ONLY inches separate a kick in the arse and a pat on the back, as Derry well know. I fancied that if they could see a return to form by some of their key men then a result in Castlebar was a distinct possibility. But it was going to take more than that against Mayo.
Finding that defensive solidity and honesty to the system that had been so successful for them was a must and Conor Glass as we all know is critical to that. I felt it was the first championship game this year that we saw the Glen man perform that role that he thrives best in, that role that Derry need him in if they are to compete with the best.
Back patrolling the ‘D’ area, protecting his full back line while closing off the centre. He sets the tone and everyone else follows.
If the foundation for a chance at victory was built on defence then it was still going to take a sprinkling of stardust from men at the top end of the pitch who had gone off the boil in the last few games.
Four outstanding points from play by young Lachlan Murray, another couple from Brendan Rogers, Shane McGuigan and Ethan Doherty; although not shooting the lights out Derry were starting to look like their former selves the longer the game went on.
Talking of pats on the back rather than kicks in the arse, when it came down to penalties Odhran Lynch once again demonstrated why no team wants to get Derry in a dead ball shoot-out. It was a great moment of redemption for the big Derry net-minder who showcased once again what a brilliant shot-stopper and presence he is between the sticks.
With Kerry up this weekend, Derry will be licking their lips at this challenge. I actually think the quick turnaround will be an advantage as they can feed off the buzz, confidence and momentum of the Mayo victory. But will they topple the Kingdom?
I think they have a serious chance and I fancy it to be a close game, but I feel that Kerry will come through to end Derry’s season.
This time last week I was praising Tyrone for their efficiency in front of goal in their win over Cork. What a difference seven days can make. Unlucky thirteen wides to Roscommon’s three tells a tale of wastefulness in front of goal which was punished by the ruthless efficiency of the Rossies.
You have to give Roscommon great credit for going to Omagh and kicking 13 of their 14 points from play, executed by just four players.
I found it strange that Tyrone would appeal Conn Kilpatrick’s red card and then not play him from the start once it was overturned. As another season ends in disappointment for Tyrone it leaves more questions than answers as they try to bridge that gap between success at U20 level and mediocrity at Senior.
As we look ahead to the other two quarter finals involving Ulster teams this weekend, Donegal will be very conscious of the threat that Louth will bring. A team in bonus territory are a dangerous animal.
The men from the wee county would almost remind you of the Fermanagh side of 2004 who knocked Armagh out at the Quarter Final stage before taking Mayo to a replay in the All-Ireland Semi-Final. I still fancy Donegal to come through but again not without a fight.
Armagh will have their work cut out against a Roscommon side brimming with confidence after their result in Omagh. But they know what they need to do and with just four scorers the last day, they know who on the Roscommon team they need to shut out. I fancy Armagh to win this one.
Come Sunday evening, we could have three Ulster teams through to the All-Ireland Semi-finals and wouldn’t that be great to see?
There has been much speculation this week about whether or not we have seen Conor McManus in a Monaghan shirt for the last time. Sport rarely does fairytale endings but if this is the case, then the game is about to lose one of the finest players of a generation and arguably Monaghan’s best player of all time. What an unbelievable servant he has been to his county.
Early last week I was rocked by the sad news of the sudden passing of Devenish native and former Fermanagh corner forward and selector Paul Coyle. I got to know Paul very well in my time with Swatragh Senior Footballers where I coached his three sons Peadar, Niall and Feargal.
Paul was very instrumental in helping me with so many things in the background, in a very quiet unassuming way, never interested in any recognition. He was a great man for bouncing things off and despite having three sons at the forefront, you never had to worry about him keeping your counsel.
It was also sad to hear the GAA lost another giant of the game on Tuesday with the passing of iconic commentator Micheal O’Muircheartaigh. His unique style and quick wit was unrivalled as his story telling was the stuff of lullabies.
I think my personal favourite quote was one from a hurling match between Galway and Tipperary “Pat Fox has it on his hurl and is motoring well now...but here comes Joe Rabbitte hot on his tail...I’ve seen it all now, a Rabbitte chasing a Fox around Croke Park!”
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha
