Tipp off to a good start and the hurling season is on. Discuss
Galway 10 up on Dublin at half time without the Portumna contingent. Just tuned in and heard Padraig Brehony and Johnny Glynn are playing well. Great if some new leaders can emerge in the absence of Hayes and JC. Think I just heard that Laois are up on Offaly at ht.
Galway 14 up now. Very positive start with some great performances from some of the young players- Flynn, Mannion, Brehony, Glynn, Cooney. It should inject some much needed optimism into Galway's year. David Burke having a stormer too according to Galway Bay FM.
Great manly hurling between KK and Clare...
Was at Armagh v Down this afternoon. You can tell it's only February :-\
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 16, 2014, 03:20:40 PM
Galway 14 up now. Very positive start with some great performances from some of the young players- Flynn, Mannion, Brehony, Glynn, Cooney. It should inject some much needed optimism into Galway's year. David Burke having a stormer too according to Galway Bay FM.
Looks like a good shtart
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 16, 2014, 04:46:40 PM
Was at Armagh v Down this afternoon. You can tell it's only February :-\
Stickwork or pitch?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 16, 2014, 04:59:21 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 16, 2014, 04:46:40 PM
Was at Armagh v Down this afternoon. You can tell it's only February :-\
Stickwork or pitch?
Pitch wasn't bad, the odd wild bounce from a divot but held up well. Couple of points in it at halftime but Armagh were roasted in the second-half - some very sluggish play. Down weren't exactly on fire either but they introduced some decent subs in the second-half. Their CHB, full forward Bailie and sub #23 (Coleman I think) were the pick of them IMO. Early days...
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2014, 02:46:00 PM
Tipp off to a good start and the hurling season is on. Discuss
We struggled for a lot of it. Seamus Callanan turned the game around in the 2nd half.
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 16, 2014, 03:20:40 PM
Galway 14 up now. Very positive start with some great performances from some of the young players- Flynn, Mannion, Brehony, Glynn, Cooney. It should inject some much needed optimism into Galway's year. David Burke having a stormer too according to Galway Bay FM.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/player/734/504749/
Waterford will be disappointed at not taking something from the game in Thurles last night. Tipp were poor in first half and Waterford could have been further ahead. We hit too many wides. Seamus Callanan wasn't seen till the goal which was nicely set up and taken but really came into it then. Bad mistake under the high ball from Stephen O'Keeffe which finished the game in injury time.
Good battle between Clare and Kilkenny in Ennis with the Banner sneaking it by a point.
Cork and Limerick was a good game too and probably the best of the 3 I saw. Limerick did very well to come back for a draw being down to 14 from the first half and well behind too.
The Kilkenny and Clare game today. Brilliant entertainment.
I heard this said on the radio and I must say I thought this myself during the course of the game but did any of you think that Clare deliberately targeted Henry at every possible juncture. This was especially noticeable when he would hit a wide or miss a free.
Was this a tactic or just one of those things ?
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2014, 10:00:22 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 16, 2014, 03:20:40 PM
Galway 14 up now. Very positive start with some great performances from some of the young players- Flynn, Mannion, Brehony, Glynn, Cooney. It should inject some much needed optimism into Galway's year. David Burke having a stormer too according to Galway Bay FM.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/player/734/504749/
Fair play to Cunningham for sticking at it. I thought he was deluding himself about how big a job they would have to get things back on track but yesterday was a better performance than they gave in any game in 2012. And to see so many young lads stepping up so well is heart warming. Some might say it's only the league but the league is taken a lot more seriously these days and there's great cause for optimism for 2014.
Will Tannian be given the No 6 jersey come the height of summer though?
Liked the cut of the Brehony lad in the white helmet, and the fullback, Burke looked solid enough, but with Moore and Coen either side to ease him into it as well as a very poor Dublin not really challenging.
Interesting game in Ennis, Kilkenny taking a few more passes than before to work the ball out of defence before launching it into Shefflin, larkin and Walter with the clooty grip. The cats have blooded a few defenders with a bit of pace and they'll need it, Paul Murphy out to the half backs is having a greater impact on the game, now taking on the mantel of Tommy Walsh.
Big Walter was doing well, using his physique to get the required space to get that awkward stroke away, and somehow managed to kick a ball wide, 6 yards out with an empty goal at his mercy, a dual star he isn't.
KK had the chances to win it, but Clare steadied themselves to hold on for the win, both will have a huge bearing on where the AI ends up this year..
Henry skelped another lad on the hand yesterday as he was lifting the ball, is he that type of player now in his twilight years?
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 17, 2014, 09:30:36 AM
Quote from: seafoid on February 16, 2014, 10:00:22 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on February 16, 2014, 03:20:40 PM
Galway 14 up now. Very positive start with some great performances from some of the young players- Flynn, Mannion, Brehony, Glynn, Cooney. It should inject some much needed optimism into Galway's year. David Burke having a stormer too according to Galway Bay FM.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/player/734/504749/
Fair play to Cunningham for sticking at it. I thought he was deluding himself about how big a job they would have to get things back on track but yesterday was a better performance than they gave in any game in 2012. And to see so many young lads stepping up so well is heart warming. Some might say it's only the league but the league is taken a lot more seriously these days and there's great cause for optimism for 2014.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=831HqYWcUC0
"the most talented bunch of lads underage for the last 10 years has been Galway. Now where are they at senior level"
That was 2010
Mouview should be along in a minute to say they are still shite :o but it was a great opener for 2014
Quote from: johnneycool on February 17, 2014, 10:29:57 AM
Will Tannian be given the No 6 jersey come the height of summer though?
I'd say it's heading that way. He plays there for his club, Ardrahan. If Brehony keeps up his form he should get one of the midfield berths.
Quote from: johnneycool on February 17, 2014, 10:29:57 AM
Will Tannian be given the No 6 jersey come the height of summer though?
Liked the cut of the Brehony lad in the white helmet, and the fullback, Burke looked solid enough, but with Moore and Coen either side to ease him into it as well as a very poor Dublin not really challenging.
Interesting game in Ennis, Kilkenny taking a few more passes than before to work the ball out of defence before launching it into Shefflin, larkin and Walter with the clooty grip. The cats have blooded a few defenders with a bit of pace and they'll need it, Paul Murphy out to the half backs is having a greater impact on the game, now taking on the mantel of Tommy Walsh.
Big Walter was doing well, using his physique to get the required space to get that awkward stroke away, and somehow managed to kick a ball wide, 6 yards out with an empty goal at his mercy, a dual star he isn't.
KK had the chances to win it, but Clare steadied themselves to hold on for the win, both will have a huge bearing on where the AI ends up this year..
Henry skelped another lad on the hand yesterday as he was lifting the ball, is he that type of player now in his twilight years?
"Just good manly stuff"
(c).
Few photos of Armagh v Down
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16144312@N07/
Quote from: emainmacha on February 18, 2014, 09:20:22 PM
Few photos of Armagh v Down
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16144312@N07/
Very young Down team lining out at the minute with a bit of size about it, not to mention a new signing from Cork, Dineen, signed for the Crans in the January transfer window.
Meath and Wicklow the teams to beat it seems, Wicklow both at home, in Ballycran as well which is a change from Newry..
Quote from: johnneycool on February 19, 2014, 09:09:11 AM
Quote from: emainmacha on February 18, 2014, 09:20:22 PM
Few photos of Armagh v Down
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16144312@N07/
Very young Down team lining out at the minute with a bit of size about it, not to mention a new signing from Cork, Dineen, signed for the Crans in the January transfer window.
Meath and Wicklow the teams to beat it seems, Wicklow both at home, in Ballycran as well which is a change from Newry..
what year was it that Down played a blinder in Croker against Offaly with McGrattan prominent ?
I think a load of Offaly players retired injured from the game
Down played Offaly in 1995, big Ger made his name vrs Cork three years previous.
Quote from: johnneycool on February 20, 2014, 11:17:34 AM
Down played Offaly in 1995, big Ger made his name vrs Cork three years previous.
He was some hurler- was he the only Down hurling Allstar?
Quote from: seafoid on February 20, 2014, 11:56:50 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 20, 2014, 11:17:34 AM
Down played Offaly in 1995, big Ger made his name vrs Cork three years previous.
He was some hurler- was he the only Down hurling Allstar?
Yeah
.
RTE preview Round 2. This time Galway gets a mention
http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2014/0220/505617-hurling-leagues-what-to-look-out-for-this-weekend/
Unlike last week
http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2014/0213/504207-hurling-league-the-cummins-perspective/
Kilkenny v Tipp is turning out to be a bit of a goal fest. 2-9 to 4-9 at half time.
Tasty game of Hurling there, pity the fooball wasnt like this each week,
Quote from: All of a Sludden on February 23, 2014, 02:40:31 PM
Kilkenny v Tipp is turning out to be a bit of a goal fest. 2-9 to 4-9 at half time.
10 in it now
The 3 teams that lost last week all won this week
So everyone on 2 points I presume
Quote from: seafoid on February 23, 2014, 03:52:48 PM
The 3 teams that lost last week all won this week
So everyone on 2 points I presume
Yes. Everyone on 2 points now.
Kilkenny and Tipp was great entertainment.
Davy was putting on a good show along the line today as well.
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2014, 04:35:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 23, 2014, 03:52:48 PM
The 3 teams that lost last week all won this week
So everyone on 2 points I presume
Yes. Everyone on 2 points now.
Kilkenny and Tipp was great entertainment.
Davy was putting on a good show along the line today as well.
He's a fecking header, on the line today he was unreal, he must think those eyes turn you to stone!! Conal Keaney was outstanding today, him and Rush caught some ball and the Dub fullback was very good. Decent game.
Kilkenny game was a goal feast Fennelly was brilliant. Nothing won in Feb though
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 23, 2014, 07:14:19 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2014, 04:35:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 23, 2014, 03:52:48 PM
The 3 teams that lost last week all won this week
So everyone on 2 points I presume
Yes. Everyone on 2 points now.
Kilkenny and Tipp was great entertainment.
Davy was putting on a good show along the line today as well.
He's a fecking header, on the line today he was unreal, he must think those eyes turn you to stone!! Conal Keaney was outstanding today, him and Rush caught some ball and the Dub fullback was very good. Decent game.
Kilkenny game was a goal feast Fennelly was brilliant. Nothing won in Feb though
Peter Kelly the Dublin full back can play alright.
Thank God for managers like Davy. He took some scalp last week in the Fitzgibbon. He's more than just an eejit.
Good win for Waterford over Galway today. The pitch was soft, it was windy and it rained in 2nd half but still a decent game. Galway had the wind in the first half but Waterford went in a point up. . Galway equalised with a goal in 2nd half but Waterford's young forwards came good again in last 10 minutes to knock over some nice points to finish it off. Padraic Mahony was excellent for Waterford with 0-11 and young forwards Ray Barry and Ryan Donnelly also got some good scores.
Every win will be vital in this tight league so 2 points was welcome today.
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2014, 08:04:18 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 23, 2014, 07:14:19 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2014, 04:35:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 23, 2014, 03:52:48 PM
The 3 teams that lost last week all won this week
So everyone on 2 points I presume
Yes. Everyone on 2 points now.
Kilkenny and Tipp was great entertainment.
Davy was putting on a good show along the line today as well.
He's a fecking header, on the line today he was unreal, he must think those eyes turn you to stone!! Conal Keaney was outstanding today, him and Rush caught some ball and the Dub fullback was very good. Decent game.
Kilkenny game was a goal feast Fennelly was brilliant. Nothing won in Feb though
Peter Kelly the Dublin full back can play alright.
Thank God for managers like Davy. He took some scalp last week in the Fitzgibbon. He's more than just an eejit.
There is no excuse for Davy's antics on the line yesterday. No other manager would get away with it. Made a complete fool of himself.
Offaly are in big trouble. 0 points after playing Laois and Wexford. Hard to see them getting anything from Limerick and Cork, which means the Antrim game will probably be a dead rubber, as both of those will probably finish in the bottom 2. Unless Antrim can beat Laois and then beat Offaly, in which case it would be Laois and Offaly in the relegation play off, losers to play probably Carlow.
Hardly a great build up for the championship.
Quote from: INDIANA on February 24, 2014, 07:31:33 AM
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2014, 08:04:18 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 23, 2014, 07:14:19 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2014, 04:35:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 23, 2014, 03:52:48 PM
The 3 teams that lost last week all won this week
So everyone on 2 points I presume
Yes. Everyone on 2 points now.
Kilkenny and Tipp was great entertainment.
Davy was putting on a good show along the line today as well.
He's a fecking header, on the line today he was unreal, he must think those eyes turn you to stone!! Conal Keaney was outstanding today, him and Rush caught some ball and the Dub fullback was very good. Decent game.
Kilkenny game was a goal feast Fennelly was brilliant. Nothing won in Feb though
Peter Kelly the Dublin full back can play alright.
Thank God for managers like Davy. He took some scalp last week in the Fitzgibbon. He's more than just an eejit.
[/b]
There is no excuse for Davy's antics on the line yesterday. No other manager would get away with it. Made a complete fool of himself.
He's a fooking eejit? No in fairness he's been doing something right, he's plenty experience in the college games so he's been about the block in that area, but you can't get away from the fact that he is over dramatic when running about the line, you could see some of the obscenities coming from him, I didn't need to be a lip reader to understand what was being said, granted he was reacting to things on the pitch but a bit of control wouldn't go a miss.
Aye Kelly played rightly
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2014, 08:04:18 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 23, 2014, 07:14:19 PM
Quote from: orangeman on February 23, 2014, 04:35:40 PM
Quote from: seafoid on February 23, 2014, 03:52:48 PM
The 3 teams that lost last week all won this week
So everyone on 2 points I presume
Yes. Everyone on 2 points now.
Kilkenny and Tipp was great entertainment.
Davy was putting on a good show along the line today as well.
He's a fecking header, on the line today he was unreal, he must think those eyes turn you to stone!! Conal Keaney was outstanding today, him and Rush caught some ball and the Dub fullback was very good. Decent game.
Kilkenny game was a goal feast Fennelly was brilliant. Nothing won in Feb though
Peter Kelly the Dublin full back can play alright.
Thank God for managers like Davy. He took some scalp last week in the Fitzgibbon. He's more than just an eejit.
+1
I think Davy is great tbh.
Was on far terrace so didn't see DF much.
Very important win for us.............. imo no exaggeration in saying one of the most pivotal for many years. Thought Rushe and Durkan were exceptional yesterday.
Div 1 hurling is like a pit with 6 grizzlies in it . No let up at all and a pity imo that there is less scope to gently introduce new players in the league.
Have said it before and will say it again Parnell Park is not fit for intercounty hurling. Too narrow and cuts up far too easily . Sliotor bobbled no end yesterday and fair play to both teams in dealing well with it.
Quote from: Canalman on February 24, 2014, 10:29:08 AM
Was on far terrace so didn't see DF much.
Very important win for us.............. imo no exaggeration in saying one of the most pivotal for many years. Thought Rushe and Durkan were exceptional yesterday.
Div 1 hurling is like a pit with 6 grizzlies in it . No let up at all and a pity imo that there is less scope to gently introduce new players in the league.
Have said it before and will say it again Parnell Park is not fit for intercounty hurling. Too narrow and cuts up far too easily . Sliotor bobbled no end yesterday and fair play to both teams in dealing well with it.
I don't get that, what would be the point in introducing a lad into a more pedestrian league where its not cut throat?
Sure throw them in in the Walsh cup or a friendly somewhere then.
As competitive as the leagues have been its still a few gears short of championship more to do with the heavy pitches and where the teams are training wise, so its probably ideal to try new blood IMO, but I can see where a manager mightn't want to take a chance as all games need won which can be a bit short sighted.
Doesn't stop Kilkenny trying out half a dozen new lads last week and yesterday. Cody is seeing them in a bit of cut and thrust action and that'll tell him more about them than a dozen training sessions.
I can't for the life of me see whats wrong with the current league set up, the games are competitive and people are coming out to watch them, if you're good enough in Div1b then you'll get out of it, there hasn't been too many drubbings handed out (barring Antrim v Limerick). Laois are putting it up to everyone they meet and I'd say they'd like to be playing the Corks, Limericks, Wexfords of this world to improve, but then again, its not about Laois improving, its about Cork and Limerick missing out on bigger gates.
Good win for Waterford over Dublin yesterday. Dublin started better but lost their way. Padraic Mahony was very good in first half and got a goal and points from frees and play. Brick Walsh was sent off for a clash with Alan McCrabbe on the advice of the umpires who were a long way from it when ref and linesman were closer and didn't see anything. It seemed like a harsh decision. Dublin made no impact with the extra man and didn't even score in 2nd half until about 8 minutes from end . They were awful and Waterford were quite defensive in 2nd half with the man less which meant very few scores. Pitch was heavy too which didn't help. Dublin sub was sent off for a wild pull on Jamie Nagle on the touchline near the end. Dublin scrambled a late goal and added a point but the Waterford defence held firm to stop them getting a equalising goal so 4 points on the board which we needed as finish with games away to Clare and Kilkenny.
Dublin very, very physical tonight against KK and their first half display won the game for them, leading by 10 at half time.
Dublin seriously physical and have great ball winners and finishers.
Division 1 is tough with everybody able to beat each other on any given day.
Galway going really well against Tipp. Johnny Glynn making a big impact on his return from injury and starting to look a serious prospect.
Fierce hammering Clare are dishing out to Waterford right now. There could be some records broken in that one.
Results all over the shop. 4 teams on 4 points. Tipp have to win the next day.
At least Waterford won the 2nd half well ;D. Clare were brilliant in the first half. 4-15 to 0-4 at half time. Their forwards tormented the Waterford defence with Shane O'Donnell excellent in scoring and setting up scores. It'll be an interesting finish to the league next weekend.
Blanket finish alright on the cards next weekend.
From watching the games at the weekend it seems that the handpass is obsolete. Simply throwing the sliotar now the norm.
Quote from: Canalman on March 17, 2014, 07:13:01 PM
Blanket finish alright on the cards next weekend.
From watching the games at the weekend it seems that the handpass is obsolete. Simply throwing the sliotar now the norm.
Football is the same. A couple of years ago there was a rule introduced and there had to be a clear striking underhand action.
Anything goes now in hurling and football.
Cats 4 22 Deise 0 14
Like that Cork -Deise Munster final in 82 or 83
Qfs are
Clare v Laois
Galway v Limerick
Tipp v Cork
KK v Wexford
That was a absolutely horrible call the day not giving a penalty for Galway against Clare the day, when the Galway lad kicked it wide with the keeper holding his hurl, the standard of refereeing aint get any better
Quote from: seafoid on March 23, 2014, 08:29:28 PM
Qfs are
Clare v Laois
Galway v Limerick
Tipp v Cork
KK v Wexford
Div1B teams get home advantage AFAIK.
Who goes up from Div1B? Is it a 'final' between Cork and Limerick as well as this Div1 QFinals???
Edit, Cork go straight up it seems, will Limerick stage another attempt to get the leagues changed??
Quote from: johnneycool on March 24, 2014, 09:26:18 AM
Quote from: seafoid on March 23, 2014, 08:29:28 PM
Qfs are
Clare v Laois
Galway v Limerick
Tipp v Cork
KK v Wexford
Div1B teams get home advantage AFAIK.
Who goes up from Div1B? Is it a 'final' between Cork and Limerick as well as this Div1 QFinals???
Not necessarily. It was going to be based on number of home games in the league stages, but 3 of the ties actually have the same number of home games so they are going to toss a coin for Galway Limerick, Clare Laois and Tipp v Cork. Wexford are at home to Kilkenny because they've played less games at home.
What are the odds of the Waterford players revolting against another manager?
Quote from: Premier Emperor on March 24, 2014, 10:04:57 AM
What are the odds of the Waterford players revolting against another manager?
What are the odds of this year's AIF being between the 2 teams in the relegation playoff, like last year ?
Quote from: seafoid on March 24, 2014, 02:46:40 PM
What are the odds of this year's AIF being between the 2 teams in the relegation playoff, like last year ?
I'll eat my hat if Waterford make the All-Ireland final.
Last year was a freak year when the 2 best teams in the country played each other in July.
Quote from: Premier Emperor on March 24, 2014, 04:06:44 PM
Last year was a freak year when the 2 best teams in the country played each other in July.
Keep on taking those pills PE..
Am I correct in saying that if the Dublin lad had pointed the free at the end rather than drop it the Dubs would be in the play offs and Tipp in the relegation battle on score difference?
Fine margins.
Quote from: johnneycool on March 24, 2014, 04:16:16 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on March 24, 2014, 04:06:44 PM
Last year was a freak year when the 2 best teams in the country played each other in July.
Keep on taking those pills PE..
Am I correct in saying that if the Dublin lad had pointed the free at the end rather than drop it the Dubs would be in the play offs and Tipp in the relegation battle on score difference?
Fine margins.
Aye and both teams knew the 3 point thing was the golden number!! Why oh why did he drop it in??
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 24, 2014, 04:19:20 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 24, 2014, 04:16:16 PM
Quote from: Premier Emperor on March 24, 2014, 04:06:44 PM
Last year was a freak year when the 2 best teams in the country played each other in July.
Keep on taking those pills PE..
Am I correct in saying that if the Dublin lad had pointed the free at the end rather than drop it the Dubs would be in the play offs and Tipp in the relegation battle on score difference?
Fine margins.
Aye and both teams knew the 3 point thing was the golden number!! Why oh why did he drop it in??
Not so sure he did it deliberately. Looked like a fluffed shot to me. More annoyed at going for the goal from a free earlier on in the game.
Play off in Waterford. Hope (wasting my time I know) that the hacks/journos etc in the interest of fairness point out that 4 of Dublin's 6 games in the league were away from home when pointing out (yet again) the footballers "home" advantages.
Not whinging * (see my earlier posts about the league format ) but it in a very tight competition with fine margins it imo is not right that some teams have more home matches than the other.
* Actually am whinging.
Waterford had the same number of home games as Dublin, I believe, which is why there was a toss for this venue. If Dublin had won the toss it would have been Waterford with the 2-4 split.
Maybe a neutral venue would have been better, possibly paired with a quarter final game, but the GAA want these to be held at partisan grounds.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2014, 04:51:40 PM
Waterford had the same number of home games as Dublin, I believe, which is why there was a toss for this venue. If Dublin had won the toss it would have been Waterford with the 2-4 split.
Maybe a neutral venue would have been better, possibly paired with a quarter final game, but the GAA want these to be held at partisan grounds.
Like Ballycastle next week ;)
You're spot on Az Offaly. Big game in Walsh Park next Sunday. Waterford got a bad beating again yesterday so hopefully morale won't be too low for next Sundays vital game v Dublin. Teams are cutting through our defence too easily for goals and the strong defence that was seen in the home games has disappeared the last 2 weeks against Clare and Kilkenny.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 24, 2014, 07:19:30 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2014, 04:51:40 PM
Waterford had the same number of home games as Dublin, I believe, which is why there was a toss for this venue. If Dublin had won the toss it would have been Waterford with the 2-4 split.
Maybe a neutral venue would have been better, possibly paired with a quarter final game, but the GAA want these to be held at partisan grounds.
Like Ballycastle next week ;)
That is an absolute dog it out assignment. Seriously big gut check for our lads.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2014, 11:04:53 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 24, 2014, 07:19:30 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 24, 2014, 04:51:40 PM
Waterford had the same number of home games as Dublin, I believe, which is why there was a toss for this venue. If Dublin had won the toss it would have been Waterford with the 2-4 split.
Maybe a neutral venue would have been better, possibly paired with a quarter final game, but the GAA want these to be held at partisan grounds.
Like Ballycastle next week ;)
That is an absolute dog it out assignment. Seriously big gut check for our lads.
Will be a decent match (I hope) Offaly have more scoring players on board and can score from long range, but Ballycastles ground in the height of summer can be windy and very cold so I'd expect the same this Sunday!!
http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2014/0327/604997-joe-dooley/
"The current league format, particularly in Division 1A, where every game is fiercely competitive, puts intense pressure on managers and players to get results very early in the season with little room for slip-ups or trying out new players. The requirement for a strong, fit panel of up to 30 players is more crucial than ever.
The high levels of fitness already reached by all teams is a compliment to all involved. This requires a lot of organisation and hard work by management teams to ensure players are fully conditioned and aerobically fit for the commencement of the league. Players are also making huge personal commitments with pre-season training commencing earlier every year.
"Kilkenny, Clare and Tipp in particular have being finding the net regularly in games"
Almost all teams are now playing the possession game, which is based on supporting the man in possession and also involves a lot of short 20, 30, 40-yard passes and running off the ball. I would hate to be back hurling at corner-forward hoping for a quick, first-time pass from out the field. "
Quote from: seafoid on March 28, 2014, 08:57:05 AM
Almost all teams are now playing the possession game, which is based on supporting the man in possession and also involves a lot of short 20, 30, 40-yard passes and running off the ball. I would hate to be back hurling at corner-forward hoping for a quick, first-time pass from out the field. "
Any corner forward waiting for passes and not doing his shift is a goner in the modern game.
Antrim looking good up in Ballycastle. Offaly holding on for dear life against the wind now.
Bad days for Offaly in both games :-\
Meanwhile Nash goals from a free which he hit about 6 metres from goal. If he was from any other County that crap would have been outlawed at the Congress but of course we can't vote go against Fra Cork's wishes ::)
Brilliant performance by Laois hurlers today.
Delighted with the progress they have made this year so far.
Do you fancy Laois to make an impression on the Leinster championship this summer?
Quote from: laoislad on March 30, 2014, 05:38:47 PM
Brilliant performance by Laois hurlers today.
Delighted with the progress they have made this year so far.
Outstanding show against an almost full-strength Clare team. And Laois were a man down for much of the game. Would love to see them get a big win in the championship and they're well capable. Great wins for Antrim and Galway too. The league has been a big success for Galway and the gloom of '13 has lifted. We've found half a dozen players who look like they have what it takes and a few others have found their form again. Terms and conditions apply of course.
Quote from: Rossfan on March 30, 2014, 04:22:22 PM
Bad days for Offaly in both games :-\
Meanwhile Nash goals from a free which he hit about 6 metres from goal. If he was from any other County that crap would have been outlawed at the Congress but of course we can't vote go against Fra Cork's wishes ::)
Didn't realise that rule change hadn't gone through. Someone's gonna get seriously injured by one of those frees soon enough, and it's unfair that Nash can steal yards but the defenders can't charge off the line.
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 30, 2014, 09:44:00 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on March 30, 2014, 04:22:22 PM
Bad days for Offaly in both games :-\
Meanwhile Nash goals from a free which he hit about 6 metres from goal. If he was from any other County that crap would have been outlawed at the Congress but of course we can't vote go against Fra Cork's wishes ::)
Didn't realise that rule change hadn't gone through. Someone's gonna get seriously injured by one of those frees soon enough, and it's unfair that Nash can steal yards but the defenders can't charge off the line.
just watched these frees on TV. fair play to Nash for a bit of innovation or finding a loophole so the speak, but hes going in even closer since last year. why don't they just give him a large bore rifle and take penalty's with that. wouldn't be much more dangerous
Nash took 8 steps closer to the goal before he hit the sliotar today, he's making a mockery of it. No other player takes as much advantage. Cooney took three steps in his penalty . 20m frees are even more dangerous as there are more players on the line that could get hit by the ball. They have to change the rule or clarify it and soon . We have dj Carey to blame though cos as far I remember he was one of the first if not the first to lift the ball in yards before hitting it! Another thing that pisses me off, why shouldn't the losers of the div 1B rel playoff not be relegated straight away? Not a dig at Offaly here but there is little reward for Carlow or Kerry now as in all likely hood Offaly will probably beat them to remain up. So much for spreading the hurling gospel!! As regards div 1a it's set up for a Clare v kk final. You never know in the semis but both those squads are huge with proven winners in them . Fascinating times ahead for hurling. As regards my own co, Galway , they have made progress but I wonder if there is the mobility to keep up with fast ball on dry sod. There is good competition for places though and they are in a much better place than last year. And to think that joe canning has barely played any league hurling this year as well. Roll on the summer!!
At this point in time there's no law to stop the Nash type free. But whenever you hear the likes of Ollie Canning say that it needs to be stopped, then that's good enough for me.
It is dangerous.
Quote from: orangeman on March 30, 2014, 11:36:08 PM
At this point in time there's no law to stop the Nash type free. But whenever you hear the likes of Ollie Canning say that it needs to be stopped, then that's good enough for me.
It is dangerous.
+1
Quote from: cicfada on March 30, 2014, 10:23:33 PM
Nash took 8 steps closer to the goal before he hit the sliotar today, he's making a mockery of it. No other player takes as much advantage. Cooney took three steps in his penalty . 20m frees are even more dangerous as there are more players on the line that could get hit by the ball. They have to change the rule or clarify it and soon . We have dj Carey to blame though cos as far I remember he was one of the first if not the first to lift the ball in yards before hitting it! Another thing that pisses me off, why shouldn't the losers of the div 1B rel playoff not be relegated straight away? Not a dig at Offaly here but there is little reward for Carlow or Kerry now as in all likely hood Offaly will probably beat them to remain up. So much for spreading the hurling gospel!! As regards div 1a it's set up for a Clare v kk final. You never know in the semis but both those squads are huge with proven winners in them . Fascinating times ahead for hurling. As regards my own co, Galway , they have made progress but I wonder if there is the mobility to keep up with fast ball on dry sod. There is good competition for places though and they are in a much better place than last year. And to think that joe canning has barely played any league hurling this year as well. Roll on the summer!!
I didn't know that was the relegation/promotion system. It's very unfair.
I don't agree that it's set up for a Clare v KK final. It may turn out that way but I'd give Galway and Tipp a great chance. I would share your fears about a lack of pace in a few positions come the summer, especially against Clare.
Just wanted to say well done to Antrim. Great hurling men, and I'm delighted ye are staying in with the relatively big boys in 2015. With Waterford coming down now as well, it's another big name that won't fancy facing the Saffrons. Also well done to Laois, great to see the progress they are making, although I'd prefer them to always be a slight bit behind Offaly, instead of leaving them in the slipstream. Chedder deserves a lot of credit.
For Offaly, it's a sad state of affairs. I didn't know if Sid would be able for a step up like this, to bring a youngish team with fragile confidence, but with some hurling, on to the next level. Unfortunately, he's brought us down to the next level. Hard to see where we go from here, but winning the play off with Carlow or Kerry is an absolute must, and then some sort of backlash in the championship. The fact that he's playing Colin Egan at centre back, and a sweeper when we HAVE the wind, wouldn't inspire confidence.
Finally, regarding that playoff situation that we find ourselves in. It's an absolute disgrace that Offaly have to play Carlow or Kerry to stay in Division 1B. The winners of 2A should be promoted automatically, and Offaly should already be down. It's an opportunity we have to grasp, and remember we were poxed lucky to beat Carlow last year, so it's no way a guarantee. However, if we do happen to beat them, I think Carlow or Kerry should kick up all holy hell at congress to make sure this never happens again. It would be a bitter pill, but we should be taking our medicine this morning, not planning the great escape.
Quote from: cicfada on March 30, 2014, 10:23:33 PM
Not a dig at Offaly here but there is little reward for Carlow or Kerry now as in all likely hood Offaly will probably beat them to remain up. So much for spreading the hurling gospel!!
The winners of Division 2A should be getting straight promotion, no question there and it's a terrible shame they have a an extra hurdle blocking their progress.
Offaly should be going down after yesterday, though maybe the venue for such playoffs should be neutral.
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 31, 2014, 09:59:10 AM
Quote from: cicfada on March 30, 2014, 10:23:33 PM
Not a dig at Offaly here but there is little reward for Carlow or Kerry now as in all likely hood Offaly will probably beat them to remain up. So much for spreading the hurling gospel!!
The winners of Division 2A should be getting straight promotion, no question there and it's a terrible shame they have a an extra hurdle blocking their progress.
Offaly should be going down after yesterday, though maybe the venue for such playoffs should be neutral.
The newly formed HDC will obviously be looking at this as there is quite a good representation from the developing counties like Carlow, Kerry, Westmeath and what not..
Have to say fair play to the Offaly posters on here. Same goes for the Waterford manager going by his quotes in the paper today.
Refreshing change to the "we're too important to go down / what is relegation going to do for hurling in this county " approach too often adopted.
Have a hunch Tipperary are going to play a very serious part in this year's championship.
Quote from: Canalman on March 31, 2014, 10:54:19 AM
Have to say fair play to the Offaly posters on here. Same goes for the Waterford manager going by his quotes in the paper today.
Refreshing change to the "we're too important to go down / what is relegation going to do for hurling in this county " approach too often adopted.
Have a hunch Tipperary are going to play a very serious part in this year's championship.
Refreshing honesty is right and fair play to AZ for telling it as it is. The GAA is a fantastic organisation and does great work. But how can a situation like this persist ?
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 31, 2014, 09:58:15 AM
Just wanted to say well done to Antrim. Great hurling men, and I'm delighted ye are staying in with the relatively big boys in 2015. With Waterford coming down now as well, it's another big name that won't fancy facing the Saffrons. Also well done to Laois, great to see the progress they are making, although I'd prefer them to always be a slight bit behind Offaly, instead of leaving them in the slipstream. Chedder deserves a lot of credit.
For Offaly, it's a sad state of affairs. I didn't know if Sid would be able for a step up like this, to bring a youngish team with fragile confidence, but with some hurling, on to the next level. Unfortunately, he's brought us down to the next level. Hard to see where we go from here, but winning the play off with Carlow or Kerry is an absolute must, and then some sort of backlash in the championship. The fact that he's playing Colin Egan at centre back, and a sweeper when we HAVE the wind, wouldn't inspire confidence.
Finally, regarding that playoff situation that we find ourselves in. It's an absolute disgrace that Offaly have to play Carlow or Kerry to stay in Division 1B. The winners of 2A should be promoted automatically, and Offaly should already be down. It's an opportunity we have to grasp, and remember we were poxed lucky to beat Carlow last year, so it's no way a guarantee. However, if we do happen to beat them, I think Carlow or Kerry should kick up all holy hell at congress to make sure this never happens again. It would be a bitter pill, but we should be taking our medicine this morning, not planning the great escape.
Hard luck to offaly yesterday. I didn't see a sweeper deployed that much in the first half
The Offlay defence lines where moving out field for puck outs to bunch the middle third with six men on six. It was more of a deep roaming midfielder than sweeper
Rigney and hellion can hold the heads up but the rest where last to every ball
I think antrim has to take a bit of credit here rather than Sid getting it wrong
Felt sorry for offaly yesterday, there players looked really dejected after the whistle and we in antrim know what it's like
As for the new leauge system there is a bit of logic to have this match
What's the point in offaly playing 2a hurling if there better than the team coming up
Quote from: Canalman on March 31, 2014, 10:54:19 AM
Have to say fair play to the Offaly posters on here. Same goes for the Waterford manager going by his quotes in the paper today.
Refreshing change to the "we're too important to go down / what is relegation going to do for hurling in this county " approach too often adopted.
Have a hunch Tipperary are going to play a very serious part in this year's championship.
Last year after the league final everyone agreed that the championship would be decided between Tipp and the cats.
And that Donegal would win the football.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 31, 2014, 11:40:36 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 31, 2014, 09:58:15 AM
Just wanted to say well done to Antrim. Great hurling men, and I'm delighted ye are staying in with the relatively big boys in 2015. With Waterford coming down now as well, it's another big name that won't fancy facing the Saffrons. Also well done to Laois, great to see the progress they are making, although I'd prefer them to always be a slight bit behind Offaly, instead of leaving them in the slipstream. Chedder deserves a lot of credit.
For Offaly, it's a sad state of affairs. I didn't know if Sid would be able for a step up like this, to bring a youngish team with fragile confidence, but with some hurling, on to the next level. Unfortunately, he's brought us down to the next level. Hard to see where we go from here, but winning the play off with Carlow or Kerry is an absolute must, and then some sort of backlash in the championship. The fact that he's playing Colin Egan at centre back, and a sweeper when we HAVE the wind, wouldn't inspire confidence.
Finally, regarding that playoff situation that we find ourselves in. It's an absolute disgrace that Offaly have to play Carlow or Kerry to stay in Division 1B. The winners of 2A should be promoted automatically, and Offaly should already be down. It's an opportunity we have to grasp, and remember we were poxed lucky to beat Carlow last year, so it's no way a guarantee. However, if we do happen to beat them, I think Carlow or Kerry should kick up all holy hell at congress to make sure this never happens again. It would be a bitter pill, but we should be taking our medicine this morning, not planning the great escape.
Hard luck to offaly yesterday. I didn't see a sweeper deployed that much in the first half
The Offlay defence lines where moving out field for puck outs to bunch the middle third with six men on six. It was more of a deep roaming midfielder than sweeper
Rigney and hellion can hold the heads up but the rest where last to every ball
I think antrim has to take a bit of credit here rather than Sid getting it wrong
Felt sorry for offaly yesterday, there players looked really dejected after the whistle and we in antrim know what it's like
As for the new leauge system there is a bit of logic to have this match
What's the point in offaly playing 2a hurling if there better than the team coming up
Why does this logic not extend to the relegation from Div1A to Div1B then, Surely we should be having a uniform approach to all league relegation matters?
TBH I'd have straight promotion from Div2A into Div1B with maybe the second bottom team in Div1B playing the second team Div2A as I think its unfair on a team winning their league and not getting promoted without any other obstacles.
Quote from: Canalman on March 31, 2014, 10:54:19 AM
Have to say fair play to the Offaly posters on here. Same goes for the Waterford manager going by his quotes in the paper today.
Refreshing change to the "we're too important to go down / what is relegation going to do for hurling in this county " approach too often adopted.
Have a hunch Tipperary are going to play a very serious part in this year's championship.
Everyone in Offaly seems to be in agreement that the system is a bags.
http://www.uibhfhaili.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6685&start=45
Of course, we'll try and take avail of the extra play-off escape, as any county would do. But I'd say most people would feel that natural justice would be done if Offaly were beaten.
Hurling is very hierarchical. The behaviours pushed from the top down, is that everyone looks after their own patch and craps down on those on the rung of the ladder below them. Offaly have been on the receiving end of some of this in the past, so there'd be a bit more empathy for the struggles of Carlow and Kerry.
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on March 31, 2014, 01:53:33 PM
Quote from: Canalman on March 31, 2014, 10:54:19 AM
Have to say fair play to the Offaly posters on here. Same goes for the Waterford manager going by his quotes in the paper today.
Refreshing change to the "we're too important to go down / what is relegation going to do for hurling in this county " approach too often adopted.
Have a hunch Tipperary are going to play a very serious part in this year's championship.
Everyone in Offaly seems to be in agreement that the system is a bags.
http://www.uibhfhaili.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6685&start=45
Of course, we'll try and take avail of the extra play-off escape, as any county would do. But I'd say most people would feel that natural justice would be done if Offaly were beaten.
Hurling is very hierarchical. The behaviours pushed from the top down, is that everyone looks after their own patch and craps down on those on the rung of the ladder below them. Offaly have been on the receiving end of some of this in the past, so there'd be a bit more empathy for the struggles of Carlow and Kerry.
It's hard not to feel sympathy for Offaly. The total spectrum dominance of KK over the last few years has been bad for the other counties in Leinster.
Quote from: Asal Mor on March 30, 2014, 09:39:12 PM
Quote from: laoislad on March 30, 2014, 05:38:47 PM
Brilliant performance by Laois hurlers today.
Delighted with the progress they have made this year so far.
Outstanding show against an almost full-strength Clare team. And Laois were a man down for much of the game. Would love to see them get a big win in the championship and they're well capable. Great wins for Antrim and Galway too. The league has been a big success for Galway and the gloom of '13 has lifted. We've found half a dozen players who look like they have what it takes and a few others have found their form again. Terms and conditions apply of course.
Yeah much better league this year for Galway than last year, when we were septic and that form continued on through the Summer.
Have unearthed a few new lads like Ronan and Daithi Burke, Cathal Mannion, Padraig Brehony, etc. Conor Cooney, Niall Burke and Johnny Glynn seem to be improving. Tannian a qualified success at 6 so far but obviously Summer hurling on harder grounds will be the litmus test for him there. David Burke maybe finding some of his 2012 form in the past few games. And all without the Portumna lads and especially Joe, for the most part.
That said I wouldn't be getting overly excited just yet but seems a better vibe around the team than this time last year anyway.
There is no question but that either Carlow or Kerry will be very hard done by if they lose to Offaly in the playoff - but right now that's a very big if, as these two counties are hurling with confidence and style, which Offaly most certainly are not.
In general however, there is a complete lack of uniformity in the leagues, which makes no sense. In division 1A, there is a playoff with the losers going down. In 1B and 2B, there is a playoff but the losers have a safety net of another playoff against the 2A/3A winners. The bottom team in both 2A and 3A goes straight down with no playoff at all. Such a mess of a situation has clearly evolved from so many years of wheeling and dealing, tinkering, messing and generally adjusting rather than picking a system and sticking with it. Everything is ad hoc, there is no clear reason why any one division should be different from another. Personally I would favour divisions of eight, with two up, two down, no playoffs, but that's just me - the key point here is that there is a real inconsistency and unfairness, and yes, if Offaly are lucky enough to beat either Carlow or Kerry, I'll be the first to admit that it's wrong and it shouldn't be that way. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'd be cheering for Carlow or Kerry, but if they were against anyone other than Offaly I would.
Quote from: Lone Shark on March 31, 2014, 03:25:22 PM
There is no question but that either Carlow or Kerry will be very hard done by if they lose to Offaly in the playoff - but right now that's a very big if, as these two counties are hurling with confidence and style, which Offaly most certainly are not.
In general however, there is a complete lack of uniformity in the leagues, which makes no sense. In division 1A, there is a playoff with the losers going down. In 1B and 2B, there is a playoff but the losers have a safety net of another playoff against the 2A/3A winners. The bottom team in both 2A and 3A goes straight down with no playoff at all. Such a mess of a situation has clearly evolved from so many years of wheeling and dealing, tinkering, messing and generally adjusting rather than picking a system and sticking with it. Everything is ad hoc, there is no clear reason why any one division should be different from another. Personally I would favour divisions of eight, with two up, two down, no playoffs, but that's just me - the key point here is that there is a real inconsistency and unfairness, and yes, if Offaly are lucky enough to beat either Carlow or Kerry, I'll be the first to admit that it's wrong and it shouldn't be that way. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'd be cheering for Carlow or Kerry, but if they were against anyone other than Offaly I would.
From a spectating point of view division 1 is setup brilliantly. The division 1b and 2 relegation thing is a joke. I think it's bad attitude from authorities for hurling in developing counties.
Quote from: imtommygunn on March 31, 2014, 03:27:56 PM
Quote from: Lone Shark on March 31, 2014, 03:25:22 PM
There is no question but that either Carlow or Kerry will be very hard done by if they lose to Offaly in the playoff - but right now that's a very big if, as these two counties are hurling with confidence and style, which Offaly most certainly are not.
In general however, there is a complete lack of uniformity in the leagues, which makes no sense. In division 1A, there is a playoff with the losers going down. In 1B and 2B, there is a playoff but the losers have a safety net of another playoff against the 2A/3A winners. The bottom team in both 2A and 3A goes straight down with no playoff at all. Such a mess of a situation has clearly evolved from so many years of wheeling and dealing, tinkering, messing and generally adjusting rather than picking a system and sticking with it. Everything is ad hoc, there is no clear reason why any one division should be different from another. Personally I would favour divisions of eight, with two up, two down, no playoffs, but that's just me - the key point here is that there is a real inconsistency and unfairness, and yes, if Offaly are lucky enough to beat either Carlow or Kerry, I'll be the first to admit that it's wrong and it shouldn't be that way. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'd be cheering for Carlow or Kerry, but if they were against anyone other than Offaly I would.
From a spectating point of view division 1 is setup brilliantly. The division 1b and 2 relegation thing is a joke. I think it's bad attitude from authorities for hurling in developing counties.
Exactly, hence I can't see the reason for changing it (other than that relegation mess). What's not to like about the best teams having to go at it from the word go rather than pussy footing their way through the NHL, win the odd game to stay up and safety secured for another year as was the case.
If you're struggling to get out of Div1B, then you're not good enough for Div1A, straightforward stuff IMO.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 31, 2014, 11:40:36 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 31, 2014, 09:58:15 AM
Just wanted to say well done to Antrim. Great hurling men, and I'm delighted ye are staying in with the relatively big boys in 2015. With Waterford coming down now as well, it's another big name that won't fancy facing the Saffrons. Also well done to Laois, great to see the progress they are making, although I'd prefer them to always be a slight bit behind Offaly, instead of leaving them in the slipstream. Chedder deserves a lot of credit.
For Offaly, it's a sad state of affairs. I didn't know if Sid would be able for a step up like this, to bring a youngish team with fragile confidence, but with some hurling, on to the next level. Unfortunately, he's brought us down to the next level. Hard to see where we go from here, but winning the play off with Carlow or Kerry is an absolute must, and then some sort of backlash in the championship. The fact that he's playing Colin Egan at centre back, and a sweeper when we HAVE the wind, wouldn't inspire confidence.
Finally, regarding that playoff situation that we find ourselves in. It's an absolute disgrace that Offaly have to play Carlow or Kerry to stay in Division 1B. The winners of 2A should be promoted automatically, and Offaly should already be down. It's an opportunity we have to grasp, and remember we were poxed lucky to beat Carlow last year, so it's no way a guarantee. However, if we do happen to beat them, I think Carlow or Kerry should kick up all holy hell at congress to make sure this never happens again. It would be a bitter pill, but we should be taking our medicine this morning, not planning the great escape.
Hard luck to offaly yesterday. I didn't see a sweeper deployed that much in the first half
The Offlay defence lines where moving out field for puck outs to bunch the middle third with six men on six. It was more of a deep roaming midfielder than sweeper
Rigney and hellion can hold the heads up but the rest where last to every ball
I think antrim has to take a bit of credit here rather than Sid getting it wrong
Felt sorry for offaly yesterday, there players looked really dejected after the whistle and we in antrim know what it's like
As for the new leauge system there is a bit of logic to have this match
What's the point in offaly playing 2a hurling if there better than the team coming up
I'm sorry but that's nonsense.
How are teams in 2a suppose to get any better if they aren't given a reward for winning their league and given a chance to test themselves against better opposition over the course of a league campaign.
If Offaly were good enough they wouldn't be in the position they are. It's farcical that they aren't relegated automatically imo.
I agree laoislad. If you based promotion and relegation solely on which team is better on paper, then a load of teams would never be promoted, and a load would never be relegated. Offaly have demonstrated in this league, in the games that matter, that they are the worst team in 1B. It's harsh, and possibly not a true reflection of ability, but it's the truth. They should be gone, and Carlow or Kerry should be up.
To be honest, as LS says, if Carlow or Kerry are odds against for that game against Offaly, they'd be worth a punt.
I was at Antrim v Offaly game. Offaly just never played after first 20 mins. Ger loughnanes comments are sadly accurate for quite a few Offaly players. P Shiels for Antrim was clear MOTM
Quote from: laoislad on March 31, 2014, 04:21:14 PM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 31, 2014, 11:40:36 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 31, 2014, 09:58:15 AM
Just wanted to say well done to Antrim. Great hurling men, and I'm delighted ye are staying in with the relatively big boys in 2015. With Waterford coming down now as well, it's another big name that won't fancy facing the Saffrons. Also well done to Laois, great to see the progress they are making, although I'd prefer them to always be a slight bit behind Offaly, instead of leaving them in the slipstream. Chedder deserves a lot of credit.
For Offaly, it's a sad state of affairs. I didn't know if Sid would be able for a step up like this, to bring a youngish team with fragile confidence, but with some hurling, on to the next level. Unfortunately, he's brought us down to the next level. Hard to see where we go from here, but winning the play off with Carlow or Kerry is an absolute must, and then some sort of backlash in the championship. The fact that he's playing Colin Egan at centre back, and a sweeper when we HAVE the wind, wouldn't inspire confidence.
Finally, regarding that playoff situation that we find ourselves in. It's an absolute disgrace that Offaly have to play Carlow or Kerry to stay in Division 1B. The winners of 2A should be promoted automatically, and Offaly should already be down. It's an opportunity we have to grasp, and remember we were poxed lucky to beat Carlow last year, so it's no way a guarantee. However, if we do happen to beat them, I think Carlow or Kerry should kick up all holy hell at congress to make sure this never happens again. It would be a bitter pill, but we should be taking our medicine this morning, not planning the great escape.
Hard luck to offaly yesterday. I didn't see a sweeper deployed that much in the first half
The Offlay defence lines where moving out field for puck outs to bunch the middle third with six men on six. It was more of a deep roaming midfielder than sweeper
Rigney and hellion can hold the heads up but the rest where last to every ball
I think antrim has to take a bit of credit here rather than Sid getting it wrong
Felt sorry for offaly yesterday, there players looked really dejected after the whistle and we in antrim know what it's like
As for the new leauge system there is a bit of logic to have this match
What's the point in offaly playing 2a hurling if there better than the team coming up
I'm sorry but that's nonsense.
How are teams in 2a suppose to get any better if they aren't given a reward for winning their league and given a chance to test themselves against better opposition over the course of a league campaign.
If Offaly were good enough they wouldn't be in the position they are. It's farcical that they aren't relegated automatically imo.
Imm sorry but imm not going to bow to general consensus here. It is unfair but not a complete travisty. If we(Antrim) would of got beat yesterday and had to go down I wouldn't have a problem at all. But if Carlow or Kerry can't beat offaly and them in a state of disarray then they might struggle in 1b anyway
In the old format antrim have been hovering around the top of division two for years. When we got promoted we where subjected to some tankings in div 1
If Kerry or Carlow Are good enough to progress and learn in 1b next year they will beat offaly anyway so it's a bit of a storm in a teacup
The leauge formats have been re-jiggged on a regular basis for years but the cream always rose to the top no matter what the format or division
For what it's worth I think Carlow will beat Kerry and give Offlay a run for there money
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on March 31, 2014, 04:48:12 PM
I was at Antrim v Offaly game. Offaly just never played after first 20 mins. Ger loughnanes comments are sadly accurate for quite a few Offaly players. P Shiels for Antrim was clear MOTM
I agree Sheilds when moved up changed the game in our favour
Funny thing is he had been doing that during the leauge
When we played Laois and got best by six points the Laois fans behind us thought he was the best player in the pitch
He's going well
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 31, 2014, 05:21:13 PM
Quote from: laoislad on March 31, 2014, 04:21:14 PM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on March 31, 2014, 11:40:36 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 31, 2014, 09:58:15 AM
Just wanted to say well done to Antrim. Great hurling men, and I'm delighted ye are staying in with the relatively big boys in 2015. With Waterford coming down now as well, it's another big name that won't fancy facing the Saffrons. Also well done to Laois, great to see the progress they are making, although I'd prefer them to always be a slight bit behind Offaly, instead of leaving them in the slipstream. Chedder deserves a lot of credit.
For Offaly, it's a sad state of affairs. I didn't know if Sid would be able for a step up like this, to bring a youngish team with fragile confidence, but with some hurling, on to the next level. Unfortunately, he's brought us down to the next level. Hard to see where we go from here, but winning the play off with Carlow or Kerry is an absolute must, and then some sort of backlash in the championship. The fact that he's playing Colin Egan at centre back, and a sweeper when we HAVE the wind, wouldn't inspire confidence.
Finally, regarding that playoff situation that we find ourselves in. It's an absolute disgrace that Offaly have to play Carlow or Kerry to stay in Division 1B. The winners of 2A should be promoted automatically, and Offaly should already be down. It's an opportunity we have to grasp, and remember we were poxed lucky to beat Carlow last year, so it's no way a guarantee. However, if we do happen to beat them, I think Carlow or Kerry should kick up all holy hell at congress to make sure this never happens again. It would be a bitter pill, but we should be taking our medicine this morning, not planning the great escape.
Hard luck to offaly yesterday. I didn't see a sweeper deployed that much in the first half
The Offlay defence lines where moving out field for puck outs to bunch the middle third with six men on six. It was more of a deep roaming midfielder than sweeper
Rigney and hellion can hold the heads up but the rest where last to every ball
I think antrim has to take a bit of credit here rather than Sid getting it wrong
Felt sorry for offaly yesterday, there players looked really dejected after the whistle and we in antrim know what it's like
As for the new leauge system there is a bit of logic to have this match
What's the point in offaly playing 2a hurling if there better than the team coming up
I'm sorry but that's nonsense.
How are teams in 2a suppose to get any better if they aren't given a reward for winning their league and given a chance to test themselves against better opposition over the course of a league campaign.
If Offaly were good enough they wouldn't be in the position they are. It's farcical that they aren't relegated automatically imo.
Imm sorry but imm not going to bow to general consensus here. It is unfair but not a complete travisty. If we(Antrim) would of got beat yesterday and had to go down I wouldn't have a problem at all. But if Carlow or Kerry can't beat offaly and them in a state of disarray then they might struggle in 1b anyway
In the old format antrim have been hovering around the top of division two for years. When we got promoted we where subjected to some tankings in div 1
If Kerry or Carlow Are good enough to progress and learn in 1b next year they will beat offaly anyway so it's a bit of a storm in a teacup
The leauge formats have been re-jiggged on a regular basis for years but the cream always rose to the top no matter what the format or division
For what it's worth I think Carlow will beat Kerry and give Offlay a run for there money
I agree, I think the reason for this is to avoid yo yo teams which has happened in the past. Hurling, unlike football, doesn't always have teams in lower divisions that could hold their own in the division above them. This has meant we've seen teams go up a division only to be hammered by all and sundry and go back down. I think this system is there to help prevent this and it has some merit.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 31, 2014, 02:13:35 PM
Have unearthed a few new lads like Ronan and Daithi Burke, Cathal Mannion, Padraig Brehony, etc. Conor Cooney, Niall Burke and Johnny Glynn seem to be improving.
Yeah some very encouraging performances from all those guys and Glynn in particular seems to have gone up a level.
Kerry beat Carlow at the weekend to set up their promotion/relegation battle with Offaly I presume will be this weekend.
We got beat in the Div2B final by Wicklow, bit disappointing but its a very different team to the one out last year with injuries, retirements and whatnot meaning a young outfit, but I'm sure they'll learn and improve if they're prepared to work at it. Lets not forget the Down team of the early 90's spent a good few years in the old Div3 and Div2 before they hit their purple patch.
Yeah, Kerry v Offaly is in Semple Stadium this Saturday at 6.30. Surprising in one sense because Carlow ran us so close last year, and were unlucky to go down. On the other hand Kerry have won all their games in Div 2A, and beat Carlow down in Tralee, so they are flying.
I'm really fearful for Offaly this Saturday, unless they pull themselves together sharpish. Of course if they do, they will beat Kerry going away, but if we are off the pace like we have been all spring, we'll be playing in 2A next year.
Seamus Darby lives in Borrisokane now... just a thought!
Have Kerry not imported a few Tipp lads as well as a Tipp manager?
They'll fancy it enough, but you'd think that Offaly might have a bit to spare, although I'd have feared for Antrim if they were in the playoff against Kerry!!
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 08, 2014, 09:22:44 AM
Yeah, Kerry v Offaly is in Semple Stadium this Saturday at 6.30. Surprising in one sense because Carlow ran us so close last year, and were unlucky to go down. On the other hand Kerry have won all their games in Div 2A, and beat Carlow down in Tralee, so they are flying.
I'm really fearful for Offaly this Saturday, unless they pull themselves together sharpish. Of course if they do, they will beat Kerry going away, but if we are off the pace like we have been all spring, we'll be playing in 2A next year.
Seamus Darby lives in Borrisokane now... just a thought!
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/faithful-being-tested-as-glory-years-fade-into-memory-1.1759362
Quote from: seafoid on April 12, 2014, 10:20:48 AM
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/faithful-being-tested-as-glory-years-fade-into-memory-1.1759362
You'd miss seeing Offaly in the big games. There was always something magical about them.
In other news, Nially Healy, Tan and Fergal Moore are all out of the Kilkenny game. It'll be a huge test, but a great indication of where we're really at.
Quote from: seafoid on April 12, 2014, 10:20:48 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 08, 2014, 09:22:44 AM
Yeah, Kerry v Offaly is in Semple Stadium this Saturday at 6.30. Surprising in one sense because Carlow ran us so close last year, and were unlucky to go down. On the other hand Kerry have won all their games in Div 2A, and beat Carlow down in Tralee, so they are flying.
I'm really fearful for Offaly this Saturday, unless they pull themselves together sharpish. Of course if they do, they will beat Kerry going away, but if we are off the pace like we have been all spring, we'll be playing in 2A next year.
Seamus Darby lives in Borrisokane now... just a thought!
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/faithful-being-tested-as-glory-years-fade-into-memory-1.1759362
You'd nearly cry reading that.
Was over in Thurles last night. Huge win for Offaly, but again I felt very sorry for Kerry. They should not have had to play that game. As it was, our nerves were obvious at the start. We were stuck to the ground against a Kerry team that hit the ground running. We played a crazy tactic of a short puckout, and we were 7-0 down after 8 or 10 minutes.
From then on we raised the pace a good bit and Kerry's touch couldn't live with the increased pace. Offaly didn't hurl particularly well at any stage, but were comfortably better from the 10th minute on, and won the 60 minute game by 21 points.
Anyway, Kilkenny will probably annihilate us in June, but at least we'll be playing good teams next spring again, and while it is wrong, at least we took advantage of it.
It was no fault of Offaly hurlers in the promotion/relegation scenario and they availed of the second opportunity to avoid the drop and no doubt somebody somewhere will see the scoreline as justification of the decision to implement such as process rather than look at how to help Kerry and Carlow make the step up to another level rather than hamper them.
Kerry are now back into a division where they won all games handsomely barring the Carlow final, how is that meant to promote hurling there?
You could tell Offaly felt embarrassed almost. Brian Carroll and Brian Whelehan alluded to it afterwards, although I'm not sure Brian Carroll's novel solution would work. ("Everyone should be allowed Division 1 hurling"). :D
Quote from: johnneycool on April 14, 2014, 08:58:52 AM
It was no fault of Offaly hurlers in the promotion/relegation scenario and they availed of the second opportunity to avoid the drop and no doubt somebody somewhere will see the scoreline as justification of the decision to implement such as process rather than look at how to help Kerry and Carlow make the step up to another level rather than hamper them.
Kerry are now back into a division where they won all games handsomely barring the Carlow final, how is that meant to promote hurling there?
And would getting hammered by all and sundry in division 1B help Kerry? While you can argue it's tough on Kerry is there any point in having Offaly, Kerry and Carlow yo yoing between the two divisions as has happened in the past? As AZ has pointed out, Offaly won the t0 minute game by 21 points, what kind of hammerings would they suffer next year in 1B?
I suppose you're right Zulu, but equally the point is what are the leagues designed to do? In all leagues I've ever heard of, the winner of the division goes up. I've seen scenarios where second place would play second bottom to decide whether there's another change, but always the winner goes up and last place goes down. I'm not sure why this doesn't pertain here. After all, if you put Carlow, Kerry, Laois and Westmeath in a hat, even a couple of years ago, you'd never bet much money that Laois would have beaten them all, but Laois have advanced, partly because they are in 1B. Carlow should have beaten Offaly last year.
Kerry would ship some awful hammerings in 1B, no doubt. The likes of Waterford and Limerick would murder them, and I suppose the fact that Offaly drew with Limerick should have pointed that way for this game as well. But hammerings, for a short while, can help too, depending on the attitude of the players and the management. Obviously the ideal scenario is that you play teams that are just a bit better than you, and Kerry would certainly have Offaly, Laois, Antrim and Wexford in their sights on that score, but now they've been denied that chance and it's a pity.
Quote from: Zulu on April 14, 2014, 09:54:21 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on April 14, 2014, 08:58:52 AM
It was no fault of Offaly hurlers in the promotion/relegation scenario and they availed of the second opportunity to avoid the drop and no doubt somebody somewhere will see the scoreline as justification of the decision to implement such as process rather than look at how to help Kerry and Carlow make the step up to another level rather than hamper them.
Kerry are now back into a division where they won all games handsomely barring the Carlow final, how is that meant to promote hurling there?
And would getting hammered by all and sundry in division 1B help Kerry? While you can argue it's tough on Kerry is there any point in having Offaly, Kerry and Carlow yo yoing between the two divisions as has happened in the past? As AZ has pointed out, Offaly won the t0 minute game by 21 points, what kind of hammerings would they suffer next year in 1B?
Similar type beatings Carlow took the year before last which weren't that big IIRC.
Carlow 0-16 - 2-15 Wexford (5 points)
Limerick 3-10 - 1-13 Carlow (6 points)
Carlow 1-10 - 1-12 Offaly (2 points)
Carlow 0-13 - 3-14 Antrim (10 points)
Dublin 3-15 - 0-11 Carlow (13 points)
Not too many drubbings there and they were pretty competitive throughout, who says Kerry wouldn't be the same?
Maybe they would but getting well beaten by Offaly wouldn't suggest they'd give anyone else in the division a good game. AZ asked what are the leagues designed to do and in the GAA world that's a difficult question to answer but particularly so in the hurling part. In football, winning a division means you probably are capable of competing in the division above you but in hurling that isn't necessarily the case so I think a playoff isn't the worst idea ever. If a team wins a division and can't beat the bottom team from the division above I'd query the benefits of sending them up.
Except in this case, Kerry weren't even playing the bottom team in 1B, they were playing the team that finished second bottom, with 3 points, and lost another playoff.
I can see the argument, but it sort of defeats the purpose of a meritocracy based system in my mind. You're playing against teams at your level, you beat them all, therefore you deserve to go up. If you can't survive at the level above, you learn from it and go back down.
But above all, and not for the first time, it's the inconsistency. Cork didn't have to beat Waterford to go up. But Kerry had to beat Offaly. And I'm almost positive a similar situation occurs lower down. Do the 2B champions come up automatically, but the 3A champions have to play 2B relegation candidates?
I think also Zulu, in fairness, you should say getting beaten by Offaly *at a neutral venue*. Carlow very nearly clipped Offaly's wings in Carlow last year. Who's to say Kerry wouldn't give Antrim, Laois or Wexford a right good run in Tralee?
Quote from: Zulu on April 14, 2014, 10:47:01 AM
Maybe they would but getting well beaten by Offaly wouldn't suggest they'd give anyone else in the division a good game. AZ asked what are the leagues designed to do and in the GAA world that's a difficult question to answer but particularly so in the hurling part. In football, winning a division means you probably are capable of competing in the division above you but in hurling that isn't necessarily the case so I think a playoff isn't the worst idea ever. If a team wins a division and can't beat the bottom team from the division above I'd query the benefits of sending them up.
Offaly have had the benefit of playing at the higher level all winter, against teams who aren't really up the championship pace especially in the initial stages. This no doubt stood to them in this game. IMO a Kerry or Carlow would hold their own quite well here and maybe not win games but be still in contention at the 60 minute mark. At least they'd have an incentive to lift a hurl next year, what incentive have they got now?
Quote from: johnneycool on April 14, 2014, 10:53:50 AM
Quote from: Zulu on April 14, 2014, 10:47:01 AM
Maybe they would but getting well beaten by Offaly wouldn't suggest they'd give anyone else in the division a good game. AZ asked what are the leagues designed to do and in the GAA world that's a difficult question to answer but particularly so in the hurling part. In football, winning a division means you probably are capable of competing in the division above you but in hurling that isn't necessarily the case so I think a playoff isn't the worst idea ever. If a team wins a division and can't beat the bottom team from the division above I'd query the benefits of sending them up.
Offaly have had the benefit of playing at the higher level all winter, against teams who aren't really up the championship pace especially in the initial stages. This no doubt stood to them in this game. IMO a Kerry or Carlow would hold their own quite well here and maybe not win games but be still in contention at the 60 minute mark. At least they'd have an incentive to lift a hurl next year, what incentive have they got now?
Their incentive is the Christy Ring Cup. It's not all doom and gloom for them. It's a pity but it's not the end of the world. If Kerry do the business and win 2A again next year, they should go up automatically, no question, but even if they don't I'd be hopeful it wouldn't be Offaly in that position again!
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 14, 2014, 10:55:50 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on April 14, 2014, 10:53:50 AM
Quote from: Zulu on April 14, 2014, 10:47:01 AM
Maybe they would but getting well beaten by Offaly wouldn't suggest they'd give anyone else in the division a good game. AZ asked what are the leagues designed to do and in the GAA world that's a difficult question to answer but particularly so in the hurling part. In football, winning a division means you probably are capable of competing in the division above you but in hurling that isn't necessarily the case so I think a playoff isn't the worst idea ever. If a team wins a division and can't beat the bottom team from the division above I'd query the benefits of sending them up.
Offaly have had the benefit of playing at the higher level all winter, against teams who aren't really up the championship pace especially in the initial stages. This no doubt stood to them in this game. IMO a Kerry or Carlow would hold their own quite well here and maybe not win games but be still in contention at the 60 minute mark. At least they'd have an incentive to lift a hurl next year, what incentive have they got now?
Their incentive is the Christy Ring Cup. It's not all doom and gloom for them. It's a pity but it's not the end of the world. If Kerry do the business and win 2A again next year, they should go up automatically, no question, but even if they don't I'd be hopeful it wouldn't be Offaly in that position again!
Kerry will win the CR cup at a canter this year, all their main competition they disposed off easily in the league or are Div2B teams.
Its theirs to loose.
Are Carlow in the Christy Ring?
I understand what your saying lads and in the main I agree. The only issue is the yo yo nature of the hurling leagues where even someone with a passing interest in hurling could probably name the top two and bottom two in each division long before it starts (div 1A being the likely exception). Now maybe Kerry would be competitive ad if so, then they should get their chance, but I'd be fairly confident that if Kerry went up they'd be back down within 12 months and Offaly would likely be back up. Anyway all these playoffs are only included to placate hurling counties that complain too much without any plan to develop hurling nationally.
I like Brian Carroll's suggestion that everyone should be allowed play Division 1 Hurling :D Sort that one out with fancy fixtures plans Zulu :D
(In fairness to Brian he was trying to say that he felt sorry/guilty for Kerry)
Quote from: Zulu on April 14, 2014, 11:02:40 AM
I understand what your saying lads and in the main I agree. The only issue is the yo yo nature of the hurling leagues where even someone with a passing interest in hurling could probably name the top two and bottom two in each division long before it starts (div 1A being the likely exception). Now maybe Kerry would be competitive ad if so, then they should get their chance, but I'd be fairly confident that if Kerry went up they'd be back down within 12 months and Offaly would likely be back up. Anyway all these playoffs are only included to placate hurling counties that complain too much without any plan to develop hurling nationally.
Also, I'd imagine 1B wouldn't be that easy to predict. Who'd have said Offaly and Antrim, when Wexford and Laois would be similar standard. You might have said it, but it wouldn't be with great confidence.
Perhaps but it was no great shock either.
QuoteI like Brian Carroll's suggestion that everyone should be allowed play Division 1 Hurling :D Sort that one out with fancy fixtures plans Zulu :D
I've given up that craic AZ, I'm dedicating my time to abolishing poverty, curing all disease and ending war which will be far easier than sorting out the GAA calendar.
Quote from: Zulu on April 14, 2014, 11:10:28 AM
Perhaps but it was no great shock either.
QuoteI like Brian Carroll's suggestion that everyone should be allowed play Division 1 Hurling :D Sort that one out with fancy fixtures plans Zulu :D
I've given up that craic AZ, I'm dedicating my time to abolishing poverty, curing all disease and ending war which will be far easier than sorting out the GAA calendar.
No shock maybe, but I doubt it was predicted by that many (outside Offaly maybe). We knew we'd be in trouble against Laois, and when they beat us the writing was on the wall. That's why the Limerick result was a pleasant surprise.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 14, 2014, 11:01:33 AM
Are Carlow in the Christy Ring?
No, they're in some sort of round robin group in the Leinster championship with Westmeath, Antrim and possibly Laois, can't be sure.
Oh, And London.
Yeah, I knew they were in that, but do they go into the Christy Ring if they lose out? I know that used to happen with Westmeath, Carlow and Laois I think...
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 14, 2014, 11:16:49 AM
Yeah, I knew they were in that, but do they go into the Christy Ring if they lose out? I know that used to happen with Westmeath, Carlow and Laois I think...
No, not any more.
Fair enough, then yes, I'd expect Kerry to win that. They have some nice hurlers, and when they were going well at the start, they looked very pacy. The problem they have is that they are not used to a team putting serious pressure on their first touch, or punishing mistakes. Offaly did that to a certain extent when we settled and raised the intensity.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 14, 2014, 11:33:40 AM
Fair enough, then yes, I'd expect Kerry to win that. They have some nice hurlers, and when they were going well at the start, they looked very pacy. The problem they have is that they are not used to a team putting serious pressure on their first touch, or punishing mistakes. Offaly did that to a certain extent when we settled and raised the intensity.
And they won't get that in the Christy Ring, nor next year in the leagues either. The GAA is failing teams in this position and continue to do so.
There needs to be proper progression path which currently doesn't exist and in all likely this HDC will stop thinking of hurling outside the top 10 or 12 teams as usual.
I'm agreeing with you :D
Any of the Galway lads know of their team for sunday yet with Tannian missing and what not?
Quote from: johnneycool on April 17, 2014, 03:00:25 PM
Any of the Galway lads know of their team for sunday yet with Tannian missing and what not?
I was reading that Tannian and Healy have hamstring injuries but might make it. Fergal Moore is almost definitely out with a broken finger and JC is set to start. Galway have a much better record in Limerick than Thurles so they'll be happy with the venue. Hopefully we'll get a big performance to set us up for the summer and a win would be a big bonus.
Tommy's wee brother isn't half bad.
The intensity that KK played that 2nd half with was incredible.
KK v Tipp should be another good game.
Meanwhile Clare are away sunning themselves.
No league title for Galway but it was a great league campaign and unearthed a few gems, especially the two Burkes and Brehony. Conor Cooney and Johnny Glynn look like serious inter-county players now too and Colm Callanan is looking like one of the best keepers in the country. There seems to be a lot of talk after yesterday about how our forwards aren't good enough but we're creating loads of chances. We've developed an annoying habit of blowing 5 or 6 goal chances a game but hopefully that can be put right. I can't see any reason for Damien Hayes not being in the team other than ageism, especially when we're lacking pace and he's still got it. And anyone who says Joe should be left in at full-forward should be disregarded as a spoofer as they obviously haven't paid any heed to his inter-county career.
I think we're serious contenders for the All-Ireland this year. Our forwards lack a bit of pace and scoring power on paper but there was no game in the league that we couldn't have won if we'd been more clinical. The outlook is a lot better than it was a few months ago.
Galway players seem to have bulked up no end . Seriously big team but I wonder will they be leg heavy later in the summer.
Reckon Tipperary are the team to fear this year.
Quote from: Asal Mor on April 21, 2014, 06:08:47 PM
No league title for Galway but it was a great league campaign and unearthed a few gems, especially the two Burkes and Brehony. Conor Cooney and Johnny Glynn look like serious inter-county players now too and Colm Callanan is looking like one of the best keepers in the country. There seems to be a lot of talk after yesterday about how our forwards aren't good enough but we're creating loads of chances. We've developed an annoying habit of blowing 5 or 6 goal chances a game but hopefully that can be put right. I can't see any reason for Damien Hayes not being in the team other than ageism, especially when we're lacking pace and he's still got it. And anyone who says Joe should be left in at full-forward should be disregarded as a spoofer as they obviously haven't paid any heed to his inter-county career.
I think we're serious contenders for the All-Ireland this year. Our forwards lack a bit of pace and scoring power on paper but there was no game in the league that we couldn't have won if we'd been more clinical. The outlook is a lot better than it was a few months ago.
It looks better than last year. The 2012 u21s are 2 years older, have more experience and the fullback and CHB positions look more settled
9/1 isn't a bad price
A lot more settled look about Galway for sure but some things would worry me about yesterday . Johnny Glynn ruins some great possession with terrible striking of the ball and silly decision making. Secondly the form joe displayed . He was poor and I just hope that it was some sort of after effect of his hamstring injury and not a indication of his form for this year. We need him at the top of his game . To be honest I don't care where he plays, too many people are hung up about him playing at 14 where I actually think that Glynn might be the better option there. Thirdly the way that the half forward line retreated so deeply in the second half, which allowed the cats to mop up and launch attack onto our backs . This has echoes of 2012 where there was too much of a defensive set up to the team but please god yesterday was just a response to the fact that callinan could not get any length to his puck outs in the second half. Now on a more positive note, the team has a more settled look to it. We have real competition for places, in the forwards we have as nailed on players... Joe, n Burke , c Cooney and then fighting for the other spots.. Glynn, mannion , Hayes, Flynn, d Burke , Healy , Donnellan ( who resumes club activity next week ), in midfield brehony, Smyth , d Burke or tannian ? Backs could be the 2 burkes, coen , Collins, Moore, Harte, hynes and tannian? Some amount of players to choose from to be sure but it's a nice problem to have right now. I would put us in a second bracket of teams behind Clare and Kilkenny !! That would put us in a similar place to tipp , Dublin and cork in my opinion but we have a lot of work left to do. We have yet to beat Dublin or Waterford in championship hurling and this would be a good year to start exercising those ghosts wouldn't it?? Such an intriguing year of hurling to look forward to, so many teams could do well, I just want Galway to be considered as one of those teams. Roll on the summer!!
I'd agree with most of that cicfada but I'd have Glynn as a nailed on starter at this stage. It would be a great boost if Cyril can get back to his 2012 form too. We look strong from 1-9 this year, but need Joe and a couple of others to find their form up front.
Joe was carrying his injury into Sunday's game apparently. Why he was played is beyond me? Galway had done OK in the league without him.
Would like to see Glynn at 14 as well. Don't think his stickwork is good enough under pressure further out the field but he is an absolute horse of a man and destroyed a few full-backs during the league when he was played there but Cunningham keeps moving him out the field. Any time he wins possession at 14 his marker is forced to foul him because he's just so strong.
Quote from: cicfada on April 21, 2014, 10:01:17 PM
A lot more settled look about Galway for sure but some things would worry me about yesterday . Johnny Glynn ruins some great possession with terrible striking of the ball and silly decision making. Secondly the form joe displayed . He was poor and I just hope that it was some sort of after effect of his hamstring injury and not a indication of his form for this year. We need him at the top of his game . To be honest I don't care where he plays, too many people are hung up about him playing at 14 where I actually think that Glynn might be the better option there. Thirdly the way that the half forward line retreated so deeply in the second half, which allowed the cats to mop up and launch attack onto our backs . This has echoes of 2012 where there was too much of a defensive set up to the team but please god yesterday was just a response to the fact that callinan could not get any length to his puck outs in the second half. Now on a more positive note, the team has a more settled look to it. We have real competition for places, in the forwards we have as nailed on players... Joe, n Burke , c Cooney and then fighting for the other spots.. Glynn, mannion , Hayes, Flynn, d Burke , Healy , Donnellan ( who resumes club activity next week ), in midfield brehony, Smyth , d Burke or tannian ? Backs could be the 2 burkes, coen , Collins, Moore, Harte, hynes and tannian? Some amount of players to choose from to be sure but it's a nice problem to have right now. I would put us in a second bracket of teams behind Clare and Kilkenny !! That would put us in a similar place to tipp , Dublin and cork in my opinion but we have a lot of work left to do. We have yet to beat Dublin or Waterford in championship hurling and this would be a good year to start exercising those ghosts wouldn't it?? Such an intriguing year of hurling to look forward to, so many teams could do well, I just want Galway to be considered as one of those teams. Roll on the summer!!
There will be a lot of training done between now and the summer.
I hope they can develop some tactical flexibility.
I don't think who plays in the league final is so relevant.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on April 22, 2014, 09:36:12 PM
Joe was carrying his injury into Sunday's game apparently. Why he was played is beyond me? Galway had done OK in the league without him.
Would like to see Glynn at 14 as well. Don't think his stickwork is good enough under pressure further out the field but he is an absolute horse of a man and destroyed a few full-backs during the league when he was played there but Cunningham keeps moving him out the field. Any time he wins possession at 14 his marker is forced to foul him because he's just so strong.
Glynn certainly had a good league campaign, but you fear that with the pace rising for c'ship, his sheer lack of 'close-in' skill and cumbersome striking will become more and more of a burden - an awful lot of ball falls off him rather than he catching it clean; agree though that he should be left at FF, with plenty of quicker, skillful players around him to work off him. Simply don't think that he and Donnellan can be played on the same team - both are so alike in awkwardness. Nearly above all requirements now, we need a strong, settled half-forward line, that can win ball, hurl, take scores and set up chances for those inside, not too much to ask is it?! Big Joe at no. 10 perhaps?
I'd like to see Joe playing around the middle, getting on the ball and using his vision, which is his greatest asset. Either way, there's far too much talk about Joe and where to play him. It's not his fault (he always seems very humble) but there's a lot more to Galway than Joe. Cooney and Glynn might be the main men in attack this year though as always, who knows until the big days come? Niall Burke, Donnellan, Damian Hayes, Niall Healy and Cathal Mannion all have the ability to do a lot of damage too. I'm a big fan of Glynn in particular. I've seen too many insipid Galway forwards over the last 20 years who went missing in big games. I think Glynn, with his physicality and battling nature is made for championship hurling. And Conor Cooney is a good lesson to those of us who are too quick to dismiss fellas after having a shaky start to his inter-county career. I thought he wasn't up to it but now he's looks the business. Maith an buachaill.
Tipp v KK on Sunday.
Should be interesting though both are pale shadows of former selves.
Quote from: orangeman on May 02, 2014, 09:56:34 PM
Tipp v KK on Sunday.
Should be interesting though both are pale shadows of former selves.
Well, they're both building new teams so we'll see in the summer how pale they are. They're still favorites and third favorites with the bookies, and are both well capable of winning the All-Ireland this year. Certainly, some of the big players from the '09-'12 battles are gone already or on the way out, but they'll always have exceptional talent coming through. Hopefully, they'll both really go for it tomorrow.
I can promise you they will go for it? Tipp v Kilkenny? Jaysus they'd try and beat each other in unislim!
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 03, 2014, 06:48:24 PM
I can promise you they will go for it? Tipp v Kilkenny? Jaysus they'd try and beat each other in unislim!
I read "Hurlingman" Considine's piece in yesterdays Examiner.
He's appealing to the linesmen and umpires not to interfere to stop off the ball stuff as " lads have to sort each other out" ::)
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 03, 2014, 06:48:24 PM
I can promise you they will go for it? Tipp v Kilkenny? Jaysus they'd try and beat each other in unislim!
Listening to it, it sounds like a championship game. Tipp will be serious contenders this year too. They've brought in a few quality young lads and Brendan, Padraig , Bonner Maher, Michael Cahill and Noel McGrath are all back in form.
Great game. It didn't really take off till into 2nd half but was real end to end stuff after that. Lovely move between Hogan and Reid to work the winning point from the sideline ball. Tipperary wouldn't be too happy with some of the decisions I'd say. Noel McGrath had a wide given in extra time when ball inside the post and a soft free was given against Tipp defender just after Kilkenny's 2nd penalty when it looked like great corner back play in a tussle with Shefflin.
Hopefully the championship games will be as good at that.
Cracking game. Thought ref a tad hard on Tipperary and one if not both penalties could easily have been frees out imo.
Still fancy Tipperary to make AIF.
Imo win for KK today may paper over a few cracks which will show themselves later in the summer.
Well done to both teams for a great game.
Middling match where both sets of defences and midfields dominated. Despite the win, I'd say Cody would be worried as only Richie Hogan in the forwards produced anything like a performance; Power, Reid (from play), Shefflin, Mark Kelly, Colin Fennelly to a degree, Walter Walsh (did he touch the ball?) all practical passengers. Tipp's division wasn't much better; Callinan, Noel McGrath and Bubbles only seen in fleeting patches, Shane Bourke had a 'mare, Bonnar worked hard but is awkward.
Both these sides could be a good bet not to play in September.
Quote from: Canalman on May 04, 2014, 08:42:09 PM
Cracking game. Thought ref a tad hard on Tipperary and one if not both penalties could easily have been frees out imo.
Still fancy Tipperary to make AIF.
Imo win for KK today may paper over a few cracks which will show themselves later in the summer.
Well done to both teams for a great game.
Was wondering that canal man. At the game I thought both penalties were harsh. Not sure what a backsman can do there.
I can see why the ref gave the penalties but both were soft enough. Some great fielding of the ball by both teams and backs to the wall stuff.
KK definitely not the team of old - how could they be I suppose.
There must have been a game of tiddly winks in the Tipp dugout on Sunday and Cody didn't want to lose it.
TIPPERARY County Board chairman Sean Nugent has laughed off his touchline spat with Kilkenny manager Brian Cody during the Allianz Hurling League final at Semple Stadium.
Nugent acknowledged that Cody was "seriously annoyed" when he marched towards the Tipp dugout during the first half before verbals were exchanged. It is understood that a remark was passed towards Cody from the Tipp bench – but not by Nugent.
Cody reacted by storming to the edge of the Tipp dugout and TV pictures showed that his anger was directed at Nugent, with Premier County board secretary Tim Floyd seated alongside him. Speaking after the game, Cody played down the incident and joked that he "made a mistake in what bench I was at".
Nugent adopted a similarly jovial stance when contacted yesterday.
"Brian came in just to look for directions to his own dugout. We gave him the directions and he went there. He said he was lost!" Nugent said.
"He was seriously annoyed at the time but in Tipperary we have immense respect for Brian. He's a passionate man about the whole thing and when you're that passionate, as the rest of us are as well, it can overflow at times. But it adds to the excitement of the whole occasion.
"We went to the Kilkenny dressing-room after the game and everything was grand. There's no problem at all that way. We have great respect for them."
Nugent admitted that the intense nature of the rivalry between Kilkenny and Tipperary helps to make the fixture what it is.
"It's absolutely intense," he said. "You'd find it hard to find words to describe what it is – with the emotion and the effect that it has on people."
Quote from: mouview on May 04, 2014, 08:53:13 PM
Middling match where both sets of defences and midfields dominated. Despite the win, I'd say Cody would be worried as only Richie Hogan in the forwards produced anything like a performance; Power, Reid (from play), Shefflin, Mark Kelly, Colin Fennelly to a degree, Walter Walsh (did he touch the ball?) all practical passengers. Tipp's division wasn't much better; Callinan, Noel McGrath and Bubbles only seen in fleeting patches, Shane Bourke had a 'mare, Bonnar worked hard but is awkward.
Both these sides could be a good bet not to play in September.
I'd say Eamon O'Shea would take another few awkward hurlers like Bonnar Maher in his forward division in the morning, he gets on some amount of ball and more often than not uses it well. Tipp will go nowhere without him, the others need to make themselves available when he does get on the ball.. The other Mahers solidify the centre of the Tipp defence well although Paudie has an achilles heel of big catching full forwards the last time he was in there, maybe he's learned from those chastening experiences. Hard to know what to make of the Tipp attack as Clare gave them an awful lot of space in the semi-final and they made good use of it, the Kilkenny defence are much tighter man markers and nullified them well. Wee Davy and TJ Ryan would have taken note.
Sad as it is, I think Henry is gone and if Cody is fair to the rest of the lads Henry should only be put on in the last 10 minutes or so as he hasn't got the legs anymore, a fact proved when the Tipp corner back was behind him and still somehow managed to sneak in front of him to steal the ball, incorrectly called by the referee as a foul for Shefflin. Mark Kelly wasn't going great guns either but somehow got hauled off first. Richie Hogan and TJ Reid have now to lead this team along with the Fennellys and Eoin Larkin. For the first time in a long time Cody has a few selection headaches in relation to the spine of his team, Hogan was OK on sunday but I thought Lester Ryan was better in previous games in the centre back position. Big Walter is the go to man for buck outs when he's stationed close to the right sideline but it hasn't worked to date and he's been out of sorts. Cody might get a reasonable warm up game against Offaly in the Leinster championship to put some of this right, but the Dubs and Galway could pose different threats later on.
Evidently Tony Considine doesn't agree with me on Henry and Walter;
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/hurling/the-cream-of-the-crop-so-far-267639.html (http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/hurling/the-cream-of-the-crop-so-far-267639.html)
What a wonderful League final with the only downside being the incorrect umpiring decisions favouring KK. We now have a wonderful Summer of hurling to look forward to with any 1 of 6 teams having a chance to win it, KK, Clare, Tipp, Cork, Dublin and Galway. Limerick have their own issues, Waterford have terrible injuries and Wexford and Offaly are a wee bit behind the other teams but still with the ability to create 1 shock. While Kilkenny may have won on Sunday, I was not blown away by them with 1 forward only playing well and that's Richie Hogan. Their backs are solid out but a worry for them would be that only Padraig Walsh stands out as the only real genuine find among their new players. Yes they're better than last year but I wonder will their lack of scoring (from play) hurt them later in the year?? Tipp really needed to win as they have now lost 5 or 6 times in critical matches to the cats since the 2010 final win. They are improving though and players like , Padraig Maher at 3,Brendan Maher at 6 and Bonner Maher at 11 provide a real spine to them this year. Clare are of course the champions and with so much competition for places are the team to beat. Forget about their league exit, they will be a lot better on the dry sod. Fitzgerald will have them primed and ready and isn't the Munster Championship now an enthralling prospect? Cork needed to find a few forwards in the league and to my mind, having seen them 3 times this year, they only have Alan Cadogan as a find. He plays for something like 10 teams between college, club, and county in both football and hurling. He is good though and expect him to make an impact this year.he return of Paudie Sullivan is a boost to them as well. More concerning for Cork would be a shaky half back line, imho, Christopher Joyce is not a centre back and this could be the Achilles heel of the team, Eoin Cadogan is more of a wrestler than a hurler but might be drafted in there to do the job.If Cork had a few more players like Seamus Harnedy they would be in much better shape, he is a fabulous player with great heart. Dublin and Galway have a lot in common, every second year seems to be good and bad for them and the pressure is on Dublin now to follow on from last year and there is a real pressure on them to reach the AI final, seeing as they were so close and a bad refereeing decision away from doing that last year. The draw is set up for them to reach the Leinster final this year so we have to wait and see I guess! Galway- my own county, the most exasperating team to follow, capable of absolute brilliance 1 minute and awful mediocrity the next! They look to be more settled this year and seem to have found a 3, R Burke, 6 Daithi Burke and Brehony in midfield. Add to that Conor Cooney and young Mannion in the corner. I just worry about the lack of pace in that forward line, plenty big enough allright but are there too many players of a similar ilk playing in that forward line? A big year for joe Canning this year, quite simply he has to produce the goods. The challenge is to use him to his maximum effectiveness while not depending on him. I hope he his given licence to roam as well, he is too easily marked at 14 and Cooney is doing well at the frees as well, Maybe Joe can take the long range ones and those 20 metre frees. If he has been watching Reid and Nash, there is full licence now, it would seem to bring the ball in as far as you like before hitting it!
A potentially great year of hurling to look forward to, let's hope the weather stays somewhat dry for it!!
Hogan only came on in Extra Time, or near the end of normal time I thought? He was warming up in front of us for most of the game. Jackie Tyrell was centre back for most of the game on Sunday. (He's a huge man by the way, I never realised that).
I think you're right about Shefflin. Maybe his fitness is not right yet, but he looked like an old man there on Sunday.
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 06, 2014, 11:50:40 AM
Hogan only came on in Extra Time, or near the end of normal time I thought? He was warming up in front of us for most of the game. Jackie Tyrell was centre back for most of the game on Sunday. (He's a huge man by the way, I never realised that).
I think you're right about Shefflin. Maybe his fitness is not right yet, but he looked like an old man there on Sunday.
You're right, Tyrell was centre back there and did ok in fairness.
TBH I think Cody will go with him there as he likes his big strong men in there to prevent people running through the centre of the defense and is experienced enough a leader as he may need to nurse some of the defenders through.
Kennedy will hold onto his corner back berth, I think he's handy enough, The younger Walsh will probably be drafted back into his older brothers position with Buckley on the other side. That'd give them a fair bit of pace to counteract the speedsters from Clare and where ever.
I still liked the cut of Lester Ryan in there, but too many changes at once won't be good for them. JJ and Jackie will get 3 and 6.
Good analysis there boys. Re the TJ free taking thing, I'm guessing that's something TJ worked on over the winter. I don't think he ever took them like that before?
Quote from: Asal Mor on May 06, 2014, 01:36:44 PM
Good analysis there boys. Re the TJ free taking thing, I'm guessing that's something TJ worked on over the winter. I don't think he ever took them like that before?
Reid was hitting the penalties on the 14 yard line, but wasn't able to generate the same power as Nash, scored both them though.
Quote from: cicfada on May 06, 2014, 11:49:21 AM
What a wonderful League final with the only downside being the incorrect umpiring decisions favouring KK. We now have a wonderful Summer of hurling to look forward to with any 1 of 6 teams having a chance to win it, KK, Clare, Tipp, Cork, Dublin and Galway. Limerick have their own issues, Waterford have terrible injuries and Wexford and Offaly are a wee bit behind the other teams but still with the ability to create 1 shock. While Kilkenny may have won on Sunday, I was not blown away by them with 1 forward only playing well and that's Richie Hogan. Their backs are solid out but a worry for them would be that only Padraig Walsh stands out as the only real genuine find among their new players. Yes they're better than last year but I wonder will their lack of scoring (from play) hurt them later in the year?? Tipp really needed to win as they have now lost 5 or 6 times in critical matches to the cats since the 2010 final win. They are improving though and players like , Padraig Maher at 3,Brendan Maher at 6 and Bonner Maher at 11 provide a real spine to them this year. Clare are of course the champions and with so much competition for places are the team to beat. Forget about their league exit, they will be a lot better on the dry sod. Fitzgerald will have them primed and ready and isn't the Munster Championship now an enthralling prospect? Cork needed to find a few forwards in the league and to my mind, having seen them 3 times this year, they only have Alan Cadogan as a find. He plays for something like 10 teams between college, club, and county in both football and hurling. He is good though and expect him to make an impact this year.he return of Paudie Sullivan is a boost to them as well. More concerning for Cork would be a shaky half back line, imho, Christopher Joyce is not a centre back and this could be the Achilles heel of the team, Eoin Cadogan is more of a wrestler than a hurler but might be drafted in there to do the job.If Cork had a few more players like Seamus Harnedy they would be in much better shape, he is a fabulous player with great heart. Dublin and Galway have a lot in common, every second year seems to be good and bad for them and the pressure is on Dublin now to follow on from last year and there is a real pressure on them to reach the AI final, seeing as they were so close and a bad refereeing decision away from doing that last year. The draw is set up for them to reach the Leinster final this year so we have to wait and see I guess! Galway- my own county, the most exasperating team to follow, capable of absolute brilliance 1 minute and awful mediocrity the next! They look to be more settled this year and seem to have found a 3, R Burke, 6 Daithi Burke and Brehony in midfield. Add to that Conor Cooney and young Mannion in the corner. I just worry about the lack of pace in that forward line, plenty big enough allright but are there too many players of a similar ilk playing in that forward line? A big year for joe Canning this year, quite simply he has to produce the goods. The challenge is to use him to his maximum effectiveness while not depending on him. I hope he his given licence to roam as well, he is too easily marked at 14 and Cooney is doing well at the frees as well, Maybe Joe can take the long range ones and those 20 metre frees. If he has been watching Reid and Nash, there is full licence now, it would seem to bring the ball in as far as you like before hitting it!
A potentially great year of hurling to look forward to, let's hope the weather stays somewhat dry for it!!
Don't necessarily think KK are better than last year; they also won the league then but got slower and more tired as the c'ship progressed, and their old players, of whom they have a few, are now a year older again. Individually, their forwards aren't always hectic and Henry is getting to the stage where the opposition are hoping that he is picked. The thing about KK, Man Utd-like, is that they're often greater than the sum of their parts.
Daithi Burke only played one game at no. 6 as far as I saw, but he's a great addition and is sure to be a part of the HB line in some position. HF line is the big imponderable now, with a happy balance of ball-winning and hurling ability crucially required. Think JC could play most of his hurling there this year, should also remain on frees, still the best around when tuned in.
I'd still be very wary of the KK forwards. I'd agree that Henry won't be a major threat anymore, but they've still got Hogan, TJ, Fennelly, Larkin, Walter Walsh and Richie Power. Some of them might not be in the best form of their careers but they're still potentially the best attack around.
Cooney's done a great job on the frees during the league mouview. I'd say no harm in letting him have them and then switching Joe onto them in the unlikely event that Cooney misses a few. IMO Canning is not as consistent as some other top freetakers, like Horgan, Ryan or potentially Cooney.