We asked, you answered.
Following Dublin’s 2-9 to 0-15 draw with Mayo in the All-Ireland Final, much of the talk revolved around the reigning champions and their misfiring forwards.
Only two starting forwards [Dean Rock and Diarmuid Connolly] managed to point from play for Dublin while Paddy Andrews got 0-2 after coming off the bench in the first half.
While Mayo’s forwards only managed 0-4 from play themselves, the off days experienced by Bernard Brogan and Paul Flynn got a lot of fans and pundits talking. Connolly was kept relatively quiet by Lee Keegan but played a significant part in one of the own goals and won some crucial turnovers in attack and defence.
If Cody was over Dublin Brogan and Flynn wouldn't start the next day. Dublin haven't been near as good as last year. Mayo def can win replay
— Redmond Barry (@ReddBarry) September 18, 2016
The topic was discussed on The GAA Hour last week and while Colm Parkinson advocated the Brian Cody approach – dropping under-performing stars – former Dublin back Barry Cahill believes both men are more than capable of turning their form around for Saturday’s replay.
We debated the Brogan-Flynn issue in ‘The Toughest Choice’ and put the selection call to the vote. Just under a thousand votes later and we had our answer – keep the faith… just. The poll was ‘Should Dublin axe Brogan and Flynn for the replay?’. The result was:
A lively debate ensued, across our Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Some were staunch that Brogan and Flynn should start:
‘Answer is no. Every player has an off day. They have they’re chance at redemption on Oct 1st that they will take, mark those words.’ – Colm McCole
Others were not so sure:
‘Absolutely. Need a smack of reality. Brian Cody would do it to his strong players too.’ – Glen O’Donoghue
This was the view from Mayo fan Chris Duffy:
‘Coming from a Mayo man, I’d be more worried to see either of them coming off the bench in the second half! Brogan in particular would be a great man to spring for a few points, otherwise I reckon Brendan Harrison will overturn him again… rain or no rain!’
Paraic Farrelly could only foresee one change in the Dublin forward line:
‘Both B.Brogan and P.Flynn will start. Proven performers over many finals. Just one change, P.Andrews in for Kevin McManamon, who will be back as great impact sub.’
Farrelly’s comments were echoed in tweets and Facebook replies we have received over the past four days. Whatever the opinion on Brogan or Flynn, the common consensus among fans seems to be Andrews getting his reward for his impact sub role with a start.
We’re sure the irony will not be lost on McManamon, who made his name as a super sub.
Ciarán Kilkenny should also play further up the pitch with James McCarthy free to play after his black card in the final.
Jim Gavin will put an end to the debate, temporarily, when he announces his starting XV on Thursday evening.
Catch up on the first episode of Football Friday Live…
