Well there I was on the old board slamming Laois for making hurling the poor relation of the county and then last week I picks up the Leinster Express (the paper, not the train) to read all about the new plans for hurling.
It is the most eniouraging piece I have read in years, mainly because it is for once not about what they are going to do, but are doing. Basicly it is a three year plan. I think the used the Nicky English idea and scouted for around forty players and then they interviewed them as to what commitment they were prepared top give. (Apparantly all or nothing was the requirement)
Next step was to whittle them down to about 35 of a panel and set out a training schedule that involves six nights a week. Weights, Diets, Body Building, psychology and three practial games per week. A backroom team that has everything from a water carrier to sports scientists and all that goes with it as well and the program is already underway.
Training six nights a week and playing three games a week?
Anyway, we can't be blamed for not trying and I am glad to see that Ballinakill have four or five reps on the panel.
Best of luck to all of them and I am sure we will make the Leinster Final this year.
Jaysus I hope not.
Ah sure we can rely on ye to start beating each other before May, and Offaly will have a handy one :)
Funny enough, or not so funny depending on which way you look at it, as far as I can remember there are not that many from Castletown/Clonad/Ballinasloe Horse Fair on the selection.
That is probably because very few of them will actually be on this years senior panel but are going through "The Academy" !!!!!!
Ye produced one good hurler this year, Joe Bergin(?) and we produced another, James Young. Why in the name of jaysus we cant produce at least half a crop is what worries me. I was looking at the result of the Colleges SH League Final last night and of course no guessing that Kieran's College, the production line for the Cats won it by seven points.
I like what I am hearing in Laois though but the boys in Ballinakill were not happy campers when I asked them on Saturday saying that it was going to be the ruination of clubs. I complain about them not getting on the panel, they complain about them being on it, Laois as usual.
Good to see we need the likes of Laois, Dublin and Antrim, and you could also include Offaly and Limerick in that too, to be more competitive.
]img=http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7584/hurling2520warriorri4.jpg] (http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7584/hurling2520warriorri4.jpg)
Test to see can I post pic of Camross Player
Quote from: youbetterbelieveit on December 15, 2006, 11:36:49 AM
Good to see we need the likes of Laois, Dublin and Antrim, and you could also include Offaly and Limerick in that too, to be more competitive.
And wexford.
Sound good Bud, Hope it can pay off for Laois. Thats some serious dedication, training six nights a week with three matches sounds way too much if you ask me, will their clubs see these guys at all?
Budwiser, I read the same article on the Leinster express and yes it is very encouraging but knowhere did it say they are playing three games a week. One of the players on the panel from my club says things are going really well, and that they are training hard 5 times a week.
the most positive aspect is that its not a quick fix solution and that the plan is long term. As for Laois producing James Young last year, he has been our most consistent hurler for almost 4 years now.
As for beating Offaly, i wouldnt put any money on it yet. Too much of a gap to be bridged in one year.
Quote
As for Laois producing James Young last year, he has been our most consistent hurler for almost 4 years now.
What I meant was that he was All-Star material this year along with Bergin and it is the first year that we had a player of that calibre since Pat Critchley or Mag's Walsh. He was joint third highest scorer and I thought he might get the award - fecking Corkonians/Peoples Republic again of course.
I think the Laois team have more chance watchin the leinster final from the stand than playing in it if their last few years are anything to go by
"]I think the Laois team have more chance watchin the leinster final from the stand than playing in it if their last few years are anything to go by "
Well the one thing we have going for us is that we are not depending on a thick like you to get us through to a Leinster Final, or any other smart arse who are from one code counties. At least Wexford and Laois and Ofally produce football and hurling teams.
Here is the full article from the Leinster Express. When you or anyone like you can make that commitment then by all means come back with smart arse comments;
Laois hurlers take the initiative
THE first steps have been taken on the road to establishing a senior hurling squad in Laois that can realistically compete at inter-county level in the league and championship. The development project is now up and running and has already enjoyed a very positive response from the players.
The Laois Senior Hurling Development Squad Initiative is a three-year plan that involves working with a selected 30-man squad with an average age of 22 who will commit to undertake a demanding programme of fitness and skills training that will establish them as the core of the Laois Senior Hurling panel over the next three years.
Following an intensive trawl of players in the county, contact was made by the steering committee, through the club secretaries, with players identified as possible squad members. 36 hopefuls were interviewed on November 11 and 12. Five others who expressed interest could not attend for reasons that were deemed to be acceptable.
A week later the programme began in earnest with a trial game in Errill on Sunday 19th. The first practical training session took place in Clonad on the Wednesday, followed by a second practical session on Friday in Ballyfin. On Saturday the players were put through a comprehensive fitness-testing programme in St. Mary's hall in Portlaoise. On Sunday 26th the third practical skills training session was held in Clonad. The following week saw Wednesday and Friday training sessions, a seminar on diet and nutrition, and hydration and body fat testing in The Heritage on Saturday, with hurling training in Clonad last Sunday followed by a gym session to introduce the squad members to their weight training programme.
Following Sunday's session, the present open-ended squad, which will be reduced to 30 players after Christmas, was announced. They are:
Damien Bergin (Clogh Ballacolla), Michael Bermingham, (Mountmellick), John Brophy (Harps), Brian Campion (Rathowney Errill), Damien Carter (Balinakill), Noel Costello (Portlaoise), Gregory Delahunty (Harps) Noel Delaney (Kilcotton), Shane Dollard (Rathowney Errill), Tadgh Doran (Camross), Conor Dunne (Harps), Seamus Dwyer (Ballinakill), Brian Ferns (Castletown), Tommy Fitzgerald (Portlaoise), Kieran Fitzpatrick (Harps), Joe Fitzpatrick (Rathowney Errill), Cahir Healy (Portlaoise), Owen Houlihan (Rathowney Errill) Willie Hyland (Clogh Ballacolla), Eamon Jackman (Ballinakill), Declan Keenan (Castletown), Michael McEvoy (Clogh Ballacolla) John Joe McHugh (Ballyfin), Dermot McGill (Ballyfin), Patrick Mullaney (Castletown), Brian Mulligan (Portlaoise), Joe Phelan (Portlaoise), Phelan Jason (Rathowney Errill) Philip Russell (Galmoy), James Walsh (Ballinakill), John Walsh (Ballinakill) Matthew Whelan (Borris in Ossory), James Young (Tinnahinch).
Attendance at the squad sessions to date has been outstanding, with 100% commitment from the players attending. Their weekly programme is not for the faint-hearted. Monday, weights; Tuesday, squad training; Wednesday, distance run; Thursday, weights; Friday, squad training; Saturday, rest day; Sunday, squad training. By next summer it is envisaged that the squad will have three practical hurling sessions every week.
This is a three-year project. The Laois team manager Damian Fox, the management team and the members of the senior hurling development squad steering committee, which includes the county board and hurling board chairmen, emphasise that it is not a short-term knee-jerk reaction to the present state of Laois hurling They ask that hurling followers in Laois support the initiative by giving the players and the management team the time and space required to realise their objectives.
The full support of the Laois Hurling Clubs for this project is also vital. A complete understanding of the initiative by club officials and members is essential. To this end the steering committee has written to each hurling club to suggest that they include the "Laois Senior Hurling Development Squad Initiative" on the agenda for their AGMs. Members of the Laois Senior Hurling Development Squad Steering Committee will attend any Club AGM if requested. Or alternatively they will be more than willing to reply in writing to any queries or concerns that may arise in relation to steering committee or squad activities.
This is an ambitious project to which the development squad members have committed themselves. Opportunities like this do not come the way of Laois hurling very often. It must be grasped with both hands and fully supported to its three-year conclusion.
Quote from: Bud Wiser on December 15, 2006, 02:56:21 PM
"]I think the Laois team have more chance watchin the leinster final from the stand than playing in it if their last few years are anything to go by "
Well the one thing we have going for us is that we are not depending on a thick like you to get us through to a Leinster Final, or any other smart arse who are from one code counties. At least Wexford and Laois and Ofally produce football and hurling teams.
Relax be polite and come back to me. Ii'm just giving my very valid options you seem to get very disagreible when someone disagrees with you bud .
As for Dublin being a One code county maybe you should tell the County Board that and tell to to stop wasting their time with 3 development squads and winning underage leinster's
sorry gnevin, I am working out of an office down the back garden, the friggin roof had a big belly on it and just then there was this noise and gallons of water came down behind me and luckily not on all my office gear. Have to switch off all electrics and get out of here so we can have a good row another day...........not now though, in too much trouble here. (Torch on felt me arse ! Its 617799950... you have reached the offices of Allianze, press 1 for home claims....)
Quote from: Bud Wiser on December 15, 2006, 02:56:21 PM
"]I think the Laois team have more chance watchin the leinster final from the stand than playing in it if their last few years are anything to go by "
Well the one thing we have going for us is that we are not depending on a thick like you to get us through to a Leinster Final, or any other smart arse who are from one code counties. At least Wexford and Laois and Ofally produce football and hurling teams.
oooOOOoo ;D ;D ;D ;D
Read that article too Bud Wiser and was also impressed.I'd Love to see Laois Hurling up there with the best in the country I remember a time in the 80's when Laois hurling were almost there.We got to a couple of Leinster Finals but could never get over the finishing line.
I wonder if Casletown and Camross could sort out their difference's then we might have a chance of doing something
God too be honest i'd would rather see Laois beat Kilkenny in a Leinster hurling final than see our footballers beat Dublin in the football
Quote from: Bud Wiser on December 15, 2006, 11:22:12 AM
Well there I was on the old board slamming Laois for making hurling the poor relation of the county and then last week I picks up the Leinster Express (the paper, not the train) to read all about the new plans for hurling.
It is the most eniouraging piece I have read in years, mainly because it is for once not about what they are going to do, but are doing. Basicly it is a three year plan. I think the used the Nicky English idea and scouted for around forty players and then they interviewed them as to what commitment they were prepared top give. (Apparantly all or nothing was the requirement)
Next step was to whittle them down to about 35 of a panel and set out a training schedule that involves six nights a week. Weights, Diets, Body Building, psychology and three practial games per week. A backroom team that has everything from a water carrier to sports scientists and all that goes with it as well and the program is already underway.
Training six nights a week and playing three games a week?
Anyway, we can't be blamed for not trying and I am glad to see that Ballinakill have four or five reps on the panel.
Best of luck to all of them and I am sure we will make the Leinster Final this year.
Agreed Bud, and about feckin' time too. With all due respect to the two previous managers, their preparations were light years off even the basic requirements. I'm not talking about training trips to La Manga either, essentials like hot meals after training and gym access were not provided. Whatever about our chances of success, at least this year we can travel in support in the knowledge that our Seniors are fit, looked after and motivated. Laois will be hopping off the ground come championship against Offaly in Tullamore. Perhaps they are too young yet to beat them, but I for one can't wait to see how the year pans out.
To be fair to Gnevin, going by the last few years Laois hurling would appear to be in dire straights. I don't think it has been a fair reflection of hurling in the county though. I can't remember the last time we have had such a promising crop of players in the 18-25 age group. I genuinely believe it wont be too long before we have 6 or 7 hurlers up there with James Young as players who can hold their own in any hurling company. Thats not to say this will be good enough to win a Leinster final or even get to one, but it is a lot more promising than we have been for the last few years.
Regarding the new training regime, five nights a week might seem like overkill but Fox has stated that our basic fitness is miles off other counties, hence the early physical work. Once the base fitness improves, training will be back to a more manageable 3 nights a week. Like yourself Bud, I know a few lads going and the mood already is good. It's a fierce pity the Camross lads aren't going, Zane Keenan in particular is a huge loss.
Anyway, it is very early days yet and only a few steps have been taken, but at least they are steps in the right direction.
Great first post greatgame, with more like that you'll be a welcome addition around here. I think every hurling fan would like to see Laois get to the level where they're able to give the cats a scare, the same goes for all the so called weak hurling counties.
Good to see- but with the intensity of that training - they will hit the wall come june- if they are still involved. It's a good idea and hopfully it will pay dividends for them -just that there is no way they will be able to keep that up. They aren't professional athletes- who don't even train to those levels- i'd question the sanity of those who set it out.
Quote from: Josey Whales on December 16, 2006, 07:34:12 PM
Good to see- but with the intensity of that training - they will hit the wall come june- if they are still involved. It's a good idea and hopfully it will pay dividends for them -just that there is no way they will be able to keep that up. They aren't professional athletes- who don't even train to those levels- i'd question the sanity of those who set it out.
Josey, after talking to a current pannelist my understanding is that the tough physical training 5 nights a week will only continue for maybe another month, two at the most, and then they will be back to 3 nights a week doing drills, matches etc.
I must confess that I too had my worries when I heard about the schedule, but apparently the players are embracing it. Hopefully the extra levels of fitness could help produce a productive Walsh Cup or win the div.2 League. After only 1 competitive win last year, Laois shouldn't look any further than that for the moment.
Ah, that makes more sense. It will be interesting to see how they progress.
Actually as a matter of interest what is the feeling in Laois about the work Paudie Butler did there? I heard at the time that the feeling was positive, but did he leave coaching structures - systems in place that should see an improvement in laois hurling in the future? I hope so, obviously, as he's taken on quite a job now as the national hurling manager.
QuoteIi'm just giving my very valid options you seem to get very disagreible when someone disagrees with you bud .
Read all about it. Cat calls dog hairy! ::)
Quote from: tayto on December 18, 2006, 11:06:38 AM
Actually as a matter of interest what is the feeling in Laois about the work Paudie Butler did there? I heard at the time that the feeling was positive, but did he leave coaching structures - systems in place that should see an improvement in laois hurling in the future? I hope so, obviously, as he's taken on quite a job now as the national hurling manager.
The view is fairly varied on Butler, tayto. On one hand he gained and maintained Div.1 status and seemed to make the hurlers fairly competitive in the league with a few big wins, including beating Galway by 9 points and relegating Offaly. On the other hand his managerial skills have been questioned. For example, when Laois played Wexford in the Leinster semi-final in 2004, their instructions from Butler were to rain high ball down on the Wexford full back line which was made up of Keith Rossiter, Darragh Ryan and DOC.....despite a great start Laois never had a fighting chance due to this crazy strategy.
He is undoubtedly a brilliant coach, probably one of the best in Ireland I would think. I've seen him working with u16's, and it is incredible how quickly he can bring hurlers on. I'd have every confidence that he will do a great job in his new role as national hurling manager. His love for the game and drive to see it nurtured is infectious.
Regarding structures, the "Setanta" programme, the brainchild of former Laois All-Star Pat Critchley is a fantastic initiative which would warm the heart of any long suffering Laois hurling follower. Basically groups of between 60 and 80 young hurlers from u10 and upward are trained together throughout the year by coaches who have a passion for Laois hurling. I've a younger brother participating and have attended a few sessions and it is fantastic to see. The emphasis is on fun, participation, sportsmanship and to develop a pride in playing for Laois which is perhaps the biggest ingredient missing in many of our players from minor upwards. Crucially, attendance didn't plummet after the first few months, in other words it is not just the novelty factor keeping them going. These kids are really enjoying it. Also, while initially planned for the summer months while the kids are on holidays from school, the programme is continuing throughout the winter months in indoor locations. An indication, perhaps, that both players and mentors are there for the long haul.
I'm back!
"To be fair to Gnevin, going by the last few years Laois hurling would appear to be in dire straights."
The Great Game..... I did apologise to gnevin. The roof came in on me, the whole office and me were flooded and I was like a lunatic here.
With regard to the initial training schedule I'd say there were a few mind games being played by way of seeing who was prepared to give it the full lash and thankfully the lads have responded. Leinster needs Laois hurling more than Laois need to commit to this and it is a huge chunk of time out of any young lads social life so if per chance any of them peek in here to this forum let it be known that their coimmitment along with the trainers is acknowledged by all of us.
As for Pat Critchley, I have been a great admirer of Pat down through the years and Laois owe him a lot of thanks. His Setanta idea could be the answer to the conveyer belt out of St Kierans that provides the Cats with their young lads and I have to say I am a little excited about this whole development.
thanks for the low down GG, i'd be more interested in the coaching structures that he put in place rather then his managerial ability. I've yet to hear a bad word about his coaching sessions, I would really like to know his overall plan for promoting hurling, saw a piece on him at the weekend and he seemed positive about the state of the game which is refreshing.
Well lads let hope someone comes up with a system to give the cats a game, Leinster hurling needs challengers badly, even Kilkenny fans would like to see someone give them a game. Wexford seem to be working on it as well, Dublin's underage setup is well documented. What are Offaly doing? Too quiet over ther for my liking!
Quote from: Billys Boots on December 18, 2006, 11:42:20 AM
QuoteIi'm just giving my very valid options you seem to get very disagreible when someone disagrees with you bud .
Read all about it. Cat calls dog hairy! ::)
Care too explain Mr Boots?
Do I really need to?
QuoteWhat are Offaly doing? Too quiet over ther for my liking!
We're doing nothing. Nothing at all. Move along. Nothing to see here.
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 19, 2006, 01:57:53 PM
QuoteWhat are Offaly doing? Too quiet over ther for my liking!
We're doing nothing. Nothing at all. Move along. Nothing to see here.
;D ;D ;D
I know you don't have as far to improve as some of us but are there any initiatives going on your way or just business as usual? development squads set-up?
Laois will be playing against Dublin in Rathdowney later today (Saturday January 27th).
They accounted for An Dún fairly comfortably last weekend at the same venue with a 2-15 to 1-09 win.