Its looking like a good year alright, to be fair the new league structure is helping, as is the fact that a lot of teams are rebuilding and there is a lot of youth coming through pretty much everywhere. I have a feeling it will be between Dublin and KK though, and only if the former get all their players back.
It’ll suit Dublin better meeting Kilkenny in the semi-final this year. Will take away the pressure of a final and will leave them with more time to recover if they’re beaten. If they win they’ll beat whoever comes through the other side. They’re still flawed Dublin, but there’s no denying that they’re a serious threat.
I almost forgot, Galway :lol:
Dublin are the only team that can match KK physically in Croker come championship. Not only do they have the fitness and physicality but they have three of the best ball-winners outside of Kilkenny in Keaney, Rushe and Sutcliffe. Paul Ryan is very underrated as well imo. Thing is I don’t think Daly has ever had a full squad to pick from, and this year isn’t much better. Have a nagging feeling Tipp won’t do shit outside of Munster but I haven’t seen them play in the flesh yet this year. Really hard to say where they are.
Rest aren’t worth talking about. Clare and Cork might do something in Munster, possibly.
Treacy is back with a bang. Any sign of the other Dublin injured coming back? What about Hiney? He seems to have been out for a fair old while at this stage.
I’ve been impressed by Sutcliffe the last two times i’ve seen him, well able to win ball, take fellas on and shoot accurately from long range. Dublin can definitely have a good year and with a bit of luck would be heading for the semi-finals of the league, not a relegation final.
Tipperary started last night’s match -11 starters from last years AI.
I wouldn’t be writing them off just yet. Alot of younger players getting game time which can only be good in the longer term.
Fair point, to be honest I have seen less of them this year then anyone else. Is that UCC corner back Maher getting a decent run out? Really liked the look of him in the Fitz matches, very tenacious.
I think he’ll be starting ahead of Paddy Stapleton this year, he’s been quite good so far.
Should be a good game in Thurles next Sunday.
[font=arial]Yeah, I’m hoping to travel up. But are Cork already in the semi? If we are, might see JBM throw out a weakish side and keep his best 15 for the league semi.[/font]
[font=arial]As an aside, just saw on Reservoir Dubs that [size=3]they aren’t expecting Hiney back this year, Keaney is still a few months off and Kelly will be back soon.[/size][/font]
Rumour has it another of the Waterford selectors has walked. Sean Cullinane to replace him
Don’t think Hiney is all that much of a loss, doubt he will get his place back when fit
[left]
The Waterford camp was rocked by the departure of selector Brother Philip Ryan in the aftermath of yesterday’s victory over Galway.
Br Ryan’s decision comes four days after fellow selector Nicky Cashin opted out of the county fold.
It is understood board chiefs are hoping to persuade former county star Sean Cullinane (Passage East) to join manager Michael Ryan’s management team.
The Waterford County Board meets this evening and will discuss the matter, along with the formal ratification of Ken McGrath as Cashin’s replacement.
Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/deise-stunned-as-selector-ryan-quits-188396.html#ixzz1qCxRNCHy[/left][/left]
How far off the Tipp squad would Pat Short (not the comedian) or Joey McLoughlin (I think that was his name anyway) be? Saw them both play in NSW yesterday
Pat Shortt was a classy minor back in 2001 and 2002 but would be far too light for senior I/C. Decent club hurler for Upperchurch though. Presume it is Joey McLoughney, not sure is he the Toomevara lad or the Kilruane lad, think he is the Toome lad and hurled minor for Tipp in 2006.
Point proven once again.
think he is my age alright so 2002 would be about right. he is small alright but well able to play and get stuck in on the evidence of yesterday anyway. McLoughney is a fine striker of the ball. Aengus Callinan from Salthill was playing too. Cant think if there was any other county hurlers involved. A lot of good club players over at the moment.
[quote=“Mac, post: 662579”]
Point proven once again.[/quote]
That was the betting post of the week Mac, well done.
Thanks Fagan, I trust you made loads so well done.
[quote=“Mac, post: 662582”]
Thanks Fagan, I trust you made loads so well done.[/quote]
Not really a betting man at all, Mac. Just admired the post for it’s prescience, prose and perfectly stated logic.