GAA League Preview: Round Two

On week one, Cork let us down, Mayo drew in a ferocious encounter, the Dubs scraped through a battle in the capital, and Armagh shone in the northern lights.

The second week of the National League is here, and each team will have learned a great deal about where they are with their journey for the coming year. Although still early days, the first league outings are primarily about getting to the speed of games for players after a long pre-season. There can be some cases of getting rid of dirty petrol in the tank and building towards the following week. The most important thing is to improve game-on-game. The winter conditions play a decisive role in low-scoring dogfights, as seen throughout the first round of games. These adverse weather conditions dramatically reduce the margins of victory, along with the soft ground, which tests the durability and stamina of players. Most games across the top divisions were decided by 3 points or less, and the teams that did run out comfortable winners all netted goals. As the saying goes, “Goals win games,” and even more so in these wintery conditions.

Interestingly, I know from experience some teams will be rearing to get back out and rectify mistakes after a weeklong slog of training and video analysis to correct and eradicate the mistakes made previously. On the other hand, teams will be full of confidence and itching to get back out there and continue their streak, but some will wish they stayed at home. Sport isn’t romantic, and there is always a hungry pack of animals chasing you down, especially at the highest level where complacency and overconfidence get crucified.

From a management point of view, the focus is on getting points on the board early on and settling the team down. When it comes to the business end of the league, management and players alike want to be looking up rather than down the barrel. As alluded to last week, the role of your position in the league will dictate your championship status come the summer when players become known countrywide, and their destiny awaits them in Croke park on a fine summer’s day.
I’m excited about the upcoming round of fixtures to see what reactions and game plans teams will deploy to gain them ever sacred two points on their league journey.

Kerry v Monaghan
Sunday 5th, 5.30pm
NFL Division 1
Venue: Fitzgerald Stadium

Two teams that will be looking to bounce back after opening-round defeats. Kerry started well, but the conditions and the fact they were later back to training than most teams meant they tired a little bit and got piped on the line. However, they won’t be too worried and will be confident of getting the two points on offer at home, even without some big players.
Monaghan will rue the mistakes that led to Armagh capitalizing and will come down with some confidence that if they can limit these, they can cause Kerry problems. However, Kerry will be too strong in Killarney and will get the ball rolling with a big two points.

Verdict: Kerry

Galway v Roscommon
Sunday 5th, 6pm
NFL Division
Pearse Stadium

Another game where I feel there will be nothing in it come 70 minutes. A Connacht Derby for Galway, two weeks in a row, is a challenge they will relish. Shane Walsh is the most notable absentee, but they will be confident at home after grinding out a draw against Mayo at a tough venue in McHale Park. A good battle-hardened team with a style of play where each player knows their role.
The Rossies got off to a flyer at home against Tyrone and looked impressive as a cohesive unit in defence and attack. They look like a team with a lot of work done under their new management team and will be looking to continue from last week. The loss of Ronan Daly and Shane Kiloran, who relocated to Dubai, are huge, but to their credit, the Roscommon panel look like they have depth and belief. The two Smiths and Murtagh coming off the bench helped steer the ship home against Tyrone, which will give them massive optimism. It’s a hard game to call, as it could either way, but I will stick with the All-Ireland runners-up at home marginally.

Verdict: Galway.

Kildare v Cork
Sunday 5th, 6pm
NFL Division 2
Venue: Newbridge

Newbridge or nowhere? Will Cork become the next victim of this iconic, old-fashioned fortress, or will the rebels bounce back from a humiliating defeat in Pairc Ui Chaoimh? Big questions that will need answering come 6pm Sunday. A massive game in the context of division 2, which is extremely competitive. Kildare will feed off the electric atmosphere and use their physicality to edge this one. Again, it’s a challenging game to call as Cork will feel they didn’t do their pre-season form justice and will know they have the work done. If they are able to minimize the goals conceded, they have the ability to score highly themselves. A cagey affair in Newbridge with the Lilywhite’s progressing.

Verdict: Kildare

Meath v Clare
NFL Division 2
Sunday 5th, 6pm
Venue: Navan

Another close encounter on the cards above in Navan. Two teams will be full of confidence after the opening round of the game. The kicking style adopted by Colm O Rourke has a lot to be admired, but I think Meath rely massively on goals. Though they are capable of taking them, if Clare can limit these chances, unlike Cork, I think they can come out with the narrowest of victories

Verdict: Clare

McCafferty’s will be showing all the games across their bars in JVC, Wafi and Al Furjan, so get down for some great drinks offers and live music throughout the weekend.