Orange warning: Which counties aren't kicking enough two-pointers?
We look forward to their data on hurling but the GAA's new, much-welcome games intelligence unit told us last month that goals in Gaelic football are down under the new rules from two per game to 1.8.
That is hardly breaking news when there is a third tier of scoring worth slightly less available from open quarters further out the field. Nor might it surprise people that of the four counties who qualified automatically for the All-Ireland quarter-finals, two of them are the highest two-point accumulators this year – Monaghan (53) and Meath (48).
Monaghan's two-pointer figure exceeds Dublin and Kerry's combined total of orange flags. At the same time, Kerry's 28 goals in 2025 are more than what Cavan, Cork and Donegal have produced between them.
Does the breakdown of where the scores have come among the 12 remaining counties give us some insight into how the next couple of weekends are going to go? Possibly but for sure some counties are too dependent on one part of the Gaelic football's scoring tricolour and there are those not getting enough from another:
Over 25% of Kerry's total points have come from goals. File picture: Tom Beary/Sportsfile
Too green: Having played 13 games, Kerry have amassed a combined 327 points. While, 52 points (less than 16%) have come by way of orange flags, 84 have been provided by goals (over 25%). Last Saturday's loss to Meath in Tullamore was the first time they didn't find the net this year. Notwithstanding the fact they have yet to face a Division 1 team in the championship, they have the meanest defence goals-wise for the season too with just seven conceded.
Not enough green: Anybody who has watched Cork this year knows they create goal openings but their conversion rate has been dreadful. Five goals in 12 league and championship fixtures (one in their five SFC fixtures) is five times less than Kerry and half what Donegal have scored and the Ulster winners have the third worst goal return among the remaining 12 counties.
Too white: Donegal have 34 two-pointers and 10 goals to their name in 14 matches. Nearly 70% of their amalgamated scores have come from the single-point scores. Cavan's statistics may also give Kerry some insight ahead of Saturday's game in Killarney. Of their 227 total points in 11 games, almost 62% have come from single-point scores.
Not enough white: Down and only because like Cavan and Cork they are among the lowest scorers remaining in the championship with their overall 269 points total from 12 outings. They are among the best for long-range points.
Monaghan have become masters of the two-pointer. File picture: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile
Too orange: Step forward Monaghan, whose average total of points per game is hitting 28 points. A rash of two-pointers, 13 in total across their last three matches, have brought their total season figure to 106, which equates to 32% of their 330 aggregate. Nearly 16% of their total has come from goals.
Not enough orange: Like Kerry, Dublin are averaging two 'arcs' a game, which represents less than 20% of their total scoring, while their goal rate of one a match is just above mid-table and constitutes less than 10%.
Read More
The problems and plusses on Cork football's balance sheet
Just right: They have been flying by the seat of their pants in recent times but on several occasions thus year Galway have been shown a deep understanding of the rules. That is reflected in their even spread of scoring. They have gathered an aggregate of 301 points in 13 outings this year. Of that, 90 points (30%) have come from two-pointers and 60 from goals (20%). Louth are close to the top in both the green and orange flag counts, which comprise 18% and 28% of their aggregate scores for the year.
Or is that the reigning champions Armagh have it all figured out? Nearly 70% of their scores are one-pointers, a little over 10% goals and close to 22% two-pointers. Are theirs the healthier proportions? The next 10 days might tell.
Read More
The problems and plusses on Cork football's balance sheet
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