Are Dublin vulnerable to route one football, and more talking points from the GAA weekend
Monday 4 March 2019 13:01, UK
After the weekend's GAA action, we examine the major talking points.
Are Dublin vulnerable to route one football?
Dublin are back up and running in Division 1, having put losses to Monaghan and Kerry behind them. While the Sky Blues are gearing up nicely for a tilt at a historic five in a row, some of the goals conceded in recent weeks may concern Jim Gavin.
Cathal Cregg's first-half goal came off the back of a high ball into the Dublin area. The Kingdom and Farney County enjoyed success with route one football against the Dubs in recent weeks, while Laois, Galway and Tyrone troubled the All-Ireland champions at times last summer with a similar tactic.
The Boys in Blue don't appear to have many weaknesses. But if there is is a chink in their armour, and it's a big 'if', it could be their rearguard struggling to deal with high balls.
Tyrone motoring nicely
Much was made of Tyrone's disappointing start to the league, after tame performances against Kerry and Mayo. However, Mickey Harte's charges have quietly turned things around in recent weeks, with a draw away to Roscommon and wins over Monaghan and Cavan.
Three points clear of the relegation zone, the Red Hands now have a puncher's chance of reaching the final ahead of their round six trip to Croke Park to take on Dublin.
With the championship still their number one priority, Tyrone are certainly moving on the right trajectory, and one win against Dublin or Galway in their remaining games would leave them in good stead.
Monaghan in deep relegation trouble
Following their opening day victory over Dublin, the Farney County were flying high. However, Malachy O'Rourke's charges have struggled to deliver another 70-minute performance, and four consecutive losses has left them lingering in the relegation zone.
Should they lose at home to Cavan in their next game, they will be drop to Division 2 for 2019. If they win against the Breffni County, last year's beaten All-Ireland semi-finalists still won't be guaranteed of safety.
Monaghan have punched above their weight this decade, buoyed by their lofty league standing, so Conor McManus and Co will know the importance of retaining top-tier status.
Games cancelled at short notice
Nobody is going to blame the GAA for the weather, but many were left to question the eleventh hour nature of the decision to call games off on Sunday.
Pitches in Cork, Waterford and Wexford were deemed unplayable with less than one hour to throw in, and many fans who made long journeys to follow their teams were left frustrated that they weren't given greater notice.
Could an effort be made to make a final decision on games at an earlier point?
Fixture plan leaves little margin for error
For the second consecutive year, the Allianz League schedule has been affected due to bad weather. With three Division 1 games postponed on Sunday, next week's scheduled quarter-finals will need to be pushed back.
Again, nobody can control the elements, but the current calendar doesn't leave much wiggle room for rescheduling, and with the extra week now needed to complete the hurling league, the April club month may suffer.
