Messages

They were good.
Castletown Geoghegan were below what I expected of them.

I think the ref could have settled for a yellow rather than sending the player off.

Possibly.
I wouldn't have any issue with that.
The split weeks need to stay however.

I don't really see any better way of doing it?

Sure we have to accommodate the Rosenallis & Ballyfins & Clonaslees.

The likes of CB &'RE are stretched on very few occasions in the early stages. So if their management teams of team 1 & team 2 are working together it should be fairly obvious who is going to hurl what game.
If their management teams are not aligned it's an internal matter, not a County Board problem.

Also, having both teams prepping for championship the same weekend is less disruptive than the alternative.

CB were good & fully deserved the win. Very unusual for Camross to flop in a final.
D Maher held his own. I need not have worried.
Picky had some cameo!

Castletown were very good in the minor. Even in the first half, when Phelan was doing all the scoring, their front 6 were performing better than the scoring stats suggested.
Bittersweet to win a back to back minor but be relegated from senior.

Indictment in our game in the county that that referee is allowed anywhere near our top hurling day in the county

Unfortunately I agree. Egomaniac. Not fit to grace the occasion

Yes. I was offended because all posters didn't agree with me. That's exactly it

I'd highly doubt Darren Maher is anywhere near an online forum to check out what people think of him.

Do you think Camross will target him?
Edit- I think they will.

Is there anything offensive, personal or incorrect in what I have said?

Saying that somebody may have to be dropped is not offensive. Don't claim that it is.
I've no doubt Darren Maher will be discussed in Camross over the next 10 days.

Could Darren Maher turn around and hurl well next week? Of course he could.

But Jesus, if you can't express an opinion as mildly as I did there the board should just be closed down.

Does Darren Maher have to go for the final?
I think he will be targeted. Eddie Dwyer yesterday is a very different prospect to Keyes/Dowling/Ciaran Collier/Darren Drennan

It will take a major change in Ballacolla's performance level to win this one.

I don't know if those named above leave Castletown much worse off than most clubs. Most clubs are short 5 or 6 with travel and injury.

Apart from Conor Phelan, who are Castletown short?

Id have to say that Rathdowney Errill getting wiped out from 8-12 contributed to the ball Mossy was getting.
Their half forward line in particular was absolutely shocking from the 20 minute mark on.

Ballinakill did do as expected and give absolutely everything. Fair play to them.

I was also very against the expansion to 10 teams. But I was wrong clearly.

Now, I'd nearly be questioning the value in relegating Castletown, but that is on them.

I like the look of Rathdowney Errill and think they might shade it tomorrow.
They should have a big performance in them, and time is ticking if they are going to add another title to there trophy cabinet. They have disappointed when it has come to these kind of games over the past few years, but I have a feeling they will come good tomorrow.

Ballinakill will die with their boots on, but surely it won't be enough to take the champions out.

I fancy Rathdowney Errill and Clonad in the PIHC and IHC today.

I think Castletown might have enough for Portlaoise. The only thing is that Portlaoise having no football distraction this past 3 weeks will surely have been an unexpected boost to preparations.

How did the ref get on?

I think so too!

Ballinakill, unfortunately, won't have a sufficient number of plugs for all the gaps that need to be filled the next day.
Still, a very good year for them.

There's truth on both sides here.
There has been a cohort of hurling referees in the county who have gotten totally out of hand in the past 10-15 years.
Some disgraceful things have been ignored or allowed through when all including the county board knew there was skullduggery/settling of scores/downright dishonesty at play.
I don't think this incident falls into that category.
A simple mistake was made. It's up to the rule makers to pass judgement afterwards, but stepping the referee down wouldn't be appropriate.

If there's one thing Shane Keegan can't resist it's a podcast.
What in the name of god was this expected to achieve?
So much to be done, and someone thinks this is a good use of time.