity of over 13,000 not suitable, when Dublin have big crowds at even league games. But they should really have developed their own stadium elsewhere and sold Parnell Park.
FoolsGold (Cavan) - Posts: 2832 - 05/12/2020 08:25:10
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Replying To Cavan_Shambles: "The nerves are beginning to sink in now. I wonder what awaits tomorrow?
I see two potential eventualities unfolding.
1. We don't show up and get steamrolled (like the Tyrone game last year).
2. We do show up and we give Dublin an almighty fright, but just succumb in the end and we earn the respect of the nation for our valour.
Ok, I see a third scenario too....
We rattle in two goals in the first ten minutes, one from Thomas Galligan who bursts two Dublin defenders in the process, and a Martin Reilly tap-in after Cluxton and Fitzsimons make a mess of a Gearoid McKiernan high ball.
We go in at half time 2 points up. Dublin enjoy a purple patch for the first 15 minutes of the second half and rattle off 6 without reply. 50 minutes. We're down by 4. We claw it back to one and it remains that way until 65 minutes, when Conor Madden rifles one over from outside the 45. It's a one point game with 3 minutes left. Cavan are probing, Dublin look rattled, they never got into it. Cavan win a free. Up steps Raymon Galligan and he nails a free off the ground.
There is one last attack, Dublin are in panic mode, Cavan throw everything in their way, it breaks for Dean Rock 40 metres out.......He looks up, but Gunner Brady races to close him down, he puts just enough pressure on a skyward shot.....it's dropping.......it hits the post, falls to Luke Fortune who clears it and the ref blows the whistle.
Cavan make the AI final............
COYBIB.........BELIEVE." Most likely scenario. . . 2
Next most likely. . .1
The reason sport exists, the reason we follow these lads throughthick and thin, the reason we dare to dream that anything is possible on a given day. . .3
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5200 - 05/12/2020 09:24:57
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