Blues Defence Cooley Forwards
Niall Costello Ciaran Sheelan
Thomas Costello/Jamie Carr Sean Donnelly
Andrew Tinley Paddy Sheelan
Stephen Moonan Darren Marks
Eoghan Judge Brian White
Jimmy Murray Michael Rafferty
Summary
Seven into six positions won't go for the blues, someone is going to lose out.
but who?
Eoghan Judge has steadied the ship at the centre of the blues defence but will he be given the role of picking up Cooley's ace attacker Brian White on the forty?
I reckon one of the Costello's may lose out and Jamie will eventually end up picking up Brian White but Eoghan will possibly start out on him for solidarity purposes.
Cooley's achilles heel has been lack of scoring forwards and this year has been no different. The difference is, they know this now too.
White's free taking keeps them ticking over and right in every game they play. That means their is no pressure on the other forwards to score in fact its a bonus if they do!
The availability of Paddy Sheelan (semi final red card rescinded) is a major boost as he is a real match winner for them and adds quality to their inside line.
Ironically, The hard working Cooley forward line could stall the Blues most attacking platform right at the source the blues half back line!
but, do they have the quality to punish the Blues defence if it does become exposed from open play and from turnovers?
That is the major Question mark and the answer will go along way to deciding the winner on Sunday.
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| Pics Collette Sheelan |
Midfield
Keith lynch John Kermode Blues
Brian Donnelly Conor Rafferty Cooley
Summary
Crucial, Crucial sector for the Sunday afternoon showpiece.
Cooley have evolved away from the Strong and Physical duo of O'Neill and Hughes to the more mobile and athletic duo of Brian Donnelly and Conor Rafferty and it has brought them great dividends.
They are not only able to secure primary possession but get forward and score while helping out their defenders also.
However, there is question marks surrounding Conor Rafferty, he got injured in the semi and could miss out.
It should be fascinating battle as Donnelly has the best hands in the county but without Rafferty beside him their partnership and cooley's midfield will suffer. However I fully expect Rafferty to play.
Lynch and Kermode partnership has grown and been tested since the quarter final stage and they've really come into form.
The are not given the full responsibility to gain clean possession as Brian Kermode and Andy McDonnell help them out alot coming off both wings for kickouts.
Cooley's fully fit Midfield partnership is superior but, The blues midfield has an advantage in that they can concentrating solely on spoiling Cooley's by sitting and on marking them exclusively.
They did it successfully against the Pats, no reason why they can't do it again....but again, so tight to call and will be fascinating viewing.
Cooley Defence Blues Forwards
Richard Brennan Derek Kierans
Keith White Colm Judge
Alan Page Robert Carr
Patrick McGrath Andy McDonnell
Conor McGuinness Hugh McGinn
Shane Marks Brian Kermode
Summary
The opposite is the case for the Blues in their forward department...they have an abundance of scoring forwards. Judge, McGinn, Kierans McDonnell, Carr
but, is that a bad thing?
They all want the ball. They all want to score and will all want the glory!!
So, it could be a case of be careful of what you wish for....this is very unlikely however as they will create enough chances and whoever gets the ball in the best position will be capable of finishing.
Who will be assigned the tasks of picking up McGinn and Judge in the wide open spaces of the Gaelic Grounds?
McGuinness on McGinn and Possibly Richard Brennan on Colm Judge or vice versa will more than likely be the match ups.
Cooleys wing backs are very attack minded,and like to put Cooley on the front foot and they are quite good at doing so but, I alluded to earlier that blues wing forwards are kickout options. There is a massive height advantage between them and Marks and McGrath. Keith White could be shifted out there.
The Match ups Cooley management start with are crucial because there is so much talent and scoring potential in that Blues forward line.
GK
Neil Gallagher and Conor Barton
Summary
Chalk and Cheese in terms of experience here.
Gally is the County's number one Goalkeeper and played in numerous County finals
whereas Barton is a newcomer and in his debut senior season.
Both Keepers Kickouts look to give their midfield/half forwards the best possible advantage to gain possession. (Cluxton effect!)
A goalkeeping mistake occurred in last years final hopefully it won't happen this year.
Subs
all featured in this year championship
Blues
Aidan O’Brien
Barry Sharkey
Cormac McQuillan
Conor Brannigan
John McEneaney
Plus, the defender that misses out
Cooley
PJ McGivern
Jason Long
Gerry Malone
MJ Hanlon
Sean O'Neill
David Hughes
Sean McDonald
Summary
Nothing in it here really.....
Paul Moore Aidan O'Brien and Aoghan McGuinness are injured and will possibly play no part.
Otherwise there is alot of cover in all area's for both teams.
Conor Brannigan for the Blues Could be a match winner,
while Sean O'Neill will make an impact if needed.
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