Tyrone and Dublin both strolled into the All-Ireland semi-finals unopposed at Croke Park on Saturday evening.
There was some expectation of an enthralling double header at GAA headquarters but neither Monaghan or Armagh were able to offer any real opposition. Those who had purchased a match programme were probably glad to have it and surely read it cover to cover, twice - there was little action on the pitch to sustain attention.
In the opening game, Tyrone put 3-17 past Armagh, an 18-point win for Mickey Harte's side. It was a thoroughly disappointing performance from Kieran McGeeney's men.
In the 6pm throw-in, Monaghan also disappointed, especially considering how close they ran Dublin in the league this year. In a game which was over far before the final whistle, Dublin hit 1-19 to Monaghan's 0-12.
The games left many wondering about how competitive next year's new Super 8s format will actually be.
Can't wait for the "Super Eights"... #GAA
— Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) August 5, 2017
Might struggle to get a Super 4 next year, let alone a Super 8.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) August 5, 2017
The atmosphere at Croke Park would have led one to believe they had handed out sleeping tablets at the turnstiles.
Vast swathes of empty seats in first half of first game, second half of second. Fair to say this double header hasn't really worked. #GAA
— Pat Nolan (@pat_nolan) August 5, 2017
A sign of the atmosphere in #CrokePark -I just heard a #Dublin player calling to @MDMA_9 for a pass -and I'm in the upper deck of the Hogan!
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) August 5, 2017
The deficit of credible opposition from both Monaghan and Armagh disappointed many.
I think we're all trying to pretend we've had an enjoyable day in Croke Park so far. But we haven't. Just so one-sided in both games
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) August 5, 2017
Two miserable games today, as much as they were hyped up. Tyrone and Dublin on another level.
— Kevin Coleman (@kvn_clmn) August 5, 2017
We're at a stage now where the Hill applauds points from the opposition out of sympathy
— Phil Egan (@philegansport) August 5, 2017
There's the top four and there's everybody else. So disappointed with Monaghan, I thought they'd bring a real challenge
— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) August 5, 2017
Monaghan have Dublin exactly where they want them...in the dressing room. But can they keep them there? #dubvmon
— Eamon Lowe (@EamonLowe) August 5, 2017
Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
