this weekend sees the start of competitive action in both provincial round robins.
Who's going to make a few predictions?
Wexford v Antrim (Wexford for me, Davy Fitz to say Wexford were extra motivated due to his involvement with Antrim :o )
Kilkenny v Galway (Kilkenny have the more developed team)
Dublin v Offaly (The Dubs should have enough)
Clare v Cork (Cork to squeak over the line against a fired up Clare)
Tipp v Limerick (Limerick have too much on this current Tipp team who may be in a bad place mentally after the pounding they took in the league final)
The Munster championship is streets ahead of anything in Gaelic games..
It's do or die from the first whistle
Clare going with the tried and trusted from 2024 AI winning team barring the injured Shane O'Donnell. As reigning AI champions I'd be expecting fire and brimstone from them as the Cork lads arrive down in Ennis.
The interesting selection so far today is that Nicky Quaid is selected to start in goals for Limerick just over 5 months after they announced he'd had the ACL operation.
That is a serious quick recovery if true.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2025, 12:31:41 PMThe Munster championship is streets ahead of anything in Gaelic games..
It's do or die from the first whistle
Come back to me when Kerry are let play in the Munster championship
Fecking disgraceful setup
Quote from: tiempo on April 18, 2025, 12:49:14 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2025, 12:31:41 PMThe Munster championship is streets ahead of anything in Gaelic games..
It's do or die from the first whistle
Come back to me when Kerry are let play in the Munster championship
Fecking disgraceful setup
Ok
Quote from: tiempo on April 18, 2025, 12:49:14 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2025, 12:31:41 PMThe Munster championship is streets ahead of anything in Gaelic games..
It's do or die from the first whistle
Come back to me when Kerry are let play in the Munster championship
Fecking disgraceful setup
We should also come back to you when Tyrone are let play in the Ulster Hurling Championship.
Wexford v Antrim
Kilkenny v Galway
Dublin v Offaly
Clare v Cork
Tipp v Limerick
Disappointed in the Antrim lineup - looks like a sweeper being deployed.
Have a sneaky feeling for Clare.
Dubs, kk and limerick otherwise.
Quote from: johnnycool on April 18, 2025, 04:07:54 PMQuote from: tiempo on April 18, 2025, 12:49:14 PMQuote from: Milltown Row2 on April 18, 2025, 12:31:41 PMThe Munster championship is streets ahead of anything in Gaelic games..
It's do or die from the first whistle
Come back to me when Kerry are let play in the Munster championship
Fecking disgraceful setup
We should also come back to you when Tyrone are let play in the Ulster Hurling Championship.
I'm settling for a Tyrone club hurling league
Galway were dung, they have went backwards at an alarming rate, missing few players but that was a poor showing today
They were shocking in the league - so far off the pace. Hard to believe they have went that far back especially given they're up there at underage most years.
8,243 is all that attended Kilkenny v Galway yesterday. Is it just Munster and the All-Ireland series for well attended Hurling matches nowadays?
Cork will walk it. Expect them to lay down and hammer an over the hill Clare team. Paddy Power has paid out on Cork winning the hurling All Ireland.
https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/paddy-power-payout-for-cork-to-win-all-ireland/a1435350766.html
Quote from: LarryStiles on April 20, 2025, 11:57:23 AMCork will walk it. Expect them to lay down and hammer an over the hill Clare team. Paddy Power has paid out on Cork winning the hurling All Ireland.
https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/paddy-power-payout-for-cork-to-win-all-ireland/a1435350766.html
They won't walk it, but they have the strongest team and bench right now.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on April 20, 2025, 10:33:54 AM8,243 is all that attended Kilkenny v Galway yesterday. Is it just Munster and the All-Ireland series for well attended Hurling matches nowadays?
Munster hurling championship is the only championship in either code that gets any promotion.
Quote from: snoopdog on April 22, 2025, 03:10:20 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on April 20, 2025, 10:33:54 AM8,243 is all that attended Kilkenny v Galway yesterday. Is it just Munster and the All-Ireland series for well attended Hurling matches nowadays?
Munster hurling championship is the only championship in either code that gets any promotion.
I think the quality of the games is what promotes the Munster shc. The hurling community would argue they are sidelined and last year the majority of their round robin fixtures were on gaago.
Quote from: ardtole on April 22, 2025, 07:13:36 PMQuote from: snoopdog on April 22, 2025, 03:10:20 PMQuote from: Captain Obvious on April 20, 2025, 10:33:54 AM8,243 is all that attended Kilkenny v Galway yesterday. Is it just Munster and the All-Ireland series for well attended Hurling matches nowadays?
Munster hurling championship is the only championship in either code that gets any promotion.
I think the quality of the games is what promotes the Munster shc. The hurling community would argue they are sidelined and last year the majority of their round robin fixtures were on gaago.
Almost all Cork hurlers Munster games were on GAAGO last year and only a fool would think that this wasn't anything other than a commercial decision.
Within Munster you have some huge supporter bases, Cities like Limerick and Cork have big GAA followings, Tipp is a huge county and whilst their supporters deserted them last year they will now believe they've a team they can get behind.
Clare are AI champions and now have the bandwagon up and running, whereas poor Waterford will be perceived to be the whipping boys yet again, but they've still some fine hurlers in their ranks and won't lie down, they probably won't bring a big support though unless they can get a good result against Clare this weekend...
I'd recommend a Munster hurling final to anyone with an interest in sport, let alone hurling. It's a unique experience that'll make the hairs stand on the back of your neck.
I still prefer Thurles as a venue though over Cork or Limerick, the bars in and around Liberty square will be packed out into the street and then heading over the railway bridge to Tom Semples field with the roads thronged with fans from all and sundry.
Great day out.
I see the Cork media are now saying the hype has gotten to the Cork team, this is the very same media who has hyped them up in the first place based on the league win.
That's the downside of having so much local media in Cork, from the examiner ( i know they think they're national, but the GAA content suggests otherwise) the echo and a few other radio stations...
https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41617270.html (https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41617270.html)
I think they're still in the mix for the Munster title and the AI, but Clare did expose a few aerial weaknesses that others will have taken note off, but big Duggan is probably the best in the air at the minute now that TJ is on the wane.
Its getting a ticket Johnny, I've been lucky enough to get there and experience it in Thurles, Waterford's win, what a team to not win an All Ireland and when the eventually got to the final will be remembered for all the wrong reasons
The top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
Quote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
No Cark? You not buying the hype G@@?
Tipp winning the AI? That's a huge leap even PremierView would struggle to justify...
Still think Leinsters battle is for the 3rd spot. It's between Galway, Wexford and Offaly.
Dubs have the odd poor performance in them as well to make the 2nd spot interesting.
Quote from: johnnycool on April 23, 2025, 01:34:40 PMI see the Cork media are now saying the hype has gotten to the Cork team, this is the very same media who has hyped them up in the first place based on the league win.
That's the downside of having so much local media in Cork, from the examiner ( i know they think they're national, but the GAA content suggests otherwise) the echo and a few other radio stations...
https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41617270.html (https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41617270.html)
I'm not going to worry about Cork. After their 6 goal performance against Clare in the league, then running riot in the first half, it was only natural for them to have a let down. 13 goals their final three league games...it was all getting too easy for them.
They'll get their focus back and I can't see anyone stopping them. My only reservation: teams on legendary championship droughts can have the worst luck derail them.
I think they're still in the mix for the Munster title and the AI, but Clare did expose a few aerial weaknesses that others will have taken note off, but big Duggan is probably the best in the air at the minute now that TJ is on the wane.
Quote from: johnnycool on April 24, 2025, 09:46:07 AMQuote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
No Cark? You not buying the hype G@@?
Tipp winning the AI? That's a huge leap even PremierView would struggle to justify...
Still think Leinsters battle is for the 3rd spot. It's between Galway, Wexford and Offaly.
Dubs have the odd poor performance in them as well to make the 2nd spot interesting.
I think #2 spot in Leinster is up for grabs. Dublin haven't done anything to suggest they are favourites. Offaly are untested at this level. Lee Chin on his own isn't enough for Wexford.
Quote from: seafoid on April 24, 2025, 12:49:03 PMQuote from: johnnycool on April 24, 2025, 09:46:07 AMQuote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
No Cark? You not buying the hype G@@?
Tipp winning the AI? That's a huge leap even PremierView would struggle to justify...
Still think Leinsters battle is for the 3rd spot. It's between Galway, Wexford and Offaly.
Dubs have the odd poor performance in them as well to make the 2nd spot interesting.
I think #2 spot in Leinster is up for grabs. Dublin haven't done anything to suggest they are favourites. Offaly are untested at this level. Lee Chin on his own isn't enough for Wexford.
Dublins inability to get out of Div1B would suggest they're still a bit off the highest levels and will do well to beat both Wexford and Galway, I think they'll drop points in one of these games but still have enough to hold onto the second spot.
Offaly won't beat either Galway or Wexford.
Quote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
Clare won't make it out of Munster. The big 3 of Tipp, Cork and Limerick will.
Quote from: Premier Emperor on April 24, 2025, 04:50:49 PMQuote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
Clare won't make it out of Munster. The big 3 of Tipp, Cork and Limerick will.
One swallow doesn't make a summer, there are signs of something about Tipp that they'll be in the mix and putting Limerick to the pin of their collar is a good start. They'll need to lay to rest the demons of their last trip down to Leeside pretty quickly to face a Cork team looking to answer the questions they weren't able to answer against little old Clare.
Tipp will either win by one or two or get beat by ten to twelve points and they'll need a real good start to put a bit of the jitters up Cork.
The hay won't be saved until the first Saturday in June either way.
Tipp's rather unexpected draw with Limerick was a great start for them. I still fancy Cork to prevail on Sunday but Tipp' should have enough at home over Waterford and then face a very winnable (probable) decider in Ennis. Big weekend for the Deise, who've picked a fairly strong-looking side; Austin Gleeson returns I notice. Clare were at times useless, at times admirable last weekend, but Cork really shot themselves in the foot by not holding out. In spite of a lot of results to the contrary, I still think Clare are grossly in excess of the sum of their parts, ( a back-handed compliment I'd say) and I would nearly expect a home win for Waterford on Sunday.
Quote from: mouview on April 25, 2025, 12:48:09 PMTipp's rather unexpected draw with Limerick was a great start for them. I still fancy Cork to prevail on Sunday but Tipp' should have enough at home over Waterford and then face a very winnable (probable) decider in Ennis. Big weekend for the Deise, who've picked a fairly strong-looking side; Austin Gleeson returns I notice. Clare were at times useless, at times admirable last weekend, but Cork really shot themselves in the foot by not holding out. In spite of a lot of results to the contrary, I still think Clare are grossly in excess of the sum of their parts, ( a back-handed compliment I'd say) and I would nearly expect a home win for Waterford on Sunday.
Waterford are the unknowns for me, yes they're expected to be the bottom of the 5 in Munster and very well may be, that doesn't mean to say they don't have the capabilities and players to pull off a win along the way.
I don't think they've a game plan or pattern of play figured out though that will get the most out of the individuals available to them.
Where you believe Clare are better than the sum of their parts is valid and down to good management and character within the team, Waterford are the exact opposite, the sum of their parts should be better than what they produce as a team. Has Queally the wherewithal to make the difference we'll find out soon enough.
It's still Clare for me but only just
I'll go for Cork in the other Munster game and we'll see how the Tipp public get behind their team on Sunday as well after a decent start to the campaign.
In Leinster I think the big game is the Dubs V Wexford, I'm kinda slightly favouring Wexford, for no particular reason other than seeing the strawberry pickers going well and getting to the knock out phases would be good for hurling.
Kilkenny will have too much for Antrim, that's no disrespect to Antrim, but when Davy Fitz is running after big Nugent to come back and him the size of two men doesn't suggest he's much confidence in his current panel.
Offaly v Galway could be interesting with Daithi Burke back in at full back, probably for his aerial prowess on Duignan Jnr. Still see Galway winning that one now they've Kilkenny out of the way.
Quote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
Cork? Surely to god? Paddypower have paid out on then for Liam already
Quote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
Tipp or Waterford will qualify with Cork and Limerick though expect Cork to hammer them. Tipp usually fill the togs at sight of Cork Jersey.
Quote from: Premier Emperor on April 24, 2025, 04:50:49 PMQuote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
Clare won't make it out of Munster. The big 3 of Tipp, Cork and Limerick will.
It is more certain now that Clare won't even get out of Munster. The worst All Ireland winners since 2013.
Quote from: Premier Emperor on April 28, 2025, 09:29:34 AMQuote from: Premier Emperor on April 24, 2025, 04:50:49 PMQuote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
Clare won't make it out of Munster. The big 3 of Tipp, Cork and Limerick will.
It is more certain now that Clare won't even get out of Munster. The worst All Ireland winners since 2013.
;D
Really wide open now. Tipp and Clare and Tipp Waterford big ones - Tipp can probably finish Clare off there. You would expect Cork and Limerick to come through ok.I couldn't see Clare beating Limerick and would probably say the same for Waterford.
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 28, 2025, 11:12:34 AMReally wide open now. Tipp and Clare and Tipp Waterford big ones - Tipp can probably finish Clare off there. You would expect Cork and Limerick to come through ok.I couldn't see Clare beating Limerick and would probably say the same for Waterford.
We don't really know where Limerick are as yet though. If they dispatch Waterford with ease this weekend in Walsh park then we can say the battle for the third spot is between Waterford, Tipp and Clare and Clare are now seriously handicapped in the head to head with Waterford.
It's tight either way still
Niall Rigney sees the problem too.
https://x.com/laoishurler/status/1916597063632253113
Quote from: Premier Emperor on April 28, 2025, 01:12:20 PMNiall Rigney sees the problem too.
https://x.com/laoishurler/status/1916597063632253113
Be manly, not an issue in any of that and if you give a slap then man up and expect to get it back and not bitch about it.. But in the young lads case it wasn't provoked from what I seen, he started and what has happened resulted in Tipp losing the match, they probably would have lost anyways but don't give the ref a 'hard' call to make
Yeah don't think he gave the officials much option. All the umpires from behind would have seen was him driving the hurl into the Cork lad and him hitting the deck, what else do they tell the ref.
Even the Ref looked disappointed at the end when LC was giving off to him about it, basically shrugged his shoulders and was like what else could he do.
Thought Tipp battled rightly after it, but the game was gone.
Cork still a level above everyone at the moment, but wondering if they can maintain that level for the rest of the games to come.
Quote from: NAG1 on April 28, 2025, 03:39:47 PMYeah don't think he gave the officials much option. All the umpires from behind would have seen was him driving the hurl into the Cork lad and him hitting the deck, what else do they tell the ref.
Even the Ref looked disappointed at the end when LC was giving off to him about it, basically shrugged his shoulders and was like what else could he do.
Cahill can't be blaming the ref for him failing to keep his players under control.
What sort of loony team talk did Cahill give Tipp to have a teenager go out and launch such an assault?
Quote from: Lamps on April 28, 2025, 05:29:13 PMQuote from: NAG1 on April 28, 2025, 03:39:47 PMYeah don't think he gave the officials much option. All the umpires from behind would have seen was him driving the hurl into the Cork lad and him hitting the deck, what else do they tell the ref.
Even the Ref looked disappointed at the end when LC was giving off to him about it, basically shrugged his shoulders and was like what else could he do.
Cahill can't be blaming the ref for him failing to keep his players under control.
What sort of loony team talk did Cahill give Tipp to have a teenager go out and launch such an assault?
Not sure he would have went that far, but it definitely did seem like a part of the game plan to get some rucks and messing going at the start of the game.
Maybe trying to upset the Cork rhythm. Backfired.
Quote from: NAG1 on April 29, 2025, 08:07:46 AMQuote from: Lamps on April 28, 2025, 05:29:13 PMQuote from: NAG1 on April 28, 2025, 03:39:47 PMYeah don't think he gave the officials much option. All the umpires from behind would have seen was him driving the hurl into the Cork lad and him hitting the deck, what else do they tell the ref.
Even the Ref looked disappointed at the end when LC was giving off to him about it, basically shrugged his shoulders and was like what else could he do.
Cahill can't be blaming the ref for him failing to keep his players under control.
What sort of loony team talk did Cahill give Tipp to have a teenager go out and launch such an assault?
Not sure he would have went that far, but it definitely did seem like a part of the game plan to get some rucks and messing going at the start of the game.
Maybe trying to upset the Cork rhythm. Backfired.
It backfired only because the referee singled out one player for what was thought to be a dig to the balls when all around there was all and sundry going on including one Cork player "pushing" his head into a Tipp lad.
If Dalton was punished by a red card rather than McCarthy Tipp could rightly say it worked.
Clare got about Cork in the second half in a similar manner, one Cork lad reacted and got a red, thems the breaks
Hurling was very sanitised for a lot of years, this is kinda a throwback to the 90's, is that a bad thing?
Every team needs a Sylvie Linnane ;)
Quote from: johnnycool on May 01, 2025, 08:30:52 AMQuote from: NAG1 on April 29, 2025, 08:07:46 AMQuote from: Lamps on April 28, 2025, 05:29:13 PMQuote from: NAG1 on April 28, 2025, 03:39:47 PMYeah don't think he gave the officials much option. All the umpires from behind would have seen was him driving the hurl into the Cork lad and him hitting the deck, what else do they tell the ref.
Even the Ref looked disappointed at the end when LC was giving off to him about it, basically shrugged his shoulders and was like what else could he do.
Cahill can't be blaming the ref for him failing to keep his players under control.
What sort of loony team talk did Cahill give Tipp to have a teenager go out and launch such an assault?
Not sure he would have went that far, but it definitely did seem like a part of the game plan to get some rucks and messing going at the start of the game.
Maybe trying to upset the Cork rhythm. Backfired.
It backfired only because the referee singled out one player for what was thought to be a dig to the balls when all around there was all and sundry going on including one Cork player "pushing" his head into a Tipp lad.
If Dalton was punished by a red card rather than McCarthy Tipp could rightly say it worked.
Clare got about Cork in the second half in a similar manner, one Cork lad reacted and got a red, thems the breaks
Hurling was very sanitised for a lot of years, this is kinda a throwback to the 90's, is that a bad thing?
Every team needs a Sylvie Linnane ;)
Didn't say it was a bad idea JC ;D
Just that he got caught out in this instance, many another day he would have got a yellow and the game go on.
That is the risk in that type of tactic though. I'd imagine Cork will be expecting this type of treatment for the rest of the year with teams 'testing' them.
Quote from: johnnycool on May 01, 2025, 08:30:52 AMQuote from: NAG1 on April 29, 2025, 08:07:46 AMQuote from: Lamps on April 28, 2025, 05:29:13 PMQuote from: NAG1 on April 28, 2025, 03:39:47 PMYeah don't think he gave the officials much option. All the umpires from behind would have seen was him driving the hurl into the Cork lad and him hitting the deck, what else do they tell the ref.
Even the Ref looked disappointed at the end when LC was giving off to him about it, basically shrugged his shoulders and was like what else could he do.
Cahill can't be blaming the ref for him failing to keep his players under control.
What sort of loony team talk did Cahill give Tipp to have a teenager go out and launch such an assault?
Not sure he would have went that far, but it definitely did seem like a part of the game plan to get some rucks and messing going at the start of the game.
Maybe trying to upset the Cork rhythm. Backfired.
It backfired only because the referee singled out one player for what was thought to be a dig to the balls when all around there was all and sundry going on including one Cork player "pushing" his head into a Tipp lad.
If Dalton was punished by a red card rather than McCarthy Tipp could rightly say it worked.
Clare got about Cork in the second half in a similar manner, one Cork lad reacted and got a red, thems the breaks
Hurling was very sanitised for a lot of years, this is kinda a throwback to the 90's, is that a bad thing?
Every team needs a Sylvie Linnane ;)
I remember saying to the lads one year that I'll initiate a ruckus and I want everyone one to get involved, sorta see where we are, it was a challenge game, and in those days the ref's didn't send ya off in those games, and if they did it didn't count, so me the smallest runt on the team gets it going!
Christ the worst thing ever, I don't think I thought it through as I 'did' it when surrounded by them and our lads where up with the ball I cleared and it was on their sideline ... We, in the end, got the desired effect but I got rescued a bit later than I'd have hoped lol!
So it can backfire massively, maybe in the case Tipp could lose out
Though you do defo miss those days ;D
Quote from: NAG1 on May 01, 2025, 08:53:16 AMQuote from: johnnycool on May 01, 2025, 08:30:52 AMQuote from: NAG1 on April 29, 2025, 08:07:46 AMQuote from: Lamps on April 28, 2025, 05:29:13 PMQuote from: NAG1 on April 28, 2025, 03:39:47 PMYeah don't think he gave the officials much option. All the umpires from behind would have seen was him driving the hurl into the Cork lad and him hitting the deck, what else do they tell the ref.
Even the Ref looked disappointed at the end when LC was giving off to him about it, basically shrugged his shoulders and was like what else could he do.
Cahill can't be blaming the ref for him failing to keep his players under control.
What sort of loony team talk did Cahill give Tipp to have a teenager go out and launch such an assault?
Not sure he would have went that far, but it definitely did seem like a part of the game plan to get some rucks and messing going at the start of the game.
Maybe trying to upset the Cork rhythm. Backfired.
It backfired only because the referee singled out one player for what was thought to be a dig to the balls when all around there was all and sundry going on including one Cork player "pushing" his head into a Tipp lad.
If Dalton was punished by a red card rather than McCarthy Tipp could rightly say it worked.
Clare got about Cork in the second half in a similar manner, one Cork lad reacted and got a red, thems the breaks
Hurling was very sanitised for a lot of years, this is kinda a throwback to the 90's, is that a bad thing?
Every team needs a Sylvie Linnane ;)
Didn't say it was a bad idea JC ;D
Just that he got caught out in this instance, many another day he would have got a yellow and the game go on.
That is the risk in that type of tactic though. I'd imagine Cork will be expecting this type of treatment for the rest of the year with teams 'testing' them.
Cork, rightly or wrongly have gotten the reputation of having a soft centre and were criticised heavily for not being cynical enough on the Tony Kelly goal in the AI final, they are responding to that criticism as are Tipp after getting hammered out the gate in the league final, so both wanted to assert their manliness, no harm in that.
It has to be said, there was fúck all wrong with O'Donoghue in the same way there was fúck all wrong with Adam Hogan earlier in the day and that is a blight on hurling.
At least the Tipp lad who took the dunt from Dalton didn't go down like a sack of shíte to his credit even if he'd a good opportunity to get Dalton sent off.
Waterford v Limerick this Saturday is the only Tier 1 game in town
Waterford are on a bit of a high after winning on their first outing but Limerick having drawn their first game will be a different beast to Clare who were out of sorts against them.
You always hope that Waterford can push on, but with this game now having a lot of meaning for Limerick they won't allow Stephen Bennet the freedom of the park to punish them and I'd be going for a 5 to 10 point win for Limerick in this one.
Quote from: johnnycool on May 01, 2025, 10:50:32 AMWaterford v Limerick this Saturday is the only Tier 1 game in town
Waterford are on a bit of a high after winning on their first outing but Limerick having drawn their first game will be a different beast to Clare who were out of sorts against them.
You always hope that Waterford can push on, but with this game now having a lot of meaning for Limerick they won't allow Stephen Bennet the freedom of the park to punish them and I'd be going for a 5 to 10 point win for Limerick in this one.
I fear so, for Waterford. For a man who's had such documented injuries, 2 hard games inside a week is a big ask for Bennett. Limerick should be a big step up in quality from Clare, there's more of a variety of danger from their forwards at least, and if they've designs of going far this championship then they'll have bigger tests than Saturday evening.
Limerick team named and has Hayes back in at centre back with Will O'Donoghue in the middle of the park.
It will be interesting to see if Lynch follows DeBurca deep into the Waterford defence or if Limerick allocate someone else to stymy DeBurca as he is their main man for me who sets up a lot of their attacking play as well as sweeping up a lot of ball in the defence.
He's ably assisted by Jamie Barron also though, so it will be interesting to see if Limerick give these two lads a bit of attention!
Quote from: johnnycool on May 02, 2025, 10:49:56 AMLimerick team named and has Hayes back in at centre back with Will O'Donoghue in the middle of the park.
It will be interesting to see if Lynch follows DeBurca deep into the Waterford defence or if Limerick allocate someone else to stymy DeBurca as he is their main man for me who sets up a lot of their attacking play as well as sweeping up a lot of ball in the defence.
He's ably assisted by Jamie Barron also though, so it will be interesting to see if Limerick give these two lads a bit of attention!
I'd say Gleeson will get more of a run out in that game too
Limerick at times looked to be back to their slick best with some well worked scores.
I thought they left behind a few goal chances which they'll need to be taking when they face Cork and Clare.
Waterford made a game of it for long periods, I did however think Lyons was giving them the softer frees and Limerick had to be well fouled to get theirs which led to an ironic cheer from the Limerick fans in the second half.
If I were Tipp I'd be concerned about the game v Waterford as I give them every chance in that one.
Jamie Barron was my MoTM although Lynch was also unreal at times .
Galway had too much for Wexford.
Tipperary should win tonight. Have €50 treble on them, Galway and dubs to win tonight
Quote from: Premier Emperor on April 28, 2025, 09:29:34 AMQuote from: Premier Emperor on April 24, 2025, 04:50:49 PMQuote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
Clare won't make it out of Munster. The big 3 of Tipp, Cork and Limerick will.
It is more certain now that Clare won't even get out of Munster. The worst All Ireland winners since 2013.
Maybe even the worst winners since Wexford in 1996?
Quote from: Premier Emperor on May 11, 2025, 05:23:27 PMQuote from: Premier Emperor on April 28, 2025, 09:29:34 AMQuote from: Premier Emperor on April 24, 2025, 04:50:49 PMQuote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
Clare won't make it out of Munster. The big 3 of Tipp, Cork and Limerick will.
It is more certain now that Clare won't even get out of Munster. The worst All Ireland winners since 2013.
Maybe even the worst winners since Wexford in 1996?
Or speaks volumes for the calibre and competitiveness of the Munster championship. Clare would have sailed out of Leinster.
The big two meet in Munster this weekend in the Gaelic grounds which will be for me the start of the trilogy of games between them this year (although Tipp may throw a bit of a fly in the ointment yet).
Cork have gotten the better of the last three championship encounters between the two and that might be playing on the Limerick players and managements minds.
I'm expecting Kyle Hayes to continue at 6 with Limerick trying to get him under as much of the expected high ball from Cork as possible, I do however expect Cork to vary it more and still try and create the space in behind the Limerick half backs for Horgan, Connelly and Brian Hayes to run onto with the runners coming from the half forwards and midfield offering the goal threat they really need.
I think I'll be sticking with Limerick but expecting a fierce battle to the end.
Tipp V Waterford will also be an intriguing battle with both having a sniff of getting out of Munster and even a Munster final appearance.
I think Tipp will do it if the Tipp fans decide to turn up and support this team, but they'll be much closely watched for the persistent fouling in their defence. They're a much more cynical bunch and won't give any goalscoring opportunities easy, fair means or foul and no doubt the referee's will be forewarned about it.
Waterford will need Dessie Hutchinson on fire along with Bennett to get the scores they need to win this one.
In Leinster Offaly will want to find out where they're really at when they visit the Wexford men, I still think they're a bit below this level, so they'll be on the wrong side of this one.
Antrim are off to Salt Hill, for what might be a chastening experience but I believe they'll put up a better show than expected. Galway may give a few panelists a run out so that might help Antrim. Wee Davy's mileage will be a bit less this weekend.
The big one of the weekend is in Nowlan park where the unbeaten Dubs meet the unbeaten Cats. This may either be a damp squib with neither team really pushing it or if the Dubs decide to lay down a marker in the physicality stakes and go at Kilkenny with all they have.
A loss for the Dubs isn't the end of the world but they may lose out on a Leinster final appearance if they don't beat Galway next week.
Quote from: Truthsayer on May 11, 2025, 05:31:07 PMQuote from: Premier Emperor on May 11, 2025, 05:23:27 PMQuote from: Premier Emperor on April 28, 2025, 09:29:34 AMQuote from: Premier Emperor on April 24, 2025, 04:50:49 PMQuote from: G@@ on April 23, 2025, 09:44:40 PMThe top three in Munster will be Clare and Limerick who will decide the Munster Final. Tipp will be in third place.
The top three in Leinster will be Kilkenny and Dublin who will decide the Leinster Final. Offaly will be in third place.
Kilkenny and Clare to win provincials. Tipp V Clare Semi. Kilkenny V Limerick other Semi. Tipp V KK Final. Tipp to win.
Clare won't make it out of Munster. The big 3 of Tipp, Cork and Limerick will.
It is more certain now that Clare won't even get out of Munster. The worst All Ireland winners since 2013.
Maybe even the worst winners since Wexford in 1996?
Or speaks volumes for the calibre and competitiveness of the Munster championship. Clare would have sailed out of Leinster.
Definitely wouldn't have sailed out of Leinster. Kilkenny are a better team and there wouldn't be a lot between Clare and Dublin or Galway.
Dubs were the masters of their own downfall, at least three of the KK goals can be attributed to poor decision making or execution of the basic skills by Dublin defenders, they're still in the race for a Leinster final and it'll be all to play for against Galway, but either way both teams are going to make it out of Leinster so not the end of the world.
In relation to Cork, I did highlight what I thought were some of their defensive frailties, badly exposed yesterday and whilst I wouldn't be going and throwing the baby out with the bathwater just yet the Downey lads are tall, but not powerful men, O'Brien of Limerick was every bit as tall as Eoin, but had the build along with it. One of their better players in Mark Coleman, he's a sweeper upper and not overly physical either which is fine, but you can't have too many of those types of lads in the one team.
O'Mahony, Twomey, Barrett, Fitzgibbon, Connelly and Hayes, got no space whatsoever to work in, none of those lads barring Hayes would be known for catching or winning high ball in a ruck, they're inclined to try and flick it down for the runners, but Limerick learned their lessons and got their big men under those balls and either won it of had lads winning the break.
Limerick also showed a willingness to forego the easy point and go for goal, yeah Guillane made the most of O'Donoghue's slip, he still had a bit to do to get himself in for the goal which he took with some aplomb. English also was set up for his goal with a nice flick from Lynch carried the ball quite a bit before letting off the shot, they'll need more of that as the year continues.
Limerick will need all their key players fit and avoiding any suspensions, they did look really slick yesterday and they'll meet Cork at least once more this year and I wouldn't be surprised if the result was reversed, maybe in a Munster final.
If they meet in the AI final my money is on Limerick.
Thought for large parts of the game Fitzgibbon went missing. not surprising as a lot of the Cork lads did, Limerick got the best start at the home pitch and kept that pace up till the end of the half, game was over by that point..
Not a bad thing for Cork at this stage to get a whooping, might bring their expectations down and increase their work rate, as it lacked on Sunday..
The showboating won't have went down well also, so I'd expect Lynch will get some close physical attention the next day, but as JC said, not too many team, if any, will match Limerick in the physicality stakes..
Great to see and looking forward to the rest of the year
Limerick named a much changed team, but all household names all the same;
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No Guillaune, Lynch, Quaid or Hayes in the matchday squad, so hope all are fit but that's a serious statement to the rest of the panel and an opportunity for them to rise up to the challenge.
Avoid a serious heavy defeat to already out Clare is all they need to do and I think they will do that and probably be close to winning the game
In the other game it's hard to see anything other than a Cork win, although they might be fragile enough if Waterford get about them and make a good start.
A lot of the Cork lads will be having lots a questions asked of them during the week and how they respond to that will be key.
Waterford have the forward players to go direct into them with high ball, and they probably will start that way to see how they go, but if Cork click at all they've too much for this Waterford defense and that'll be that.
Hoping for Waterford as I've a soft spot for them..
Quote from: johnnycool on May 23, 2025, 11:52:02 AMIn the other game it's hard to see anything other than a Cork win, although they might be fragile enough if Waterford get about them and make a good start.
A lot of the Cork lads will be having lots a questions asked of them during the week and how they respond to that will be key.
Waterford have the forward players to go direct into them with high ball, and they probably will start that way to see how they go, but if Cork click at all they've too much for this Waterford defense and that'll be that.
Hoping for Waterford as I've a soft spot for them..
Cork can't afford to lose this because they are on 3 and the Déise are on 2 so they have to win. If they do their point difference will be superior to Tipperary's and they will finish second and get another hiding from Limerick in the Munster final.
Kilkenny for Leinster Championship
Antrim to beat Offaly to avoid relegation
Laois to win Joe Mcdonagh Cup
Cork to win Munster
Cork for All Ireland,with Kilkenny as an underdog which should never be underestimated.
Those are my predictions we'll see how they fair out in the coming weeks,as to why I backed Antrim to beat Offaly to avoid relegation I believe Davy Fitzgerald when it comes down to the wire will be able to get the win to save their season whereas Offaly don't fair aswell under pressure and Antrim are well able to get late goals
My impression of Cork is that when they are on they are awesome but deny them momentum and they can "spin their wheels".
They blitzed through the league with their goal scoring machine and looked invincible. Then the second half against Clare they looked like mere mortals.
When I saw that Limerick would have a strong wind the first half I realized there would be no first half Cork blitzkrieg. I did wonder if Cork would find any momentum at all. They didn't as they even lost the second half.
I don't want to be harsh and call them a fair weather team but we'll see if they can perform under adversity as they'll need that to win the championship.
Credit to Limerick as they did their homework. No Cork goals from open play. Nice job considering how unstoppable Cork had been.
Question is: what did Waterford take away from that game? They do have the ability to surprise. Plus it is a knockout game for the loser. Never mind all the championship talk, Cork could be out by Sunday night. Sure it could be an easy win with Cork having too much for Waterford. But if Cork can be prevented from dominating and the game kept close(or if Waterford can get a strong first half wind and play with a lead)...who knows.
G that Dublin swing on the Galway forward was sthing else, how was it not a red card. No card was even given. Probably lucky there not already 3 men send off in this game already.
Low scoring game. PP is very tight.
Should be 3 red cards in first half.
Handy game for Cork. Munster final against Limerick in a couple weeks.
Quote from: Gael85 on May 25, 2025, 04:01:36 PMHandy game for Cork. Munster final against Limerick in a couple weeks.
Keep your finger near the delete button... 🤔
Nip and tuck here, Cork aren't going for goal as much as expected but their backs are dodgy under the high ball.
A goal either way will be interesting
Cork will have huge breeze in 2nd half.
Plus they're getting their scores easier.
Cork look like they've a hangover from hammering by Limerick last week. Has shook their confidence. Need to let it go and cut loose...
Cork and their 2 goals have opened up the lead they needed.
Jesus, Cork haven't learned that their full backs aren't good enough to go man to man.
That was filthy from Harnedy. Hurling needs the black card to punish that sort of shite.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 25, 2025, 02:36:37 PMG that Dublin swing on the Galway forward was sthing else, how was it not a red card. No card was even given. Probably lucky there not already 3 men send off in this game already.
Dublin were disappointing. They weren't at the races. The last 2 goals put a gloss on the result.
Quote from: gallsman on May 25, 2025, 05:27:21 PMThat was filthy from Harnedy. Hurling needs the black card to punish that sort of shite.
There is a black card in hurling but only for denying a goal scoring chance and even then when Bennett was pulled back it wasn't used inexplicably
Peter Queally has called for change in the structure of the hurling championship after his Waterford team were left redundant in May for the fourth successive year.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 25, 2025, 02:36:37 PMG that Dublin swing on the Galway forward was sthing else, how was it not a red card. No card was even given. Probably lucky there not already 3 men send off in this game already.
Colm Lyons did not have a good game. Should have been two red cards for Galway and one for Dublin.
Quote from: Riseagain on May 24, 2025, 06:53:58 AMKilkenny for Leinster Championship
Antrim to beat Offaly to avoid relegation
Laois to win Joe Mcdonagh Cup
Cork to win Munster
Cork for All Ireland,with Kilkenny as an underdog which should never be underestimated.
Those are my predictions we'll see how they fair out in the coming weeks,as to why I backed Antrim to beat Offaly to avoid relegation I believe Davy Fitzgerald when it comes down to the wire will be able to get the win to save their season whereas Offaly don't fair aswell under pressure and Antrim are well able to get late goals
Ill admit as a Laois man that my prediction for Antrim to beat Offaly was biased but if Antrim didn't get a red card I think they would've won.
Quote from: Blowitupref on May 25, 2025, 11:21:25 PMPeter Queally has called for change in the structure of the hurling championship after his Waterford team were left redundant in May for the fourth successive year.
Would it help if they were knocked out in the same format in July or August? That is the question really.
Quote from: didlyi on May 26, 2025, 07:59:19 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on May 25, 2025, 11:21:25 PMPeter Queally has called for change in the structure of the hurling championship after his Waterford team were left redundant in May for the fourth successive year.
Would it help if they were knocked out in the same format in July or August? That is the question really.
The season is over too early with too many matches on every weekend that it's hard to keep track of whats going on, what would be wrong with giving teams a two week rest between matches and putting all Ireland back to September the gaa is supposed to pronote the sport when in September it creates a buzz in schools and gets young people's attention. Also tgey say its for the players but now if a player gets an injury they miss the whole season and clubs not having county players gives other players a chance to prove themself, also howmanylwague games were called off due to pitches being unplayable. The preseason competitions should be brought back counties are getting challenge matches anyway it gave teams a chance to try out new players.
Quote from: Riseagain on May 27, 2025, 07:41:58 AMQuote from: didlyi on May 26, 2025, 07:59:19 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on May 25, 2025, 11:21:25 PMPeter Queally has called for change in the structure of the hurling championship after his Waterford team were left redundant in May for the fourth successive year.
Would it help if they were knocked out in the same format in July or August? That is the question really.
The season is over too early with too many matches on every weekend that it's hard to keep track of whats going on, what would be wrong with giving teams a two week rest between matches and putting all Ireland back to September the gaa is supposed to pronote the sport when in September it creates a buzz in schools and gets young people's attention. Also tgey say its for the players but now if a player gets an injury they miss the whole season and clubs not having county players gives other players a chance to prove themself, also howmanylwague games were called off due to pitches being unplayable. The preseason competitions should be brought back counties are getting challenge matches anyway it gave teams a chance to try out new players.
what club in Laois are you aligned or a member of?
this is a completely random aside but Timmy Mallet was at Cork - Waterford at the weekend and was lauding it.
Waterford were better this year but they just aren't quite at the standard of the top teams in Munster. I don't know if that will change anytime soon.
I imagine at some point they will need to look at munster and leinster and how unbalanced the whole thing is but the munster championship seems fairly sacred so you'd think that would be later rather than sooner. Kerry dropping off is probably a good thing for the top brass as it gives them one less thing to think about.
Ticket prices for Munster final: Stand €50, terrace €40, €10 U16. €5 discount for students/OAPs
No tickets on sale to the public.
A very simple change in format would help things. As opposed to the losing Joe McDonagh team progressing to the prelim quarter final why not have the two fourth place teams in the Leinster and Munster round robin play off against one another at a neutral venue. This year you would have Wexford v Clare. If Clare won then they face the 3rd place team from the Leinster championship (Dublin) at that team's home ground. If Wexford won then they face the third place Munster team (Tipperary) at that team's home ground. The Joe McDonagh winners (Laois hopefully) would face the other third place team at their own home venue.
I think this solution solves two problems. The losing Joe McDonagh team's season is effectively done in losing the final. Impossible to rebuild themselves in a week to face a stronger opposition coming off a gut wrenching defeat. It is better to have them out of championship than receive a further kicking a week on from losing their final. Secondly, it gives a team in both the Leinster and Munster championship who picked up a number of points in the group stages a route to continue their All-Ireland ambitions and hurl into at least the beginning of June. They are still at a disadvantage by finishing 4th in their group as they have an extra game to win to make the prelim quarter final and if they make the prelim quarter final are conceding home advantage to the opposition. Having this tweak in place takes away further dead rubbers e.g. Clare needing to beat Limerick in the last game to progress as oppose to playing simply for pride.
John Mullane was advocating for 4 quarter finals involving the top four Leinster sides and top four Munster sides was very disingenuous to the Joe McDonagh sides. I feel that a pathway to the All-Ireland series should not be closed off to those teams and in this system the winners have that opportunity to progress into an All-Ireland series. Laois showed in the past that coming off a successful Joe McD campaign that these teams are very capable of being taking a scalp and being competitive.
Any thoughts on this tweak to current structures?
Quote from: johnnycool on May 27, 2025, 09:04:46 AMQuote from: Riseagain on May 27, 2025, 07:41:58 AMQuote from: didlyi on May 26, 2025, 07:59:19 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on May 25, 2025, 11:21:25 PMPeter Queally has called for change in the structure of the hurling championship after his Waterford team were left redundant in May for the fourth successive year.
Would it help if they were knocked out in the same format in July or August? That is the question really.
The season is over too early with too many matches on every weekend that it's hard to keep track of whats going on, what would be wrong with giving teams a two week rest between matches and putting all Ireland back to September the gaa is supposed to pronote the sport when in September it creates a buzz in schools and gets young people's attention. Also tgey say its for the players but now if a player gets an injury they miss the whole season and clubs not having county players gives other players a chance to prove themself, also howmanylwague games were called off due to pitches being unplayable. The preseason competitions should be brought back counties are getting challenge matches anyway it gave teams a chance to try out new players.
what club in Laois are you aligned or a member of?
Mountmellick we were punching below our weight for a while going down to Junior B but are up to Premier Intermediate(SeniorB) but we still dont have a county standard player town has a population of around 5000 there is also another football club in the town called the rock and a small vilage called Clonaghadoo which have a football team called Kilcavan th hurling club has the whole parish as its catchment area but has lost some to neighbouring clubs from too many amalgamations ar underage and club rows. Laois player Donnacha Hartnett previously played with us but transferred to neighbouring senior club Rosenallis.
Quote from: Laois Rising on May 27, 2025, 04:31:43 PMA very simple change in format would help things. As opposed to the losing Joe McDonagh team progressing to the prelim quarter final why not have the two fourth place teams in the Leinster and Munster round robin play off against one another at a neutral venue. This year you would have Wexford v Clare. If Clare won then they face the 3rd place team from the Leinster championship (Dublin) at that team's home ground. If Wexford won then they face the third place Munster team (Tipperary) at that team's home ground. The Joe McDonagh winners (Laois hopefully) would face the other third place team at their own home venue.
I think this solution solves two problems. The losing Joe McDonagh team's season is effectively done in losing the final. Impossible to rebuild themselves in a week to face a stronger opposition coming off a gut wrenching defeat. It is better to have them out of championship than receive a further kicking a week on from losing their final. Secondly, it gives a team in both the Leinster and Munster championship who picked up a number of points in the group stages a route to continue their All-Ireland ambitions and hurl into at least the beginning of June. They are still at a disadvantage by finishing 4th in their group as they have an extra game to win to make the prelim quarter final and if they make the prelim quarter final are conceding home advantage to the opposition. Having this tweak in place takes away further dead rubbers e.g. Clare needing to beat Limerick in the last game to progress as oppose to playing simply for pride.
John Mullane was advocating for 4 quarter finals involving the top four Leinster sides and top four Munster sides was very disingenuous to the Joe McDonagh sides. I feel that a pathway to the All-Ireland series should not be closed off to those teams and in this system the winners have that opportunity to progress into an All-Ireland series. Laois showed in the past that coming off a successful Joe McD campaign that these teams are very capable of being taking a scalp and being competitive.
Any thoughts on this tweak to current structures?
Yes would be better than the current structure a team that lost the joe mc isnt going to win a preliminary quarter final, laois are the only winners that ever won the preliminary quarter final
Prvincial finals up for grabs.
Leinster for me is easiest to call, Galway don't have anywhere near the physicality to bother the cats even with the Burkes in the defence and a new keeper thrown in the mix, well he's experienced enough lad, but second choice nonetheless.
Cat's to win by 7 plus.
Munster tomorrow night is where its all at.
Cork will want to be putting on a better show than the last time out against Limerick, which I think they will achieve but not enough to get over the line. It will be a much better contest though.
Mellerick is a big loss as he's added something to their defence especially with Rob Downey not starting even if he had a bad day out last time. They've Joyce in at 6 so he'll need to decide whether to sit deep and protect the younger Downey or go chase Lynch out the field and stop him pulling the strings! Yeah, there are other things they could do and get someone else to pick up Lynch but once you allow Limerick the overload out the field they're the best at long range shooting or taking the sweeper out with diagonal balls into the bull and Guillane.
Hoping for a good spectacle and giving Limerick the nod, but not by much.
Quote from: johnnycool on June 06, 2025, 03:17:44 PMPrvincial finals up for grabs.
Leinster for me is easiest to call, Galway don't have anywhere near the physicality to bother the cats even with the Burkes in the defence and a new keeper thrown in the mix, well he's experienced enough lad, but second choice nonetheless.
Cat's to win by 7 plus.
Munster tomorrow night is where its all at.
Cork will want to be putting on a better show than the last time out against Limerick, which I think they will achieve but not enough to get over the line. It will be a much better contest though.
Mellerick is a big loss as he's added something to their defence especially with Rob Downey not starting even if he had a bad day out last time. They've Joyce in at 6 so he'll need to decide whether to sit deep and protect the younger Downey or go chase Lynch out the field and stop him pulling the strings! Yeah, there are other things they could do and get someone else to pick up Lynch but once you allow Limerick the overload out the field they're the best at long range shooting or taking the sweeper out with diagonal balls into the bull and Guillane.
Hoping for a good spectacle and giving Limerick the nod, but not by much.
Edit, O'Brien isn't picked to start so O'Connor gets the nod instead as I expect Reidy to take off out to the middle of the park.
Limerick had too many wides at key points in the match. They didn't have enough accuracy. Cork stayed in touch to end with a draw after 90 minutes. Anyone could have won the penalties but Limerick lost. It was great to see the reaction of the Cork fans.
Quote from: Laois Rising on May 27, 2025, 04:31:43 PMA very simple change in format would help things. As opposed to the losing Joe McDonagh team progressing to the prelim quarter final why not have the two fourth place teams in the Leinster and Munster round robin play off against one another at a neutral venue. This year you would have Wexford v Clare. If Clare won then they face the 3rd place team from the Leinster championship (Dublin) at that team's home ground. If Wexford won then they face the third place Munster team (Tipperary) at that team's home ground. The Joe McDonagh winners (Laois hopefully) would face the other third place team at their own home venue.
I think this solution solves two problems. The losing Joe McDonagh team's season is effectively done in losing the final. Impossible to rebuild themselves in a week to face a stronger opposition coming off a gut wrenching defeat. It is better to have them out of championship than receive a further kicking a week on from losing their final. Secondly, it gives a team in both the Leinster and Munster championship who picked up a number of points in the group stages a route to continue their All-Ireland ambitions and hurl into at least the beginning of June. They are still at a disadvantage by finishing 4th in their group as they have an extra game to win to make the prelim quarter final and if they make the prelim quarter final are conceding home advantage to the opposition. Having this tweak in place takes away further dead rubbers e.g. Clare needing to beat Limerick in the last game to progress as oppose to playing simply for pride.
John Mullane was advocating for 4 quarter finals involving the top four Leinster sides and top four Munster sides was very disingenuous to the Joe McDonagh sides. I feel that a pathway to the All-Ireland series should not be closed off to those teams and in this system the winners have that opportunity to progress into an All-Ireland series. Laois showed in the past that coming off a successful Joe McD campaign that these teams are very capable of being taking a scalp and being competitive.
Any thoughts on this tweak to current structures?
That's a nice idea. There often isn't much to choose between 3rd/4th place so 3rd in and 4th eliminated is a harsh difference. Plus you'd get one pre-round game that would be very competitive.
Be nice to see Kildare win this Joe McDonagh.
Not often you see a new team with a bit of success in hurling.
When's last time they played top tier hurling?
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on June 08, 2025, 02:53:22 PMBe nice to see Kildare win this Joe McDonagh.
Not often you see a new team with a bit of success in hurling.
When's last time they played top tier hurling?
I can't remember... they've been on top the whole game, great to see
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 08, 2025, 03:01:03 PMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on June 08, 2025, 02:53:22 PMBe nice to see Kildare win this Joe McDonagh.
Not often you see a new team with a bit of success in hurling.
When's last time they played top tier hurling?
I can't remember... they've been on top the whole game, great to see
Just seen they were Christy Ring 2 years ago great achievement.
Probably big scope for improvement for Kildare hurling. Id imagine there's a lot of first and second generation hurling people living there that work in Dublin.
Laois have lost two of these now.. be hard to come back from that for a while, Antrim will be playing that competition next year!
Kildare have been excellent and thoroughly deserved the win.
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2025/11/29/motion-agreed-to-drop-all-ireland-hurling-preliminary-quarter-finals/
Another proposal accepted was for the abolition of the preliminary All-Ireland quarter-finals, which grant access to the MacCarthy Cup for the Tier 2 McDonagh Cup finalists. These matches have generally resulted in turkey shoots and their termination will be sought at congress.
Quote from: seafoid on December 02, 2025, 12:37:21 PMhttps://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2025/11/29/motion-agreed-to-drop-all-ireland-hurling-preliminary-quarter-finals/
Another proposal accepted was for the abolition of the preliminary All-Ireland quarter-finals, which grant access to the MacCarthy Cup for the Tier 2 McDonagh Cup finalists. These matches have generally resulted in turkey shoots and their termination will be sought at congress.
Except for the Laois win v Dublin.
Pull the ladder up lads, yet again.