I might aswell start a thread on this, it is really getting down the the business end of the competition, Ulster and Connacht are already completed and both Munster and Leinster are down to the provincial finals.
Here is a summary
Ulster - Cushendall (Antrim)
Connacht - Portumna (Galway)
Leinster - Birr (Offaly) or Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny)
Munster - De la Salle (Waterford) or Adare (Limerick)
The last six has a very familiar look, with only the Musnter pairing have a novel pairing,
Is it Leinster v Connacht & Ulster v Munster?
It is indeed, The fact the munster champions are not going to be a traditional powerhouse should help the Dall mentally, but in saying that they will obviously be some team if they are Munster club champions.
Who do yous fancy for the Leinster and Munster finals?
Would love to see Birr and De La Salle win, but think Ballyhale will win Leinster and other one will be toss of a coin.
If I were putting money on - Ballyhale & De La Salle.
i'd said ages ago that the Munster competition was wide open, Adare were 40/1 to win the all ireland club. and they'd be a great each way bet as they would be playing the Ulster Winners. i hope the Dall prove me wrong though, but it seemed good value at the time
watched De La Salle in the Waterford final and they were piss poor, slow and lucky enough to win. didn't see the Sarsfields game so cant comment but would think that the limerick team has come through the toughest draw. makes for a good final. any dates and times fro this game? Adare v De La Salle
i think the game is next sun 30th in thurles, according to the ruairiog.com site
i wouldnt be too quick to write of the dall in the semis i know they wouldnt be as strong as their counterparts (on paper anyway) but on their they'd be able to match anyone just look at ballygalget a couple of years ago newtownshandrum (i know i've mis-spelt it - you all probably know im referring to ben o'connors club) only beat them by a point. if the dall same injury free in the lead up then they will be able to give it a hell of a lash
Bookies have La Salle favorites for Munster but like Milltown R I'd fancy Adare.
Is everybody writting Portumna off for the All Ireland?
Cushendall would need to find better consistency from their forwards if they are to do anything in the semis.
I have played against Adare numerous times over the year, and I would definitely say they are beatable, They rely heavily on Conor Fitzgerald for scores (frees mainly) and Donnacha Sheehan is really the other forward of note. Mark Foley is hurling very well for them, but at his age it is hard to see how he can dominate a whole match at all ireland series level.
I would expect De la Salle to beat them, if John Mullane turns up on the day.
Its a toss up between Ballyhale(if/when they beat Birr) and Portumma, that will be a cracking semi final
i thinking Adare but my predictions have been seriously shite this year. getting old :'(
Munster teams have been poor since Newtownshandrum were at their height. Ballygalget should have beaten them. better half of the draw for Cushendall but has posters have noticed . if McNaughton is caged up then they will struggle. against Loughrea they played poorly and let themselves down. hopefully they are at full fitness and stay of the liquor. these things don't come around too often
I'd probably go for De La Salle. Sarsfields were a good team playing at home. I like the look of Wayne McNamara in the middle of the pitch for Adare. I can't recall him playing for Limerick. Is he on the panel?
dont know is he the one with ginger hair who played this year? he's rubbish for that standard. seen him throw the ball up a few times and miss ::) and i seen him playing fot LIT also, a bit reckless
Ya he was playing for Limerick this year, it was his first year on the panel, and played a part in both the Tipp and Offaly games, it was a year to forget for Limerick hurling, so don't be surprised you dont remember him. Can't say I would rate him too high.
All-Ireland Club Hurling Championship 2009
Outright Betting
Ballyhale Shamrocks 8 - 11
Portumna 5 - 2
De La Salle 7 - 1
Adare 9 - 1
Birr 18 - 1
Cushendall 28 - 1
according to paddy power. The dall could be worth a tenner if i had a tenner
Quote from: youngfella on November 21, 2008, 03:13:45 PM
All-Ireland Club Hurling Championship 2009
Outright Betting
Ballyhale Shamrocks 8 - 11
Portumna 5 - 2
De La Salle 7 - 1
Adare 9 - 1
Birr 18 - 1
Cushendall 28 - 1
according to paddy power. The dall could be worth a tenner if i had a tenner
They really wouldnt Youngfella, i wouldnt put a penny on anyone outside Ballyhale or Portumna. Bookies love that old "worth a tenner" on a 28/1 shot in what will be a four horse race.
your prob right. but I see it as a chance for them, the easier (ha) side of the draw. IF they get past and into the final, its one game and anything can happen in that time. But as i say your prob right.
What would the each way odds be for the Dall, about 7-1 to win a semi in february in the muck? Those are not bad odds in a two horse race against unproven ( at all ireland level ) opposition. Worth a fiver each way although the Dall are an average enough side.
Quote from: slow corner back on November 21, 2008, 04:08:06 PM
What would the each way odds be for the Dall, about 7-1 to win a semi in february in the muck? Those are not bad odds in a two horse race against unproven ( at all ireland level ) opposition. Worth a fiver each way although the Dall are an average enough side.
not in Antrim/Ulster ;)
Slightly related what odds were rossa to win there all ireland?
dont know if there was a price, would have thought they would have been joint second favourites around 3/1. having been to 4/5 finals they would have been fancied by some to do well again
Quote from: Lecale2 on November 21, 2008, 07:46:17 AM
Bookies have La Salle favorites for Munster but like Milltown R I'd fancy Adare.
Is everybody writting Portumna off for the All Ireland?
I'm not anyway, they've done it twice for me and sure you'd not write them off again - it's a big price still imo, if the weather is good it'll be an absolute cracker against Ballyhale.
Quote from: Bogball XV on November 24, 2008, 06:50:59 PM
Quote from: Lecale2 on November 21, 2008, 07:46:17 AM
Bookies have La Salle favorites for Munster but like Milltown R I'd fancy Adare.
Is everybody writting Portumna off for the All Ireland?
I'm not anyway, they've done it twice for me and sure you'd not write them off again - it's a big price still imo, if the weather is good it'll be an absolute cracker against Ballyhale.
[/b]
Have Birr no chance against Ballyhale ????
I know Ballyhale are 1-8 but surely Birr will put it up to them ????
Handicap betting ??
birr always have a chance. But its matching ballyhales intensity for the full game will be the trouble!
Birr are dead in the water, the forecast is to be dry cold day. Ballyhale are at full strength and will put Birr away before halftime. good motavation for Ballyhale after last time out and they can knock points over from all ove the pitch. they wont miss any frees and with Cha, Henry and TJ Ried all on form i cant see anything other than a Ballyhale win by ten points.
wish i was wrong. seen Birr last year, went down to watch Dunloy and Birr in semifinal and while Birr played well i thought that Dunloy were bad on the day.
I think I'll head over to the munster final on Sunday. Forecast is good and it it should be a great game. I'm sure neither of these lads have won it before so theres a certain novelty value. I haven't seen La Salle at all this year and the conditions for the Adare semi were really bad so I've no idea how it'll end up. Looking foreward to a great game anyway.
i'll be having a little nibble at Portumna for the title as i see it largley between them and ballyhale (can't underestimate the importance of experience) but will also be having some on the Dall to progress to the final, watched quite a few of the munster matches and haven't been overly impressed with any, Cushendall have a terrific defence, love low scoring games and are very shrewd on the sideline.
Only concern will be the serious lack of scoring support for Sambo og
Can't see Birr beating Ballyhale, you'd imagine Birr are well past their amazing best now and Ballyhale could emerge as the team to challenge their crown as best club team ever, them or portumna
Great 2nd half from De La Salle, fair dues to them, great win.
What a way to win a game/What a way to lose a game
Up against AI club greenhorns I'd give Cushendall the nod in their semi final
Im not sure how you can Skull,you have to look at the level of opposition Cushendall have faced and what De La Salle have faced. De La Salle beat Sarsfields of Cork,if it had been them that progressed to meet Cushendall nobody would give the Dall a chance. The fact that De La Salle are newcomers to the All Ireland series should not mean they are overlooked.
OK I'll tone it down to "they've a very good chance"
any reports on the ballyhale game? thought ballyhale would win by at least 5 more points, they must have played well to hold then to a 5 points win.
who got the goals for Ballyhale
Another bet hammered Milltown?
well i hammered Ballyhale halftime fulltime great price 2-5 and i had TJ ried for the first goal. dont know yet on that
Milltown.......According to RTE TJ Reid got the first goal after 5 mins
Ballyhale Shamrocks beat defending champions Birr to secure the Leinster Club SHC title for the sixth time.
The Kilkenny champions thundered ahead at Nowlan Park with goals from TJ Reid (5 minutes) and Eoin Reid (16).
Michael Fennelly and Henry Shefflin (0-05) also impressed as Ballyhale took a 2-08 to 0-06 half-time lead. Simon Whelahan (0-05) led Birr's first half scoring.
The Offaly aces cut the gap to four points with a Brian Whelahan goal and Paul O'Meara point but Shefflin had the final say.
cheers two hands, tj ried is a deffo starter for kilkenny next year, he's in form all year £5 on a 8/1 :D
about time my luck was shite for a while.
will put 25 on Alexandra at 5/4 to win X-Factor 5/4 though strange that JLS are 8/1. they are better than the rest
what price now for Cushendall? low scoring game in Munster, a free taker is so important
Yeah super hurler. Although competiton is fierce in the Kilkenny forwards(or team I suppose)
Can't get any prices for All Ireland club on boylesports/toals/paddy power/ ladbrokes. Cushendall were around 33/1 or 40/1 not long ago but may be shorter than that now. Ballyhale v Portumna should be a cracker
Quote from: Two Hands FFS on November 30, 2008, 07:35:26 PM
Yeah super hurler. Although competiton is fierce in the Kilkenny forwards(or team I suppose)
Can't get any prices for All Ireland club on boylesports/toals/paddy power/ ladbrokes. Cushendall were around 33/1 or 40/1 not long ago but may be shorter than that now. Ballyhale v Portumna should be a cracker
would travel to watch that match, could be portlaois, brilliant if it were Parnell.
will more than likely head to the Cusendall match, hopefully not too far away
Sounds like a smashing game i might have to see when the games are on and maybe get a trip over! a double header would be amazing! :)
Wayched the Adare/DLS game on TG4 to day. Again, itts a btrilliant game.
Did my eyes deceive me or did Mulhane start the game at full forward wearing the number 14 jersey and in the second half was at centre forward wearing the 11 jersey.
If this happened, would it be legal?
He was always wearing no 11...
Yeah he was always number 11. What a display by the man in the second half! At half time the heads were down and they looked dead and buried. BUt fair play to Mullane be put the bad misses behind him and started a fresh for the second half. A real captains performance.
His speech was funny. I like Mullane but he does look like he's got a bit, probably an understatement, of a chip on his shoulder. The first thing he said - "they said we'd no balls". I think he lets criticism get to him...
Was never a massive fan of John Mullane as I believe he's disappeared alot in big games at the wrong time, but he has shown more leadership qualities this year than he has on the past and even though he had a woeful first half yesterday he turned his game round in the second. A very decent down to earth fellow so I'm told.
Quote from: theskull1 on December 01, 2008, 10:47:04 AM
Was never a massive fan of John Mullane as I believe he's disappeared alot in big games at the wrong time, but he has shown more leadership qualities this year than he has on the past and even though he had a woeful first half yesterday he turned his game round in the second. A very decent down to earth fellow so I'm told.
with big balls, the guy from tg4 started laughing and they pulled away from the speech
Ya fair play to DLS, disappointed that Adare didnt do it from a Limerick perspective, but I didnt think they would from the start.
For a club that was very much no 3 in the waterford city rankings of senior clubs in the city( Top 2 use to be Mount Sion & Ballygunner), they have made fair progress, and its alwasy good to see.
Should be favourites for the match v Cushendall, next year.
Cushendall have a realistic chance in the race for runners up spot to either Ballyhale or Portumna. having watched two of De La Salle's games so far they seem a fair bit behind the great Munster club teams from previous years. the Cushendall players should feel confident before the semi-final they aren't facing Portumna or Ballyhale, that should be enough incentive for them
the pick of the two teams unfortunately will be tanked in the final. simply havn't a prayer. Adare were 7/8 points a better team than de la salle. they just made a balls of it. Not taking anything away from either but its a thankless task for either team in the final.both portumna and ballyhale would beat all county sides bar kilkenny/tipp and a well run cork team.
Quote from: INDIANA on December 04, 2008, 03:02:32 PM
both portumna and ballyhale would beat all county sides bar kilkenny/tipp and a well run cork team.
Pushing it a bit there i think
Quote from: youngfella on December 11, 2008, 03:05:05 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on December 04, 2008, 03:02:32 PM
both portumna and ballyhale would beat all county sides bar kilkenny/tipp and a well run cork team.
Pushing it a bit there i think
i think what he is stating youngfella is that come 22nd feb these teams will be a match for most county teams.
thats precisely what i meant milltown, i think they'd beat all county sides on the 22nd feb, at that stage of the year. god help either de la salle or cushendall in the final. And I'm not taking the piss, these are 2 extraordinary teams never seen before in a club context with the exception of birr.
aye looking forward to seeing them play. i'll be at Parnell though on the 22nd to watch Cushendall. the day Salthill beat us at Croke Portumna went about their business in destroying Newtownshandrum. 2/1 is a great price for a quality team
Quote from: INDIANA on December 04, 2008, 03:02:32 PMboth portumna and ballyhale would beat all county sides bar kilkenny/tipp and a well run cork team.
Portumna aren't exactly filling up the Galway team with players and Ballyhale haven't steamrolled all comers in Leinster to suggest they would beat many county teams.
The gap between club and county level is big.
In cahlleneg matches, county teams at half strength and doing heavy winter training tend to beat club teams in the advanced stages of All Ireland preparations.
By July the top 10 county sides would murder the best club sides.
No county side would murder Ballyhale mate at any time of the year. They might beat them but outside the top5 i doubt the rest would beat them at any time of the year, just look at the teamsheet. Cha, the shefflins, the reids, the fennellys. they are doing just enough at the moment.
Quote from: INDIANA on December 18, 2008, 01:33:05 AM
No county side would murder Ballyhale mate at any time of the year. They might beat them but outside the top5 i doubt the rest would beat them at any time of the year, just look at the teamsheet. Cha, the shefflins, the reids, the fennellys. they are doing just enough at the moment.
aye but none of them will be marking Canning, he is a machine. brilliant to watch last year, club county and college. if they look after him (double team him) then Hayes can kill most teams. should be a cracker
Portumna V Ballyhale will be a cracker alright. Lookin forward to it already. I have a feeling Portumna can do it. Are Ballyhale favorites with the bookies?
You would expect ballyhale to be favourites, considering the amount of County players at there disposal and that they are the Kilkenny representatives,
Should be a great game, Joe Canning the young pretender taking on King Henry!! mouth-watering!!!
Quote from: youbetterbelieveit on December 19, 2008, 03:26:59 PM
You would expect ballyhale to be favourites, considering the amount of County players at there disposal and that they are the Kilkenny representatives,
Portumna are 2 time champions already though remember. They are hardly mugs themselves.
Just for you hatchetfield you are more the welcome to discuss intermediate and Junior all ireland semis, the title of the thread doesnt mention anything about it been only senior hurling club discussion.
AIB GAA CLUB ALL-IRELAND FIXTURES
HURLING
Senior
Feb 22:
Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny) v Portumna (Galway), Thurles Verdict: Ballyhale
Cushendall (Antrim) v De La Salle (Waterford), Parnell Park, 2.30. Verdict: DLS
Mar 17: Final, Croke Park.
Intermediate
Jan 25:
Semi-finals: Cappataggle (Galway) v Kilmessan (Meath), Athleague, 2.30 Verdict: Cappataggle
Blarney (Cork) v Gortnamona (Antrim), Tullamore, 2.30. Verdict: Gort na Mona
Feb 15: Final, Croke Park, 3.45.
Junior
Next Saturday:
Quarter-final: Skehana (Galway) v John Mitchells (Warwickshire), Verdict: John Mitchells
Ballinasloe, 2.30
Jan 25:
Semi-finals: Tullogher Rosbercon (Kilkenny) v Skehana or John Mitchells, Verdict: Tullogher Rosbercon
Nenagh, 2.00
Dripsey (Cork) v Lisbellaw (Fermanagh), Ballinasloe, 2.30. Verdict: Dripsey
Feb 15: Final, Croke Park, 2.0
Regarding Cappataggle of Galway, I would be friendly with probably their star man, Galway intercounty player Damien Joyce and they have James Skehill current galway goalkeeper aswell in their ranks (although he is doubtful after a recent injury). They wouldnt be long down out of senior so i fancy them to go all the way.
Yep thats the man, super hurler.
Blarney have played very well so far but it's like a new competition now with the Christmas break and there is no underestimating Gort na Mona I can assure you! As for Cappataggle, they are missing James Skehill a massive loss altogether! He is like goalie and fullback in one and I would shorten the odds on Kilmessan on creating a shock here! The competition is great, imagine Dripsey a club that is only 4 years old going all the way to Croke Park after winning the co junior final for the first time? Great stuff!
Quote from: youbetterbelieveit on January 16, 2009, 03:19:40 PM
Regarding Cappataggle of Galway, I would be friendly with probably their star man, Galway intercounty player Damien Joyce and they have James Skehill current galway goalkeeper aswell in their ranks (although he is doubtful after a recent injury). They wouldnt be long down out of senior so i fancy them to go all the way.
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that the first time they've won the Intermediate in about 40 years???
Quote from: hatchetfield on January 19, 2009, 10:01:31 AM
Is this Cappataggle your on about?
Dunno if that's directed at me but yes if it is... They played the final in November.
Would love to see Portumna do it but have a sneaky feeling Ballyhale will win by a couple, should be a classic regardless...
Something tells me they won it in the 70's but where on earth could u check it? Certainly not on GAA.ie anyway...
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on January 19, 2009, 03:17:34 PM
Something tells me they won it in the 70's but where on earth could u check it? Certainly not on GAA.ie anyway...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-Ireland_Senior_Club_Hurling_Championship (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-Ireland_Senior_Club_Hurling_Championship)
Wikipedia knows all.
Should have thought of wiki :-[ good man GBB. Didn't realise Ballyhale had 4 AIs already, win the semi and they'll surely be out on their own. Clare clubs had some run in Munster from 95 to 2001, shame they never built on that...
a few big lads on the Blarney team, but the wee fullforward may trouble Gorts fullback.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jn5Tteh_eM&feature=related
looked a cracking game
Some good news for Cork Hurlers for once with both Cork clubs winning this past weekend.
That's some accomplishment for Dripsey
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on February 17, 2009, 05:48:09 PM
That's some accomplishment for Dripsey
Sure is, for a club formed only four years ago. Tullogher very disappointed.
Delighted for Dripsey, fantastic result especially for such a young club, and brilliant result for Blarney as well. Both got a deserving homecoming.
The Portumna/Ballyhale game will be a craker on Sunday. I take it the game is live on TG4? Very hard to call and I wouldn't rule out a draw.
Is the other game on deferred? I wasn't mighty impressed with DLS in Munster so maybe the Ulster team have a chance of an upset.
The ulster team...
They have a name silky
silky doesn't concern himself too much with strange people who live in strange places, so how is he meant to know these things. ;)
we are not strangle people and live in a beautiful place skull!
paddy power have dropped the odds to 7/2 obviously the big punters are having a punt before Sunday. i think Cushendall will be better prepared and more mature than their last outing against Loughrea. providing the weather keeps and the wind doesn't make it a "game of two halves" then the Dall will have a chance. not impressed with Parnell Park though, was their last year for the Antrim game and it cuts up easily.
Parnell Park is a brutal pitch at this time of year. Surely a venue with a good winter pitch should have been a prerequisite. Mullingar would have been the better option
Quote from: milltown row on February 18, 2009, 06:06:51 PM
paddy power have dropped the odds to 7/2 obviously the big punters are having a punt before Sunday. i think Cushendall will be better prepared and more mature than their last outing against Loughrea. providing the weather keeps and the wind doesn't make it a "game of two halves" then the Dall will have a chance. not impressed with Parnell Park though, was their last year for the Antrim game and it cuts up easily.
Cushendall are now 3/1 with ladbrokes after being 13/2 a fortnight ago. That's some serious money - and indicates that regardless of the outcome, the bookies priced it wrong at the outset as it was always goin to be much tighter than the initial prices suggested.
Will be travelling with hope in my heart as ever and just hope our lads can finally get across the line.
Come on the doll!
Gonna stop off in Thurles on the way back from a stag in Killarney for what should be a cracker of a match between Portumna & Ballyhale, will even hold off going at the porter on Sat in preparation... Will be heading back to the big smoke afterwards, suppose I am best off parking it in de town and walking out to de ground?
It's been really built up to be a great game and we all know how that might turn out. Hopefully, it will be a cracker. I fancy Portumna. In the other game, I admit not to knowing all that much about Cushendall but De La Salle are definitely there for the taking if their Munster form is carried on.
Good luck to cushendall today. Hopefully thy can stay focused and get themselves to the final. Would be great to see.
Anyone know where i can watch it online. Would like to see it and i cant see a bar showing it over here! Cheers
Some game between Portumna and Ballyhale, not 10 minutes gone yet and it's 2-03 to 1-03 to Portumna. Explosive stuff.
3-7 to 1-7 ht.cracker. like watching a county game.
Quote from: INDIANA on February 22, 2009, 03:09:55 PM
3-7 to 1-7 ht.cracker. like watching a county game.
It's better than any All Ireland final I ever saw involving a Kilkenny team. If Portumna start the second half the way they started the first they'll be hard to stop.
Cha and Henry quiet by their standards, very little space around the pitch. High octane stuff, TJ Reid showing well out the field. Great game.
Hope Portumna can finish the job now into the wind for the second half.
Portumna scrapping like tigers, can't see them losing this one. 5-8 to 1-8 in their favour.
Portumna 5-09 Ballyhale 1-14
51 minutes
All Ballyhale now as Portumna are fading/trying to hold out
Cushendall 1-11 1-09 De La Salle latest score
Couple of points by Portumna seem to have settled them again 5-11 to 1-15
portumna 5-11 to ballyhale 1-16.
congrats to portumna didn't see it coming.
Quote from: INDIANA on February 22, 2009, 03:52:44 PM
portumna 5-11 to ballyhale 1-16.
congrats to portumna didn't see it coming.
Xlent-how did the other semi go?
Other semi in extra time
Quote from: longrunsthefox on February 22, 2009, 03:53:49 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on February 22, 2009, 03:52:44 PM
portumna 5-11 to ballyhale 1-16.
congrats to portumna didn't see it coming.
Xlent-how did the other semi go?
Cushendall 1-13 1-13 De La Salle. Extra time
Quote from: longrunsthefox on February 22, 2009, 03:53:49 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on February 22, 2009, 03:52:44 PM
portumna 5-11 to ballyhale 1-16.
congrats to portumna didn't see it coming.
Xlent-how did the other semi go?
Having watched that today, either De La Salle or Cushendall are in for a long day on Paddies day. Portumna looked awesome, they have some scoring power and defended like madmen
cushendall were 3 up with afew to go now in extra time.
Dall had man sent off in normal time
Quote from: INDIANA on February 22, 2009, 03:58:32 PM
cushendall were 3 up with afew to go now in extra time.
I believe DLS equalised with a sideline with virtually the last puck of the game.
Congrats to Port. Will just have to be wary in the final now as they'll go in raging hot favourites. I think we'll have to tog most of that team out in maroon jersies from now on.
Portumna were fanstastic, hurled really well for the hour, the standard was definitely of an inter county level, great game really enjoyed watching it,
de la salle 1-21 cushendall 1-19. heartbreak for antrim again. heart goes out to them.
Yep, Cushendall almost had it. 3 minutes of added time just too much to try and hold onto it. An exciting game to watch, if very scrappy.
Don't gebmnerally watch hurling but have to say I am enjoying the 'Dall DLS game. Very tight game and your man McManus for 'Dall impressed me greatly a superb player and hopefully he can lead the charge for an Antrim comeback over the next few years.
Heart break for the Dall - very very hard luck - it can be a very cruel game at times.
Some sideline cut all the same.
Although a Tyrone man through and through watched and cheered on Cushendall on tg4 today lived in co antrim and travelled to school via cushendall still have a soft spot for that beautiful part of the country. How are danny mcallster & peter campbell keeping ex school mates from early 70'?. Get MH to advise you about grinding out results i n important games.
Cushendall will be all ire champions next yr ! Thought your rcb and chb were superb
Heartbreak and Antrim Hurling at club level seem to go hand in hand. Thought they had it when 1-13 to 1-11 with a couple of minutes left. Mullane the best player on the Park.
Portumna looked deadly though.
Don't agree would have been a shot in the arm for Cushendall and Antrim hurling. Would have been progress to get there, reagrdless of the result. NeilMc Manus is a class act, as good as anything anywhere.
The idea that it would save a hiding by losing today. Try telling the Cuhendall lads that this evening. Even to get there would be a welcome shot in the arm for antrim hurling.
IMO I think if the Cushendall V DLS match was in Thurles Cushendall would be in an AI final.
Thurles is much bigger and has a much better surface which would have suited the Cushendall lads.
Only saw the 2nd half of the Cush-DLS game. Looked a hell of a game. Thought they had it but DLS showed great fighting spirit. That side-line cut was amazing. Cushendall had their chances in extra time, especially that goal chance early on. Thought your man for Cushendall was unlucky to go off, if your man was wearing a helmet, chances are wouldnt have even blown for a free.
Quote from: TheDoc on February 22, 2009, 07:50:50 PM
IMO I think if the Cushendall V DLS match was in Thurles Cushendall would be in an AI final.
Thurles is much bigger and has a much better surface which would have suited the Cushendall lads.
How would it have suited them more?
Quote from: Minder on February 22, 2009, 08:05:46 PM
Quote from: TheDoc on February 22, 2009, 07:50:50 PM
IMO I think if the Cushendall V DLS match was in Thurles Cushendall would be in an AI final.
Thurles is much bigger and has a much better surface which would have suited the Cushendall lads.
How would it have suited them more?
More space for their forwards. Less chance of getting hooked or blocked. Looked too me that the 'Dalls forwards had the pace for the DLS backs, so a better surface would have been to their advantage.
All-Ireland club SHC: Deise men sneak past Cushendall
De La Salle (Waterford) 1-21
Cushendall (Antrim) 1-19
(After Extra-Time)
By Cóilín Duffy
First time Waterford and Munster champions De La Salle secured an All-Ireland Club SHC Final berth at the first-time of asking after an 81st minute John Mullane point ensured a two-point victory after extra-time in an epic semi-final against Antrim's Cushendall.
This Parnell Park encounter was cast in the shadows of the other semi-final in the lead up to this weekend's action - Portumna and James Stephens at Semple Stadium billed as a potential classic, yet it was De La Salle and Cushendall who provided the best wine.
End to end hurling with some fine excellent scores in a game which was allowed flow freely, and a red card for Cushendall's Declan McKillop in the 43rd minute the only dent on an otherwise spectacular encounter.
There wasn't a body left in Cushendall such was their strength in numbers from early afternoon, while a De La Salle special train provided by Iarnrod Éireann was also a sell-out. This ensured a bumper crowd at the Donnycarney venue.
And the Waterford city faithful certainly had much to shout about in the early stages with Dean Twomey setting the early tone after he bagged the opening score, a well-worked goal after four minutes to give De La Salle an early lead.
De La Salle continued to dominate possession in the opening quarter, and although they had amassed four wides before the interval, they held a deserved 1-4 to 0-4 lead by the 21st minute, with Cushendall keeping in touch through Karl McKeegan, Neil McManus and Sean Delargy.
With four minutes remaining in the opening half Twomey's early goal continued to separate the sides but De La Salle were marooned in the closing stages as a trio of points for Cushendall including a Karl McKeegan brace levelled the tie at 0-9 to 1-6 at the interval.
Tempers began to heat up a little bit on the resumption with yellow cards shown to Cushendall's McKillop and Bryan Phelan of De La Salle inside the first minute.
McKillop would see a red card 12 minutes later, but in the interim his side showed well and thanks to a fourth McKeegan point, and a 37th minute Shane McNaughton goal - the Glensmen took a 1-10 to 1-7 advantage.
But they were forced to battle bravely for the remainder of normal time as Bryan Phelan's scoring exploits from placed balls continued to yield positively for the first-time semi-finalists.
However a Neil McManus score edged Cushendall into a two-point lead with three minutes remaining, but with Daniels and Phelan on target De La Salle secured extra-time at 1-14 apiece.
Both sides continued to be well matched in the first period of extra-time as the sides traded point for point until the 66th minute before De La Salle broke away with scores from Lee Hayes and Mullane to ensure a 1-18 to 1-16 interval lead.
Cushendall responded well on the restart, outscoring their opponents by two points to one inside five minutes, but De La Salle weren't to be denied an All-Ireland final berth and a late 81st minute Mullane point secured victory.
De La Salle - S Brenner; A Kelly, I Flynn, M Doherty; D Russell, K Moran, S Daniels (0-1); B Phelan (0-6, 4f, 2sideline), C Watt; P Nevin (0-2), D McGrath (0-1), L Hayes (0-3); J Quirke (0-1), J Mullane (0-5), D Twomey (1-0). Subs: T Kearney for Quirke (40); D Greene (0-1) for Kelly (44); A Kelly for McGrath (ET); B Farrell (0-1) for Watt (67); J Foran for Hayes (80)
Cushendall - F McAuley; A Graffin (0-1), O Scullion, C Carson; D McNaughton, K Elliott, M McCambridge; K McKeegan (0-5, 4f, 1 65), P McGill (0-1); B Delargy, D McKillop, S Delargy (0-1); S McNaughton (1-1), N McManus (0-4), A Delargy (0-3). Subs: C McCambridge (0-3, 1f) for C Carson (21); C Carson for B Delargy (59); M Burke (Introduced for ET); E Laverty for S McNaughton (67); B Delargy for A Delargy (67); J Carson for Elliot (76)
Ref - Eamon Morris (Dublin)
Gutted for the dall today. One that got away again. Graffin and McManus stood out throughout as did Monty who had his best performance for a year or two. The rest didn't let themselves down either, but they needed a few more big performances. DLS were no great shakes bar Phelan who makes them tick. Deccy McKillop was very unlucky to get red carded at a time when they were in the acendancy. On a personal note ...in time what a memorable day for Jackie and Conor Carson (father and son) representing their club on such a big stage
One thing that I found strange was the number of dall men going down with cramp even during normal time. What was that all about?
Comiserations to the Dall, didn't deserve to lose after such a mammoth effort, was talking to some of the lads from there in the last few weeks and they've been training flat out, disappointing to see the better team losing. DLS will have it all to do in the final
At the end of the day, I think that we in Antrim are just unlucky.. :'( How a 60 yard cut can go over in injury time sums it up ... The Dall will be back methinks ..
Antrim teams just can't find the killer blow. Two points up on 60 mins and end up losers! They had enough chances to win it in normal time. I think Conor Carson made a mistake in the 60th minute when he arguably had a chance to dink one over or at least force a free to put them 3 up but instead drove towards the edge of the small square and got shepherded over the byline for no return.
Really fancied ballyhale today.... But the ports were so much sharper and had the fight in them. King henry was shocking, allow he was there highest scorer, feel let down by his performance. I dont understand why he didn't take all the frees in his range. The Joe show was awesome didn't put a foot or hurl outplace, he had great awareness of his space and his team mates. Put henry on his hole in the bargain, cant see many no. 14 tracking back inside there own 45, Great display by the young man. At the risk of sounding daft, It would be interesting to see how the ports would get on at intercounty level, there is so much understanding between there players, throwing a galway kit of them might not be a terrible thing.
In the other game i fancied a tight affair. The Dall played well allow were a bit linear in there forward play, everything seem to be work through the wonderful MC manus, What a great hurler! IMO he was as good as Joe today. The dall are still a very young team and ones to watch out for in coming years. The dall played for a long period with only one man, its a testament to them that this were hardly noticeable. La salle, played well and keep the scoreboard ticking over, Mullane seemed to ghost in and out of the game at periods, however there midfield made up for this very solid. Credit must go the ref in this game he called it fair and down the middle.
Really enjoyed both games, a great advert for hurling.
Ports will be unbackable in the final and for reason. The Joe show continues.
Quote from: theskull1 on February 22, 2009, 10:48:14 PM
One thing that I found strange was the number of dall men going down with cramp even during normal time. What was that all about?
Yep, that was very noticable.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 22, 2009, 11:27:58 PM
I think Conor Carson made a mistake in the 60th minute when he arguably had a chance to dink one over or at least force a free to put them 3 up but instead drove towards the edge of the small square and got shepherded over the byline for no return.
Again, that was crucial. A wee bit of inexperience there. The da would've made sure it was the winning move.
From the official GAA website:
De La Salle through in extra-time
De La Salle advanced to the All-Ireland Club Hurling Final with a 1-21 to 1-19 extra-time win over Cushendall at Parnell Park on Sunday.
Cushendall had looked set to break their semi-final hoodoo as they led for the entire second-half of the game but a late rally from the Waterford side sent the game to extra-time, where De La Salle just did enough.
De La Salle began brightly and the first score of the game was a goal, Paidi Nevin finding the net with a smart finish after a superb assist from Dean Twomey.
The Waterford champions looked like they might run away with things in the opening surges but Cushendall fought back, with centre-back Aaron Graffin rising to the challenge as he put over the Antrim side's first score, an inspirational effort after a rangy run.
Lee Hayes was in stirring form for De La Salle in the first half, two fine points his contribution, while Aidan Delargy kept Cushendall in touch with two excellent efforts of his own with Neil McManus also adding an excellent post-splitter. Indeed, McManus was exceptional throughout, popping up all over the pitch.
Graffin had the better of Waterford star John Mullane in the first half and his suffocating display was exemplified by an incredible block on the forward when he looked set to blast to the net midway through the first half.
It was 1-6 to 0-9 at half-time and both sides exchanged scores after the break, but Cushendall took control of the game when Shane Naughton netted after Stevie Brennan saved McManus' ripping shot.
This put the Antrim men three points ahead and they were able to preserve this lead despite the dismissal of Declan McKillop for a hook midway through the second half.
De La Salle began to create more chances as the extra man made a difference but they squandered them, and a run of four wides left them in a precarious position as full-time loomed.
Going into injury-time, Cushendall led by two but De La Salle somehow rescued a draw when Bryan Phelan sent over a wondrous sideline cut from 45 metres.
And in extra-time, the Waterford champions just had that bit too much for Cushendall, whose record in All-Ireland Club semi-finals now reads a grim eight losses from eight matches.
Mullance came to the fore in the extra period, and although Cushendall got close in snatches in the final reckoning, points from Mullane and Phelan put De La Salle though to face Portumna on St. Patrick's Day.
Was that you ya eejit :D
Were ya down at the game?
QuoteReally fancied ballyhale today.... But the ports were so much sharper and had the fight in them. King henry was shocking, allow he was there highest scorer, feel let down by his performance. I dont understand why he didn't take all the frees in his range. The Joe show was awesome didn't put a foot or hurl outplace, he had great awareness of his space and his team mates. Put henry on his hole in the bargain, cant see many no. 14 tracking back inside there own 45, Great display by the young man. At the risk of sounding daft, It would be interesting to see how the ports would get on at intercounty level, there is so much understanding between there players, throwing a galway kit of them might not be a terrible thing.
In the other game i fancied a tight affair. The Dall played well allow were a bit linear in there forward play, everything seem to be work through the wonderful MC manus, What a great hurler! IMO he was as good as Joe today. The dall are still a very young team and ones to watch out for in coming years. The dall played for a long period with only one man, its a testament to them that this were hardly noticeable. La salle, played well and keep the scoreboard ticking over, Mullane seemed to ghost in and out of the game at periods, however there midfield made up for this very solid. Credit must go the ref in this game he called it fair and down the middle.
Really enjoyed both games, a great advert for hurling.
Ports will be unbackable in the final and for reason. The Joe show continues.
I only saw the second half of the Ballyhale match and it looked like it was Portumna against Shefflin - thought he was the only Ballyhale player on show. As for Joe Canning putting him on his hole? It wwas more a case of 2/3 Portumna players sandwiching Shefflin. Canning wasn't the only player tracking back at the end, the whole Portumna team were within their own 45 bar one or two for the last 10 minutes as they were under severe pressure.
I posted this on the Antrim hurling thread:
As I've watched both semi-finals from the comfort of my armchair, so they'll not carry as much weight as some other gaels but what ta heck, I'll give my tuppence worth anyway.
Stating the obvious but Cushendall did blow it again and it was that lack of forward power which we all knew might be their achilles heel let them down.
Graffin and Kevin Elliott were superb in defence throughout. I sitll don't understand the Dall tactic of deploying an extra forward down the field, at some point even Conor McCambridge was in his own halfback line, spotted Aidan Delargy as well. I'd suggest that with your forward division a man short the ball out of defence needs to be more measured and a lot of good ground hurling did hit the spaces where Shane Mcnaughton and Sean Delargy did get some joy against a slower, beefier defence, but a lot of the time the ball was hit up the middle where it was at best a 50/50 ball. Neil McManus is undoubtedly a fine hurler and athelite but he needs to get a position and grow into it as the better teams at AI club level and intercounty level won't let him run 30 to 40 yards through the middle of a defence.
if he gets a chance to watch the way Joe Canning made time, space and scores for his colleagues in the other semi-final yesterday and was able to vary his game when the need arose.
Disappointed for the Dall as in so many aspects of the game yesterday they were better than their opposition but just failed to get that vital score in normal time.
As for the referee, i thought he was poor enough and stimied whatever flow was in the game for needlessly blowing frees when a player had either escaped the tug and about to deliver their clearance and allowed a few individuals to 'buy' easy free's by going down quite easy.
All the same it'll be hard to look past Portumna in the final as they have quality hurlers all over the park and their team work yesterday was something to behold from a club team.
Cushendall hurling manager James McNaughton interview, http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/7905392.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/7905392.stm).
Very emotional interview really feel for him. Allow id disagree with him blaming the ref, say it was just he heat of the monent comment
Some game in Semple Stadium, cracking day and cracking hurling. Was more or less sitting on the sideline and Portumna's workrate in the middle of the field was something to behold. They had Joe and Damien Hayes in flying form at one end, Ollie Canning mopping up everything else at the other but it was the midfield and half forward line that won this game for Portuma IMO. From the minute the ball was thrown in they harried and harassed and didn't give anyone in the middle any leeway whatsoever. Cha couldn't get going at all and ended up being moved to full forward for the second half to try to get him into the game. There was a noticeable difference in workrate between the two teams around the middle and I'm not sure whether it was down to different levels of fitness or just pure motivation on Portumna's part. Shefflin looked dangerous anytime he got the ball and the fact he didn't leave such a big imprint on the game was due to the lack of quality ball coming in his direction due to the pressure out the field. Will be a good week in Portumna I'd imagine and if they repeat that performance in the final they'll be taking the cup west for another year.
I was in Parnell when they played Doora Barefield a few years back. Another game they should have won. Its a lack of practice of closing out tight games at all levels in Antrim. They just don't get those sort of games up there. Coming from Dublin, really feel for them because I've seen it so often . They have a terrific appreciation for the game up there and a passion for it that matches anywhere in the country. Dickheads like Reillers on other threads who have their heads up their arse wouldn't understand the concept of hurling in the perceived weaker counties. I thought with 5mins to go it was theirs. But they tried to defend a lead. You can't do it in hurling. Even Portumna for a brief spell fell into the same trap yesterday.
Portumna hurled like men possessed yesterday and got stuck in right from the start. Dinny Cahill was on the radio yesterday saying that it had been their plan to start at 100mph - not only did they start at this speed but kept the pace up throughout. They were flying into tackles and just seemed to be hungrier, gitter, faster all over field. Ballyhale's FB seemed to be in trouble with pace and their keeper committed hari kari a few times.
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2009, 11:55:40 AM
Portumna hurled like men possessed yesterday and got stuck in right from the start. Dinny Cahill was on the radio yesterday saying that it had been their plan to start at 100mph - not only did they start at this speed but kept the pace up throughout. They were flying into tackles and just seemed to be hungrier, gitter, faster all over field. Ballyhale's FB seemed to be in trouble with pace and their keeper committed hari kari a few times.
IS dinny cahill managing them or is he jst being a pundit?
He is coaching them!
The first game was one for the purest and a real joy to watch. Portumna played at a very high intensity and kept it going for all bar a 10 min spell in the 2nd half.
Felt really sorry for Cushendall in the second game. Getting to the final would have done a alot for them.
It's pure joy to read the sports news on Monday and find the latest exploits of Joe Canning therein. Besting King Henry and everything. Even if the Iseq is back to where it was in 1995 we need to go back a few more years to 1988 to the successful exploits of the last great Joe to wear a maroon jersey.
Quote from: seafoid on February 24, 2009, 09:15:35 PM
we need to go back a few more years to 1988 to the successful exploits of the last great Joe to wear a maroon jersey.
Joe Rabbitte?
cooney for christs sake
Quote from: INDIANA on February 23, 2009, 11:50:41 AM
I was in Parnell when they played Doora Barefield a few years back. Another game they should have won. Its a lack of practice of closing out tight games at all levels in Antrim. They just don't get those sort of games up there. Coming from Dublin, really feel for them because I've seen it so often . They have a terrific appreciation for the game up there and a passion for it that matches anywhere in the country. d**kheads like Reillers on other threads who have their heads up their arse wouldn't understand the concept of hurling in the perceived weaker counties. I thought with 5mins to go it was theirs. But they tried to defend a lead. You can't do it in hurling. Even Portumna for a brief spell fell into the same trap yesterday.
Can you not keep your prejudices to one thread and concentrate on two very different but equally uplifting games of hurling.
Did anyone watching the portumna game think JC wasn't going to point thon line ball. I'd suspect not.
Quote from: hardstation on February 24, 2009, 11:40:20 PM
When playing against Canning, giving a line ball away, in your own half is like giving a 21 yard free away. Managers should bate the ballix out of the 'lines balls givers awayers'.
Well if you are under pressue and putting the ball over the line is the only option then put it as close to the corner flag as possible.
Quote from: hardstation on February 24, 2009, 11:40:20 PM
When playing against Canning, giving a line ball away, in your own half is like giving a 21 yard free away. Managers should bate the ballix out of the 'lines balls givers awayers'.
Not necessarily. An analyst on GBFM said that someone did the stats on JC and that he points only something like 1 in 4, which was his average last Sunday I'd say. (The same analyst suggested that Joe may be better off dropping the ball short - bloody eejit, you should never pass up a legitimate scoring oppurtunity.)
I'd like the same analyst to find out what percentage of line balls in the attacking half end up as scores for all other teams. I'd imagine its nowhere near 25%
Quote from: mouview on February 25, 2009, 11:19:54 AM
Quote from: hardstation on February 24, 2009, 11:40:20 PM
When playing against Canning, giving a line ball away, in your own half is like giving a 21 yard free away. Managers should bate the ballix out of the 'lines balls givers awayers'.
Not necessarily. An analyst on GBFM said that someone did the stats on JC and that he points only something like 1 in 4, which was his average last Sunday I'd say. (The same analyst suggested that Joe may be better off dropping the ball short - bloody eejit, you should never pass up a legitimate scoring oppurtunity.)
Using the same analagy then you'd support forwards shooting from tight angles as it would be a legitimate scoring opportunity. I think that you need to take the best option as it presents itself. If joe had a big target man hovering around the square he might be better placed dropping it in or playing it down the line to a colleague who's got himself a bit of space in the same manner as a forward in a tight angle should look for the incoming runners and if none are available then take the shot on.
As for defending a line ball, I'd put a player as close as the ref would allow (if not closer) and make him wave the hurl in the air as you'd need to be conscious of getting the ball over him as well as the bar, might work probably not all the time but it certainly beats standing 40 metres away watching the white flag being raised (well 25% of the time)
Quote from: maxpower on February 25, 2009, 01:09:16 PM
I'd like the same analyst to find out what percentage of line balls in the attacking half end up as scores for all other teams. I'd imagine its nowhere near 25%
Good point, I would say it would be less than 10%.
I think you have to let Canning have a go at them. Granted some days he may only get 1 in 4 but other days like the Fitzgibbon final last year he scored 4 points from sideline cuts I think. Hitting the ball in towards the square is no guarantee of a score either especially when the opposing team will have so many bodies back there.
Be inclined to agree. Points scored as a result of moments of individal brilliance hurt a team a wee bit more than your box standard ones
Joe Cooney comes to mind :'(
Quote from: johnneycool on February 25, 2009, 01:21:01 PM
Quote from: mouview on February 25, 2009, 11:19:54 AM
Quote from: hardstation on February 24, 2009, 11:40:20 PM
When playing against Canning, giving a line ball away, in your own half is like giving a 21 yard free away. Managers should bate the ballix out of the 'lines balls givers awayers'.
Not necessarily. An analyst on GBFM said that someone did the stats on JC and that he points only something like 1 in 4, which was his average last Sunday I'd say. (The same analyst suggested that Joe may be better off dropping the ball short - bloody eejit, you should never pass up a legitimate scoring oppurtunity.)
Using the same analagy then you'd support forwards shooting from tight angles as it would be a legitimate scoring opportunity. I think that you need to take the best option as it presents itself. If joe had a big target man hovering around the square he might be better placed dropping it in or playing it down the line to a colleague who's got himself a bit of space in the same manner as a forward in a tight angle should look for the incoming runners and if none are available then take the shot on.
As for defending a line ball, I'd put a player as close as the ref would allow (if not closer) and make him wave the hurl in the air as you'd need to be conscious of getting the ball over him as well as the bar, might work probably not all the time but it certainly beats standing 40 metres away watching the white flag being raised (well 25% of the time)
thats a foul johnny
Milltown - can a player not stand with his arms and therefore stick in the air without moving? Is it the moving bit that is a free?
I agree with this tactic and it might work.
I actually just got to watch the Portumna match last night there, well the first half of it. Saving the second for another installment.
It was unbleievable. Maybe I'm getting carried away but the tenactity of Portumna I haven't really seen before, even at county level. It is actually a testament to Ballyhale's hurling ability that they weren't beat out the gate. I looked at the clock expecting it to be near half time and 14 mins were gone.
Will be very interesting to see how De La Salle try to combat it.
Question - saw it somewhere else on here - can you watch games on TG4's website after the event? Are they all saved?
Do de la salle have any chance tomorrow?
Would like to think it could be a good game but i fear Portumna will come out in the first 15 minutes and whip up a storm that DLS can't live with and the game with peter out
Quote from: maxpower on March 16, 2009, 11:28:36 AM
Do de la salle have any chance tomorrow?
Would like to think it could be a good game but i fear Portumna will come out in the first 15 minutes and whip up a storm that DLS can't live with and the game with peter out
Can't see it. Only one outcome IMO - big win for the Galway side.
Looking forward to it, might not be an even contest but there should be some great hurling. If they could bring Portumna's intensity to the Galway team it wouldnt be too long before they win Liam McCarthy I reckon.
If Portumna hurl anywhere near what they produced against Ballyhale they'll walk this, else DLS have a right chance...
15 Mins
Portumna 0-4
De La Salle 0-1
Close enough so far, DLS aren't getting pushed of it by any means. They're fighting for every ball and the Portumna forwards arent getting that much space.
Game over.
"No look" pass by Canning.
Awesome stuff.
Aye, over now. feckin hell, not even 20 mins into it. 'Work Like Dogs' is right.
Disappointing, hard to see any excitement coming into it now
Big-time drubbing ata ann. Looks like an U-14 team against Minors. Hoping for a more competitive second half.
Disappointing as a contest alright but you cannot but admire Portumna's class. Should they and Crossmaglen win today I think we'll be witnessing the two best club teams in history in action.
I took Portumna at 5/1 to win by 16 points or more and looking decent for now. I'll feel sorry for DLS but I hope Portumna don't let their foot off the gas.
will they bother coming out in the 2nd half?
You have to hand it to Potumna 3 all irelands in four years is some going and only a highly controversial Galway final stopped them the other year. Makes for a poor final but they are some team, hammered Birr last year Ballyhale this year and now DLS. Do they absolutely hammer everyone in Galway too?
Whats the half time score fellas?
3 mins into 2nd half 2 14 to 5 points
Quote from: Treasurer on March 17, 2009, 03:25:53 PM
3 mins into 2nd half 2 14 to 5 points
Appreciate that. Going to try and get finished up at work soon and get to the bar for the main event :D
Its on tg4.ie wherefrom
Awesome performance. Best club team I've ever seen. Not only do they consistently beat everyone, they completely and utterly annihilate them. Would quite likely have been four in a row today if it wasn't for Loughrea going at them with chainsaws two years ago.
They didnt even pull second gear there for parts of the game. Maybe it will be Galways year.
They might replace the captain with this fella: http://current.com/items/89730764/longest_speech_ever_5_days_and_4_nights.htm (http://current.com/items/89730764/longest_speech_ever_5_days_and_4_nights.htm)
My bet came in, happy days ;D
Anyone capaple of stopping Portumna win three or four in a row?
Fair play to Portumna, made it look easy.
Here's hoping the football will be a bit more engaging!
jeez i feel sorry for John Mullane-that is two awful hammerings he has experienced in Croke Park in two All Ireland finals in less than six months
Quote from: longrunsthefox on March 17, 2009, 05:55:30 PM
jeez i feel sorry for John Mullane-that is two awful hammerings he has experienced in Croke Park in two All Ireland finals in less than six months
I feel nothing for him, he was acting the bollox again today, after appearing to have matured somewhat last year. When it became clear the match was long over he resorted to throwing the hurl and screaming at the ref instead of trying to restore some pride for his team.
Portumna are an awesome club side and the best I've ever seen. Joe Canning was quiet enough today but produced two moments of pure genius - the handpass for the goal and a sublime pick up in his own half - genius.
Felt sorry for DLS - absolutely outgunned and outclassed
Quote from: Declan on March 17, 2009, 08:26:36 PM
Portumna are an awesome club side and the best I've ever seen. Joe Canning was quiet enough today but produced two moments of pure genius - the handpass for the goal and a sublime pick up in his own half - genius.
Felt sorry for DLS - absolutely outgunned and outclassed
Yeah Joe had a good game but he almost took a back seat to some of his teammates today. It's funny with him but the bigger the challenge the better he tends to play and today Portumna were so comfortable that I think he just coasted along really for the most part. Took his frees and a couple sublime touches here and there but not the usual fireworks from him.
Quote from: Declan on March 17, 2009, 08:26:36 PM
Portumna are an awesome club side and the best I've ever seen. Joe Canning was quiet enough today but produced two moments of pure genius - the handpass for the goal and a sublime pick up in his own half - genius.
Felt sorry for DLS - absolutely outgunned and outclassed
I know this is pure speculation - but what inter county division one sides would Portumna have a chance of beating ??
Quote from: orangeman on March 17, 2009, 11:26:22 PM
Quote from: Declan on March 17, 2009, 08:26:36 PM
Portumna are an awesome club side and the best I've ever seen. Joe Canning was quiet enough today but produced two moments of pure genius - the handpass for the goal and a sublime pick up in his own half - genius.
Felt sorry for DLS - absolutely outgunned and outclassed
I know this is pure speculation - but what inter county division one sides would Portumna have a chance of beating ??
Galway. ;D
The standard of munster club hurling surely has to be asked today. hopefully while throwing that thought out- I'll get some reasoned debate rather than the bullshit I have to listen to on some of the nOrthern threads. I know De La Salle had a bad day- but they weren't a very good team anyway in all honesty bar a couple of players.
It has to be said now it makes Dunloy's result against them (portumna) in Clones look even better now looking back!
Munster Club hurling is very much in transition, have a look around the counties
Waterford - De La Salle's first county title in ages if not ever, the domination of Ballygunner and Mount Sion is a reflection on waterford hurling really Tony Browne (M/Sion), Paul Flynn (Ballygunner) etc those players are at the end of their careers.
Cork - Same again to some extent, Newtownshandrum, Cloyne and Na Piarsaigh the winners in recent years, is backboned by O'Sullivan, Donal og Cusack (both Cloyne), the twins ben and gerry for newtown and O'hAilpin for Na Piarsaigh.
Clare - the local championship has been very open with numerous teams winning it, Clarecastle, sixmilebridge (Davey Fitz & Gilligan) and Wolfe tones (Lohans) were the dominant forces, but they have gone back abit.
Limerick - Adare were winners for two previous years and should have won the provincial title over DLS,
Tipperary - poor again, with Toomevara coming out and being beat by Adare. I believe Adare would have gave a better account of themselves on tuesday.
Overall I think the transition will be for another few years until another dominance is built up like in Leinster or Connacht.
You must remember, dominance comes in cycles, Portumna wont be able to sustain the level they are at,
down through the years, the Birr's or Ballyhale's of this world only stay on top for a number of years.
Quote from: gallsman on March 17, 2009, 07:37:48 PM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on March 17, 2009, 05:55:30 PM
jeez i feel sorry for John Mullane-that is two awful hammerings he has experienced in Croke Park in two All Ireland finals in less than six months
I feel nothing for him, he was acting the bollox again today, after appearing to have matured somewhat last year. When it became clear the match was long over he resorted to throwing the hurl and screaming at the ref instead of trying to restore some pride for his team.
Fair enough I didn't see the game as was out and about but I thought he played to the last drop when getting hammered by Kilkenny. Also admired how he took his punishment a few years ago without running to the DRA. Whatever-I still feel sorry for him :'(
another dissapointing club final. was athenry v graigue ballycallan the last really competitive one.
DLS just weren't at the races and probaly needed to hurl the game of their lives but instead were poor. Portumna hurled well but DLS made many basic errors and certainly played at a level below what they showed in the semi
take nothing from portumna, they were awesome attimes
Quote from: maxpower on March 18, 2009, 03:24:44 PM
another dissapointing club final. was athenry v graigue ballycallan the last really competitive one.
Portumna v Newtownshandrum was fairly competitive but it wasn't a great game either it has to be said.
Quote from: INDIANA on March 18, 2009, 01:10:48 AM
The standard of munster club hurling surely has to be asked today. hopefully while throwing that thought out- I'll get some reasoned debate rather than the bullshit I have to listen to on some of the nOrthern threads. I know De La Salle had a bad day- but they weren't a very good team anyway in all honesty bar a couple of players.
Munster club hurling has been below par for the last number of years, munster teams have won 3 out of the last 20 club all irelands, in that time 9 all irelands were won by galway, 4 by kilkenny and 4 by offaly. And looking at the teams coming out of munster at the moment, it will be a while before there is another winner from there.
On the all ireland county championship munster teams have won 7 of the last 20, with the rest going to leinster teams. So there seems to have been an overall decline in munster hurling in the modern era, with leinster hurling being more prominent overall.
There was a lot of talk about how bad leinster hurling had become last year and galway have since been introduced into the province. But with Dublin becoming more competitive, Offaly were resurgent last year and wexford will always be fairly competitive, was there really a need to put a galway team into the mix.
For Example people speak about how competitive munster hurling is. How come only three teams out of the province have won an all ireland in the last 20 years?? The exact amount as leinster.
Who is going to win tomorrow? Are Ballyhale an improvement on last year or will it be the three in a row for big Joe agus a comhluadar?
I'm feeling a bit pessimistic about this one. Portumna were brilliant in last year's semi against Ballyhale but they scored five goals and needed every one of them. Ballyhale would probably believe if they can stop Portumna from getting in for a few goals that they can outpoint them, with Shefflin, the Reids, Aylward, Cha and Fennelly easily capable of racking up 20 points. I'm also a bit concerned about Joe - for a guy with a burn-out injury he's been doing an awful lot of hurling between club and college. He was the difference between the sides last year. As well as scoring his usual 2-10 or whatever, he set up the other goals and just pulled the strings all day. I can't see him playing as well again. Of course there's a lot more to Portumna who have quality in every position. I'm hoping that this turns out to be a George Hook prediction, but I fancy Ballyhale to do it.
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 16, 2010, 02:12:48 PM
I'm feeling a bit pessimistic about this one. Portumna were brilliant in last year's semi against Ballyhale but they scored five goals and needed every one of them. Ballyhale would probably believe if they can stop Portumna from getting in for a few goals that they can outpoint them, with Shefflin, the Reids, Aylward, Cha and Fennelly easily capable of racking up 20 points. I'm also a bit concerned about Joe - for a guy with a burn-out injury he's been doing an awful lot of hurling between club and college. He was the difference between the sides last year. As well as scoring his usual 2-10 or whatever, he set up the other goals and just pulled the strings all day. I can't see him playing as well again. Of course there's a lot more to Portumna who have quality in every position. I'm hoping that this turns out to be a George Hook prediction, but I fancy Ballyhale to do it.
Can this game be watched online anywhere?
Tg4 have a player:
http://beo.tg4.ie/
can you not get it anywhere up there in that bleak part of the world you call home?? You always liked misery though if memory serves me right!! :D
a Ballinasloe man calling somewhere else bleak, that's a laugh.
These unionist firms don't take paddys day off you know.
I am from ahascragh if you must know....it's an awful insult to be saying I am from Ballinasloe!!Anyway good luck with that TG4 player! Happy Paddy's Day!!
really looking forward to this clash, of course i would have preferred Dunloy to be involved but there can be no doubt the two best club sides in Ireland will be in action tomorrow.
will Ballyhale play a man back to shore up the defence and if they do would that hand the initiative to Portumna. i think they will play possibly Cha back and the key may well be reducing kevinn hayes influence who was very close to MoM in semi and Galway final.
fancy a cagey enough game with the Joe canning/damien hayes twin threat proving the difference by a point
I suppose you'd give the edge to Portumna to win this one.
I wouldn't be a biggest fan of their style of hurling. Too much of a brute force running game to make them enjoyable to watch.
If the Ballyhale defence can soak it up and the maybe half backs sit deeper to protect the full back line, then maybe they won't hemorrhage goals like the last time the teams met. Portumna got 5-11 last year, so there is a starting point at least.
If Ballyhale could turn into an accuracy contest they might have the edge because of point takers of the calibre of TJ Reid and Shefflin. Whereas Joe Canning isn't surrounded by a cast of accurate snipers.
Hopefully it will be a good one. Too many club hurling finals have been one-sided lately.
Quote from: cicfada on March 16, 2010, 05:13:17 PM
I am from ahascragh if you must know....it's an awful insult to be saying I am from Ballinasloe!!Anyway good luck with that TG4 player! Happy Paddy's Day!!
:D :D :D. I'll have one for you Johnny!
Could be decided whoever concedes the least frees. Shefflin & Canning will get around 10 points tomorrow from frees. Ballyhale will want to make sure they dont concede many Penaltys or 20 metre frees as Canning normally bags at least 1 per game.
Expect alot of tackling & big hits especially at the start & then alot more space in the 2nd half.. Cha wasnt fit in the semi final last year & Ballyhale will want him back on top form. Portumna will improve from the semi final as they always just done enough. Hopefull be a great game as these hyped up finals often dont live up their potential.
I would love Portumna to win but the script is there for Ballyhale to win. I hope Joe's groin is ok as he needs to be on full power for them to win!!!
Ballyhale can do it.They have more quality players.
Quote from: Lecale2 on March 17, 2010, 07:17:25 AM
Ballyhale can do it.They have more quality players.
Splitting hairs there Lecale as Portumna have a good smattering as well.
I think it mightn'd be the score fest that some hope it to be, but I prefer the fiesty, hard hitting stuff rather than the high scoring pitch opening type games that you sometimes get.
Ballyhale will be bursting to get at it after last years semi-final and I'd expect them to start the quicker but I still fancy Portumna by one or two points in the end.
Will the Tribesmen be able to skin the Cats?
That's what I want to know ;D
Ballyhale by 3
I know Ballyhale will be fired up for it, and with the likes of Cha and Shefflin they have the players, but I just think they are a team on a plateau, or even beginning the down slide.
Portumna are the best club hurling team I've seen, and that includes the great Birr side.
Ballyhale could come up with some great defensive strategy to counteract the Portumna running game, and if they do they have a chance. Canning is a great young player, but he is not unmarkable from open play, so if Cummins gets to grips with him, and the Hayes' are held, Ballyhale will win. However, that's an awful lot of 'ifs' and in a final, I tend to tip on the basis of the less variables so on that basis I'd be saying Portumna by 5 or 6 points.
Bit of a non-event so far. Portumna look very flat today and off the pace bar Joe Canning. Maybe all the years on the road finally beginning to catch up with them.
I dunno yet.
If the right ball lands on top of Canning I wouldn't have faith in that ful back. I think there's goals in him yet.
Also Damien Hayes was anonymous but seems to have realised he'll get more joy foraging out the field. You'll see a lot mor of him second half I think.
TJ Reid best player on pitch so far.
Ballyhale's hunger could be the difference
Jaysus. Wrong, wrong, wrong me.
Ballyhale are too strong for them, and are completely negating the Portumna forwards.
Tries to flick out a back pass & dropped in the forwards lap. 1-18 to 13, all over by the looks of it
Portumna finally woke up in the 2nd half and got back in it but that blunder by the keeper probably ends it. Portumna made far too many errors today and just looked flat all day. Had 2 or 3 goal chances though but didn't take any of them.
Joe Canning is actually having a bigger influence on the game than Shefflin but not getting the same back-up.
That;s the second backpass to the keper they've done. Hurling not a game you should be doing a backpass to keeper in and that's why!
Micheal O'Muircheartaigh reckons its all but over for Portumna, but now he's not so sure!!!
Some great points from Joe
Gees Canning is amazing at taking points.
They've more than one player. They've only one forward though. CHB doing reasonable on Shefflin, Lynch at midfield doing well and McEntee ain't bad.
Quote from: johnneycool on March 17, 2010, 03:12:42 PM
Micheal O'Muircheartaigh reckons its all but over for Portumna, but now he's not so sure!!!
Portumna will do well to win from here, Ballyhale are tagging over the odd point to keep a big enough gap
Quote from: johnneycool on March 17, 2010, 03:12:42 PM
Micheal O'Muircheartaigh reckons its all but over for Portumna, but now he's not so sure!!!
Without the Ballyhale goal I reckon it might have been a tight finish but that goal will be enough of a cushion.
Goal killed it. Comeback was looking to be on.
Portuma only really have Canning who can be guaranteed to get points. Ballyhale have two Reids, Shefflin and Fitzpatrick weighing in with a few. Just too many outltes.
Ballyhale were definitely more up for it, their hounding from the first minute was akin to Kilkenny against Cork in the 2006 final.
Quote from: glens73 on March 17, 2010, 03:23:09 PM
Ballyhale were definitely more up for it, their hounding from the first minute was akin to Kilkenny against Cork in the 2006 final.
Hard for a team to keep going to the well and Port are on the road a long time now and have won so much. Ballyhale had all the motivation they needed after the last time they played. Just looked hungrier on the day.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 17, 2010, 03:26:28 PM
Quote from: glens73 on March 17, 2010, 03:23:09 PM
Ballyhale were definitely more up for it, their hounding from the first minute was akin to Kilkenny against Cork in the 2006 final.
Hard for a team to keep going to the well and Port are on the road a long time now and have won so much. Ballyhale had all the motivation they needed after the last time they played. Just looked hungrier on the day.
It certainly is for an amateur team, it also helped Ballyhale having more competitve games throughout their whole campaign
Portuma's keeper lost that game for them by gifting the goal, I think the goal spurred Shamrocks on
Quote from: ardmhachaabu on March 17, 2010, 03:32:47 PM
Portumna's keeper lost that game for them by gifting the goal, I think the goal spurred Shamrocks on
Ballyhale were the better team anyway, the goal obviously helped, but I think they'd still have won
What was final score?
1-19 to 0-17
Canning scored 0-12, a few from play as well
The high intensity Portumna style of hurling is hard to sustain for a few years running. The comparison between Ballyhale and how Kilkenny took on Cork in 2006 is very valid.
Port have been a great team but haven't been overloaded with great players. Today they could have done with another shooter of genuine inter county quality to help take the burden off JC.
Thought that Portuma would come in and win it before the goal. Kinda shot themselves in the foot with that one. Wish they won though, the Ballyhale supporters are, without question, some of the most arrogant feckers I've come across. Usually you'd enjoy games and the banter between supporters and such but I've never met fans with so much disrespect for the other team and their players. Beyond arrogant. A good team, but there's no need for it.
Joe gave an exhibition today. Portumna just couldn't get going and the goal chances were restricted for them. Just one of those days.
But hats off to Ballyhale who hounded Portumna at every stroke.
I was particularly pleased for Mc Garry.
Hungrier & more balanced team won today. Thought Portumna fumbled alot of ball today & maybe abit of tiredness had set in. Thats 3 long campaigns they've had. Were in trouble right from the start. I think it was B/Hales 2nd point from Shefflin were TJ Reid chipped the ball from a line ball into his hand even though Portumna had loads of time to get settled set the tone for the day. TJ Reid cleaned them in 1st half. How was his man not changed??
Cleaned out at midfield with Cha just sitting in front of his CH who dropped back to pick up aload of ball. Never seen Chunky Hayes so quiet & was moved as a result. B/Hale had more options for scores which were easier to come by with the 2 Reids, Henry, Cha & Colin Fennelly all chipping in.
As for Joe...he was superb..some of his touches were sublime especiallly the touch out of the air for his second goal chance. Best striker of a ball i've seen off both sides. It was testmant to him that they were still in the game until the big mistake by their goalie as they were coming into the game at that stage(16-12). Match never really got going.
Quote from: Reillers on March 17, 2010, 07:14:41 PM
but there's no need for it.
indeed
you bitter little man
I've come across some right sh!tty Cork fans in my time Reillers, you get them in every club/county, God knows we have plenty up here to, so you can't tar them all with the same brush. Put your disdain of all things Killkenny to one side and give them their day. ;)
I thought the Shamrocks defensive unit was powerful yesterday, they certainly had their homework done. Some great footage for the video analysis boffins. Looked like they knew they were never going to stop Joe winning ball ,all they had to do was stop him pulling the trigger.
Reillers....its my first post of 2010...and again its about your comments...im beginning to think youre being paid by gaaboard.com to stir sh*t!!
On the game, the goal really took the wind out of portumna's sails, they didnt get going for 15- 20mins at the start of the game at which time ballyhale had about a 7-8 point margin, they were chipping away at it and i think it would have been a very close run thing had the goal not came.
TJ Reid was a masterclass yesterday, without doubt the man of the match, although some of joe cannings points were sublime. Portumna's number 5 wasnt moved in time, and really Ballyhale were far more composed on the ball, both in attack and defence they used a shor ball to get out of trouble and portumna were chasing shadows.
Its an unbelievable achievement for Ballyhale to win 5 all irelands, and i think this is probably the sweetest seeing as how they were being written off by most before the game. Portumna will be back, perhaps with a bit more humility, they were often playing county teams rather than club teams, and seemed to feel they were "too good" for any other club team in the country, in fact it was widely believed that portumna would beat a lot of county teams such was the esteem they were held in, I think Ballyhale may have banished that myth yesterday
watched a re-run last night. Better team won- portumna's first touch was awful all day. All the ballyhale lads showed up. Reids were excellent especially. Ballyhale are a much better team than Portumna really. When all of Ballyhale's players how up no-one will beat them. Too many county players spread throughout the team. Hard to find a weakness in thier team.
I wonder will some kilkenny people have the good grace to accept how good Canning is. Thats as good an individual performance as I've ever seen on a badly beaten team. Without him Ballyhale would have won by a cricket score.
Frighteningly talented. IF he stays injury free the sky is the limit.
I wouldn't agree that Ballyhale are much better than Portumna to be honest. If they were they wouldn't have been completely blitzed by them last year. Port just didn't really turn up to play yesterday until the 2nd half and just when it seemed they were getting a run on Ballyhale the keeper dropped one in the goalmouth and it was game over. Without the goal I think it would have been a tight enough finish. Port are a long time on the road and the hunger just didn't seem there yesterday. Their play was sloppy with a lot of misplaced passes and fumbling which is very unlike them. TJ Reid was very good for Ballyhale but he was quietened when Port finally put Eoin Lynch back on him but he had done most of his damage by then. Cuddihy also played really well at the back but Joe Canning was undoubtably the man of the match. Might have turned out a different day had he scored that early goal. Port will probably be back but they are not a young team anymore and haven't been doing much at underage in Galway. Joe Canning alone will keep them up there but they may even be vulnerable in the Galway county championship in the next year or two.
QuotePortumna will be back, perhaps with a bit more humility, they were often playing county teams rather than club teams, and seemed to feel they were "too good" for any other club team in the country, in fact it was widely believed that portumna would beat a lot of county teams such was the esteem they were held in, I think Ballyhale may have banished that myth yesterday
Not sure I understand any of this. I can't remember Portumna coming out with anything of the sort.
Poor final, Portumna never got going until the second half and the goal killed the comeback.
fair play to ballyhale, they did what we had tried in the semi final and completely nullified the threat of Kevin Hayes, Damien Hayes was also well marked and the rest of the forwards wouldn't be as clinical as Shefflins supporting cast. thought Joe Canning was exceptional, was tightly marked but still was the biggest scoring threat on the field, some of his points were amazing. fair chance of these teams being back again next year
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 18, 2010, 12:09:12 PM
I wouldn't agree that Ballyhale are much better than Portumna to be honest. If they were they wouldn't have been completely blitzed by them last year. Port just didn't really turn up to play yesterday until the 2nd half and just when it seemed they were getting a run on Ballyhale the keeper dropped one in the goalmouth and it was game over. Without the goal I think it would have been a tight enough finish. Port are a long time on the road and the hunger just didn't seem there yesterday. Their play was sloppy with a lot of misplaced passes and fumbling which is very unlike them. TJ Reid was very good for Ballyhale but he was quietened when Port finally put Eoin Lynch back on him but he had done most of his damage by then. Cuddihy also played really well at the back but Joe Canning was undoubtably the man of the match. Might have turned out a different day had he scored that early goal. Port will probably be back but they are not a young team anymore and haven't been doing much at underage in Galway. Joe Canning alone will keep them up there but they may even be vulnerable in the Galway county championship in the next year or two.
QuotePortumna will be back, perhaps with a bit more humility, they were often playing county teams rather than club teams, and seemed to feel they were "too good" for any other club team in the country, in fact it was widely believed that portumna would beat a lot of county teams such was the esteem they were held in, I think Ballyhale may have banished that myth yesterday
Not sure I understand any of this. I can't remember Portumna coming out with anything of the sort.
True enough GBB. Portumna never seem cocky to me. It's standard operating procedure for club teams involved late in the season to be playing County teams in challenge matches, on the basis that County teams are the only ones half way up and running in February. What club team in the country would give them a game in late autumn or early spring that are not involved themselves?
Sure Ballyhale played (and beat) a Dublin selection and a Waterford selection recently. That doesn't mean they think they are too good to play club teams.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 18, 2010, 12:09:12 PM
I wouldn't agree that Ballyhale are much better than Portumna to be honest. If they were they wouldn't have been completely blitzed by them last year. Port just didn't really turn up to play yesterday until the 2nd half and just when it seemed they were getting a run on Ballyhale the keeper dropped one in the goalmouth and it was game over. Without the goal I think it would have been a tight enough finish. Port are a long time on the road and the hunger just didn't seem there yesterday. Their play was sloppy with a lot of misplaced passes and fumbling which is very unlike them. TJ Reid was very good for Ballyhale but he was quietened when Port finally put Eoin Lynch back on him but he had done most of his damage by then. Cuddihy also played really well at the back but Joe Canning was undoubtably the man of the match. Might have turned out a different day had he scored that early goal. Port will probably be back but they are not a young team anymore and haven't been doing much at underage in Galway. Joe Canning alone will keep them up there but they may even be vulnerable in the Galway county championship in the next year or two.
QuotePortumna will be back, perhaps with a bit more humility, they were often playing county teams rather than club teams, and seemed to feel they were "too good" for any other club team in the country, in fact it was widely believed that portumna would beat a lot of county teams such was the esteem they were held in, I think Ballyhale may have banished that myth yesterday
Not sure I understand any of this. I can't remember Portumna coming out with anything of the sort.
I would respectfully disagree. I think Portumna had to get it right every day due to their lack of county players. And its to their credit their consistency over the last 2 years ensured them hitting 95% every time over the last 2 years. I think Ballyhale have a little more scope for an off day.
Maybe I'm being harsh as well though. I've never seen some of the Portumna players as bad. I won't name them because I'm sure they feel low enough as it is. Its horrible losing an all-ireland final- really is horrible in a sporting context it doesn't get any lower. So hard at club level to get back there.
True AZ
I thought the game wasnt bad actually, some amount of skill on show from both teams. Hurling seems to be going through a change, we are seeing more and more possession type hurling.
In fairness if Joe had bagged the goal at the very start I honestly believe we would have seen a different outcome. Thought the Portumna poc outs in the first half were causing alot of trouble and took ballyhale a while to catch on, if they had been a bit more clinical with this possession then could have been a different game.
Ballyhale worthy winners.
Quote from: INDIANA on March 18, 2010, 10:54:28 AM
watched a re-run last night. Better team won- portumna's first touch was awful all day. All the ballyhale lads showed up. Reids were excellent especially. Ballyhale are a much better team than Portumna really. When all of Ballyhale's players how up no-one will beat them. Too many county players spread throughout the team. Hard to find a weakness in thier team.
I wonder will some kilkenny people have the good grace to accept how good Canning is. Thats as good an individual performance as I've ever seen on a badly beaten team. Without him Ballyhale would have won by a cricket score.
Frighteningly talented. IF he stays injury free the sky is the limit.
Absolute rubbish Indiana. Port' gave Ballyhale a worse beating last Spring than the one they received yesterday. They just didn't / weren't let play on the day, simple as, and Ballyhale did. Match sharpness helped a great deal too.
Wonder what John McIntyre will make of the game. County panelists Lynch, Chunky, Andy Smith were neither awfully bad or great yesterday; McEntee was better but time is against him. Even Ollie looked leaden at times, though was never beaten.
Sorry now I've said nothing about the team, their team is unreal, and it's some achievment. But their fans are a joke, and it's not a minority of them. If you saw the shite that they were on about, even before the Newtown game all they were on about the final, presuming that Newtown would be a walkover, because really they had no talent and the twins were well past it and never really that great anyway, the amount of arrogance they came out with around the time of the Newtown match was disgraceful and by a mile the worst crap, they've no respect for anyone, whatsoever. And it's the same with the IC team. Don't believe me, go on over to that Kilkennycats place and read some of the bile that they come out with about the Cork players. I'd almost join and say something but I don't have the stomach for that shite.
Maybe they just don't like Cork. Hard to believe, isn't it? :D
Reillers to be fair to them you don't speak too highly of anyone outside your own county. You constantly put teams like Kilkenny and players like Joe Canning etc down.
If you are reflective of the majority of Cork fans, I'm too far away to know, then you wouldn't be expecting them to be too favourable towards you!
If the players adopt the "everyone's against us mentality" you seem to have then you'll be ok for hunger this year anyway...
Quote from: Reillers on March 18, 2010, 03:21:55 PM
go on over to that Kilkennycats place and read some of the bile that they come out....
like this you mean?
http://www.kilkennycats.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6633
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 18, 2010, 04:39:47 PM
Reillers to be fair to them you don't speak too highly of anyone outside your own county. You constantly put teams like Kilkenny and players like Joe Canning etc down.
If you are reflective of the majority of Cork fans, I'm too far away to know, then you wouldn't be expecting them to be too favourable towards you!
If the players adopt the "everyone's against us mentality" you seem to have then you'll be ok for hunger this year anyway...
Don't remember ever putting Joe Canning down, I don't like Kilkenny, I don't like their style of play, but I've never thought anything other then the fact that they are an incredible team. Not the best team ever seen but an excellent team.
I don't go around saying that they have zero talent or that top class players who were neve really good anyway, are totally passed it. Or that they don't have any great players.
I don't go around showing no respect to teams or players that deserve it. Their arrogance is a step and above.
You have an awful persecution complex man...
Roughly how many people spoke like this?
Anyone who says Cork have no talent or Ben O'Connor is crap wouldn't be someone who knows very much about hurling so I would say their opinion isn't worth much value.
I wasn't aware you had called Kilkenny an incredible team before. You have been known to put them down and questioned their opposition.
Anyway, I unlike some, have no problems with you. However I think what you have said here about Ballyhale / Kilkenny is a very broad generalisation.
Reillers is actually from Kilkenny and uses the board as therapy to deal with some of his personal issues revolving around what some Ballyhale lads must have said to him as a teenager outside Dunnes in Kilkenny town.
'city', seafoid, 'city'.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 18, 2010, 12:09:12 PM
I wouldn't agree that Ballyhale are much better than Portumna to be honest. If they were they wouldn't have been completely blitzed by them last year. Port just didn't really turn up to play yesterday until the 2nd half and just when it seemed they were getting a run on Ballyhale the keeper dropped one in the goalmouth and it was game over. Without the goal I think it would have been a tight enough finish. Port are a long time on the road and the hunger just didn't seem there yesterday. Their play was sloppy with a lot of misplaced passes and fumbling which is very unlike them. TJ Reid was very good for Ballyhale but he was quietened when Port finally put Eoin Lynch back on him but he had done most of his damage by then. Cuddihy also played really well at the back but Joe Canning was undoubtably the man of the match. Might have turned out a different day had he scored that early goal. Port will probably be back but they are not a young team anymore and haven't been doing much at underage in Galway. Joe Canning alone will keep them up there but they may even be vulnerable in the Galway county championship in the next year or two.
QuotePortumna will be back, perhaps with a bit more humility, they were often playing county teams rather than club teams, and seemed to feel they were "too good" for any other club team in the country, in fact it was widely believed that portumna would beat a lot of county teams such was the esteem they were held in, I think Ballyhale may have banished that myth yesterday
Not sure I understand any of this. I can't remember Portumna coming out with anything of the sort.
No and I dont mean that they came out of anything of the sort. What I mean is that there was a perception in the country that Portumna were better than county teams, and even if the Portumna players didnt believe it at first, if everyone is saying it for two years, its bound to affect them eventually. This coupled with playing intercounty teams (all year round) in challenges rather than club teams meant that they were getting the best preparation possible yes, but also possibly starting to believe a little of the hype.
Not saying anything bad against Portumna, just saying that if you are hyped up for a couple of years, you will subconciously start to believe it, they are only human.
AZOffaly,
There are an awful lot of teams that would give Portumna a game in late autumn or early spring. Most senior championships in the country go until october, and most teams are back training by January. There are easily 4 - 5 teams that wouldnt be anymore than 5-6 points off Portumna most days.
awfuly,
If you are a good team, and still in the championship, why would you want to play Portumna, as you are obviously going to be a possible opponent shortly afterwards. For example, if you are Newtown, or Thurles, or Birr, or Ballyhale, why would you play Portumna? All good club teams schedule county teams for challenge matches at that stage.
Quote from: Reillers on March 18, 2010, 05:16:59 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 18, 2010, 04:39:47 PM
Reillers to be fair to them you don't speak too highly of anyone outside your own county. You constantly put teams like Kilkenny and players like Joe Canning etc down.
If you are reflective of the majority of Cork fans, I'm too far away to know, then you wouldn't be expecting them to be too favourable towards you!
If the players adopt the "everyone's against us mentality" you seem to have then you'll be ok for hunger this year anyway...
Don't remember ever putting Joe Canning down, I don't like Kilkenny, I don't like their style of play, but I've never thought anything other then the fact that they are an incredible team. Not the best team ever seen but an excellent team.
I don't go around saying that they have zero talent or that top class players who were neve really good anyway, are totally passed it. Or that they don't have any great players.
I don't go around showing no respect to teams or players that deserve it. Their arrogance is a step and above.
Who is then Reillers?
Quote from: Farrandeelin on March 19, 2010, 11:58:02 AM
Quote from: Reillers on March 18, 2010, 05:16:59 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 18, 2010, 04:39:47 PM
Reillers to be fair to them you don't speak too highly of anyone outside your own county. You constantly put teams like Kilkenny and players like Joe Canning etc down.
If you are reflective of the majority of Cork fans, I'm too far away to know, then you wouldn't be expecting them to be too favourable towards you!
If the players adopt the "everyone's against us mentality" you seem to have then you'll be ok for hunger this year anyway...
Don't remember ever putting Joe Canning down, I don't like Kilkenny, I don't like their style of play, but I've never thought anything other then the fact that they are an incredible team. Not the best team ever seen but an excellent team.
I don't go around saying that they have zero talent or that top class players who were neve really good anyway, are totally passed it. Or that they don't have any great players.
I don't go around showing no respect to teams or players that deserve it. Their arrogance is a step and above.
Who is then Reillers?
Its all a bit subjective but they're certainly the best team I've seen in my lifetime but I'm only in my mid thirties.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on March 19, 2010, 11:58:02 AM
Quote from: Reillers on March 18, 2010, 05:16:59 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 18, 2010, 04:39:47 PM
Reillers to be fair to them you don't speak too highly of anyone outside your own county. You constantly put teams like Kilkenny and players like Joe Canning etc down.
If you are reflective of the majority of Cork fans, I'm too far away to know, then you wouldn't be expecting them to be too favourable towards you!
If the players adopt the "everyone's against us mentality" you seem to have then you'll be ok for hunger this year anyway...
Don't remember ever putting Joe Canning down, I don't like Kilkenny, I don't like their style of play, but I've never thought anything other then the fact that they are an incredible team. Not the best team ever seen but an excellent team.
I don't go around saying that they have zero talent or that top class players who were neve really good anyway, are totally passed it. Or that they don't have any great players.
I don't go around showing no respect to teams or players that deserve it. Their arrogance is a step and above.
Who is then Reillers?
Cork of 2005/2006. Seriously Reillers actually believes they are superior to the current kilkenny team. He's not alone in Cork in thinking this. There are elements of the kilkenny support that are beyond arrogant- ran into a few on the Hill last year during the leinster final but all counties have their share of idiots. We've enough of them as well.
Ironic though as Corks fans are very hard to wear at times. But they aren't all bad. Know some bang on Cork fans but have met more idiots though. Tipps used to be pretty bad at one time but they've mellowed a lot since then. Corks can be hard to wear when they are on top.
In general kilkenny fans have been reasonably complementary about Dublin's semi resurgence. Your average kilkenny hurling fan is genuinely interested in the state of the game nationally rather than just their own county.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 19, 2010, 10:43:03 AM
awfuly,
If you are a good team, and still in the championship, why would you want to play Portumna, as you are obviously going to be a possible opponent shortly afterwards. For example, if you are Newtown, or Thurles, or Birr, or Ballyhale, why would you play Portumna? All good club teams schedule county teams for challenge matches at that stage.
Sure everyone is "in" the championship in spring, granted there may not be as many in it come october but there are still plenty available, for example the offaly semi finals were only played in october last year as were tipp's if memory serves me right, toomevara, borrisoleigh or drom & inch arent a million miles off thurles and there are a few teams in offaly close to birr so I dont think your point is really valid, how about Oulart the Ballagh from Wexford, Ballyboden from Dublin, or Ballygunner from Waterford to name but a few. Anyway youre missing the point, portumna were playing county teams in challenges all year round, not that I think there is anything wrong with that, I just think that there was a belief out there held by most hurling people reillers aside that portumna were 10 - 15 points better than any other club team in the country, this I believe lead to portumna being a bit overconfident whether they said it or not.
I'd be utterly amazed if Portumna thought they were 10-15 points better than Ballyhale. They would have known they were in for a huge battle. There's absolutely no way you go into a game against Shefflin, Cha, The Reids, Fennelly and co. feeling complacent. It's a preposterous theory really. They were just beaten by a better team on the day. From reading this board one thing is clear - If you win anything in Ireland people will accuse you of being arrogant no matter how humble you are in victory.
Quote from: INDIANA on March 19, 2010, 12:27:11 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on March 19, 2010, 11:58:02 AM
Quote from: Reillers on March 18, 2010, 05:16:59 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 18, 2010, 04:39:47 PM
Reillers to be fair to them you don't speak too highly of anyone outside your own county. You constantly put teams like Kilkenny and players like Joe Canning etc down.
If you are reflective of the majority of Cork fans, I'm too far away to know, then you wouldn't be expecting them to be too favourable towards you!
If the players adopt the "everyone's against us mentality" you seem to have then you'll be ok for hunger this year anyway...
Don't remember ever putting Joe Canning down, I don't like Kilkenny, I don't like their style of play, but I've never thought anything other then the fact that they are an incredible team. Not the best team ever seen but an excellent team.
I don't go around saying that they have zero talent or that top class players who were neve really good anyway, are totally passed it. Or that they don't have any great players.
I don't go around showing no respect to teams or players that deserve it. Their arrogance is a step and above.
Who is then Reillers?
Cork of 2005/2006. Seriously Reillers actually believes they are superior to the current kilkenny team. He's not alone in Cork in thinking this. There are elements of the kilkenny support that are beyond arrogant- ran into a few on the Hill last year during the leinster final but all counties have their share of idiots. We've enough of them as well.
Ironic though as Corks fans are very hard to wear at times. But they aren't all bad. Know some bang on Cork fans but have met more idiots though. Tipps used to be pretty bad at one time but they've mellowed a lot since then. Corks can be hard to wear when they are on top.
In general kilkenny fans have been reasonably complementary about Dublin's semi resurgence. Your average kilkenny hurling fan is genuinely interested in the state of the game nationally rather than just their own county.
2004/2005 played much better hurling anyway. A hell of a lot easier on the eye. There have been better teams that have beaten better opposition. Kilkenny didn't have as much to work for or be tested when it came to their odd 2 difficult games a year. Things might have been a totally different story if we didn't throw it away in 03 or loose in 06, (till this day people still blame poor old Mulcahy) we could have easily won 4 and Cody would probably have went. Or so they say.
Or if Waterford didn't run out of steem in 07 and had KK in the final instead of Limerick and again, if Tipp hadn't run out of steam and gotten to the final instead of Waterford the year before last. We might have seen a different story. The wrong teams were in the final at the wrong time.
They're an excellent team. Don't get me wrong, and the poor sides put up in front of them were not their fault, and had nothing to do with them. They just beat what was put in front of them so we'll never know I suppose. But they'd little to beat and not much tested them. Were they the best, genuinely? Or were they the best of a poor lot? If Leinster had been as competitive as Munster was, would they have gotten as far? With that many teams with better standard, to play, not just being able to concentrate on peaking so late in the season, and having the luxury of doing so.
They're an excellent team with excellent players. But beside Cork in 06, (and even then maybe Waterford would have given them a better go) no one really tested them till Tipp did, who argueably should have won if it wasn't for their poor finishing and a bad few calls by the ref.
They're a great team and history will show them as one of the best. Stats wont tell the whole story though. I wont call them the best team ever because I don't think that something that could be judged. Do you?
I don't want this to be taken in the wrong way, that I'm having a go at KK, because they are a great team. One of the greats, but things could have been a lot different. But I suppose, shoulda woulda coulda..
At the end of the day it all seems to be these days is about tactics. KK stopped Cork winning the 3 in a row by counter attacking our running game by their blanket defence. We were figured out. It took a while but they eventually figured it out. KK's game is a lot harder to read and counter attack. That over physical game, borderline illegal, "dirty tactics" that refs for a long time never blew up on and still really don't. It was tolerated for a few years but it seems to be getting on peoples nerves more than ever now, be that biterness or what not. But players like Tommy Walsh, got an awful hard doing of it. Rightly or wrongly.
And teams are going for it now. Throwing the kitchen sink at them when it comes to the physical side of it, an eye for an eye, of sorts. And it's going as far as a lot of players wil get sent off. Tipp tried it almost won last years AI final and won the League game against them and beat them, Cork did it and beat them. (And ya it's the League and they'll be another monster completely come summer) but it's the point that stands. Meet them head on physically and take it from there.
Teams slowly seem to be figuring out how to beat KK.
(Knowing how is all good and well, but doing it is another matter.)
Just answer the question and forget all the other bullshi* - who are the best team of all time in Reillersland?
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 19, 2010, 02:26:46 PM
I'd be utterly amazed if Portumna thought they were 10-15 points better than Ballyhale. They would have known they were in for a huge battle. There's absolutely no way you go into a game against Shefflin, Cha, The Reids, Fennelly and co. feeling complacent. It's a preposterous theory really. They were just beaten by a better team on the day. From reading this board one thing is clear - If you win anything in Ireland people will accuse you of being arrogant no matter how humble you are in victory.
No it isnt arrogance, and it isnt any begrudegery if you like to call it, If you wouldnt mind re reading my post, I said most hurling people, including myself truth be told thought they were 10 - 15 points better than any other club team in the country, and that is bound to lead to a bit of complacency. Im more than happy for Portumna, i celebrated with them when they won their all irelands and they are really only over the road from me. As I said in my first post Portumna will be back and Ballyhale wont be able to rest on their laurels if they wish to do two in a row
Quote from: Reillers on March 19, 2010, 03:12:17 PM
2004/2005 played much better hurling anyway.
arguably the worst set of forwards ever to win an all-Ireland
having watched Newtowshandrum many times twice at Croker (the rest on telly), and Portumna and Ballyhale i can safely say that Portumna and Ballyhale are better teams than Newtown.
Portumna will win the Galway Championship, will Ballyhale win the Kilkenny championship? what team will come out of Munster? Newtown were good team but always struggled to win there games (mostly came from behind) Ulster!! well the Dall will look to get to the Semi final stage again as will Dunloy and Loughgeil. but the bar at senior level has be raised considerably by Ballyhale and Portumna. i'd say it will be a couple of years before anyone else gets a look in.
Reillers, your obsession with whining and moaning about Kilkenny, its teams and their supporters is starting to get a little bit worrying. That a Cork hurling man dares to call anyone arrogant beggars belief.
You can shove your People's Republic up your hole.
But surely isn't 'figuring out' how to win championships a sign of a good team, to figure out how to do it 4 years in succession without losing to Munster or Leinster teams must be an extra special team.
Ah come on Reillers. I was cringing reading your last post. Do you even believe that sh!te yourself "kilkenny are a great team but........no opposition..................dirty tactics...............blanket defence................easy province.............Cork were on a break...............what if they'd lost this one............or we'd won that one............ blah blah blah". I enjoy reading your posts about Cork hurling and admire your passion for your county in a cynical age, but anytime you post about Kilkenny it's pure tripe.
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 20, 2010, 05:13:34 AM
Ah come on Reillers. I was cringing reading your last post. Do you even believe that sh!te yourself "kilkenny are a great team but........no opposition..................dirty tactics...............blanket defence................easy province.............Cork were on a break...............what if they'd lost this one............or we'd won that one............ blah blah blah". I enjoy reading your posts about Cork hurling and admire your passion for your county in a cynical age, but anytime you post about Kilkenny it's pure tripe.
I was trying to get across the point that you can't call them the best team, and in my opinoin why.
I mean what of what I've said is wrong?
Were Limerick and Waterford not appauling in their respective finals?
Do you not think things might have ended differently had Waterford and Tipp been in the finals when they should have been? Waterford on that kind of form that they were in 06 and 07, I mean who knows they might of had a better go at KK in 06 final than Cork did.
Are you saying they don't play with a borderline approach to the game? "Dirty tactics" is what alot of people call it, and you know, well you should know, that they get away with a lot. Teams have copped on to their tactics, and have played, shoulder to shoulder, physical hurling back to them, and it will end up with players getting sent off imo, but it's what teams are doing. Tipp did it in the final and in the League game against them and we did it in the League game against them aswell, and going by what their supporters have had to say about it, they didn't like getting it back in their face.
Are you saying they don't play with a blanket defence
I said nothing about Cork being on a break at all? Did I, can't find much I said about Cork in that post.
I mean what of what I've said is incorrect?
Reillers I was probably a bit over the top with my last post but it seems you view things from whatever angle will take some of the gloss off Kilkenny's All-Irelands.
I agree that Waterford '07 and Tipp '08 would probably have given Kilkenny better games but they weren't good enough to win their semi-finals so i would say that makes the point irrelevant. I don't think either had a real chance of beating Kilkenny. What if Kilkenny had beaten Galway in that freakish semi of 05? Would Cork still have won? It doesn't matter of course because they didn't.
And yeah Kilkenny play it tough but I don't see any problem with that. It's like Cody said when asked if Tommy Walsh "played on the edge". He said that he'd hate to think Tommy Walsh didn't play on the edge. They aren't dirty though.
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 20, 2010, 12:20:26 PM
Reillers I was probably a bit over the top with my last post but it seems you view things from whatever angle will take some of the gloss off Kilkenny's All-Irelands.
I agree that Waterford '07 and Tipp '08 would probably have given Kilkenny better games but they weren't good enough to win their semi-finals so i would say that makes the point irrelevant. I don't think either had a real chance of beating Kilkenny. What if Kilkenny had beaten Galway in that freakish semi of 05? Would Cork still have won? It doesn't matter of course because they didn't.
And yeah Kilkenny play it tough but I don't see any problem with that. It's like Cody said when asked if Tommy Walsh "played on the edge". He said that he'd hate to think Tommy Walsh didn't play on the edge. They aren't dirty though.
True.
I probably was a bit ott with my post the first time as well. I do tend to get carried away. They're a great team, I wont call them the best ever team because it's something that can't be judged. I do think they've flaws, all teams do obviously.
I honestly think Waterford could have beaten them and Tipp, if they'd played them in the right years, especially Waterford. But that's what if again. And at the end of the day it didn't happen. Which is what I mean when I say history will show them to be one of the greats, the stats just wont tell you the whole story.
And do I think they have it easier with Leinster, saying that they didn't is just denying the obvious. Of course they did.
They had weaker teams in Leinster than we had in Munster. You look back over the past 5 or 6 years and think of what were the best games you can remember from that period of time, and see how many games you think of with Munster teams in them, and how many that that involved Leinster teams. Fact, when you look back at the past few years, Munster was always stronger.
You'd teams beating off eachother, look at the Cork Waterford games, it was 07 when we played Waterford in Munster -3 of our best players who were suspended, and we were the width of the post away from getting a replay. That was a hell of match, break neck speed, the same year we met Waterford again and played them twice, both incredibly tight games, one ended in a replay. Two incredibly intense games. Waterford beat us in the end and should have went on to the final. But they had nothing left in the tank.
KK never needed to peak before the end of the season. It was different with Munster teams. We could never afford to put out 2/3rd string teams, no matter how good, because Tipp, Waterford, Cork..Clare and Limerick on their day, always gave a good match. And any of the first 3 could have beaten eachother on any given day. In Leinster KK would put aside any Leinster team with their "weak" team.
The Leinster teams gave up trying and saved themselves for the qualifiers. Ya it's a bit different now, they've Galway and Dublin has come on a lot, but not enough to really give them a go in Leinster. Nothing to make Cody play his strongest side.
Look that's just my opinion and I'm not alone in it. They are an incredible team. But circumstance helped, who knows they could still have won had they met the better teams or what not. But it's largely because of this which is why I wont call them the best team ever. It's impossible to judge.
As for their tactics. Some people are sick of KK's tactics now, they were ok till about last season or so. Iit really seems to have exploded in the media a bit. Especially with Tommy Walsh. People had a real go at him. And that really pissed off Cody if I remember rightly.
I don't like how they get away with so much with the ref, but I can't say that if Cork did, if we could get away with so much, and if we could win games like that, that I wouldn't want them to do it.
But teams now really seem to go for it against them, physically, and like I said, looking at the reactions we had against us and the way they reacted against Tipp, they weren't happy about it, and I think that's going to be how people approach games when they play them in the future. And it will in my opinion end with players getting sent off more and more, and things boiling over.
Teams seem to have it in their head that the only way to match KK is the eye for an eye way, not being bullied, and work from that.
Reillers the fact that you champions (ie munster champions) can't beat Kilkenny should tell you the current strength of the Munster championship.
Limerick- no team at present
Clare- div 2 outfit.
Tipp - a fine side
Cork - still a good side not as good as they used to be
Waterford- a good side
versus
Kilkenny- the best ever
Galway- a fine side
Wexford- a div 2 outfit
Dublin- a decent side
Offaly - a decent side
The alleged strength of the current Munster championship harps back to the 80's and 90's. thats the bottom line. I attend 3 Munster championship games every year for the last 20-25 years. I therefore am well versed to compare the two provinces and the current Munster championship isn't in a hapenny place to previous times. Its just not even close.
You're out of date on this one. Tipp v Cork in recent championship encounters has had all the cut and thrust of a seance compared to the late 80's.
Quote from: INDIANA on March 20, 2010, 01:40:44 PM
Reillers the fact that you champions (ie munster champions) can't beat Kilkenny should tell you the current strength of the Munster championship.
Limerick- no team at present
Clare- div 2 outfit.
Tipp - a fine side
Cork - still a good side not as good as they used to be
Waterford- a good side
versus
Kilkenny- the best ever
Galway- a fine side
Wexford- a div 2 outfit
Dublin- a decent side
Offaly - a decent side
The alleged strength of the current Munster championship harps back to the 80's and 90's. thats the bottom line. I attend 3 Munster championship games every year for the last 20-25 years. I therefore am well versed to compare the two provinces and the current Munster championship isn't in a hapenny place to previous times. Its just not even close.
You're out of date on this one. Tipp v Cork in recent championship encounters has had all the cut and thrust of a seance compared to the late 80's.
I disagree with you but I did say Munster from a few years ago. 4/5 I think it was I said. Never mind about now and I still believe that Munster still is stronger, I never said a word about way back when, and I made the point not to.
Over the last few years you can't deny that Munster was more competitive than Leinster. By far.
I mean even saying it now, every team in Munster could beat every team in Leinster, obviously not Kilkenny and some not Galway.
Whatever way the standard might have dropped as you said in Munster, it's still better than Leinster, even with Galway being brought in.
Quote from: Reillers on March 20, 2010, 12:59:01 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 20, 2010, 12:20:26 PM
Reillers I was probably a bit over the top with my last post but it seems you view things from whatever angle will take some of the gloss off Kilkenny's All-Irelands.
I agree that Waterford '07 and Tipp '08 would probably have given Kilkenny better games but they weren't good enough to win their semi-finals so i would say that makes the point irrelevant. I don't think either had a real chance of beating Kilkenny. What if Kilkenny had beaten Galway in that freakish semi of 05? Would Cork still have won? It doesn't matter of course because they didn't.
And yeah Kilkenny play it tough but I don't see any problem with that. It's like Cody said when asked if Tommy Walsh "played on the edge". He said that he'd hate to think Tommy Walsh didn't play on the edge. They aren't dirty though.
I do tend to get carried away.
Tell me about it. Remember the time you called Bob Honohan (your clubmate and erstwhile colleague) 'not very nice' - it was a terrible slur on a fine servant to Cork GAA..
Quote from: heffo on March 21, 2010, 06:19:45 PM
Quote from: Reillers on March 20, 2010, 12:59:01 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 20, 2010, 12:20:26 PM
Reillers I was probably a bit over the top with my last post but it seems you view things from whatever angle will take some of the gloss off Kilkenny's All-Irelands.
I agree that Waterford '07 and Tipp '08 would probably have given Kilkenny better games but they weren't good enough to win their semi-finals so i would say that makes the point irrelevant. I don't think either had a real chance of beating Kilkenny. What if Kilkenny had beaten Galway in that freakish semi of 05? Would Cork still have won? It doesn't matter of course because they didn't.
And yeah Kilkenny play it tough but I don't see any problem with that. It's like Cody said when asked if Tommy Walsh "played on the edge". He said that he'd hate to think Tommy Walsh didn't play on the edge. They aren't dirty though.
I do tend to get carried away.
Tell me about it. Remember the time you called Bob Honohan (your clubmate and erstwhile colleague) 'not very nice' - it was a terrible slur on a fine servant to Cork GAA..
I've told you to stop posting personal information about me online, do it again and I will report you, over and over again, how many more times.
(Irellevant to the fact that for some reason, you're obsessed with thinking that that's the club I'm from, which I never said it was.)
Quote from: Reillers on March 21, 2010, 07:33:38 PM
Quote from: heffo on March 21, 2010, 06:19:45 PM
Quote from: Reillers on March 20, 2010, 12:59:01 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 20, 2010, 12:20:26 PM
Reillers I was probably a bit over the top with my last post but it seems you view things from whatever angle will take some of the gloss off Kilkenny's All-Irelands.
I agree that Waterford '07 and Tipp '08 would probably have given Kilkenny better games but they weren't good enough to win their semi-finals so i would say that makes the point irrelevant. I don't think either had a real chance of beating Kilkenny. What if Kilkenny had beaten Galway in that freakish semi of 05? Would Cork still have won? It doesn't matter of course because they didn't.
And yeah Kilkenny play it tough but I don't see any problem with that. It's like Cody said when asked if Tommy Walsh "played on the edge". He said that he'd hate to think Tommy Walsh didn't play on the edge. They aren't dirty though.
I do tend to get carried away.
Tell me about it. Remember the time you called Bob Honohan (your clubmate and erstwhile colleague) 'not very nice' - it was a terrible slur on a fine servant to Cork GAA..
I've told you to stop posting personal information about me online, do it again and I will report you, over and over again, how many more times.
(Irellevant to the fact that for some reason, you're obsessed with thinking that that's the club I'm from, which I never said it was.)
You'll report me over and over again?
Did you ever apologise to Bobby for what you said?
Quote from: Reillers on March 20, 2010, 07:22:55 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 20, 2010, 01:40:44 PM
Reillers the fact that you champions (ie munster champions) can't beat Kilkenny should tell you the current strength of the Munster championship.
Limerick- no team at present
Clare- div 2 outfit.
Tipp - a fine side
Cork - still a good side not as good as they used to be
Waterford- a good side
versus
Kilkenny- the best ever
Galway- a fine side
Wexford- a div 2 outfit
Dublin- a decent side
Offaly - a decent side
The alleged strength of the current Munster championship harps back to the 80's and 90's. thats the bottom line. I attend 3 Munster championship games every year for the last 20-25 years. I therefore am well versed to compare the two provinces and the current Munster championship isn't in a hapenny place to previous times. Its just not even close.
You're out of date on this one. Tipp v Cork in recent championship encounters has had all the cut and thrust of a seance compared to the late 80's.
I disagree with you but I did say Munster from a few years ago. 4/5 I think it was I said. Never mind about now and I still believe that Munster still is stronger, I never said a word about way back when, and I made the point not to.
Over the last few years you can't deny that Munster was more competitive than Leinster. By far.
I mean even saying it now, every team in Munster could beat every team in Leinster, obviously not Kilkenny and some not Galway.
Whatever way the standard might have dropped as you said in Munster, it's still better than Leinster, even with Galway being brought in.
Every team in Munster could beat every team in Leinster...so you think that Limerick & Clare could beat Galway, Dublin, Wexford & Offaly....not a flipping hope im afraid. Actually go along to the Limerick Offaly match next weekend, because if Limerick are in the same form as they were this weekend i think we can take the two points.
Reillers, INDIANA has it spot on, there are currently 3 top teams in Munster, definately 2 in Leinster, but first of all a mention on the state of the leinster and munster championships.
I reckon that this year there will be an extremely competitive leinster championship, You have KK trying to recover from indifferent league form, Galway with the Portumna outfit back, Wexford with all their injured players back can give a game to most, Dublin trying to build on their achievements last year and an offaly side trying to salvage some pride after an indifferent couple of years. On the munster side you have Limerick - on strike, Cork doing really well, Waterford doing well, Tipp doing well and Clare doing ok. Depending on the draw it will be a Tipp / Cork - Waterford final...and id wager tipp waterford. In leinster Id probably say KK and any one of the other four teams....not because the leinster championship is easy for KK, but because they are unbeaten in the all ireland for 4 years ffs!!
Quote from: awfulynice on March 22, 2010, 08:48:32 AM
Quote from: Reillers on March 20, 2010, 07:22:55 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on March 20, 2010, 01:40:44 PM
Reillers the fact that you champions (ie munster champions) can't beat Kilkenny should tell you the current strength of the Munster championship.
Limerick- no team at present
Clare- div 2 outfit.
Tipp - a fine side
Cork - still a good side not as good as they used to be
Waterford- a good side
versus
Kilkenny- the best ever
Galway- a fine side
Wexford- a div 2 outfit
Dublin- a decent side
Offaly - a decent side
The alleged strength of the current Munster championship harps back to the 80's and 90's. thats the bottom line. I attend 3 Munster championship games every year for the last 20-25 years. I therefore am well versed to compare the two provinces and the current Munster championship isn't in a hapenny place to previous times. Its just not even close.
You're out of date on this one. Tipp v Cork in recent championship encounters has had all the cut and thrust of a seance compared to the late 80's.
I disagree with you but I did say Munster from a few years ago. 4/5 I think it was I said. Never mind about now and I still believe that Munster still is stronger, I never said a word about way back when, and I made the point not to.
Over the last few years you can't deny that Munster was more competitive than Leinster. By far.
I mean even saying it now, every team in Munster could beat every team in Leinster, obviously not Kilkenny and some not Galway.
Whatever way the standard might have dropped as you said in Munster, it's still better than Leinster, even with Galway being brought in.
Every team in Munster could beat every team in Leinster...so you think that Limerick & Clare could beat Galway, Dublin, Wexford & Offaly....not a flipping hope im afraid. Actually go along to the Limerick Offaly match next weekend, because if Limerick are in the same form as they were this weekend i think we can take the two points.
Reillers, INDIANA has it spot on, there are currently 3 top teams in Munster, definately 2 in Leinster, but first of all a mention on the state of the leinster and munster championships.
I reckon that this year there will be an extremely competitive leinster championship, You have KK trying to recover from indifferent league form, Galway with the Portumna outfit back, Wexford with all their injured players back can give a game to most, Dublin trying to build on their achievements last year and an offaly side trying to salvage some pride after an indifferent couple of years. On the munster side you have Limerick - on strike, Cork doing really well, Waterford doing well, Tipp doing well and Clare doing ok. Depending on the draw it will be a Tipp / Cork - Waterford final...and id wager tipp waterford. In leinster Id probably say KK and any one of the other four teams....not because the leinster championship is easy for KK, but because they are unbeaten in the all ireland for 4 years ffs!!
Ok take a deep breath and read my post again.
And I do believe that on form every Munster team could beat the weaker Leinster ones. And the better 3 in Munster could be Galway and even KK on their day.
Leinster was a walk in the park for Kilkenny for the last few years, whether it'll be the same this year and so on is another question.
I thought I made it kinda clear that (and for the 3rd time) I was talking about in the past FOUR/FIVE.
Well that time of the year again, the county finals being sorted out over the coming weeks.
Who are the runners?
Can Ballyboden make the breakthrough this year?
Will Loughgiel hurl better than the Last time
Will Ballyhale and Portumna make a return?
What team will come out of Munster? De La Salle? Thurles Sarsfields? (getting beat at the minute by the way)
A team with first class players but have failed to win the Munster Championship, and after getting beat today won't this year!!
De La Salle are out, beaten by Ballygunner yesterday.
Quote from: deiseach on October 03, 2011, 02:32:43 PM
De La Salle are out, beaten by Ballygunner yesterday.
Aye seen that result, but Ballygunner are still a decent team all the same, by all accounts the team that played Sarsfields weren't in the same class.
But we managed to beat Dunloy this year in the championship and were unlucky to be beat by Cushendall in the semi finals by a point.
Year of the underdog?
Down to the quarter-finals in Galway.
Gort v Loughrea
Portumna v St Thomas
Carnmore v Craughwell
Clarinbridge v Mullagh
Psychologically I think DLS would have been a better bet for Waterford to win the All-Ireland title. They don't have any hang-ups in Munster (two appearances in the last three years, two victories). Ballygunner, on the other hand, have plenty of hang-ups. I read a story in the early Noughties about a Ballygunner man extracting a promise on his deathbed from those around him that they'd win the Munster title. Now, I'm sure every club has stories like that. I've even got one of my own (http://www.comeonthedeise.ie/2008/11/12/it-had-to-happen-ii/), of sorts. But the story explains why I don't rate Ballygunner's chances into the spring
Portumna beaten by St Thomas' in Galway.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on October 09, 2011, 04:02:54 PM
Portumna beaten by St Thomas' in Galway.
wasn't Canning suspended?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 02, 2011, 03:54:11 PM
Well that time of the year again, the county finals being sorted out over the coming weeks.
Who are the runners?
Can Ballyboden make the breakthrough this year?
Will Loughgiel hurl better than the Last time
Will Ballyhale and Portumna make a return?
What team will come out of Munster? De La Salle? Thurles Sarsfields? (getting beat at the minute by the way)
A team with first class players but have failed to win the Munster Championship, and after getting beat today won't this year!!
Boden have no chance without keaney and hiney in my view.
Was up at KevinLynch's-Loughiel match today. Awful, awful game. KL looked very lethargic playing for the third time in a week and Liam Hinphey must have been playing injured, he could barely run at all. Loughiel were full value for a 15-point win yet still managed to look distinctly average. May even struggle to win Ulster, although they were admittedly playing within themselves.
Last year's AI winners Clarinbridge were nearly beaten in Galway as well. Were lucky to get a draw against Mullagh apparently. Draw for semis already made.
Gort v St Thomas's
Craughwell v Clarinbridge or Mullagh
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on October 09, 2011, 11:36:28 PM
Last year's AI winners Clarinbridge were nearly beaten in Galway as well. Were lucky to get a draw against Mullagh apparently. Draw for semis already made.
Gort v St Thomas's
Craughwell v Clarinbridge or Mullagh
Clarinbridge were haunted - any bit of composure at all from Mullagh would have seen them home. Replay is on next weekend.
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on October 10, 2011, 10:46:55 AM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on October 09, 2011, 11:36:28 PM
Last year's AI winners Clarinbridge were nearly beaten in Galway as well. Were lucky to get a draw against Mullagh apparently. Draw for semis already made.
Gort v St Thomas's
Craughwell v Clarinbridge or Mullagh
Clarinbridge were haunted - any bit of composure at all from Mullagh would have seen them home. Replay is on next weekend.
Mullagh had their chance. The Bridge will advance in the replay and then beat Craughwell while Gort should overcome St. Thomas's I'd say.
Ballygunner are through in Waterford after a hopeless mismatch (http://www.comeonthedeise.ie/2011/10/17/ballygunner-1-19-22-tallow-0-6-6/) against Tallow. The teams they have to get past to reach the Munster final, Drom-Inch from Tipperary and Na Piarsaigh from Limerick, are both debutants in the competition, so Ballygunner should be favourites. Still, lack of experience never hurt De La Salle, so . . .
Drom & Inch won't be bad, but it depends how much they celebrate :D
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 17, 2011, 12:47:38 PM
Drom & Inch won't be bad, but it depends how much they celebrate :D
I knew a guy from Abbeyknockmoy when I lived in Galway. He was still bitter at how they tarnished the only time they won the County Cup in 1988. The team went on the lash for a week and lost to Four Roads in the Connacht championship!
I think Loughgiel will play the Munster Champions this year, and in fairness this may be their best chance to get to Croke park.
Munster have been well under par of late in the All Ireland series and Loughgiel while poor against Loughlin Gaels last year in the semi's they should improve.
Ballyhale, if they find their form will end up in the other semi final. So we know how that will end up in the final ;)
Ballygunner in the Munster semi-final after a routine-sounding win over Drom-Inch of Tipperary, 2-15 to 1-13. As they won their first-ever county title only last week, cue all manner of dismissive stories of them being on the beer for the last seven days, not that that harmed De La Salle three years ago. Na Piarsaigh of Limerick next, who if Ballygunner win will be dismissed as having had too much time to recover from their first-ever title!
Ballyhale beaten 0-15 to 1-20 in Kilkenny final replay by James Stephens
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2011, 04:21:18 PM
Ballyhale beaten 0-15 to 1-20 in Kilkenny final replay by James Stephens
Big shock there.
Clarinbridge v Gort in Galway final. Should be a good game. Bridge will be favs but Gort have been hurling well this year.
Gort haven't won it since the early 80s IIRC. Josie Harte was a great stalwart.
Seems to be a good spread of Champions coming from Galway lately. I know Portumna (was it 5) have had a great run, while Loughrea upset the odds one year in a match that's possibly not forgotten.
But they haven't dominated the last two years and could be on the wane (i stand to be corrected) St Thomas's making a push of late and TAD have done well since we dumped them out of the All Ireland Intermediate semi. Gorts have not been to the fore of late.
Clarinbridge were outstanding in the semi final and final last year. But have only managed to scrape past a couple of teams leading up to the final. Could Gort beat them?
Does anyone know who the Ulster junior champions are?
Quote from: ziggy90 on November 04, 2011, 12:25:19 PM
Does anyone know who the Ulster junior champions are?
No one knows. Ask again on Sunday evening
Smartarse!! were you never told sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Who are in the final?
Quote from: ziggy90 on November 04, 2011, 02:12:57 PM
Smartarse!! were you never told sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Who are in the final?
But it is still wit. Burt (Donegal) are playing Creggan (Antrim)
Ulster Club Junior Hurling Championship 2011 Final 12 30 PM Clones Kickhams GAC Creggan --- v Beart/Burt --- James Clarke
from ulster.gaa.ie
Thank you. (manners marketh the man) ;)
Quote from: Magicsponge on November 04, 2011, 06:52:11 PM
Quote from: ziggy90 on November 04, 2011, 02:12:57 PM
Smartarse!! were you never told sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Who are in the final?
But it is still wit. Burt (Donegal) are playing Creggan (Antrim)
Ulster Club Junior Hurling Championship 2011 Final 12 30 PM Clones Kickhams GAC Creggan --- v Beart/Burt --- James Clarke
from ulster.gaa.ie
Haven't seen either team play, Creggan have the McCanns decent hurlers who if given the ball can do damage, I'd imagine at that level. Burt, they supply a fair amount of hurlers to the Donegal set up along with Setanta so they will certainly not be lacking in experience.
Based on that I'm going for a Burt win, though I hope Creggan win
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 05, 2011, 03:17:48 PM
Quote from: Magicsponge on November 04, 2011, 06:52:11 PM
Quote from: ziggy90 on November 04, 2011, 02:12:57 PM
Smartarse!! were you never told sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Who are in the final?
But it is still wit. Burt (Donegal) are playing Creggan (Antrim)
Ulster Club Junior Hurling Championship 2011 Final 12 30 PM Clones Kickhams GAC Creggan --- v Beart/Burt --- James Clarke
from ulster.gaa.ie
Haven't seen either team play, Creggan have the McCanns decent hurlers who if given the ball can do damage, I'd imagine at that level. Burt, they supply a fair amount of hurlers to the Donegal set up along with Setanta so they will certainly not be lacking in experience.
Based on that I'm going for a Burt win, though I hope Creggan win
Thanks for the info MR, the reason I ask is the ulster champs play the All Britain champs (Fullen Gaels Warwickshire). The last twice Warks champs (John Mitchels HC) played the Ulster champs they ran them fairly close & this year are hoping to go that big step further.
Quote from: ziggy90 on November 04, 2011, 02:12:57 PM
Smartarse!! were you never told sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Who are in the final?
But the highest form of humour!
I watched Creggan destroy the Down junior champions last month and they are a very well organised outfit. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they beat Burt.
James Stephens v Oulart the Ballagh live on TG4 today.
All-Ireland champions gone
Gort 0-17 Clarinbridge 1-12
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 06, 2011, 03:55:20 PM
All-Ireland champions gone
Gort 0-17 Clarinbridge 1-12
That answered my question then, could Gort win? Good price also, Clarinbridge winning near the end i heard
This competition is wide open with the holders plus Ballyhale & James Stephens all gone. Ballyboden could be a good bet.
Betting from PP
Gort 9/4
Ballygunner 11/4
Oulart the Ballagh 10/3
Na Piarsaigh 15/2
Ballyboden St Enda 8/1
Crusheen 14/1
Carrigtwohill 14/1
Coolderry 22/1
Loughgiel Shamrocks 25/1
Otb not a bad price on the evidence of yesterdays game. I like Ballyboden though. Loughgiel not bad each way bet.
Coolderry 1-18 Ballyboden 0-15 (FT) - Barry Teehan with the goal for Coolderry
Oulart-the-Ballagh 3-12 Clough/Ballacolla 2-11 - Latest
Maybe the games that Ballyboden have played in successive weeks has taken it's toll, Coolderry decent team and between them and Birr every year in Offaly. Is that the final then? OTB v Coolderry
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 07, 2011, 07:39:50 PM
Otb not a bad price on the evidence of yesterdays game. I like Ballyboden though. Loughgiel not bad each way bet.
Not bad considering they're already in the semi.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 13, 2011, 05:00:41 PM
Maybe the games that Ballyboden have played in successive weeks has taken it's toll, Coolderry decent team and between them and Birr every year in Offaly. Is that the final then? OTB v Coolderry
OTB vs Coolderry Leinster final, 27/11/2012
http://leinster.gaa.ie/fixtures/aib_seniorhurling.asp
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on November 13, 2011, 06:08:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 13, 2011, 05:00:41 PM
Maybe the games that Ballyboden have played in successive weeks has taken it's toll, Coolderry decent team and between them and Birr every year in Offaly. Is that the final then? OTB v Coolderry
OTB vs Coolderry Leinster final, 27/11/2012
http://leinster.gaa.ie/fixtures/aib_seniorhurling.asp
Venue?
Quote from: Minder on November 13, 2011, 06:22:44 PM
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on November 13, 2011, 06:08:08 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 13, 2011, 05:00:41 PM
Maybe the games that Ballyboden have played in successive weeks has taken it's toll, Coolderry decent team and between them and Birr every year in Offaly. Is that the final then? OTB v Coolderry
OTB vs Coolderry Leinster final, 27/11/2012
http://leinster.gaa.ie/fixtures/aib_seniorhurling.asp
Venue?
It's not up on the site yet.
Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals:
Ballygunnar (Waterford) 0-12 3-09 Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) FT
Carrigtwohill (Cork) 1-10 0-19 Crusheen (Clare) FT
Na Piarsaigh vs Crusheen also 27/11/2011. Again no venue given. Probably Thurles I'd have thought.
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on November 13, 2011, 06:34:31 PM
Na Piarsaigh vs Crusheen also 27/11/2011. Again no venue given. Probably Thurles I'd have thought.
not many household names left - its Loughuile's to lose ;)
Really bad day for Ballygunner yesterday. 0-11 to 0-4 after 40 minutes. 0-12 to 3-9 at the final whistle. You can read all about it here (http://www.comeonthedeise.ie/2011/11/14/ballygunner-0-12-12-na-piarsaigh-3-9-18/)
Munster Final, Semple stadium, Thurles. 27/11/11 @2pm
Leinster Final, Nowlan pk, Kilkenny. 27/11/11 @2pm
Seamróga, what's the correct spelling on Loch gCaol in English? Loughguile. Loughgeil, Loughgiel?
Quote from: Plain of the Herbs on November 16, 2011, 08:06:52 PM
Seamróga, what's the correct spelling on Loch gCaol in English? Loughguile. Loughgeil, Loughgiel?
There are two ways to spell it. Loughguile/Loughgiel. Either one is correct although most outsiders seem to prefer Loughgiel.
Should be a good final this weekend, Oulart the Ballagh v Coolderry. OTB would be odds on favourites but i have a sneaky final this game may be a lot closer.
I think the break in games and the better weather of late will make this a high octane game with plenty of scores. But will the winners come from here or the other part of the draw?
Na Piarsaigh are a little over the top when they don't have the ball. Have left the hurl in a few times. Hopefully it will settle down otherwise they will lose a few players
Well Coolderry put OTB to the sword today, had a wee chat with AZ the other day and he said they were a real decent team. So they go into the break knowing they will play Gort. Loughgiel have the beating of the other two teams on show today ;)
Was the ref playing for a draw in Thurles?
Fullen Gaels (Warwickshire) beat UJH champs (Burt) yesterday in Birmingham. At last a long awaited breakthrough. Does anyone know who they'll play next, & when & where?
I believe it's Leintser v Connacht and Ulster v Munster in all grades this year, Zig.
The Munster semi-finals were yesterday and results were Cappamore (LK) 3-10 Ballinameela (WD) 2-6 and Charleville (C) 2-13 Rockwell Rovers (Tip) 0-8. St Patrick's Ballyraggett (KK) won the Leinster title and Ballygar (Galway) have emerged from Connacht.
Quote from: ziggy90 on November 28, 2011, 01:04:06 PM
Fullen Gaels (Warwickshire) beat UJH champs (Burt) yesterday in Birmingham. At last a long awaited breakthrough. Does anyone know who they'll play next, & when & where?
Thanks for that Herbie.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 27, 2011, 07:03:20 PM
Well Coolderry put OTB to the sword today, had a wee chat with AZ the other day and he said they were a real decent team. So they go into the break knowing they will play Gort. Loughgiel have the beating of the other two teams on show today ;)
Did you have a few bob on them?
a great price at 5/2, would have been mad not to stick them in. Good weekend with Cross really showing that the bookies get it wrong with offering -2 at 4/5!! That was changed closer to the game but its good to have poster on here with some good knowledge of their local teams.
So what do we all think of Loughgiel's chances against Na Piarsaigh? I don't think the win is out of the question for us at all. We'll have to play our best game and keep it going for the whole match, perhaps get a rub of the green and a referee that isn't going to come down hard on us (Northern team paranoia kicking in there, sorry) but I believe the talent is there within our squad to win this one.
think loughgiel deff worth a few quid the limerick team not the same level as the kilkenny lads last year
Quote from: the waffler on December 06, 2011, 06:55:11 AM
think loughgiel deff worth a few quid the limerick team not the same level as the kilkenny lads last year
And they were not great in the final against the Galway team either.
Has anyone heard anything about where the respective senior club semis are being held?
Thurles probably for the Coolderry v Gort match and Dublin I would say fof the Na Piarsaigh v Loughgiel match!
Quote from: cicfada on December 14, 2011, 09:41:36 AM
Thurles probably for the Coolderry v Gort match and Dublin I would say fof the Na Piarsaigh v Loughgiel match!
Any of the bould Sylvie Linane's offspring on the Gort team?
Quote from: johnneycool on December 15, 2011, 10:44:17 PM
Quote from: cicfada on December 14, 2011, 09:41:36 AM
Thurles probably for the Coolderry v Gort match and Dublin I would say fof the Na Piarsaigh v Loughgiel match!
Any of the bould Sylvie Linane's offspring on the Gort team?
I'd think Sylvie Og Linane would be his son. I don't know if they're offspring of Mr. Linane or not but there certainly other Linane's in the squad. Namely Darragh, Enda and Tadhg.
Here's a pic of the championship winning team:
(http://www.gortgaa.com/uploads/2/5/1/3/2513401/2339258_orig.jpg)
Be like playing Dunloy, ya better hope they don't get through ;)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 16, 2011, 10:31:19 AM
Be like playing Dunloy, ya better hope they don't get through ;)
The last couple of championship matches against Dunloy would suggest other wise MR2. ;)
Well done Middletown getting to the Intermediate final in a few weeks time.
Outstanding result, listened to it today on the radio (via computer) they never let up throughout the match and were dominate in all areas. Won nearly all the puck outs and hunted in packs.
Fair play and I hope they do well in Croke
Terrific job, Middletown (from a one-time Cuchulainn). Good luck in the final.
well done to Mount Leinster Rangers. A fine, skillful team who have overcome 2 very good in the last 2 rounds. Will take some beating in the final.
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on January 23, 2012, 10:58:05 AM
well done to Mount Leinster Rangers. A fine, skillful team who have overcome 2 very good in the last 2 rounds. Will take some beating in the final.
They'd be a decent senior team too.
Well done Middletown! Armagh hurling is on the way up.
Quote from: Lecale2 on January 23, 2012, 11:07:27 PM
Well done Middletown! Armagh hurling is on the way up.
+1
great display , hopefully we can go on and win it,will be tough and mount leinster rangers should start as favourites
Good luck to Middletown Na Fianna in the intermediate club final today. bring it home lads!!!
Great win for Coolderry .
Offaly hurling hasn't quite gone away y'know.
Loughgiel v Coolderry in the hurling final
Big big win for Loughgiel against Na Piarsaigh after extra time. Antrim hurling hasn't gone away you know!!
How many points did Watson end up with for Loughgiel?
0-16
Great to see Antrim v Offaly pairing in the final i think we all seen enough of Kilkenny,Galway sides dominating.
From an Offaly point of view it's great to see another club coming along instead of Birr. Birr were fantastic reps for the county, but the more clubs at that level the better for all of us.
Well done them Sham boyos. Great result. Supported you in '83 and will be shouting for you again in the final. It will be on live over here too, I believe.
There'll be a few of the 'Hallions to the west who will be rightly pissed off. ;)
Great result for Loughgiel. Here's hoping for a big Paddy's day :)
Middletown beat by 2 points. Good effort - thought they would win it.
Brilliant performance from the Shamrocks. To be honest, when we blew the lead at the end of the second half I thought we'd be up against in extra time. But then I noticed that the Na Piarsaigh boys couldn't wait to get off the field. Then I thought we were on for it.
Lots of fellas stood up and were counted today. Fellas who were accused of being bottlers and non-scorers by some of our fellow Antrim gaels. Well, that puts that one to bed! ;)
I'm hoping for another great game on St. Patrick's day. Just after booking the hotel. :)
Have it recorded for later. Did Shamrocks get a man lined late on? Misses the final I take it. Seems a shame.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2012, 09:15:34 PM
Have it recorded for later. Did Shamrocks get a man lined late on? Misses the final I take it. Seems a shame.
Someone said it came up on tv that it was one of our players, NP had a man sent off for two yellows. I thought they should have had at least another one sent off for a high strike on skinner. There was also a sneaky stamp on winker.
*edit
After watching it back, yer man was sent off for two yellows, the second one a stamp on Joey Scullions calf. Is that not also a straight red?
All I'll say is, if any Ulster team had went to Parnell Park today and pulled off those exact same "tackles" they'd have been 3 men down. Time for referees to be fair I think!
Some win for Loughgiel.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2012, 08:40:58 PM
Middletown beat by 2 points. Good effort - thought they would win it.
Tremendous effort put in by Middletown. Leading up to final 4/5 minutes and losing out in the end. They'll be gutted for sure and fair fcuks to them
Well done to LS on the win yesterday. Honestly thought they were going to be beaten when I saw their manager arguing (for no reason imo) with the ref after normal time. His body language was all wrong but i was proven wrong.
Nice pairing in the final.
Quote from: Canalman on February 12, 2012, 09:02:01 PM
Well done to LS on the win yesterday. Honestly thought they were going to be beaten when I saw their manager arguing (for no reason imo) with the ref after normal time. His body language was all wrong but i was proven wrong.
Nice pairing in the final.
Jim Nelson seems to be the main man.
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on February 11, 2012, 09:28:42 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2012, 09:15:34 PM
Have it recorded for later. Did Shamrocks get a man lined late on? Misses the final I take it. Seems a shame.
Someone said it came up on tv that it was one of our players, NP had a man sent off for two yellows. I thought they should have had at least another one sent off for a high strike on skinner. There was also a sneaky stamp on winker.
*edit
After watching it back, yer man was sent off for two yellows, the second one a stamp on Joey Scullions calf. Is that not also a straight red?
All I'll say is, if any Ulster team had went to Parnell Park today and pulled off those exact same "tackles" they'd have been 3 men down. Time for referees to be fair I think!
It looked on tv like the ref was sending off Benny McCarry(or McGarry - whatever his name is). He wasn't walking off and then scored the next point so became obvious it was the #4. The number 4 got 2 yellows but should have got a straight red.
Incidentally to a fellow antrim poster who made a bang out of order comment about Joey Scullion after last year's semi you can now eat your words.(I'm not from Loughgiel). Himself Eddie McCloskey and Liam Watson really stood up yesterday.
Be an interesting final. Loughgiel up against it but nothing to lose. Great to see an antrim team in it again.
Hard luck to Middletown - great to see them there and to get the leinster champions to one point they're a credit to their club / armagh hurling.
Offaly versus Antrim is very 1989 retro
Nice to see the 2 counties back in an all Ireland hurling final
Quote from: imtommygunn on February 12, 2012, 09:32:17 PM
Quote from: Seamroga in exile on February 11, 2012, 09:28:42 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 11, 2012, 09:15:34 PM
Have it recorded for later. Did Shamrocks get a man lined late on? Misses the final I take it. Seems a shame.
Someone said it came up on tv that it was one of our players, NP had a man sent off for two yellows. I thought they should have had at least another one sent off for a high strike on skinner. There was also a sneaky stamp on winker.
*edit
After watching it back, yer man was sent off for two yellows, the second one a stamp on Joey Scullions calf. Is that not also a straight red?
All I'll say is, if any Ulster team had went to Parnell Park today and pulled off those exact same "tackles" they'd have been 3 men down. Time for referees to be fair I think!
It looked on tv like the ref was sending off Benny McCarry(or McGarry - whatever his name is). He wasn't walking off and then scored the next point so became obvious it was the #4. The number 4 got 2 yellows but should have got a straight red.
Incidentally to a fellow antrim poster who made a bang out of order comment about Joey Scullion after last year's semi you can now eat your words.(I'm not from Loughgiel). Himself Eddie McCloskey and Liam Watson really stood up yesterday.
Be an interesting final. Loughgiel up against it but nothing to lose. Great to see an antrim team in it again.
Hard luck to Middletown - great to see them there and to get the leinster champions to one point they're a credit to their club / armagh hurling.
He's a McCarry, a nephew of Beaver.
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2012, 10:27:04 PM
Offaly versus Antrim is very 1989 retro
Nice to see the 2 counties back in an all Ireland hurling final
Was the Loughgiel manager the Antrim manager back in 1989? Gulp.
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 13, 2012, 03:08:56 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2012, 10:27:04 PM
Offaly versus Antrim is very 1989 retro
Nice to see the 2 counties back in an all Ireland hurling final
Was the Loughgiel manager the Antrim manager back in 1989? Gulp.
if he was he couldnt have been too old !
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 13, 2012, 03:50:38 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 13, 2012, 03:08:56 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2012, 10:27:04 PM
Offaly versus Antrim is very 1989 retro
Nice to see the 2 counties back in an all Ireland hurling final
Was the Loughgiel manager the Antrim manager back in 1989? Gulp.
if he was he couldnt have been too old !
PJ was always 'big boned'
I think you're thinking on Jim Nelson who managed Antrim back in 1989.
He's part of the loughgeil backroom staff.
Quote from: johnneycool on February 13, 2012, 03:53:31 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on February 13, 2012, 03:50:38 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 13, 2012, 03:08:56 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 12, 2012, 10:27:04 PM
Offaly versus Antrim is very 1989 retro
Nice to see the 2 counties back in an all Ireland hurling final
Was the Loughgiel manager the Antrim manager back in 1989? Gulp.
if he was he couldnt have been too old !
PJ was always 'big boned'
I think you're thinking on Jim Nelson who managed Antrim back in 1989.
He's part of the loughgeil backroom staff.
that's the guy. I read this :
Jim Nelson, Loughgiels team coach returns to Croke after leading Antrim to the All- Ireland final in 1989
And thought he was the manager. Still... Gulp..
P Js the manager
But Nelson is THE MAN
Quote from: BlackandAmber on February 13, 2012, 05:01:38 PM
P Js the manager
But Nelson is THE MAN
Yeah that's what I thought.
Was it not Loughgiel with big Neilly Patterson that won the club all-Ireland around 1983 or so?
They did. Beat St. Rynaghs of Offaly (gulp) after a replay.
See you on the 17th March (gulp)
Loughiel have to be favourites for this. An experienced team, with the weight of history behind them as well. Coolderry will be up against it on the day.
The bookies don't make LG favourites. But then they were wrong last Saturday.
Quote from: Buswhacker on February 14, 2012, 12:36:17 PM
The bookies don't make LG favourites. But then they were wrong last Saturday.
The odds I thought for last Saturday were quiet close to each other. Had a quick look and although I can't remember the exact details I can recollect that there was not much in it.
Parnell Park is a very tight pitch which I thought really suited LS............. CP I think will suit the Offaly lads better imvho.
1/3 for NP 5/2 loughgiel.
Similar odds again I think
Quote from: Buswhacker on February 14, 2012, 12:36:17 PM
The bookies don't make LG favourites. But then they were wrong last Saturday.
Bookies are looking at Antrim v Offaly. (and forgetting 1989). This is an experienced Loughgiel team against a raw enough Coolderry outfit, and a Loughgiel team that dismantled a fancied Na Piarsaigh side.
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 14, 2012, 12:24:01 PM
Loughiel have to be favourites for this. An experienced team, with the weight of history behind them as well. Coolderry will be up against it on the day.
Who are you trying to kid AZ? ;)
Coolderry are big favourites, and rightly so. They've played much tougher teams to get here and are, of course, Leinster champions. That alone makes them favourites. The bookies don't get it wrong too often.
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 14, 2012, 12:52:31 PM
Quote from: Buswhacker on February 14, 2012, 12:36:17 PM
The bookies don't make LG favourites. But then they were wrong last Saturday.
Bookies are looking at Antrim v Offaly. (and forgetting 1989). This is an experienced Loughgiel team against a raw enough Coolderry outfit, and a Loughgiel team that dismantled a fancied Na Piarsaigh side.
You're starting to sound like BC1!!!!
looking forward to this game. Two free scoring teams. LG are a great side, but as mentioned Coolderry have been impressive this season so far and taken out some great teams.
Quote from: camanchero on February 15, 2012, 01:13:10 PM
looking forward to this game. Two free scoring teams. LG are a great side, but as mentioned Coolderry have been impressive this season so far and taken out some great teams.
Steady.
Bookies are making Coolderry the 2.5 point favourites - Loughgiel favourites on the bookies going +3, Coolderry favourites on the ones going +2. I think that's a little kind to Coolderry myself, I'd say 1.5 would be nearer the mark, maybe 2 at a push.
The only thing I will say is that Coolderry for the last five years have always had great hurlers, but never really had the self belief - they are a completely different outfit since beating Birr, it has absolutely transformed them They're hurling with real confidence now and it just shows the psychological hold that their "town" neighbours had over them.
But anyone trying to say that Coolderry are "big" favourites is clearly on a PR campaign. No logical punter or bookie would see it that way. Both sides were comfortably the better team in their All Ireland semi final matches and neither side is coming in with an advantage in experience. I'm not sure I buy into the logic that Croke Park will necessarily suit Coolderry either. Like any club sides, Coolderry have their share of young forwards who like space (Ryan, Parlon) but they also have plenty of hardy hurlers who would prefer to do their hurling at close range as well. Croke Park suits good hurling, and these are two good teams who'll be happy to play there.
Quote from: Lone Shark on February 20, 2012, 10:06:27 PM
The only thing I will say is that Coolderry for the last five years have always had great hurlers, but never really had the self belief - they are a completely different outfit since beating Birr, it has absolutely transformed them They're hurling with real confidence now and it just shows the psychological hold that their "town" neighbours had over them.
Two words:
Ken Hogan.
Ye heard that Ken has done real well with changing their attitude, Birr I'm sure are a massive hurdle to get over and after that, the team can flourish. A bit like Loughgiel in Antrim, after so many final defeats they have reacted well and can hurl with more confidence.
Going to be a good final, that's for sure.
Hope so MR2, id take a real cracking game and after that, if they take there chances you never know. Ken Hogan? would he of been playing for ryans in 83? or am i thinking of someone else?
Quote from: Sleeping giant on February 22, 2012, 11:31:12 PM
Hope so MR2, id take a real cracking game and after that, if they take there chances you never know. Ken Hogan? would he of been playing for ryans in 83? or am i thinking of someone else?
It's the Ken Hogan of Tipperary fame. He was in goals when Tipp trounced Antrim in '89 all Ireland final. Great keeper.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Hogan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Hogan)
Having followed this year's championship closely I think that Loughgiel are slight favourites. Coolderry may have made a big step in belief by beating Birr but Loughgiel are a more experienced outfit. Antrim club hurling is a lot stronger than the county performances would suggest - this is down to the bitter rivalry between the leading clubs, and the city vs country antagonism, which makes it difficult for them to play together for the county.
The whole of Offaly will be shouting for Coolderry but not all of Antrim will be behind Loughgiel. Many people in Cushendall and especially Dunloy would prefer to see them lose. BTW I am told that Antrim club hurling is very much on the up with traditional giants Ballycastle and Rossa on the way back, along with St Johns and St Galls, all ready to challenge Loughgiel, Dunloy and Cushendall.
I also find it interesting that neither club was considered worth a mention at the start of this thread which is strange given that the Antrim champs are a shoe-in for the semi-finals .
Quote from: Lone Shark on February 20, 2012, 10:06:27 PM
Bookies are making Coolderry the 2.5 point favourites - Loughgiel favourites on the bookies going +3, Coolderry favourites on the ones going +2. I think that's a little kind to Coolderry myself, I'd say 1.5 would be nearer the mark, maybe 2 at a push.
The only thing I will say is that Coolderry for the last five years have always had great hurlers, but never really had the self belief - they are a completely different outfit since beating Birr, it has absolutely transformed them They're hurling with real confidence now and it just shows the psychological hold that their "town" neighbours had over them.
But anyone trying to say that Coolderry are "big" favourites is clearly on a PR campaign. No logical punter or bookie would see it that way. Both sides were comfortably the better team in their All Ireland semi final matches and neither side is coming in with an advantage in experience. I'm not sure I buy into the logic that Croke Park will necessarily suit Coolderry either. Like any club sides, Coolderry have their share of young forwards who like space (Ryan, Parlon) but they also have plenty of hardy hurlers who would prefer to do their hurling at close range as well. Croke Park suits good hurling, and these are two good teams who'll be happy to play there.
Two teams in their first final, it may be the one who settles quickest could unnerve the other.
The hype around Loughguile village at the minute is unreal and that in itself puts added pressure on the team. Its possibly the same in Coolderry, don't know.
I think the big pitch will suit both sets of forwards but possibly Loughguiles defence would be quicker man for man. Their fitness in extra time was impressive.
I watched Joe Brady in the semi-final and he cleared some amount of ball and was of the opinion that if Loughguile were able to get good ball out of defence away from him it'd nulify his effect on the game, but I'm told the Coolderry forwards don't give defenders a minutes peace to get their heads up and hence the cleareances aren't the best.
Nullify Brady and they're in with a good shout, let him dictate the game and it could be a long afternoon for their defenders!
It's going to be high scoring and whoever gets goals will win it.
I'm not going to back a winner in the is game, I'm going for a high scoring game. Over so many points. Paddy Power don't have that bet up yet but will have no doubt closer to the day.
Should be a cracking game. I won't be at it, as my Paddy's day (bar our own involvement) is spent at the club, pints, food (usually stew) more pints, then the games. I believe Ireland play England at 5!!! Bed for 7 no doubt!!
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 01, 2012, 12:51:01 PM
I'm not going to back a winner in the is game, I'm going for a high scoring game. Over so many points. Paddy Power don't have that bet up yet but will have no doubt closer to the day.
Should be a cracking game. I won't be at it, as my Paddy's day (bar our own involvement) is spent at the club, pints, food (usually stew) more pints, then the games. I believe Ireland play England at 5!!! Bed for 7 no doubt!!
Surprised your not travelling Milltown. Looks like a big crowd going down as the 10.00am train is sold out, we're having to take the 8.00am which might mean I'll be squinting at the game through one eye ffs.
Quote from: Last Man on March 01, 2012, 11:12:53 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 01, 2012, 12:51:01 PM
I'm not going to back a winner in the is game, I'm going for a high scoring game. Over so many points. Paddy Power don't have that bet up yet but will have no doubt closer to the day.
Should be a cracking game. I won't be at it, as my Paddy's day (bar our own involvement) is spent at the club, pints, food (usually stew) more pints, then the games. I believe Ireland play England at 5!!! Bed for 7 no doubt!!
Surprised your not travelling Milltown. Looks like a big crowd going down as the 10.00am train is sold out, we're having to take the 8.00am which might mean I'll be squinting at the game through one eye ffs.
Aye, I never miss the semi Final Last Man but the craic at the club on St Paddy's day is mighty. Well be cheering them on at the club. Hope you have a goodin. Stay of the beer till Croke, you'll be fine
See article on Ulster Hurling
Watson stands his ground
Loughgiel's sharp shooter says he is a reformed man ahead of the club final
Christy O'Connor Published: 11 March 2012
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Liam Watson lines his hurleys up against the wall, each one delicately garnished with red and white coloured grips. The handles are thicker and the bas bigger than normal but Michael and Denis Scullion know Watson's exact requirements. On Wednesday, Watson followed his usual ritual the week before a big game by picking up three new sticks from Scullion's workshop opposite Loughgiel's pitch. The clean ash was all that differentiated them from Watson's mini-forest of timber, each stick as primed as the next. Perfect.
Watson gathers the new hurleys and makes his way down Lough road, entering Fr Healy Park through the little back-gate. He crosses the gravel track and jumps the three-foot wall before emptying a batch of sliotars on the pitch. The quality of ash is soon authenticated by the smooth cracking sound from the sliotars pinging off his hurley as Watson goes through his free-taking routine. His striking is almost flawless. Perfect.
Watson has been in the zone for a while. In the All-Ireland semi-final against Na Piarsaigh, he bagged 0-16. Watson's sublime striking on a wet day illustrated his talent but that performance was fermenting for 12 months before he uncorked it. "I was useless in last year's semi-final against O'Loughlin Gaels," he says. "I wanted to go back to Parnell Park to prove a point. I knew that whoever I was marking against Na Piarsaigh was going to be in for some treatment."
Big scoring returns have been a constant throughout Watson's career; he scored 0-13 out of 0-16 in the 2007 county final defeat to Dunloy. His talent was never in doubt. His attitude and mentality always was. He has carried the tabloid caricature of a maverick and his indiscipline has consistently rhymed with that reputation. Hurling often operates on the dynamics of a village and one bad word often borrows another. Yet most of Watson's indiscretions were so public that he had no defence against the gossip which accompanied them.
"I'm the type of man who does what he wants to do," he says. "Some people can take that, some people can't. I would never look back with regrets but I will admit that I have done piles of things wrong. I'm far from perfect but God gives everyone a talent and the main one I was given was hurling. Once you're given it, you have to try not to waste it. I wasted it for a couple of years but I'm trying hard to redeem that now."
He first showed that renegade streak as a 19-year old in Antrim's 2002 All-Ireland quarter-final against Tipperary when he struck Paul Ormonde on the side of the head with the butt of his hurley. A yellow card was later upgraded to a red and red cards became a recurring theme throughout his career. He was sent off against Derry in 2008 while he was also red-carded twice in the 2010 season, including the All-Ireland quarter-final against Cork when he was marched after scoring six excellent points from play.
It also blighted him at club level. Watson was the pulse of Loughgiel's scoring power but he was also their jugular vein and teams often went for the jugular. "I have been targeted but I was letting my family and my teammates down for years," he says. "I got sent off in a championship game against St John's one year. I came home afterwards and Eoin (his seven-year-old son) had this wee stick. He jagged it into the side of me and goes, 'You shouldn't have done it'. He's very close to me and I had to cop on. I've nearly been sent off more times than I've got up in the morning so you have to catch on some time."
His indiscipline on the field though, was too often a reflection of it off the field. One year he missed a club championship game when he disappeared on a lost weekend at the motorcycle world championships in Toomebridge. He didn't play with Antrim in 2007 and 2009, while he was dropped from the squad the night before they played Galway in the 2008 qualifiers for playing a low-key soccer tournament in Limavady two nights previously. Joint-managers, Terrence 'Sambo' McNaughton and Dominic 'Woody' McKinley, were building a new team and Watson's reputation conflicted with their standards and ideals. It wasn't just them. Watson breached a drinking ban imposed by Dinny Cahill before the 2010 Leinster championship against Offaly by going to a close friend's stag in Liverpool. He was also involved in a fight in training with a fellow player. He was dropped from the panel before being restored and not all of Cahill's management team were happy to see him come on against Offaly.
Yet he became an All-Star nominee and there has always been a conflict between his immense talent and the perception of him as a liability. "If I went in to a bar today and drank two pints, the word in Cushendall would be that I was drunk off my head," he says. "I like getting out, having a drink and enjoying myself. If people think I'm an alcoholic or drinking as much as I'm supposed to be, I'd hardly have scored 0-16 against Na Piarsaigh. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but I'll have my opinion after March 17."
In such a passionate hurling heartland, opinions have often been easier to form with Watson's soccer commitments. He spent three seasons in the IFA Premiership with Donegal Celtic, where he was popular with the supporters, before signing for Ballymena United last August. "The supporters were crazy, I was as crazy as them, we enjoyed our football and we had a drink afterwards," he says. "That's what life is all about: enjoyment. This guy said to me one day, 'Are you a hurling or soccer man? I said, 'If a bill comes in my front door, will you pay it if I only play hurling? The soccer was giving me a few pounds to pay bills but I've always been mad into all sports."
Watson wasn't immune from controversy either on the soccer field; he was sent off after 15 seconds against Coleraine in 2010, while he was suspended by Ballymena last November for an alleged breach of discipline. It doesn't provide him with a defence but Watson has been troubled at times.
"I'm my biggest critic and I'm always beating myself up," he says. "There are always people trying to knock you and there would be times when I wouldn't want to come out of the house, win or lose. If I came out, I could end up hitting somebody. Everyone has good and bad days. I'm usually upbeat and cheery but there were times when I might have been in bad form and I just didn't want to go to the field. Maybe I was suffering a bit from depression. I wouldn't say yes or no but there were times when I was very down."
Jim Nelson and Joe McGurk are two outsiders in Loughgiel's backroom team and their input has helped Watson reform. "Joe is a teacher but I call him my counsellor," says Watson. "Sometimes he might be able to tell that I'm not in great form. If I'm not happy with something, I feel I can speak to someone. Joe keeps me right."
They have all benefited from management's guidance. Loughgiel lost six county finals in a row from 2003 before cracking it in 2010. Nelson had built his reputation on bringing organisation and structure and his methods created the conditions to move forward. He got them working harder, removing the individualism which had often blighted their play.
The calmness they showed in extra-time was also mirrored by Watson's composure. Na Piarsaigh tried to twist his tail but he didn't take the bait. He sees the bigger picture now reflected in his son's excitement. Last week, Eoin got a new Loughgiel fleece with his father's picture and name on the back.
"I want to make my family and Loughgiel people proud," says Watson. "I feel at the top of my game at the minute. Everything is going well for me on and off the field. All I can promise is that I'll give 100% work rate. I can't say that I will reproduce what I showed against Na Piarsaigh but I love the big challenge, the hype, the atmosphere. The big stage is definitely for me."
The stage is set. And Watson finally looks primed for it.
Good luck, Loughgiel.
Is it just my tv or is anyone else finding tg4's coverage very blurry? (No, i havent been drinking!)
This is brilliant from Loughgiel!!
cracking game. Watson having a stormer. 0-9 to 4-6 at half time. Hope they do it.
Holy Hurls. 4-6 to 0-9 Loughgiel. HT
fantastic, hope they dont go defensive
That was a great first half. Watson is immense.
Spectacular win for Loughgiel! 4-13 to 0-17
Fair play to the shamrocks. A historic effort. What would Liam Watson be like playing with one of the so called big guns?!
Quote from: Oraisteach on March 17, 2012, 03:17:01 PM
Spectacular win for Loughgiel! 4-13 to 0-17
Spectacular result for hurling. Like a dream come true. Once in a generation it seems to happen.
Great game and brilliant result. The football has a lot to live up to!
Brillant by Loughgeil. This should be a big boost to hurling in Ulster and Antrim in particular.
Last time Loughgiel won the AI (early 80s) it was also vs a team from Offaly well done to them & hard luck to Coolderry.
Brilliant.
Great day for NI.
Great stuff from Loughgiel, they have some support down.
that was some display from the Antrim boys, is anyone left in Loughiel as Minder said they had some support.
Quote from: ross4life on March 17, 2012, 03:25:39 PM
Last time Loughgiel won the AI (early 80s) it was also vs a team from Offaly well done to them & hard luck to Coolderry.
Last time Antrim got to the AIHF they beat Offaly as well
But what a fantastic result for hurling up north
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 17, 2012, 03:23:25 PM
Great game and brilliant result. The football has a lot to live up to!
Garrycastle would be the icing on the cake!
Well done loughiel. A great result for all of ulster hurling but most of all for themselves. Hard luck to coolderry. They've brought hope and credit to offaly hurling this year. On the day you can't concede 4-13 and expect to win but such is sporting life. They'll go again but today belongs to the shamrocks , fittingly enough.
Great win for Loughgiel. Coolderry imploded in defence in the first half. They needed a more mobile player to pick up Watson from the start, Coolderry, like Offaly teams tend to do, didn't win enough primary possession. Loughgiel, especially their half back line caught a power of high ball.
A few times in the second half Coolderry looked like mounting a comeback, but crucially they rarely managed to break through and create goal chances.
They were forced to do a lot of sideways running and soloing as they just didn't have enough power players up front.
Unfortunately Offaly teams yet again prove to be best opposition for sides wanting to make a breakthrough.
Liam Watson scored 3-7 today, that must be one of the best individual displays in All Ireland final?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 17, 2012, 10:35:33 PM
Liam Watson scored 3-7 today, that must be one of the best individual displays in All Ireland final?
That's how he rolls. Awesome
That free, 5 men to beat, blasted into the far top corner in an All Ireland Final --unbelievable
Watson scored a total of 3-23 against the Munster and Leinster champions - and he doesn't play for Antrim - he is a bit of a mysterious character - surely someone in Antrim can talk him into plating in the Leinster championship. Although from what I'm told he's not an easy man to get to know.
He's playing for Antrim this year and is a genial fellow at the best of times, very easing going. I take it it wasn't a Loughgiel man who told you about him acton1?