Five takeaways from the weekend’s GAA action
After the opening weekend of the National Leagues, we take a look at what we learned from the action.
Monaghan making full use of new rule
Monaghan’s use of the attacking mark showed just how a team can capitalise on the new rule, and it was a sight to behold. The Farney frequently looked to send the ball in long, and Stephen O’Hanlon’s opportunism to steal in for a goal after fielding a high ball summed up just how effective it can be.
The new rule brings one of the sport’s greatest skills back into play, and Malachy O’Rourke has clearly been impressing its benefit upon his side.
Given the debate surrounding the hand-pass rule, the attacking mark has not been afforded much airtime in recent weeks. However, if more sides follow Monaghan’s lead, it could have a lasting impact on the sport for the better.
Will Monaghan’s victory offer other managers food for thought?
Without Stephen Cluxton, James McCarthy and Ciaran Kilkenny, Dublin were beaten on the road on Sunday afternoon. Defeats for a Dublin first team have been few and far between in recent years, with the 2017 league final against Kerry being the last time Jim Gavin selected a team of front-liners which finished on the losing side.
While the Sky Blues remain hot favourites for both league and championship, Monaghan’s direct style of play may inspire other managers to attempt to hurt the Dubs with long balls on the break. Expect others to try and replicate it in the coming weeks.
Discipline may be an issue for the Wexford hurlers
Wexford fell to Limerick in an ill-tempered clash in the south east on Sunday afternoon. It was Wexford’s third game of 2019, after Walsh Cup ties with Kilkenny and Galway. In each of the three games thus far, the Yellowbellies have received red cards, with melees marring the contests.
It Is not sustainable to consistently finish games with less than your full complement, and Davy Fitzgerald’s charges will need to clean up their act going forward.
Offaly’s woes deepen
After a promising 2018 league campaign which saw them finish third in Division 1B, the Faithful endured a thoroughly disappointing start to 2019 as they were hammered by Waterford in Thurles. More worrying for Kevin Martin than the 27-point margin was the fact the Faithful only managed to muster up seven points across the 70-plus minutes.
The goal for Offaly this season is to reach the league quarter-finals and win the Joe McDonagh Cup. Losing to Waterford in itself does not damage those aspirations, but the manner of the defeat certainly ought to set alarm bells ringing.
Winning start for newcomers
Three of the highest profile incoming managers this year are all up and running in the league. Liam Sheedy, James Horan and Peter Keane all saw their sides pick up two points this weekend.
In each case, there is huge expectation on them to perform. Had they lost their first game, there would have been imminent pressure.
An opening win allows them wriggle room in the coming weeks.
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