The All-Ireland victory will likely be bagged by either Dublin or Derry, according to Michael Murphy. The decisive league finale tipped his opinion a bit and he views it as a necessary jolt to Dublin. He thinks the return of Cluxton, McCarthy, and Fitzsimons will lead to crucial adjustments in their central defence. Regarding the provincial winners, he points to Derry, Dublin, Kerry, and possibly Mayo, while acknowledging Galway could spring a surprise.
The emerging star of the season could be Con O’Callaghan, despite some quiet performances the previous year. Following the finale, he feels both O’Callaghan and other Dublin players have gleaned much knowledge and expects him to get better as the All-Ireland stages approach. An unexpected standout might be Derry’s Lachlan Murray, who scored impressively against Roscommon and in the league’s final. His recklessness due to his youth and skyrocketing confidence could prove to be a game-changer.
Murphy anticipates that the new trend of aggressively pressing throughout matches will add an exciting element to the game.
On the other hand, Darragh Ó Sé predicts Dublin, unfortunately, will seize the All-Ireland, as they seem to have effortless solutions for any arising issues. He feels the recent setback won’t impact them negatively. For the provincial victories, he expects Kerry for Munster, Dublin for Leinster, Mayo for Connacht, and possibly Donegal for the northern part if Derry’s approach doesn’t work. O’Callaghan is his choice for the Footballer of the Year, with an expectation for his performances to improve in the forthcoming summer.
In your view, which team could surprisingly make a mark in the 2024 championship? My bet is on Cork – a prediction I have been holding on to for quite some time now. One day, it will come true. Their performance in various leagues contests are evidential that they can pull it off. Their fantastic victories in the previous year’s championship stand as proof.
What emerging trend do you foresee this season? I believe we will witness a rise in the frequency of long kick-outs. Dublin elevated their game to a stunning level last week, hence setting an example for other teams to kick above them. Derry managed sensational four to five goal opportunities by breaching Dublin. The traditional short and safe approach demands considerable energy and might soon become an obsolete strategy.
Hailing Dean Rock,
Predictions on who will secure the All-Ireland title? My bet is on Dublin. Despite a disheartening start in the first two league matches, Dublin bounced back brilliantly, with Dessie now owning several impressive options throughout his team. Kerry and Derry are possible contenders too, but provided Dublin retains the form they demonstrated through the majority of the league, they could be securing the Sam once again.
Prediction on who will secure the four provinces? It would be Dublin, Kerry, Derry and Mayo. Dublin is yet the strongest competitor in Leinster, with their win this year being almost predictable. It appears the other teams in the province couldn’t close the gap during the league. Kerry is heading in Munster, with Ulster and Connacht being the most challenging provinces.
Who would be crowned the Footballer of the Year? It will be David Clifford.
In your view, which team could create a surprising impact in the 2024 championship? Cork could make a significant impact. Their challenging matches against us are still memorable, particularly the one insightful game in Kilkenny. Although they haven’t been able to replicate their form in the championship for unknown reasons, their team is undoubtedly talented, if they can gather all their fit players, including Galway.
What emerging trends do you predict this season? Teams taking chances and maintaining more men on the field to punish straying goalkeepers. The effect of how Derry and Dublin positioned themselves during the National League final indicates the strategy teams might take up coming summer, which could encourage more risk-taking.
Presenting Malachy Clerkin,
Who, according to you, will win the All-Ireland? Derry possesses everything it takes – a stunning midfield, strategic unity, and collective county support. If not now, then when?
Who will come out on top in the four provinces? It is anticipated that Dublin and Kerry will effortlessly claim victories in Leinster and Munster. Galway, without breaking a sweat, will likely make it to the Connacht final, marking the true beginning of their season. As for Ulster, the assumption is that Derry will leave the dogfight to the remaining teams, potentially paving the way for Donegal.
Who will be the Footballer of the Year? There might be a possibility of a divided vote among the All-Ireland champions this year. If so, my prediction would be Paudie Clifford coming out of the blue and taking the honour.
Who do you think will be the dark horse in the 2024 championship? While most don’t consider Mayo real competitors, especially their own supporters, it’s difficult to envision them as the overall winners. Yet, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if they put on a mesmerizing spectacle at Croke Park one of these days.
What novel trends do you foresee this season? At least one goalie will accomplish the feat of scoring a goal. Attackers will adopt strategic quick marks and choose to pass instead of shooting. Some Ulster teams will probably not be giving their all in the Ulster championship.
Seán Moran’s Predictions:
Who will be the All-Ireland Champion?
Derry seems a strong contender, and this is not merely due to a recent victory. They’ve been on the rise for the last two years and have demonstrated improvement this season by defeating their main competitors, as Mickey Harte did with Tyrone in 2003. Despite this, Dublin may still present an obstacle given their performance last year and recent league burst; it’s uncertain how much energy they have left.
Who will triumph in the four provinces?
The typical frontrunners Dublin and Kerry are expected winners in their respective spaces. Mayo is on a quest for atonement against Roscommon following last year’s disappointment and with Galway’s injury situation hard to predict, they have a shot. Armagh, being on the easier side of the draw and considering Derry might need some rest, might just take home the glory.
Who will be the standout player of the year?
The spotlight is on Shane McGuigan. His performance this year has remained consistent with all star standards. If Derry achieves remarkable success, he would have played a considerable role.
Who do you think will be the surprise package?
No specific prediction regarding this. Can’t recall anyone from last year.
What innovation in gameplay do you anticipate this season?
Teams are expected to formulate tactics to coerce roaming goalkeepers into relinquishing control of the ball. Drawing a parallel to the tactics of the Provos, a successful manoeuvre might only require one lucky strike.
In terms of predictions for the All-Ireland winners, many eyes are on Dublin, with their formidable team consisting of Stephen Cluxton, Michael Fitzsimons, James McCarthy, Jack McCaffery, and Cormac Costello – all of whom had little field time in the league. As for the provincial victors, Dublin, Kerry, Mayo and Armagh are predicted to triumph. Con O’Callaghan is tipped to be the Footballer of the Year, with expectations of a more direct strategy from Dublin allowing him to utilise his prowess. A surprise impact in the 2024 championship might come from Kildare, given their potential to bounce back from a disappointing league performance. It is thought that an increasing number of teams will employ high, direct, hanging balls into the full forward line as part of the upcoming season’s emerging trends.
Turning to more diverse predictions, some are favouring Derry as the All-Ireland champions, although Dublin and Kerry remain strong contenders. The provincial victories are predicted to go to Dublin, Kerry, Armagh and Galway, with Armagh potentially benefiting from an easier route to the Ulster final. Conor Glass is another prospective candidate for Footballer of the Year. Unexpectedly, Cork could make a significant impact in the 2024 championship due to their strong finish in the league championship and their remarkable mix of athletic ability and talent.
In their attempts to bolster their offensive tactics, more and more teams will start to utilise the plus-one roaming goalie strategy. The implication of this is that we’re likely to witness an increase in attempts to score from afar, targeting unguarded nets, leading to distraught goalies scrambling to regain their positions.
Denis Walsh
Who takes home the All-Irleland trophy? As Kerry’s performance is waning, Derry seems to have overexerted early on, and with Dublin possibly fielding their strongest lineup since Jim Gavin’s prime, they are looking at consecutive victories.
Who will clinch victory in the four provinces?
Dublin, Kerry, Galway, Derry. Does it matter? On to the next enquiry.
Who earns the title of Footballer of the Year?
Conor Glass is currently leading the competition, but his chances are contingent on Derry making it to the All-Irleand final. If not, Con O’Callaghan steps up.
Who will surprise us all in the 2024 championships?
If Cork can navigate through Killarney without sustaining too much damage, they’ll only continue to improve.
What fresh strategies are likely to appear this season?
With 34 games featuring at least three goals in the league, particularly a dozen in Division One, and Derry and Dublin topping the goal-scorer’s list in the highest division, we might be looking at an emerging trend.