For the neutral non hurling expert this was a poor final. The sending off was possibly draconian as a clear intentional contact wasn’t clear to me.
The aftermath revealed Cody’s last centuries mantra - horse it in long. Past century.
Lorrying balls into Heffernan (who was tuned in) with the spare man was madness.
Tipp had this under control from way out. Limerick lads must be sick.
Kilkenny were good when he had Sheff in the half-forward line scoring from absolutely anywhere. Shefflin would score a point from near the half-way line, the puck-out would go back to Shefflin and he’d just score another point immediately.
And then when it got close to the opposition goal he had Larkin and Brennan as constant goal threats.
Not only did they lorry high ball in on top of an outnumbered inside forward line two against Maher(s), Heffernan et al, on many occasions their striking was poor in the wet conditions and they kinda half duffed / scuffed efforts in which didn’t go beyond Barrett as spare man. He must have had the ball in his hand around 4 times in the first 5 minutes after half time and they worked it upfield and finished the game.
While it was game over at that point, Kilkenny pretty much accepted their fate and were happy to tip over points to keep it somewhat respectable for a while. There were a few times when Reid and others got the ball around 30/40 yards out and took handy points when they were 8/9 behind instead of driving at goal and looking for a goal. They didn’t really have any running or support game to call upon, which was obviously needed when you go down to 14.
They had given up at least 10 minutes into the second half, maybe sooner.
Kilkenny started the game with an unfit Richie Hogan. Rumours Mullen wasn’t right and noone can tell me Buckley is right.
Doesnt say much for Codys faith in what was sitting long side him.
How many championship games didn Nicky Rackard play to score championship goals @GeoffreyBoycott? An incredible record
Cody has a poor record in considering the long term health of his players. Richie Power and Michael Fennelly will be crippled when they’re 60
If players make themselves available for selection, that’s on them.
Kilkenny don’t do tactics
Or at least not enough of them
Did Cody shit the togs here? He lost so I assume that is the case.
No plan B after the sending off. 4
Limerick will be gunning for Tipperary now in the unimportant Munster Championship next year and will want to lay down a marker.
He performed a miracle getting that crowd to a final.
He shat the togs today though. Probably caught it off Mullen.
Cody filled his togs.
Their manliness just wasn’t enough today. Not enough warriors.
In all reality, Tipp were too wound up in the first 20 minutes, the touch was off and they were careering into tackles. Once the frees dried up for Kilkenny they had no threat
great to hear the cheer Bonner Maher got when he lifted the trophy earlier
Was Mickey Cahill there?
Eamon o Shea’s reaction was priceless