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Post by Mickmack on Apr 12, 2022 7:41:07 GMT
On Sunday there are two Munster senior hurling round-robin ties live on RTÉ as The Sunday Game Live returns for another season.
John Kiely’s all-conquering Limerick team travel to face Cork, while before that it’s Liam Cahill’s Waterford league winners hosting Tipperary.
Before that midweek there are two Munster U20 hurling group games being live-streamed by TG4, while the New York-Sligo match in the Connacht SFC is available on GAA GO for all viewers.
Here’s the full list of what’s in store:
Wednesday
7pm: Spórt TG4 YouTube – Clare v Cork – Munster U20 hurling championship.
7pm: Spórt TG4 YouTube – Tipperary v Waterford – Munster U20 hurling championship.
Saturday
4.30pm: Sky Sports Arena – Wexford v Galway – Leinster senior hurling championship.
6.30pm: Sky Sports Arena – Fermanagh v Tyrone – Ulster senior football championship.
Sunday
2pm: RTÉ 2 – Waterford v Tipperary – Munster senior hurling championship.
4pm: RTÉ 2 – Cork v Limerick – Munster senior hurling championship.
7.30pm: GAA GO – New York v Sligo – Connacht senior football championship.
9.30pm: RTÉ 2 – The Sunday Game.
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 14, 2022 16:58:36 GMT
Colm Keys
April 14 2022 02:30 AM
Apart from the loyalty card played, Liam Cahill surely made a decisive calculation when he weighed up an invitation to take over as Tipperary manager not long after the 2021 All-Ireland hurling championship had concluded.
The draw of home had to have been strong but still, in practical terms, he clearly arrived at the conclusion that the Waterford squad he had been cultivating in the previous two years offered his best prospect of silverware in the two years to follow.
Given his position as manager of Tipperary’s back-to-back All-Ireland-winning U-21/20 teams in 2018 and 2019, who else was better placed to make a call on the immediate projection of both senior teams?
That calculation, just a few months on, has already had some validation. Waterford are league champions and if there was any doubt as to who the No 1 contenders to Limerick’s undisputed dominance in the months ahead were, there’s none now. They’ve earned that over three seasons.
Tipperary, by contrast, are almost hurling’s forgotten team. At 12/1, they are distant fourth favourites for a Munster title. When has that happened last? Probably at some stage in those barren years between 1971 and 1987. But still enough hope, based on the talent they had, especially in the 1980s when Nickey English emerged, could always be summoned to keep the odds much shorter than that.
Even in 2007, the year prior to Liam Sheedy’s appointment as manager that triggered a strong thread of consistency since, they began that Munster Championship as 2/1 favourites, albeit based on a favourable draw that they ultimately couldn’t capitalise on.
Such long odds on a Tipp win in Munster have their source in the expectation that Limerick’s dominance will continue and that if they are to be displaced, Waterford will do the needful.
But 12/1 for Tipp? A team that were All-Ireland champions just three seasons ago, that led Limerick by 10 points at half-time in last year’s Munster final? That has the wellspring of those U-21/20 titles? Are they really that far off?
“The expectation in Tipperary for the team wouldn’t be great and the league match in Walsh Park a few weeks ago is probably behind that most,” said Eoin Kelly, Tipperary’s All-Ireland-winning captain in 2010.
That day Tipperary lost by 10, having conceded 10 points without reply down the home stretch as Waterford’s running game overwhelmed them.
Kelly still liked a lot about Tipperary, especially what their forwards produced in the first half, and feels it’s something to build on. There’s the potential for more pace to be integrated in the team than perhaps there has been for a start.
“I still don’t think they’ll win. But there’s a lot of pride in that dressing-room and a lot of brilliant individual talent – Noel McGrath, Jason Forde, Ronan Maher. Walsh Park has always been a difficult ask, whether it’s a minor or U-21 game in the past. I feel Tipperary will be in this game around the 60-minute mark, they’ll be competitive. And at that point they’ll be mindful of what happened the last day.
“If they can keep it to three or four points, it sets them up for the next day at home to Clare. Home venue in the first game in this format is important and Waterford have that.”
Kelly points to other deflationary facts – Brendan Maher has retired, Pádraic Maher is forced out of the game through injury while Seamie Callanan is out in the short term and John O’Dwyer has injury considerations that cautioned him to step aside for now. So much leadership and talent ebbed away.
On top of that, two of UL’s top Fitzgibbon Cup winners, Bryan O’Mara and Ciaran Connolly, have made themselves unavailable who Kelly, a member of Sheedy’s backroom team in recent years, believes could make an impact.
Colm Bonnar’s stated ambition was to assess the credentials of his squad during the league. As he pointed out with some justification earlier in the week, they won their first two games against Laois and Kilkenny, then changed the team, losing by a point to Dublin. If a league semi-final was truly their aim they’d have played it a little safer with team selection. By the end of the fifth game they had run 31 players.
For some, the flow of new championship faces has been slow in the county in recent years, but in mitigation, Sheedy had an All-Ireland winning side and that’s always hard to displace.
That said, the substitutes that were firefighters against Wexford in the 2019 All-Ireland semi-final have yet to really take full flight as they edge towards their mid-20s.
Only Jake Morris has really nailed down a starting place. Of the others, Willie Connors has a long-term injury, Mark Kehoe got a start against Limerick in 2020 while Ger Browne has had to be happy picking up bits and pieces of championship games since.
Kehoe looks a likely starter on Sunday after a flourishing league where his power and pace manifested repeatedly.
Bonnar is almost certain to give debuts to Craig Morgan in defence and Conor Bowe in attack. A third championship debutant, James Quigley, has also made the right noises for selection at full-back through the league but a second debutant on that line might force a rethink.
For Kelly, there’s a pragmatism about where Tipperary hurling is, seeking solace in a performance rather than a result. But the aim, he says, must be to take their championship campaign down to a last game with Cork in Thurles on May 22 and lay it all on the line there.
“Those odds surprise me, I’d never have considered Tipperary that far back and they’re not, but expectation on Sunday and overall isn’t high. It could take two or three years for this team to evolve.”
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 16, 2022 17:18:18 GMT
A very vocal home crowd encouraged Wexford to stay in the game v Galway and they scored the last 4 points to grab a draw.
Conor McDonald showed gave great leadership and got a goal to keep then in it.
Galway should have won well as they had most of the play but they messed up a clear goal chance at a vital stage.
The standard was below what we have seen from Munster teams. The power had shifted to Munster in a big way.
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legendz
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Post by legendz on Apr 16, 2022 20:52:18 GMT
A very vocal home crowd encouraged Wexford to stay in the game v Galway and they scored the last 4 points to grab a draw. Conor McDonald showed gave great leadership and got a goal to keep then in it. Galway should have won well as they had most of the play but they messed up a clear goal chance at a vital stage. The standard was below what we have seen from Munster teams. The power had shifted to Munster in a big way. The last Leinster round robin championship pre covid saw 4 teams finished on 5 points. With Laois playing Westmeath in the final round, there's every chance the Leinster Championship will have all to play for on the final day. 4 going for the top 3 and 2 in a relegation final. |
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 17, 2022 22:52:18 GMT
Looks like it will be a real battle between Cork, Tipp, Clare and Waterford for 2 slots.
Tipp are better than i expected but Seamus Callanan and John oDwyer were badly missed today.
Waterfords bench is their trump card provided they can stay in contention in games for 60 mins.
I didnt see Cork v Limerick yet.
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 18, 2022 16:30:29 GMT
Cork look like they learned nothing from the defeat to Limerick last year.
Yesterday they tried to bring the ball through the lines, got turned over and Limerick got 2.16 from turnovers.
There was a shot of Limerick coming out of the tunnel for the second half and every player looks to have maximum physical development. Its staggering.
Cork players by comparison look like the jersey is too big for a lot of them.
Limerick only won one game in the league...v Offaly. Shows how serious they were about that competition.
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Post by dc84 on Apr 18, 2022 17:17:39 GMT
Limerick are the best conditioned team ever in gaa id say they are absolute monsters of men and mobile. It was tough on cork backs again yesterday hounded everytime they are on the ball no movement up front and the usual lazy attempts at tackling by their forwards
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 23, 2022 8:45:07 GMT
Limerick v Waterford today.
They may well meet in the Munster Final and the All Ireland final in the coming weeks.
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Post by thehermit on Apr 23, 2022 8:57:31 GMT
Yeah should be a cracker if they both go for it tonight. As much as I don't begrudge our neighbours success I'd love to see Waterford win Liam this summer. It would be huge for hurling and it's not before time considering the great teams and players the Desie have produced these last 25 years.
Always felt the 2002-2010 side was one of the best never to land the big prize. Got to the All-Ireland in 08 maybe a year or two past their peak and didn't do themselves justice at all. 07 might have been their chance only for Limerick to ambush them in that manic game in Croker. I was on the hill for that waiting for Kerry v Monaghan to start afterwards.
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 23, 2022 9:29:26 GMT
Yeah should be a cracker if they both go for it tonight. As much as I don't begrudge our neighbours success I'd love to see Waterford win Liam this summer. It would be huge for hurling and it's not before time considering the great teams and players the Desie have produced these last 25 years. Always felt the 2002-2010 side was one of the best never to land the big prize. Got to the All-Ireland in 08 maybe a year or two past their peak and didn't do themselves justice at all. 07 might have been their chance only for Limerick to ambush them in that manic game in Croker. I was on the hill for that waiting for Kerry v Monaghan to start afterwards. I was in the Cusack Stand and Limerick fans behind me were getting more and more vocal as the Limerick threat materialised. At the final whistle one lady in particular was beyond delirium...i turned around to observe the happy scene and who was it but Dolores oRiordan of the Cranberries. Most neutrals are backing Waterford this year. It will be some scene if they pull if off. |
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Post by taggert on Apr 23, 2022 19:42:31 GMT
What a game that was.
Sadly many folk were deprived of the soectacle - Sky Sports Arena not a staple channel in many households.
Waterford are improving year on year but my word what reserves of strength, skill, hunger and fitness Limerick have - an incredible dressing room I suspect, driving each other on.
30 points and a dozen wides to boot in little over 70 minutes....
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 23, 2022 19:52:26 GMT
What a game that was. Sadly many folk were deprived of the soectacle - Sky Sports Arena not a staple channel in many households. Waterford are improving year on year but my word what reserves of strength, skill, hunger and fitness Limerick have - an incredible dressing room I suspect, driving each other on. 30 points and a dozen wides to boot in little over 70 minutes.... Peter Casey outinjured. Kyle Hayes out injured Seamus Flanagan out injured. Cian Lynch goes off injured. Few teams would carryon regardless without those players. Limerick are something else. Waterford gave it everything. Magnificent contest. Dublin deservedly beat Wexford. It looked like junior hurling compared to the second game. |
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 23, 2022 21:40:41 GMT
Check out @officialgaa's Tweet:
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Post by thehermit on Apr 23, 2022 21:57:09 GMT
Waterford stuck in there, fought back, were pipped but were not blow away. And in the lions den to boot, appreciate Limerick were not full strength but I still think Waterford will walk away thinking they are there or there abouts.
A Munster final rematch in a 50/50 crowd will be fascinating.
Still as the lads above have said Limerick are some machine, mentally and physically they are diamond hard.
What I'd give to have seen the Cats in their prime circa 08/09 v these boys.
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 23, 2022 22:41:30 GMT
No matter how good your opponent is in fetching a puckout in the air, his hand wont reach higher than your hurley.
What i am saying is why dont Limericks opponents use the hurley to flick the ball away and make it a 50:50 chance of winning the breaking ball on the ground.
I remember Clare doing that v Cork in the 2013 final.
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 24, 2022 18:12:09 GMT
Tipps next match is v Limerick and they will be out of contention after that.
Tipp play Cork in the last match so that may suit Cork.
Tipp well off the pace today but Clare were impressive.
2nd and 3rd place in round robin between Cork, Waterford and Clare
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Post by glengael on Apr 25, 2022 14:50:35 GMT
Tipp look to be in trouble indeed.
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Post by Mickmack on Apr 25, 2022 16:25:05 GMT
They should shove Waterford into Leinster...there is huge rivalry between Waterford and KK and Wexford.
Around Ferrybank its street v street with Waterford city encroaching into KK.
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legendz
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Post by legendz on Apr 26, 2022 17:40:34 GMT
They should shove Waterford into Leinster...there is huge rivalry between Waterford and KK and Wexford. Around Ferrybank its street v street with Waterford city encroaching into KK. If they were to adopt a conference system instead of provincial maybe! Waterford are proud of their Munsterness. After a few difficult Munster round robins, I'd like to see Waterford have a good year. 3rd place would suit Waterford better. Avoid Limerick in the Munster final and possibly catch them in an All-Ireland semi-final. Limerick don't play in the final weekend. Clare and Waterford in round 5 could be just to decide 2nd and 3rd. Will either want to make the final? |
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Post by legendz on May 1, 2022 14:56:54 GMT
Tipperary and Cork have lost all their games so far. Antrim are the favourites to win the McDonagh Cup. If Kerry were to win however, Kerry will then take on Cork or Tipperary in a Relegation Play-Off!
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Post by Mickmack on May 1, 2022 15:11:42 GMT
Tipperary and Cork have lost all their games so far. Antrim are the favourites to win the McDonagh Cup. If Kerry were to win however, Kerry will then take on Cork or Tipperary in a Relegation Play-Off! If it came to pass and Tipp or Cork win, does it mean Kerry wont get out of the Joe McDonagh Cup level? I thought they changed that rule ....the unfairness of it was certainly highlighted. |
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Post by Mickmack on May 1, 2022 15:13:55 GMT
The cold stare by Cody towards Henry at the end was stark. KK probably feel the last free was a wrong call. I would like to see it in slow motion.
Galway were the better team over the game. Their next meeting will be eagerly awaited though.
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Post by veteran on May 1, 2022 15:14:48 GMT
Considering how much foul play he ignored during the game I thought the last minute free to Galway was dubious. Indeed I felt the referee was kind to the home side . For example , he penalised Kilkenny for a throw pass on four or five occasions while he felt Galway did not commit this offence at all. I am delighted that this throw ball lark is being curtailed but it is unlikely that only one team is at it in a particular match.
Did TJ go off injured or was it that he just was not in the game.
The handshake between Brian and Henry was the frostiest I have seen for a while. If looks could kill etc.
After their defeat today , Cork seem to be on death row. On their way home this evening I wonder what their views are about conceding home venue . I think I know. They still have to play Waterford and Tipp. I am not sure where they are supposed to be played. It could be they will be depending on the footballers for 2022 glory.
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Post by legendz on May 1, 2022 15:44:57 GMT
Tipperary and Cork have lost all their games so far. Antrim are the favourites to win the McDonagh Cup. If Kerry were to win however, Kerry will then take on Cork or Tipperary in a Relegation Play-Off! If it came to pass and Tipp or Cork win, does it mean Kerry wont get out of the Joe McDonagh Cup level? I thought they changed that rule ....the unfairness of it was certainly highlighted. 25.06.2022 (Sat) Relegation Play-Off (If required*) Joe McDonagh Cup Winner v 5th Placed Team Munster group *If Ciarraí win the Joe McDonagh Cup, they shall playoff against the bottom team in the Munster Championship 'round-robin' at a neutral Munster venue determined by the CCCC. The Kerry county board must have agreed to this? My humble solution: If Kerry win the McDonagh Cup, the 6th team in Leinster should be relegated. Kerry should be promoted as the 6th team in Munster. It means either provincial championship can have the 6th team. The McDonagh winner is always promoted. The 6th placed team in the 6 team provincial championship is always relegated. |
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Post by Mickmack on May 1, 2022 15:50:22 GMT
The top teams in hurling look out for number one and seem to get what they want.
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Post by legendz on May 1, 2022 16:06:34 GMT
The top teams in hurling look out for number one and seem to get what they want. I don't think Cork or Tipperary will want to play in a relegation play-off. If it comes to it and if the Kerry county board box clever, both Munster and Leinster could have 6 teams, leaving the McDonagh with 5. Relegate the two 6th place teams the following year and go with my suggestion from that point forward. |
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Post by Ballyfireside on May 1, 2022 19:06:08 GMT
Did anyone make anything out of Cody's facial expression towards Henry at the post game handshake? To me it looked like an old teacher trying to intimidate a past pupil? There certainly wasn't any grace and moreover given what people have been through. Henry just retreated really and which was about as much as he could do.
Was Brian having a serious go at the ref and officials to do with the final free? The TV just showed a flick of it and I wouldn't be surprised if there is something in store here.
Ah still it was hard on Cody but the same bucko wasn't slow to dish it out himself when others were down, and often when they were badly wronged by scumbags.
Henry had no choice and it is now clear he had legit claims to being an intercounty manager and may well be the one to put it to the Treaty - is it that Cody thinks he himself has a say in this, because that is what his hostility amounts to. I wasn't always a fan of 'outsiders' in management but today nailed it as it gives everyone a chance and is based on merit. I suppose I was a bit put out that we had to bring in Cian O'Neill and I feared it would come back to haunt us and so it did when Cork in 2020. Ah sure Galway should also be able to produce good and great managers but good or great isn't the greatest and it is these who win, so we all all learning.
And what a game of hurling, level 5 times - what a contrast to the Dublin Wexford - appalling?
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Post by Mickmack on May 1, 2022 19:40:33 GMT
Did anyone make anything out of Cody's facial expression towards Henry at the post game handshake? To me it looked like an old teacher trying to intimidate a past pupil? There certainly wasn't any grace and moreover given what people have been through. Henry just retreated really and which was about as much as he could do. It was astonishing. |
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Post by Mickmack on May 1, 2022 19:53:41 GMT
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Post by Ballyfireside on May 1, 2022 20:22:04 GMT
Though having seen that side photo you linked to I wonder if it was resignation on Cody's part - certainly my impression from the frontal on TV was uncharacteristic of him, ah maybe in fairness it was hard to take even for someone of his stature and he owes nobody anything. |
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