2016 All Ireland Hurling Semi Final - Waterford v Kilkenny - in the melting pot

[The_Most_Infamous]

@Watch_The_Break

When’s the last time Kilkenny had a truly outstanding underage team? Buckley, Padraig Walsh, Walter, John Power, Aylward, all those lads were on the team that Clare beat in the U21 final four years ago. Walsh and Buckley are now 2/3s of a half-backline either side of a relatively ordinary centre-back.

The culture these guys are being integrated with in the senior squad is what has kept Kilkenny at the top. They improve beyond all reason once Cody gets a hold of them. The standards in the squad are incredible, but as the fundamental quality of the players decreases then surely those standards have to gradually slip as well. Delaney and Tommy Walsh were once in a generation type players, but Buckley and Padraig Walsh are not.

I mean it has to end eventually, doesn’t it? Maybe it won’t happen just yet but their number has to come up some day.

Completely agree with that, Codys influence is key but he can only do so much if the well dries up completely. What I find amazing is the KK schools are still going v well but this doesn’t seem to be translating into the minor and 21 teams lately for some reason.

[iron_mike]

@Aristotle

What’s the story with Kevin Kelly? Is he injured?

I was talking to his father last night. Thought he’d see action today. Obviously not. Not injured either. I think in terms of physicality he has a bit to go. He wouldn’t have made a difference today.

[caulifloweredneanderthal]

I remember him over by the sideline getting blocked down in the first half. Don’t remember him striking the ball otherwise

[iron_mike]

Dito John Power

[Watch_The_Break]

I think he spilled one ball in the first half.

[Watch_The_Break]

@The_Most_Infamous

@Watch_The_Break

When’s the last time Kilkenny had a truly outstanding underage team? Buckley, Padraig Walsh, Walter, John Power, Aylward, all those lads were on the team that Clare beat in the U21 final four years ago. Walsh and Buckley are now 2/3s of a half-backline either side of a relatively ordinary centre-back.

The culture these guys are being integrated with in the senior squad is what has kept Kilkenny at the top. They improve beyond all reason once Cody gets a hold of them. The standards in the squad are incredible, but as the fundamental quality of the players decreases then surely those standards have to gradually slip as well. Delaney and Tommy Walsh were once in a generation type players, but Buckley and Padraig Walsh are not.

I mean it has to end eventually, doesn’t it? Maybe it won’t happen just yet but their number has to come up some day.

Completely agree with that, Codys influence is key but he can only do so much if the well dries up completely. What I find amazing is the KK schools are still going v well but this doesn’t seem to be translating into the minor and 21 teams lately for some reason.

Winter hurling mate.

[anon70480284]

Maybe there’s an all Ireland in them this year!

[KinvarasPassion]

@Brimmer_Bradley

Tipp will hammer the fucking pick of em.

+1

[The_Most_Infamous]

I’d love to see it pal…yourselves or Galway winning the AI would be great for the game.

Unfortunately can’t see it though. Tipp are depressingly v strong this year.

[anon70480284]

Prendergast last year st 29 made his debut

[anon70480284]

Yeah Tipp look good but they havnt played anyone yet, the Munster final was a non event, the Galway game will be a good benchmark of Tipp.

[The_Most_Infamous]

The hope would be Galway really turn it on…as when they do they can beat anyone on their day…always could.

Tipp on paper are arguably a lot stronger then last year though…imo they’ve seriously strengthened in midfield, on the line which is huge and at 6 and 15.

Has the makings of a cracker if Galway drive on from the last day…I’m looking forward to it.

[gaillimhmick]

That Tipp team is unbeatable. They will canter to the AI. It will have been an honour to have witnessed these great men from the home of hurling.

[ironmoth]

@Steven_Naimsith

KK collective stick work and first touch was at 50-70% of it’s usual accuracy and effiencey today.

That’s about as high as Waterford let it get.

[ironmoth]

When you factor in the Munster final, Tipp would have put 20 points on Kilkenny today.

[Ambrose_McNulty]

I’d say Kilkenny wanted to lose today just in case they’d have to face Tipp in the final. Cody will be seething now that they missed that opportunity.

[ironmoth]

I’d say that’s the last we’ll see of Conor Fogarty in the black and amber.

[The_Most_Infamous]

Disagree mate…Waterford never got going that day…whereas they arguably put in their best performance in Croke park in 20 years this afternoon.

I think the Munster Final was a bit of a freak result…they proved today they’re not as bad as that, and I hope Tipp aren’t that good.

[ironmoth]

No. @Ambrose_McNulty has done a ‘nail on head’ job here. Tipp’s all ireland to lose.

[The_Most_Infamous]