So Dunloy gone in Antrim to leave a Cushendall v Loughgiel final, Ballyhale nearly gone in Kilkenny, Dicksboro had them and looked very good, Ballyhale down to 14 men but Dicksboro seemed to lose a bit of belief.
There was no way Ballyhale would lay down
Ballyhale were not big big fav's, 4/7 or slightly worse in places so this was always going to be a tighter game.
Be interesting to see if they have much more in the tank
Ballygunner for me so far from what I've seen
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 01, 2023, 05:50:49 PMSo Dunloy gone in Antrim to leave a Cushendall v Loughgiel final, Ballyhale nearly gone in Kilkenny, Dicksboro had them and looked very good, Ballyhale down to 14 men but Dicksboro seemed to lose a bit of belief.
There was no way Ballyhale would lay down
How many times have ballyhale been near gone though. It near takes as late a goal as Ballygunner got 2 years ago so they don't have any time to comeback.
Quote from: imtommygunn on October 03, 2023, 03:28:45 PMQuote from: Saffrongael on October 01, 2023, 05:50:49 PMSo Dunloy gone in Antrim to leave a Cushendall v Loughgiel final, Ballyhale nearly gone in Kilkenny, Dicksboro had them and looked very good, Ballyhale down to 14 men but Dicksboro seemed to lose a bit of belief.
There was no way Ballyhale would lay down
How many times have ballyhale been near gone though. It near takes as late a goal as Ballygunner got 2 years ago so they don't have any time to comeback.
Closest was St Thomas' who were leading by 2 points well into injury time only for TJ to sink a 21 yard free which was also well away from the front of goal and it still got passed a dozen defenders.
Club is a bit stale with St Thomas on 5 in a row and Ballygunner on 10 in a row. It's a bit unusual.
Ballygunner is not good for the Deise.
Ballyhale are some team. Never over with them.
They've lost a few defenders and lack pace at the back for sure. Good chance they'll get pipped but with T.J., Mullan and Cody in the half-forward line, they'll still cause damage up top.
Paddy Mullan a bit wild and disclipine could catch up on them.
Is the younger Mullan injured?
But you can't fault their heart. T.J. is unreal. What a player.
Turloughmore vs St Thomas' now in the Galway final.
St Thomas' are going for 6 in a row. Turlough are the only team with 6 in a row.
A big match.
Ballyhale bate! What a final 15 mins
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on October 29, 2023, 03:23:05 PMBallyhale bate! What a final 15 mins
Great game. Kilkenny hurling needed that.
OLG went 2 down but came back and Paddy Deegan hit the winner from the side-line in injury time.
Great game. Could have went either way.
Tipp replay very tight also.
Kiladangan leading thurles Sars by 2
1.21 to 1.20 Kiladangan win
That was helterskelter stuff
Really high quality stuff, think Kiladangan deserved it, Thurles very efficient with the ball they had
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 29, 2023, 05:33:34 PMReally high quality stuff, think Kiladangan deserved it, Thurles very efficient with the ball they had
Kildangan look a serious outfit, skillful side and young Hayes has pace and skill in abundance, we might see a bit more of him in the spring time.
They'll give Clonlara a tough game in three weeks time.
Munster championship too hard to call yet.
OLG finally get the better of Ballyhale who run out of lives in tight games.
Probably favourites to come out of Leinster.
Tipp teams don't feature in the end game of club
Ballygunner hammering Sarsfields
Quote from: seafoid on November 05, 2023, 02:05:49 PMBallygunner hammering Sarsfields
They'll be looking for another All-Ireland.
Be hard to see who'll stop them in fairness. Maybe Na Piarsaigh or St. Thomas'?
Ballygunner best team in it, in my opinion .Munster will be hard won for whoever it is, the other provinces are easier to get out of obviously. Slaughneil straight into Ulster Final for example.
Quote from: marty34 on November 05, 2023, 03:46:53 PMQuote from: seafoid on November 05, 2023, 02:05:49 PMBallygunner hammering Sarsfields
They'll be looking for another All-Ireland.
Be hard to see who'll stop them in fairness. Maybe Na Piarsaigh or St. Thomas'?
Surely they'll win it with Ballyhale gone. Experience of getting out of your county and then province is massive at that lev
St Thomas' have won 6 in a row but only 1 all Ireland. Maybe back to back will be a struggle for Ballygunner.
Quote from: seafoid on November 06, 2023, 10:55:31 AMSt Thomas' have won 6 in a row but only 1 all Ireland. Maybe back to back will be a struggle for Ballygunner.
Ballygunner were put out at the semi-final stage last year vrs Ballyhale.
Dunloy got the better of St Thomas' so you'd expect them to be facing either the Leinster champs or the Munster champs.
Some very strong teams still in Munster, the Cork champs have been probably the weakest teams at this level the last few years.
Quote from: johnnycool on November 06, 2023, 12:39:37 PMQuote from: seafoid on November 06, 2023, 10:55:31 AMSt Thomas' have won 6 in a row but only 1 all Ireland. Maybe back to back will be a struggle for Ballygunner.
Ballygunner were put out at the semi-final stage last year vrs Ballyhale.
Dunloy got the better of St Thomas' so you'd expect them to be facing either the Leinster champs or the Munster champs.
Some very strong teams still in Munster, the Cork champs have been probably the weakest teams at this level the last few years.
Its Ulster v Leinster this year
Quote from: Saffrongael on November 06, 2023, 01:11:23 PMQuote from: johnnycool on November 06, 2023, 12:39:37 PMQuote from: seafoid on November 06, 2023, 10:55:31 AMSt Thomas' have won 6 in a row but only 1 all Ireland. Maybe back to back will be a struggle for Ballygunner.
Ballygunner were put out at the semi-final stage last year vrs Ballyhale.
Dunloy got the better of St Thomas' so you'd expect them to be facing either the Leinster champs or the Munster champs.
Some very strong teams still in Munster, the Cork champs have been probably the weakest teams at this level the last few years.
Its Ulster v Leinster this year
Cork and Tipp teams. Cork GAA is going through a rough patch.
I would love to see an Ulster team winning.
Quite a few counties wouldn't mind their rough patch
Quote from: Saffrongael on November 06, 2023, 01:50:53 PMQuite a few counties wouldn't mind their rough patch
It will be interesting how the current crop of U20's transition into Senior hurling.
It won't be plain sailing for Cork lads.
They were really far off the pace yesterday. I know Ballygunner are very good but Sarsfields were also very poor.
Sars were very poor, not close to the level either of BG or of either of the two Tipp finalists.
To be fair to BG they are well drilled they have a really effective system and in Dessie they have a super star.
Ballygunner are 11/8
Na Piarsaigh, OLG and ST start at 5/1
https://www.boylesports.com/sports/gaa/outrights
Quote from: johnnycool on November 06, 2023, 01:54:51 PMQuote from: Saffrongael on November 06, 2023, 01:50:53 PMQuite a few counties wouldn't mind their rough patch
It will be interesting how the current crop of U20's transition into Senior hurling.
It won't be plain sailing for Cork lads.
Too early for that. Need to introduce a few players every year. Won't happen overnight.
You can't just trust Cork at senior level. You don't know what you'll get. You think they are going well then they collapse.
If Joyce stays at 6 and Coleman gets back, that'll be a boost. Still over reliant on Pat H. I think. Great servant. I wonder will he be back again in 2024.
Cork never got over the strike.
Nobody would have realised at the time how significant the 2006 hurling final was.
Kilkenny ended up overtaking Cork on the roll of honour.
Quote from: marty34 on November 06, 2023, 06:30:54 PMQuote from: johnnycool on November 06, 2023, 01:54:51 PMQuote from: Saffrongael on November 06, 2023, 01:50:53 PMQuite a few counties wouldn't mind their rough patch
It will be interesting how the current crop of U20's transition into Senior hurling.
It won't be plain sailing for Cork lads.
Too early for that. Need to introduce a few players every year. Won't happen overnight.
You can't just trust Cork at senior level. You don't know what you'll get. You think they are going well then they collapse.
If Joyce stays at 6 and Coleman gets back, that'll be a boost. Still over reliant on Pat H. I think. Great servant. I wonder will he be back again in 2024.
Cork senior hurlers are a good team with the ball, but a terrible team without the ball.
Look how Limerick and indeed Kilkenny take great pride in their forwards overturning the opposition ball when they try to work it through them. Cork don't have that mentality within their forwards, allow opposition defenders to waltz passed them and then their defence is easily picked off for scores.
Quote from: johnnycool on November 08, 2023, 11:14:59 AMQuote from: marty34 on November 06, 2023, 06:30:54 PMQuote from: johnnycool on November 06, 2023, 01:54:51 PMQuote from: Saffrongael on November 06, 2023, 01:50:53 PMQuite a few counties wouldn't mind their rough patch
It will be interesting how the current crop of U20's transition into Senior hurling.
It won't be plain sailing for Cork lads.
Too early for that. Need to introduce a few players every year. Won't happen overnight.
You can't just trust Cork at senior level. You don't know what you'll get. You think they are going well then they collapse.
If Joyce stays at 6 and Coleman gets back, that'll be a boost. Still over reliant on Pat H. I think. Great servant. I wonder will he be back again in 2024.
Cork senior hurlers are a good team with the ball, but a terrible team without the ball.
Look how Limerick and indeed Kilkenny take great pride in their forwards overturning the opposition ball when they try to work it through them. Cork don't have that mentality within their forwards, allow opposition defenders to waltz passed them and then their defence is easily picked off for scores.
Nobody has the physicality and skill combo of Limerick. Cork are off the pace but so are KK, Galway, Tipp, Clare.
When Limerick turn on the afterburners nobody can respond.
Quote from: seafoid on November 08, 2023, 02:20:02 PMQuote from: johnnycool on November 08, 2023, 11:14:59 AMQuote from: marty34 on November 06, 2023, 06:30:54 PMQuote from: johnnycool on November 06, 2023, 01:54:51 PMQuote from: Saffrongael on November 06, 2023, 01:50:53 PMQuite a few counties wouldn't mind their rough patch
It will be interesting how the current crop of U20's transition into Senior hurling.
It won't be plain sailing for Cork lads.
Too early for that. Need to introduce a few players every year. Won't happen overnight.
You can't just trust Cork at senior level. You don't know what you'll get. You think they are going well then they collapse.
If Joyce stays at 6 and Coleman gets back, that'll be a boost. Still over reliant on Pat H. I think. Great servant. I wonder will he be back again in 2024.
Cork senior hurlers are a good team with the ball, but a terrible team without the ball.
Look how Limerick and indeed Kilkenny take great pride in their forwards overturning the opposition ball when they try to work it through them. Cork don't have that mentality within their forwards, allow opposition defenders to waltz passed them and then their defence is easily picked off for scores.
Nobody has the physicality and skill combo of Limerick. Cork are off the pace but so are KK, Galway, Tipp, Clare.
When Limerick turn on the afterburners nobody can respond.
That physicality starts at No15 though, no ball is given up lightly anywhere on the park for Limerick, other teams don't have that mentality or it's not embedded in them entirely just yet.
It's embedded in KK but they're just not as good. You have to fight for every single ball like your life depends on it if you play them.
That was some second half..
Sending offs deserved and madness, some theatrics which is a pain in the hole to watch
Mike Casey's discipline is terrible. You'd expect a bit more from a Limerick regular. Hard to see ballygunner losing this - good bit better.
Ref tight on Portaferry here....
Umpire hadn't a clue if that was a point or not. He gave it as wide
Level. McManus with 1-1 32 mins into second half to pull it back.
Quote from: johnnycool on November 19, 2023, 05:09:32 PMRef tight on Portaferry here....
gutting for Portaferry, Cushendall goal from a free by Neil McManus in last seconds sends it to extra time
Cushendall pulling away in extra time, have to feel for Portaferry.
From 3 point up in 64th minute to lose by 12 !! Devastating for them.
The ref was playing until Cushendall equalised in normal time, though Portaferry should have kept that free out. Wasn't the sweetest strike you will see
The Leinster Final is now set and it will be O'Loughlin Gaels vs Na Fianna.
Both teams came through tough enough semis today.
Going to go for Na Fianna but it's going to be a tight enough final
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2023, 05:04:51 PMGoing to go for Na Fianna but it's going to be a tight enough final
Do you think Slaughtneil or Cushendall can trouble either of them? I'd say based on today the Ulster champs will have a decent chance.
Quote from: SaffronSports on November 25, 2023, 05:13:33 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2023, 05:04:51 PMGoing to go for Na Fianna but it's going to be a tight enough final
Do you think Slaughtneil or Cushendall can trouble either of them? I'd say based on today the Ulster champs will have a decent chance.
If playing the winners of that game then yes, a pathway to Croke is definitely better than meeting Ballygunner beforehand..
Would love to see Cushendall win next weekend but it's going to be very tough, hoping S'neil have a poor game, but they are decent
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2023, 06:07:25 PMQuote from: SaffronSports on November 25, 2023, 05:13:33 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2023, 05:04:51 PMGoing to go for Na Fianna but it's going to be a tight enough final
Do you think Slaughtneil or Cushendall can trouble either of them? I'd say based on today the Ulster champs will have a decent chance.
If playing the winners of that game then yes, a pathway to Croke is definitely better than meeting Ballygunner beforehand..
Would love to see Cushendall win next weekend but it's going to be very tough, hoping S'neil have a poor game, but they are decent
Can McManus pull the Dall out of the fire again this Sunday??
I think Slaughtneil will have too much for them TBH, but I'm basing that on last years final, they could be off the boil a bit but are well organised and won't give McManus the same easy ride he got two weeks ago.
I'm expecting it to be feisty enough, with Slaughtneil craft being enough to pull away.
Slaughtneil were poor in last year's final and still nearly beat Dunloy. I hope cushendall win but have a feeling slaughtneil will be too strong. McManus very powerful and hard to mark but slaughtneil have probably better men for the job than anyone. Who picks him and rodgers up will be interesting.
McManus is a legend who transcends his county. I would love to see him win the club all Ireland
He reminds me of this Antrim hurling fan whose Dad "explained that Fionn has been "engrossed" by the game of hurling since before he could walk.
"He's only a two-year-old, but he just loves being involved with the game," he said. "Even in and around the house, he's hurling mad and football mad. He's had a hurl in his hand from the time he was struggling to walk"
(https://binaries.irishnews.com/2023/07/13/105507128-446c447e-bf53-4599-b986-afa7688c9c7d.jpg)
Quote from: johnnycool on December 01, 2023, 04:07:19 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2023, 06:07:25 PMQuote from: SaffronSports on November 25, 2023, 05:13:33 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2023, 05:04:51 PMGoing to go for Na Fianna but it's going to be a tight enough final
Do you think Slaughtneil or Cushendall can trouble either of them? I'd say based on today the Ulster champs will have a decent chance.
If playing the winners of that game then yes, a pathway to Croke is definitely better than meeting Ballygunner beforehand..
Would love to see Cushendall win next weekend but it's going to be very tough, hoping S'neil have a poor game, but they are decent
Can McManus pull the Dall out of the fire again this Sunday??
I think Slaughtneil will have too much for them TBH, but I'm basing that on last years final, they could be off the boil a bit but are well organised and won't give McManus the same easy ride he got two weeks ago.
I'm expecting it to be feisty enough, with Slaughtneil craft being enough to pull away.
Can't see McManus saving them this time out. He'll probably be worth around 10 points mind when placed balls are considered. He's still a massive threat inside and under the high ball with his strength but I don't think he'll get the space and time he got against Portaferry. And if he doesn't..... Cushendall struggle for scores, a lot of what McLaughlin gets comes off McManus directly or indirectly.
They didn't look overly impressive against Ballycastle or Loughgiel but they capitalised and made the most of both teams mistakes trying to build from the back and run the ball out of defence at important stages of the game. And loughgiel still almost caught them at the end.
It'll be tougher physically and intensity wise than they've face so far as Loughgiel are young and don't have anywhere near the strength and physicality Slaughtneil have. People keep highlighting Rodgers but Slaughtneil have a load of very good players. I see them winning comfortably.
You have to feel sorry for Na Fianna, died with their boots on..
A bit more accuracy and they'd have been home and hosed
Can't see any team though troubling Ballygunner.
Could be a ten plus win tomorrow for them
Helluva performance from Paddy Deegan there, Na Fianna scores just dried up there towards the end. Think they only scored 0-2 in last ten mins + 3 mins injury time.
Is Corofin playing tonight in the Munster intermediate club final representing Clare the same Corofin playing tomorrow in the Connaught Football final? Or is it two different clubs?
Quote from: pbat on December 02, 2023, 06:42:19 PMIs Corofin playing tonight in the Munster intermediate club final representing Clare the same Corofin playing tomorrow in the Connaught Football final? Or is it two different clubs?
Different clubs. That Corofin team tonight are North Clare based team.
Quote from: pbat on December 02, 2023, 06:42:19 PMIs Corofin playing tonight in the Munster intermediate club final representing Clare the same Corofin playing tomorrow in the Connaught Football final? Or is it two different clubs?
Corofin home of Clare football only All Star Seamus Clancy and current Clare footballer Jamie Malone.
Ballygunner game over already
Quote from: Oso on December 02, 2023, 09:37:03 AMQuote from: johnnycool on December 01, 2023, 04:07:19 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2023, 06:07:25 PMQuote from: SaffronSports on November 25, 2023, 05:13:33 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2023, 05:04:51 PMGoing to go for Na Fianna but it's going to be a tight enough final
Do you think Slaughtneil or Cushendall can trouble either of them? I'd say based on today the Ulster champs will have a decent chance.
If playing the winners of that game then yes, a pathway to Croke is definitely better than meeting Ballygunner beforehand..
Would love to see Cushendall win next weekend but it's going to be very tough, hoping S'neil have a poor game, but they are decent
Can McManus pull the Dall out of the fire again this Sunday??
I think Slaughtneil will have too much for them TBH, but I'm basing that on last years final, they could be off the boil a bit but are well organised and won't give McManus the same easy ride he got two weeks ago.
I'm expecting it to be feisty enough, with Slaughtneil craft being enough to pull away.
Can't see McManus saving them this time out. He'll probably be worth around 10 points mind when placed balls are considered. He's still a massive threat inside and under the high ball with his strength but I don't think he'll get the space and time he got against Portaferry. And if he doesn't..... Cushendall struggle for scores, a lot of what McLaughlin gets comes off McManus directly or indirectly.
They didn't look overly impressive against Ballycastle or Loughgiel but they capitalised and made the most of both teams mistakes trying to build from the back and run the ball out of defence at important stages of the game. And loughgiel still almost caught them at the end.
It'll be tougher physically and intensity wise than they've face so far as Loughgiel are young and don't have anywhere near the strength and physicality Slaughtneil have. People keep highlighting Rodgers but Slaughtneil have a load of very good players. I see them winning comfortably.
Whoops.
Cushendall just better everywhere that Slaughtneil today.
As cliché as it is, Cushendall definitely looked like they wanted it more.
Fair play to them.
Quote from: Splash on December 03, 2023, 07:43:36 PMCushendall just better everywhere that Slaughtneil today.
As cliché as it is, Cushendall definitely looked like they wanted it more.
Fair play to them.
I know Slaughneill have had some good days out but it's not sustainable to not play much as a lot of their players do, it will get you through Derry, which is totally non competitive.
They are coming into these Ulster finals totally undercooked against top level teams like Dunloy & Slaughneil & not enough hurling under their belt.
The team was obviously in decline but how much hurling would the IC footballers like McKaigue & Rodgers do in a year, especially now with the split season ? Very little I would guess
Quote from: Orior on December 03, 2023, 07:23:33 PMQuote from: Oso on December 02, 2023, 09:37:03 AMQuote from: johnnycool on December 01, 2023, 04:07:19 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2023, 06:07:25 PMQuote from: SaffronSports on November 25, 2023, 05:13:33 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on November 25, 2023, 05:04:51 PMGoing to go for Na Fianna but it's going to be a tight enough final
Do you think Slaughtneil or Cushendall can trouble either of them? I'd say based on today the Ulster champs will have a decent chance.
If playing the winners of that game then yes, a pathway to Croke is definitely better than meeting Ballygunner beforehand..
Would love to see Cushendall win next weekend but it's going to be very tough, hoping S'neil have a poor game, but they are decent
Can McManus pull the Dall out of the fire again this Sunday??
I think Slaughtneil will have too much for them TBH, but I'm basing that on last years final, they could be off the boil a bit but are well organised and won't give McManus the same easy ride he got two weeks ago.
I'm expecting it to be feisty enough, with Slaughtneil craft being enough to pull away.
Can't see McManus saving them this time out. He'll probably be worth around 10 points mind when placed balls are considered. He's still a massive threat inside and under the high ball with his strength but I don't think he'll get the space and time he got against Portaferry. And if he doesn't..... Cushendall struggle for scores, a lot of what McLaughlin gets comes off McManus directly or indirectly.
They didn't look overly impressive against Ballycastle or Loughgiel but they capitalised and made the most of both teams mistakes trying to build from the back and run the ball out of defence at important stages of the game. And loughgiel still almost caught them at the end.
It'll be tougher physically and intensity wise than they've face so far as Loughgiel are young and don't have anywhere near the strength and physicality Slaughtneil have. People keep highlighting Rodgers but Slaughtneil have a load of very good players. I see them winning comfortably.
Whoops.
Yep, got that one wrong.
They've gone backwards big time, not helped by Derry's recent football success, clearly their intercounty footballers hurling has declined. Plus the long long lay off didn't help.
Weren't at the racers with match fitness or touch.
How do Slaughtneil raise their hurling standards as there is simply no competition in Derry, doesn't help that 3 of their best hurlers in recent years can't pick up a hurl for half the year because they're away with the county. The ceiling was an Ulster title, may lower that to stretching out the Derry championships in a row as long as they can
Quote from: Brendan on December 03, 2023, 08:31:53 PMHow do Slaughtneil raise their hurling standards as there is simply no competition in Derry, doesn't help that 3 of their best hurlers in recent years can't pick up a hurl for half the year because they're away with the county. The ceiling was an Ulster title, may lower that to stretching out the Derry championships in a row as long as they can
SN won four, could have won five Ulster titles if not for covid. They had a successful football team alongside that so managed rightly with county players being unavailable, lack of competition in Derry and hamstrung with big ball commitments.
Will be interesting to see how Slaughtneil fare next year playing Antrim Champions in the first round.
Have no idea what they do to try and get back to where they were. Don't think the underage is as dominant in Derry as the senior squad.
Still some great hurlers and at the end of the day were only a few scores away from an Ulster Championship, but just weren't performing the same way they had been over the past few years.
Difficult for Slaughtneil when they are so far ahead of the rest of the county to prepare for the likes of Dunloy or Cushendall. Probably best for the Derry hurling scene in the long run if other teams manage to catch up, though.
Cushendall were on the ball (literally and metaphorically)- fair play to them. Wonder how they'll cope with OLG.
would it be better to put all senior hurling clubs in ulster into one competition.
Quote from: Eire90 on December 03, 2023, 10:14:48 PMwould it be better to put all senior hurling clubs in ulster into one competition.
As an Ulsterman, I personally would like to see it, as I think it would be great to see a proper Ulster Championship with clubs from all counties in the province being represented.
There's no point hiding the fact that there would be some awful beatings dished out. This is probably the principle reason it won't happen for the foreseeable future.
For example, the Cavan SHC Champions go into the Ulster Junior Championship. This year, the Cavan Senior Champions got beat well by the Monaghan Junior Champions.
Genuinely can't even begin to imagine what the score would have looked like if Cootehill (Cavan Champions) had have met Slaughtneil or Cushendall in a competitive championship game.
Would like to make it clear, I'm not trying to say anything negative about Cootehill or Cavan Hurling. As great hurling people you will meet anywhere in Ireland. But the point is it wouldn't be fair to have them playing these teams.
Ideally, Ulster GAA put the resources and funding into hurling into the counties, and we do some day get a fully competitive, nine team championship.
Given how the GAA has treated hurling in small counties recently though, we may have to wait a while...
I do think there is an argument, though, that the Armagh Senior Champions and Donegal Senior Champions, and potentially, Tyrone Senior Champions, get added in.
The Armagh Champions played in it until relatively recently. Past ten years I think? In all likelihood, no team in Armagh is anywhere near the level of Slaughtneil/Cushendall/Portaferry, but they're not a million miles away from causing the odd upset in a semi-final if someone has an off day.
Donegal have been putting a lot of work in to their hurling scene so I'm told. Donegal Champions won the Intermediate Championship. I believe if they go on to win the Intermediate All Ireland they'll be playing in the Senior Championship, in the same way Naas went on to represent Kildare in the Senior Leinster Championship after they won the Intermediate All Ireland? May be wrong on that front, though.
Considering how close the Tyrone Champions came to winning the Intermediate Championship I would say they should be given a chance at Senior.
The fact of the matter is though, unfortunately, it's incredibly unlikely these teams would be competitive in the Senior Championship.
Whoever comes out of Antrim (which, in all likelihood, will be Cushendall, Dunloy, or Loughgiel), will, imo, dominate Ulster for the next few years.
Slaughtneil will continue to win Derry, and could very well win Ulster again, but their best days may be behind them, and imo, are no longer the favourites to win Ulster. Getting beat by two different Antrim teams, in 2 finals in a row, solidifies that for me.
Down Champions will be competitive and whilst probably a wee bit off the Antrim teams and Slaughtneil, have it in them to win an Ulster.
Everyone else is a good bit off.
I personally would love to see the Ulster Championship expanded. It would help hurling in the province. But I'd like it to be competitive.
Ulster GAA would really need to do a lot to support and promote hurling, especially in the smaller counties, for it to be successful though.
i was thinking putting all senior teams in the ulster championship like every antrim senior teams down senior teams and then the other counties you wouldnt have an antrim championship they would all just be put into ulster so it be possible to have an all antrim final
Quote from: Eire90 on December 04, 2023, 11:29:06 AMi was thinking putting all senior teams in the ulster championship like every antrim senior teams down senior teams and then the other counties you wouldnt have an antrim championship they would all just be put into ulster so it be possible to have an all antrim final
What would you gain from that?
Better more exciting and competitive competition what do you have to gain from restricting teams to borders they can still have an antrim league or separate antrim championship if they want at the moment its always usually slaughtneil in final if slaughtneil had to face a down or antrim teams earlier on it might be harder from them they practically get a bye to the final these days open borders means better competition.if you dont think senior teams from other counties are competitive enough you could restrict it to all antrim and down senior teams plus county champions of other counties.
Quote from: Eire90 on December 04, 2023, 01:12:06 PMBetter more exciting and competitive competition what do you have to gain from restricting teams to borders they can still have an antrim league or separate antrim championship if they want at the moment its always usually slaughtneil in final if slaughtneil had to face a down or antrim teams earlier on it might be harder from them they practically get a bye to the final these days open borders means better competition.if you dont think senior teams from other counties are competitive enough you could restrict it to all antrim and down senior teams plus county champions of other counties.
Logistically its all over the place, dragging Portaferry up to Dungiven or vice veras, or Setanta to Newry for 'club championships' is too much, teams in Antrim are playing football and hurling and organising dates to fit into an overly congested format isn't workable.
Would these Championship games be knockout or groups?
There would be no support for it in Antrim if I'm being honest, wining the Antrim title is still a big thing in Antrim
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 04, 2023, 01:31:37 PMQuote from: Eire90 on December 04, 2023, 01:12:06 PMBetter more exciting and competitive competition what do you have to gain from restricting teams to borders they can still have an antrim league or separate antrim championship if they want at the moment its always usually slaughtneil in final if slaughtneil had to face a down or antrim teams earlier on it might be harder from them they practically get a bye to the final these days open borders means better competition.if you dont think senior teams from other counties are competitive enough you could restrict it to all antrim and down senior teams plus county champions of other counties.
Logistically its all over the place, dragging Portaferry up to Dungiven or vice veras, or Setanta to Newry for 'club championships' is too much, teams in Antrim are playing football and hurling and organising dates to fit into an overly congested format isn't workable.
Would these Championship games be knockout or groups?
There would be no support for it in Antrim if I'm being honest, wining the Antrim title is still a big thing in Antrim
Why would Slaughtneil, Keady or whoever sign up to that let alone the Down clubs.
Ballygunner and Thomas' starting soon. Ballygunner handy enough or can Thomas' land a surprise? Can't see anything other than Ballygunner win myself.
Quote from: SaffronSports on December 16, 2023, 06:52:59 PMBallygunner and Thomas' starting soon. Ballygunner handy enough or can Thomas' land a surprise? Can't see anything other than Ballygunner win myself.
Some game so far!
Quote from: HiMucker on December 16, 2023, 08:00:31 PMQuote from: SaffronSports on December 16, 2023, 06:52:59 PMBallygunner and Thomas' starting soon. Ballygunner handy enough or can Thomas' land a surprise? Can't see anything other than Ballygunner win myself.
Some game so far!
Thomas' are flying so far. Better team imo. I strongly fancied Ballygunner but they've a bit to do here.
Playing badly and still very much in it though. Would expect the, to win but hope I am wrong.
Scrappy second half. Wind is clearly a factor. Looks like it might end up close, hopefully that dubious ballygunner point (looked like it hit the bar and went wide to me) doesn't dictate the outcome.
Ballygunner gave away some amount of scorable frees after each point they scored from play.
Thomas's should have had number 5 off, he cost them that game in the end.
Lazy, tired stupid tackle that led to Stephen okeefe's point ballygunners third last. Then the last 2 ballygunner points came down his side and he was so far off the pace he couldn't put any tackle in or pressure on, he was walking.
Extra 20 just beginning now
Holy moly
What a game!
Ref an eejit
Some ding dong
Pens now is it? I know in camogie they do 2 10s and then 2 5s before pens. I'd rather that tbh.
Brilliant game, fair play to both teams, great stuff.
Fair play to Thomas's hanging in there and nearly winning it, I thought they were gone.
I thought the ref was decent, ballygunner's discipline was really poor tonight.
Quote from: SHEEDY on December 16, 2023, 09:39:46 PMBrilliant game, fair play to both teams, great stuff.
Yeah, full of honest effort and a bit of an edge.
Some great scores.
Anybody's game now. A lottery.
Was there any stoppages during the 2 mins of extra time? Thought the ref could have easily blown it with Thomas winner
G some poor penalties there.
Glad to see St Thomas win it but still think penalties is poor way to decide it
I expected better from Stephen O'keefe in goals for the penalties tbh. Some of those were quite close to him.
Quote from: SHEEDY on December 16, 2023, 09:52:55 PMGlad to see St Thomas win it but still think penalties is poor way to decide it
Look it's a great wee debate that and I can see why people don't like penalties to decide and prefer a replay or more additional time. Personally I think it's a great way, finish on the day. The way I see it you could argue that a team that get through via a replay could come up against a team that never needed a second chance on their way to a final and beat them by bit of luck or whatever. You have your chance on the day to put a team away and if you don't you take the lotto of penalties which you still have control over. I think it's extremely fair.
Quote from: SHEEDY on December 16, 2023, 09:52:55 PMGlad to see St Thomas win it but still think penalties is poor way to decide it
Glad to see them win it, too - but they scarcely deserved it.
Quote from: Oso on December 16, 2023, 09:57:04 PMI expected better from Stephen O'keefe in goals for the penalties tbh. Some of those were quite close to him.
Done nets before? This isn't 3 lads on the 21 like it was.. it's 21 meters at over 75 mph with one guy in a net that's 3 meters from post to post
Best hurling team lost.. though Thomas' got away with a lot of fouls.. Ballygunnar subs coughed up abit of cheap ball and Dessie went quiet second half..
But fair play to Thomas for hangin in
Quote from: Oso on December 16, 2023, 09:57:04 PMI expected better from Stephen O'keefe in goals for the penalties tbh. Some of those were quite close to him.
The one he saved was a belter TBF. The two Ballygunner missed bounced before they reached the goalie. They were poor pens which gave the goalie a chance.
On the law of averages Thomas' were due a semi final win.
Quote from: seafoid on December 17, 2023, 12:20:32 PMOn the law of averages Thomas' were due a semi final win.
True, they got an awful sickener against Ballyhale and TJ a few years ago.
Some start.
Could and should be more ahead also.
Need to keep going.
That was a free out to CD there.
Where's Joe Brolly when you need him? You can forget about the number 2 and 3 from Cushendall as men.
Quote from: square_ball on December 17, 2023, 01:46:39 PMWhere's Joe Brolly when you need him? You can forget about the number 2 and 3 from Cushendall as men.
When the house is down!!!
Some intensity here..
If both teams have anything left in the second half we'll have a belter
Rugby with hurls Eddie Brennan called it on twitter. He should know as his team brought half these kind of tackles in!
Quote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 02:08:04 PMRugby with hurls Eddie Brennan called it on twitter. He should know as his team brought half these kind of tackles in!
Don't follow him then.
Cushendall should drop McManus back and try and close down that middle the OLGs are running through
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 16, 2023, 10:49:02 PMQuote from: Oso on December 16, 2023, 09:57:04 PMI expected better from Stephen O'keefe in goals for the penalties tbh. Some of those were quite close to him.
Done nets before? This isn't 3 lads on the 21 like it was.. it's 21 meters at over 75 mph with one guy in a net that's 3 meters from post to post
Here we go again, the wee man challenging opinions for the sake challenging. You don't have a whistle on here so your opinion doesn't count or bother me. Find another hobby.
I expected better as he's an established intercounty keeper and an all star winner in 2017. Some of the penalties were very close to him and he didn't get near them unlike Thomas's keeper, who did nothing spectacular but saved the ones he had a chance with.
Either Ryan mccambridge is a Hollywood level actor or that number 12 dodged a bullet there.
OLG seem to get getting some favourable decisions
It's taken 50 minutes to nudge in front
Going to be hard now, need a bitta luck
Cushendall going to rue those 3 misses I think
3 wides in a row for CD......I hope they dont come to regret it.
Hard luck story incoming :(
Tbh olg have missed some chances too.
CD throwing on the stereotypical edge of the square man by the looks of it.
That is gutting :(
Cracking game!
Brilliant game, gutted for Cushendall.
Amazing game and fair play OLGs they won those last few breaks at end to see it through
It'll be a cracking final too
Magnificent effort from Cushendall but that will be little consolation now.
It was close, but in reality OLG could have been comfortable with the chances they missed especially the goal chances.
Cushendall's reliance on McManus from placed balls in tight games came back to haunt them. They don't have enough guys around the middle to weigh in consistent with scores and although Ryan McCambridge works like a trojan and was brilliant today he doesn't naturally weigh in with scores.
Eoghan Campbell was brilliant today but man of the match today should have been Paddy Burke even though he was on the losing team. Jeez the man was colossal in defence but so much in attack builds from him coming forward and using the ball so well. Must be the best hurling he's played of his career this year, and he's a proper unit too.
Great advert for hurling over the past 2 days. Should be an evenly contested final which will be good. Hard luck Cushendall, great effort. A few bad decisions at the end when going forward could have pushed to extra time but Gaels always looked like pushing on.
Gallant effort by the 'Dall.
Great Sunday entertainment.
Yes, two very good and entertaining semi-finals. Don't expect the final to be as close, though - Thomas' should win by a few, I'd say.
Are Loughgiel the only club from the North to win the hurling all Ireland ?
Quote from: seafoid on December 17, 2023, 05:18:28 PMAre Loughgiel the only club from the North to win the hurling all Ireland ?
Yeah they have won it twice. No other winners unfortunately with Dunloy, Ballycastle, Rossa and Cushendall all losing in the final.
Quote from: seafoid on December 17, 2023, 05:18:28 PMAre Loughgiel the only club from the North to win the hurling all Ireland ?
Yep, twice
But whisper it if you're ever about the glens
It will be like Connacht teams in the football pre 98. Kept on losing. Could not win a final until Corofin did it in 1998. That was the spark needed. One of those teams will win a final and change it for the others. Maybe Dunloy
Cushendall just found the scores harder to come by in the second half, obviously wind a factor, but from 35th min to 65th they only scored 0-4
This is only their first ho at a semi now so they need to build on it.Ballygunner built up their experience over several years
This is only their first go at a semi now so they need to build on it.Ballygunner built up their experience over several years
They've been in a final with quite a few of that team.
Quote from: seafoid on December 17, 2023, 06:24:10 PMThis is only their first go at a semi now so they need to build on it.Ballygunner built up their experience over several years
And Ballygunner are walking through Waterford, Cushendall aren't & wont even be favourites to win Antrim next year if Dunloy have everyone available
That and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Quote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 06:46:03 PMThat and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Tend to agree with this... Missed the boat today. That and they would have had every chance vs St Thomas's in the final. No disrespect to them, they have some super hurlers and real physical and mental strength but they are not Ballyhale. They were fortunate last night, Ballygunner beat themselves with the free count they conceded and their game management every time they went ahead.
When McManus eventually goes Cushendall will be well down the pecking order in Antrim for a few years.
They have a couple of good years coming through just now so if Neil can hang on there will be a few of them coming through then.
Dunloy are still young and the winter off should have them fresh especially with a few not playing for the county either. Loughgiel are a good young team too so they'll keep the challenge coming. It will still be one of those three and tbh there's not much between them.
Quote from: Oso on December 17, 2023, 07:06:41 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 06:46:03 PMThat and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Tend to agree with this... Missed the boat today. That and they would have had every chance vs St Thomas's in the final. No disrespect to them, they have some super hurlers and real physical and mental strength but they are not Ballyhale. They were fortunate last night, Ballygunner beat themselves with the free count they conceded and their game management every time they went ahead.
When McManus eventually goes Cushendall will be well down the pecking order in Antrim for a few years.
It was a great chance for them in hindsight. Especially with St. Thomas' winning last night.
They hit 4 wides in a row at a crucial time in the 2nd half, from the camera side of the pitch. Breeze was difficult but they could have nailed a couple of them. It was a crucial period. Just rushed the shots a bit. That was the winning of the game.
Burke was unreal. A great lad for snigging the ball away on the ground and into space. Great at it.
A huge effort but such a long way to get back there again.
It must be said that it was some week-end for hurling. For Ulster, unfortunately, two bad defeats for Setanta and 'Blaney. The 2 Kilkenny clubs are very strong for their respective levels.
Quote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 06:46:03 PMThat and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Not necessarily. Ballyhale may not return. The championship may be open for a few years. Who learns the most wins.
"They hit 4 wides in a row at a crucial time in the 2nd half, from the camera side of the pitch."
It is all about the iterations. You have to be the best to win an all Ireland hurling championship. No reason the Dall can't do it.
Around a decade ago St Galls and Loughgiel won titles close to each other I think. It is down to small margins and top level decision making. Nothing else. No fate or destiny. If you want it come and get it.
Quote from: seafoid on December 17, 2023, 08:40:49 PMAround a decade ago St Galls and Loughgiel won titles close to each other I think. It is down to small margins and top level decision making. Nothing else. No fate or destiny. If you want it come and get it.
And a bit of luck.
St Thomas's win yesterday will be a great fill up for Galway hurling. They need to close the deal now in the final.
Haven't Galway clubs won it more often than any other county?
There's hardly a famine out west of club hurling titles
Quote from: Oso on December 17, 2023, 07:06:41 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 06:46:03 PMThat and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Tend to agree with this... Missed the boat today. That and they would have had every chance vs St Thomas's in the final. No disrespect to them, they have some super hurlers and real physical and mental strength but they are not Ballyhale. They were fortunate last night, Ballygunner beat themselves with the free count they conceded and their game management every time they went ahead.
When McManus eventually goes Cushendall will be well down the pecking order in Antrim for a few years.
Who knows? As good as Neil is, and I mean absolutely unbelievable....
Not comparing him but
Argentina recovered after Maradona, Brazils with Pele, KK with Shefflin etc
Neil will leave a legacy to aspire to.
You just have to keep going
After your Slaughtneil prediction 😂
A competitive Antrim championship is very important because the winners need to be tested all the way. Then you cannot beat experience under pressure like yesterday. Missing scorable chances when the game is in the melting pot.Food for thought until this time next year.
Clare were in a worse position than the Antrim clubs are in now when Loughnane took over in 1993..He lost 11 Munster finals.
https://youtu.be/33Mr5JV49tg&t=420s
Dicksboro stopped the Sarsfields 3 in a row bid of camogie club all Irelands.
Sarsfields camogie ladies- an amazing team who emulated their fathers with the back to back all Irelands a generation later 1992/93 and 2021/22.
Galway hurling /camogie is in great shape.
Quote from: Two Hands FFS on December 18, 2023, 02:15:11 AMQuote from: Oso on December 17, 2023, 07:06:41 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 06:46:03 PMThat and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Tend to agree with this... Missed the boat today. That and they would have had every chance vs St Thomas's in the final. No disrespect to them, they have some super hurlers and real physical and mental strength but they are not Ballyhale. They were fortunate last night, Ballygunner beat themselves with the free count they conceded and their game management every time they went ahead.
When McManus eventually goes Cushendall will be well down the pecking order in Antrim for a few years.
Who knows? As good as Neil is, and I mean absolutely unbelievable....
Not comparing him but
Argentina recovered after Maradona, Brazils with Pele, KK with Shefflin etc
Neil will leave a legacy to aspire to.
You just have to keep going
After your Slaughtneil prediction 😂
Good post! 8)
When Maradona retired Argentina went 32 years before winning the world cup again in 2022, having won '86 and been beaten in the final in' 90!
When Pele retired Brazil went another 24 years before winning the world cup again.
When Shefflin retired in 2015 kilkenny won the all Ireland later that season and haven't won it since. But if yiu think that's down to Shefflin alone you're not giving the rest of Shefflin's team mates enough credit for those achievements including TJ who I rate above Shefflin.
I said "a few" years. Mcmanus said it himself afterwards yesterday that they are struggling a bit for numbers. Cushendall played in the U19B championship in antrim this year, they have amalgamated with Ballymena recently at underage also to be competetive.
I got the Slaughtneil game wrong based on their form and what they brought in previous seasons and the ability of some of their players. I held my hands up. They looked off the pace and tsome of their footballers looked rusty and as if they hadn't hurled much all year.
However I got yesterday's game spot on. I said they'd need 2 goals to win (they got 1) and that's because they dont have enough other quality forwards to take enough scores around midfield and half forwards against top teams, way too reliant on Mcmanus. I was also proven right on that front. Posters are lamenting the 3 or 4 chances for points Cushendall missed going down the home straight, they missed them because that's a weakness in their team/game that I'd alluded to. They relied on points from further out with the wind at the start of the game, paddy Burke, Eoghan Campbell and Ryan McCambridge all from way further out but thag was never going to be an option in the second half shooting into the wind.
But seriously man.... Good post!
Quote from: Oso on December 18, 2023, 12:13:13 PMQuote from: Two Hands FFS on December 18, 2023, 02:15:11 AMQuote from: Oso on December 17, 2023, 07:06:41 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 06:46:03 PMThat and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Tend to agree with this... Missed the boat today. That and they would have had every chance vs St Thomas's in the final. No disrespect to them, they have some super hurlers and real physical and mental strength but they are not Ballyhale. They were fortunate last night, Ballygunner beat themselves with the free count they conceded and their game management every time they went ahead.
When McManus eventually goes Cushendall will be well down the pecking order in Antrim for a few years.
Who knows? As good as Neil is, and I mean absolutely unbelievable....
Not comparing him but
Argentina recovered after Maradona, Brazils with Pele, KK with Shefflin etc
Neil will leave a legacy to aspire to.
You just have to keep going
After your Slaughtneil prediction 😂
Good post! 8)
When Maradona retired Argentina went 32 years before winning the world cup again in 2022, having won '86 and been beaten in the final in' 90!
When Pele retired Brazil went another 24 years before winning the world cup again.
When Shefflin retired in 2015 kilkenny won the all Ireland later that season and haven't won it since. But if yiu think that's down to Shefflin alone you're not giving the rest of Shefflin's team mates enough credit for those achievements including TJ who I rate above Shefflin.
I said "a few" years. Mcmanus said it himself afterwards yesterday that they are struggling a bit for numbers. Cushendall played in the U19B championship in antrim this year, they have amalgamated with Ballymena recently at underage also to be competetive.
I got the Slaughtneil game wrong based on their form and what they brought in previous seasons and the ability of some of their players. I held my hands up. They looked off the pace and tsome of their footballers looked rusty and as if they hadn't hurled much all year.
However I got yesterday's game spot on. I said they'd need 2 goals to win (they got 1) and that's because they dont have enough other quality forwards to take enough scores around midfield and half forwards against top teams, way too reliant on Mcmanus. I was also proven right on that front. Posters are lamenting the 3 or 4 chances for points Cushendall missed going down the home straight, they missed them because that's a weakness in their team/game that I'd alluded to. They relied on points from further out with the wind at the start of the game, paddy Burke, Eoghan Campbell and Ryan McCambridge all from way further out but thag was never going to be an option in the second half shooting into the wind.
But seriously man.... Good post!
I wouldn't read too much into the u19b thing. The draw put them against Loughgiel in the first round and Loughgiel won a superb game which meant Cushendall went into the B grade and Loughgiel went on in the A.
Numbers are definitely low which is a unique circumstance for the area due to young families struggling to get homes there but the standards are still very high. They've won the last two Feiles and have some excellent players on that Garron Tower Mageean panel. They won't all have the physicality of Joe McLaughlin and be ready right away so it might be a few years to get them all through but I certainly don't think they're going to fall too far.
The Ballymena amalgamation is finished although I believe they will be linking up with another club so whatever numbers they do have will still be playing at a high level over the next few years.
They'll still be right in the mix next year but Dunloy and Loughgiel will both be right in the middle of it and none of those three would surprise me for next year.
No need to go to South America for McManus parallels. Peter Canavan was maybe the greatest ever Tyrone player. He finally got his all Ireland in 2003. McManus could be a super sub à la Noel Lane or Seamus Darby. Experience and timing. Whoever wins Antrim next year has to be ready to go all the way.
Quote from: seafoid on December 17, 2023, 08:37:19 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 06:46:03 PMThat and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Not necessarily. Ballyhale may not return. The championship may be open for a few years. Who learns the most wins.
"They hit 4 wides in a row at a crucial time in the 2nd half, from the camera side of the pitch."
It is all about the iterations. You have to be the best to win an all Ireland hurling championship. No reason the Dall can't do it.
The Shamrocks (proper name) will definitely be back. They only lost by a disputed point to O'Loughlins who are now in the final. The Shamrocks will have Darren Mullen, Brian Cody, Joe Cuddihy and Ronan Corcoran back next year. Possibly Joey Holden as well although he may be finished now. All these have been Kilkenny panellists and will greatly add to their team. They would be my favourites right now to win Kilkenny 2024 and club all ireland 2025.
Quote from: Zooming around on December 18, 2023, 01:34:18 PMQuote from: seafoid on December 17, 2023, 08:37:19 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 06:46:03 PMThat and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Not necessarily. Ballyhale may not return. The championship may be open for a few years. Who learns the most wins.
"They hit 4 wides in a row at a crucial time in the 2nd half, from the camera side of the pitch."
It is all about the iterations. You have to be the best to win an all Ireland hurling championship. No reason the Dall can't do it.
The Shamrocks (proper name) will definitely be back. They only lost by a disputed point to O'Loughlins who are now in the final. The Shamrocks will have Darren Mullen, Brian Cody, Joe Cuddihy and Ronan Corcoran back next year. Possibly Joey Holden as well although he may be finished now. All these have been Kilkenny panellists and will greatly add to their team. They would be my favourites right now to win Kilkenny 2024 and club all ireland 2025.
They may be more like Kilcoo or Corofin though. Great teams have limited time at the top table and have to recycle. Especially with the split season. Finding and developing the top players is a challenge. You can't replace the experience of a retiring 35 year old with an under 20. Even in Kilkenny.
Quote from: Oso on December 18, 2023, 12:13:13 PMQuote from: Two Hands FFS on December 18, 2023, 02:15:11 AMQuote from: Oso on December 17, 2023, 07:06:41 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 06:46:03 PMThat and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Tend to agree with this... Missed the boat today. That and they would have had every chance vs St Thomas's in the final. No disrespect to them, they have some super hurlers and real physical and mental strength but they are not Ballyhale. They were fortunate last night, Ballygunner beat themselves with the free count they conceded and their game management every time they went ahead.
When McManus eventually goes Cushendall will be well down the pecking order in Antrim for a few years.
Who knows? As good as Neil is, and I mean absolutely unbelievable....
Not comparing him but
Argentina recovered after Maradona, Brazils with Pele, KK with Shefflin etc
Neil will leave a legacy to aspire to.
You just have to keep going
After your Slaughtneil prediction 😂
Good post! 8)
When Maradona retired Argentina went 32 years before winning the world cup again in 2022, having won '86 and been beaten in the final in' 90!
When Pele retired Brazil went another 24 years before winning the world cup again.
When Shefflin retired in 2015 kilkenny won the all Ireland later that season and haven't won it since. But if yiu think that's down to Shefflin alone you're not giving the rest of Shefflin's team mates enough credit for those achievements including TJ who I rate above Shefflin.
I said "a few" years. Mcmanus said it himself afterwards yesterday that they are struggling a bit for numbers. Cushendall played in the U19B championship in antrim this year, they have amalgamated with Ballymena recently at underage also to be competetive.
I got the Slaughtneil game wrong based on their form and what they brought in previous seasons and the ability of some of their players. I held my hands up. They looked off the pace and tsome of their footballers looked rusty and as if they hadn't hurled much all year.
However I got yesterday's game spot on. I said they'd need 2 goals to win (they got 1) and that's because they dont have enough other quality forwards to take enough scores around midfield and half forwards against top teams, way too reliant on Mcmanus. I was also proven right on that front. Posters are lamenting the 3 or 4 chances for points Cushendall missed going down the home straight, they missed them because that's a weakness in their team/game that I'd alluded to. They relied on points from further out with the wind at the start of the game, paddy Burke, Eoghan Campbell and Ryan McCambridge all from way further out but thag was never going to be an option in the second half shooting into the wind.
But seriously man.... Good post!
They lost mcateer to what looked like a hamstring who had already scored a point and was a regualar on the score sheet this year. Ed McQuillan motm ulster final 4 from play from half forward and another point yesterday and very unlucky not to raise a green flag too! Paddy Burke and Eoghan Campbell are both regular scorers too taking ball off the midfield and driving forward So maybe they do have enough around the middle of the pitch
I thought McAteer going off was arguably the losing of that game as they maybe don't quite have enough depth there. He was very good up until that point.
McAteer did start well and was definitely a loss, has a physical presence also. McQuillan was largely anonymous apart from his point though he was very unlucky with the effort that hit the post. Campbell and Burke are both defenders, shouldnt have to rely on them time and time again to contribute regularly on the scoresheet....that highlights a deficit in the rest of the forwards. No one scores relatively heavily regularly apart from McManus although McLaughlin is showing excellent promise.
Let's not forget that if OLGs had taken their goal chances and the points they missed they could have been out of sight. It was Cushendall's blistering start in the first 10 minutes that kept them in the game to the end 1-4 to 0-0 up. After that they actually never looked like getting enough scores to win the game and although OLG didn't hit the front until about 10 minutes from time they carved Cushendall open time after time and were woefully wasteful in front of goal.
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2023, 01:50:16 PMQuote from: Zooming around on December 18, 2023, 01:34:18 PMQuote from: seafoid on December 17, 2023, 08:37:19 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on December 17, 2023, 06:46:03 PMThat and McManus won't have much left in him and he will be impossible to replace. That was the best chance cushendall will get at an all Ireland :(
Not necessarily. Ballyhale may not return. The championship may be open for a few years. Who learns the most wins.
"They hit 4 wides in a row at a crucial time in the 2nd half, from the camera side of the pitch."
It is all about the iterations. You have to be the best to win an all Ireland hurling championship. No reason the Dall can't do it.
The Shamrocks (proper name) will definitely be back. They only lost by a disputed point to O'Loughlins who are now in the final. The Shamrocks will have Darren Mullen, Brian Cody, Joe Cuddihy and Ronan Corcoran back next year. Possibly Joey Holden as well although he may be finished now. All these have been Kilkenny panellists and will greatly add to their team. They would be my favourites right now to win Kilkenny 2024 and club all ireland 2025.
They may be more like Kilcoo or Corofin though. Great teams have limited time at the top table and have to recycle. Especially with the split season. Finding and developing the top players is a challenge. You can't replace the experience of a retiring 35 year old with an under 20. Even in Kilkenny.
All going well, The Shamrocks starting 15 next year will have:
10 Kilkenny panellists: 4 starters (TJ Reid, Eoin Cody, Adrian Mullen and Richie Reid) and 4 subs (Dean Mason, Brian Cody, Darragh Corcoran and Patrick Mullen)and 2 extended panel members (Joey Cuddihy and Ronan Corcoran)
1 Kilkenny U20 starter. (Killian Corcoran)
3 players who have played for Kilkenny seniors in the past. (Joey Holden, Colin Fennelly and Darren Mullen)
That's not a bad base to start from.
Quote from: Oso on December 18, 2023, 05:34:17 PMMcAteer did start well and was definitely a loss, has a physical presence also. McQuillan was largely anonymous apart from his point though he was very unlucky with the effort that hit the post. Campbell and Burke are both defenders, shouldnt have to rely on them time and time again to contribute regularly on the scoresheet....that highlights a deficit in the rest of the forwards. No one scores relatively heavily regularly apart from McManus although McLaughlin is showing excellent promise.
Let's not forget that if OLGs had taken their goal chances and the points they missed they could have been out of sight. It was Cushendall's blistering start in the first 10 minutes that kept them in the game to the end 1-4 to 0-0 up. After that they actually never looked like getting enough scores to win the game and although OLG didn't hit the front until about 10 minutes from time they carved Cushendall open time after time and were woefully wasteful in front of goal.
I take your point but they have been doing enough, just, Neil never scored from play in County final from memory - and just 0-1 & 0-2 from play against Sneil & OLG respectively. He obviously has big totals from taking the frees
If a team coughs up 10 or 11 scoreable frees you'll want someone to put them over and Neil has the skill and composure to do that for few more seasons.
They are Antrim and Ulster champions and a whisker away from stepping out at Croke park again, so a lot of positives, you only need to add 2 or 3 minors to your senior team to keep it ticking over
As for next year, who knows. this years championship Loughgiel made Dunloy look very average on the day, and bar a last few minutes in the final Cushendall made Loughgiel look average.
S'neil are done at Ulster level for a while so a few seasons of Antrim dominance or an odd slip up to the Down winners should gather plenty experience to make the breakthrough.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 18, 2023, 07:09:05 PMIf a team coughs up 10 or 11 scoreable frees you'll want someone to put them over and Neil has the skill and composure to do that for few more seasons.
They are Antrim and Ulster champions and a whisker away from stepping out at Croke park again, so a lot of positives, you only need to add 2 or 3 minors to your senior team to keep it ticking over
As for next year, who knows. this years championship Loughgiel made Dunloy look very average on the day, and bar a last few minutes in the final Cushendall made Loughgiel look average.
S'neil are done at Ulster level for a while so a few seasons of Antrim dominance or an odd slip up to the Down winners should gather plenty experience to make the breakthrough.
He's still plenty capable of being more than a free taker too. He has that big paw on him that tends to get him a few scores as well. Yesterday injuries forced him out the field a bit more and there was even points he was right back in the defence.
A few people on here seem quick to point to the demise of quite a few including even Ballyhale Shamrocks. I'd say they'll be close in KK again. In Antrim there's not much between Cushendall, Dunloy or Loughgiel. Loughgiel probably improving the quickest at the minute but Dunloy and Cushendall will still have plenty to offer next year. It would be great if one of them could go all the way but there's plenty of good sides at that level and yesterday Cushendall ran one of them all the way.
Ballyhale far from done. Cushendall will struggle to replace McManus but hopefully he's not finished yet. Rest of the team a decent age spread. Loughgiel will get better and Dunloy will be back so it's good for the Antrim championship but there will be no givens in it. (Tbh most people probably thought Dunloy would have walked it this year).
Ballygunner will also be back... they didn't break much sweat in Munster
They're not near done. Best chance in years for others to win an ai with them both out!
The latest iteration of Ballyhale in the all Ireland started in 2014 . A decade ago. Man Utd couldn't stay at the top level without falling back. The All Black's couldn't
Barcelona couldn't. Ballyhale will also struggle. And with all due respect 4 Kilkenny county players doesn't mean what it used to.
Eoin Cody is young as is Adrian Mullan and they're as good as you'll get in club. The Reids are getting on yes but the rest of that team isn't that old. That said KK won't replace TJ easily so when he goes a club team won't either. They are not going to become a poor team overnight.
KK are more or less the 2nd best team in Ireland.
Quote from: seafoid on December 19, 2023, 08:37:20 AMThe latest iteration of Ballyhale in the all Ireland started in 2014 . A decade ago. Man Utd couldn't stay at the top level without falling back. The All Black's couldn't
Barcelona couldn't. Ballyhale will also struggle. And with all due respect 4 Kilkenny county players doesn't mean what it used to.
Why do you keep comparing the GAA to professional sports that have zero relevance ?
Quote from: Saffrongael on December 19, 2023, 09:02:25 AMQuote from: seafoid on December 19, 2023, 08:37:20 AMThe latest iteration of Ballyhale in the all Ireland started in 2014 . A decade ago. Man Utd couldn't stay at the top level without falling back. The All Black's couldn't
Barcelona couldn't. Ballyhale will also struggle. And with all due respect 4 Kilkenny county players doesn't mean what it used to.
Why do you keep comparing the GAA to professional sports that have zero relevance ?
If you don't like pro comparisons, try Corofin then. They aren't a bad team but they couldn't win Connacht this year. Transitions of top teams regardless of sport take time. TJ is irreplaceable.
Kilcoo are the same. Non professional, have won the all Ireland but have dipped. It is impossible to win all Ireland club titles indefinitely. Winning clubs trade sustainability for medium term performance . This is another advantage for Antrim teams going forward.
Quote from: imtommygunn on December 19, 2023, 08:49:02 AMEoin Cody is young as is Adrian Mullan and they're as good as you'll get in club. The Reids are getting on yes but the rest of that team isn't that old. That said KK won't replace TJ easily so when he goes a club team won't either. They are not going to become a poor team overnight.
KK are more or less the 2nd best team in Ireland.
A very long way behind Limerick. It is a poisoned chalice in Kilkenny. At least the camogie team are successful .
Quote from: Oso on December 18, 2023, 05:34:17 PMMcAteer did start well and was definitely a loss, has a physical presence also. McQuillan was largely anonymous apart from his point though he was very unlucky with the effort that hit the post. Campbell and Burke are both defenders, shouldnt have to rely on them time and time again to contribute regularly on the scoresheet....that highlights a deficit in the rest of the forwards. No one scores relatively heavily regularly apart from McManus although McLaughlin is showing excellent promise.
Let's not forget that if OLGs had taken their goal chances and the points they missed they could have been out of sight. It was Cushendall's blistering start in the first 10 minutes that kept them in the game to the end 1-4 to 0-0 up. After that they actually never looked like getting enough scores to win the game and although OLG didn't hit the front until about 10 minutes from time they carved Cushendall open time after time and were woefully wasteful in front of goal.
Yes campbell and burke are on paper defenders. They attck from deep and are capable of long range scores. Do it for both antrim and cushendall. id have that down as one of cushendalls strengths. In a team if your free taker is nailing a high percentage + a few from play and every other forward and midfielder is chipping in from play you're in a good place. Cushendall have the capability of that
Quote from: seafoid on December 19, 2023, 08:37:20 AMThe latest iteration of Ballyhale in the all Ireland started in 2014 . A decade ago. Man Utd couldn't stay at the top level without falling back. The All Black's couldn't
Barcelona couldn't. Ballyhale will also struggle. And with all due respect 4 Kilkenny county players doesn't mean what it used to.
Dara Mason, Killian Corcoran, Darragh Corcoran, Evan Shefflin, Patrick Mullen, Adrian Mullen, Eoin Kenneally, Niall Shortall and Eoin Cody were all only chaps in 2014. The Shamrocks are a great club in that they keep rolling out outstanding hurlers.
Teams like Birr and Portumna won their titles with one team. The Shamrocks have won their titles over 40 years with many different teams.
The Shamrocks had 3 teams really-:
1980s, 00s and 2015-recently. Some club.
Cork clubs dominated this competition from its inception but are way off the mark now.
Quote from: NorthAntrim on December 19, 2023, 09:51:26 AMQuote from: Oso on December 18, 2023, 05:34:17 PMMcAteer did start well and was definitely a loss, has a physical presence also. McQuillan was largely anonymous apart from his point though he was very unlucky with the effort that hit the post. Campbell and Burke are both defenders, shouldnt have to rely on them time and time again to contribute regularly on the scoresheet....that highlights a deficit in the rest of the forwards. No one scores relatively heavily regularly apart from McManus although McLaughlin is showing excellent promise.
Let's not forget that if OLGs had taken their goal chances and the points they missed they could have been out of sight. It was Cushendall's blistering start in the first 10 minutes that kept them in the game to the end 1-4 to 0-0 up. After that they actually never looked like getting enough scores to win the game and although OLG didn't hit the front until about 10 minutes from time they carved Cushendall open time after time and were woefully wasteful in front of goal.
Yes campbell and burke are on paper defenders. They attck from deep and are capable of long range scores. Do it for both antrim and cushendall. id have that down as one of cushendalls strengths. In a team if your free taker is nailing a high percentage + a few from play and every other forward and midfielder is chipping in from play you're in a good place. Cushendall have the capability of that
We'll agree to disagree, they're modern day defenders, not expections to the rule on that front. But.... When push came to shove on Sunday cushendall weren't able to take the scores as I predicted.... and the two guys we are talking about coming up from defence weren't able to land long range efforts into the wind.
Quote from: Oso on December 19, 2023, 03:50:30 PMQuote from: NorthAntrim on December 19, 2023, 09:51:26 AMQuote from: Oso on December 18, 2023, 05:34:17 PMMcAteer did start well and was definitely a loss, has a physical presence also. McQuillan was largely anonymous apart from his point though he was very unlucky with the effort that hit the post. Campbell and Burke are both defenders, shouldnt have to rely on them time and time again to contribute regularly on the scoresheet....that highlights a deficit in the rest of the forwards. No one scores relatively heavily regularly apart from McManus although McLaughlin is showing excellent promise.
Let's not forget that if OLGs had taken their goal chances and the points they missed they could have been out of sight. It was Cushendall's blistering start in the first 10 minutes that kept them in the game to the end 1-4 to 0-0 up. After that they actually never looked like getting enough scores to win the game and although OLG didn't hit the front until about 10 minutes from time they carved Cushendall open time after time and were woefully wasteful in front of goal.
Yes campbell and burke are on paper defenders. They attck from deep and are capable of long range scores. Do it for both antrim and cushendall. id have that down as one of cushendalls strengths. In a team if your free taker is nailing a high percentage + a few from play and every other forward and midfielder is chipping in from play you're in a good place. Cushendall have the capability of that
We'll agree to disagree, they're modern day defenders, not expections to the rule on that front. But.... When push came to shove on Sunday cushendall weren't able to take the scores as I predicted.... and the two guys we are talking about coming up from defence weren't able to land long range efforts into the wind.
Fair enough. Campbells effort was probably too far out. Burke was under pressure, didnt look at the posts had a guess and got it horribly wrong. He was disgusted with his effort. Think they have a good balance though. McCurry in midfield set up a lot of scores. Winning dirty ball and giving it to the runners off the shoulder.
There is no shame in :-* losing a tight match.Getting to a final followed by a narrow semifinal loss is a sign of the standard in the county. Next year could be the year an Antrim team does it. It all depends on what work is done in the next 12 months.
"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.
"Muhammad Ali
The gaels more efficient in the shooting stakes, how they weren't awarded that goal I'll never know...
Thomas's still in this though.
Looks like a terrible day down in Dublin by the state of the lads at half time
Quote from: johnnycool on January 21, 2024, 02:18:22 PMThe gaels more efficient in the shooting stakes, how they weren't awarded that goal I'll never know...
Thomas's still in this though.
Looks like a terrible day down in Dublin by the state of the lads at half time
Yeah and worse for the football I'm guessing, think I saw the Gardai had a warning for people not to travel today - doesn't apply to asking fans to travel to games though. No consideration of supporters travelling back home in the middle of a Red weather warning
Quote from: Saffrongael on January 21, 2024, 02:20:35 PMQuote from: johnnycool on January 21, 2024, 02:18:22 PMThe gaels more efficient in the shooting stakes, how they weren't awarded that goal I'll never know...
Thomas's still in this though.
Looks like a terrible day down in Dublin by the state of the lads at half time
Yeah and worse for the football I'm guessing, think I saw the Gardai had a warning for people not to travel today - doesn't apply to asking fans to travel to games though. No consideration of supporters travelling back home in the middle of a Red weather warning
Sure tickets will be bought already so what do the GAA care
Didn't seem to be much in that for a red card?
Quote from: Blowitupref on January 21, 2024, 02:24:09 PMDidn't seem to be much in that for a red card?
Don't be an idiot. You can tell right away by the offending players reaction.
Quote from: 5times5times on January 21, 2024, 02:26:27 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on January 21, 2024, 02:24:09 PMDidn't seem to be much in that for a red card?
Don't be an idiot. You can tell right away by the offending players reaction.
His reaction was of surprise he must be an idiot also?
Conor Cooney giving Lawlor his fill of it..
Game on
Scores hard got shooting into Canal End today.
Quote from: Blowitupref on January 21, 2024, 02:32:27 PMQuote from: 5times5times on January 21, 2024, 02:26:27 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on January 21, 2024, 02:24:09 PMDidn't seem to be much in that for a red card?
Don't be an idiot. You can tell right away by the offending players reaction.
His reaction was of surprise he must be an idiot also?
I think he was excepting a yellow
O'Loughlin Gaels have this. Hard to play with 14 when up against 16.
How did the referee miss the headbutt in the first half? Crazy stuff
Then the Gaels player pushed into the end netting not even punished
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 21, 2024, 02:42:59 PMHow did the referee miss the headbutt in the first half? Crazy stuff
Then the Gaels player pushed into the end netting not even punished
Hurl on, never mind the ball ;D
Congratulations to St Thomás some score to win it and all the more impressive to win with 14 men for all of the 2nd half.
Deserved win for St Thomas despite the ref. Great score to win it
Quote from: Blowitupref on January 21, 2024, 02:57:29 PMCongratulations to St Thomás some score to win it and all the more impressive to win with 14 men for all of the 2nd half.
Good enough score to win any game,
Conor Cooney MOTM for me.
Disgrace for that to be lost over the goal
Well done to St Thomas. Superb score by Eanna Burke to win it. David Burke and Conor Cooney are superb leaders and players.
Quote from: Armagh18 on January 21, 2024, 03:02:53 PMDisgrace for that to be lost over the goal
What goal? ;)
What a score to win it, brilliant score. Harsh enough red card I thought, though St Thomas were brilliant after going down a man
Quote from: SHEEDY on January 21, 2024, 03:34:24 PMWhat a score to win it, brilliant score. Harsh enough red card I thought, though St Thomas were brilliant after going down a man
Yeah I thought they were the better team in the second half. Tough conditions but OLG don't have that massive scoring threat
Few players went missing for Gaels when the man was sent off, no idea what they did with the spare man and that's down to how the manager sets out his team when that happens.
St Thomas's used it to fire them up and they found so much space and took their scores..
Some of Gaels approach play in the second half was junior standard at time, the weather was the same for both but St Thomas's worked it better
Quote from: Saffrongael on January 21, 2024, 03:48:50 PMQuote from: SHEEDY on January 21, 2024, 03:34:24 PMWhat a score to win it, brilliant score. Harsh enough red card I thought, though St Thomas were brilliant after going down a man
Yeah I thought they were the better team in the second half. Tough conditions but OLG don't have that massive scoring threat
Club is about how good the non county players are . Deegan and Lalor were superb but in the second half the ordinary players faded . Their accuracy eluded them.
Very harsh call on the Red, OLG player made a real meal of it.
But it did actually have a positive affect on St T's game plan, they were definitely better on the ball after the sending off and kept possession better for sure.
Good competitive game for the neutral.
Quote from: NAG1 on January 22, 2024, 11:16:31 AMVery harsh call on the Red, OLG player made a real meal of it.
But it did actually have a positive affect on St T's game plan, they were definitely better on the ball after the sending off and kept possession better for sure.
Good competitive game for the neutral.
Oscar Wilde said that there is only one thing worse that not getting what you want. Getting what you want.
It was not good for the Gaels.
ST had no choice but to start hurling. And their superior experience emerged. So many heart breaking losses were turned into hurling magic yesterday.
ST were supposed to be a soft touch in the final but I honestly don't think Cushendall would have lived with them in that second half.
How were they? Sure they beat the overwhelming favourites Ballygunner? I didn't see the odds before the game but this was a 50/50 game for me.
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 22, 2024, 12:48:56 PMHow were they? Sure they beat the overwhelming favourites Ballygunner? I didn't see the odds before the game but this was a 50/50 game for me.
St Thomas's were favourites, slight though
OLG's lost all composure, didn't know what to do with the ball in the second half, shots come passes, miss hits, not getting any benefit of the extra man, in fact looked dead on their feet..
Staying close with OLG's in the first half was the spring board to winning it, getting a man sent off changed them completely and they have a won and lost a few close games over the years
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 22, 2024, 12:48:56 PMHow were they? Sure they beat the overwhelming favourites Ballygunner? I didn't see the odds before the game but this was a 50/50 game for me.
St Thomas's were unreal in that semi-final so the big question about them is whether they can replicate that performance in a final against a Kilkenny team and in that second half they really delivered..
Big shout out to Conor Cooney, supremely talented hurler who turned up in a big way in the second half when needed by his teammates.
Cooney as good as about when he's on form. It's just been a few years since he has been.
Quote from: johnnycool on January 22, 2024, 02:09:16 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on January 22, 2024, 12:48:56 PMHow were they? Sure they beat the overwhelming favourites Ballygunner? I didn't see the odds before the game but this was a 50/50 game for me.
St Thomas's were unreal in that semi-final so the big question about them is whether they can replicate that performance in a final against a Kilkenny team and in that second half they really delivered..
Big shout out to Conor Cooney, supremely talented hurler who turned up in a big way in the second half when needed by his teammates.
Conor Cooney and David Burke drove the performance in the second half. they were so impressive.
You would have to feel sorry for Huw Lawlor, possibly one of the greatest defenders in the game but very unusally for a Kilkenny hurler he has been in 4 senior all Irelands and lost all 4.
I remember being in a pub in Dublin ahead of the 2015 all Ireland hurling final and looking at the KK fans and wondering what it must to like to be a fan of a county that wins serial all Irelands. Things are very different for them now.
A big turnaround for St. Thomas in the space of 12 months bearing in mind how comfortably Dunloy beat them last year.
Like the Ballygunner game, St. Thomas' brought the fire. They knew they had to be in the faces of Ballygunner from start to finish and that intensity got them over the line in the semi-final, albeit on penalties.
They had the same plan for OLG's also from the first minute. Get in their faces, horse them over the endline and play on the edge stuff, which they did.
Like Glen in the football, they stayed in the game, hung in there and took their chances. They are an experienced outfit but the recent losses seemed to have a huge bearing on their attitude this year.
Nobody was going to bully them - they were doing the bullying.
And with great hurling ability. Eanna Burke's points at the end were top quality, especially his last one. On the sideline, with men hanging off him and not even knowing where the posts were. A fantastic effort to win any game, never mind an All-Ireland Final in CP.
I like to look at clubs and teams and see if they deserve it by looking at their recent history. St. Thomas' were knocked out by T.J.'s free, last year by Dunloy so they were knocking on the door. They were there or there abouts every year.
Thought Conor Cooney was immense.
He won the ball and brought so many other players into the game in the second half
Delighted to see St Thomas' win it. O'Loughlin Gaels will feel aggrieved about the one that looked over the line but I can't stand simulation and karma bit them in the ass, that was never a red card.
Much to be admired about St Thomas' mentality, physical and mental toughness and endurance over the 2 games, the semi final and final. But they have some amazing hurlers too, Conor Cooney obviously, the Burke's etc. Those last 2 points of Eanna Burke's were simply magical, worth the admission fee alone.
With Ballyhale missing a few last year O'Loughlin's will see that as a huge missed opportunity. They lack a few forwards and have relied on scores from further out. It's a long way back for them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B_2sHmpkfA
Quote from: Oso on January 22, 2024, 09:20:50 PMDelighted to see St Thomas' win it. O'Loughlin Gaels will feel aggrieved about the one that looked over the line but I can't stand simulation and karma bit them in the ass, that was never a red card.
Much to be admired about St Thomas' mentality, physical and mental toughness and endurance over the 2 games, the semi final and final. But they have some amazing hurlers too, Conor Cooney obviously, the Burke's etc. Those last 2 points of Eanna Burke's were simply magical, worth the admission fee alone.
With Ballyhale missing a few last year O'Loughlin's will see that as a huge missed opportunity. They lack a few forwards and have relied on scores from further out. It's a long way back for them.
Agree - very hard to see that as a red card. Mind you, Burke could easily have got a second yellow just before he scored that amazing point. You know, I sort of wanted O'Loughlin Gaels to win it, but I fancied Thomas', and they were the better balanced side.
OTB on the winning point
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWMWApbSGUg&t=287s
Galway Bay commentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWMWApbSGUg&t=725s
Quote from: burdizzo on January 23, 2024, 10:27:57 AMQuote from: Oso on January 22, 2024, 09:20:50 PMDelighted to see St Thomas' win it. O'Loughlin Gaels will feel aggrieved about the one that looked over the line but I can't stand simulation and karma bit them in the ass, that was never a red card.
Much to be admired about St Thomas' mentality, physical and mental toughness and endurance over the 2 games, the semi final and final. But they have some amazing hurlers too, Conor Cooney obviously, the Burke's etc. Those last 2 points of Eanna Burke's were simply magical, worth the admission fee alone.
With Ballyhale missing a few last year O'Loughlin's will see that as a huge missed opportunity. They lack a few forwards and have relied on scores from further out. It's a long way back for them.
Agree - very hard to see that as a red card. Mind you, Burke could easily have got a second yellow just before he scored that amazing point. You know, I sort of wanted O'Loughlin Gaels to win it, but I fancied Thomas', and they were the better balanced side.
Yep he should have been off for a second yellow for the loose slap at the gaels player's hand. I can't recall what the first yellow was for though.
Quote from: Oso on January 23, 2024, 05:18:09 PMQuote from: burdizzo on January 23, 2024, 10:27:57 AMQuote from: Oso on January 22, 2024, 09:20:50 PMDelighted to see St Thomas' win it. O'Loughlin Gaels will feel aggrieved about the one that looked over the line but I can't stand simulation and karma bit them in the ass, that was never a red card.
Much to be admired about St Thomas' mentality, physical and mental toughness and endurance over the 2 games, the semi final and final. But they have some amazing hurlers too, Conor Cooney obviously, the Burke's etc. Those last 2 points of Eanna Burke's were simply magical, worth the admission fee alone.
With Ballyhale missing a few last year O'Loughlin's will see that as a huge missed opportunity. They lack a few forwards and have relied on scores from further out. It's a long way back for them.
Agree - very hard to see that as a red card. Mind you, Burke could easily have got a second yellow just before he scored that amazing point. You know, I sort of wanted O'Loughlin Gaels to win it, but I fancied Thomas', and they were the better balanced side.
Yep he should have been off for a second yellow for the loose slap at the gaels player's hand. I can't recall what the first yellow was for though.
Dragged down Mikey Butler off the ball in the first half?
Quote from: Two Hands FFS on January 23, 2024, 05:54:23 PMQuote from: Oso on January 23, 2024, 05:18:09 PMQuote from: burdizzo on January 23, 2024, 10:27:57 AMQuote from: Oso on January 22, 2024, 09:20:50 PMDelighted to see St Thomas' win it. O'Loughlin Gaels will feel aggrieved about the one that looked over the line but I can't stand simulation and karma bit them in the ass, that was never a red card.
Much to be admired about St Thomas' mentality, physical and mental toughness and endurance over the 2 games, the semi final and final. But they have some amazing hurlers too, Conor Cooney obviously, the Burke's etc. Those last 2 points of Eanna Burke's were simply magical, worth the admission fee alone.
With Ballyhale missing a few last year O'Loughlin's will see that as a huge missed opportunity. They lack a few forwards and have relied on scores from further out. It's a long way back for them.
Agree - very hard to see that as a red card. Mind you, Burke could easily have got a second yellow just before he scored that amazing point. You know, I sort of wanted O'Loughlin Gaels to win it, but I fancied Thomas', and they were the better balanced side.
Yep he should have been off for a second yellow for the loose slap at the gaels player's hand. I can't recall what the first yellow was for though.
Dragged down Mikey Butler off the ball in the first half?
Yeah that was a daft one too. Lucky boy.
Quote from: LC on January 22, 2024, 06:24:15 PMA big turnaround for St. Thomas in the space of 12 months bearing in mind how comfortably Dunloy beat them last year.
After that match the money would have been on Dunloy winning the all Ireland first.
Quote from: seafoid on January 23, 2024, 06:21:31 PMQuote from: LC on January 22, 2024, 06:24:15 PMA big turnaround for St. Thomas in the space of 12 months bearing in mind how comfortably Dunloy beat them last year.
After that match the money would have been on Dunloy winning the all Ireland first.
St Thomas didn't have the full deck last year, they were missing a few, didn't one of the Burkes get injured in the warm up too ? And a wedding the week before. Dunloy beat them well but that was a different team last year.
Galway and the cats are tied on 14 club titles each. It is like Man Utd vs Liverpool
OLG have lost 2 finals. ST have won 2 and lost 1
The competition level in the club hurling is very strong if you consider that the 4 provinces have been represented in the final in the last 3 years. This is encouraging for the Antrim champions if they can keep on kicking on. Hopefully Ballyhale are finished for the moment