There was so much drama in last Sunday’s final league action that the GAA hierarchy could be forgiven for doing a U-turn on the reinstatement of the semi-finals that was passed in congress last Saturday.
The thrill and spills across the country during the final moments of action were exactly what the governing body needed ahead of this year’s championship. The added bonus of course was Dublin reaching its first league final in 65 years. I honestly thought that they had missed the boat but the hurling Gods shone in their favour. The old saying God loves a trier or if you keep knocking on the door springs to mind. There’s no doubt that lady luck was on their side last Sunday because they required a double result to make it to the final but after a great campaign nobody could say they weren’t there on merit. Everyone knows that a huge effort has been made to raise the profile of hurling in the capital over the past decade. Time and time again bus loads of youngsters have arrived in Kilkenny on league match days for under age challenge games, all these volunteers can take a bow because of their hard work Dublin are knocking on the door for silver wear. They’re still not the finished article, but the baby steps are turning into giant leaps. The missing ingredient is having the killer instinct. They remind me of Rory McIlroy if both could win a major there could be many more to follow. It’s gas that the bookies still seem unimpressed as they are 20/1 to win the Liam McCarthy, those odds will surely be slashed if they beat Kilkenny on Sunday week.
‘Fast’ Eddie gave the Offaly full back a roasting but he’d be the first to admit that he’s only as good as the possession he gets...
As expected Kilkenny comfortably negotiated their final hurdle last Sunday against Offaly. The win however came at a major cost, as four more players picked up injuries, Aidan Fogarty, Michael Fennelly, John Dalton and Richie Hogan all left the field of play to add to Kilkenny’s injury woes. Michael Fennelly and Richie Hogan are short term casualties, but Dalton and Fogarty will be out for some time. Aidan Fogarty’s broken ankle definitely rules him out of the Leinster campaign. As for Dalton — an Achilles tendon injury can be very slow to heal, so it’s a wait and see situation there as well. The management team will be holding their breaths that all remaining players avoid injury in this week’s local campaign. It will be interesting to see how many of the walking wounded turn up for the all important first round clashes. The likelihood is that Tommy Walsh, JJ Delaney, Richie Power and Colin Fennelly will all line out for their respective clubs. If they all come through unscathed they could be back in contention for the league final spot. As regards last Sunday’s game I thought the first half was as good as Kilkenny played this year. Good direct play that often yielded a score, some of the players were really on their game. ‘Fast’ Eddie gave the Offaly full back a roasting but he’d be the first to admit that he’s only as good as the possession he gets — last Sunday some great ball came his way which he duly converted. Michael Rice, TJ Reid, ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick, Mick Fennelly and Brian Hogan (second half ) were all on fire. Debutante Richie Doyle from Barrow Rangers can be happy with his first senior outing, he showed great composure on the ball and plenty of intelligence with his deliveries. The game was a relaxed one, Kilkenny never really looked like losing. Brian Cody probably won’t be happy that they conceded 1-19 but I’m sure the injuries are more of a pressing concern.
... at times their manager Denis Walsh looks like a lost puppy on the line
Dublin’s victory over Cork was greeted with delight by their management team and who could blame them after such an absence. However, spare a thought for the rebel fans, having spoken to some of them lately they are hugely worried about their teams’ league performances this spring. There doesn’t seem to be any shape or pattern to their game and at times their manager Denis Walsh looks like a lost puppy on the line. The rebels certainly have a lot of work and soul searching to do before their championship clash with Tipperary.
Offaly’s loss to Kilkenny combined with Wexford’s draw in Semple Stadium means the Faithful County slip back to Division 2 next year. Judging by team selection Tipp manager Declan Ryan had no interest in qualifying for the League Final, one would have to feel sorry for Offaly because both Cork and Tipp fielded experimental sides against Wexford. I know Wexford have risen their game in recent weeks as thoughts of relegation loomed but if it was a horse race there definitely would be a stewards inquiry. Galway had a chance to qualify in their own hands but as usual they fluffed their lines once again. At this stage I’ve given up trying to weigh up this crowd. These Galway lads must be the bookies’ dream team as they’re always in contention but rarely get over the line in front. Waterford will be happy with their league campaign, Davy Fitz has blooded some good youngsters ahead of their Munster Championship clash with Limerick. Ten teams started out in the league and only two remain Kilkenny and Dublin, the big question remains —could the future of hurling be blue?
The local championship
It only seems like the other day that we were watching O’Loughlin Gaels and Carrickshock battling it out for Kilkenny’s highest honour, time never stands still so a new campaign is now upon us. Teams have been busy preparing for a start of another long season.
... a safe bet would be to say that a full strength Shamrocks side will take all the beatings this year
The injuries to the county players are likely to have a bearing on this weekend’s results. They say a good start is half the battle and that certainly would apply to teams that might deem a struggle in their respective grades. A first round victory is worth far more than just two points on offer, as it also builds team spirit and comradeship. It’s still early in this campaign to be making predictions but I suppose a safe bet would be to say that a full strength Shamrocks side will take all the beatings this year. I don’t expect Shamrocks to burst out of the traps, who knows St Martin’s might even catch them on day one, but they should have the hunger when at full strength to make a bold bid. The same could apply to O’Loughlin Gaels it will be hard for the county champions to get motoring after the events of St Patrick’s Day the effort that was put in reaching the club final could take its toll until later in the year.
Last year semi finalists Erin’s Own seem like a team going in the right direction and they will be hoping to build on last year’s impressive form.
There hasn’t been a ball pucked and I already have a crow to pluck with the fixtures committee. Why are all the matches on at the same time? Surely they could have spread them out better so as to give patrons a chance to take two games in especially on Sunday. Saturday games are down for 5pm and Sunday’s 2pm.
