I certainly wouldn't like to think Down are the Donegal of the analogy. I remembet last year that many commentators and pundits were remarking on the refreshing style of play that Down were using to achieve their wins, in typical Down possession, quick pass, attacking play, than the usual brand of blanket defence football they had become so used to seeing being employed by ulster counties. Alot of our forwards are not great in stature but are fast and skillful to accomodate this (Poland, McComisky, Maginn) and it was working for a good period in the final last year where Im sure Rebel would admit we was worried by the direction the final was going in. Eventually however, the size, athleticism and physicality of the Cork squad began to impose itself (now dont get me wrong I am not saying Cork started playing puke football, much of their play was skillful and flowing) but you could see them starting to rough the Down boys up and you could eventually ssee Down players shying out of 50/50 balls etc. Its a tough one for Down, their attacking football is effective until they meet a skillful team who can utilise greater size and physicality also. But I feel adding size to the Down team would spoil their play somewhat and they would end up going backwards.
I rowed a lot with folk over the inclusion of McVeigh in the all stars after the crazy tactic of landing the ball on top of the cork midfield in the final as cork ha gotten on top. down certainly play football and don't adopt the blanket. Kildare play an entertaining brand, as do derry, kerry and Cork. Cork get lambasted for this keep ball craic but it would be daft to kick the ball away. if other sides came to go man for man, then obviously we'd not do that.
he maybe did it to instruction, but it was certainly a reason we were able to get a grip on the game last year. I'd be surprised if you hadn't learnt from it.
