MANUS BOYLE COLUMN: Roscommon not a great test but Donegal get job done

After the disappointing defeat at the hands of All-Ireland champions Dublin, Donegal got back to winning ways with a very impressive win away to Roscommon in Hyde Park. After Roscommon’s 18 point hiding at the hands of Tyrone it was never certain as to how their players would approach this game. They started well and it looked as if they were intent on making it hard for Donegal to get their first win of the Super 8s under their belt.

Donegal got to the pace of the game and it was soon business as usual with Michael Murphy, in particular, running the show. Donegal never panicked and looked at ease once they got into their rhythm.

The confidence seemed to leave the Roscommon lads once Donegal took control; some brilliant point taking from Murphy, Odhran Mac Niallais and Ciaran Thompson coupled with stout defending, the result was never in any doubt and as a spectacle, apart from Murphy’s performance, it was not one of the most memorable.

For many it was one of those games, especially after last week’s performances, that questions the format of the Super 8s. Also seeing all these games together draws your attention to the difference in what some officials feel is a free and what others don’t.

The Tyrone-Dublin game never lived up to the billing the media had built up during the week, talking a lot of the battle of Omagh that happened some years back.

Tyrone were never at the same intensity as their Dublin counterparts. While Tyrone certainly showed that it was possible to open up the reigning All-Ireland you always felt that Dublin had another level they could go to if they needed and now can rest all their star players for the final home game against Roscommon which will have no bearing on the outcome of group.

Donegal and Tyrone, on the other hand, will play a winner-takes-all contest in Ballybofey which will feel more like a championship game than those that have preceded it.

In the other section Monaghan blew a great opportunity to reach this years All-Ireland semi-final stage. Four points up going into injury time and they allowed Kerry to snatch a draw. It could be the lift Kerry needed in order to get their season underway.

Galway had a good victory away to Kildare in Newbridge. Kildare will now have to play away to Kerry knowing they are out of the championship, which was always the criticism levelled at the present format of the Super 8s. What motivation have the likes of Kildare and Roscommon to go into these matches where there is nothing at stake?

Do we really expect these players to put their bodies on the line when their year is already done and dusted?

Again this is something that will have to be looked at for the good of Gaelic football in the future, because at the moment it is taking the mother of all batterings.

Galway will have to welcome Monaghan to Salthill in their final game. Monaghan go into the game knowing a draw will see them through. Galway, who are already guaranteed a place in the semi-finals, know if they avoid defeat they will not have to play Dublin until they get to the All-Ireland final. So I doubt if Monaghan will get anything easy when they visit the west.

Kerry, on the other hand, will not have the same test if Kildare had something to play for; not the ideal finish to group one.

LIAM MILLER ISSUE

The poor response from those in Croke park over the Liam Miller testimonial game in Cork was yet another bad day for the public relations department of the GAA. What annoys many members of the Association is when those running the show in Croke Park take these decisions, they affect and tarnish all those who are members of GAA clubs all over the country.

As an organisation we can let rock concerts and all sorts of entertainment be held in our grounds yet for a charity match for someone who once played hurling and Gaelic football for his local club we say no.

We are told it would take a rule change at congress to let such games go ahead. This is the same Congress that does not allow the Club Players’ Association, whose members are around 20,000, speaking rights to the Congress.

Some might consider it an Old Boys Club or a closed shop. The cynic in me believes that’s the way it works. However, the optimist in me hopes that those who are entrusted in looking after the good of our games see sense and do the right thing. We can let Ed Sheeran, the Rolling Stones and many more play in our stadiums yet we refuse one of our own. At times you have to wonder what kind of country we live in.