Messages

1

Laois / Re: Laois - Bits & Pieces

« on: August 14, 2019, 01:48:05 PM »

Definitely a hurl in Laois. In most of Munster it'd be a 'hurley'.

I would say that those who call it a hurl are in a minority among hurling counties. "Two hands on the hurl" is definitely stronger in Laois and Wexford at matches! Munster and Galway call it a hurley. Not sure about Offaly, Kilkenny or Westmeath. A quick search of makers shows mostly 'hurley makers' but I did see hurl makers in Dublin and Wexford.

A "hurl" in Kilkenny and Offaly too. The trend seems to be Munster and Galway its "hurley" and Leinster its a "hurl"

Listening to Sambo McNaughton last night talking about walking down the streets in the 6 counties with hurls in their hands and what that symbolized. It seems it may well be a North / East thing (Ulster / Leinster) to call it a hurl and a South / West (Munster / Galway) to call it a hurley. Camán does the trick, immune from regional varation.

It funny as I don't think people from our region particular care either way whats its called. But I remember when I hurled in Sydney for a few years, there was a few Cork lads on our team and anytime anybody referred to it as a "hurl" you could nearly see their heads explode. They just couldn't fathom it.

2

Laois / Re: Laois - Bits & Pieces

« on: August 13, 2019, 08:53:55 AM »

Definitely a hurl in Laois. In most of Munster it'd be a 'hurley'.

I would say that those who call it a hurl are in a minority among hurling counties. "Two hands on the hurl" is definitely stronger in Laois and Wexford at matches! Munster and Galway call it a hurley. Not sure about Offaly, Kilkenny or Westmeath. A quick search of makers shows mostly 'hurley makers' but I did see hurl makers in Dublin and Wexford.

A "hurl" in Kilkenny and Offaly too. The trend seems to be Munster and Galway its "hurley" and Leinster its a "hurl"

3

Laois / Re: Laois Senior Hurling Championship 2019

« on: August 06, 2019, 12:15:02 PM »

The change of format doesn't help at all. The previous format was very cut & thrust. Awaiting a draw after each round, trying to avoid certain teams etc. This format, to me, has removed that excitement and unpredictability. Back to the dreary plotting and planning ahead.

Under the old format, tomorrow evening you would have Borris, Ballacolla, Castletown & probably Rathdowney going into a hat.  3 of them hoping for Castletown.
Similarly you would have had Camross, Portlaoise, Abbeyleix & probably Ballinakill. 3 of them praying they didn't get Camross.

This new format in it's second year has done nothing to improve standards, interest, excitement or attendance. Time to revert!

The format won’t fix much at this time. 3 or 4 years ago Clough Ballacolla, Abbeyleix and Ballinakill were competitive. Hard to see any of them being competitors now and Portlaoise look intermediate standard. Castletown are the only improving senior team with a pipeline but are still a good bit back as yet.

A bit understated to say Clough Ballacolla were only 'competitive' 3 or 4 years ago. Considering they won it 4 years ago and were pipped by a point in the final 2 years ago. Yes their not the same team but they are well ahead of Abbeyleix and Ballinakill to their credit.

Fair enough - CB were one of the form teams up to about 2 years ago. They were poor last year and look to be ageing. Their senior success was built on the back of a run of very strong minor teams which has dried up in the last few years as you would expect from a fairly small rural club. No disrespect intended and hopefully things turn around. The general point I was making is that there are fewer strong senior teams in the last couple of years due to a drop (temporary I would imagine) in the form of some of the better clubs. I also agree they are a good bit stronger than Ballinakill or Abbeyleix and still have plenty of very strong hurlers. Even if you include CB in a top 4, there is a chasm down to the next level of Ballinakill, Portlaoise, Abbeyleix and to a lesser extent Castletown at this stage. Not that it was ever any different in Laois mind you. Historically in any given year there have been a max of 4 really competitive teams.

Agree, this year it does look like a shoot-out between only B/K, R/E and Camross to see who claims the crown. However, there has been far less competitive years in Laois hurling down through the decades. This year I think Rathdowney/Erill will have too much for the rest.

4

Laois / Re: Laois Senior Hurling Championship 2019

« on: August 06, 2019, 09:30:41 AM »

The change of format doesn't help at all. The previous format was very cut & thrust. Awaiting a draw after each round, trying to avoid certain teams etc. This format, to me, has removed that excitement and unpredictability. Back to the dreary plotting and planning ahead.

Under the old format, tomorrow evening you would have Borris, Ballacolla, Castletown & probably Rathdowney going into a hat.  3 of them hoping for Castletown.
Similarly you would have had Camross, Portlaoise, Abbeyleix & probably Ballinakill. 3 of them praying they didn't get Camross.

This new format in it's second year has done nothing to improve standards, interest, excitement or attendance. Time to revert!

The format won’t fix much at this time. 3 or 4 years ago Clough Ballacolla, Abbeyleix and Ballinakill were competitive. Hard to see any of them being competitors now and Portlaoise look intermediate standard. Castletown are the only improving senior team with a pipeline but are still a good bit back as yet.

A bit understated to say Clough Ballacolla were only 'competitive' 3 or 4 years ago. Considering they won it 4 years ago and were pipped by a point in the final 2 years ago. Yes their not the same team but they are well ahead of Abbeyleix and Ballinakill to their credit.

5

Laois / Re: Club Hurling

« on: October 10, 2018, 05:09:41 PM »

That's another sad part about the whole episode. Very immature behaviour towards your county teammate. Sad day for Laois hurling when that's happening. Could have huge affect in the next few months when panel is coming together.

Eddie biggest challenge was to try and get the strongest possible panel from the players available to him. This has been made next to impossible now, cant see the RE lads getting on board with whatever Camross contingent is involved. Its beginning to leave a real bitter after taste now.

6

Laois / Re: Club Hurling

« on: October 10, 2018, 02:09:08 PM »

Jesus, just seen the snapchats. Shocking, my view has completely changed. I gave them the benefit of the doubt, but to see players  mocking a great hurler and servant to Laois in this way is inexcusable.

I have held back on commenting on this as usually when reports like this come out it takes a few days before we find out what actually happened. Now when I seen the video and see that "tooth fairy" snap its actually disgraceful. To actually brag about putting a man in hospital with a serious facial injury in beyond belief. Laois hurling back in dark times after days like Sunday.