Semi final stage today in Offaly.
Birr face KK and Rynaghs play Shinrone.
Anyone looking for a value bet should take KK as Birr seem to be struggling to find form this year.
The draw could be worth a punt in the other.
Has anyone any tips for other games on today or in the next few weeks
I think that's a good call re KK, but at the same time it's very hard to go against Birr in a semi final. Coolderry's early removal is a bit of a surprise as well. I'd like to see Rynagh's winning it out this time as it's been a while for them, and Offaly need a few Rynagh's timber merchants to go with the nice wristy hurlers that Kilkenny eat for breakfast.
http://livescores.sportsnewsireland.com/
Adare v Garryspillane, 2:00pm
Toomevara v Kildangan, 2:00pm
Birr v Kilcormac/K, 2:30
Ballymartle v Bishopstown, 2:30pm
Clonakenny v Moyne Templetuohy, 2:30pm
Ballygunner v Mount Sion, 3pm
Cushendall v Dunloy, 3:30pm
Loughmore v Roscrea, 3:30pm
Ballybacon-Grange v St Marys, 3:30pm
Na Piarsaigh v Kilmallock, 3:45pm
Clough/Ballacolla v Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton, 4pm
St Rynaghs v Shinrone, 4pm
Sarsfields v CIT, 4:45
Kilmessan v Longwood, 5pm
Silvermines v Newport, 5pm
Rathdowney/Errill v Harps, 5;30pm
Silvermines v Newport is the North Tipperary Intermediate semi final. Winners to play Ballina in the North final. Ballina beat Shane McGrath's Ballinahinch last night. Conor O'Mahoney will be playing for Newport, but I'm not sure if his toe has fully recovered. The 'mines beat Newport handily in last year's North final, and again in the last game of the group stages this year (although that was the week after the AISF and Conor was out).
They'll need a huge game from O'Mahoney to have a chance, but if they get it, don't rule out the upset. It would be a big upset though.
In Antrim, Loughgiel Shamrocks beat St. John's in the semi final 2-23 - 0-11. The other semi between Dunloy and Cushendall just about started now.
A one point win for KK over Birr, while Rynaghs had 6 points to spare over Shinrone
Dunloy 4-11 Cushendall 2-11.
Antrim final, 29th September.
Silvermines beat Newport 2-12 to 1-10 tonight in the North Tipp Intermediate Hurling Semi Final. Go on to meet Ballina in the North Final, and both teams (the Mines and Ballina) will also be in the county 1/4 finals.
Birr must be in a big decline? It wasn't so long ago they were dominating Offaly and an annual contender for the All Ireland club.
Well they would still be one of the stronger clubs, but that crop is coming to an end alright, and they haven't won a championship in a a few years now, with Coolderry winning in 2011 and 2010 and Tullamore in 2009. That should be good news for Offaly you would think, but only if it's because the other teams are stepping up rather than Birr stepping back. I think it might be a bit of both to be honest, although Coolderry reaching the All Ireland was good for the overall standard, especially when they lost out in the Quarters this year.
As I said, good to see Rynaghs back in the final as well. Typically they are an important, even if not necessarily huge, element in successful Offaly teams. Rynaghs would traditionally have the steel fist in the velvet glove sort of approach.. (Padraig Horan, Damien Martin, Martin Hanamy, Hubert Rigney, Michael Duignan).
Did I read somewhere that it's 10 years since Rynaghs contested a final? Michael Duignan made reference to their recent lack of success in his book. Who's in charge of them now?
2001 since they were last in the final I think. Aidan Fogarty was managing them the last I heard. The mustachioed former corner back from the first glory years. (Corner back in the team BnM man posted for the Antrim game in 1985)
Janey, I'll hardly recognise anyone from their teamsheet so. I remember Fogarty alright, saw him playing for Rynaghs in one of those drawn county finals against Clareen back in the 90s after he'd retired from county hurling.
Diarmuid Horan, son of Padraig, is one of their main men. You'd recognise him from County games.
Fogarty finished two years ago as manager and has been replaced by Dinny Cahill
Tipp Dinny Cahill? Jaysus I didn't know that. He's a good man to get in there.
Yes that's the one. Hubert Rigney is one of his selectors
It's great to see a bit of life on the hurling section here :D
In Waterford it'll be Mount Sion v De La Salle in one semi final and Dungarvan and Fourmilewater in the other so it'll be a city v county final which should be good. I'd say its decades since either Dungarvan or Fourmilewater were in a senior final. Ballygunner last years champions were beaten by Mount Sion last Sunday.
The big news in Limerick was Kilmallock giving Na Piarsaigh an 11 point beating at the weekend.
Only last February Na Piarsaigh lost to Loughgiel in extra-time.
NP actually lead at half time, before Kilmallock cut loose in the 2nd half.
Graeme Mulcahy finished the day with 3-3
Kilmallock (managed by Tony Considine) will play Adare in the county final. If Kilmallock keep the heads, they should be real contenders for the All Ireland club title.
Adare, being managed by fellow Clareman, and also previous Clare senior manager, Ger (Sparrow) O'Loughlin.
Kilmallock fairly dished out a good beating to NaP in the second half, but the concession of 4.13 might be a bit of a worry.
How's the Galway championship going? I take it they haven't played anymore rounds since the semi final. Are the group rounds completed? Have all the big guns got through to the knock out stages? Portumna, Clarinbridge, Loughrea, St Thomas, TAD??
Galway at quarter-final stage
Portumna v Turloughmore
Castlegar v St Thomas'
Gort v Padraig Pearses
Mullagh v Loughrea
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on September 18, 2012, 03:56:57 PM
Galway at quarter-final stage
Portumna v Turloughmore
Castlegar v St Thomas'
Gort v Padraig Pearses
Mullagh v Loughrea
Were Clarinbridge not in a relegation battle?
I think they were. I seem to remember some news about them struggling alright.
Quote from: johnneycool on September 18, 2012, 03:58:15 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on September 18, 2012, 03:56:57 PM
Galway at quarter-final stage
Portumna v Turloughmore
Castlegar v St Thomas'
Gort v Padraig Pearses
Mullagh v Loughrea
Were Clarinbridge not in a relegation battle?
Gort and Mullagh, didn't they play in the 7 Kilmacud finals?
Watched St Thomas's a few years back in a the minor final against Loughrea, cracking game which they won I think, most of those lads would be senior players now I'd imagine
Yeah Clarinbridge were in a relegation fight. Not sure what stage they at it? Haven't kept a close eye on the scrap for the drop.
Think Portumna, St Thomas, Gort and Loughrea will be favoured to advance. Not sure where the biggest potential for a shock is. Mullagh could run Loughrea very close. They hammered Sarsfields in the last round.
St Thomas' have been doing very well at underage in recent years so have a lot of talented young players coming through. Lads like David Burke, Bernard Burke, Conor Cooney and James Regan. Anthony Cunningham's club also.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on September 18, 2012, 04:09:59 PM
St Thomas' have been doing very well at underage in recent years so have a lot of talented young players coming through. Lads like David Burke, Bernard Burke, Conor Cooney and James Regan. Anthony Cunningham's club also.
I never heard of them featuring in the closing stages in Galway. Is there any reason for the upsurge?
Quote from: Dag Dog on September 19, 2012, 05:33:54 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on September 18, 2012, 04:09:59 PM
St Thomas' have been doing very well at underage in recent years so have a lot of talented young players coming through. Lads like David Burke, Bernard Burke, Conor Cooney and James Regan. Anthony Cunningham's club also.
I never heard of them featuring in the closing stages in Galway. Is there any reason for the upsurge?
They have performed well at minor level in recent years and if you look at the names mentioned above, these lads will be hurling with Galway for many years to come
Tipp is at the quarter final stage this weekend with Mullinahone v Loughmore-Castleiney and Clonoulty Rossmore v Drom and Inch on saturday in Tom Semples field at 18.00 and 19.30 respectively and Thurles Sarsfields v Kildangan and Portroe v Eire og Annacarthy in the same field at the same times on Sunday.
Good auld lineup there in fairness. Kildangan and Portroe would be surprise enough reps from the North I'd have thought? What happened Toomevara, Burgess, et al?
Kildangan opened a can of whup ass on Toome there at the weekend AZ, 10 points in it at the end, the end of an era for a lot of the Toome boys.
Jaysus, I haven't been paying attention. I'm living in Newport now, but more interested in the underage set up, and Intermediate hurling :)
Careful now AZ, spend a bit more time in the land of milk and honey and you will be claiming Obama as a Tipp man ;)
If you need to know the words to our terrace chant, you know the one that goes "TIPP,TIPP,TIPP" give me a shout ;)
If you see a lad wandering around with a dazzling new set of choppers and a pint of bacardi in his paw muttering about the fair in Shinrone send him back up to Paddy Kennedys, its his round,again. ;)
Is that the one that goes ;
TIPP, TIPP, TIPP
TIPP the back of me ball icks ;D
Derry Senior Final this Saturday- Banagher V Swatragh
Kevin Lynches failed to make final for first time in 10 years.
Swatragh going for first ever senior c'ship title against Banagher who have 3 titles last winning in 2005
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on September 20, 2012, 05:22:49 PM
Derry Senior Final this Saturday- Banagher V Swatragh
Kevin Lynches failed to make final for first time in 10 years.
Swatragh going for first ever senior c'ship title against Banagher who have 3 titles last winning in 2005
Will it be a Banagher double in 2012 with Banagher in Derry and Banagher (St.Rynaghs) in Offaly.
that would surely bate banagher
Quote from: joe bloggs on September 20, 2012, 10:20:36 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on September 20, 2012, 05:22:49 PM
Derry Senior Final this Saturday- Banagher V Swatragh
Kevin Lynches failed to make final for first time in 10 years.
Swatragh going for first ever senior c'ship title against Banagher who have 3 titles last winning in 2005
Will it be a Banagher double in 2012 with Banagher in Derry and Banagher (St.Rynaghs) in Offaly.
that would surely bate banagher
Banagher in County football semi final also in Derry
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on September 20, 2012, 05:22:49 PM
Derry Senior Final this Saturday- Banagher V Swatragh
Kevin Lynches failed to make final for first time in 10 years.
Swatragh going for first ever senior c'ship title against Banagher who have 3 titles last winning in 2005
Who beat the Lynches and Lavey?
Banagher beat Lynches with a last minute goal. Swatragh beat Lavey.
Must be 20 years since Rynaghs won in Offaly. Diarmuid Horan looks a decent hurler alright.
Hard to see past the usual suspects Drom & Thurles Sarsfields in Tipp. Clonoulty won't have a full deck for Sunday, so it'd be difficult to envisage them toppling Drom. Anacarty might be the surprise packet yet.
Toome have been in decline for years, even thought they managed to win the title back in 2008. When I saw them trying to make a centre forward out of Terry Dunne a few years ago against Drom in th Stadium I knew they were bunched.
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 20, 2012, 03:16:49 PM
Jaysus, I haven't been paying attention. I'm living in Newport now, but more interested in the underage set up, and Intermediate hurling :)
Ah,give us a verse of Dear old Newport Town!
Yeah you have to learn that alright with your visa application. Timmy Floyd gave a great rendition of it off the back of the ubiquitous lorry when the Newport/Ballinahinch girls came back from Croker with the AI Feile title.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 20, 2012, 11:08:06 PM
Quote from: joe bloggs on September 20, 2012, 10:20:36 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on September 20, 2012, 05:22:49 PM
Derry Senior Final this Saturday- Banagher V Swatragh
Kevin Lynches failed to make final for first time in 10 years.
Swatragh going for first ever senior c'ship title against Banagher who have 3 titles last winning in 2005
Will it be a Banagher double in 2012 with Banagher in Derry and Banagher (St.Rynaghs) in Offaly.
that would surely bate banagher
Banagher in County football semi final also in Derry
Rynaghs (Banagher) also playing in the Offaly Intermediate hurling final this weekend against Lusmagh.
They also already have the U21 championship in the bag
I suppose Kilmallock will be favourites down in Limerick against Adare after a great performance against Na Piarsaig although they conceeded a big score.
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on September 20, 2012, 05:22:49 PM
Derry Senior Final this Saturday- Banagher V Swatragh
Kevin Lynches failed to make final for first time in 10 years.
Swatragh going for first ever senior c'ship title against Banagher who have 3 titles last winning in 2005
Swatragh win 1st ever title
Thats briliant. Big Convery must have thought he'd never win one.
A 3 point win today for Lusmagh over Rynaghs in the Offaly intermediate final sees the reds bounce straight back up to the senior ranks. Former Offaly player Aidan Hanrahan came off the bench early in the game for Lusmagh to give a man of the match performance
Quote from: joe bloggs on September 23, 2012, 04:27:27 PM
A 3 point win today for Lusmagh over Rynaghs in the Offaly intermediate final sees the reds bounce straight back up to the senior ranks. Former Offaly player Aidan Hanrahan came off the bench early in the game for Lusmagh to give a man of the match performance
Rynaghs distracted by the All Ireland football final. ;)
Tipp SHC quarter finals were on this weekend, and it was disappointing for the representatives from the North. Portroe were defeated 1-15 to 1-10 by Eire Óg Annacarthy while Kildangan got an awful mauling from Thurles Sarsfields, 3-22 to 1-12. The other quarters were won by Loughmore Castleiney, who beat Mullinahone 0-22 to 2-11 and Drom and Inch who took care of Clonoulty Rossmore 2-22 to 0-13.
In the Intermediate quarters, it was a better story for the north clubs, as both Ballina and Silvermines needed extra time to overcome Clonakenny and Moyne Templetouhy respectively. Sean Treacys beat Ballybacon/Grange and Rockwell and Saint Mary's was postponed.
Antrim senior hurling final this evening in Casement pk at 7pm. Loughgiel Shamrocks vs Dunloy Cuchullians.
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on September 29, 2012, 08:25:05 AM
Antrim senior hurling final this evening in Casement pk at 7pm. Loughgiel Shamrocks vs Dunloy Cuchullians.
How are Loughgiel going this year in comparison to last ?
Quote from: bp on September 29, 2012, 12:46:54 PM
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on September 29, 2012, 08:25:05 AM
Antrim senior hurling final this evening in Casement pk at 7pm. Loughgiel Shamrocks vs Dunloy Cuchullians.
How are Loughgiel going this year in comparison to last ?
We'll know after tonight :o
De La Salle beat Mount Sion 0-18 to 2-8 and Dungarvan beat Fourmilewater 1-15 to 2-9 in the Waterford SHC semi finals. Dungarvan through to first senior final since 1951.
Quote from: waterfordlad on October 01, 2012, 07:56:46 AM
De La Salle beat Mount Sion 0-18 to 2-8 and Dungarvan beat Fourmilewater 1-15 to 2-9 in the Waterford SHC semi finals. Dungarvan through to first senior final since 1951.
I always thought of Dungarvan as a long lamented hurling wasteland!
Quote from: bp on September 29, 2012, 12:46:54 PM
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on September 29, 2012, 08:25:05 AM
Antrim senior hurling final this evening in Casement pk at 7pm. Loughgiel Shamrocks vs Dunloy Cuchullians.
How are Loughgiel going this year in comparison to last ?
Loughgiel beat Dunloy by 4 points in a scrappy hard fought game.
Ulster SF line up is as follows (correct me if i'm wrong)
Loughgiel (Antrim) v Na Fianna (Armagh)
Portaferry (Down v Swatragh (Derry)
Both likely to be Casement Park. Not sure on dates.
Quote from: waterfordlad on October 01, 2012, 07:56:46 AM
De La Salle beat Mount Sion 0-18 to 2-8 and Dungarvan beat Fourmilewater 1-15 to 2-9 in the Waterford SHC semi finals. Dungarvan through to first senior final since 1951.
Great to see a club back in a county final after so long.
Portaferry won the Down championship with a 3-08 to 0-12 win over holders Ballycran.
Offaly final this Sunday. Bookies have it close with Rynaghs at 10/11 and Kilcormac/Killoughey at evens.
Hard one to call. Rynaghs were very impressive in the 1/4 final win over Coolderry, and had a six point win in the semi final. KK just about got over Birr in the semi final, but many of their players are now lining out for a third final which could be important.
Both teams have a good number of U21's on show, whoever wins could set themselves up for a few years.
Going to stick my neck out and go with Rynaghs, by two points
Kilmallock beat Adare in a close affair in Limerick,they will now play the Tipp champions in Kilmallock in the Munster Club Championship.
A 4 point win for KK in the offaly final.
They trailed rynaghs by 4 at half time, but they dominated the third quarter to open a 6 point lead which proved decisive. To top it off they also claimed the minor title
Kildare hurling final on today.
Celbridge were going for 4-in-a-row but in the end were defeated by Confey on a score of 1-16 to 0-14.
Quote from: Absent on October 07, 2012, 05:14:23 PM
Kilmallock beat Adare in a close affair in Limerick,they will now play the Tipp champions in Kilmallock in the Munster Club Championship.
Kilmallock will have home advantage as well.
Not that it will register with any of you lot in hurling heartlands or anything, but Ballyhaunis won the Mayo hurling final for the 5th year in a row. Keith Higgins was captain. Must have been a thrilling encounter as they beat their near neighbours Tooreen on a scoreline of 1-14 to 0-16.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 08, 2012, 07:44:34 PM
Not that it will register with any of you lot in hurling heartlands or anything, but Ballyhaunis won the Mayo hurling final for the 5th year in a row. Keith Higgins was captain. Must have been a thrilling encounter as they beat their near neighbours Tooreen on a scoreline of 1-14 to 0-16.
By all accounts Ballyhaunis should be beating the intermediate Galway teams, they have to push on and actually compete at that level. They played TAD on a Sunday the day after TAD played a bruising club final and still managed to get beat by 8 or 9 points, that was a few years ago. Haven't seen Higgins hurl but I hear he's a goodin
Who are TAD?
Tynagh Abbey Duniry, Galway senior club, well were, not sure, a couple of panelist on Galway team
The Clare senior semis are on this weekend,
a hotly fancied Clonlara play Newmarket on the Saturday, and on the Sunday Cratloe who have been very busy over the last month are facing Inagh-Kilnamona who are bidding to reach their first ever final as a single entity.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 08, 2012, 08:21:14 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 08, 2012, 07:44:34 PM
Not that it will register with any of you lot in hurling heartlands or anything, but Ballyhaunis won the Mayo hurling final for the 5th year in a row. Keith Higgins was captain. Must have been a thrilling encounter as they beat their near neighbours Tooreen on a scoreline of 1-14 to 0-16.
By all accounts Ballyhaunis should be beating the intermediate Galway teams, they have to push on and actually compete at that level. They played TAD on a Sunday the day after TAD played a bruising club final and still managed to get beat by 8 or 9 points, that was a few years ago. Haven't seen Higgins hurl but I hear he's a goodin
I think that was also the day after Ballyhaunis won the Mayo final which went to extra time which meant they were fairly spent the next day! I think (although I'm probably wrong) the last time a Mayo team won a Connacht tie was when Ballina James Stephens defeated the Rossie Champs Athleague in 2007. Also I think we beat a Leitrim or Sligo team in the round before? The reason I remember was the final versus Portumna was fixed for Athleague before even the semi-final was played cause we had to play Portumna in the middle of bandit country instead of Ballina where there would have been a large neutral crowd just to see Joe Canning. We then lost the Intermediate final to Tommy Larkins (the prize for losing senior finalists) by about 9 points in a game where I think we missed 10 or 11 scoreable frees. :o
Every county has its own hurling heartlands where the clubs can be strong even if the county is weak. Ballyhaunis and Toreen seem to crop up a lot in Mayo. Burt in Donegal. Carrickmore or Dungannon in Tyrone, Kevin Lynches in Derry, Lisbellaw in Fermanagh etc etc. Lynches would be well ahead of the others mentioned but in all these areas hurling is the big sport just as much as anywhere else in Ireland. Kerry has hurling areas too, Paul Galvins club Lixnaw I think is deffo hurling more than football
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on October 11, 2012, 07:53:17 PM
Every county has its own hurling heartlands where the clubs can be strong even if the county is weak. Ballyhaunis and Toreen seem to crop up a lot in Mayo. Burt in Donegal. Carrickmore or Dungannon in Tyrone, Kevin Lynches in Derry, Lisbellaw in Fermanagh etc etc. Lynches would be well ahead of the others mentioned but in all these areas hurling is the big sport just as much as anywhere else in Ireland. Kerry has hurling areas too, Paul Galvins club Lixnaw I think is deffo hurling more than football
Kevin Lynches not far ahead this fear................................... Swatragh the best team in Derry this year!
Quote from: theticklemister on October 11, 2012, 07:56:07 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on October 11, 2012, 07:53:17 PM
Every county has its own hurling heartlands where the clubs can be strong even if the county is weak. Ballyhaunis and Toreen seem to crop up a lot in Mayo. Burt in Donegal. Carrickmore or Dungannon in Tyrone, Kevin Lynches in Derry, Lisbellaw in Fermanagh etc etc. Lynches would be well ahead of the others mentioned but in all these areas hurling is the big sport just as much as anywhere else in Ireland. Kerry has hurling areas too, Paul Galvins club Lixnaw I think is deffo hurling more than football
Kevin Lynches not far ahead this fear................................... Swatragh the best team in Derry this year!
Agreed, I was referring to other teams in my list. Dungiven still has more consistent participation and tradition than Swatragh although other areas are catching up which is good for Derry hurling
Kevin Lynch's (Dungiven) can't really be considered one of these types of clubs, due to the towns success in football.
Quote from: CitySlicker11 on October 11, 2012, 10:02:00 PM
Kevin Lynch's (Dungiven) can't really be considered one of these types of clubs, due to the towns success in football.
[/quot
hurling would be ahead of football in dungiven
Salthill Hotel Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals
13/10/2012
Gort 3-13 vs 2-14 Padraig Pearses
Loughrea 0-16 vs 1-13 Mullagh
Other two games on Sunday.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on October 14, 2012, 01:14:33 AM
Salthill Hotel Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals
13/10/2012
Gort 3-13 vs 2-14 Padraig Pearses
Loughrea 0-16 vs 1-13 Mullagh
Other two games on Sunday.
Gort were 1/8 to, just enough to get over the line, Loughrea still a force in Galway it seems, Thought Mullagh might have pulled off a win there
Portumna out today, Canning fit for this game?
Portumna gone.
Portumna 0-15 Turloughmore 0-17
St Thomas 2-20 Castlegar 0-10
Semi-final draw
Turloughmore v Mullagh or Loughrea
Gort v St Thomas
Report on radio this evening reported Prince Joe scored seven from play and six frees. Seems Ronan Badger and Franny Forde were Turlough's top men. Was the latter hurling County U21 in 1993?
That give's Loughgiel a good chance of reaching another Final. Speaking of which, Clonkill wouldn't be without hope of reaching a Leinster Club Final, given the draw they have.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 14, 2012, 10:23:21 AM
Portumna out today, Canning fit for this game?
I ventured in as far as Thurles yesterday to have a look at the Intermediate and Senior County Hurling Finals. It was a grand dry, overcast, day, although there was a 'sneaky' wind blowing from the Killinan end. I say sneaky in that it wasn't really noticeable in the stands, yet every flag in the place, including the sideline flags, indicated its presence. The sod, as always, looked perfect.
The intermediate final was up first between two North Tipp sides, Ballina and Silvermines. Silvermines were the favourites, and from an early stage it was apparent they had the more balanced and rounded team. Their forwards were very sharp, and racked up points very easily as they moved into a 0-9 to 0-1 lead after about 15 minutes, against the wind, with some lovely movement and accurate striking. Ballina looked out of their depth to be frank, but maybe it was just nerves, because in the remaining 15 minutes of the half, they took control, aided by that wind. They rattled over 6 in a row to make it 0-9 to -0-7 before the 'Mines tacked on 2 more before the break to leave it 11-7 at the half. The second half turned into a bit of a procession for Silvermines, unfortunately, especially after Stephen O'Brien, the dual All Ireland Minor winner with Tipp, hit the post with a rasper while the game was still somewhat in the balance. A wild pull by the number 9, out of frustration probably, left Ballina with an even more uphill climb given that they were 16 to 8 down at the time, but that really killed the game as a contest. David Keogh, the Silvermines number 15, got a beautiful one handed lob finish after a solo run for the first goal of the game, and after that it was all window dressing. A second goal arrived just before the end, with the ignomy of another Ballina red card to boot, as the desperate defender threw his hurley at the scorer thus earning a second yellow. It finished 2-21 to 0-10 and a well deserved return to the senior ranks for the Silvermines men. An interesting footnote to this game is that both sides will meet again shortly in the North IHC final. The Tipperary system is designed such that the finalists in each of the 4 divisions make up the last 8 in the county championship. As the county was actually run off before the divisional, it now means Ballina will have a chance for revenge in the North final, but how much appetite they have for that remains to be seen.
The senior final promised to be a great clash between the holders, Drom and Inch, and the aristocrats of Thurles Sarsfields. Sars were gunning for their 4th title since the turn of the century, and their third in 4 years after winning in 2009 and 2010. Drom and Inch were appearing in their 5th final since 2005, having broken their duck in 2011 against Clonoulty-Rossmore. The omens were not great for Drom however, as in 2 of their previous 3 near misses it was their Mid Division rivals, Sarsfields that stopped them, in 2005 and 2009. Sarsfields fielded such luminaries as Michael Cahill, Padraic Maher, David Kennedy, Pa Bourke and Lar Corbett, while Drom could call on the likes of Eamonn Buckly, Seamie Callanan and James Woodlock.
The first half saw Thurles with the wind, and one of their lesser known forwards, Tipp U21, Aidan McCormack, was giving the Drom corner back Eddie Costello a torrid time as he was out first to every ball, and Costello just couldn't live with his pace. In fairness to the number 2, he got a bad dunt in the ribs early on as he drove out with a ball, and that seemed to seriously hamper him, such that he was replaced after 25 minutes. At that stage Thurles were in control, but not comfortable on 11 points to 7. Then, just before the short whistle, McCormack struck a dagger blow as a long ball broke to the side and his clever looping run saw him in prime position to pick it up and drive towards goal before he expertly finished past the despairing dive of the Drom keeper. If McCormack was doing wreck for Thurles, Johnny Ryan at midfield, with number 11 on his back, was providing similar inspiration for Drom, and it was his scores that kept the champions interested. A half time lead of 7 points was certainly significant but it was far from unassailable given the breeze that Drom would enjoy in the second half, so after a quick sausage and chips and cup of tea to stave off the cold late afternoon air, we settled in with interest for the second half.
It didn't disappoint. Straight after the restart the otherwise quiet enough David Butler, a key man on the Tipp Intermediates that won their All Ireland, was the right man in the right place to scramble home a goal for Drom, and suddenly the fat was in the fire. From there on it was nip and tuck, with James Woodlock and Seamie Callanan trying their best to drive Drom on. Callanan and Mickey Cahill had a right old tussle all throughout, with Cahill definitely putting the clamps on in the first half, but a move into the corner worked out and Callanan was a lot more effective in the second half. Woodlocks driving runs were causing problems, and Johnny Ryan was continuing to purr like a Bentley in midfield. The sides were nip and tuck for the next 15 minutes or so, and after 48 minutes it was 1-16 to 1-12 to the Sarsfields men. Then we had what looked like a decisive series of blows from the champions as first Callanan used his height advantage over Cahill to bat a high delivery into the Thurles net to leave the minimum seperating the teams, before Woodlock and Callanan again tacked over lovely scores to put them ahead by a point, 2-14 to 1-16, with 10 minutes left. It looked all set for them to kick on, but Thurles made a couple of changes, including the introduction of Redser O'Grady, and it was them that produced the killer burst, despite Pa Bourke and Lar Corbett being almost completely nullified all game. Bourke did get a point from play at this stage, as Thurles surged with 5, while Drom could only respond with a Johnny Ryan 65 after Seamie Callanan had a 21 yard free saved. Drom did come agonisingly close in the dying moments as Callanan broke behind the defence to pull on a loose ball, but he didn't make great contact at all, and his topped shot rolled inches wide of the right post. As it trickled away, so too did Drom's chances and when the whistle blew a couple of moments later, Thurles were champions for the 32nd time, 10 ahead of Toomevara.
For the winners, Michael Cahill did the lockdown job in the first half, before Callanan caused him some problems in the second, while Padraic Maher was solid at centre back, while Aidan McCormack finished with 1-6 from play, and his contribution was the difference between the teams. Watch for him in the future. Maybe a bit of an Aidan Fogarty type, and has an eye for the goal which Tipp were lacking last year. For Drom, Johnny Ryan didn't deserve to end on the losing team, finishing with 9 points. 6 from play, 2 huge frees and a 65. Seamus Callanan had a good second half, while Woodlock was prominent through most of the game as well. Defensively they had their problems, although Enda Walsh, Eamonn Buckley and Liam Ryan played very well in the half back line, and in general, McCormack apart, the Thurles forwards were well marshalled.
All in all an enjoyable day, and while it did take the Senior final a good 30 minutes to really feel like a championship game, it was a good second half, and while it was a pity to see Drom beaten in a final again, and Johnny Ryan's captains performance going unrewarded, it would have been a travesty for Aidan McCormack to finish on the losing side.
Anyone have any odds for the title outright?
10,000 people at the quarter finals in Athenry on Saturday!!! Incredible numbers, more than the Tipp final yesterday! Maybe the co board will see the connection between having matches in Pearse Stadium ( low crowds) and having them anywhere else ( much bigger crowds), though I won't be holding my breath!! Will be good to see (potentially) someone new as champions as well! can only be good for the game overall! I would expect the Galway management to be on the lookout for new players for next years senior co panel! I enjoyed watching the Tipp final as well, some fine players on view!!
Oulart through in Wexford. They should be looking to bigger things in Leinster this year.
The Crokes in Dublin through as well.
De La Salle had a handy win over Dungarvan in Waterford SHC final yesterday. 1-21 to 0-11 was final score. There a big home support for Dungarvan at Fraher Field but DLS were too strong.
Congratulations to my own club Butlerstown who won the junior hurling final curtain raiser v Geraldines by 2-11 to 0-5. It's the first county title since 1971 for the club.
Portumna must be in freefall. They were awesome a few years ago.
Have they much coming through at underage?
Can anyone find the odds for the All Ireland club championship?
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 15, 2012, 12:07:30 PM
Portumna must be in freefall. They were awesome a few years ago.
Have they much coming through at underage?
Their great team is getting on a bit now. Lot of milage done. Obviously Joe is still young and will keep them there or thereabouts by himself for a fair while yet but they haven't been doing anything at underage really the past few years. Turloughmore should probably have beaten them by more yesterday.
Loughguile ( or Portaferry ! ) will be looking to meet a team from Galway who're new to the AI stages as they'll be going buck mad after winning the championship for a long time, whereas Loughrea and Gort who've won in the recent past will be looking to go further. Loughguile will not be taken lightly by anyone now and as they say its harder to retain it than it is to win it for the first time.
I know there maybe isn't an alternative with a busy calendar but some of these club games could be the best you will see all year but more often than not they are an attritional slog in heavy pitches and shite weather.
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 15, 2012, 12:13:24 PM
Can anyone find the odds for the All Ireland club championship?
Loughgiel 10/3favs
Ballyhale 7/2
Thurles 7/1
De la salle 7/1
Oulart 12/1
.
Quote from: pdiddy on October 15, 2012, 09:21:46 PM
Quote from: Dag Dog on October 15, 2012, 12:13:24 PM
Can anyone find the odds for the All Ireland club championship?
Loughgiel 10/3favs
Ballyhale 7/2
Thurles 7/1
De la salle 7/1
Oulart 12/1
.
Only based on the fact that Loughgiel in semi final already (bar a collapse against Portaferry)
The odds will change come the semi pairings, so I'd wait on those odds coming out first
Kilmallock might be dark horses.
Well they have history, having won it before. Who do they meet in Munster?
Thurles Sarsfields in the first round, but it's below in Kilmallock.
Yeah fancy them for that, Munster haven't had a decent team since Newtownshandrum so maybe they will lift the standards a bit
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 16, 2012, 12:33:06 PM
Thurles Sarsfields in the first round, but it's below in Kilmallock.
Is it in Kilmallock ?..... thought I read someplace that it was on in the GGs.
I'd still fancy Thurles against them - regardless of venue.
It was supposed to be Kilmallock anyway...From the Tipp website "Sarsfields now have a tough challenge ahead in the AIB Munster club hurling championship when they take on Limerick champions, Kilmallock in Kilmallock onSunday October 28."
I just checked munster.gaa, it is indeed on in Kilmallock, a big motivation for them to do well in their own field.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 16, 2012, 12:37:15 PM
Yeah fancy them for that, Munster haven't had a decent team since Newtownshandrum so maybe they will lift the standards a bit
Are you insinuating that Na Piarsaigh weren't a good team Milltown?
The bodies will be onto you!!
Quote from: johnneycool on October 17, 2012, 11:28:16 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 16, 2012, 12:37:15 PM
Yeah fancy them for that, Munster haven't had a decent team since Newtownshandrum so maybe they will lift the standards a bit
Are you insinuating that Na Piarsaigh weren't a good team Milltown?
The bodies will be onto you!!
I said it before they played and the year before also, that the Munster teams have been poor, Newtownshandrum were hammered in the last final by Portumna, De La Salle should have been beat by Cushendall the rest haven't really been any good. Not Loughgiels fault, club standards have dropped in Munster just.
Rathdowney won the Laois County Final replay today.
Were The Village beat in Kilkenny?
Quote from: Lecale2 on October 29, 2012, 04:03:19 PM
Were The Village beat in Kilkenny?
Yip, Dicksboro vrs Ballyhale finale.
Quote from: bp on October 16, 2012, 04:53:54 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 16, 2012, 12:33:06 PM
Thurles Sarsfields in the first round, but it's below in Kilmallock.
Is it in Kilmallock ?..... thought I read someplace that it was on in the GGs.
I'd still fancy Thurles against them - regardless of venue.
Tipped on down to the game on Sunday for a gander, Sars were in charge from the start imo, Killmallock pulled it back a couple of times but Sars always seemed on the verge of cutting loose, their scores seemed to come a lot handier than Kilmallocks did but what made the journey worthwhile was the performance of Paudie Maher at centre back for Sars, he was incredible, it was the finest display by a Tipp man in a club game since the golden days of Johnny Leahy in the late eighties/early nineties imho, next up for Sars are their namesakes from Cork in Tom Semples field in the semi.
Quote from: homeofhurling8 on October 30, 2012, 10:53:48 AM
Quote from: bp on October 16, 2012, 04:53:54 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 16, 2012, 12:33:06 PM
Thurles Sarsfields in the first round, but it's below in Kilmallock.
Is it in Kilmallock ?..... thought I read someplace that it was on in the GGs.
I'd still fancy Thurles against them - regardless of venue.
Tipped on down to the game on Sunday for a gander, Sars were in charge from the start imo, Killmallock pulled it back a couple of times but Sars always seemed on the verge of cutting loose, their scores seemed to come a lot handier than Kilmallocks did but what made the journey worthwhile was the performance of Paudie Maher at centre back for Sars, he was incredible, it was the finest display by a Tipp man in a club game since the golden days of Johnny Leahy in the late eighties/early nineties imho, next up for Sars are their namesakes from Cork in Tom Semples field in the semi.
Do you not think this home/away format for the club championship is outdated and all club games should be played in Thurles?
In the Galway semi-finals last weekend played in monsoon conditions
Loughrea 1-12 beat Turloughmore 0-7
Gort 0-9 drew St. Thomas 0-9
Loughrea too experienced for a young Turloughmore team. Plus the conditions probably suited them more.
Gort and St Thomas have to replay and a wedding for one of the Loughrea players may now put back the county final until late November.
Why would ye put back a county final for a wedding?
Quote from: homeofhurling8 on October 30, 2012, 10:53:48 AM
Quote from: bp on October 16, 2012, 04:53:54 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 16, 2012, 12:33:06 PM
Thurles Sarsfields in the first round, but it's below in Kilmallock.
Thurles will take all the beating in Munster this year, and might well go all the way.
Is it in Kilmallock ?..... thought I read someplace that it was on in the GGs.
I'd still fancy Thurles against them - regardless of venue.
Tipped on down to the game on Sunday for a gander, Sars were in charge from the start imo, Killmallock pulled it back a couple of times but Sars always seemed on the verge of cutting loose, their scores seemed to come a lot handier than Kilmallocks did but what made the journey worthwhile was the performance of Paudie Maher at centre back for Sars, he was incredible, it was the finest display by a Tipp man in a club game since the golden days of Johnny Leahy in the late eighties/early nineties imho, next up for Sars are their namesakes from Cork in Tom Semples field in the semi.
St Thomas 1-16 Gort 1-15
Galway final will be St Thomas v Loughrea
Who would you fancy GalwayBayBoy?
I saw the second half of this match! Thomas fully deserved the win! 2 17 years old subs scored 1-01 between them, imagine 6 Burke brothers playing with their father on the line as well! One of the 17 year olds was the youngest Burke, Eanna by name and the hurling gene is well spread in that family!! indeed he scored a good point off his left side and Shane Cooney scored the goal, a great effort! Loughrea will be a much tougher test for them but if they beat them I could see them doing well in the AI series! Loughrea will drag them into a physical test in the final which is on in 2 weeks as far as I know!! My own home club were playing in the Intermediate final after this match but unfortunately they lost by 3 points! Killimordaly now go senior after defeating Ahascragh/Fohenagh and to be honest fully deserved the victory. They had a bit more class up front but by God they will be tested by Four Roads of Roscommon who are meant to be a very "physical" team, in the Connacht final!!
Quote from: Lecale2 on November 05, 2012, 10:04:48 PM
Who would you fancy GalwayBayBoy?
Hard to say. Loughrea are a very experienced outfit and generally know how to win these tight games around this time of year when the weather is bad and the pitches are slow. Would probably have won one or two more county titles only for the fact that they were competing at the same time as one of the greatest club sides ever in Portumna.
St Thomas have been coming for a couple of years now with a very young side brimming with talent. Was only a matter of time until they made the breakthrough. Whether they can get over that final fence just yet I'm not sure. If they get a fine day they definitely have the hurling to beat Loughrea but if they get a typical winter's day for the final with a bit of wind and rain then Loughrea's experience and physicality will probably be too much for them.
Not the place to be asking this but......is John Lee now totally out of the picture with the Galway hurlers ?
Thought he was going to be the constant at no.6 for years to come, think he might of dropped off the panel to concentrate on his medical studies.
Quote from: cicfada on November 05, 2012, 11:04:34 PM
My own home club were playing in the Intermediate final after this match but unfortunately they lost by 3 points! Killimordaly now go senior after defeating Ahascragh/Fohenagh and to be honest fully deserved the victory. They had a bit more class up front but by God they will be tested by Four Roads of Roscommon who are meant to be a very "physical" team, in the Connacht final!!
Didn't the Kelly brothers play for Four Roads? Horses of men who could hurl a bit as well. They'd be retired by now I'd have thought.
Was down at KK final today. Poor enough fare, Ballyhale never in any real danger without ever looking particularly good themselves. TJ is a big, big loss to them.
Looks like the Sars will be coming out on top of the pile next March!
Quote from: Premier Emperor on November 11, 2012, 11:21:09 PM
Looks like the Sars will be coming out on top of the pile next March!
They did look impressive, but rode their luck a bit and struggled with the big man in at full forward causing havoc. Mullane could be their downfall again.
32 county titles and not one Munster, did I hear Paudie Maher correctly?
Quote from: Premier Emperor on November 11, 2012, 11:21:09 PM
Looks like the Sars will be coming out on top of the pile next March!
How many Tipp clubs have won the all Ireland in the last 20 years? Is it a number ?
32 county titles all right, but most of them were won long before the Munster Club Championship started. Still true that they have underperformed in Munster. Get the feeling that this could be their year to go all the way to Croke Park on St. Patrrick's Day. They have a seriously strong panel of players, but have still to deliver on the big day.
Quote from: Onlooker on November 12, 2012, 09:35:18 AM
32 county titles all right, but most of them were won long before the Munster Club Championship started. Still true that they have underperformed in Munster. Get the feeling that this could be their year to go all the way to Croke Park on St. Patrrick's Day. They have a seriously strong panel of players, but have still to deliver on the big day.
Lar scored some goal in the first half, was a bullet of a shot. They went ahead and seemed to be well on top, but managed to let the Cork lads back in and give away some easy frees I thought.
Could have went either way until the goal, fair enough high scoring game for this time of the year. De La Salle are no mugs at this level and have the experience of being there before. If truth be told Munster clubs have been dung lately in the club championship
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 12, 2012, 10:01:58 AM
Quote from: Onlooker on November 12, 2012, 09:35:18 AM
32 county titles all right, but most of them were won long before the Munster Club Championship started. Still true that they have underperformed in Munster. Get the feeling that this could be their year to go all the way to Croke Park on St. Patrrick's Day. They have a seriously strong panel of players, but have still to deliver on the big day.
Lar scored some goal in the first half, was a bullet of a shot. They went ahead and seemed to be well on top, but managed to let the Cork lads back in and give away some easy frees I thought.
Could have went either way until the goal, fair enough high scoring game for this time of the year. De La Salle are no mugs at this level and have the experience of being there before. If truth be told Munster clubs have been dung lately in the club championship
Hard to look beyond ballyhale. Oulart didn't impress me against Crokes. Which means they should win leinster relatively easily
Quote from: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 10:24:21 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 12, 2012, 10:01:58 AM
Quote from: Onlooker on November 12, 2012, 09:35:18 AM
32 county titles all right, but most of them were won long before the Munster Club Championship started. Still true that they have underperformed in Munster. Get the feeling that this could be their year to go all the way to Croke Park on St. Patrrick's Day. They have a seriously strong panel of players, but have still to deliver on the big day.
Lar scored some goal in the first half, was a bullet of a shot. They went ahead and seemed to be well on top, but managed to let the Cork lads back in and give away some easy frees I thought.
Could have went either way until the goal, fair enough high scoring game for this time of the year. De La Salle are no mugs at this level and have the experience of being there before. If truth be told Munster clubs have been dung lately in the club championship
Hard to look beyond ballyhale. Oulart didn't impress me against Crokes. Which means they should win leinster relatively easily
Ballyhale weren't all that impressive yesterday, albeit without ever elaving second gear and Shefflin missed a couple of penalties. Loughiel won't fear anybody this year and would put it up to all remaining contenders.
Quote from: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 10:24:21 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 12, 2012, 10:01:58 AM
Quote from: Onlooker on November 12, 2012, 09:35:18 AM
32 county titles all right, but most of them were won long before the Munster Club Championship started. Still true that they have underperformed in Munster. Get the feeling that this could be their year to go all the way to Croke Park on St. Patrrick's Day. They have a seriously strong panel of players, but have still to deliver on the big day.
Lar scored some goal in the first half, was a bullet of a shot. They went ahead and seemed to be well on top, but managed to let the Cork lads back in and give away some easy frees I thought.
Could have went either way until the goal, fair enough high scoring game for this time of the year. De La Salle are no mugs at this level and have the experience of being there before. If truth be told Munster clubs have been dung lately in the club championship
Hard to look beyond ballyhale. Oulart didn't impress me against Crokes. Which means they should win leinster relatively easily
Ballyhale favourites without doubt but if I got decent odds would back Oulart to win Leinster.
Have a sneaking hunch that OtB will go a long way . (kiss of death I suppose). From what I have seen they are a well rounded team and imvho it is the calibre of the 12th to 18th best players in the panel that wins you the All Ireland club final and to a lesser extent the Provincial title. Inter county players will only bring you so far if you have the passengers on the team.
Thurles S are desparate to win a Munster given their inability to win one over the years. Wily campaigners in DLS await them . TS should do it with the players they have.
Where and when is the Oulart Ballyhale match on?
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on November 12, 2012, 02:53:11 PM
Where and when is the Oulart Ballyhale match on?
25/11, Wexford Pk, 2pm
Galway county final on Sunday.
QuoteNovember 15, 2012 - 7:00am
Handful of familes backbone St. Thomas' bid to make Galway hurling history
CIARAN TIERNEY
NOT since the legendary Sarsfields team of the 1990s has a club as small as St Thomas' been top dogs in Galway hurling and the perception that they are a small 'band of brothers' is enhanced by the fact that team manager John Burke has six sons on the team who are aiming to deliver a first county senior title to the club on Sunday.
For the Cooneys and McGraths from New Inn, substitute the Burkes, Murrays, Skehills, Kellys and, indeed, Cooneys on the youthful St Thomas' side who are aiming to make club history at Pearse Stadium. They represent barely 200 houses in Kilchreest and Peterswell, and the team is backboned by a handful of families.
John Burke has managed the team for half a decade, but he knew there was potential there as far back as 2002 when he was selector on the team who beat Carnmore in the U-12 final. That group of players reached the last two U-21 finals and make up the majority of this year's senior side.
"We are aiming for this for a number of years. We saw the potential in these fellas even then. I remember I was a selector that day in 2002 with Mark Fahy and Kevin Cunningham. We said that this group of players would go places if they stuck together.
"They progressed up along after that. They went to U-14, won the U-16, won the minor and the U-21. They have stuck together as a group. Very few of them have left. A few have, between work and different things. But most have stuck to the hurling. They are all great friends."
Perhaps this county final has come a little early for such a young side. But, as he surveyed a training session under temporary floodlights at Castledaly last week, Burke made it clear that they were a very happy group, bonded as much by a love of the game as blood ties or the sense of togetherness that comes from neighbours living in a small rural area.
"It's probably the fact that we are an awful small parish," said Burke. "It's a very close-knit community, the hurling community here. That's basically what we do. We hurl. There's nothing else. They love their hurling. We stress that to every age group up along. You have to enjoy it. If it is a chore to come to the pitch for training, there is no point in coming then."
Burke hurled himself until he was well into his 40s. With so many of his own young lads joining the underage ranks, it was almost inevitable he would take up a coaching role. He has made life-long friends from rival clubs through a mutual love of hurling and could hardly imagine life without the game.
With six sons involved in the senior panel – David, Darragh, Cathal, Kenneth, Sean, and Eanna – it is very much a family affair, but he treats every member of the panel equally and selectors Jimmy Kelly (Kilchreest) and Justin Flannery (Peterswell) work hard with Burke to ensure they have a happy camp.
"The lads on the panel are all equal to me, every man that's out there. It's all about who is working hardest all the time. We have a great panel. We stress that the last couple of years, it's the young lads coming through who are probably making our team now. They are pushing it a little more for us, which is awful important. You won't win any game with 15 players," he said.
"We have a few other fellas there who are ready to go if we need them. On any given day, a lad could get hurt or injured. You have to be able to get the players in if we need them. I wouldn't be worried about five or six of the subs if we had to use them. And the bit of experience of the likes of Enda Tannian and Richie Murray is very important. You need to have a few wise heads with the bit of experience all the time."
QuoteNeighbours will go to war on Sunday as St Thomas bid to clinch their first ever Galway senior hurling championship against Loughrea at Pearse Stadium (2pm).
After accounting for the defending champions on their southern border, Gort, in a semi-final replay, St Thomas will be keen to go one step further against a battle hardened Loughrea.
Loughrea looked mighty impressive when they powered past a fancied Turloughmore in horrendous conditions at Athenry, with veteran Johnny Maher and the youthful Patrick Hoban catching the eye in their last-four victory.
Young hurler of the Year, Johnny Coen, featured at wing-back and had a quiet day against a relative laboured Turlough attack, but his talents are likely to be tested further on Sunday against St Thomas' most powerful line.
Conor Cooney has been their shining light thus far, but flanked by Bernard Burke and James Regan, the trio have made John Burke's youthful side look like a powerful, experienced outfit.
Another area that St Tomas will fancy gaining the upper hand is at midfield as former Galway U-21 captains Kenneth and David Burke are likely to be paired against Loughrea skipper Gavin Keary and Emmett Mahony.
Depending on team selection we could see six brothers start for St Thomas with minor Eanna Burke pushing hard for inclusion alongside his brothers Cathal, Sean, Darragh, Kenneth and David, but the ultimate decision will rest with their father — team manager John.
Loughrea's return of just one win in the five finals they have reached in the last nine is scant return for a club of their status. But they could well lose a sixth final in a decade if St Thomas finally live up to their promise.
QuoteIn a novel pairing, this Sunday's county senior hurling final sees Loughrea take on newcomers St Thomas at Pearse Stadium (2pm).
While many neutrals, who may like to see a new name on the county cup, will be rooting for St Thomas, Loughrea are the more experienced, having been in five county finals since 2003.
They won their second title in 2006, beating Portumna by 1-13 to 0-15 - some 65 years after winning their first senior championship, and lost four finals in the past decade, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010.
Loughrea will be keen to change that recent losing record and will enter Sunday's game with all guns blazing against a side that has been installed as the bookies' favourites. However some pundits believe St Thomas' lack of big-game experience may count against them this weekend.
Loughrea's form has been good, and they were very efficient and powerful in their 1-12 to 0-07 victory over Turloughmore in their semi-final.
They threw the ball around confidently and always looked in control from the moment Kenneth Colleran hit a first half goal following good work from the consistently impressive Emmet Mahony.
Loughrea have enjoyed a good year thus-far and they have a nice balance of talented young hurlers like county minor Seán Sweeney and young hurler of the year Johnny Coen, alongside the vastly experienced men like the potent Johnny Maher, Gavin Keary, Johnny O' Loughlin, Vinny Maher and full-back Damien McClearn.
Several Loughrea players, Nigel Murray, Tom Regan, Gavin Keary, Johnny and Vinny Maher, Kenneth Colleran and team captain that year Damien McClearn, all won county medals six years ago. They will believe their efforts over the past few years merit another one.
St Thomas, who are favourites with the bookies for the Tom Callanan Cup, had a narrow one-point victory (1-16 to 1-15 ) over county champions Gort after a replay.
The Kilchreest /Peterswell club had fine displays from All-Star David Burke at midfield and up front Conor Cooney who shot 0-5, 4fs. James Regan, Ritchie Murray and Bernard Burke also caught the eye.
However it was a fabulous goal from county minor Shane Cooney, who was set up by fellow minor Enda Burke, that helped St Thomas to reach this weekend's decider.
There's a load of boys heading down to the Galway final from Loughgiel, I might be there myself. ;)
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on November 15, 2012, 06:30:05 PM
There's a load of boys heading down to the Galway final from Loughgiel, I might be there myself. ;)
If St Thomas' can get off the drink and get their heads right then Loughgiel will have it all to do, they've some very fine hurlers on their team even in that turgid ;D battle on a bog of a pitch at Pierce stadium yesterday.
I'd always head that Galway club hurling was brutal, but my god, how did Johnny Maher stay on the park was something else, at one point he was dropping lads like flies, just as well his uncle was refereeing as that's the only reason I can come up with.
Unreal. I thought he was walking the line in the first half when he netted from the 21 and ran in after to shove his hurl into the keepers back as he was picking it out of the net but he eclipsed all with his antics in the last 10 minutes. Delighted to see St Thomas's win in the end, at least they wanted to play some hurling.
Quote from: johnneycool on November 19, 2012, 08:38:51 AM
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on November 15, 2012, 06:30:05 PM
There's a load of boys heading down to the Galway final from Loughgiel, I might be there myself. ;)
If St Thomas' can get off the drink and get their heads right then Loughgiel will have it all to do
Yeah Thomas' might do alright if they keep their heads screwed on. However they are a very young side apart from one or two older heads and this is their very first county title so you don't know how they will react over the next few weeks and months. Loughgiel are already focused on retaining their All-Ireland while Thomas' will just be delighted to have won their first county title. Anything else is a bonus for them.
On a dry day they are very dangerous as they are young, have plenty of pace and they can all hurl. In fairness to them they also managed to tough it out on a filthy day yesterday which should have suited Loughrea.
Plenty of time between now and February to get the celebrating done and the heads right I would have thought.
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on November 19, 2012, 05:39:54 PM
Plenty of time between now and February to get the celebrating done and the heads right I would have thought.
Massive core work to be done between now and Feb. Loughgiel are going into their third campaign and will be tweaking their training styles leading up to the game, Obviously they will have improved and be a lot stronger. Will take St Thomas's about 20 minutes to get into the game, probably be too late for them to make a challenge.
All early stuff and no harm debating it
QuoteNew power in Galway
Youthful St. Thomas' have scope for long reign after winning first ever senior hurling title
CIARAN TIERNEY
THEY were singing in the rain long into the night around the South Galway villages of Kilchreest, Castledaly, and Peterswell after the young guns of St Thomas' delivered a first county senior title to the amalgamated rural club with a fully deserved victory over a battle-hardened Loughrea side at Pearse Stadium on Sunday.
The final scoreline of 3-11 to 2-11 might suggest that it was a thriller in the driving rain, but the youthful men in red were the superior side despite a few late scares. They seemed to have the issue wrapped up before a spirited Loughrea registered 1-3 without reply, to cause some last minute jitters, in the closing ten minutes of the game.
A crowd of over 6,500 turned up to watch Galway hurling's showpiece occasion, despite the atrocious conditions, and it was a credit to both sides that they served up such a rousing contest in the circumstances.
Loughrea fielded with seven players who were featuring in their sixth county final and this latest defeat is bound to cause considerable soul-searching in the Town camp, given that they have only managed one title success (2006) since reaching their first modern-day decider in 2003.
But St Thomas' tore into them from the outset. They enjoyed a dream start when 30-year old full-forward Richie Murray, the former Galway senior star, rounded rival full-back Damien McClearn to unleash a superb shot to the net after just 90 seconds of play.
St Thomas' featured no less than nine of the side who beat Loughrea in last year's county U-21 final and the two subs they brought on, Eanna Burke and Shane Cooney, are both teenagers. They look to have the makings of a serious force in Galway hurling for some years.
County senior and current All-Star David Burke was simply immense on Sunday, covering back to help his defence when required while also driving forward from his midfield berth, where he partnered his brother Kenneth, to set up attacks for his fired-up young side.
Two of his colleagues in attack, James Regan and Conor Cooney, also made up for the disappointment of losing the replayed All-Ireland final to Kilkenny in September while it was a particularly joyous occasion for Richie Murray, who scored three goals, after so many years of disappointment with the county.
They still found it hard to shake off a gritty Loughrea side who were back on level terms by the 20th minute, thanks to points from Johnny Maher and Neil Keary, plus a superbly struck Maher free which hit the back of the net on 14 minutes.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 20, 2012, 01:53:52 PM
QuoteNew power in Galway
Youthful St. Thomas' have scope for long reign after winning first ever senior hurling title
CIARAN TIERNEY
THEY were singing in the rain long into the night around the South Galway villages of Kilchreest, Castledaly, and Peterswell after the young guns of St Thomas' delivered a first county senior title to the amalgamated rural club with a fully deserved victory over a battle-hardened Loughrea side at Pearse Stadium on Sunday.
The final scoreline of 3-11 to 2-11 might suggest that it was a thriller in the driving rain, but the youthful men in red were the superior side despite a few late scares. They seemed to have the issue wrapped up before a spirited Loughrea registered 1-3 without reply, to cause some last minute jitters, in the closing ten minutes of the game.
A crowd of over 6,500 turned up to watch Galway hurling's showpiece occasion, despite the atrocious conditions, and it was a credit to both sides that they served up such a rousing contest in the circumstances.
Loughrea fielded with seven players who were featuring in their sixth county final and this latest defeat is bound to cause considerable soul-searching in the Town camp, given that they have only managed one title success (2006) since reaching their first modern-day decider in 2003.
But St Thomas' tore into them from the outset. They enjoyed a dream start when 30-year old full-forward Richie Murray, the former Galway senior star, rounded rival full-back Damien McClearn to unleash a superb shot to the net after just 90 seconds of play.
St Thomas' featured no less than nine of the side who beat Loughrea in last year's county U-21 final and the two subs they brought on, Eanna Burke and Shane Cooney, are both teenagers. They look to have the makings of a serious force in Galway hurling for some years.
County senior and current All-Star David Burke was simply immense on Sunday, covering back to help his defence when required while also driving forward from his midfield berth, where he partnered his brother Kenneth, to set up attacks for his fired-up young side.
Two of his colleagues in attack, James Regan and Conor Cooney, also made up for the disappointment of losing the replayed All-Ireland final to Kilkenny in September while it was a particularly joyous occasion for Richie Murray, who scored three goals, after so many years of disappointment with the county.
They still found it hard to shake off a gritty Loughrea side who were back on level terms by the 20th minute, thanks to points from Johnny Maher and Neil Keary, plus a superbly struck Maher free which hit the back of the net on 14 minutes.
Read both the examiner and Independent online coverage of the game and none to Maher's antics are mentioned, is that sort of thing common in Galway club hurling or is it exceptional even by Galway standards?
Quote from: johnneycool on November 20, 2012, 02:31:44 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 20, 2012, 01:53:52 PM
QuoteNew power in Galway
Youthful St. Thomas' have scope for long reign after winning first ever senior hurling title
CIARAN TIERNEY
THEY were singing in the rain long into the night around the South Galway villages of Kilchreest, Castledaly, and Peterswell after the young guns of St Thomas' delivered a first county senior title to the amalgamated rural club with a fully deserved victory over a battle-hardened Loughrea side at Pearse Stadium on Sunday.
The final scoreline of 3-11 to 2-11 might suggest that it was a thriller in the driving rain, but the youthful men in red were the superior side despite a few late scares. They seemed to have the issue wrapped up before a spirited Loughrea registered 1-3 without reply, to cause some last minute jitters, in the closing ten minutes of the game.
A crowd of over 6,500 turned up to watch Galway hurling's showpiece occasion, despite the atrocious conditions, and it was a credit to both sides that they served up such a rousing contest in the circumstances.
Loughrea fielded with seven players who were featuring in their sixth county final and this latest defeat is bound to cause considerable soul-searching in the Town camp, given that they have only managed one title success (2006) since reaching their first modern-day decider in 2003.
But St Thomas' tore into them from the outset. They enjoyed a dream start when 30-year old full-forward Richie Murray, the former Galway senior star, rounded rival full-back Damien McClearn to unleash a superb shot to the net after just 90 seconds of play.
St Thomas' featured no less than nine of the side who beat Loughrea in last year's county U-21 final and the two subs they brought on, Eanna Burke and Shane Cooney, are both teenagers. They look to have the makings of a serious force in Galway hurling for some years.
County senior and current All-Star David Burke was simply immense on Sunday, covering back to help his defence when required while also driving forward from his midfield berth, where he partnered his brother Kenneth, to set up attacks for his fired-up young side.
Two of his colleagues in attack, James Regan and Conor Cooney, also made up for the disappointment of losing the replayed All-Ireland final to Kilkenny in September while it was a particularly joyous occasion for Richie Murray, who scored three goals, after so many years of disappointment with the county.
They still found it hard to shake off a gritty Loughrea side who were back on level terms by the 20th minute, thanks to points from Johnny Maher and Neil Keary, plus a superbly struck Maher free which hit the back of the net on 14 minutes.
Read both the examiner and Independent online coverage of the game and none to Maher's antics are mentioned, is that sort of thing common in Galway club hurling or is it exceptional even by Galway standards?
Think everyone feels he should have been sent off (twice if that was possible) but the ref is probably getting more criticism than Maher himself. The fact that it was only one fella losing the rag rather than an all out brawl means it's not getting as much publicity.
Johnny Maher is now the best known club hurler in the country. Maybe he will take Joe's place on the Galway team.
(http://ballsdot.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/jmaher-580x580.jpg)
Who would have thought Johnny Maher would go viral. The fact that he still wears the old style helmet tops it off. ;D
(http://ballsdot.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/johnnymaher.jpg)
(http://ballsdot.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/jovlad-580x870.jpg)
From Balls.ie
Quote from: gallsman on November 12, 2012, 11:41:30 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on November 12, 2012, 10:24:21 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 12, 2012, 10:01:58 AM
Quote from: Onlooker on November 12, 2012, 09:35:18 AM
32 county titles all right, but most of them were won long before the Munster Club Championship started. Still true that they have underperformed in Munster. Get the feeling that this could be their year to go all the way to Croke Park on St. Patrrick's Day. They have a seriously strong panel of players, but have still to deliver on the big day.
Lar scored some goal in the first half, was a bullet of a shot. They went ahead and seemed to be well on top, but managed to let the Cork lads back in and give away some easy frees I thought.
Could have went either way until the goal, fair enough high scoring game for this time of the year. De La Salle are no mugs at this level and have the experience of being there before. If truth be told Munster clubs have been dung lately in the club championship
Hard to look beyond ballyhale. Oulart didn't impress me against Crokes. Which means they should win leinster relatively easily
Ballyhale weren't all that impressive yesterday, albeit without ever elaving second gear and Shefflin missed a couple of penalties. Loughiel won't fear anybody this year and would put it up to all remaining contenders.
Opposition is far better this year. Loughiel will have their work cut out. Some serious hurlers on that St Thomas team if they manage to avoid suspensions.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 20, 2012, 05:46:00 PM
Who would have thought Johnny Maher would go viral. The fact that he still wears the old style helmet tops it off. ;D
(http://ballsdot.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/johnnymaher.jpg)
From Balls.ie
Faceguards are compulsory now, so he should have been put off the field for that alone!!
Wasn't it Loughrea and Portumna in the final a few years ago when a young Joe Canning got stamped on, in the face? I seem to remember the photo in 'de paper' the day after. Galway hurling used to be absolutely ferocious in the Lynskey days, and county men were real targets, but I don't think it was so bad recently, apart from a few incidents. Loughrea might be a throw back though.
It was and that photo was used by the serving manager of the Ossie International Rules team, Kevin Whatwashisnameagain, to show that our own games were more lawless after a troubled first test down in Galway. 2006 if the memory serves.
Quote from: AZOffaly on November 21, 2012, 11:47:50 AM
Wasn't it Loughrea and Portumna in the final a few years ago when a young Joe Canning got stamped on, in the face? I seem to remember the photo in 'de paper' the day after. Galway hurling used to be absolutely ferocious in the Lynskey days, and county men were real targets, but I don't think it was so bad recently, apart from a few incidents. Loughrea might be a throw back though.
Yes, it was 2006. By all accounts Loughrea used every cheap trick in the book to unsettle (and beat) Portumna.
Such was the treatment dished out on Joe Canning, that himself and Ollie dropped off the Galway panel for the following year.
But sure, it's a mans game, let the play flow, don't be using football rules to ruin hurling etc.
(http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/w540/Library/SF286/226462.jpg)
(http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/w540/Library/SF286/226470.jpg)
(http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/w540/Library/SF286/226469.jpg)
Good article in today's paper.
Maher hoping to hit new heights
By Diarmuid O'Flynn
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Padraic Maher is one of the best hurlers in the country at the moment and has the medal haul to prove it.
With Thurles Sarsfields, he has four county senior titles. With Tipperary, he has three Munster senior medals to go with All-Ireland titles at minor, U21 and senior, all garnished with two All Star awards.
To achieve this has taken years of self-discipline, ferocious training, eating right and doing the right thing.
Tomorrow Paudie, as he's known to his friends, will line out with Thurles Sars in the Munster club senior hurling final hoping to inspire his team to heights they have never before reached, even in Thurles Sars' storied history.
Win or lose, next week Padraic will be back where he's been for several months now. On the dole. Unemployed. Signing on. Not by choice, just a sorry reflection of where this country stands.
"We've lost Stephen Lillis and Alan Kennedy to emigration from the team that lost to De La Salle in the 2010 Munster final," he explains, "but compared to a lot of other teams in Tipperary, we haven't been hit too badly.
"I was out of work through most of that year [Tipperary won the All-Ireland title] and I'm out of work again now. I went to college for a year, a course on fitness and health, did some summer work in the Cúl camps this year but nothing since.
"I'm hoping that will change, though it's unlikely anything will come up before Christmas now. But, please God, in January things might open up again."
Maher could have gone off with Stephen and Alan and would be handed a prime job in New York or Boston in the morning if he threw in his lot with a hurling team out there. He won't do it though. Hurling is what keeps him in Ireland.
"It is, definitely. I wouldn't mind going somewhere different at some stage but I'd find it very hard to leave the hurling at the moment.
"I'd prefer to stay at home — hopefully something will turn up, anything! I have my CV up to date, it's circulating around the place. Something in the fitness and health line would be ideal but I'd have a look at anything."
Surely someone with his profile would find something? But no, nothing has come up. All of which then, for Padraic Maher, makes tomorrow's game an even bigger event. Elite sportsman he may be but you can't make a living from hurling; for now though it's his life.
He's had time then to think about De La Salle, plenty of time. Time to reflect especially on what might have been two years ago in that one-point loss, again in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. A game they left behind them?
"In one sense, yes. We hit 17 wides — with the forwards we had — and only lost by a point. But when you look back at it, they deserved to win it in the finish. No point pretending it wasn't one of our most disappointing days though. It was. The point they got to win it, it was [Eoin] Madigan from the wing. I was coming up behind him but was too late, straight over the bar, a fine score.
"He's a big man but that's one thing about De La Salle, they have a lot of big, physical players, very strong. It's going to be tough again, I know that."
Not that he's any shrinking violet himself, you understand, not at a very powerfully built 6'1" and not that he's conceding anything just yet to De La Salle either.
"I heard they're better this year but so are we. Look at the players we had then, Aidan McCormack, Mikey O'Brien, Denis Maher — they were only minor that year, while the likes of myself, Pa Bourke and Michael Cahill were all U21.
"We're all two years older now, that bit more mature.
"I know De La Salle are unbeaten so far in Munster in three campaigns, have all that winning experience, but we have a lot of experience ourselves, came very close a few times. De La Salle only beat us by a point in 2010, Newtown beat us by a point in 2009, but we've had a few nice wins too.
"We've beaten Kilmallock twice in Kilmallock, beat Sars [Cork] in the semi-final and they were a very good team. Win or lose, there's only going to be a point or two in it. Hopefully we're on the right side of it this time.
"It's a Munster final. Sars have never won one before, not even back in the 60s when it all started and we had those great teams. It's a great incentive for us and we're still a young enough team. It would be great to be heading into Christmas knowing you had an All-Ireland club semi-final to prepare for, a great boost for the club."
It would be great heading into Christmas too knowing you had a job to go to in the New Year, wouldn't it?
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/maher-hoping-to-hit-new-heights-214969.html
Decent final, Thurles could get caught out if they keep leaving things late, time may run out on them. Hard luck De La Salle, had that been the Galway final your man would have stayed on the pitch :o
With the other final off till next week I hope the weather doesn't get worse and spoil a great encounter.
Redser still part of the panel, scored a great point when he came on
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2012, 05:25:18 PM
Decent final, Thurles could get caught out if they keep leaving things late, time may run out on them. Hard luck De La Salle, had that been the Galway final your man would have stayed on the pitch :o
With the other final off till next week I hope the weather doesn't get worse and spoil a great encounter.
Redser still part of the panel, scored a great point when he came on
DLS probably smarting from the penalty not given mid 2nd half where the ref gave a free out :o
Had they got the goal at that time they might have nicked it.
Great game yesterday. Well done to both teams for such a high quality game in late November.
The ref didn't do De La Salle any favours but Thurles had good subs to bring on to get some vital late scores and deserved it. Jake Dillon was excellent for De La Salle.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2012, 05:25:18 PM
Decent final, Thurles could get caught out if they keep leaving things late, time may run out on them. Hard luck De La Salle, had that been the Galway final your man would have stayed on the pitch :o
I think Johnny Maher's antics influenced the referee. We all saw in the Galway county final the impact of all this "it's a man's game" nonsense and unfortunately John Keane was caught in the backlash (NB it was the correct decision, striking is a red card offense). Hard luck, De La Salle, ye died with yer boots on.
Quote from: Last Man on November 26, 2012, 09:29:53 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2012, 05:25:18 PM
Decent final, Thurles could get caught out if they keep leaving things late, time may run out on them. Hard luck De La Salle, had that been the Galway final your man would have stayed on the pitch :o
With the other final off till next week I hope the weather doesn't get worse and spoil a great encounter.
Redser still part of the panel, scored a great point when he came on
DLS probably smarting from the penalty not given mid 2nd half where the ref gave a free out :o
Had they got the goal at that time they might have nicked it.
Yeah looking back at that I'd say he was pretty unlucky not to get a penalty, though the referee was consistant with players not releasing the ball and blowing up for over carrying, whether he was right or not.
As a forward in my latter years I'd be very disappointed Last Man if I didn't win a penalty of you for same incident :P
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 26, 2012, 08:12:43 PM
Quote from: Last Man on November 26, 2012, 09:29:53 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2012, 05:25:18 PM
Decent final, Thurles could get caught out if they keep leaving things late, time may run out on them. Hard luck De La Salle, had that been the Galway final your man would have stayed on the pitch :o
With the other final off till next week I hope the weather doesn't get worse and spoil a great encounter.
Redser still part of the panel, scored a great point when he came on
DLS probably smarting from the penalty not given mid 2nd half where the ref gave a free out :o
Had they got the goal at that time they might have nicked it.
Yeah looking back at that I'd say he was pretty unlucky not to get a penalty, though the referee was consistant with players not releasing the ball and blowing up for over carrying, whether he was right or not.
As a forward in my latter years I'd be very disappointed Last Man if I didn't win a penalty of you for same incident :P
lol a good day for the not so stylish FBs, maybe the ref had a sympathetic eye for those not so light on their feet ;). in fairness thats just me...yer mans not a bad hurler just brickin it a bit yesterday.
Ah, yes. The 'other final'. Next week. The winners can look forward to playing Thurles Sarsfields in February. It won't be long coming around. Yes, indeedey.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2012, 05:25:18 PM
With the other final off till next week I hope the weather doesn't get worse and spoil a great encounter.
Just when you think you've seen the last of Johnny Maher
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=041zVudSEhs&feature=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=041zVudSEhs&feature=player_embedded)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 26, 2012, 08:12:43 PM
Quote from: Last Man on November 26, 2012, 09:29:53 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2012, 05:25:18 PM
Decent final, Thurles could get caught out if they keep leaving things late, time may run out on them. Hard luck De La Salle, had that been the Galway final your man would have stayed on the pitch :o
With the other final off till next week I hope the weather doesn't get worse and spoil a great encounter.
Redser still part of the panel, scored a great point when he came on
DLS probably smarting from the penalty not given mid 2nd half where the ref gave a free out :o
Had they got the goal at that time they might have nicked it.
Yeah looking back at that I'd say he was pretty unlucky not to get a penalty, though the referee was consistant with players not releasing the ball and blowing up for over carrying, whether he was right or not.
As a forward in my latter years I'd be very disappointed Last Man if I didn't win a penalty of you for same incident :P
Undoubtedly a penalty, DLS's failure to convert their goal chances - they had about seven not including the penalty, cost them dearly. It would have been interesting to see how Thurles would have responded if they'd converted more than the one goal opportunity.
How will O-TB fare against Ballyhale ?....They went within an ace of beating them a couple of years back, and you's have fancied them to beat Coolderry last year, but...
Quote from: bp on November 29, 2012, 05:33:11 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 26, 2012, 08:12:43 PM
Quote from: Last Man on November 26, 2012, 09:29:53 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2012, 05:25:18 PM
Decent final, Thurles could get caught out if they keep leaving things late, time may run out on them. Hard luck De La Salle, had that been the Galway final your man would have stayed on the pitch :o
With the other final off till next week I hope the weather doesn't get worse and spoil a great encounter.
Redser still part of the panel, scored a great point when he came on
DLS probably smarting from the penalty not given mid 2nd half where the ref gave a free out :o
Had they got the goal at that time they might have nicked it.
Yeah looking back at that I'd say he was pretty unlucky not to get a penalty, though the referee was consistant with players not releasing the ball and blowing up for over carrying, whether he was right or not.
As a forward in my latter years I'd be very disappointed Last Man if I didn't win a penalty of you for same incident :P
Undoubtedly a penalty, DLS's failure to convert their goal chances - they had about seven not including the penalty, cost them dearly. It would have been interesting to see how Thurles would have responded if they'd converted more than the one goal opportunity.
How will O-TB fare against Ballyhale ?....They went within an ace of beating them a couple of years back, and you's have fancied them to beat Coolderry last year, but...
Purely based on how well OTB have faired over the years in this competition, Coolderry were eventually found out by a very good Loughgiel team.
OTB are surely one of the most inconsistent teams at this level. To beat Ballyhale shamrocks one week and then loose to the Offaly champions the next. Perhaps the Offaly championship doesn't get the credit it deserves after having the last two leinster champions. Thurles will see this as a big opportunity to make the All Ireland final.
Not sure why the Offaly champions would be expected to roll over for the Wexford Champions? Birr, of course, Coolderry and Tullamore have all acquitted themselves reasonably well or better in recent years, and KK are simply keeping that run going.
Quote from: CitySlicker11 on December 09, 2012, 06:25:26 PM
OTB are surely one of the most consistent teams at this level. To beat Ballyhale shamrocks one week and then loose to the Offaly champions the next. Perhaps the Offaly championship doesn't get the credit it deserves after having the last two leinster champions. Thurles will see this as a big opportunity to make the All Ireland final.
Thurles are 8/11 to win, think that price is is too short, they may win it considering the team they have but there are times in the their last few games where they have went to sleep to only wake up with 5 minutes to go. Loughiel and St Thomas's are both 7/2 and
Kilcormac/K are 7/1
I fancy whoever comes through from the Loughgiel side of the draw but feel that game may be too close too call. Evenly matched teams is what you want at this stage of the competition, and no easy wins like last year.....
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 09, 2012, 07:39:27 PM
Not sure why the Offaly champions would be expected to roll over for the Wexford Champions? Birr, of course, Coolderry and Tullamore have all acquitted themselves reasonably well or better in recent years, and KK are simply keeping that run going.
A Wexford team (nor anyone else outside of Kilkenny and Offaly) hasn't won a Leinster since Rathnure in 1998.
Since then the titles have gone 8 to Kilkenny and 6 to Offaly. So in that context the rush to present OTB with the cup after beating Ballyhale was a little hasty. They did enough to be slight favourites, but nothing beyond that.
Quote from: CitySlicker11 on December 09, 2012, 09:24:37 PM
I fancy whoever comes through from the Loughgiel side of the draw but feel that game may be too close too call. Evenly matched teams is what you want at this stage of the competition, and no easy wins like last year.....
both semis were supposed to be one sided last year, according to the experts, just not the way they turned out. same for the final.
I'd expect Thurles Sars to come through easily enough as Kilcormac are no great shakes.
I'm not sure how good Loughiel really are. I was watching a repeat of last year's club final today and they were lucky enough. They got the rub of the green a few times at crucial times.
Quote from: Premier Emperor on January 01, 2013, 09:53:46 PM
I'd expect Thurles Sars to come through easily enough as Kilcormac are no great shakes.
I'm not sure how good Loughiel really are. I was watching a repeat of last year's club final today and they were lucky enough. They got the rub of the green a few times at crucial times.
You're right. Jammy feckers! Game won in first half. Only winning by 8 points.
::)
Quote from: Premier Emperor on January 01, 2013, 09:53:46 PM
I'd expect Thurles Sars to come through easily enough as Kilcormac are no great shakes.
I'm not sure how good Loughiel really are. I was watching a repeat of last year's club final today and they were lucky enough. They got the rub of the green a few times at crucial times.
Are you sure you watched last years final?
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on January 08, 2013, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on January 01, 2013, 09:53:46 PM
I'd expect Thurles Sars to come through easily enough as Kilcormac are no great shakes.
I'm not sure how good Loughiel really are. I was watching a repeat of last year's club final today and they were lucky enough. They got the rub of the green a few times at crucial times.
You're right. Jammy feckers! Game won in first half. Only winning by 8 points.
::)
The way the match went was this. Coolderry came out and looked the better team and were slowly building up a lead.
Loughiel hit them for a couple of fortunate goals against the run of play.
Coolderry did what Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble and fell apart.
Big weekend in club hurling ahead of us.
I feel the Sars could really put up a score against Kilcormac if they get half a chance.
They have been racking up huge scores in challenge games.
Loughiel should have enough expereince to see off St Thomas'.
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 06, 2013, 05:25:57 PM
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on January 08, 2013, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on January 01, 2013, 09:53:46 PM
I'd expect Thurles Sars to come through easily enough as Kilcormac are no great shakes.
I'm not sure how good Loughiel really are. I was watching a repeat of last year's club final today and they were lucky enough. They got the rub of the green a few times at crucial times.
You're right. Jammy feckers! Game won in first half. Only winning by 8 points.
::)
The way the match went was this. Coolderry came out and looked the better team and were slowly building up a lead.
Loughiel hit them for a couple of fortunate goals against the run of play.
Coolderry did what Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble and fell apart.
Dont know what match you were watching Premier Emperor, but the way the first half went was this:
1. Loughgiel scored first, Coolderry equalised and then went a point up.
2. Loughgiel then score the first goal 6 minutes in to go up 1-1 to 0-2
3. Loughgiel go 1-3 to 0-3 up.
4. Coolderry bring it back to level, 1-3 to 0-6.
5. Watson gets his first goal on 18 minutes for Loughgiel, who go 2-4 to 0-6 up.
6.
Quote from: clootfromthe21 on February 06, 2013, 05:52:08 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 06, 2013, 05:25:57 PM
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on January 08, 2013, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on January 01, 2013, 09:53:46 PM
I'd expect Thurles Sars to come through easily enough as Kilcormac are no great shakes.
I'm not sure how good Loughiel really are. I was watching a repeat of last year's club final today and they were lucky enough. They got the rub of the green a few times at crucial times.
You're right. Jammy feckers! Game won in first half. Only winning by 8 points.
::)
The way the match went was this. Coolderry came out and looked the better team and were slowly building up a lead.
Loughiel hit them for a couple of fortunate goals against the run of play.
Coolderry did what Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble and fell apart.
Dont know what match you were watching Premier Emperor, but the way the first half went was this:
1. Loughgiel scored first, Coolderry equalised and then went a point up.
2. Loughgiel then score the first goal 6 minutes in to go up 1-1 to 0-2
3. Loughgiel go 1-3 to 0-3 up.
4. Coolderry bring it back to level, 1-3 to 0-6.
5. Watson gets his first goal on 18 minutes for Loughgiel, who go 2-4 to 0-6 up.
6.
Sorry bout that, hit a wrong button!
6. On 28 minutes, its Loughgiel 2-6 to 0-8.
7. On 29 minutes, Watson gets his second goal and Loughgiel's third.
8. On 30 minutes, Watson gets his third goal and Loughgiel's fourth.
9. At halftime, its Loughgiel 4-6 to 0-9 and the game is over.
From the above, dont know how you can say
"The way the match went was this. Coolderry came out and looked the better team and were slowly building up a lead.
Loughgiel hit them for a couple of fortunate goals against the run of play."
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 06, 2013, 05:32:59 PM
Big weekend in club hurling ahead of us.
I feel the Sars could really put up a score against Kilcormac if they get half a chance.
They have been racking up huge scores in challenge games.
Loughiel should have enough expereince to see off St Thomas'.
They'll have the edge in experience alright, but a lot of good hurling in this Thomas' team - the Galway's AI campaign from last year should stand to their county contingent also.
Quote from: mouview on February 06, 2013, 08:42:26 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 06, 2013, 05:32:59 PM
Big weekend in club hurling ahead of us.
I feel the Sars could really put up a score against Kilcormac if they get half a chance.
They have been racking up huge scores in challenge games.
Loughiel should have enough expereince to see off St Thomas'.
They'll have the edge in experience alright, but a lot of good hurling in this Thomas' team - the Galway's AI campaign from last year should stand to their county contingent also.
won't it be the same for the Thurles lads?
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 06, 2013, 05:25:57 PM
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on January 08, 2013, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on January 01, 2013, 09:53:46 PM
I'd expect Thurles Sars to come through easily enough as Kilcormac are no great shakes.
I'm not sure how good Loughiel really are. I was watching a repeat of last year's club final today and they were lucky enough. They got the rub of the green a few times at crucial times.
You're right. Jammy feckers! Game won in first half. Only winning by 8 points.
::)
The way the match went was this. Coolderry came out and looked the better team and were slowly building up a lead.Loughiel hit them for a couple of fortunate goals against the run of play.
Coolderry did what Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble and fell apart.
Slowly building up a lead of 0-02 to 0-01?! The only time they were in front.
Loughgiel comfortably the better team. Coolderry came out in the second half and closed the gap to 5 points and if they were the better team they would of drove on from there. Loughgiel upped it again and won eased down by 9 points. History now though.
Looking forward to the weekend.
Quote from: mouview on February 06, 2013, 08:42:26 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 06, 2013, 05:32:59 PM
Big weekend in club hurling ahead of us.
I feel the Sars could really put up a score against Kilcormac if they get half a chance.
They have been racking up huge scores in challenge games.
Loughiel should have enough expereince to see off St Thomas'.
They'll have the edge in experience alright, but a lot of good hurling in this Thomas' team - the Galway's AI campaign from last year should stand to their county contingent also.
I was fairly impressed with St Thomas' in the Galway final in what looked like awful conditions and Loughgeil will need to make sure Richie Murray doesn't get a sniff of it as he'll go for goals, so big McGarry and Dee Dee will need to be on their toes.
Loughgeil will rightly be confident of progressing but they'll need to reach the same heights they did last February and March to get over the line.
Quote from: johnneycool on February 07, 2013, 09:53:18 AM
Quote from: mouview on February 06, 2013, 08:42:26 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 06, 2013, 05:32:59 PM
Big weekend in club hurling ahead of us.
I feel the Sars could really put up a score against Kilcormac if they get half a chance.
They have been racking up huge scores in challenge games.
Loughiel should have enough expereince to see off St Thomas'.
They'll have the edge in experience alright, but a lot of good hurling in this Thomas' team - the Galway's AI campaign from last year should stand to their county contingent also.
I was fairly impressed with St Thomas' in the Galway final in what looked like awful conditions and Loughgeil will need to make sure Richie Murray doesn't get a sniff of it as he'll go for goals, so big McGarry and Dee Dee will need to be on their toes.
Loughgeil will rightly be confident of progressing but they'll need to reach the same heights they did last February and March to get over the line.
So looking forward to both semi finals this weekend and fair play to TG4 for showing both, will have them recorded, Parnell should be in good enough nick and the more I read about the St Thomas's team the better they become FFS. As said Richie Murray in his days on the Galway team was a great hurler and will be a big handfull for any defender. The make up of the team is like all parish's 3/4 sets of brothers all playing together and pulling hard in the one direction.
Think the bookies have it right with them being close in the odds. I'm hoping Loughgiel win out in the end and Watson to be on the end of some goals with Casey chipping in also. Have read nothing on their build up though, while Thurles have been racking up big scores in their games. The Offaly team will no doubt relish the challenge and put Thurles out. I expect at least on shock in the two games, which one will it be?
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 06, 2013, 05:25:57 PM
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on January 08, 2013, 10:16:54 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on January 01, 2013, 09:53:46 PM
I'd expect Thurles Sars to come through easily enough as Kilcormac are no great shakes.
I'm not sure how good Loughiel really are. I was watching a repeat of last year's club final today and they were lucky enough. They got the rub of the green a few times at crucial times.
You're right. Jammy feckers! Game won in first half. Only winning by 8 points.
::)
The way the match went was this. Coolderry came out and looked the better team and were slowly building up a lead.
Loughiel hit them for a couple of fortunate goals against the run of play.
Coolderry did what Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble and fell apart.
I disagree. There was nothing fortunate about any of the goals. One could maybe make an argument of poor goal keeping for the second goal but it still had to be put away, the others were taken well. The only time Coolderry were on top was for the first 10 minutes of the second half where they scored 4 or 5 points on the trot. Coolderry only scored 1 more point in the second half than Loughgiel and both teams scored 17 times. We just happened to score 4 goals, nothing fortunate about it. Those the breaks my friend.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 07, 2013, 11:44:39 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 07, 2013, 09:53:18 AM
Quote from: mouview on February 06, 2013, 08:42:26 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 06, 2013, 05:32:59 PM
Big weekend in club hurling ahead of us.
I feel the Sars could really put up a score against Kilcormac if they get half a chance.
They have been racking up huge scores in challenge games.
Loughiel should have enough expereince to see off St Thomas'.
They'll have the edge in experience alright, but a lot of good hurling in this Thomas' team - the Galway's AI campaign from last year should stand to their county contingent also.
I was fairly impressed with St Thomas' in the Galway final in what looked like awful conditions and Loughgeil will need to make sure Richie Murray doesn't get a sniff of it as he'll go for goals, so big McGarry and Dee Dee will need to be on their toes.
Loughgeil will rightly be confident of progressing but they'll need to reach the same heights they did last February and March to get over the line.
So looking forward to both semi finals this weekend and fair play to TG4 for showing both, will have them recorded, Parnell should be in good enough nick and the more I read about the St Thomas's team the better they become FFS. As said Richie Murray in his days on the Galway team was a great hurler and will be a big handfull for any defender. The make up of the team is like all parish's 3/4 sets of brothers all playing together and pulling hard in the one direction.
Think the bookies have it right with them being close in the odds. I'm hoping Loughgiel win out in the end and Watson to be on the end of some goals with Casey chipping in also. Have read nothing on their build up though, while Thurles have been racking up big scores in their games. The Offaly team will no doubt relish the challenge and put Thurles out. I expect at least on shock in the two games, which one will it be?
We're moseying along nicely MR2. All fit and raring to go. ;)
Were the players pucking about there during the anthems???
Portlaoise looking in some nick.
Is this the first time tnag has shown the wee yellow under the name of the team to indicate a yellow card???
Thurles -6..........
This offaly team are something else!!
Pity for Thurles that KK didn't do what "Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble". PE stick that one up your arse.
Quote from: theticklemister on February 09, 2013, 03:17:46 PM
Thurles -6..........
This offaly team are something else!!
The beauty of club hurling predictions are very hard at this stage of the competition. Could very well be KK vs St Thomas final yet. Hope I'm wrong though. Loughiel are playing a lovely brand of hurling at the moment. The diagonal balls mixed with the doubling and the ground hurling is not only easy on the eye but it provides loads of ammo for the forwards. Lets see...
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2013, 03:23:13 PM
Pity for Thurles that KK didn't do what "Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble". PE stick that one up your arse.
Very unlike a Tipp hurling fan to be arrogant.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on February 09, 2013, 03:40:28 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2013, 03:23:13 PM
Pity for Thurles that KK didn't do what "Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble". PE stick that one up your arse.
Very unlike a Tipp hurling fan to be arrogant.
You can always rely on them to be undone by their hubris!
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2013, 03:23:13 PM
Pity for Thurles that KK didn't do what "Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble". PE stick that one up your arse.
:D :D :D :D :D
No doubt weather, ref, looking to the final etc will be the reason KK got lucky here.
Two different Offaly teams in AI final last two years and neither of them Birr. Well done all involved!
Pull on a red white and blue shirt ref!!
Why do players go crazy when they win a free??
To be fair St Thomas look the hungrier for this. Seamroga making a lot of basic errors.
Great match.
What a shite pitch pamrnell pk is for hurling. Terrible.
St. Thomas coming away with all 50. 50 balls here. A lot of missed chances here fpr them.
Great match !! More to come from both teams!! Thomas should have sealed it really! God that loughgiel manager never smiles does he? Spectacular lack of personality !
Quote from: cicfada on February 09, 2013, 06:04:23 PM
Great match !! More to come from both teams!! Thomas should have sealed it really! God that loughgiel manager never smiles does he? Spectacular lack of personality !
He knew he was under pressure for the majority of that game thats why!!!! Lougheil second best throughout. Glad of another game. Hopefully a better pitch can be found.
Quote from: cicfada on February 09, 2013, 06:04:23 PM
Great match !! More to come from both teams!! Thomas should have sealed it really! God that loughgiel manager never smiles does he? Spectacular lack of personality !
he smiled on the way out for extra time. he's actually one of the nicer fellas about. You obviously know feck all about him. ;)
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on February 10, 2013, 07:59:45 AM
Quote from: cicfada on February 09, 2013, 06:04:23 PM
Great match !! More to come from both teams!! Thomas should have sealed it really! God that loughgiel manager never smiles does he? Spectacular lack of personality !
he smiled on the way out for extra time. he's actually one of the nicer fellas about. You obviously know feck all about him. ;)
I only know what I see from the TV pictures so that's the only way I can form an opinion about him. I bet he smiled after extra time allright as his team was fortunatre enough to get a replay but they hung in there and that's what counts I suppose! St Thomas ill discipline cost them dearly as the back chat to the ref cost them yards which effectively ensured that the last free landed in the goal mouth! Both teams have players that can play better, david burke and Liam Watson to name 2!!It's still up in the air but please god the conditions of the pitch will be better the next day as that's the least that both teams deserve!
Quote from: Muck Savage on February 09, 2013, 03:55:05 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2013, 03:23:13 PM
Pity for Thurles that KK didn't do what "Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble". PE stick that one up your arse.
:D :D :D :D :D
No doubt weather, ref, looking to the final etc will be the reason KK got lucky here.
Two different Offaly teams in AI final last two years and neither of them Birr. Well done all involved!
Thurles didn't show up and KK took their chances.
These things happen in sport.
Quote from: Íseal agus crua isteach a on February 09, 2013, 03:25:45 PM
Quote from: theticklemister on February 09, 2013, 03:17:46 PM
Thurles -6..........
This offaly team are something else!!
The beauty of club hurling predictions are very hard at this stage of the competition. Could very well be KK vs St Thomas final yet. Hope I'm wrong though. Loughiel are playing a lovely brand of hurling at the moment. The diagonal balls mixed with the doubling and the ground hurling is not only easy on the eye but it provides loads of ammo for the forwards. Lets see...
IMO ground hurling is the only cure for that blight on hurling that is bunching with everyone hoking like hens for a ball stuck in a ruck, open the shoulders and let the ash see leather as Paddy McGuinness would say!
There was always a simplistic beauty to Offaly hurling when in their prime and K/K had it in abundance. Sars didn't look up for the battle as much as their less illustrious opponents who were better clued in and avoided Paudie Maher with almost every puck out and clearance where he couldn't impose himself on the game and a bit like Martin Scullion in the later game stayed deep in front of his fullback line, sweeping but that left his man a lot of space to work in unless midfield are working like dogs to close the space down allied with a very deep lying half forward line. It can work for you, but if the right man is in No 11 as St Thomas' had then it can cause problems if he can pick off points on a regular basis. Lar was never let get too many runs at his opponent and was maybe too fond of the big handpass away rather than take it on himself. Big Bourke looked dangerous in and around the edge of the square but didn't get a lot of ball to work with and redser was a bit unlucky with his overhead flick as it hit the keeper rather than any great save, but fortune often favours the brave as they say.
K/K had ball winners smattered all over their forwards with the No13 in the corner and both wing forwards catching good ball, big Healion is a more mobile version of Joe Brady, he just gobbled up anything that came his way, they'll be no push overs for whoever comes out of the other semi-final.
enjoyed the second game immensely as it swayed too a fro all the way, so no team was ever on top for too long and considering how shíte the pitch was both teams deserve credit for it.
Loughgeil weathered the early storm as St Thomas got off to a good start rattling over three points but Shay Casey had the speed for the fullback when the ball was put into space for him to run on to and he was a good outlet for them. Watson couldn't find any space to operate but it wasn't for the want of trying but St Thomas's got that particular match up right, maybe Loughgeil should look to start Watson in Full forward and allow him to roam a bit in the replay, Joey Scullion isn't a stranger to playing in the half forwards either. At the other end Martin Scullion stayed deep to cover in front of Richie Murray and that worked to an extent, but left Conor Cooney too much time and space to operate in. Not sure if Joey Scullion was meant to be covering in there when he was drawn out from full forward but it didn't work out.
Another worry for Loughgeil was they'd no options for long puck outs, their half forwards struggled to win ball and DD resorted to short puck outs to Ding Gillan, was a bit dodgy at times, but they just about got away with it.
Loughgeil's resilience was unreal, but they might need to get a bit smarter to shake off a very good St Thomas outfit.
Nice to see Dinny Cahill along the line on saturday, he'd be no stranger to a lot of the Loughgeil players..
Aye Johnney spot on, there are too many CHF out there at the minute that could take the scores he did on Saturday. Possibly Loughgiel were more worried of Murray in FF and he only got the one shot in on goal and it was shite!! While Cooney was given the freedom. Can't see that happening again and I'm sure if St Thomas's are smart they won't play the same game. Was listening to the build up of the game on the radio and at Half time when I nipped round to the shop.
They had a Galway man on talking about St Thomas's and how they play, he said they don't score a wile amount of frees and most scores come from open play, poor discipline also, which was noticeable with some silly rash tackles.
Refereeing I thought was pretty poor, Barry is usually a better referee than that. As for the free that led to a 21 metre free, he said he scooped the ball off the ground, the lad picked the ball twice legally but the umpire give it. At what point did umpires call free during play? Very strange
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 11, 2013, 10:42:55 AM
Aye Johnney spot on, there are too many CHF out there at the minute that could take the scores he did on Saturday. Possibly Loughgiel were more worried of Murray in FF and he only got the one shot in on goal and it was shite!! While Cooney was given the freedom. Can't see that happening again and I'm sure if St Thomas's are smart they won't play the same game. Was listening to the build up of the game on the radio and at Half time when I nipped round to the shop.
They had a Galway man on talking about St Thomas's and how they play, he said they don't score a wile amount of frees and most scores come from open play, poor discipline also, which was noticeable with some silly rash tackles.
Refereeing I thought was pretty poor, Barry is usually a better referee than that. As for the free that led to a 21 metre free, he said he scooped the ball off the ground, the lad picked the ball twice legally but the umpire give it. At what point did umpires call free during play? Very strange
I thought that free was for deliberately lying on the ball and Kelly would be right to award the free in rather than the soft option of a hop ball on the 21.
It's hardly surprising some of the Galway lads were caught out with Kelly's adherence to the rule book when you consider the eejit who refereed the Galway final. They're used to getting away with blue murder.
Quote from: johnneycool on February 11, 2013, 01:46:17 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 11, 2013, 10:42:55 AM
Aye Johnney spot on, there are too many CHF out there at the minute that could take the scores he did on Saturday. Possibly Loughgiel were more worried of Murray in FF and he only got the one shot in on goal and it was shite!! While Cooney was given the freedom. Can't see that happening again and I'm sure if St Thomas's are smart they won't play the same game. Was listening to the build up of the game on the radio and at Half time when I nipped round to the shop.
They had a Galway man on talking about St Thomas's and how they play, he said they don't score a wile amount of frees and most scores come from open play, poor discipline also, which was noticeable with some silly rash tackles.
Refereeing I thought was pretty poor, Barry is usually a better referee than that. As for the free that led to a 21 metre free, he said he scooped the ball off the ground, the lad picked the ball twice legally but the umpire give it. At what point did umpires call free during play? Very strange
I thought that free was for deliberately lying on the ball and Kelly would be right to award the free in rather than the soft option of a hop ball on the 21.
It's hardly surprising some of the Galway lads were caught out with Kelly's adherence to the rule book when you consider the eejit who refereed the Galway final. They're used to getting away with blue murder.
That was for the last minute winner, the free the umpire called was earlier on, Waston's resulting shot was defelected out for a 70
Quote from: johnneycool on February 11, 2013, 01:46:17 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 11, 2013, 10:42:55 AM
Aye Johnney spot on, there are too many CHF out there at the minute that could take the scores he did on Saturday. Possibly Loughgiel were more worried of Murray in FF and he only got the one shot in on goal and it was shite!! While Cooney was given the freedom. Can't see that happening again and I'm sure if St Thomas's are smart they won't play the same game. Was listening to the build up of the game on the radio and at Half time when I nipped round to the shop.
They had a Galway man on talking about St Thomas's and how they play, he said they don't score a wile amount of frees and most scores come from open play, poor discipline also, which was noticeable with some silly rash tackles.
Refereeing I thought was pretty poor, Barry is usually a better referee than that. As for the free that led to a 21 metre free, he said he scooped the ball off the ground, the lad picked the ball twice legally but the umpire give it. At what point did umpires call free during play? Very strange
I thought that free was for deliberately lying on the ball and Kelly would be right to award the free in rather than the soft option of a hop ball on the 21.
It's hardly surprising some of the Galway lads were caught out with Kelly's adherence to the rule book when you consider the eejit who refereed the Galway final. They're used to getting away with blue murder.
They're just as used to proper referees who can interpret rules correctly and not give frees for incidents which didn't happen. If Kelly reffed a game like that in Senior championship he'd be run out of town on a rail.
It was tongue in cheek mouview, but you have a point on Kelly.
Loughgiels doggedness impressed me as much as St Thomas's touch. Opportunities to close out the game were not taken by StTs while LG stayed composed throughout especially when they needed to. I think LG will go into the replay confident they have a stronger resolve than their oponents as well as cuter when it comes to winning those borderline frees. As good a StTs looked pure hurling wise I think they're a bit niave. Advantage loughgiel
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 11, 2013, 01:48:26 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 11, 2013, 01:46:17 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 11, 2013, 10:42:55 AM
Aye Johnney spot on, there are too many CHF out there at the minute that could take the scores he did on Saturday. Possibly Loughgiel were more worried of Murray in FF and he only got the one shot in on goal and it was shite!! While Cooney was given the freedom. Can't see that happening again and I'm sure if St Thomas's are smart they won't play the same game. Was listening to the build up of the game on the radio and at Half time when I nipped round to the shop.
They had a Galway man on talking about St Thomas's and how they play, he said they don't score a wile amount of frees and most scores come from open play, poor discipline also, which was noticeable with some silly rash tackles.
Refereeing I thought was pretty poor, Barry is usually a better referee than that. As for the free that led to a 21 metre free, he said he scooped the ball off the ground, the lad picked the ball twice legally but the umpire give it. At what point did umpires call free during play? Very strange
I thought that free was for deliberately lying on the ball and Kelly would be right to award the free in rather than the soft option of a hop ball on the 21.
It's hardly surprising some of the Galway lads were caught out with Kelly's adherence to the rule book when you consider the eejit who refereed the Galway final. They're used to getting away with blue murder.
That was for the last minute winner, the free the umpire called was earlier on, Waston's resulting shot was defelected out for a 70
One of the defenders lifted the ball clean off the ground did he not? I think it was a corner back.
Quote from: imtommygunn on February 11, 2013, 04:54:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 11, 2013, 01:48:26 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 11, 2013, 01:46:17 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 11, 2013, 10:42:55 AM
Aye Johnney spot on, there are too many CHF out there at the minute that could take the scores he did on Saturday. Possibly Loughgiel were more worried of Murray in FF and he only got the one shot in on goal and it was shite!! While Cooney was given the freedom. Can't see that happening again and I'm sure if St Thomas's are smart they won't play the same game. Was listening to the build up of the game on the radio and at Half time when I nipped round to the shop.
They had a Galway man on talking about St Thomas's and how they play, he said they don't score a wile amount of frees and most scores come from open play, poor discipline also, which was noticeable with some silly rash tackles.
Refereeing I thought was pretty poor, Barry is usually a better referee than that. As for the free that led to a 21 metre free, he said he scooped the ball off the ground, the lad picked the ball twice legally but the umpire give it. At what point did umpires call free during play? Very strange
I thought that free was for deliberately lying on the ball and Kelly would be right to award the free in rather than the soft option of a hop ball on the 21.
It's hardly surprising some of the Galway lads were caught out with Kelly's adherence to the rule book when you consider the eejit who refereed the Galway final. They're used to getting away with blue murder.
That was for the last minute winner, the free the umpire called was earlier on, Waston's resulting shot was defelected out for a 70
One of the defenders lifted the ball clean off the ground did he not? I think it was a corner back.
The ball defo hopped up and he had a second go at it and then rolled lifted it, at this point the umpire called the free down his mic for Kelly to call. My point is this though, the umpire is not there to call frees in a match, not in the rules he can after the referee blows for a free ask his advice on an incident that went on
Thought Joey Scullion was immense for L'giel. Won a lot of ball and got some great scores. They might be mostly the same players that played in the the run of county finals they lost but mentally they are a different bunch. Showed great character and resilience to get back in to the game at different times. In saying that St Tomas should have won it late in normal time when no. 19 failed to connect with a ball across from the edge of the square. Conor Cooney was absolutely immense and i just think that St Tomas have the better team overall and will win the replay.
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 11, 2013, 09:46:23 AM
Quote from: Muck Savage on February 09, 2013, 03:55:05 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2013, 03:23:13 PM
Pity for Thurles that KK didn't do what "Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble". PE stick that one up your arse.
:D :D :D :D :D
No doubt weather, ref, looking to the final etc will be the reason KK got lucky here.
Two different Offaly teams in AI final last two years and neither of them Birr. Well done all involved!
Thurles didn't show up and KK took their chances.
These things happen in sport.
Tipp have a poor enough record in this competition over the last few years.
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2013, 08:14:07 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 11, 2013, 09:46:23 AM
Quote from: Muck Savage on February 09, 2013, 03:55:05 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2013, 03:23:13 PM
Pity for Thurles that KK didn't do what "Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble". PE stick that one up your arse.
:D :D :D :D :D
No doubt weather, ref, looking to the final etc will be the reason KK got lucky here.
Two different Offaly teams in AI final last two years and neither of them Birr. Well done all involved!
Thurles didn't show up and KK took their chances.
These things happen in sport.
Tipp have a poor enough record in this competition over the last few years.
Toomevara were never far off for a few years, but it has been a long time since a Tipp team won it out.
This year was a great chance for Thurles to go all the way with the lack of really strong clubs left in it.
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 12, 2013, 09:59:31 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2013, 08:14:07 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 11, 2013, 09:46:23 AM
Quote from: Muck Savage on February 09, 2013, 03:55:05 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2013, 03:23:13 PM
Pity for Thurles that KK didn't do what "Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble". PE stick that one up your arse.
:D :D :D :D :D
No doubt weather, ref, looking to the final etc will be the reason KK got lucky here.
Two different Offaly teams in AI final last two years and neither of them Birr. Well done all involved!
Thurles didn't show up and KK took their chances.
These things happen in sport.
Tipp have a poor enough record in this competition over the last few years.
Toomevara were never far off for a few years, but it has been a long time since a Tipp team won it out.
This year was a great chance for Thurles to go all the way with the lack of really strong clubs left in it.
But the strongest team from each of the four provinces were the ones left to fight it out. Its now down to three as Thurles weren't up to it.
Your post is one of arrogance. The four teams left there are rightly there on merit having won their provincial championship. Just because they (bar Loughgiel) do not all have a resume of winning previous AI titles doesnt make them any less worthy than a big name of say Portumna, Ballyhale, Birr etc. All of these teams had the chance to be at this stage but were beaten by better teams.
Its ike saying the only reason Donegal only won the All Ireland last year was that they only had to beat Mayo (a county with no previous history of AI titles) in the final.......nonsense!! Good luck to the three teams remaining, whoever wins the 2013 AI Club Hurling Championship will be every bit as worthy as the ones who have gone before.
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 12, 2013, 09:59:31 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2013, 08:14:07 AM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on February 11, 2013, 09:46:23 AM
Quote from: Muck Savage on February 09, 2013, 03:55:05 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 09, 2013, 03:23:13 PM
Pity for Thurles that KK didn't do what "Offaly teams do at the first sign of trouble". PE stick that one up your arse.
:D :D :D :D :D
No doubt weather, ref, looking to the final etc will be the reason KK got lucky here.
Two different Offaly teams in AI final last two years and neither of them Birr. Well done all involved!
Thurles didn't show up and KK took their chances.
These things happen in sport.
Tipp have a poor enough record in this competition over the last few years.
Toomevara were never far off for a few years, but it has been a long time since a Tipp team won it out.
This year was a great chance for Thurles to go all the way with the lack of really strong clubs left in it.
From the county that gave us hells kitchen that Thurles team had a few windy hurlers on it, has the home of hurling gone soft?
Quote from: north aontroim gael on February 12, 2013, 10:32:30 AM
Its ike saying the only reason Donegal only won the All Ireland last year was that they only had to beat Mayo (a county with no previous history of AI titles) in the final.......nonsense!! Good luck to the three teams remaining, whoever wins the 2013 AI Club Hurling Championship will be every bit as worthy as the ones who have gone before.
You might want to rephrase that !!
Quote from: spuds on February 12, 2013, 02:57:30 PM
Quote from: north aontroim gael on February 12, 2013, 10:32:30 AM
Its ike saying the only reason Donegal only won the All Ireland last year was that they only had to beat Mayo (a county with no previous history of AI titles) in the final.......nonsense!! Good luck to the three teams remaining, whoever wins the 2013 AI Club Hurling Championship will be every bit as worthy as the ones who have gone before.
You might want to rephrase that !!
Recent history?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2013, 03:19:09 PM
Quote from: spuds on February 12, 2013, 02:57:30 PM
Quote from: north aontroim gael on February 12, 2013, 10:32:30 AM
Its ike saying the only reason Donegal only won the All Ireland last year was that they only had to beat Mayo (a county with no previous history of AI titles) in the final.......nonsense!! Good luck to the three teams remaining, whoever wins the 2013 AI Club Hurling Championship will be every bit as worthy as the ones who have gone before.
You might want to rephrase that !!
Recent history?
That's a bit more palatable. :-[
Quote from: north aontroim gael on February 12, 2013, 10:32:30 AM
Your post is one of arrogance. The four teams left there are rightly there on merit having won their provincial championship. Just because they (bar Loughgiel) do not all have a resume of winning previous AI titles doesnt make them any less worthy than a big name of say Portumna, Ballyhale, Birr etc. All of these teams had the chance to be at this stage but were beaten by better teams.
Its ike saying the only reason Donegal only won the All Ireland last year was that they only had to beat Mayo (a county with no previous history of AI titles) in the final.......nonsense!! Good luck to the three teams remaining, whoever wins the 2013 AI Club Hurling Championship will be every bit as worthy as the ones who have gone before.
How dare you Sir accuse Tipp hurling fans of arrogance! For shame! When you consider their glorious history, (the last 40 years bit of it anyway), you'll see they have every right to be self-proclaimed Lords of the Manor. Be thankful that you are acknowledged, ungrateful cad!
Having watched the match again last night i fancy Loughgiel for the replay.
A number of reasons for this;
Liam Watson couldnt be as bad with the frees as he was the last day,
St Thomas' hit some spectacular scores and i cant see them doing the same to the extent they did on saturday,
I dont think Conor Cooney will be afforded the same space as he was by Loughgiel on Saturday and he really was outstanding.
Its just a pity these two teams arent getting to play a match of this magnitude on a decent surface, Parnell Park wasnt fit for bog snorkling on Saturday!
Quote from: doodaa on February 12, 2013, 09:10:25 PM
Having watched the match again last night i fancy Loughgiel for the replay.
A number of reasons for this;
Liam Watson couldnt be as bad with the frees as he was the last day,
St Thomas' hit some spectacular scores and i cant see them doing the same to the extent they did on saturday,
I dont think Conor Cooney will be afforded the same space as he was by Loughgiel on Saturday and he really was outstanding.
Its just a pity these two teams arent getting to play a match of this magnitude on a decent surface, Parnell Park wasnt fit for bog snorkling on Saturday!
They still managed a right few scores, the weather was shite but shite for both teams, the referee wasn't great and that was for both teams, so all very even from where I was sitting. Not much of a puck of the ball between them. I think this game will be different though and the team that learns the most from the drawn game will win.
Loughgiel should forget about the abuse that was handed out and concentrate on the match. St Thomas's were rash in the tackle I think they'll lose a player this week.
If 5 r 10 half wits hurl abuse should the whole parish be blackened on the back of a few numpties? I'd contend that someone anyone reporting that abuse without guarding against this is doing almost)as much disservice to their own parish as the numpties on the other side
We all have them
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 12, 2013, 09:52:47 PM
Quote from: doodaa on February 12, 2013, 09:10:25 PM
Having watched the match again last night i fancy Loughgiel for the replay.
A number of reasons for this;
Liam Watson couldnt be as bad with the frees as he was the last day,
St Thomas' hit some spectacular scores and i cant see them doing the same to the extent they did on saturday,
I dont think Conor Cooney will be afforded the same space as he was by Loughgiel on Saturday and he really was outstanding.
Its just a pity these two teams arent getting to play a match of this magnitude on a decent surface, Parnell Park wasnt fit for bog snorkling on Saturday!
They still managed a right few scores, the weather was shite but shite for both teams, the referee wasn't great and that was for both teams, so all very even from where I was sitting. Not much of a puck of the ball between them. I think this game will be different though and the team that learns the most from the drawn game will win.
Loughgiel should forget about the abuse that was handed out and concentrate on the match. St Thomas's were rash in the tackle I think they'll lose a player this week.
I couldn't believe St Thomas centre back didn't get sent off after breaking the hurl over the Loughiel mans leg. It was pure filth and nothing else. How ever though, Loughiel in the first half got three frees that never were. So it evened it self out a little in that respect.
If I was lining out that Loughiel team tomorrow I would have Liam Watson full forward, right on the edge of the square. His influence is lost on the heavy pitch in the half forward line. If Watson gets a hand on the ball at all, they will have no option but to pull him down. Other wise hes shaking the net. Put the two corner forward right beside each corner flag so they can take on the corner backs. Have Joey Scullion centre forward. My wing forwards I would have playing further back almost to mid field. The two midfielders could help out the half back line. This would create a lot of space to aim better quality ball in to the full forward line. I believe (unless they were having a bad day) that St Thomas full back line is their for the taking. The other good thing a bout doing this it clutters up space for St Thomas' forwards giving them less time on the ball and force them to turn it over.
I also believe its easier to pick out your corner forwards much easier by hitting steady diagonal balls. Something Shamrocks done in last years final to perfection.
A man marker is needed on Cooney obviously. You need someone that can shadow him the whole game while sacrificing his own game. A hard thing to do which needs a lot of concentration.
Just a couple of points:
Very surprised more players aren't using the synthetic hurls. They have a nicer "sweet spot" which gives you more accuracy than a wet ash hurl and would add at least ten yards to your puck. DD was the only one I seen using them.
At the start of the second half Loughiel weren't tuned in for at least fifteen minutes. It seemed that when the game was getting away from them that they stepped it up. They can't afford to do that the next day.
Rarely is replays the same but if it is half as exiting as the first match it will be compulsive viewing. Nice to hear Mark Sidebottom' commentry I thought it was class.
St Thomas centre back was a bit late on the pull, no malice in it, the loughgeil lad was just too quick in for him, thought Kelly got that right with the free in and yellow card.
I'd start with Watson in Fullforward, but I wouldn't let him stay there as he'd be starved of possession by a deep lying centre back, exactly what Scullion was doing in front of his full back line up the other end. Let him roam out and about as the game dictates and get him on the ball more, granted it'd be better to get him on the ball closer to goals but he can get scores from distance as well, give St Thomas' and Dinny something different to think about.
Loughgeil have a pretty flexible set of forwards to cope with playing in different positions.
I see SIE is hinting at a change in personnel for the replay, not sure what Loughgeil have coming off the bench other than Dim Dim who might offer something different to what they've already got. I'd tweak their match ups a bit, not wholesale changes.
That pull was loose to the point there may have been some intent (hard to tell) but tell me the last time you've seen such challenges red carded? ::)
LG won a few free they shouldn't have been given by flinging arms and head back when pressured on the ball. St Ts didn't do any of that. Was annoying that the referee bought that type of what I consider to be a bluff. They're a more clued in side than people give them credit for as quite a few forwards especially were doing it so it does look as if its been schooled. Couple that with DDs persistence with short puck outs when there weren't having any success long then it hard not to be impressed with how they can grind out results even when the odds are against them. They never paniced
Interesting to see people coming down on the St. Thomas' lads dirty play. I saw a few rash tackles that were lucky to go unpunished. I have to say that when I was watching it, I thought it was noticable how fond the Shamrocks lads were of leaving the hurl back into a tackler. The infamous swinging hurley. One of the midfielders got booked for it when he broke a hurl on a lads helmet. I know in a lot of cases they were breaking through a foul tackle, but I thought they were very quick to throw the hurl back.
Two strong teams though, and the winner will be favoured against the Offaly lads.
Quote from: theskull1 on February 13, 2013, 09:50:29 AM
That pull was loose to the point there was intent but tell me the last time you've seen such challenges red carded? ::)
LG won a few free they shouldn't have been given by flinging arms and head back when pressured on the ball. St Ts didn't do any of that. Was annoying that the referee bought that type of what I consider to be a bluff. They're a more clued in side than people give them credit for as quite a few forwards especially were doing it so it does look as if its been schooled. Couple that with DDs persistence with short puck outs when there weren't having any success long then it hard not to be impressed with how they can grind out results even when the odds are against them. They never paniced
I think the lad made a genuine attempt to play the ball, the stroke wasn't high, he just didn't see the Loughgeil lad coming in and had it flicked away by the time the pull was in full flow. It'd be harsh to send someone off for that, even Nordie refs wouldn't send off for it, well most of them anyway.
I've updated my post above just to be a bit clearer
I think we're only talking about one challenge AZ and ridiculing someone considering it to be a red card offence. Personally cant mind anything similarish from LG. St Thomas are not a dirty team but they're not as disciplined as LG in the tackle (talking generally across the whole of the game rather than isolate 1 or 2 instances). Even taking away the odd one or two they shouldnt have got, the free stats don't lie about that fact
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 13, 2013, 09:52:04 AM
Interesting to see people coming down on the St. Thomas' lads dirty play. I saw a few rash tackles that were lucky to go unpunished. I have to say that when I was watching it, I thought it was noticable how fond the Shamrocks lads were of leaving the hurl back into a tackler. The infamous swinging hurley. One of the midfielders got booked for it when he broke a hurl on a lads helmet. I know in a lot of cases they were breaking through a foul tackle, but I thought they were very quick to throw the hurl back.
Two strong teams though, and the winner will be favoured against the Offaly lads.
ah will ya stop az!! Kk definitely the most impressive team on display so far !!you are trying to get your countymen the craved underdog status!!
Quote from: johnneycool on February 13, 2013, 09:38:20 AM
St Thomas centre back was a bit late on the pull, no malice in it, the loughgeil lad was just too quick in for him, thought Kelly got that right with the free in and yellow card
I called it wrong JC its now up in youtube yellow card was correct call. It happened around the forty second minute. http://youtu.be/g6fUitsBK-8
The replay should be very interesting. It could come down to the decisions made on the side line, how the referee interputs the rules and a wee bit of luck.
Sad to see Loughgiel beat but best of luck to St Thomas and KK on Paddys Day. They look like two fine teams and I don't think much will separate them.
Quote from: north aontroim gael on February 19, 2013, 02:54:21 PM
Sad to see Loughgiel beat but best of luck to St Thomas and KK on Paddys Day. They look ike two fine teams and I don't think much will sepaarte them.
And a brand new winner, Club Championships are getting better and far more popular that the Inter County Championship IMO
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 19, 2013, 03:04:15 PM
Quote from: north aontroim gael on February 19, 2013, 02:54:21 PM
Sad to see Loughgiel beat but best of luck to St Thomas and KK on Paddys Day. They look ike two fine teams and I don't think much will sepaarte them.
And a brand new winner, Club Championships are getting better and far more popular that the Inter County Championship IMO
Yes it is a great competition and I have seem a few people on this board call for it to be played of within one calendar year which I would be massively in favour of.
If the powers that be were to open up Croke for an additional 3 days as follows:
2 x football semi-finals double header;
2 x hurling semi-finals double header; and
2 x Finals double header
The competition could be finished in late November early December and probably played on better sod than the current semi-finals are. Croke Park might get a rough 3 or 4 week spell but sure it'll have til the New Year before its needed again.
This would mean that players could down tools and take a proper break. This simple motion would be one of the best the GAA could take for player welfare.
Added to this, the new Casement will no doubt be available to host semi-finals (if required) in years to come.
Quote from: north aontroim gael on February 19, 2013, 03:50:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 19, 2013, 03:04:15 PM
Quote from: north aontroim gael on February 19, 2013, 02:54:21 PM
Sad to see Loughgiel beat but best of luck to St Thomas and KK on Paddys Day. They look ike two fine teams and I don't think much will sepaarte them.
And a brand new winner, Club Championships are getting better and far more popular that the Inter County Championship IMO
Yes it is a great competition and I have seem a few people on this board call for it to be played of within one calendar year which I would be massively in favour of.
If the powers that be were to open up Croke for an additional 3 days as follows:
2 x football semi-finals double header;
2 x hurling semi-finals double header; and
2 x Finals double header
The competition could be finished in late November early December and probably played on better sod than the current semi-finals are. Croke Park might get a rough 3 or 4 week spell but sure it'll have til the New Year before its needed again.
This would mean that players could down tools and take a proper break. This simple motion would be one of the best the GAA could take for player welfare.
Added to this, the new Casement will no doubt be available to host semi-finals (if required) in years to come.
+1
But remember the Interm and Junior games need played off also!! There are great pitches out there, Clones was in good nick
Leinster and Munster finals are only getting red up at that time of year gents. Would reckon if you took the players opinions the majority would rather it stayed the way it is. The extra time to prepare is worthwhile.
4 days to the club finals. The big news for Kilcormac-Killoughey is that Daniel Currams broke his arm in a challenge match against Kilkenny U21s on Sunday. He'll be a loss, but hopefully not a critical one.
They have a couple of options on the bench, one of them being Trevor Fletcher who was a Tipperary minor a few years ago.
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 13, 2013, 10:16:20 AM
4 days to the club finals. The big news for Kilcormac-Killoughey is that Daniel Currams broke his arm in a challenge match against Kilkenny U21s on Sunday. He'll be a loss, but hopefully not a critical one.
They have a couple of options on the bench, one of them being Trevor Fletcher who was a Tipperary minor a few years ago.
Do you fancy them? I really liked their effort against Sarsfields, St Thomas could have been beaten in the first game and played really well in the second game against Loughgiel but just have a hunch for KK this year
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 13, 2013, 10:25:36 AM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 13, 2013, 10:16:20 AM
4 days to the club finals. The big news for Kilcormac-Killoughey is that Daniel Currams broke his arm in a challenge match against Kilkenny U21s on Sunday. He'll be a loss, but hopefully not a critical one.
They have a couple of options on the bench, one of them being Trevor Fletcher who was a Tipperary minor a few years ago.
Do you fancy them? I really liked their effort against Sarsfields, St Thomas could have been beaten in the first game and played really well in the second game against Loughgiel but just have a hunch for KK this year
Well they've cleared every hurdle so far, which I never expected them to do.
They've played their recent game as underdogs and will need to do the same on Sunday.
Possibly K-K were helped by both Thurles and OTB thinking they were going to dictate the games. It's easier to disrupt and rattle a team who think they are slightly better and haven't done their homework.
For example, there was little evidence that Thurles Sars had bothered to work out which players to avoid with the puckouts beforehand, K-K had were much cuter in this regard. Those sort of things can be a pointer to the mindset.
If St. Thomas' ran out handy winners, the collective wisdom would be that Kilcormac were lucky to get there and people will point out how they narrowly overcame Rathdowney/Errill of Leix and Mount Leinster Ranger of Carlow in the early rounds.
However I would surprised if it wasn't a tight game. K-K don't adhere to the typical Offaly style of whipping away every ball and avoiding physical contact at all costs. They have several 6 foot lads who don't mind fronting up. They've dug in hard to get this far and I'd say they'd relish another dogfight, if that's the way the game ends up.
Discipline will be a major factor too, thought St Thomas's sailed very close to the wind against Loughgiel in both games and as you say K-K have a lot of big lads on their team not afraid to throw it about. A man down for either team will have a major bearing on who'll lift the cup.
Can't see them giving Cooney a free reign in this game and the tank up front will be well marshalled I'm sure.
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 13, 2013, 10:16:20 AM
4 days to the club finals. The big news for Kilcormac-Killoughey is that Daniel Currams broke his arm in a challenge match against Kilkenny U21s on Sunday. He'll be a loss, but hopefully not a critical one.
They have a couple of options on the bench, one of them being Trevor Fletcher who was a Tipperary minor a few years ago.
What has Currams scored so far do you know? Seem to remember him being one of their better forwards in the semi anyway.
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on March 13, 2013, 12:04:51 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 13, 2013, 10:16:20 AM
4 days to the club finals. The big news for Kilcormac-Killoughey is that Daniel Currams broke his arm in a challenge match against Kilkenny U21s on Sunday. He'll be a loss, but hopefully not a critical one.
They have a couple of options on the bench, one of them being Trevor Fletcher who was a Tipperary minor a few years ago.
What has Currams scored so far do you know? Seem to remember him being one of their better forwards in the semi anyway.
He scored a goal against both Thurles and Oulart that were arguably the game winners. I think his tally was 1-1 and 1-2 respectively.
The loss of the that goal threat is the biggest one.
I'll go for a narrow St Thomas' on the basis that they are young, quick and play a very fluid brand of hurling that is easy on the eye. The big pitch and surface at Croke Park should suit them provided it doesn't lash rain on the day (that said they did beat renowned timber merchants Loughrea in a monsoon in the county final). Should have beaten Loughgiel the first day but were very impressive in dismantling them in the replay.
Haven't really seen enough of KK although I did see most of the game when they beat Thurles Sars and they were equally as impressive that day. Obviously the Currams injury is a big loss to them though but they aren't a one man team so I'd expect them to be very tough opponents.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 13, 2013, 01:09:16 PM
I'll go for a narrow St Thomas' on the basis that they are young, quick and play a very fluid brand of hurling that is easy on the eye. The big pitch and surface at Croke Park should suit them provided it doesn't lash rain on the day (that said they did beat renowned timber merchants Loughrea in a monsoon in the county final). Should have beaten Loughgiel the first day but were very impressive in dismantling them in the replay.
Haven't really seen enough of KK although I did see most of the game when they beat Thurles Sars and they were equally as impressive that day. Obviously the Currams injury is a big loss to them though but they aren't a one man team so I'd expect them to be very tough opponents.
Think K-K have come through a tougher route, Loughgiel and St Thomas's have had relative easy passages to the semi finals, albeit the Galway championship would be slightly more competitive (and dirty ;)) than the Antrim championship, and the form leading up to the semi finals is different because of the break.
Been a while since a draw in the hurling finals, Dunloy V Birr? but with the All Ireland going to a draw you never know
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 13, 2013, 12:16:34 PM
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on March 13, 2013, 12:04:51 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 13, 2013, 10:16:20 AM
4 days to the club finals. The big news for Kilcormac-Killoughey is that Daniel Currams broke his arm in a challenge match against Kilkenny U21s on Sunday. He'll be a loss, but hopefully not a critical one.
They have a couple of options on the bench, one of them being Trevor Fletcher who was a Tipperary minor a few years ago.
What has Currams scored so far do you know? Seem to remember him being one of their better forwards in the semi anyway.
He scored a goal against both Thurles and Oulart that were arguably the game winners. I think his tally was 1-1 and 1-2 respectively.
The loss of the that goal threat is the biggest one.
That's what I figured. Was leaning towards Thomas's before but will be backing them now. Hope it's a tight close one all the same, the club finals are a great day out.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 13, 2013, 01:50:45 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 13, 2013, 01:09:16 PM
I'll go for a narrow St Thomas' on the basis that they are young, quick and play a very fluid brand of hurling that is easy on the eye. The big pitch and surface at Croke Park should suit them provided it doesn't lash rain on the day (that said they did beat renowned timber merchants Loughrea in a monsoon in the county final). Should have beaten Loughgiel the first day but were very impressive in dismantling them in the replay.
Haven't really seen enough of KK although I did see most of the game when they beat Thurles Sars and they were equally as impressive that day. Obviously the Currams injury is a big loss to them though but they aren't a one man team so I'd expect them to be very tough opponents.
Think K-K have come through a tougher route, Loughgiel and St Thomas's have had relative easy passages to the semi finals, albeit the Galway championship would be slightly more competitive (and dirty ;)) than the Antrim championship
Just a bit.
This one is as even as you can call it, two pretty good teams who've impressed in different manners in their semi-finals.
St Thomas' have a good spread of hurlers to suppliment Conor Cooney and Richie Murray as the others have stepped up to the mark with scores when needed. Burly Bernard will take some stopping once he gets his gander up.
Kilcormac impressed me with their efficiency in turning over the uncrowned kings of club hurling, Thurles Sarsfields, ( © Premier emperor) in the semi-final. They done their homework, kept Paudie Maher out of the game as much as possible and snuffed out Lar. They've some big forwards who can win their own ball in the air, something Loughgeil struggled to do against St Thomas' in the semifinals. It'll be a good battle between Healion and Cooney if it transpires and may determine the outcome of the game.
The loss of Currams and the dry sod in Croke park may swing it St Thomas' way as they looked a quicker outfit, but you'd be a fool to write off the Offaly lads who seem to enjoy the underdogs tag.
Don't know either. Goals they say win games but St Thomas's can knock over a fair amount of points. Hard call, I'm going one to four points win either team 7/2
Well done saint Thomas'. A lot of people will talk about the first red but to be honest I think KK will rue the fact that their half forward disappeared in the second half. The backs were heroic but better team won. Fair play to them and nice genuine speech by the captain.
Well done St Thomases and hard luck to KK. It was so tight. Great future for this St Thomas team - Shane Cooney and Eanna Burke are still just minors and lots of u-21s too. Conor Cooney standing up and scoring those two points at the end bodes well for Galway hurling. He'll be back in Croke Park in the summer with Galway and we'll be hoping for a few more. Does anyone know what age Darragh Burke is?
Great win for the Tommies. Felt sorry for KK. Two red cards on an All-Ireland final day is tough to take but Thomas' deserved the win on the balance of play having scored 1-9 from play to KK's 1-1. First red in particular was very harsh. Don't think Thomas's played anywhere near as well as they can but it was a dirty day and the pitch was in a very poor state for hurling with both teams struggling at times to raise the ball on the cut up field. I'm sure the matches yesterday didn't do it any good.
Thought the ref was very poor to be honest. Even leaving aside any red cards he also missed a stonewall penalty for Thomas' in the second half.
(http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/w540/Library/SF965/732950.jpg)
Burke brothers celebrate.
Well done to Thomas'. Hard luck to KK. Overall Thomas' were slightly the better side.
But if this is the sort of reffing that we're in for during the summers it'll be a card fest - from early in the game you just knew that the game wasn't going to finish 15 a side.
Ref did a good job of gettin noticed.He's a good ref but the 2 yellas were wrong.
Was a tense game, the weather and conditions and state of the pitch wouldn't have allowed for a open fluent game but it had plenty fight and battles.
Both teams were evenly matched and up on till the sending off I thought that K-K were going to win, the decision itself was a major talking point, was a foul was a booking and a card no doubt about that but a straight red don't think it warrented that.
The second was a second bookable offence so he had to go.
K-K were over reliant on the number 10 to get scores and didn't do enough from open play to win the game, that said they had a lot of possession
All-Ireland club hurling final referee John Sexton is understood to have come under fire as he made his way off the field in yesterday's match.
Sexton, who sent off two Kilcormac-Killoughey players, was confronted by a supporter who came down to the tunnel area wielding a flag as the officials made their way off.
KK perspective -
Owens: Red cards harsh
Monday, March 18, 2013
By Diarmuid O'Flynn
Not one harsh sending-off but two, that was the response of Kilcormac-Killoughey manager Danny Owens to the red cards his midfielders, Killian Leonard and Damien Kilmartin, received in yesterday's AIB All-Ireland Club SHC final.
"We lost two men and I don't know what kind of rules he was working off," Owens said.
"The first yellow card for Damien Kilmartin was unbelievably hard. The second one was fair enough. I thought that the sending-off [Leonard's] was amazing. It was a harsh red card. You are here on All-Ireland final days and something like that, there wouldn't even be a second thought about it.
"The same rules should apply everywhere. But I'm not going to take anything away from St Thomas's and I don't want to whinge too much about the referee either. Fair play to them, they're worthy champions."
Though he was quite exercised at the time, St Thomas's manager John Burke also felt the straight red for Leonard was harsh.
"It was a bad day and you could see it coming. The two players, he was sliding into him [Darragh Burke] and he just got the slap. He caught him, but it was hard luck. It was a bad day and he couldn't stop. There was nothing vicious about it.
"It was right in front of me and I heard the slap, but I knew it wasn't the edge of the hurl and it didn't to any harm. I was annoyed about it, but it was probably a bit harsh really. It sounded worse than it was."
Without question those decisions hurt the Offaly champions but in truth, and as so sportingly acknowledged by Owens, there could really be no quibbling with the final result as the Galwegians were clearly the better side on the day.
As on so many other occasions with club champions it was also a family affair, six Burke brothers on the field at the end along with a couple of cousins, patriarch John the manager, who never doubted his club would one day win an All-Ireland.
"Not to boast, but, yes, we did. We have a special bunch of lads, they're very close and they're very good hurlers.
"We said if we could just get the right ingredients together we could do it. We were probably lucky that we got one good ingredient and that was Dinny Cahill [renowned Tipperary hurling guru]. He was a big, big help to us, got that little bit extra out of them."
For Danny Owens, beaten but unbowed, there was huge pride in his Kilcormac-Killoughey side.
"It was a great effort and we are very proud of the lads, put in a massive shift. We can't fault anyone. There isn't enough I can say about the lads generally.
"I don't want to put too much of a dampener on it, we are county champions for the first time, worthy Leinster champions and beat good teams along the way. I am very proud of the lads, it just did not happen on the day and we just have to take our hats off to St Thomas's."
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 18, 2013, 02:57:42 PM
Was a tense game, the weather and conditions and state of the pitch wouldn't have allowed for a open fluent game but it had plenty fight and battles.
Both teams were evenly matched and up on till the sending off I thought that K-K were going to win, the decision itself was a major talking point, was a foul was a booking and a card no doubt about that but a straight red don't think it warrented that.
The second was a second bookable offence so he had to go.
K-K were over reliant on the number 10 to get scores and didn't do enough from open play to win the game, that said they had a lot of possession
The first sending off was an extremely harsh decision (although technically correct) in a game that looked destined to be a draw up until then.
St Thomas' were the better side at creating scoring chances in open play. The supply of ball and movement off it was that bit better. They moved it at better angles and made space for themslves. K-K tended to dump it high down the middle and hoped that their men could win the 50-50s and then other players feed off it.
However in mitigation, the reason almost all of K-K's scores came from placed balls was that St Thomas' tended to quickly foul when K-K managed to win a ball in the forwards. So while the Galway men might have been that little bit knackier with their hurling, they certainly weren't making it tell on the scoreboard while it was 15 v 15.
Quote from: orangeman on March 18, 2013, 04:09:59 PM
All-Ireland club hurling final referee John Sexton is understood to have come under fire as he made his way off the field in yesterday's match.
Sexton, who sent off two Kilcormac-Killoughey players, was confronted by a supporter who came down to the tunnel area wielding a flag as the officials made their way off.
I was watching out for anything as Sexton was leaving the field. He wasn't helped by a replay of the first sending off being mistakenly shown on the big screen a couple of minutes after it happened. This was after the red card had been issued and medical treatment given to the player.
Once it became clear from the replay that the contact was minimal and there was an element of playacting, the K-K crowd were clearly enraged.
I did see someone standing at the railing over the tunnel waving a flag and flapping it down in the direction of Sexton as he walked under. Whether this is the person in the 'tunnel area' according to reports, I can't be sure.
In fairness to the ref the first red card did look awful real time then I saw the reply. It looked like a completely different incident !?! The second one can't be argued.
Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on March 19, 2013, 12:50:25 PM
In fairness to the ref the first red card did looked awful until I saw the reply. Then it looked like a completely different incident !?! The second one can't be argued.
For me the first red card was contentious and harsh, but the second was ridiculous. Kilmartin's red was made up of two yellows, and undoubtedly the second yellow was for a bookable offence - however the first card he received in the game was for an accidental contact which most people around me (Brigids folk mainly) agreed wasn't even a foul. Kilmartin should only have received his first yellow for the offence that led to him being sent off. I'd find that very easy to argue!
You are right about the first card but knowing he was on yellow I thought he could have stood his ground better than throw the shoulder in.