4 key factors in this weekend’s GAA
By Peter McNamara
Before the Allianz NFL began, John O’Rourke told
Read More:
The Carbery Rangers’ clubman, named at centre-forward, was spot on in his assessment and will be an essential cog in Cork’s wheel at headquarters tomorrow alongside roaming attacker Mark Collins, one of the most impressive performers on show in the division.
If O’Rourke and Collins, via darting, incisive runs, can penetrate Donegal in between their defensive lines, Colm O’Neill, Brian Hurley and Cork will benefit.
Without saying so directly, Rory Gallagher revealed how intense Donegal’s training is at present when he referenced their ‘championship’ sessions.
Can they grind Cork into submission tomorrow?
Donegal’s methodical approach to building match-winning totals is renowned already.
Additionally, in Ballyshannon, they held the Rebels to 1-8.
Furthermore, with Michael Murphy returning from suspension Donegal can severely test Cork’s full-back line with long-range passes if they so wish.
However, how often have we seen Murphy operate in a withdrawn role?
Donegal, on this occasion, may be better served with Murphy remaining on the edge of the square.
Cork won the league in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Since then, Dublin have taken up the mantle of league-title front-runners each season and are now themselves attempting to land the silverware for the third year on the spin.
Will they achieve that objective? Jim Gavin’s men are certainly primed to at least reach another final based on the damage they inflicted on Monaghan in their last two competitive encounters.
The key element of this tie from Dublin’s perspective will be whether or not they can negotiate another potential defensive blockade successfully.
I believe they will, comfortably.
Much greater things were expected of Monaghan last Sunday in Clones against Dublin however, Malachy O’Rourke’s side were soundly dismissed on their own patch.
They are definitely knocking on the elite’s door.
Yet, last Sunday acted as a reminder that the northerners are still very much on a learning curve at this grade.
Crucial for Monaghan will be how they set their defensive unit up.
If they fall behind in the opening quarter, it will be a long afternoon for them.
Drew Wylie and Vinny Corey, in the heart of their rearguard, need to produce eight-out-of-10 level performances.
