There was not a tremendous number sea of blue in Croke Park for today's curtain-raiser of the Super 8 series; although in hindsight, some Dublin fans may have wished they popped in for a look.
While it scarcely made for a competitive game, Tyrone clocked up an impressive 4-24 to Roscommon's 2-12. The afternoon's second game was scarcely as one-sided; Donegal falling to a 2-15 to 0-16 defeat against the All-Ireland champions.
However, in attacking to the very end, Tyrone were at lest capable of tacking on some impressive scores.
What has soured the impression of many viewers more concerned with Dublin's clash against Donegal is the possession-based style Jim Gavin's men employed for the last 10 or so minutes of the tie.
Still theoretically within reach of Dublin, Donegal were forced into chasing players who never looked likely to drop a ball. As Joe Brolly remarked afterward; 'It was like dogs chasing airplanes.' The post-match possession stats certainly bore this sight out.
Frustrating for the viewer, it was extremely effective for the leading team. However, some are less than impressed.
Dreary dominance from a Dublin side not even at full tilt
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) July 14, 2018
Strong advert here for outlawing handball in Gaelic football.
— Larry Ryan (@RyanLarry) July 14, 2018
Super 8s - don’t make me laugh - unfortunately it’s still the same old drivel - the last ten minutes of this game has been mind numbing and boring - watching Dublin playing down the clock - how exciting 🤷♂️ A brand new era for Gaelic Football 😂😂😂
— Sylvester Hennessy (@Slyone1069) July 14, 2018
This is not attractive to watch from the All-Ireland champions as a well known Kerryman once said 'puke football'
— Finbarr Mc Carthy (@FiFinnymac) July 14, 2018
This is septic stuff
— Brian Ramsbottom (@TheOneRam) July 14, 2018
The implementation of this style - despite the relatively small scoring distance between both sides - took its tool on the atmosphere also.
Only a five-point game but there's a mass murmur in Croke Park. #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) July 14, 2018
Only a four point game, but curiously lifeless atmosphere.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) July 14, 2018
Although others believe the onus ought to have been on Donegal if this was how Dublin chose to operate.
Can’t blame Dublin for what’s going on here. It’s not the first time. They were at it after 15 mins v Tyrone last year. It’s up to the opposition to push out. If Donegal stepped man for man, this wouldn’t happen. It’s the only way to stop it
— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) July 14, 2018
Is this not an odd debate on @RTEgaa between Ger Canning and Dessie Dolan questioning Dublin’s keepball? Dublin there to win. The question should be why Donegal aren’t pushing up more to try and force turnovers which might influence the result?
— Tony Leen (@tonyleen) July 14, 2018
Next week, Dublin will take on Tyrone, while Donegal and Roscommon will both know that a win is vitally important if either side has designs on a semi-final spot.
