Rory O’Carroll is moving to New Zealand to work and won’t be part of the Dublin squad in 2016.
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How do you think that will affect the respective strengths of Ulster and Munster?
Big loss. Hardest and lo gest term position to sort.
Could be game changing.
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Tyrone @16/1.
Charrrrrgggggeeee!!!
At least they have the league to prepare a replacement. As damaging as it is, it would be infinitely worse if he did a cruciate in May or something with nobody blooded.
True. But it took him at least 2 years to grow into it.
No obvious replacement. Cian O’Sullivan could do it without doubt in time and arguably quicker than anyone but do they want him out of centre back?
Full back and centre forward are the only 2 remaining positions that are specialised and remain as close to what they always were. The way players are coached these days there is no time put into player developing special skills. And thats whats making it so hard to fill full back these days, especially the higher you ho.
How is centre forward specialised over say, corner forward? Goalkeeper? Midfielder?
Fullback is unique relative to the other outfield positions but not all that hard to do well, need a cohesive set of backs and a smart/cute player to do it but it isn’t exactly quarterbacking.
Ya full back is a stroll in the park. Ffs.
Philly McMahon has played full back for Ballymun for years so would look the most obvious person but O’Sullivan certainly has the versatility and football smarts to do the job if asked. Then again you’d be losing what they bring to the team from other positions so a new man like Jarlath Curley of Vincent’s or Robbie McDaid who played full-back on some excellent underage teams of recent years could be tried there.
After an initial baptism of fire in the role O’Carroll has been quietly outstanding in it since the back door run of 2010 and that quiet effectiveness is the best mark of a great full back.
Dublin aren’t short on options and can survive his loss, but it’s a massive one all the same.
I think O’Carroll is overrated in a national sense - that being he’s a very good player in the best team in the country - which doesn’t necessarily transform into him being the best full back in the country. His importance to Dublin is certainly not overstated. Dublin have other good markers back there but they don’t have a guy with the size or presence that O’Carroll has.
I wouldn’t fancy the Dublin full back line against Murphy or Donaghy on the edge of the square without O’Carroll there. I know McMahon did an outstanding job on O’Shea last year but I think O’Shea lacks the cuteness of a top class full forward line and Mayo were pretty dumb in how they used him. There’s nothing that causes consternation in defences like a high hanging ball into defence and that’s what Dublin will struggle with now O’Carroll is gone. They can adjust for this tactically but how will that impact on their natural game?
Who was the useless fucker with the long hair Dublin tried in the league at full back a few years ago?
You not going to answer any of my questions so?
Sean Murray from Brigids i think. Not an option going forward.
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I think you are underestimating the liss and it would take an monumental effort for one of those young lads not to be exposed by experienced players like the Kerry lads or Murphy or whoever. Same goes for McMahon, club full back is a million miles from dealing with Mayo or Kerry forward line or the likes. His wrecklessness and attacking head would take alot of changing.
You are right about ROC & his quite effectiveness. But i think his positioning has been the most improved aspect. He is a massive hole in that team in my opinion. He allows the cavaliering of the other 2 and Cian Sullivan adds to that cover and drops back expertly.
No they are too ignorant
Rory O Carroll has forgotten more about full back play than many other full backs currently playing have learned. And I mean that literally because of all the concussions.
A big loss but not critical. Expect to see Dublin doubling up more than normal back there. I think they’ll look to groom Jarlath Curley or David Byrne rather than slot Philly in but using cover coming from O’Sullivan more so than before.
Which David Byrne is that?
The lad from Naomh Olaf. Playing with college in O’Byrne cup I think. If I’m not mistaken was captain when they won u21 in 2014 - was definitely captain last year.
I know the one. He has a bit to go.
It’s your man from the Talking Heads. It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for him.
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