Have Wicklow started counting their chickens already??

[Rynaghs Biffo]

While on a vist to south Wicklow so the sister, we decided to make the trip to Aughrim, to get a feel for the buzz about the place.

It was my first time in Aughrim, and hopefully the last. Its a grand little village, very picturesque, but jaysus, the ground is least to be desired! But in saying that, its not much better than the likes of what Birr used to be.

Anyway, because we arrived late, the only decent seat we could get were on the 21 yard line, which turned out to the best seat. The wind conditions were terrible as a strong gust was constantly blowing toward the village end, so all the action was happening at our end. Apparently, I've been told that there is always a breeze on that pitch, even on a supposedly still day!!!!

Not only was there wind but there was a huge amount of hype in the air. When Micko walking onto the pitch there was more cheers for him than the Wicklow players, maybe thats because Micko was the only one they'd recogise! There was even extensive TV coverage at the venue. If I'm not mistaken, I think Setanta Sports have televised all their O'Byrne Cup games.

All in all, I saw possible the worse game of inter county football in my life. OK, its the middle of January and so on, but the standard was of a junior standard. Dublin had an unknown team, apart from the likes of Brogan, Keaney and Cluxton.

In the first half, Dublin used the wind to their advantage by playing long direct ball into their full forward line. They picked off some great scores from about the 45 and further back, registering only about 1 or 2 wides, as most of their scores came from play. As for Wicklow, against the wind, it looks very scrapy. They just couldn't do the simple things right. Their main fault was the lack of movement off the ball. When the ball was in midfield, their half forwards were coming into the midfield and back further and crowding it out. This left huge gaps on the half forward line and the full forward line were too far forward against that breeze. They were kick passing to each from 5 yards, overpassing the ball and trying to hop the ball on a surface covered in sand. To move the ball, it took them 7 to 10 spaces to move forward 15 yards, and that was moving sideways, its was comical!!! But the only time they got close to the post, the scored a decent goal, which was badly needed.

Down by 9 points, as the players made their way to the dressing room, the crowd were cheering on Micko!!!!

In second half, Dublin maintained their control and did the simple things right, which Wicklow weren't doing. Brogan played more deeply and sweeped up ball between the half backs and midfield. As for the Wicklow, the tended to hoof the ball more often, which occasionally overran the full forward line, they even scored a point by the ball bouncing over the bar. The Dubs defended superbly, surrounding their men in 2 and 3's drawing out the fouls.

Dublin definatly deserved the win. As bad as Wicklow were, they have a few promising players, Earls at full forward, Glynn at corner forward, Byrne at corner back and Stafford at centre forward. As much as I think the whole Micko thing is blown out of proportion, I still welcome it. Its great to see counties being risen out of the dust and give the fans something to think about and cheer about. This could turn out something similar to the likes of Westmeath, Fermanagh or even Roscommon.

Wicklow to beat Louth in the first round, maybe. To win Leinster, HAHA!!

[turk]

Excellent reconaissance RB!

[Doon Massive]

All three of Wicklows games to date this year have been at home, and on setanta sports.

Luck of the draw?