Perhaps, but Armagh dominated Ulster during the 2000s, winning 6 or 7 titles.
I doubt if they would have won so many provincial titles if they were in Munster or leinster.
I think from the point of view of physicality (the hard hits etc.) it would take Kerry a while to get to grips with Ulster, but they would, in time, and their unrivalled natural football ability, combined with their newfound toughness, could if anything see them become even stronger.

joncarter (Galway) - Posts: 2692 - 19/09/2015 20:31:36    1789358

For geater balance, prov champs should retain two chances to make the AI QFs and the Quals cut to three rds.
I would do the following -
1) Seed 1st Qual Rd of 16.
2) Four Prov losing finalists join 2nd Qual Rd of 20 (open draw).
3) Two Prov champ losers (after 4-team champ playoffs) join 3rd Qual Rd of 12 (seeded draw).
4) 6 Rd 3 winners join 2 unbeaten prov champs in AI QFs (open draw).

Then, Qual teams have less momemtum and the uls and other hamps get an extra match.
Do you support ?

omahant (USA) - Posts: 2632 - 19/09/2015 20:54:15    1789370

Winning Ulster might or might not be a poison chalice. Some of Ulster weaknesses can also be one of its strengths.
Monaghan have slowly improved year on year because Ulster was an obtainable goal. After that an All Ireland semifinal appearance has become the goal. Donegal started with Ulster it was obtainable it was something to strive for, then an All Allireland title became the focus.Fermanagh will target Ulster next year.They probably wont win it, but they will believe it's achievable.

Can we say the same would of happened to Monaghan's progress if they were getting hammered by Dublin or Kerry in the provincials a goal that might have been seen as unachievable. Would amatuer players buy into it as much ?
There is no doubt if you are a top forward in Ulster you would look at the other provinces with envy , a place where you showcase your talent with a lot less grief.
Also the case of Donegal playing Tyrone in a preliminary round is crazy.
Weaker counties need achievable goals and without sounding smart Ulster to a degree offers this , Leinster or Munster or Connaught doesn't. This by default has allowed Ulster become the most competitive.

AthCliath (Dublin) - Posts: 4347 - 19/09/2015 21:18:08    1789383

UP4IT Tyrone, I am only stating facts here. I was going in our local hotel for a meal one sunday evening when your beloved red hands arrived at the same hotel with the Anglo Celt Trophy. Brian Dooher ran up the steps into the hotel with it, ( They had just beaten us in the final ) His backside hadent hit the seat in the hotel while the cup was escorted out through the side door of the Hotel and into the boot of a waiting car, probably going to its home in Aughnacloy where it remained until it was time to return it to the Ulster council the flowing spring.

border Gael (Monaghan) - Posts: 894 - 19/09/2015 21:43:50    1789391

joncarter
County: Galway
Posts: 2107

1789358
Perhaps, but Armagh dominated Ulster during the 2000s, winning 6 or 7 titles.
I doubt if they would have won so many provincial titles if they were in Munster or leinster.
I think from the point of view of physicality (the hard hits etc.) it would take Kerry a while to get to grips with Ulster, but they would, in time, and their unrivalled natural football ability, combined with their newfound toughness, could if anything see them become even stronger.

Correct, but the converse is also the case. Would dublin or kerry, or mayo have won as many ulsters as they have had their own respective provinces. How would they fare away from home more than playing at home most of the time. How would they have faired with longer seasons? Might be still up at the top but all ireland final appearances could be much less of a formality.

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3830 - 20/09/2015 12:44:08    1789473

You have hit the nail on the head there Ath Cliath. Of course things change quickly as well. It wasn't that long ago that Leinster had 6 different winners in 9 years, or that Ulster had only 2 different winners in 12 years.

Soma (UK) - Posts: 2630 - 20/09/2015 12:48:11    1789474

Why win Ulster? Only chance any Ulster teams have of silverware for the next few seasons. Competitive doesn't means its quality.

elvistheking (Galway) - Posts: 99 - 20/09/2015 12:55:11    1789476

Why win Ulster? Only chance any Ulster teams have of silverware for the next few seasons. Competitive doesn't means its quality.

ah now, its been a while since any team from Connacht have won anything outside their part of the country, much longer than Ulster that's for sure. In my opinion there is very little between 4 or 5 teams at the top on any given day (Kerry, Dublin, Mayo, Tyrone and Donegal). If Tyrone had taken their goal chances against Kerry they could be playing today. If Mayo took their chances better against Dublin both days they could be playing today as well. Last year Donegal could have been AI champions but for a horrible kickout (fair play to Kerry, they capitalised) and we know how Donegal dealt with 'the unbeatable' Dublin side the previous day. There was little between Donegal and Tyrone at the start of the championship as well. Kerry and Mayo fought out two very close games last year.

I think the championship is as competitive as its ever been. The problem comes when one of those teams meet a lesser team, blitz them and then the sensationalists on here come out and call them 'unbeatable' and '5 in a row' predictions before they've met a serious team. Some people need to realise that you probably wont see a close hard fought game until the provincials are wrapped up, with the exception of Kerry v Cork in Munster but at least Munster keep them apart until the final. Ulster needs to do the same if they want the best out of their big teams.

SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts: 2388 - 20/09/2015 15:13:32    1789525

Joncarter
County: Galway
Posts: 2107

1789358


Perhaps, but Armagh dominated Ulster during the 2000s, winning 6 or 7 titles.
I doubt if they would have won so many provincial titles if they were in Munster or leinster.
I think from the point of view of physicality (the hard hits etc.) it would take Kerry a while to get to grips with Ulster, but they would, in time, and their unrivalled natural football ability, combined with their newfound toughness, could if anything see them become even stronger.

There is no "natural" football ability, not when your talking about a team or a large group of players. One player or possibly two player, but not a County.

There is simply coaching methods and structures and a willingness to evolves over time. If you look closely at Kerry over the past 6 years, you will see that they are no great shakes. They are one of the top teams, but certainly no better than any of the others.

Regarding Kerry in an Ulster Championship, they would be similar to how Tyrone have been over the last 10-15 years.

Shidoshi (Donegal) - Posts: 85 - 20/09/2015 18:26:10    1789651