Teams named for Croker clash

Photo: MichaelMaye.com

Both ourselves and Dublin have tonight named our respective teams for tomorrow evening’s National Football League Division One clash at Croke Park (throw-in 7pm).

Here’s our pick:

Mayo (NFL Division One v Dublin 4/3/2017): David Clarke (Ballina Stephenites); Donie Newcombe (Castlebar Mitchels), Keith Higgins (Ballyhaunis), Paddy Durcan (Castlebar Mitchels); Stephen Coen (Hollymount/Carramore), Colm Boyle (Davitts), David Drake (Ballaghadereeen); Donal Vaughan (Ballinrobe); Jason Gibbons (Ballintubber); Fergal Boland (Aghamore), Kevin McLoughlin (Knockmore); Diarmuid O’Connor (Ballintubber); Evan Regan (Ballina Stephenites), Cillian O’Connor (Ballintubber), Andy Moran (Ballaghaderreen),. 

And here’s Dublin’s:

Dublin (NFL Division One v Mayo, 4/3/2017): Stephen Cluxton (Parnells); Philly McMahon (Ballymun Kickhams), Michael Fitzsimons (Cuala), Davy Byrne (St Olaf’s); Darren Daly (Fingal Ravens), John Small (Ballymun Kickhams), Eric Lowndes (St Peregrine’s); Brian Fenton (Raheny), Michael Darragh MacAuley (Ballyboden St Enda’s); Niall Scully (Templeogue Synge Street), Dean Rock (Ballymun Kickhams), Shane Carthy (St Vincents); Ciaran Kilkenny (Castleknock), Eoghan O’Gara (Templeogue Synge Street), Conor McHugh (Na Fianna).

No, I don’t think either team will line out in the way they’ve announced. I reckon we’ll make two or maybe three changes to the team we’ve named and they’ll probably do the same. All, I guess, will be revealed tomorrow evening.

20 thoughts on “Teams named for Croker clash

  1. I reckon that Dublin team could be there for the taking if they line out with that team.

  2. I can see diarmuid o’connor going to midfield again for gibbons, which would allow cillian to come to the half forward line and maybe bring in the likes of doherty.
    I reckon brendan harrison will be brought in for donie newcome and possibly even lee coming in for drake, although you never know

  3. i think jason doc is out injured, right? anyways, i looked at the dubs forum and they are getting the excuses in early, the winning will come to an end someday and only extreme luck has prevented that on a few occasions.I am predicting a Mayo victory and our bucks to hit the net a couple of times.

    3 14 to 2 12

  4. I would agree with John Diarmuid as a third midfielder would give clarke more options with kickouts. And Cillian drifting to centre half. Cant see Newcombe starting and I think Paddy Durcan much more effective at half back
    Acid test for our management team pitted against the best in the business. Now that we have a strong bench its about making the best use of them
    A big night for Boland, im sure the dubs are doing their homework and monitoring Fergals star. I think croke park will suit him and his style of play. Hes up for it. If we ask Lee to play anymore hell be in meltdown by championship time. Selfish of management and supporters that we expect him to keep lining out.
    Dublin understrength but will not be keen to give mayo any psychological advantage later in the year. Intriguing contest bring them on

  5. Strengthening the full back line and moving closer to last year’s sweeper system is the key to winning this one. For me Drake got his chances at HB so unless we move him back to corner I would prefer Harry or Nally or Lee.
    Dublin also won’t have their strongest team.
    Shot selection important too as we were a bit wasteful last day and weather conditions have been awful. Expect a few games to be postponed but ours to go ahead.

  6. OnTheDitch. Why would Keegan b in melt down if he plays?? He’s played 2 & half games this year and we’re n March. These lads train all year round in 1 form or other anyway. If he’s not playing he’ll be training and it’s always said a game is worth more than any training session. The management backroom team and player will make a educated decision with All the facts at dere disposal!

  7. Yes ,mc Hugh s dad is from Swinford and mayo should have tried to get him years ago

  8. Dave the Dubs dont need to get their excuses in early. They have proved themselves the best team in Ireland twice in a row now. Won the league 4 times in a row. They have nothing to prove at this stage. We, unfortunately have everything to prove & beating them in early March won’t prove a thing in my opinion. No doubt we will lose the run of our selves if we win or lose for that matter. Clarkey to have a busy night but to prevail for a third MOTM. Draw game!

  9. RE Lee Keegan hes had 16 months of intensive training witout a break.
    Yes a hobby horse you can run him every week until he is ready fo the knackers yard. But a thoroughbred, you need to look after…

  10. Ontheditch, it was Keegans own choice to return for training to the Mayo squad. By all accounts he was only too happy to have got a run out in Castlebar last week.

    There’s no disgrace here. Mayo played 3 FBD and 3 League games in his absence.

  11. OnTheDitch. The people who are paid to look after this sort of thing have obviously said he’s ready to rock! It’s not like years ago where it’s opinion dere is science behind the decision. Between physiotherapists S&C dere will be a plan n place to look after Lee & da 40 odd dats in da panel at da minute.
    I am pretty sure wesport had at a 2/3 week gap after da Connaught final wit no training. Had maybe 2/3 sessions ovr Xmas and Lee was off to South Africa for a well deserved rest. So from da 1st of December to da 1st of March he’s probably done no more than da rest of da squad. If he plays then he’s ready if not than he’s not! Simple

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