Harte influence credited for increased physicality in hurling

[Redhand Santa]

So says John Mullane anyway. Never thought Tyrone would have had such an impact on hurling!

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/harte-influence-credited-for-increased-physicality-in-hurling-220103.html

[ziggysego]

We've won a couple of Lory Meaghers in recent years Santa

[rrhf]

It used to be a game with a fair few big fat lads playing it so perhaps he is just talking about fitness. Havent seen a big fat lad at the hurling in a while. 

[Redhand Santa]

We've won a couple of Lory Meaghers in recent years Santa

Even the great Kilkenny can't say that.

[BennyHarp]

And to be fair, it's been a very long time since Kilkenny beat Tyrone in hurling at Senior level.

[Redhand Santa]

Its time they prove themselves against a good Northern team. Would discount any of the All Irelands they didn't beat one along the way.

[Glensman]

So says John Mullane anyway. Never thought Tyrone would have had such an impact on hurling!

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/harte-influence-credited-for-increased-physicality-in-hurling-220103.html

Never heard that Harte "got involved" with Kilkenny before. Is this the case?

[neilthemac]

Two words...

Brian Cody
he saw the way hurling was going and got rid of more skillful, lighter players in favour of players who can physically dominate their opponents and perform all the skills at a very high intensity.

Kilkenny have been years ahead of every other GAA team in Ireland (including all the football teams) in the way they condition their players and the culture of skill fostered in the county.
they have ingrained this skill culture from under 8 up to senior and that is where their production line of talent has come from.
Cody and co then pick the players that have the physical attributes (and already have the hurling skills) needed for county hurling.

[Fuzzman]

I believe Cody and Harte often contacted each other to swap ideas. Wasn't sure did Mickey meet the squad for one of his motivational talks

[johnneycool]

Kilkenny certainly have introduced aspects of the 'swarm tackle' to hurling and its not for the better IMO, not sure if that could be attributed to Mick Harte or not though.

Thankfully they didn't inherit any diving antics. 

[Bord na Mona man]

The 2006 All Ireland final would be a perfect example of how Kilkenny copied Tyrone's swarm tactics in order to counter Cork's running and short passing game.

As regards the increased physicality, I would say the biggest contributor to this are referees and those who lean on them. Nowadays they don't want to be pilloried for spoiling games by whistling for what the rule book would suggest are fouls.

[Zulu]

Cody was definitely inspired by Tyrone and Harte has definitely spoken to the kilkenny squad.

[imtommygunn]

Kilkenny certainly have introduced aspects of the 'swarm tackle' to hurling and its not for the better IMO, not sure if that could be attributed to Mick Harte or not though.

Thankfully they didn't inherit any diving antics. 

Have you never watched Tommy Walsh??

[Fear ón Srath Bán]

Cody was definitely inspired by Tyrone and Harte has definitely spoken to the kilkenny squad.

It has worked both ways: Cody inspired our lads in 2008 in the wake of the replay defeat to Down. Only for him, as they say.

[Croí na hÉireann]

Kilkenny certainly have introduced aspects of the 'swarm tackle' to hurling and its not for the better IMO, not sure if that could be attributed to Mick Harte or not though.

Thankfully they didn't inherit any diving antics. 

Have you never watched Tommy Walsh??

Tommy Walsh could be accused of many things but diving wouldn't be one of them.