The Derry versus Cork match of 2023 has the potential to become legendary in future generations. People will be told stories about how boring it was and be told, “You have no idea what boredom is until you witnessed Derry versus Cork in 2023.” Last Sunday’s quarter-final was a reverse version of the 1977 Dublin-Kerry semi-final and perfectly encapsulated everything that was wrong with the era.
Some lowlights of the match included Cork’s opening salvo, where they held the ball for three minutes, passed it 58 times, and ultimately kicked it wide. There was also a 33-pass move shortly after, and a 31-pass combo that led to a player colliding with the referee. Another spell in the 54th minute saw Derry pass the ball 20 times before being penalized for over-carrying, and Cork passing it 18 times in a minute before bringing it over the sideline. Derry responded with 13 passes before being penalized for over-carrying again. These five minutes may have been the worst sustained spell of football ever witnessed at Croke Park.
However, instead of criticizing Derry and Cork, we should praise them for exposing the flaws in the game. Their performance demonstrated the need for change in football. This match served as a wake-up call, a moment when it became clear that things cannot continue as they are.
This year’s championship has been plagued by bad football matches, and this particular match stood out. The previous close finishes had given some hope that things might improve, but Derry versus Cork shattered those hopes. The match was a clear indication that changes need to be made.
The venue, Croke Park, made the significance of the match even more powerful. It was undeniable proof that the current state of Gaelic football is unacceptable. The sport was caught in a moment of complete emptiness and lack of entertainment.
There’s a strange soundtrack accompanying this year’s championship. An uneasy and anxious murmur can be heard in the stands. The suspense is not about what will happen next, but rather if anything will happen at all. The crowd is waiting for some excitement, something to break the monotony.
Finding the positives in such circumstances can be challenging. Commentators like Paul Flynn, who tried to highlight the opportunities for the home team, end up sounding unrealistic. They mean well, but applying a positive spin to this championship doesn’t help anyone in the long run. The first step towards recovery is acknowledging that we have hit rock bottom.
Watching this match filled me with sadness, especially knowing that many of these players have shown their talent and skill in the past. They have the ability to play an exciting, adventurous game, but they are being stifled by the current state of inter-county football.
John Cleary, the manager of Cork, has also shown in the past that he can lead teams that play with flair and creativity. Now he, too, seems defeated by what football has become. It’s like watching someone with strong principles succumb to the demands of a totalitarian regime. There seems to be no other option.
The fact that even talented players and managers have embraced the blanket defense tactic is a strong argument for rule changes. They didn’t start off wanting to play this way. They had hoped to showcase their abilities on the biggest stages. But the current state of the game doesn’t allow for that.
Derry, in particular, has the potential to play an expansive game, but they were restricted by their cautious approach. Donegal faced a similar issue in the past, and it prevented them from reaching their full potential. Derry’s best chance against Kerry would be to take the game to them, just as Tyrone did in 2021. It might result in an exciting match and a potential victory.
However, it’s more likely that Derry will focus on frustrating Kerry. This approach will only add to the disappointment that has plagued the 2023 football championship.
Football should be enjoyed, not endured. This season has been a waste and a missed opportunity.
Two years ago, Chelsea’s victory in the Champions League final seemed to mark their arrival as serious challengers. However, their fortunes have taken a drastic turn since then. Many of the players involved in that final are no longer with the club, including Mason Mount and Kai Havertz. The owner and manager have also changed. It’s doubtful that Chelsea will make the top four next season. The final in Porto feels like a distant memory, a surreal moment in a season overshadowed by Covid.
England’s reaction to their defeat by Australia in the Ashes Test was nothing short of embarrassing. They threw a colossal tantrum over a legal stumping that went against them. MCC members even barracked Australian players in the pavilion, and Steve Smith’s mother was subjected to abuse by home supporters. English players past and present expressed outrage at the opposition. The Australian media responded by mocking England’s whining. This behavior is not new for England, as they also complained about borderline decisions in last year’s World Cup. Their constant whining only diminishes their credibility.
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