Cumann Chat: Star for Armagh, Dubs dominance and what is first, club or county?

ARE Limerick hurlers the new Dublin footballers? I wouldn’t be surprised if they win a few All-Irelands in-a-row. Their strength and fitness seems to be off the charts, and they’ve obviously been backed by a hell of a lot of money by JP McManus. But it is worrying – what will happen is that other teams will attempt to match Limerick in every respect (and why wouldn’t they?) and it does seem like it’ll get to the point where teams will be effectively professional in nature, even if the players have day jobs. Sponsorship seems to be more important than ever these days – Cuala hurlers, cough, cough – and the idealist in me wishes that wasn’t the case.

NIALL GARTLAND

A LOT of Mayo people will die happy if their team wins the All-Ireland this weekend, but I think it’ll turn out a bit like last year’s semi-final: that they’ll start fairly strongly before Dublin’s superiority shines through in the second half. There was a lot of talk about Cillian O’Connor’s performance against Cavan – that he’s a brilliant marquee forward after all – and his scoring record is unparalleled, but I’d be shocked if he shoots the lights out on Saturday. Aidan O’Shea had a decent 2017 final against Dublin, and they’ll need him around the middle as they’ve been considerably weakened there in the last few years. When all is said and done, and it pains me to say it, I think Dublin will win with something to spare.

NIALL GARTLAND

IT seems a long time ago now since Antrim were losing back-to-back Christy Ring Cup finals to Meath and Carlow. Now this year it appears that they have made a break from the likes of those teams, along with your Kerrys and Westmeaths. For years we’ve heard that Antrim were ready to push on, but now they have after a fabulous season. It can’t be a flash in the pan though, Ulster hurling needs something to aspire to and seeing them go up against some big names next year will draw a lot of attention. A series of hammerings would be hard to stomach, but the work must start now to ensure that they are more competitive than some pundits believe they will be. They have the talent to improve, they maybe just need a bit more belief. The silverware of this year can only help that.

NIALL MCCOY

WHAT comes first, the club or the county? I think there is a great deal more nuance to this question than we are allowing. It would seem that delegates from counties may be erring on the side of county first, then club. They see this as a way to best separate the two codes. If the inter-county is all wrapped up first, then club seasons can run ahead unfettered. The counter is that the season ending with the very best football on offer is an exciting proposition too. A county first means that the All-Ireland final stages will be played in the best weather. I think the concerns may come from those who want dual players protected, and also the clubs who don’t want counties coming knocking for players in November when they want their pre-season.

RONAN SCOTT

SO, that news came as a bit of a surprise. Armagh have added Kerry legend Kieran Donaghy to their management team. Orchard fans don’t seem how to take the news. For some, it brings needless pressure on the team and some undue attention. For others, if it adds a few scores to their attack next season then it will surely be worth it? It’s a long trek for ‘Star’ and we’re still not exactly sure how it will work, but Armagh are a Division One team and they obviously want to have a Division One management team too. Kieran McGeeney is a man who isn’t swayed by public opinion so if he thinks this is a good move, then it’s happening. It will add another great layer of intrigue to 2021.

NIALL MCCOY

IS a strong Dublin really a bad thing? The argument against Dublin’s dominance is that it puts players off playing the game. Supposedly players don’t want to bother togging out because sure Dublin win it every year. I don’t buy that argument. Perhaps the argument is that fans aren’t interested in the games because Dublin keep winning. The evidence they point to is that attendances are down. Last time I checked, the GAA was a participation sport. The success of our games is measured in the amount of folks who are playing. And players play the games because they are inspired by watching the best. So many lads in their 40s and 50s were inspired to play GAA because of the great Kerry teams. I see no reason why numbers in Ulster will not grow with lads being inspired by Brian Fenton and Ciaran Kilkenny.

RONAN SCOTT