Fascinating discussion on the merits of Ulster football

[GeoffreyBoycott]

@Nembo_Kid

If you look at the last three years, 2013, 2014 and 2015 the teams outside of Ulster that came through the qualifiers to progress to the last 8 were:

Kildare 2015 - By beating Offaly, Longford and Cork

Cork 2014 - By beating Sligo in the qualifiersGalway 2014 - By beating Tipp

Cork 2013 - By beating Galway

It’s no surprise that these teams that managed to make it through to the last 8 did so as they avoided an Ulster team on their way.

@maroonandwhite

Amazing how quick seasons change, two weeks ago cork were robbed in a display where they stuck it to the critics, now they are at the bottom of the well again. Any given Saturday.

@GeoffreyBoycott

There was a stat quoted on one of the daily papers during the week that in Round 4/Last 12 Qualifiers, beaten provincial finalists over the years had only won 20 and lost 36 of 56. After yesterday, that now reads won 20 and lost 38 of 58.

For whatever reason, beaten provincial finalists seem to have a major problem in refocussing and regrouping.

@Nembo_Kid

I have comprised a fact based theory that corrects your assertion of teams not being able to regroup being the reasoning behind that stat.

It’s do with Ulster teams coming into play in that stage and how they are better than teams from other provinces.

Your fact based theory in respect of Ulster performances in the qualifiers in 2014 looks somewhat flawed in light of the following set of results.

Derry were beaten at home by Longford in Round 1 of the Qualifiers.

Fermanagh were beaten by Laois in Round 1 of the Qualifiers

Down were beaten by Kildare by 10 points in Newry in Round 2 of the Qualifiers.

Cavan were beaten by 11 points at home in Breffni Park by Roscommon in Round 2 of the Qualifiers.

Antrim were beaten by a Division 4 side Limerick in Round 2 of the Qualifiers

Monaghan were knocked out of the championship by Dublin - hammered by 17 points.