Blu flu in Croker, flowers in Lyons
Like two weeks ago the view from the Hill was far from pretty, in
fact it was pure depressing. A Dublin team in disarray,
dysfunctional and more akin to headless chickens than a football
team. Not to take away from Kildare's victory, but the Dubs
didn't play and the one point winning margin should have been a
lot more.
Wides were a frequent feature of the game from both sides.
Kildare finally showed they have finally broken the mould, and
the mistakes and second-class status that has dogged them in
recent years have been banished.
Meath, however, will be a different option, and we'll see how
good this Kildare side are then. As for Dublin, who knows what's
in store for this ramshackle team, and I for one am not the
better for watching one of their worst performances in years.
Their display was compounded by some outrageous refereeing
decisions and losing two players in the second half (one solely
because of the referee).
The only highlight on Hill 16 was the burning of a Union Jack by
some fans, only to be met by a heavy response from the Gardaí,
who are well used to defending British interests. As for the
future of Dublin football, who knows?
Donegal are back in the Ulster Football Final after disposing of
reigning champions Cavan at Clones. Donegal were also on the
wrong end of a refereeing decision when they had Martin Coll sent
off after a high tackle - but this time the referee was
absolutely right. It didn't upset the Donegal men as they won 15
points to 13.
Donegal are now looking good for the Ulster title and maybe a
repeat of their 1992 All-Ireland win, though a lively Armagh will
have something to say about it when they meet them this Sunday.
trim ran amok on the poor old exiles of London, trouncing them
in a replay at Casement Park 6-28 to 1-7.
In the Munster Hurling championship all-Ireland holders Clare saw
off the challenge from Cork in fine style at Semple Stadium.
Clare looked strong and confident and the old hunger is back.
They'll be hard to beat.
World Cup
The least said about our side Jamaica the better. A 5-0 trouncing
at the hands of Argentina for the Reggae Boyz and they will
shortly be making the trip home.
Meanwhile, on Sunday night the eagerly awaited
ideologically-influenced battle between the USA and Iran took
place. Before the game flowers and handshakes were exchanged
between these greatest of rivals, and I have to admit I found the
whole affair very moving and touching. In the stands there was a
different story as rival Iranian fans vied passionately for
exiled Iranian leader Maryam Rajavi and Iranian President
Khatami.
Iran won the footballing encounter sending the USA home early,
and gaining one of the country's most valuable and sweetest
victories in international football. They scored a goal in each
half to sink the imperialist Satanic war dog Yanks. The spiritual
guide of the Islamic Repunlic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei afterwards
read out a statement on national television: ``The players gave a
very good impression of the Iranian people who know how to fight
on every front... Once again the oppressor has tasted the bitter
gall of defeat.'' Nice one.
England's fans, after last week's trouble in Marseilles, seem to
have gone on something of a charm offensive. That was until the
Romanians whipped their arses. Quote of the week goes to Kevin
Keegan, who quipped on 85 minutes, just before Romania won it:
``There is only one team going to win this and it is England...We
can win this but we need the ball.''
BY CIARAN HEAPHEY
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