Hurling 2024

[seafoid]

Still think Tipp the only team to ambush them by simply moving the ball faster and moving faster themselves but it will only happen if limerick are off colour. Limerick brings there A game for rest of year and it's a done deal.

They have to ambush them outside Munster

With Munster being so tight I don't think anyone can keep their powder dry for an "ambush" in an AI semi-final or final.

It'll need to be full tilt in Munster from the get go.

On the other hand if everyone loses to Limerick the competition will be fierce outside those matches with them.

[seafoid]

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2023/04/20/gaa-working-group-to-look-at-use-of-handpass-in-hurling/

GAA working group to look at use of handpass in hurling
Issue has been a source of recurrent controversy within the game

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Westmeath's Davy Glennon makes a handpass under pressure from Eoghan O'Donnell of Dublin. Photograph: Ashley Cahill/Inpho
Seán Moran
Thu Apr 20 2023 - 14:33

The GAA has moved to address growing concern about the use of the handpass in hurling with a working group appointed to review the matter and report with "conclusions and recommendations" by the end of the summer.

This group will have an open agenda, which includes everything from stricter enforcement, to tweaking the regulations, to fundamental rule change.

The Standing Committee on the Playing Rules (SCPR), Croke Park's influential think tank on trends and issues within the games, has confirmed that issue of the handpass has been on their agenda for a while and at last month's meeting, the decision was taken to impanel a small group to consider the issue, according to committee chair David Hassan.

"We are very much aware of this issue," he told The Irish Times and at our meeting in March a few weeks ago, we established a working group, which will have amongst its member Barry Kelly, an All-Ireland final referee, and Podge Collins, the Clare dual player, both of whom are members of the Playing Rules committee.

"They have been tasked as a small group with complementing their membership with one or two others to give this issue thorough examination and look at a range of options that could be brought forward to address this.

"I know that inevitably raises expectations about a rule change and the recommendations may be short of that – for instance a strengthening of the current wording or the trialling of some potential alternatives – but all options will be considered by the working group."

Learn more

In recent years, the issue of the handpass has been a source of recurrent controversy within hurling.

A valid pass is meant to feature two distinct movements, a 'release' and a 'striking action'. Instead intercounty matches frequently showcase transfers that are effectively 'throws', which are prohibited under rule in both football and hurling.

It was reported this week in the Irish Examiner that a letter has gone out to the counties, reminding intercounty teams of the imperative to observe the rule. Hassan says that although the need is to proceed with caution, the working group will have a blank canvas.

"I'd be satisfied that Barry Kelly, who refereed four All-Ireland finals, Podge Collins and others will give this a thorough examination and will come forward with conclusions and recommendations and those recommendations may well include the trialling of alternatives. We've shown in the past that we have no difficulty with trialling rules if that's a conclusion.

"Before that we should consider other options, like clarification of existing wording. I'd be satisfied the working group will come forward with proposals that reflect the broad range of opinions."

A major advocacy role has been taken by former Tipperary All-Ireland winner, Conor O'Donovan, who has widely circulated a video of his alternative rules for the handpass, which involve using the non ball-holding hand to play away the sliotar.

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In an interview with The Irish Times 18 months ago he explained why he believed intensified enforcement would not work.

"Referees can't be sure whether there's a striking action or not and they let a lot go but if they started to penalise it there'd be uproar. Get rid of the ambiguity.

"It would eliminate the rucks. Players wouldn't be stopping to roll-lift the ball because if they get surrounded they can just offload it. Similarly players running into tackles, who are looking for frees don't mind if they don't get them because they can toss the ball to a runner off their shoulder.

"If that isn't available they'll think twice about running into tackles. Players who aren't throwing the ball in today's game are putting themselves at a competitive disadvantage."

Last year, O'Donovan's club Nenagh Éire Óg brought a motion for rule change to the Tipperary convention where it narrowly failed to secure sufficient support.

[johnnycool]

Strong Clare team announced...

Will they hit the heights of last year or will a resurgent Tipp have enough firepower to down the banner?




I'm going with Tipp on this one, I think they'll get more goals than Clare but there will be goals at both ends, forwards on top unless John Conlon can shore up that defence.

[seafoid]

Strong Clare team announced...

Will they hit the heights of last year or will a resurgent Tipp have enough firepower to down the banner?




I'm going with Tipp on this one, I think they'll get more goals than Clare but there will be goals at both ends, forwards on top unless John Conlon can shore up that defence.

I think Clare will shade it

[imtommygunn]

Ronan Maher at 12 and Jason Forde at 7??

[seafoid]

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2023/04/22/hurling-2023-county-by-county-guide/

Hurling Championship 2023: county-by-county guide
Championship 2023 preview: The 11 counties on the start line to play for the Liam MacCarthy Cup


Limerick's Declan Hannon and Cian Lynch lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2022.
Seán Moran
Fri Apr 21 2023 - 12:00

Leinster
Antrim

Antrim's Neil McManus.
Manager: Darren Gleeson (4th year)

Odds: All-Ireland 1000/1 and Leinster 200/1

First up: v Dublin, Corrigan Park, 22nd April, 2.0

Gradually putting some daylight between themselves and the other middle ranking counties having secured a fourth season in Division One. Neil McManus still a formidable leader and Nigel Elliot a welcome return after three years in Australia. Tipp match aside, their home form is respectable. Key match this weekend.



Dublin's Eoghan O'Donnell.
Manager: Micheál Donoghue (1st year)

Odds: All-Ireland 80/1; Leinster 14/1

Learn more

First up: v Antrim, Corrigan Park, 22nd April, 2.0

Priority in the league was talent identification and results were correspondingly underwhelming. Attack disrupted through the various injuries to Alex Considine, Cian O'Sullivan and Ronan Hayes. Dónal Burke still carrying the scoreboard burden and Eoghan O'Donnell a big presence at the back. Sights on the top three.

Galway

Galway manager Henry Shefflin.
Manager: Henry Shefflin (2nd year)

Odds: All-Ireland 7/1; Leinster evens

First up: v Wexford, Pearse Stadium, 22nd April, 4.30

Galway's exemplary inconsistency must be baffling Henry Shefflin. Last year's poor display against Kilkenny prefigured an epic tilt at Limerick. Questionable engagement with league hasn't really clarified things apart from the bad news of David Burke's injury. Still have highest ceiling outside champions – but rarely reach that height.


Kilkenny

Kilkenny's TJ Reid.
Manager: Derek Lyng (1st year)

Odds: All-Ireland 8/1; Leinster 6/5

First up: v Westmeath, UPMC Nowlan Park, 22nd April, 6.0

Kilkenny struggled at times with Derek Lyng's tactical realignment but still reached league final where Limerick taught a hard lesson. Some year, TJ Reid will stop being a hurler of the year nominee. Not what they were, especially in terms of a big half-back platform, but well capable of retaining Leinster and making hard yards for anyone.

Westmeath

Westmeath's Killian Doyle.
Manager: Joe Fortune (2nd year)

Odds: All-Ireland 1000/1; Leinster 500/1


First up: v Kilkenny, UPMC Nowlan Park, 22nd April, 6.0

Secured a fourth season in five in Division One and showed signs of improvement in a tough league. All Star nominee Killian Doyle's accuracy from the placed ball makes his injury-enforced absence a major setback for an attack that has been short on goals. Took a point off Wexford last year but a hard road beckons.

Wexford

Wexford's Simon Donohoe.
Manager: Darragh Egan (2nd year)

Odds: All-Ireland 50/1 and Leinster 9/1

First up: v Galway, Pearse Stadium, 22nd April, 4.30

A poor league in contrast to last year and beset by injuries to key players, not all of which have cleared up. Attempts to uncover new talent weren't conspicuously successful and recent form in challenge matches not brilliant. Need everyone back on board. Opening with a key match and up against it.


Munster
Clare

Clare's Tony Kelly.
Manager: Brian Lohan (4th year)

Odds: All-Ireland 16/1; Munster 9/1

First Up: v Tipperary, Cusack Park, 23rd April, 4.0

Have managed to slip under the radar a bit despite being unbeaten in last year's Munster round robin and topping the table. Provincial competitiveness against Limerick overshadowed by All-Ireland semi-final disaster. Aidan McCarthy back and Shane O'Donnell ready to go. Can Tony Kelly keep shooting the lights out?

Cork

Cork's Patrick Horgan.
Manager: Pat Ryan (1st year)

Odds: All-Ireland 10/1; Munster 15/2


First Up: v Waterford, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 30th April, 4.0

Spread net wide in encouraging league until defeat by Kilkenny in the semi-final. Darragh Fitzgibbon and Patrick Horgan due back for championship but haven't played this year. One of successes to date, Eoin Downey at full back, is suspended for first match and other injuries weaken the defence.

Limerick

Limerick's Shane O'Brien.
Manager: John Kiely (7th year)

Odds: All-Ireland 8/15; Munster 3/10

First Up: v Waterford, FBD Semple Stadium, 23rd April, 2.0

A local estimate last year was that they could drop 15 per cent and still win the All-Ireland, which they did despite loss of Cian Lynch and Peter Casey. Both now restored to fitness and some new talent added, like Shane O'Brien, although involved with under-20s. Also look in better physical shape. Odds tell their own story.

Tipperary

Tipperary's Bryan O'Mara. Photograph: Inpho/Ken Sutton
Manager: Liam Cahill (1st year)

Odds: All-Ireland 16/1; Munster 9/1

First Up: v Clare, Cusack Park, 23rd April, 4.0

Although ship has been steadied, injuries have taken a toll with Paddy Cadell out for season. Veterans Cathal Barrett and Séamus Callanan due back, albeit without much game time, but Bryan O'Mara's return a definite plus on last year. Unbeaten going into semi-final where they lost honourably to Limerick and top scorers in Division One. Will compete.

Waterford

Waterford's Dessie Hutchinson. Photograph: Inpho
Manager: David Fitzgerald (1st year)

Odds: All-Ireland 25/1; Munster 16/1

First Up: v Limerick, FBD Semple Stadium, 23rd April, 2.0

Wracked by injuries during the league, Waterford have recovered most of the absentees although Shane McNulty and Iarlaith Daly miss out this weekend. Tactical trials with arch-shooter Dessie Hutchinson playing deep have been puzzling but surely experimental. Hardest match first and will target rattling Cork next week to challenge for qualification. Outliers.

[seafoid]

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2023/04/22/champions-limerick-hold-all-the-keys-to-hurlings-kingdom/

Kilkenny will recover from the league final, but the question is how good are they on their best day? They couldn't have reached the All-Ireland final last year without TJ Reid's towering leadership, but he's coming back for his 15th season: how many times can they rub the lamp and expect the same genie to emerge?

Eoin Cody seems to have stalled, Huw Lalor appears to be less effective at centre back, and young Billy Drennan learned more on the last day of the league, harshly, than he had in the previous two months. They won't be Limerick's nearest pursuers.


And Galway? Nothing we saw during the league was designed to answer that question. It was clear from Henry Shefflin's comments after the Limerick game in February that they had no desire to reach the league play-offs. They are probably the second-biggest team in the championship and they are not short of firepower, but all of that only gets you to the start line. In his second season, Shefflin will need to come up with something different.

The last time Limerick were in distress was in the first half of the 2021 Munster final, when Tipperary led them by 10 points. Eamon O'Shea, one of the greatest minds in the modern game, had come back with Liam Sheedy for one last tilt. A few months later he reflected on what they had tried to do.

"I wouldn't be interested in playing them at their own game," he said. "We had to find those pockets of space where you could do your hurling, but it's very difficult because they are really structured, and structured really well. So, it takes more keys to unlock them. The team that finds a way to unlock them is going to need multiple keys. It's their game now, if you like – they have the ball."

[The Premierview Podcast]

Munster Spending by County 2014-22


Which County spent over €13m ? 💳


Over €2.3m was spent by which County in 2022 ? 💶


💰 The Total spending in 2014 was €5.8m,What did the 6 Counties spend in 2022💰

Click Link to read the Article

https://thepremierviewpodcast.com/munster-gaa-team-spending


#gaa #hurling #football #gaelicfootball #claregaa #kerrygaa #limerickgaa #corkgaa #waterfordgaa

[seafoid]

Fair play to Antrim for drawing with Dublin.  Easy win for Galway versus Wexford.

[dec]

Short puck out killing Clare

[Milltown Row2]

Short puck out killing Clare

Another one there now.. crazy

[Capt Pat]

Clare gave up soft goals today that gave the game to Tip in the end. I was hopeful that having given up on Quilligan in goals that they wouldn't be gifting goals to the opposition but it was the same old story.

Clare scored enough at the other end but were too leaky at the back.

[imtommygunn]

I only watched the highlights back. It was ridiculous the goals they gave away. Jake Morris is some goal poacher though.

[johnnycool]

Strong Clare team announced...

Will they hit the heights of last year or will a resurgent Tipp have enough firepower to down the banner?




I'm going with Tipp on this one, I think they'll get more goals than Clare but there will be goals at both ends, forwards on top unless John Conlon can shore up that defence.

I think Clare will shade it

Tipp are one of the few teams who actively go hell bent for goals and whilst ably assisted by some poor puck outs (one wasn't the keepers fault) they need them to get enough scores to win out as their defence is pretty porous as well, especially with Cathal Barrett traipsing out the field after Tony Kelly.

Clare will be up against it going to the Gaelic Grounds, but with Limerick being pushed all the way by Waterford who hit some terrible wides in the last 10 minutes they'll need to get something from that as it'll be hard to get a 3rd spot with 2 defeats from 2.

Waterford had a bit of a kick in them, DeBurca is a big loss, but they do have real cover in defence. They went toe to toe in the physicality stakes with Limerick and weren't that far away in the end. Limerick had a bit of dirty diesel in the tank and will know they must do better for Clare's visit.

Waterford now go to Cork and like Clare, 2 losses from 2 is something they don't want, but I think they'll win in Cork if Davy keeps the attacking mindset and maybe push up on a weak enough Cork defence who Waterford have had the better off in recent years.

[The Premierview Podcast]

Strong Clare team announced...

Will they hit the heights of last year or will a resurgent Tipp have enough firepower to down the banner?




I'm going with Tipp on this one, I think they'll get more goals than Clare but there will be goals at both ends, forwards on top unless John Conlon can shore up that defence.

I think Clare will shade it

Tipp are one of the few teams who actively go hell bent for goals and whilst ably assisted by some poor puck outs (one wasn't the keepers fault) they need them to get enough scores to win out as their defence is pretty porous as well, especially with Cathal Barrett traipsing out the field after Tony Kelly.

Clare will be up against it going to the Gaelic Grounds, but with Limerick being pushed all the way by Waterford who hit some terrible wides in the last 10 minutes they'll need to get something from that as it'll be hard to get a 3rd spot with 2 defeats from 2.

Waterford had a bit of a kick in them, DeBurca is a big loss, but they do have real cover in defence. They went toe to toe in the physicality stakes with Limerick and weren't that far away in the end. Limerick had a bit of dirty diesel in the tank and will know they must do better for Clare's visit.

Waterford now go to Cork and like Clare, 2 losses from 2 is something they don't want, but I think they'll win in Cork if Davy keeps the attacking mindset and maybe push up on a weak enough Cork defence who Waterford have had the better off in recent years.

Kelly spent most of his time at full forward and is clearly not 100%

He is a fine hurler but he doesn't like the close attention of a man marking back like what Cathal Barrett is,give Kelly space to run onto a ball and he will run riot.

Foudy is coming in for a lot of criticism for the goals

the first one, Conor Cleary should have concentrated more on the ball and less on John McGrath when it was in flight and he would have stopped it.

the second one saw John Conlon fail to receive a straight forward puck out in space in the right wing back back position

the third one was a comedy of errors in the Clare Goalmouth

4 was a penalty

5 was Seanie Ryan on in his debut after 20 seconds burying it

Waterford will be kicking themselves, the usual story of rushed wides with them