After a disappointing opening weekend to the Super 8 series, the second round of games has certainly won many viewers over. With today's two compelling games following yesterday's somewhat more prosaic affairs, it is some validation for a system so rigorously written off; that is, unless you're Colm O'Rourke.
Sitting beside a bemused Ciaran Whelan, Tom Parsons and Joanne Cantwell, O'Rourke remains obstinately opposed to the potential of the Super 8s, and nothing appears likely to change his mind.
Taking up his usual role on the RTÉ panel, O'Rourke reaffirmed his belief that an All-Ireland quarter-final ought to be decided over one game, and this series of three matches is an unnecessary distraction.
Although his point of view is undoubtedly shared by some, that it came at such a perplexing time struck many watching as ridiculous. Moments after Kerry's David Clifford had struck an injury-time goal to keep Kerry from an ignominious exit, O'Rourke believed it only served to show that the current system was perpetuating the progression of undeserving sides:
This just shows the folly of the system, that Kerry could go through winning one game. Imagine that, and you're into an All-Ireland semi-final.
Drawing a laugh of disbelief from Cantwell particularly, O'Rourke's resilient resistance is almost to be admired. Suggesting that Monaghan had "battered" Kerry, and Éamonn Fitzmaurice's team should not be near an All-Ireland semi-final spot, Cantwell wasn't the only one caught out by Colm O'Rourke and his ardent opposition to the Super 8s.
Same old tired analysis from O'Rourke. After a dramatic finish to the game all he can do is whinge that "Kerry can now make the semis winning just one game". So bloody what ... just because he's been against this from the start, he now feels vindicated🙄 #Dinosaur #SundayGame
— Cathal Duffy (@cathal__duffy) July 22, 2018
The last match day in that group is gonna be class, right down to the wire, and O'Rourke is still giving out #MONvKER
— A.J. Ó Cairbre (@AJ_OCairbre) July 22, 2018
Great to see Colm O’Rourke complaining about the Super 8’s even after two games like that today #giveover #qualitystuff
— Darren Acton (@actondarren11) July 22, 2018
That was a great finish from Clifford. Monaghan should have won easily but they fucked up. #KervMon
Nice to see RTE anaysts disagreeing Colm O'Rourke's constant misery
Also great not to have to hear Joe Brolly's prepared off the cuff smug remarks #monvker— Pat Allen (@lochgarman1798) July 22, 2018
You can watch the entirety of O'Rourke's post-match comments on this feature below.
'Monghan battered Kerry'. Colm O'Rourke isn't impressed that Kerry could go through to the All-Ireland semi-finals after winning just one game in the Super 8s. #RTEGAA pic.twitter.com/5wnvlJQECy
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 22, 2018
