GAA weekend talking points: Dublin surge ahead, Kerry struggle
Monday 24 June 2019 22:42, UK
Following the weekend's Gaelic football action, we discuss the major talking points.
Gap behind Dublin getting wider?
Dublin's march to a ninth consecutive Leinster title culminated in yet another facile Croke Park triumph, and they're safely into the Super 8s.
While many of their perceived challengers continue to falter, Jim Gavin's charges are warming up nicely.
Having taken the first steps on the road to the 'Drive for Five' with minimal fuss, they look peerless right now. Mayo, Tyrone and Galway face a scrap to even reach the All-Ireland quarter-final stage, while Kerry seem to be far from the finished article.
Even after a slow start against Meath, they ran out 16-point winners over a side that will be in Division 1 of the National League next season.
The most frightening aspect of this for the chasing pack? It looked like they didn't even move into top gear.
Donegal best of the rest?
Donegal retained their Ulster title in style on Sunday, and sailed into the Super 8s. In the minds of many, they are the best-placed team to challenge Dublin in 2019.
Declan Bonner has serious firepower at his disposal. In the first-half, they picked Cavan apart with impressive score-taking. Paddy McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Jamie Brennan and Ciarán Thomspon are all capable of notching up significant scoring tallies.
At the other end of the field, Shaun Patton put in an exhibition from kick-outs, and his distribution was a real threat.
Can they take the next step and come through the Super 8s unscathed? If their key stars remain fit, they'll feel they have a real chance. From there, anything is possible.
Kerry struggling
Throughout the league and much of the build-up to the championship, this young team was being talked up as real contenders for the All-Ireland.
On the basis of Saturday's Munster final, they have major work to do ahead of the Super 8s. Cork took just one of three goal chances in the first half, and found the net on two more occasions after the break.
The Rebels were not only wasteful when going for goal - they will also feel that they could have been more efficient with the eight wides they kicked.
There are serious question marks over the Kingdom's defence, and Peter Keane will know superior opposition will make them pay dearly.
Cork moving in right direction
Whatever about Kerry's limitations, the Rebels delivered a performance that Cork football had been craving. Amid talk of a crisis within the county, Ronan McCarthy's charges went toe-to-toe with a side that beat them by 17 points in 2018, and will feel it was a game that they left behind.
They now head for the qualifiers, optimistic of reaching the Super 8s. Perhaps most pleasing from a Cork perspective was that they are beginning to deliver on a potential that's clearly there.
Relegation to Division 3 was undoubtedly a blow, but if they maintain their performance levels in the All-Ireland series, it's likely that their lowly springtime status will only be temporary.
If the qualifier draw is kind to them, there could be a long summer ahead for the Munster county.
McCarthy uninterested in moral victory
End of an era in Monaghan?
After seven successful years at the helm, Malachy O'Rourke stepped down as Monaghan manager on Saturday night. The Farney County enjoyed a remarkable few seasons throughout his reign, capturing two Ulster titles and reaching their first All-Ireland semi-final since 1988.
O'Rourke made it clear that he feels a fresh voice could benefit the group. Right now, it remains to be seen whether they can stay competitive at the top table.
Underage talent continues to break through, but some of the key stars who have been central to the county's success this decade have miles on the clock.
Sky Sports' live GAA coverage continues on Saturday June 29, with Tyrone travelling to Newbridge to face Kildare, and Mayo hosting Armagh.
You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us@SkySportsGAA and get all the latest news, previews and interviewswww.skysports.com/gaa.
