Its such a deflating feeling today. Everyone else has already pointed out the observations so I won't. I agree with the 4 players who came out of it with credit and the overarching statement that the management team must shoulder massive amounts of responsibility for that terrible performance. Will we ever get over this inconsistency we always seem to have these days?
Having read all the comments too - two other things:
- fair play to Waterford. Their backs were to the wall; they got their best players back on the field and gave it socks for the whole game. They deserved the win.
- online abuse of players is sickening. Say a fella didn't have a good day. Say you wouldn't pick him the next day. That's all within the bounds of reason and fairness. But anyone who gets personal on the abuse of a player, ours or an opponent, needs to have a serious look at themsleves.
Looking forward to next week and the month ahead:
GK - I suppose it has to be Collins nearly. I desperately hoped Saunderson would have gotten more time in the league so he could become a viable option but it never happened. So it would be very difficult now, baring injury, to drop him into next weekend.
FB - Sean O had a fine game and kept Dessie quiet. I'd put him on the excellent Aidan McC next week. How Shane Kingston from last years U20 team wasn't on the squad this year is a complete mystery to me. He seemed to be exactly what we needed - young, hardy, physical player who defends first and hurls second. But alas, between Damien and Roche its a toss-up. I think Damo gets a lot of unfair criticism. Not one of his best days yesterday but I'd keep him, just, on a short leash, for the Clare match. I'd keep Ger and give him a man-marking job on whoever the opposition roaming forward is. He's good at that. Asking him to play positionally isn't using his capabilities properly IMHO.
HB - Joyce at CB. Poor game yesterday. Looked off form. But we need him next week to be firing. Rob Downey at #7. Should never have been out of it. Best player in the league for me at that position. He needs to cover Duggan. Another annoyance for me was the lack of usage of Daire O'L. Not sure if he was injured or not but he was certainly one of the best on that U20 team and deserved better since then I feel. Maybe too late for this year already unfortunately so I'd go with Eoin Downey, again on a short leash as he has yeat to fully convince, but he's earned a shot.
MF - assuming we play three there I'd go with Colemen, Ethan Twomey and one of Tommy or Roche (if his form has recovered). I'd give Tommy another go. He did a lot of tracking back and hooking/harrying/hassling yesterday that isn't glamorous and won't get headlines. But for the love of God keep him out of the half-back line for his own good. Hoping Mullins is fit and ready soon - he's a savage young player who I'd have in there as a sub for next week.
Forwards - Fitzy, Tim & if he's fit Dalton. If he isn't fit then Cunningham. Barrett & Connolly. Keep Connolly close to goals. He's John Fitzgibbon in disguise. Cracking player. Hope he stays fit from now on. Barrett has earned his place and took his chance very well yestreday. I'd have Robbie, Jack O and Hayes ready to come on.
Collins
O'Donoghue Cahalane Mellerick
Downey Joyce Downey
E Twomey Coleman O'Connell
O'Mahony Fitzgibbon Dalton/Cunningham
Barrett Connolly
Subs: Saunderson, Roche, N O'Leary, Mullins, Hayes, O'Flynn, O'Connor
Interested in fellas thougts. Not the usual 'ah delusional, Corkness, hurling snobs' bullshit. Actual proper reasoned thoughts on what you would change from mine?
