Is there an All Ireland Hurling Final this weekend?

[bottlethrower7]

Thought the game ran very much to plan and as I said last week it was like 2002 all over again when Clare "ambushed" Waterford in the semis and then Kilkenny beat them with ease in the final. Without doubt I think that Waterford or indeed Cork would have really put it up to Kilkenny yesterday and would have been far better equipped to capitalise on the loss of Hickey and Shefflin. Hard to see big Dan not getting at least one goal against the Cats if he had have been playing yesterday.

I felt it had the makings of another 2002 as well, though didn't want to say it. From the start it looked like there was an element of 'being happy to be there' about Limerick. They didn't look bull-headed and as wound-up as I thought they would be. Small things like the lack of intensity in their warm-up, Players going out of their way to shake hand with opponents that they weren't even marking. Its a nice gesture and all but I couldn't imagine Galway or Clare lads doing it.

The platform for victory was obviously that first 10 minute spell, and it was set up by the dominance of the half-back line, in particular JJ and Tommy Walsh. From then on, as Micheal Duignan said, they did play a little within themselves, but as has also been said, they did what they needed to do. Obviously I'm delighted at the success of this Kilkenny team and the joy they bring to the people of the county. And of course theres the extra poignancy of this year's victory given recent events. And what a lovely touch to allow young Darren up to lift the cup with Henry. I know hes been a huge inspiration to the lads and has been at every game and training session. It was lovely to see him running around all the team after the game and their reaction when they saw him. It was one of those priceless moments.

This Kilkenny team, as with any team will go through a cycle. They are at the top of their powers at the moment but it won't last forever. They will have the likes of Richie Hogan knocking on the door next year and shouldn't lose anyone from the current crop. They should be as selfish as they can be and maximise what they have to the full. The next lean spell could be just around the corner and they shouldn't have to apologise for winning as much as they can with these players.

Championship formats, passages to the final, etc, are arguments for another time. For now, congrats to Kilkenny. Not a perfect team by any means, but I reckon they're the best team of my lifetime in so many ways, including those of 92,93 and my absolute favourite ever, those of 82,83.

[Pull Hard Hes No Relation]

In fairness Bottlethrower I think this current Kilkenny team far surpasses those of 92/93 and 82/83 in terms of their longevity at the "top" played in every All Ireland bar two since 99. While I have been one of their biggest "critics" in terms of the advanatge I think the current format gives them there is no denying the quality of this team.

I remember the 82/83 finals myself, was there in the stand as a "young fella" wishing for JBM to dot he business for the Rebels but Kilkenny denied them on both occasions. Some great hurlers in that side like the Henderson's, Billy Fitzpatrick etc but don't think they had the same level of overall class throughout the field as this current team. While the backs in 82/83 were big strong hard men, the current crop of defenders can mix it with the best of them but also hurl.

Comparing teams from different generations will always be difficult due to the changes in the game over that same peiord but I geneuinely beleive that the current Kilkenny, Cork and Waterford teams are probably the best to represent their counties in the past 30 years at least.

[bottlethrower7]

Comparing teams from different generations will always be difficult due to the changes in the game over that same peiord but I geneuinely beleive that the current Kilkenny, Cork and Waterford teams are probably the best to represent their counties in the past 30 years at least.

agreed, its apples and oranges. Its probably fair to say that the game has evolved so much in the last 20 years that even the great Galway teams of the late 80s might have difficulty living with the Galway team of today. Its idle speculation though. Who knows how good some of the players of that era might be if they were playing and training in the environment that exists today. Some mightn't cut it with the higher intensity and fitness levels. Others though might be even better than some of the stars today. Who knows.

[magpie seanie]

although the ref was biased to Limerick, should Eddie Brennan not have seen two yellows in the first half? He put the butt of the hurl in Lucey's face and then also hit the corner back in the face with the hurl after that!! He came in for a bit of rough treatment.

I totally agree Louth Exile but no-one else seems to have noticed. I thought Brennan was very a lucky boy. BT or any of the other hurling aficionados - whaddya think?

Edit - I see there was a little discussion on another thread about it but would still be interested in peoples comments on the two incidents.

Would also have rated Tommy Walsh as MOTM. Some hurler.

[bottlethrower7]

I totally agree Louth Exile but no-one else seems to have noticed. I thought Brennan was very a lucky boy. BT or any of the other hurling aficionados - whaddya think?

I didn't think anything of it at the time. It looked innocuous enough. I haven't seen any footage of it on TV either so can't comment on that. Brennan is far from a dirty player though, so I'd seriously doubt there was any intent in anything he did.

[Croí na hÉireann]

I would agree than Brennan isn't a dirty player generally and indeed doesn't have a rep but he should have walked on Sun. First instance was clear cut on the telly and deserved at least a yellow. Second instance not as apparent but if u look at the replay from behind and after Hickey hits the ground you see Brennan hurl bobbing up and down as he has it gripped at the boss end, only one reason for this IMO, to butt end Hickey. Doubt he'd be aiming to do serious facial damage though. Another incident of note that hasn't been discussed here is after Hickey pulled up with his hamstring. The camera pans back to the square and Fitzgerald can be seen as if he's reacting to something Hickey done and holding his mouth. My opinion for what it's worth is that he knew his day was over and tried to rattle the nearest Limerick man, same as Dara O'Se the week before. Not exactly sporting IF that's what transpired.

[johnneycool]

If you look closely enough as Hickey was running after Mike Fitz and pulled up with his hamstring, Fitz collected the ball and turned into Hickey, Hickey then took a one handed swipe at him with the hurley and must of caught him about the chin probably as he knew that if Fitz got passed him there was a goal chance on. Better to give away the free than to let that happen, eh!!

[Pull Hard Hes No Relation]

Yeah Hickey definitely struck Fitzgerald with the hurl alright one handed as he thought he was about to round him and head for goal. Strictly speaking it was striking with the hurl and I was amazed the ref didn't see it.

To be honest I thought the Hickey pull was worse than anything that Brennan did and would be surprised at the allegation of Brennan "butting" through the face guard on purpose. Never heard that sort of allegation against the Cats before and after the Shefflin issue V Clare a couple of years ago were he nearly lost an eye would be surprised if they were at it.