Kilkenny head to Croker on Sunday for a semi-final showdown with our neighbours Waterford.
Paddy Power had chalked up the Cats at 1/9 on, and the Deise at a massive 7/1. Based on those odds, the Waterford men might as well stay at home.
The form book suggests that Kilkenny should win with a bit to spare, but those wild odds would indicate a performance like the 2008 final when the Cats cantered to a 23 point victory. The Cats were impressive enough against Dublin, but you would have to say the game was set up for a Kilkenny victory.
I suppose after tipping Galway to beat Waterford comfortably I am treading on the cautious side in this contest. Most people are hoping and expecting a Kilkenny/Tipp final but the bookies and general public were also thinking that the Cork footballers would have no problem in disposing of Mayo last weekend. Kilkenny cannot afford to be complacent.
‘Henry Shefflin was in inspirational form the last time these sides met in the semi-final’
It is five weeks since the Cats landed their seventh Leinster title in a row. There is always an argument that the direct route leaves too long a gap between games – in an ideal world three or four weeks would be enough.
On this occasion, however, it gives one or two of the Kilkenny players time to recover from injury. We all knew JJ was not fully fit entering the Dublin game. By his high standards, he did not perform well, but you can bet your bottom dollar that the classy Fenians defender will be back to his best this Sunday.
The only injury worry on this occasion is Michael Rice, who seems to have hurt some area around his shoulder or chest. If it rules him out, it could pave the way for Cha Fitz to return – by all accounts he is flying in training.
There were also reports that Henry Shefflin had some slight reaction in the knee after the Leinster final. I suppose missing out that club game against Graigue-Ballycallan had tongues wagging. He too seems to be back motoring in training, which is fabulous news for Kilkenny. The Ballyhale maestro was in inspirational form the last time they met in the semi-final in 09, his contribution of 1-14 went a long way in securing the tie.
Waterford were definitely over-awed by the All-Ireland occasion in 2008, it must be stated that they performed much better in that 2009 semi-final. It took a great save from PJ Ryan late on that day to keep the winning margin to five.
Waterford will take great heart from their display against Galway; their joy after that game was plain for all to see. A couple of people thought the celebrations were a little over the top considering it was only a quarter final, but who could blame them after the Pairc Ui Caoimh massacre?
They certainly restored a lot of pride that afternoon in Semple Stadium. It is hard to know what view Davy Fitzgerald took after that victory, should he tell his players that Galway did not turn up and dent their confidence, or, does he let them believe that they are a 10-point better side than Galway? It is a difficult situation, but I would say he will be preaching a little of both.
It is hard to weigh up just how good Waterford are because of Galway’s performance. Davy Fitzgerald will be aware that even on an off-day Kilkenny will not fold like the Tribesmen did.
‘I expect Kilkenny to advance to the final, but I don't see it being as one-sided as Paddy Power does’
I expect this to be a feisty encounter, there will not be as many digs as there were before the 2008 All-Ireland, but it will be tough battle with no quarter asked or given. One would not expect anything else considering the prize that is on offer.
Waterford showed the last day that they are better when they are not overburdened with tactics. Their best performances have always come when they hurl off the cuff.
I would expect Molumphy to roam, but other than that I think Davy Fitz will keep it simple. The Deise have been struggling for a fullback since Sean Cullinane retired a decade ago. Liam Lawlor is the latest to take up the challenge, in fairness he does look like a natural fullback; he may just be lacking championship experience.
This is an area Kilkenny will be trying to exploit right from the start. There are several key duels down for decision all over the park. Richie Power v Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh, Noel Hickey v Shane Walsh, Henry Shefflin v Tony Browne, Michael Fennelly v Kevin Moran are just some of them if they line out that way.
Every team likes a good start just to settle the nerves. In Waterford's case next Sunday they need a flyer if they are to have any chance of beating Kilkenny for the first time since 1959.
In the modern game, a strong subs bench is so important. Kilkenny look to have more strength and depth in this department than the Deise. It is great to hear that ‘Taggy’ Fogarty is back in action again – if he is fit enough he is a nice option to have on the line.
The bottom line is that I do expect Kilkenny to advance to the final, however, I do not see it being as one-sided as Paddy Power does. The ideal situation is if Kilkenny win a hard tussle and Tipperary cruise past Dublin. Again, just a word of warning that this hurdle has to be negotiated before thinking of either Tipp or Dublin.
Meanwhile...
Our young minor team bit the dust against Waterford lately.
While we will not have any direct involvement at this level for the duration of the campaign, it is nice to see Sean Cleere gets his chance to officiate on the big stage when he referees Sunday’s minor game between Clare and Galway. A good game here could put him in line for All-Ireland duties.
