Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "The System (Gaelic football)" in English language version.
Double All-Ireland winner Tony Davis stood by his insistence that Donegal played awful defensive Gaelic football last year. But he has changed his mind now about this year's team – and reckons Donegal play GAA the way Barcelona play soccer!
Cork never really got going. Outnumbered, out-sung and watching a supposedly "negative" team suddenly transform themselves into the FC Barcelona of Gaelic Football, the Rebels were left muttering about "lads who didn't show up" and a manager who, to many of them at least, made some questionable calls...
Now, they talk on the phone at least an hour a day and spent countless hours on that same field, coaching and exhorting the players into becoming genuine All-Ireland contenders and devising a style of play that has become nationally known as "the system".
Over on BBC Northern Ireland they were no less befuddled... "Predictions?" asked Austin O'Callaghan. Jarlath [Burns of Armagh]: "Cork." Mickey [Harte of Tyrone]: "Cork." Paddy [Bradley of Derry]: "Cork." [...] Final whistle. "Well?" asked Austin, but his guests didn't really know where – or how – to start.
One of the lazier stereotypes about the Donegal defensive game – generally labelled 'the system' – is that it somehow does the work on its own. But McGee had plenty of moments in the spotlight with Brogan on Sunday and took his turn roaming forward like the other Donegal back six.
1520 The ever-brilliant Joe Brolly: "It is the mother of all defensive systems. Gaelic football has never seen anything like it."
1520 The ever-brilliant Joe Brolly: "It is the mother of all defensive systems. Gaelic football has never seen anything like it."