Antrim Hurling

[Seamroga in exile]

Be an interesting game, the Munster champions will think they have the best side of the draw (getting Ulster) and Loughgiel no doubt will try and prove that last years game wasn't a true reflection of how they can play. When was the last time the county champions got to the final? (Dunloy)

2003-04.

[NAG1]

MR2 That is my point they haven't significantly improved in fact could be argued that they are weaker than last year, but these games all very on the day type of games so you never know.

How could it be argued that they are weaker?

Well IMO JC hasnt played as well for this season due to injury and playing him on the wing isnt his best position. Think MS at CHB can be exposed for pace. But when all is said and done it comes down to the two forwards LW and EMcC, either one of these have an off day and leaves a serious responsibility on the other to have a super day out. If both of these have a good day at the office then its game on if not they will have a tough day just as any of the other 3 teams would have if their two best forwards dont play well.

[Seamroga in exile]

MR2 That is my point they haven't significantly improved in fact could be argued that they are weaker than last year, but these games all very on the day type of games so you never know.

How could it be argued that they are weaker?

Well IMO JC hasnt played as well for this season due to injury and playing him on the wing isnt his best position. Think MS at CHB can be exposed for pace. But when all is said and done it comes down to the two forwards LW and EMcC, either one of these have an off day and leaves a serious responsibility on the other to have a super day out. If both of these have a good day at the office then its game on if not they will have a tough day just as any of the other 3 teams would have if their two best forwards dont play well.

I don't see how they are any weaker than last year though. As you said JC was probably the only one who was down on form this year, which was due to injury. As for LW and EmcC, I don't think they performed as well as they can last year, or the year before, but I agree it will take a performance from the whole team to progress. From what I'm hearing from the training everyone is fully fit and raring to get at Na Piarsagh.

[Milltown Row2]

SIE stop taking the bait

[Seamroga in exile]

We'll find out next month MR2.   

[Seamroga in exile]

Beat UCD yesterday, playing Dublin today.

[saffronog]

any word of how the shams dublin game went, hear that next sunday in armoy they play jerry and the boys

[Seamroga in exile]

Got beat 3-17 to 1-14. No winker or neilly. Dubs scored 1-4 in last 4 mins of 70 minute game. By all accounts played well. I would fancy them to do one on Jerry's boys.   

[btdtgtt]

I would think at this time of year the shamrocks would be expecting to beat the county set-up easily! Good indications from Dublin game - think na piarsaigh in for a turnover. 5/2 loughiel shows bookies agree this is not a done deal and I still think it's a generous price.

[BlackandAmber]

David Treacy, engaged in an ongoing war with his hamstrings, is back training and may hurl in one of two challenge matches Dublin play this weekend, against Gort and Loughgiel, two All-Ireland club semi-finalists.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/prodigal-returns-armed-with-hope-and-potential-2989265.html

Do you know how Gort fared? That might give a bit of a form guide.

[Seamroga in exile]

Dublin 5-16 gort 1-10

[BlackandAmber]

that puts youse ahead of Gort then. Any idea about Na Piarsaigh or Coolderry's preparations

[Seamroga in exile]

It's hard to determine anything right now B+A.lots of teams are just warming up.  We're not getting complacent at all but are confident enough of getting past Na Piarsiagh.

[Glensman]

Have heard (or seen on here) Saturday 11th Feb at Parnell for the Bodies semi final...is this confirmed? Any specific time?

Winker and Neilly just being rested or any tweaks?

[Seamroga in exile]

That's the confirmed venue Glensman, 2.30. They were just rested, no injuries