Last weekend’s game between Kilkenny and Waterford was far from a classic, it was one of those start stop encounters that just never got going. Cork referee Sexton was whistle happy but in his defence having watched the match again on TV a lot of his calls were justified.
Has the time come to go with 13 aside so we can get some open hurling? I'll throw that out for debate!
The game of hurling certainly seems to be moving in the same direction as football was a few years ago. On several occasions in Nowlan Park last Sunday when a player gained possession he was nearly mugged. I don't know whether or not it’s because these days players are so strong and fit that they are heavier hit than in years gone by. I know that the players on both sides last Sunday were supremely skilful but they are just not getting the room any more to showcase the finer arts of the game and that's a pity. Ground hurling seems to be a thing of the past it's all about the possession game now, what was once a beautiful skill is almost shunned upon these days. I hate being negative about the game but the number of supporters who said Sunday’s game was such as bore was unreal, even Brian Cody acknowledged that it was a poor game in his aftermatch comments. Has the time come to go with 13 aside so we can get some open hurling? I'll throw that out for debate!
If they can produce a victory over Dublin without that long list of stars maybe the long road is a bit brighter than I thought it was.
Kilkenny started and finished the stronger in last Sunday’s victory. They may have gotten a bit of luck with both goals, but they were value for their win. The performance of new captain Brian Hogan was very encouraging he gave a man of the match display on his return from club action. Other highlights on the day were the displays of John Dalton who knocked hurling out of John Mullane's head early on. While up front Taggy Fogarty and Colin Fennelly fared best. The negatives from last Sunday were the injuries to Tommy Walsh and JJ Delaney. Tommy's involvement in the remaining league fixtures could be over. I commented last week that I thought he needed a rest but I didn't have this in mind. JJ Delaney's hamstring injury will also curtail him for a while. Injuries seem to be the curse for a lot of intercounty managers this year with the Kilkenny, Galway and Tipp camps most affected at present. The Cats now travel to Croke Park this Saturday for a twilight game, minus the services of Henry, Tommy, JJ, Michael Rice, Richie Power and John Tennyson. One or two more like Jackie Tyrrell and ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick might or might not be available. If they can produce a victory over Dublin without that long list of stars maybe the long road is a bit brighter than I thought it was. I suppose a lot will depend on how these lads will come back. I still think we're slipping a little but that’s understandable. Kilkenny know what they have to do if they want to reach another league final. If they win one of their remaining two fixtures they are through to the May 1 showdown. The odds are stacked in their favour as they have Offaly at home in the final round. This clash at GAA's HQ gives Anthony Daly's charges the perfect opportunity to bounce back after their first defeat of the year to Galway last weekend. They blew a great opportunity against the Tribesmen, a late goal may have stolen the victory for Galway but the story of the game was Dublin's failure to convert possession. Their star man Conal Keany had an off day and accounted nine of his side’s 19 wides. They were within touching distance of making their first league final since 1946 but maybe the pressure is getting to them. They have been hyped up to the hilt in recent weeks. If they fail to beat Kilkenny and if Galway also pick up the victory over Tipp the Dubs league final dream will be over for another year.
Tipperary and Cork's clash last Sunday ended all square, a result that did little for either side's position on the league table. There was probably an element of shadow boxing in Paric Ui Caoimh last Sunday ahead of their first round championship match in late May. Tipperary may have beaten Galway in both the league and championship last year but I think the Tribesmen might get the better of them this time around. Cork should have too much in hand for Wexford at Wexford Park. It was interesting to see Liam Dunne's comments during the week, the former Wexford great reckons they could be playing in the Christy Ring Cup in the near future if they don't get their act together. Their loss to Offaly last Sunday puts them in a prime position for relegation back to division 2. Liam is a proud Wexford man who is obviously hurting at the way his county's fortunes have gone in recent years. I don't know whether he has one eye on the job or maybe he's just trying to get some reaction out of the players.
If this had been used last season Louth would definitely be Leinster football champions. Meath's victory was a huge injustice to the wee county.
Just going back to the Kilkenny/Dublin clash for a moment. This Saturday evening's game will see hawk-eye technology being unofficially used. It will have no bearing on the game but it will give the authorities a chance to see how it works. Personally I don't think we need to go down that route just yet. I'd be more in favour of using the TMO (television match official ) used for goalmouth actions — square balls and disputed goals. If this had been used last season Louth would definitely be Leinster football champions. Meath's victory was a huge injustice to the wee county.
All-Ireland Colleges Final
If last year was anything to go by — this Saturday’s All-Ireland Colleges final between St Kieran's and Ard Scoil Rís (Limerick ) should be a cracker. St Kieran's came away with a three point victory last year after a pulsating contest. Both sides seem every bit as strong this time around. They have both blown away all opposition en-route to Saturday’s final. Ard Scoil Rís will certainly be out for revenge. The greater pressure however will be on the Limerick men to avoid a second successive loss. St Kieran's will be well aware of the Limerick schools talents and ambitions but the Kilkenny hurling nursery will give it a fair shot in their quest for an 18th title.
