Search Results for 'Eoin Cadogan'

Last Sunday’s All-Ireland senior quarter final against Cork really had a bit of everything. The tone for the game was set up earlier in the week when Brian Cuthbert, the Cork manager, launched an attack on two of Mayo’s favourite sons, Kevin McLoughlin and Cillian O’Connor. This was then compounded by Cork selector Ronan McCarthy’s agreement with his manager when both players’ integrity was put into question and their ability to “foul tactically” and be very “streetwise” was used as a means of trying to give Cork an edge with the referee. McLoughlin and O’Connor are role models for youngsters all over the county and indeed country, and I feel the Cork management made a big mistake in naming them, particularly as they have a pretty much impeccable disciplinary record. The bottom line is you want your forwards tackling hard, and maybe if their own team were a little more “streetwise” against Kerry they would not have received such a hiding.

The first half of Sunday's All Ireland quarter final between Mayo and Cork, will have long faded into the memory bank by the time the Mayo's meeting with Kerry comes around, but the second half is one that the fat will be chewed over a lot in the next 21 days. The first half was a bitty and often ill tempered affair where Mayo struggled to break down, Cork's blanket defence and the sides went in level at eight points each. Mayo ran down closed off avenues and their foot passing into their full forward line was wasn't sticking as Cork smothered the Mayo attack like jam on a warm slice of bread.

As we expected Cork are our opponents for Sunday’s All-Ireland Quarter final which promises to be a great day out for Mayo Fans albeit a long day. The minors take centre stage at 12 noon followed by the seniors at 4pm. I have heard rumblings as to why the Mayo senior game couldn’t be on at 2pm, so Mayo fans wouldn’t have to spend the best part of six hours in Croke Parke. It would have been the correct course of action, imagine someone from Belmullet going to support the minors, leaving at 7am on Sunday morning and probably not getting home until the early hours. I don’t envy them, however beggars can’t be choosers and we should be delighted the minors are getting at least one game at headquarters. Last year the minor quarter final against Westmeath was played on bank holiday Monday in Tullamore, most Mayo fans won’t be present for the start of the minor game anyway as happened in Castlebar for the Connacht Final. I personally can’t wait and will watch every second of every game.

Mayo 1-13

Richie Hogan was the star of the show for Kilkenny in their close win over Cork 0-14 to 1-10 in their Allianz Hurling League Division 1 clash on Sunday last in Nowlan Park. Kilkenny were more dominant in the first half after which they led by eight points. While Cork came storming back into the game in the second half and looked like they might secure the spoils this was dashed by Richie Hogan’s late point.

It’s not too often I start my column with a football theme but the scenes that followed last Sunday’s Leinster football final will have repercussions for every GAA supporter.

Humble pie was what I had to eat for supper Sunday evening after Cork's landslide victory over Tipperary. Yes I'll hold my hands up, I for one didn't see this coming and judging by Tipperary's performance they didn't see it coming either.

Talking to Galway’s hurling manager John McIntyre during the week about this Sunday’s national hurling league final against Cork was a breath of fresh air. No clichés. No boring “we’ll do our best”. Or the other classic: “It’s only the league, and if we win, we win. And if we don’t, it’s the championship that counts.”

Saturday night, in round six of the National football league, the Galway footballers take on Pat Gilroy’s Dublin in Parnell Park (7.30pm).