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Galway glory sparks optimism

Monday, September 12th, 2011

Galway 3-14 Dublin 1-10
By Fintan O’Toole
Monday, September 12, 2011

THE last week has given a strange insight into the condition of Galway hurling over the past two decades after two dynamic and hugely talented underage sides produced emphatic victories on All-Ireland final day.
First the minors had nine points to spare in Croke Park and then, on Saturday night, their U21 team had a ten-point cushion as they dismissed the challenge of Dublin in the U21HC final at Semple Stadium.

The level of performance served by their youngsters will generate plenty optimism in hurling circles in the county and this U21 victory demonstrated the potential that exists as these players prepare to move up to the senior grade.

But there is a large caveat to that positivity. Galway hurling has specialised in churning out sparkling underage talents in the past only to see them fall down on the big stage. The manner of this U21 success ensured there will be hope for Galway hurling over the winter, yet it will be accompanied by a natural wariness.

“All of Galway is hoping these guys will kick on and make good senior players,” admitted triumphant U21 boss Anthony Cunningham.

“Two weekends running, there’s a lot of optimism there now. But there’s still a massive amount of work to be done, you know how high the bar is, I don’t have to tell you. There are huge tasks there – the Limerick match the last day was a huge task to get over and you have the Corks, Kilkennys and now Dublin on the scene. What a force they’re going to be.”

For now Galway will savour this success as they firmly banished the memories of their U21 meltdown last year at the hands of an awesome Tipp team. They were ruthless, tearing Dublin apart and ensuring the 2011 hurling revolution in the capital concludes in sombre fashion. It was a desperately dispiriting experience for Dublin as they never scaled the heights they reached in their march to this decider.

Defenders like Martin Quilty and senior star Liam Rushe did their best to ignite the challenge, yet they were ultimately submerged by powerful maroon waves. The fact Dublin only raised three white flags from play, and two of those were delivered by substitute Robert Mahon in the last quarter, illustrated their struggles.

Of course that was also a testament to the strength of Galway’s rearguard. The semi-final success over Limerick illustrated their ability to shut down an attack and the standards set in that performance were replicated here by Niall Donoghue, Ger O’Halloran and Jason Grealish. Midfielder Johnny Coen was in the thick of the action from the off as he dictated the game. And Galway’s ability to feast on the breaks around the middle, the sharpness of their striking and the physicality of their tackling were also key facets of their victory.

Backed by a strong wind in the first-half, they took their time to get going up front. Barry Daly and Tadhg Haran offered early threats, and it was Haran who smashed home an 11th minute penalty to cancel out Tomás Connolly’s goal minutes previously for Dublin.

But Galway’s shooting was wayward and Dublin soaked up the pressure until just before the interval.

Then the Tribesmen cut loose, with corner-forward pairing James Regan and Davy Glennon wreaking havoc as they accelerated clear for a goal apiece before the break. That left Galway 3-6 to 1-4 ahead at the midway mark and their resilience in defence meant they were never going to leak a deluge of scores in the second-half. They cleverly picked off points with David Burke, Glennon and Niall Burke all prominent, and despite the accuracy of Dublin freetaker Kevin O’Loughlin, Galway’s 10th title at this level was never in doubt.

“It’s very satisfying for these players who were shell-shocked last year,” stated Cunningham. “This time last year it was a lonely place but to be honest, it’s a great way for them now to finish.”

Scorers for Galway: T Haran 1-3 (1-0p), J Regan, D Glennon 1-2 each, D Burke, N Burke 0-3 (0-2fs) each, C Cooney 0-1.

Scorers for Dublin: T Connolly 1-2 (0-2fs), K O’Loughlin 0-5fs, R Mahon 0-2, N McMorrow 0-1.

Subs for Galway: R Burke for Gordon (18), B Burke for Haran (41), D Fox for Cooney (55), N Quinn for N Burke (57), D Cooney for D Burke (inj. 62).
Subs for Dublin: S McGrath for Schutte (HT), F Clabby for Kelly (HT), R Mahon for O’Loughlin (40), B Quinn for Connolly (56).

Referee: Tony Carroll (Offaly).

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All-Ireland final time again

Friday, September 2nd, 2011

It’s All-Ireland final time again and as many predicted it is a repeat of last year’s final with Kilkenny and Tipperary meeting in Croke Park this weekend to battle it out for All-Ireland glory.

With the exception of Tipperary’s semi-final clash with Dublin, both sides have yet to be truly tested, so Sunday should be fascinating seeing how both sides react under a bit of pressure.

I see in the papers today that Tipp have gone with an unchanged team from the side that beat Dublin a couple of weeks ago. Looking through the team player by player, it is hard not to be impressed with the quality throughout Declan Ryan’s side.

Last year’s Young Player of the Year, Brendan Maher must make do with a place on the bench. I expect Brendan to have a big impact when he enters the game and it will be interested to see at what stage Ryan sends him in.

Kilkenny have overcome Wexford, Dublin and Waterford on their way to the final and seem to be getting back to the level of hurling we have come to expect from Kilkenny. The motivation of last year’s loss will be a big factor in the game as the Cats look to dethrone a Tipp side who put a stop to their drive for five.

I see Brian Cody describing Kilkenny as underdogs in the papers this week; I’m not sure if a team who have only lost one Championship game in five years can really be described as underdogs, but what is for sure is that it promises to be an exciting, tight game of hurling. If I had to call it I’d back Kilkenny to edge out the win in the end.

Cody just doesn’t lose two finals, two years in a row!

The curtain raiser on Sunday is the minor final between Galway and Dublin. Dublin minors have been flying this year both in the football and hurling but I fancy Galway to win this one. That may be the heart ruling the head but I don’t think so!

Galway were very impressive against Clare at the start of the month, winning 1-23 to 1-18 after extra-time. Shane Maloney was in great form on the day and if he can replicate that performance again in the final, Galway should win out in the end.

Once Sunday is done and dusted our attentions will turn straight onto the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship final between Galway and Dublin, but sure I’ll leave that for next week’s blog.

A huge two weeks in store, looking forward to it and hopefully seeing Galway winning either the minor or U-21 Championship, if not both.

Chat to you next week,

Joe

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Joe is back this week giving his views on tonight’s Munster final from a poolside in Turkey

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

Thanks to Bord Gáis Energy ambassador Noel McGrath for writing last week’s blog. Noel has had a cracking summer so far and hopefully he can carry on the form he has shown of late into the business end of the Championship.

With Noel taking on the responsibility of last week’s blog, I haven’t written a blog since our loss against Waterford, so I better start with that.

 Obviously the loss was massively disappointing, we just didn’t show up on the day, while Waterford came to Semple with a point to prove and reacted well on the back of their heavy loss in the Munster Championship against Tipp.

Waterford now progress to the All-Ireland semi final where they will meet Kilkenny. The Cats are coming into the game quiet and without the hype that usually surrounds them at this time of the year. This will suit Brian Cody’s men down to the ground, as they will be happy to let their hurling do the talking.

Waterford on the other hand, have had somewhat of a mixed season so far, but following their win over us, their confidence will be high and I have no doubt Davy Fitz will have the lads in the right frame of mind going into that game. I suspect Kilkenny will do the business and book their place in the All-Ireland Final, although in saying that, anything can happen on the day especially when it comes to this time of the Championship when teams like Waterford have nothing to lose.

The other senior Championship semi-final sees Tipperary take on the Dubs. Tipp are the bookies’ favourites at the moment and rightly so. They have been outstanding during the Championship and are definitely the team to beat. Dublin are playing in their first All-Ireland semi-final since 1948 and it would be fantastic if Anthony Daly’s men could book their place in the final and take to the field in front of a packed house in Croke Park on the first weekend of September. I fancy Tipperary to progress with experience proving the key factor.

The Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship is also approaching All-Ireland semi final stage with just the Munster final to be played to determine the last semi-final spot.

Tonight, Limerick take on Cork at the Gaelic grounds in the Munster final. Both teams have had impressive wins in their respective semi-finals with Cork beating defending champions Tipperary in Semple Stadium, while Limerick got the better of Clare in Ennis.

It is Limerick’s first Munster final appearance since 2002, the same year they went on to win the Munster title, but I don’t expect a repeat of 2002 tonight as I reckon Cork will squeeze out the win, in what will be a close game, and book their place in the All-Ireland semi-final against Galway.

Last week, Antrim won their third consecutive Ulster Championship when they beat Armagh in Casement Park. I hear it was a tight game, which should stand to Antrim when they face Leinster Champions Dublin in what will be a huge test for the Glensmen. Dublin should have too much for Antrim in this one and should progress easily.

Some mouth watering encounters coming up in both the senior and U-21 Championships. I’m in Turkey at the moment taking a breather from it all so I better get back to the sun while I still can.

Speak to you all soon,

Joe

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Down But Not Out!

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

There is no point in hiding from the fact that I was incorrect with both of my predictions last week. To rub salt into the wound I’m now down 13-8 to Ger Cunningham in our head to head battle which sees us predict the winner of each game during the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship.

With time slipping away I remain optimistic that I can pull it out of the bag, still plenty of hurling left in the Championship and I have a feeling my luck is about to change!

I knew I was taking somewhat of a risk backing Wexford in the Leinster final but I definitely didn’t expect Dublin to beat the Model County by the margin they did. The Dubs were simply outstanding in the second half and were really spurred on by their second half goal. In fairness, Dublin took their chances and were just too strong for Wexford on the day. The experience of winning last year’s Leinster final definitely stood to them as they were just that more clinical in getting the job done.

Cork overcoming All-Ireland Champions Tipperary was another upset and has thrown the championship wide open, as they say its goals that win you games and scoring four goals definitely helped Cork put Tipp away.

Another talking point of last weekend was the introduction of the player cam. I thought it worked well, Bord Gáis Energy Ambassador Liam Rushe who featured first was certainly in the thick of things when he was being followed and hopefully it gave people a bit of an insight into what is physically demanded of a player at that level. I’m looking forward to hearing Liam’s opinion on the new feature the next time we meet.

Looking towards this week, there are two Ulster semi-finals to look forward to, Antrim take on Derry while Down battle it out against Armagh in what should be two tight games.

Antrim are going for their third Ulster title in a row and with a number of the U-21 squad members making an impression at senior level it’s hard not to see Antrim in another Ulster final.

Both Down and Armagh have been making huge strides with their under age set ups and should be evenly matched, so I’m expected a nip and tuck game here with Armagh just edging it.

With the business end of the season fast approaching, expect more upsets and more top class hurling. Must say I’m looking forward to it.

Speak soon,

Joe

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Awesome Rebel Firepower

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Cork 4-19 Tipperary 1-21
By Fintan O’Toole
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Recent meetings against Tipperary in the U21 grade have been painful experiences for Cork with extra-time defeats in the last two years but the memories of those clashes were erased courtesy of a powerful winning performance in last night’s Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21HC semi-final in Semple Stadium.

This match had assumed extra significance given Cork’s hurling travails at other levels this season and the U21 team delivered a timely success. The latest offering maintained the theme of pulsating encounters between the counties at underage level in recent seasons but in a game that produced 45 scores in 60 minutes of play, Cork’s greater potency up front was key in front of 4,629 patrons.

“We’re very pleased and it was a hugely satisfying performance,” admitted Cork manager Ger Fitzgerald. “We got a fabulous start but they came back at us as. Goals were the key for us tonight and our men inside had the courage to take on the defenders to go for goals. But we have to keep our feet on the ground now and realise that we’ve nothing won. We’ve to play the winners of Clare and Limerick now, and that’ll be very difficult.”

Luke O’Farrell was in dazzling form in the opening stages and he unleashed a bullet to the top corner of the net in the fifth minute, after Christopher Joyce had made a brilliant block in defence to kickstart the move.

Dean Brosnan fired home the second in the 23rd minute with a rasping shot that came back off the stanchion and that was a reward for his promising endeavours. Conor Lehane bundled home the third in the 36th minute and that exemplified the greater impact the Midleton youngster made in the second half, as he benefited from a switch to full-forward before the break.

The final goal was registered by Aidan Walsh, a sublime finish in the 46th minute, and he had a storming second half as Tipperary found it impossible to halt his dominance in the aerial exchanges. Cork’s remaining forwards also shone, with Michael O’Sullivan playing an important role in helping to stymie the influence exerted by Noel McGrath while Jamie Coughlan weighed in with a 0-5 haul.

Tipperary were unable to build on their quarter-final win over Waterford yet their recovery from a disastrous start had seemingly placed them right in contention. Cork’s early play was electric as they sprinted into a 1-7 to 0-1 lead by the ninth minute but remarkably Tipperary had whittled away that advantage within 10 minutes.

They never panicked and their corner-forward John O’Dwyer displayed superb accuracy from placed balls. Tipperary’s tactic of direct ball into Brian O’Meara paid off handsomely in the 15th minute when he grabbed a delivery by Kieran Morris and lashed a shot to the roof of the net. Brosnan’s goal afforded Cork some breathing space in the face of that Tipperary onslaught yet the game was delicately balanced as Cork lead 2-10 to 1-12 at the break.

Before the teams headed for the dressing rooms Fitzgerald expressed his displeasure to referee Michael Wadding at his first-half officiating and there was legitimacy to his complaints with the final free count standing 18-5 in Tipperary’s favour.

“I was unhappy,” revealed the Cork manager. “I just wanted to make the point that I felt they were getting frees a little easier. It didn’t improve in the second half so obviously what I said didn’t work but that’s the way it is.”

Tipperary made the brighter start to the second half as they outscored Cork 0-6 to 1-2 in the third quarter. Yet critically Cork tightened up in defence with substitute Damien Cahalane exerting a steadying influence, Joyce continuing to impress and captain William Egan leading the way. Goalkeeper Darren McCarthy made a vital save in the third quarter from O’Dwyer and was also alert to clear his lines as Morris stole in on goal.

At the other end Tipperary were struggling as their full-back line was placed under immense pressure while McCarthy’s puckouts repeatedly found the hand of Walsh at left half-forward. The Kanturk man’s goal opened the floodgates and in the closing exchanges Lehane and Coughlan split the posts with a succession of classy scores. Midfielder Adrian Ryan hit some good points for Tipperary yet they were unable to make real headway and the late switch of Noel McGrath to attack failed to alter the course of the game. Cork registered 1-7 in the final quarter while only conceding 0-3 and the strength of that finish propelled them to a place in the final on August 3.

Scorers for Cork: C Lehane 1-4, L O’Farrell 1-3, D Brosnan 1-2, A Walsh 1-1, J Coughlan 0-5 (0-2f), M O’Sullivan 0-2, W Egan (0-1f), S O’Farrell 0-1 each.

Scorers for Tipperary: J O’Dwyer 0-11 (0-10f), B O’Meara 1-1, N McGrath 0-3 (0-3f), A Ryan, S Curran 0-2 each, K Morris, J O’Neill 0-1 each.

CORK: D McCarthy; C Joyce, E Finn, S Corry; J Nagle, W Egan, M Ellis; S O’Farrell, D Roche; D Brosnan, C Lehane, A Walsh; L O’Farrell, M O’Sullivan, J Coughlan.

Subs: D Drake for Roche (half-time), D Cahalane for Finn (42), E O’Sullivan for S O’Farrell (58).

TIPPERARY: P Ryan; C Haugh, K O’Gorman, S O’Brien; J Barry, N McGrath, P Heffernan; B Stapleton, A Ryan; J O’Neill, S Curran, P Murphy; K Morris, B O’Meara, J O’Dwyer.

Subs: J Gallagher for Barry (25), S Maher for O’Brien (half-time), M Sheedy for Morris (50), W Maher for Murphy (54).

Referee: Michael Wadding (Waterford).

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Cruel reality of knock out hurling

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Am giddy for the match this weekend against the Dubs so rather than give away any state secrets I thought Noel Connors could take over this week and give his take on his hurling year to date. I’ll be back next week with hopefully a Leinster Final to look forward to.

Chat then
Joe

Noel Connors

Unfortunately, our first Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship game of 2011 turned out to be our last as Tipperary put an end to our campaign before it had even begun.

I was, and still am, gutted. We really believed that we had a chance of doing well in Munster and who knows after that.

To be fair to Tipp, they really hit the ground running, putting us under real pressure in the first half. We were definitely slow to get going but once we did, I thought we were going catch them, but it was too little too late I’m afraid.

One poor half of hurling and that’s our U-21 season over. The cruel reality of knock out hurling. But at least I had the chance of putting things right.

After the disappointment of the loss in the U-21s, it was important to get back on the road again and no better way to focus the mind than a Munster senior semi-final against Limerick.

To be honest it was great to get back hurling and even better to get back to winning ways. Limerick certainly didn’t make it an easy run out for us, as we knew they wouldn’t and on the day it’s fair to say we were lucky to get the win. It’s a cliché but a draw was probably the fairest result and I did feel for another Bord Gáis Energy Ambassador, Kevin Downes who I thought had a superb game at 14 for Limerick.

They’ll be a match for anyone in the qualifiers.

In saying that we’ll happily take the win and will now turn all our attentions to the Munster Final – all eyes on Tipperary and Clare this weekend in the other semi.

There have been some terrific games between Clare and Tipperary throughout the years and whoever comes out will provide us with a huge test in the Munster Final. Clare have had their issues over the last few years with relegation etc but they won the U-21 All Ireland a few years back and those lads will be looking for senior glory. As for Tipp…no need to say much there!

As for us, winning at the death against Limerick will give us a huge boost going forward as we now know we have the ability to come back and grind out a win. Having that belief against either Clare or Tipp will be massive.

Elsewhere, there has been plenty of hurling in both the U-21 and the Senior Championship over the last couple of weeks to keep us entertained. The surprise of the summer to date for me, was Wexford’s shock win over Kilkenny in the U-21 Championship.

Kilkenny have three or four senior lads on their U-21 team and I thought they would have had too much for Wexford but it just goes to show how tough the U-21 Championship is to call. And no back door for the Cats either.

If I was forced to call a winner at this stage, I would pick the winner on the U-21 Munster semi-final between Cork and Tipperary, but in saying that I wouldn’t be willing to put too much money on it with the likes of Galway still to enter the frame!

Plenty more hurling to be played this summer and hopefully there will be no shortage of exciting games and upsets along the way. I just hope that we are not on the receiving end of any upset and can keep the fires lit!

Hope everyone enjoys the summer.

Noel

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Tipp still the team to beat

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

What a game to kick off the 2011 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U21 All-Ireland Championship! Waterford and reigning champions Tipperary played out a cracker in Semple Stadium last week, with the Premier County doing enough to edge out a victory and keep their hopes of retaining the Cross of Cashel alive.

It’s a tough blow for the Waterford lads, including our man Noel Connors. They put up a spirited come back in the second half, but it just wasn’t to be for them on the day. As for Tipperary, it seems they are certainly the team to beat in Munster and Semple remains a fortress. Cork are the next team to travel to Thurles, in what will be a massive game for both sides. The Rebels are coming in cold so to speak, having not yet played a championship game, while Tipp on the other hand, have that tough run out against Waterford behind them which should stand to them in a tight contest. It promises to be another cracker.

Last night Wexford and Kilkenny U21s met in Wexford Park ahead of the senior showdown this weekend, with Wexford somewhat surprisingly getting the better of the Cats thanks to a late Emmet Kent point. With Carlow facing Leinster Champions Dublin tonight, the 2011 U-21 season is well and truly under way.

Dublin really should have enough scoring power to brush aside Carlow tonight and with the likes of Liam Rushe and Daire Plunkett, they should run riot. If Carlow can keep the ball away from these two guys, they have an outside chance but it will probably be a tough evening for them.

At senior level, Dublin backed up their impressive League win with a hard-fought victory over Offaly, and following our win over Westmeath at the weekend, a Leinster Championship semi-final showdown with the Dubs in Tullamore should produce a great game with a big crowd. Hopefully I will be 100% by the time the match comes around and in contention for a place on the team. I have missed so much and I am itching for a game at this stage.

So after a long wait the 2011 Championship season is now in full swing, with both the U21 Championship and the Senior Championship games keeping us all entertained and back talking hurling 24/7. Exciting times ahead and it won’t be long until we are once again wondering where the months have gone.

Finally, for those teams who begin their campaigns in the coming weeks, best of luck and enjoy!

Joe

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Goal-hungry Tipp hold off late Déise surge

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Tipperary 4-12
Waterford 1-16
By Fintan O’Toole

TIPPERARY rounded off a splendid four-day period for hurling in the county with success in last night’s Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21HC quarter-final in Semple Stadium but only after withstanding a storming second-half performance by a 14-man Waterford side.

Before an attendance of 4,392 spectators Tipperary looked to have wrapped up their place in the provincial semi-final when they enjoyed an eight-point advantage, 3-11 to 0-12, with ten minutes remaining. Waterford’s prospects were damaged greatly when Owen Whelan, who had been introduced as a half-time substitute, was sent-off for a second yellow card in the 40th minute. Yet despite the bleakness of the situation, Waterford mounted a terrific rally in a pulsating finale.

They chipped away at Tipperary’s advantage courtesy of the flawless freetaking of Philip Mahony while inside attackers Brian O’Sullivan and Maurice Shanahan, who overcame injury to start, caused constant difficulties for the Premier rearguard. They had trimmed Tipperary’s advantage to six points entering injury-time before receiving a lifeline when O’Sullivan finished expertly to the net after Jake Dillon had delivered a precise pass forward.

Waterford effectively harnessed the momentum generated from that goal and nearly raised a second green flag within seconds but Pauric Mahony’s fierce whip was blocked smartly by Tipperary netminder Paul Ryan. Substitute Owen Connors flicked over a point to reduce the deficit to two but the match was then settled as a contest in the closing minute. Waterford poured forward but despite Shanahan seeming to be fouled during an attack, referee Diarmuid Kirwan waved play on and Tipperary swept downfield in clinical fashion. Paddy Murphy prised open the Waterford defence when he popped a pass through and corner-forward John O’Neill slammed home his second goal of the game.

That was the insurance score that secured Tipperary a spot in the semi-final against Cork on July 20th yet there was more relief than joy in their ranks at the final whistle after surviving that nervous finish. Ultimately Tipperary did enough in the first-half to engineer victory. They produced some spellbinding passages of play in the opening thirty minutes to lead 2-9 to 0-7 at the interval and indeed by the 24th minute they had been in the ascendancy by ten points. Tipperary, lead by their outstanding captain Noel McGrath at midfield, settled better to the rhythms of the game and dominated the key sectors of the pitch from the off.

After a feisty start to the match when a series of skirmishes developed either side of the throw-in, Tipperary grabbed the game’s opening score in the 3rd minute when Brian O’Meara was hauled to the ground after a superb catch and McGrath lashed the resultant penalty to the net. Ten minutes later Tipperary notched their second goal when Sean Curran batted home after O’Neill did the spade work. Tipperary’s hurling was sharp all around the pitch with corner-back Ciaran Haugh and wing-forward Adrian Ryan impressing most.

Waterford were guilty of poor shooting as they fired six wides in the opening twenty minutes but they managed to correct that element of their game before the break with Shanahan and O’Sullivan excelling. That duo continued to inspire the Déise after the interval and by the 39th minute Tipperary’s lead had been notably shaved to 2-9 to 0-10. However the dismissal of Whelan unsettled Waterford and Tipperary capitalised with O’Neill crashing to the net in the 44th minute after good work by O’Meara to create the chance. Tipperary should have kicked on from there but Waterford, with Jamie Barron, Philip Mahony and O’Sullivan all powering into the game, refused to wilt and came close to overhauling their opponents.

Scorers for Tipperary: J O’Neill 2-2; N McGrath 1-1 (1-0 pen); S Curran 1-0; A Ryan 0-3 each; J O’Dwyer 0-2 (0-1f); B O’Meara, B Stapleton, P Murphy, M Sheedy 0-1 each.

Scorers for Waterford: B O’Sullivan 1-4; Pauric Mahony 0-6 (0-6f); M Shanahan 0-4; J Dillon, O Connors 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: P Ryan; C Haugh, K O’Gorman, S Maher; B Stapleton, J Barry, P Heffernan; N McGrath, J Gallagher; S Curran, P Murphy, A Ryan; J O’Neill, B O’Meara, J O’Dwyer. Subs: S O’Brien for Barry (inj) (half-time), A McCormack for Gallagher (39), M Sheedy for Curran (55).

WATERFORD: S O’Keeffe; J Barron, D Fives, N Connors; P Prendergast, Philip Mahony, S Daniels; S Roche, A Brophy; E Murphy, Pauric Mahony, M O’Neill; B O’Sullivan, M Shanahan, J Dillon. Subs: O Whelan for O’Neill (half-time), O Connors for Brophy (47), E Madigan for Murphy (55).

Referee: Diarmuid Kirwan (Cork)

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Where did that year go!

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

As I stood pitch side in Croke Park last week for the photo call it was hard to get my head around the fact that another year had gone by and that we were back where we were 12 months previous.

I was delighted to be asked back again, primarily as a judge in the Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year competition, but also as guest blogger and match predictor on breakingthrough.ie. The opportunity my role gives me to attend so many top class games is one that was hard to leave behind.

However I wasn’t the only one making a return.

Once again this year, Ger Cunningham (former Cork great but also the Bord Gáis Energy Sports Sponsorship Manager) is my nemesis in the online Head 2 Head competition and as Joanne Cantwell put us through our paces at the launch it was great to see that Ger was full of his old tricks – trying to prise valuable Galway hurling insights from me, but I am wise to his ways now and all he got this year was a “Yerrah”!

He’ll have to get up earlier next year to catch me out!

Ken McGrath was one of the new faces however. It will be a strange Summer of hurling as Waterford go in to battle without him patrolling the Déise rearguard. Apart from the cast on his broken thumb, he is still looking so fit and it is hard to believe that he is no longer hurling at the top level. He is one of the best players I have ever seen.

While another year would have been on his mind given that he togged out during the National League, Ken has given more than plenty over the years to the Waterford cause and nobody can begrudge him his retirement.

His new challenge though is how he adapts to the role of Breaking Through Player of the Year judge – no blue tinted specs allowed Ken!

Outside of the judging panel, there were players aplenty in HQ in their role as Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Ambassadors. In some ways it was the same old faces, or maybe I should say new faces in the same old jerseys, as I looked at the latest young guns lining up ahead of the campaign with their respective U-21 county teams.

The beauty of this competition as we all know is that this is the last true knock out competition in hurling – so unfortunately many of the players that togged out in Croke Park last week, won’t see July, never mind August.

All that training. All that heart break. All that effort. Gone in 60 minutes. The last true bastion of knock out hurling but that is what makes it so special.

There is certainly an argument in favour of knock out when you see the extra bite or the extra edge that it gives a game – but I won’t be calling for that if Westmeath beat us this Saturday night in Mullingar!

They were given no chance of beating an up and coming Carlow team in their first match and after coming through that they will have lots of confidence. Brian Hanley is also their manager (an Athenry man) and he will know us all inside out. He will have them well prepared and I should know. Brian was coach to me and a few more of the guys on the Galway U-21’s over the past few seasons.

Our own preparations are going well. We had a good win over Limerick last weekend in a challenge match. Great to see Skehill and Monty (Alan Kerins) back in a maroon jersey it has to be said.

My preparations ain’t going well though as I have had a few problems with injury for much of the season so far and it’s touch and go to see if I will be available for selection. Fingers crossed I will be fit.

Anyway, knock out or not – we’ll be ready for Westmeath.

The first knock out blow in the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship will be to Tipperary or Waterford as they take centre stage tonight on the very sod where the Premier County put on probably the performance of last years U-21 championship when they beat Galway in the All-Ireland Final.

It is a huge task for Waterford and for Noel Connors, one of this year’s Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Ambassadors, to go there and win. But they are a coming force and you could easily see the winner of this game going on to win Munster – and for that very reason the heart break for whoever loses will be all the greater.

I remember my first year at U-21 level with Galway. I was only 17 years of age and was selected on the bench for the game against Kilkenny. Admittedly we didn’t have the threat of knock out in June or even July, we had a long wait until August for our first taste but that All-Ireland Semi-Final date would loom large on the horizon and as it drew nearer the nerves just got bigger and bigger.

So I can appreciate exactly the nerves that the Tipp and Déise lads will be feeling as they head to Thurles this evening. U-21 is slightly more open than its senior counterpart but that makes it all the better as a player to play in and in some ways, as a spectator to watch.

You can really express yourself – but only if your man lets you! And not many will do that!

Best of luck to the lads tonight and indeed to all the players and managers and fans over the course of the Championship.

Talk to ye all soon

Joe

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Munster Hurling Quarter Final Preview – Tipperary v Waterford

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

Bord Gáis Energy Munster Hurling U-21 Quarter Final
Tipperary v Waterford
Wednesday 1st June, Semple Stadium, 7.30pm

Noel Connors and Noel McGrath

The 2011 Bord Gáis Energy Munster Hurling U-21 Championship is surely set to be the most hotly contested in the history of the competition and this match between Tipperary and Waterford epitomises that feeling. Experts across the country are tentative, loathe to put their necks on the line and there are parties calling this one for both Tipperary and Waterford.

Last time out, back in the 2009 Munster semi final, Waterford beat Tipp with 10 points to spare in Dungarvan. The fact that the match is being played in Thurles may prove the difference this time, although Waterford will be keenly conscious that some of Tipperary’s key players, including captain Noel McGrath, were involved in a tough match against Cork in the Senior Championship just two days ago.

All-Ireland Champions Tipperary have four players straddling U-21 and senior level this year, including Noel McGrath in midfield and Brian O’Meara, Paddy Murphy and John O’Neill amongst the forwards. The team to take the field tomorrow night includes seven of the team which started last year’s All-Ireland final against Galway.

Waterford can boast seven senior players on their U-21 team including full back Noel Connors, goalkeeper Stephen O’Keeffe and captain Philip Mahony. A big loss is full forward Maurice Shanahan, who scored 13 points against Tipperary the last time these sides met at this level. He is out with an injured arm.

This is knock-out and Tipperary will be hard pressed to loosen their grip on the Cross of Cashel trophy this early in the year.

Tipperary: 1. P. Ryan, 2. C. Hough, 3. K. O’Gorman, 4. S. Maher, 5. B. Stapleton, 6. J. Barry, 7. P. Heffernan, 8. N. McGrath, 9. J. Gallagher, 10. S. Curran, 11. P. Murphy, 12. B. O’Meara, 13. J. O’Dwyer, 14. A. Ryan, 15. J. O’Neill

Waterford: 1. S. O’Keeffe, 2. J. Barron, 3. N. Connors, 4. P. Prendergast, 5. Philip Mahony, 6. D. Fives, 7. S. Daniels, 8. S. Roche, 9. M. O Neill, 10. E. Murphy, 11. A. Brophy, 12. Padraic Mahony, 13. B. O Sullivan, 14. E. Madigan, 15. J. Dillon

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