SFC Players Preview Friday

You know the Drill

I ask the players

They give the most insightful answers

Enjoy!

Darren O'Hanlon St Patricks

Key battle or individual on show?
The key battle for me is between Brian White and Jamie Carr. If Carr can eliminate the threat from play of White then the blues will be half way to winning the game.


What is both sides main Strengths?
Both sides are similar in the way they set up. They both put a huge emphasis on crowding the middle third and stopping runners from deep. Both sides are also very well organised in defense and hard to break down.


Who will win and why?
I think the Blues will win. They have the greater scoring potential in their forwards and the advantage of playing the game in Drogheda cannot be underestimated.

Robbie Leavy St Mary's Ardee

Key Battle or Individual on show?
I think the midfield is where the game may be won and lost, both teams have plenty of scoring forwards, the battle for primary possession will decide on which forward line gets the better supply.I think Cooley may have the upper hand with Rafferty/Donnelly, but the Blues centre pairing of Lynch/Kermode have plenty of experience and will be well able for the Cooley boys. As for the key individuals, I think White and McGinn are the key players and will have a massive say in where Joe Ward ends up.

What is both sides main Strengths?

The Blues strength is there footballing ability, they have some top footballers in McGinn,Judgie, Jimmy Murray, Moonan and Andy McDonnell and if they click on Sunday they could play Cooley off the park. Cooleys strength is there physicality, they have some very strong athletic players in Brian and Keith White, Donnelly, Richie Brennan and Rafferty. They are capable of physically dominating the game and controlling the tempo.

Who will win and why?

Its going to be a very tight game, but I think Cooley will finally end there quest for Joe Ward. The two games against the Pats may have taken its toll on the Blues and it will be difficult for them to go again. I also think the fact that it will be the Blues and not the Pats that Cooley will be facing will have given them massive psychological boost, I reckon Cooley were probably quietly happy that the Pats where bet in the semis as I dont think they could face the thoughts of another final defeat to their neighbours!!

Darren Clarke Ardee St Mary's

Key battle or individual on show?

The main battle for me will be Cooley's ability to curb the threats from Blues attack with Hugh McGinn in great form and Colm and Andy back from the states and moving well it will be a big ask for Cooley to stop them doing damage scoring, if they manage to do this they will be in with a great shout. At the other end it will be important for the Blues not to concede needless fouls as Brian White will punish from placed balls. All this said hopefully we will see an open game, free flowing with plenty of scores!

What is both sides main Strengths?

Both sides have contrasting styles of play, blues would be seen in many ways as the natural footballing side where Cooley would bring a more physical approach, this year there style has changed slightly and they are well conditioned and playing good football under Colin O'Hares guidance and this is a main reason why they are in the final with such relative ease.

Who will win and why?

It has the makings of an intriguing encounter, both sides have been on the end of defeats in last few finals they have played in, we should see a fierce battle as neither side will want to loose another. I expect Blues to go into the match as slight favourites after beating St Pats with the return of blues trio Andy, Jamie and Judgie and coming through two tough games again the county champions this could prove to be the difference I wouldn't rule out the draw, but think blues to shade it by 1-2 points. Good luck to both sides!

Best wishes to Ken Rooney and the St Mary's minor team on Sunday in the Minor Championship Final...bring the cup home lads! 

Shane Lennon Kilkerley Emmet's

Key battle or individual on show

Key battle will be the middle 3rd of the field and who can get their hands on primary possession. Brian Donnelly and Conor Rafferty (if fit) have been dominating this area in recent games. Alot will depend on Keith lynch and Brian and John kermode if they can frustrate them.
Individuals to watch for Blues wing backs deserve lot of credit Moonan and Murray for their energy and ability to cover ground. And for Cooley 'Gooch' Brennan and Darren Marks have been playing similar roles for the Cooley men.

What is both sides main Strengths?
Free kicks could have a huge bearing on the game with 4 of the best in county on show on Sunday-White, Sheelan and Judgie and Mc Ginn.  

Who will win and why?

Very hard to call but Cooleys hunger could get them a marginal victory. Don't rule out a draw!!!

Carl Courtney Naomh Martin

Key battle or individual on show

The key match up for me will be between Jamie Carr and Brian White. Whoever comes out on top of this dual will have a big say in the outcome.
It's a bit of a cliche but the midfield battle will be crucial. Brian Kermode did very well against Paddy Keenan in the two semi final matches and he will need to contain Conor Rafferty the same way if the Blues are to be successful. Keith Lynch will be as clever as always and him and Brian Donnelly will have a good tussle also.
Cooley will be out to stop Andy McDonnell's and Hugh McGinn's running so whoever they put on them will need to have big games.


What is both sides main Strengths
Cooley's main strengths are their defence. They work really hard on the tackling and are a very experienced unit. Having not conceded a goal in this years championship confirms that.
Brian Whites frees are a massive addition to Cooley and the Blues will know that any fouls inside 50 or 60 yards will be punished!!

In the semi finals the Blues forward line were very impressive against the Pats and also against an experienced Mattock side. They seem to be working for each other this year and everyone of them are very capable of scoring heavily on their day.


Who will win and why?

Having seen both semi finals it's hard to call. The Blues have the tradition and won't fear Cooley on Sunday. Cooley will remember the feeling of losing numerous recent finals however this could also spur them on. As a neutral I'm hoping for an open game and I'm going to tip the Blues but only just!!!


Sean McCann Dundalk Gaels     
 
Key battle or individual on show

The key battle will obviously be in the middle third of the pitch, Cooley are strong in the middle with likes of Donnelly Rafferty and white so It will be up to the Kermode's and Keith lynch to try and at least break even in there. If blues can do that then likes of Hugh McGinn and Colm judge will be very hard to stop, McGinn has been player of the championship so far in my opinion he's flying. 

What is both sides main Strengths

Cooley are very physical and have had a number of lads on the county panel this year, they convert almost all of their free kicks so blues will have to be very disciplined in their tackling. Blues are a very fast attacking unit but they also get numbers behind the ball and attack from deep with likes of jimmy Murray and Stephen Moonan providing a great attacking threat from wing back. Both teams have a strong bench and the right changes and the right time could swing this in favour of either team.
 
Who will win and why?
I fancied the blues to beat the pats in the semi final and think if they can get enough possession around the middle with the forward line and pace they have coming from deep they will be very hard bet. Blues for me. 


Adrian Reid Mattock Rangers

Key battle or individual on show

I think the Blues half back line and Cooley's half forward line will be a key battle. The Blues half back line start their attacks and have been key to them reaching the final.  

The flip side is that they can leave their defense vulnerable at times and with Whiteser on the 40, they will be punished for any turnover ball.

What is both sides main Strengths

Both teams have great depth in their squad.

Who will win and why?

A lot of people saying that it's Cooley's year and who could begrudge them a Joe Ward at this stage! The same was said for Mayo however and we saw just how cruel sport can be.

Judgie and Andy have been massive since returning from the US. McGinn and 'Degzer' Kierans have been showing great form too. Their fire power might just be enough to see them over the line - Blues by a point.


Andrew Sharkey O'Connell's

Key battle or individual on show
Hugh McGinn

What is both sides main Strengths
Cooleys main strength is their all round power and strength all round the field.
Blues Strength is their forward line, with all forwards capable of scoring from anywhere I feel all of their 6 forwards are top quality!

Who will win and why?

Blues to win because more stronger all over the field!
Cooleys weak point is their defence...I just can't see them stopping the blues forwards!

Pepe Smith Dreadnots

Key battle or individual on show
Hugh McGinn v Conor McGuinness
McGinn has been key for the blues this year and seems to be in top form. McGuiness had a good season for Louth and it is very important for him to limit McGinns influence if Cooley are to win.

What is both sides main Strengths
Cooley
Brian White and Brian Donnelly seem to be in good form. Brian White is very accurate from play and from frees while Donnelly is good at driving forward from midfield.
Blues:
Two very attacking wing half backs and a forward line with Andy Mc, Judge and McGinn is very threatening.

Who will win and why?

I think the blues will shade it due to there better spread of scorers but I'd give Cooley chance if they can a grip at midfield from early on and don't concede any goals.


Ciaráin Sheridan Glyde Rangers
Key battle or individual on show
A player everyone will want to keep an eye on is the Blues' Hugh McGinn. He is the top scorer in this years championship with 3-21 and is a player who can make a real difference if given the opportunity.


What is both sides main strengths

Cooley's main strength in my opinion is their resolute defence. They haven't conceded a goal throughout the championship while getting a lot of scores in the process. Brian White's accuracy from frees will also be a massive advantage to Cooley and is something the Blues may not be able to counter.
The Blues main strength in my opinion is the attacking options they have. Hugh McGinn, Colm Judge and Andy McDonnell are all great players and if they play to their ability they can tear any defence apart.


Who will win and why?
I anticipate a good game and I think it will go down to the wire with the Blues just coming out on top. They have experience on their side from their '08 Championship win. They also have the confidence and momentum after their win in the semi's against the Pats. The Blues' quality should shine through and help them win by a couple of points.
  
Pop Rath Dreadnots 

Key battle or individual on show

Curtailing the influence of McGinn and White will be huge for both teams. While Moonan and McDonnell will have a big say for the blues getting on ball and starting attacks from the middle.
Donnelly and Rafferty will have to try to make sure they win primary possession to stop Blues building from there. 

With everyone focusing on the obvious threats, there is a chance for someone less obvious to make themselves a hero!


What is both sides main Strengths

Blues move the ball very quick and get good quality ball to their forwards,they will be looking to use their pace to their advantage. 

Cooley have yet to concede a goal in the championship and that will give them confidence that they can shut out the blues forward threat. I have not seen Cooley play in the championship to date so don't know how they will set out but, they have some good ball winners who can also launch attacks and have threats from deep themselves like Richard Brennan scoring in the semi final.
Both half back lines start their teams attacks and putting these on the back foot will be huge, it could be pretty even so whoever is more economical up front will win. with McGinn and White both very accurate from dead balls cutting down on conceding frees will be vital. 

Who will win and why?

Its going to be very close,too close to call. Blues have played very well since the quarter finals and beaten the pats so that will give them the belief that this will be their year to go on and win it. Cooley having not won it in so long and will also see it as a massive opportunity they need to take and it all points to a very exciting game.

I'm sitting on the fence!

 

Blues 8 Cooley 2 Draw 1

The players have spoken. 

O'Raghaillagh's were contacted but failed to reply if they would still like to, e-mail louthandProud@gmail.com