Hurling 2026

[marty34]

3 big finals this week-end. Hard to believe that we're on the home strait in terms of hurling for 2026.



A big prize for the Joe Mc Donagh winners. They always seem to be classics recently. I was at the high scoring win for Antrim V Kerry in '22. A fantastic game. The following year Carlow beat Offaly by 1 point in another high scoring encounter. My advice for Dublin and Galway fans would be to get in early. 



Offaly beat Laois in 2024 but my memory of that was a Laois lad was overblown for overcarrying near the end in front of us. A real harsh decision. He was in for a handy point. Offaly won by a couple of points iirc. Any Laois supporters remember that or am I dreaming? I'm getting older and the memory is not as good as it was.



Personally I fancy Laois but Carlow are warriors - hardy experienced lads. I always think there's a red card in Carlow. Maybe I'm completely wrong or biased, or both. They remind me, in a way, of Monaghan in the football. Always seem to punch above their weight and never give in. A great attitude. And that's not being disrepectful.



Carlow don't have too many clubs but have worked really hard to get to where they're at. They'll not fear Laois. But I think Laois will have too much for them. They too, have a solid group of experienced hurlers. I remember watching Picky Maher playing for Carlow IT a few years ago. A great player. Some achievement to be Laois' top scorer ever in championship hurling. Dunphy and Keyes are good hurlers also.



I hoping for another classic as the prize for the winner is good.

[Milltown Row2]

A couple of rules I would change is:

1. Like camogie, a person who is fouled inside their own 65m line can hit the free from their hand (but can't score). Just to speed the game up in open play.


2. When a referee throws a ball in ruck, he can throw it over lads heads and into space (without advantaging one team). A ruck usually comes of a ruck. Keep the play moving.


3. Granted, this is hard for referees but the quick puck out, without waiting on whistle, speeds up the game.

On the puck out, personally for me, as long as the players are outside the 21 they can puck it out as quickly as they want.. I like the hit from the hand also from those defensive frees too, but its gotta go like the tap and go, straight away.

The only way to stop the ruck occurring (when throwing in the ball), is give a free against the team that infringes first on the 13 meter rule, that will automatically stop the congregation around that scenario    

Would never work in a league game never mind in a red hot Munster championship match.

It's already a rule though..

[marty34]

A couple of rules I would change is:

1. Like camogie, a person who is fouled inside their own 65m line can hit the free from their hand (but can't score). Just to speed the game up in open play.


2. When a referee throws a ball in ruck, he can throw it over lads heads and into space (without advantaging one team). A ruck usually comes of a ruck. Keep the play moving.


3. Granted, this is hard for referees but the quick puck out, without waiting on whistle, speeds up the game.

On the puck out, personally for me, as long as the players are outside the 21 they can puck it out as quickly as they want.. I like the hit from the hand also from those defensive frees too, but its gotta go like the tap and go, straight away.

The only way to stop the ruck occurring (when throwing in the ball), is give a free against the team that infringes first on the 13 meter rule, that will automatically stop the congregation around that scenario    

Would never work in a league game never mind in a red hot Munster championship match.

It's already a rule though..

So is taking the correct number of steps.

[Genocide Organ]

Offaly beat Laois in 2024 but my memory of that was a Laois lad was overblown for overcarrying near the end in front of us. A real harsh decision. He was in for a handy point. Offaly won by a couple of points iirc. Any Laois supporters remember that or am I dreaming? I'm getting older and the memory is not as good as it was.

I think Offaly won by a goal in the end. That steps decision was a bit harsh but - even as a Laois supporter - correct. That was the one Laois should have won: they'd already beat Offaly in the round-robin, and they gave away a very soft goal from a puck out. Last year, on the other hand, Kildare were much better.

I sort of fancy Laois to do it. They lost first day out to Carlow, but they were set up completely wrong. The team looks more settled now, and playing more confidently. Mind you, I think the McDonagh standard has been poor enough this year.

[Milltown Row2]

A couple of rules I would change is:

1. Like camogie, a person who is fouled inside their own 65m line can hit the free from their hand (but can't score). Just to speed the game up in open play.


2. When a referee throws a ball in ruck, he can throw it over lads heads and into space (without advantaging one team). A ruck usually comes of a ruck. Keep the play moving.


3. Granted, this is hard for referees but the quick puck out, without waiting on whistle, speeds up the game.

On the puck out, personally for me, as long as the players are outside the 21 they can puck it out as quickly as they want.. I like the hit from the hand also from those defensive frees too, but its gotta go like the tap and go, straight away.

The only way to stop the ruck occurring (when throwing in the ball), is give a free against the team that infringes first on the 13 meter rule, that will automatically stop the congregation around that scenario    

Would never work in a league game never mind in a red hot Munster championship match.

It's already a rule though..

So is taking the correct number of steps.

Again both rules that are not being implemented along with the clear throwing of the ball at times.

As has been pointed out many times the onus is on the ref, and the pressures of a club league match may not hit the levels of Munster hurling final but (certainly as a ref) that's not how players managers and supporters hanging over the edge of the fence see it.

It's been pointed out many times to me on here, play the rules, or are the refs just trying to get on with it and trying to let it flow?

[johnnycool]

A couple of rules I would change is:

1. Like camogie, a person who is fouled inside their own 65m line can hit the free from their hand (but can't score). Just to speed the game up in open play.


2. When a referee throws a ball in ruck, he can throw it over lads heads and into space (without advantaging one team). A ruck usually comes of a ruck. Keep the play moving.


3. Granted, this is hard for referees but the quick puck out, without waiting on whistle, speeds up the game.

On the puck out, personally for me, as long as the players are outside the 21 they can puck it out as quickly as they want.. I like the hit from the hand also from those defensive frees too, but its gotta go like the tap and go, straight away.

The only way to stop the ruck occurring (when throwing in the ball), is give a free against the team that infringes first on the 13 meter rule, that will automatically stop the congregation around that scenario    

Would never work in a league game never mind in a red hot Munster championship match.

It's already a rule though..

So is taking the correct number of steps.

Again both rules that are not being implemented along with the clear throwing of the ball at times.

As has been pointed out many times the onus is on the ref, and the pressures of a club league match may not hit the levels of Munster hurling final but (certainly as a ref) that's not how players managers and supporters hanging over the edge of the fence see it.

It's been pointed out many times to me on here, play the rules, or are the refs just trying to get on with it and trying to let it flow?

and therein lies the conundrum for referees.

Waterford referee Tomas Walsh was lauded for the 2025 Munster final that went to extra time, but I'd say his assessor in the stands had him marked well down as he chose to be very lenient in blowing fouls for the tackling, overcarrying etc.
I don't think he got another game that year.

The thing is, if both teams do go out with honest endeavour and keep to within the realms of acceptability (open to personal definition) and don't openly flake the bejaysus out of one another then the referee is a great fella by the hurling elites.
BUT,
 as we saw down in Cork when things got a bit out of hand in the league v Tipp and two lads got straight reds, it was the refs fault.
Work that one out.

[Milltown Row2]

In the case of last years Munster final, I didn't bat an eyelid at the issues others brought up against Walsh and his officiating at the time, its not text book perfect but laid to a great game, same as the S'neil game that the ref just let them at it..

I'm (like yourself) looking at it with a different set of eyes, and if the ref is fair on how he views the 'tackle' for both then both managers and players will accept what's acceptable and go at it accordingly

Certain clubs will prefer certain refs over others depending on how he ref's, other clubs or players prefer maybe more protection..

As much as people want it to be an exact science, its not, people will bitch and moan regardless

[johnnycool]

enough of this rules shite.

Cork v Limerick.

Cork are one up already in championship meetings with their 2 point win down by the Lee at the end of April, but will they be able to do it again with injuries to key defenders and with little depth in this area?

They've Damian Cahalane listed as full back, if that is the case and they allow space in front of him for Guillane and the Bull to thrive, it could be tasty in there. I'd expect Coleman to be given a sitting job to offer support to him and the other defenders.
Limerick have a full deck to chose from

I fancy Limerick for this one, but only just and if they do meet again I may fancy with Cork with a fully firing Fitzgibbon back.

Dublin v Galway

Up in Croke Park, the Dubs will be full of confidence of doing the business after coming off the back of dumping the Cats out of the championship and beating Galway up in Salthill.

On the Salthill game Galway hit an awful lot of wides in the first half and were a wee bit aimless in their hurling in the second half.
Dublin are on the rise and Galway seem to have stabilised their performance levels a bit, so I'll go with the Dubs and I think could well be the more exciting of the two Provincial finals on offer this weekend.
That could be an egg on face statement come Sunday evening.

Laois V Carlow.
Laois will be under serious pressure to win the Joe McDonagh final on Saturday.

Losing the last finals may weigh heavily on them, and Carlow are no push overs.

I just think Carlow dropped a level of where they were and Laois have kicked on this year, so going for a Laois win.

[imtommygunn]

Yep - Limerick, Dublin Laois.

All should be tight enough games I would say.

[marty34]

The main event on Saturday evening is Dublin V Galway in Croke Park. This is an interesting game. Leinster has 'out performed' Munster this year. Mainly because of Dublin's progression but also because of Offaly's development, after a poor enough league it must be said. Throw into the mix, Kilkenny's downward spiral and you have a newsworthy campaign in Leinster. 



Dublin topped the league section. An early draw and With 2 games left - away in Galway and at home to Kilkenny, I were thinking the Dubs mightn't pick up any more points. But hey, they won the two of them and topped the group.



I like Dublin under Ó Ceallacháin. He's done well in a few years. As a manager and team, it's all about progression every year. They beat Limerick last year and are in a Leinster Final this year. That's progression. They're guaranteed another game also.



Dublin play a nice style and have tightened up at the back. They're a fluid team. They beat Kilkenny handy enough with no O'Donnell or Rushe. These two were down to start so they regigged quickly and it's a 'next man' up policy.  These two are named to start on Saturday evening. Experience in Croke Park in big games is crucial.



Galway will need to bring their A game to Croke Park. Funny enough I think CP suits both teams. I was disappointed that Galway held Niland back from their U20's recently. I don't understand that call at all. He came on but he should have started. Galway seem to have a good mix of experience and youth. They'll need big games from the Mannions X 2 and Conor Whealan.


I wouldn't rule out a draw but I think Dublin might edge it. I like the spirit and never give up attitude of their panel under Ó Ceallacháin.

[Saffrongael]

The main event on Saturday evening is Dublin V Galway in Croke Park. This is an interesting game. Leinster has 'out performed' Munster this year. Mainly because of Dublin's progression but also because of Offaly's development, after a poor enough league it must be said. Throw into the mix, Kilkenny's downward spiral and you have a newsworthy campaign in Leinster. 



Dublin topped the league section. An early draw and With 2 games left - away in Galway and at home to Kilkenny, I were thinking the Dubs mightn't pick up any more points. But hey, they won the two of them and topped the group.



I like Dublin under Ó Ceallacháin. He's done well in a few years. As a manager and team, it's all about progression every year. They beat Limerick last year and are in a Leinster Final this year. That's progression. They're guaranteed another game also.



Dublin play a nice style and have tightened up at the back. They're a fluid team. They beat Kilkenny handy enough with no O'Donnell or Rushe. These two were down to start so they regigged quickly and it's a 'next man' up policy.  These two are named to start on Saturday evening. Experience in Croke Park in big games is crucial.



Galway will need to bring their A game to Croke Park. Funny enough I think CP suits both teams. I was disappointed that Galway held Niland back from their U20's recently. I don't understand that call at all. He came on but he should have started. Galway seem to have a good mix of experience and youth. They'll need big games from the Mannions X 2 and Conor Whealan.


I wouldn't rule out a draw but I think Dublin might edge it. I like the spirit and never give up attitude of their panel under Ó Ceallacháin.

enough of this rules shite.

Cork v Limerick.

Cork are one up already in championship meetings with their 2 point win down by the Lee at the end of April, but will they be able to do it again with injuries to key defenders and with little depth in this area?

They've Damian Cahalane listed as full back, if that is the case and they allow space in front of him for Guillane and the Bull to thrive, it could be tasty in there. I'd expect Coleman to be given a sitting job to offer support to him and the other defenders.
Limerick have a full deck to chose from

I fancy Limerick for this one, but only just and if they do meet again I may fancy with Cork with a fully firing Fitzgibbon back.

Dublin v Galway

Up in Croke Park, the Dubs will be full of confidence of doing the business after coming off the back of dumping the Cats out of the championship and beating Galway up in Salthill.

On the Salthill game Galway hit an awful lot of wides in the first half and were a wee bit aimless in their hurling in the second half.
Dublin are on the rise and Galway seem to have stabilised their performance levels a bit, so I'll go with the Dubs and I think could well be the more exciting of the two Provincial finals on offer this weekend.
That could be an egg on face statement come Sunday evening.

Laois V Carlow.
Laois will be under serious pressure to win the Joe McDonagh final on Saturday.

Losing the last finals may weigh heavily on them, and Carlow are no push overs.

I just think Carlow dropped a level of where they were and Laois have kicked on this year, so going for a Laois win.

He's a sub

[Ash Smoker]

I was talking to a Carlow player during the week. He said it's all on the line for Carlow today. They have a strong generation right now, but the next generation are not at the same level. So they desperately want to get back to the top tier.

With Paddy Purcell and Cha Dwyer gone for a while, it's the ideal time to face Laois.

I'd give them the nod on that basis.

[johnnycool]

The main event on Saturday evening is Dublin V Galway in Croke Park. This is an interesting game. Leinster has 'out performed' Munster this year. Mainly because of Dublin's progression but also because of Offaly's development, after a poor enough league it must be said. Throw into the mix, Kilkenny's downward spiral and you have a newsworthy campaign in Leinster. 



Dublin topped the league section. An early draw and With 2 games left - away in Galway and at home to Kilkenny, I were thinking the Dubs mightn't pick up any more points. But hey, they won the two of them and topped the group.



I like Dublin under Ó Ceallacháin. He's done well in a few years. As a manager and team, it's all about progression every year. They beat Limerick last year and are in a Leinster Final this year. That's progression. They're guaranteed another game also.



Dublin play a nice style and have tightened up at the back. They're a fluid team. They beat Kilkenny handy enough with no O'Donnell or Rushe. These two were down to start so they regigged quickly and it's a 'next man' up policy.  These two are named to start on Saturday evening. Experience in Croke Park in big games is crucial.



Galway will need to bring their A game to Croke Park. Funny enough I think CP suits both teams. I was disappointed that Galway held Niland back from their U20's recently. I don't understand that call at all. He came on but he should have started. Galway seem to have a good mix of experience and youth. They'll need big games from the Mannions X 2 and Conor Whealan.


I wouldn't rule out a draw but I think Dublin might edge it. I like the spirit and never give up attitude of their panel under Ó Ceallacháin.

enough of this rules shite.

Cork v Limerick.

Cork are one up already in championship meetings with their 2 point win down by the Lee at the end of April, but will they be able to do it again with injuries to key defenders and with little depth in this area?

They've Damian Cahalane listed as full back, if that is the case and they allow space in front of him for Guillane and the Bull to thrive, it could be tasty in there. I'd expect Coleman to be given a sitting job to offer support to him and the other defenders.
Limerick have a full deck to chose from

I fancy Limerick for this one, but only just and if they do meet again I may fancy with Cork with a fully firing Fitzgibbon back.

Dublin v Galway

Up in Croke Park, the Dubs will be full of confidence of doing the business after coming off the back of dumping the Cats out of the championship and beating Galway up in Salthill.

On the Salthill game Galway hit an awful lot of wides in the first half and were a wee bit aimless in their hurling in the second half.
Dublin are on the rise and Galway seem to have stabilised their performance levels a bit, so I'll go with the Dubs and I think could well be the more exciting of the two Provincial finals on offer this weekend.
That could be an egg on face statement come Sunday evening.

Laois V Carlow.
Laois will be under serious pressure to win the Joe McDonagh final on Saturday.

Losing the last finals may weigh heavily on them, and Carlow are no push overs.

I just think Carlow dropped a level of where they were and Laois have kicked on this year, so going for a Laois win.

He's a sub

On the standby list I believe

[johnnycool]

Laois push on for the win.

Carlow hit serious wides, 21 in all I think. 

[Captain Obvious]

Typical Laois get so excited with winning a trophy that they break it.