Waterford GAA Discussion Thread 2011-2012

Trenchman · 14-10-2011 9:56am

I wish Michael the very best of luck, here's hoping he can guide us to the promised land. The backroom team he has assembled looks very strong. I think our hands may have been slightly tied financially thus it was always going to be a Waterford man this time around and he looks to be the best man for the job.

What are the national media going to make of him at all? I have a feeling Rosenstock will knock some craic out of the mans accent and mannerisms.
He's a bit of an unknown package outside the county.

Speak Now · 14-10-2011 9:59am

mccarthy37 wrote: »

Its amazing there's not a mention of Michael's appointment in any of the papers. I hope it works out well for us all. We have had great underage success these past few years lets hope we can build from that and not let it fall away. Best of luck to Michael and his backroom team its nice to see one of our own step to the plate.

What time did the news break? papers already printed. It'll be in tomorrows.

Trenchman · 14-10-2011 10:20am

Fintan O'Toole did a piece on it in todays Examiner. The story broke late so credit to him for getting the news in.

To be fair, I think most people around the country will say 'Who?'. He doesn't have a national profile and it is not major news as he was strongly linked with the job since Davy formally handed in his notice.

That's not to say that he will not be effective.

lovelypoint · 14-10-2011 11:06am

Nice to finally have a decision behind us (ratification presumed). As mentioned, seems like quite a strong team, although I do not know much of Br. Philip, as I would Nicky Cashin & Pat Flanagan, so I guess am curious on that score.

Nice to see a Waterford man get a crack at the job, and look forward to getting behind and supporting the new team, although as always honeymoons are short when the championship comes aknocking. That said, I do hope they are given the support they need from the county board, in the form of a three year term (with perhaps a review after two), to allow the new team the time needed, rather than anything shorter and an associated overemphasis on immediate results to the exclusion of all others.

Lastly, given the talent coming through, would hope there is some sort of connection with the senior mgt. team, and that of the minors and U21's.

In any case, a hearty congratulations to Micheal and his team of Nicky, Philip and Pat for throwing their commitment behind the blue and white cause.

Mountainlad · 14-10-2011 11:14am

Trenchman wrote: »

I wish Michael the very best of luck, here's hoping he can guide us to the promised land. The backroom team he has assembled looks very strong. I think our hands may have been slightly tied financially thus it was always going to be a Waterford man this time around and he looks to be the best man for the job.

What are the national media going to make of him at all? I have a feeling Rosenstock will knock some craic out of the mans accent and mannerisms.
He's a bit of an unknown package outside the county.

I've a feeling he won't.

I got a text at 11.00 last night and was told RTE were carrying it so would that have been too late for the papers? What time do they go to print?

PTH2009 · 14-10-2011 11:14am

Wish Michael Ryan all the best. Hope there no sort of player revolt over his term and hope he brings in new players.

John Mullane for 2012 captain

lovelypoint · 14-10-2011 11:26am

PTH2009 wrote: »

Wish Michael Ryan all the best. Hope there no sort of player revolt over his term and hope he brings in new players.

John Mullane for 2012 captain

Is the captain still drawn from the county champions, or has that tradition passed?

Think Mullane would make a great captain, by the way.

The blue blaa · 14-10-2011 11:32am

lovelypoint wrote: »

Is the captain still drawn from the county champions, or has that tradition passed?

Think Mullane would make a great captain, by the way.

The Captain was managers choice last few years

Speak Now · 14-10-2011 11:37am

lovelypoint wrote: »

Is the captain still drawn from the county champions, or has that tradition passed?

Think Mullane would make a great captain, by the way.

Wasn't Molumphy appointed captain this year even though De la Salle were county champions?

The blue blaa · 14-10-2011 11:48am

Jerry Seinfeld wrote: »

Wasn't Molumphy appointed captain this year even though De la Salle were county champions?

Correct....

Deise_Davy · 14-10-2011 12:05pm

lovelypoint wrote: »

Is the captain still drawn from the county champions, or has that tradition passed?

Think Mullane would make a great captain, by the way.

I think Mullane would make a terrible captain as shown by his behaviour in Walsh Park 2 weeks ago.

calvin_zola · 14-10-2011 12:11pm

are we getting a new jersey for next year??

lovelypoint · 14-10-2011 12:42pm

Deise_Davy wrote: »

I think Mullane would make a terrible captain as shown by his behaviour in Walsh Park 2 weeks ago.

Yes, but when is the last time Mullane has shown poor judgement in a Waterford shirt - 2003 ?

hardybuck · 14-10-2011 12:58pm

Happy that a decision is made, and quite satisfied with the team he has built around him. There is a serious amount of experience there. Hopefully Ryan can return some style to Waterford hurling. DLS were a joy to watch in 2010.

Br Phil is very highly rated up in Laois where he managed some of their underage sides as well as training the seniors.

I know a couple of people closely linked to the Kerry seniors and county board setup who credit Flanagan with revolutionising Kerry football. He was brought in after they were battered in that famous game against Tyrone, and set in place a three year plan to bulk up their team. I've actually been at a couple of his sessions and he is excellent. He should be very important in bringing Waterford's intensity up to KK and Tipp levels.

Cashin obviously has been around a while as well and should bring a good bit of experience and local knowledge to the setup as well.

As for comments about Mullane - people who question his conduct would want to cop on. He is one of the most fouled players in GAA, and frankly some of the punishment he has experienced at club level in recent years is disgraceful. Most people wouldn't be mentally or physically capable of taking the abuse he endures.

I don't think he would be a good captain as Waterford rely so much on him already. He doesn't need any extra responsibility. Brick would be my choice.

Mountainlad · 14-10-2011 2:24pm

hardybuck wrote: »

Happy that a decision is made, and quite satisfied with the team he has built around him. There is a serious amount of experience there. Hopefully Ryan can return some style to Waterford hurling. DLS were a joy to watch in 2010.

Br Phil is very highly rated up in Laois where he managed some of their underage sides as well as training the seniors.

I know a couple of people closely linked to the Kerry seniors and county board setup who credit Flanagan with revolutionising Kerry football. He was brought in after they were battered in that famous game against Tyrone, and set in place a three year plan to bulk up their team. I've actually been at a couple of his sessions and he is excellent. He should be very important in bringing Waterford's intensity up to KK and Tipp levels.

Cashin obviously has been around a while as well and should bring a good bit of experience and local knowledge to the setup as well.

As for comments about Mullane - people who question his conduct would want to cop on. He is one of the most fouled players in GAA, and frankly some of the punishment he has experienced at club level in recent years is disgraceful. Most people wouldn't be mentally or physically capable of taking the abuse he endures.

I don't think he would be a good captain as Waterford rely so much on him already. He doesn't need any extra responsibility. Brick would be my choice.

Thanks for the info on Flanagan and Br. Philip.

And as for what you said underneath it, I coudln't agree more with any of it!

This is no place for petty club disputes, and there is no question but that anyone looking with objective eyes regards Mullane as someone with great integrity, and would be a fine captain....but as you say he does not need the extra responsibility!

Brick has proven himself a fitting captain. Maybe somebody else should be made captain but there are few others you'd pick, maybe Tony if he sticks around!

And to answer the question of who picks captain...the manager has picked the captain since Justin made Brick captain in 2007.

PTH2009 · 14-10-2011 2:32pm

So Br Phil was already with the Waterford hurlers in 2011 according to this report

Br. Ryan’s expertise a big addition to hurling set-up
By Tomas McCarthy

Before the Christmas period, Davy Fitzgerald made what could prove a valuable addition to his management team for 2011. Brother Philip Ryan has joined the Waterford set-up and will work closely with selector, Pat Bennett, on the defensive make up of the team. Ryan originally agreed to take charge of the Laois minor hurling team in August but stepped down from the position when offered the opportunity with Waterford.
Brother Philip, who hails from Tipperary, brings an array of experience to his new role from his time in the O’Moore county. For the last three seasons he has trained the Laois senior hurling team under the guidance of manager, Niall Rigney. In 2009 Laois narrowly missed out on an All Ireland quarter final, losing by three points to Limerick in a qualifier at Semple Stadium. After a disappointing 2010 championship run, Rigney stepped down from his position along with his backroom team. Ryan made his name at club level with the Portlaoise senior team.
A teacher in Portlaoise CBS, Ryan got the call in 2007 from manager, Niall Rigney, to become part of his backroom team. For a club well known for their prowess in football, Ryan and Rigney took them to three county hurling finals in a row in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Although they lost all three, Portlaoise’s breakthrough was a remarkable feat and Ryan’s influence wasn’t forgotten.
Matthew Whelan, a member of the Laois senior hurling team, regards Ryan very highly after his three year involvement. “He came in when Laois hurling got a little stale and along with Niall Rigney he changed the team’s attitude. He instilled a toughness, team work and ruthlessness to the team. Whelan is in no doubt that the Ryan’s coaching improved the quality of their hurling describing him as an “outstanding coach in all facets of the game like movement off the ball, defending and creating scores. Gets the best out of players, treats everyone with honesty but demands the same on the field and in preparation. I think Waterford have a gem.”

In Limerick hurling circles, Ryan also played a crucial role especially at under-age level. Ryan was one of the men who drew up a five year plan for the county to improve their structures and develop young hurlers. He served as secretary of the County Bord na nÓg and also coached the Limerick under 16 teams. Many of the players who trained under Ryan made a major contribution to Limerick’s three All Ireland under 21 triumphs in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Ryan will realise the task ahead in tightening Waterford’s defence. The evidence from his time with Laois is encouraging in this regard. In last year’s Division 2 campaign Laois only conceded an average of 14 points per game. Added to that, since Galway fired 5-29 past them in May 2009, the O’Moore men have only shipped two goals in their last five championship games.
A look at Waterford’s defensive stats reflects the work that is required over the coming months. In last year’s league and championship, over the course of 11 games, Waterford allowed 19 goals past them. Under Davy Fitzgerald’s rein a total of 21 goals in 14 championship games have been conceded. If Brother Philip can repair even some of this leakage and replicate the work undertaken in other counties the Waterford hurlers indeed have a gem on their hands. Here’s hoping.

big toenails · 14-10-2011 2:47pm

Haven't been following events re Waterford management job? Is Davey there yet? Has Davey taken on the Clare job?

Cake Man · 14-10-2011 5:07pm

Yes, Davy has gone to Clare and Michael Ryan is on the brink of getting the Waterford job. His name will be put forward by the selection committee and ratified Monday night I believe.
Happy with Ryan and that backroom team. Given the financial constraints, it was the best choice available IMO. Hopefully their knowledge of the game and with them being local, they'll be able to get the best out of what we have and bring on the younger lads.

The very best of luck to Michael, Nicky, Pat and Br. Philip.

Up the Deise

lovelypoint · 14-10-2011 7:26pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

So Br Phil was already with the Waterford hurlers in 2011 according to this report

Br. Ryan’s expertise a big addition to hurling set-up
By Tomas McCarthy

Before the Christmas period, Davy Fitzgerald made what could prove a valuable addition to his management team for 2011. Brother Philip Ryan has joined the Waterford set-up and will work closely with selector, Pat Bennett, on the defensive make up of the team. Ryan originally agreed to take charge of the Laois minor hurling team in August but stepped down from the position when offered the opportunity with Waterford.
Brother Philip, who hails from Tipperary, brings an array of experience to his new role from his time in the O’Moore county. For the last three seasons he has trained the Laois senior hurling team under the guidance of manager, Niall Rigney. In 2009 Laois narrowly missed out on an All Ireland quarter final, losing by three points to Limerick in a qualifier at Semple Stadium. After a disappointing 2010 championship run, Rigney stepped down from his position along with his backroom team. Ryan made his name at club level with the Portlaoise senior team.
A teacher in Portlaoise CBS, Ryan got the call in 2007 from manager, Niall Rigney, to become part of his backroom team. For a club well known for their prowess in football, Ryan and Rigney took them to three county hurling finals in a row in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Although they lost all three, Portlaoise’s breakthrough was a remarkable feat and Ryan’s influence wasn’t forgotten.
Matthew Whelan, a member of the Laois senior hurling team, regards Ryan very highly after his three year involvement. “He came in when Laois hurling got a little stale and along with Niall Rigney he changed the team’s attitude. He instilled a toughness, team work and ruthlessness to the team. Whelan is in no doubt that the Ryan’s coaching improved the quality of their hurling describing him as an “outstanding coach in all facets of the game like movement off the ball, defending and creating scores. Gets the best out of players, treats everyone with honesty but demands the same on the field and in preparation. I think Waterford have a gem.”

In Limerick hurling circles, Ryan also played a crucial role especially at under-age level. Ryan was one of the men who drew up a five year plan for the county to improve their structures and develop young hurlers. He served as secretary of the County Bord na nÓg and also coached the Limerick under 16 teams. Many of the players who trained under Ryan made a major contribution to Limerick’s three All Ireland under 21 triumphs in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Ryan will realise the task ahead in tightening Waterford’s defence. The evidence from his time with Laois is encouraging in this regard. In last year’s Division 2 campaign Laois only conceded an average of 14 points per game. Added to that, since Galway fired 5-29 past them in May 2009, the O’Moore men have only shipped two goals in their last five championship games.
A look at Waterford’s defensive stats reflects the work that is required over the coming months. In last year’s league and championship, over the course of 11 games, Waterford allowed 19 goals past them. Under Davy Fitzgerald’s rein a total of 21 goals in 14 championship games have been conceded. If Brother Philip can repair even some of this leakage and replicate the work undertaken in other counties the Waterford hurlers indeed have a gem on their hands. Here’s hoping.

Seen that in the News & Star too when I went hunting for info earlier. Would seem we've got three very highly regarded men in place, with Nicky Cashin, Pat Flanagan and Br. Philip Ryan involved (not to mention Michael Ryan as manager himself), and to be honest find myself feeling a lot more confident about the set-up for next year, than I have been for the last few weeks/ months.

For anyone looking for the original article quoted above, the link is here: http://www.waterford-news.ie/news/mheycwkfid/. Also, recognising the authors name, isn't the author a poster here too ?

Mountainlad · 14-10-2011 7:27pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

So Br Phil was already with the Waterford hurlers in 2011 according to this report

Br. Ryan’s expertise a big addition to hurling set-up
By Tomas McCarthy

Before the Christmas period, Davy Fitzgerald made what could prove a valuable addition to his management team for 2011. Brother Philip Ryan has joined the Waterford set-up and will work closely with selector, Pat Bennett, on the defensive make up of the team. Ryan originally agreed to take charge of the Laois minor hurling team in August but stepped down from the position when offered the opportunity with Waterford.
Brother Philip, who hails from Tipperary, brings an array of experience to his new role from his time in the O’Moore county. For the last three seasons he has trained the Laois senior hurling team under the guidance of manager, Niall Rigney. In 2009 Laois narrowly missed out on an All Ireland quarter final, losing by three points to Limerick in a qualifier at Semple Stadium. After a disappointing 2010 championship run, Rigney stepped down from his position along with his backroom team. Ryan made his name at club level with the Portlaoise senior team.
A teacher in Portlaoise CBS, Ryan got the call in 2007 from manager, Niall Rigney, to become part of his backroom team. For a club well known for their prowess in football, Ryan and Rigney took them to three county hurling finals in a row in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Although they lost all three, Portlaoise’s breakthrough was a remarkable feat and Ryan’s influence wasn’t forgotten.
Matthew Whelan, a member of the Laois senior hurling team, regards Ryan very highly after his three year involvement. “He came in when Laois hurling got a little stale and along with Niall Rigney he changed the team’s attitude. He instilled a toughness, team work and ruthlessness to the team. Whelan is in no doubt that the Ryan’s coaching improved the quality of their hurling describing him as an “outstanding coach in all facets of the game like movement off the ball, defending and creating scores. Gets the best out of players, treats everyone with honesty but demands the same on the field and in preparation. I think Waterford have a gem.”

In Limerick hurling circles, Ryan also played a crucial role especially at under-age level. Ryan was one of the men who drew up a five year plan for the county to improve their structures and develop young hurlers. He served as secretary of the County Bord na nÓg and also coached the Limerick under 16 teams. Many of the players who trained under Ryan made a major contribution to Limerick’s three All Ireland under 21 triumphs in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Ryan will realise the task ahead in tightening Waterford’s defence. The evidence from his time with Laois is encouraging in this regard. In last year’s Division 2 campaign Laois only conceded an average of 14 points per game. Added to that, since Galway fired 5-29 past them in May 2009, the O’Moore men have only shipped two goals in their last five championship games.
A look at Waterford’s defensive stats reflects the work that is required over the coming months. In last year’s league and championship, over the course of 11 games, Waterford allowed 19 goals past them. Under Davy Fitzgerald’s rein a total of 21 goals in 14 championship games have been conceded. If Brother Philip can repair even some of this leakage and replicate the work undertaken in other counties the Waterford hurlers indeed have a gem on their hands. Here’s hoping.

Apparently he's a big hit with the players.

I think it's a pretty strong looking management team, and I'm pleased and excited about next year.

Mountainlad · 14-10-2011 7:29pm

lovelypoint wrote: »

Seen that in the News & Star too when I went hunting for info earlier. Would seem we've got three very highly regarded men in place, with Nicky Cashin, Pat Flanagan and Br. Philip Ryan involved (not to mention Michael Ryan as manager himself), and to be honest find myself feeling a lot more confident about the set-up for next year, than I have been for the last few weeks/ months.

For anyone looking for the original article quoted above, the link is here: http://www.waterford-news.ie/news/mheycwkfid/. Also, recognising the authors name, isn't the author a poster here too ?

Tis our own Mossy!

hurler on de ditch · 14-10-2011 9:23pm

Mountainlad wrote: »

Tis our own Mossy!

anyone hear who,s in charge of minors

tonc76 · 14-10-2011 9:59pm

hurler on de ditch wrote: »

anyone hear who,s in charge of minors

Their parents/guardians

PTH2009 · 14-10-2011 11:34pm

What are the requirements of the selectors ??

there is an obivious one but what are there other duties

Cake Man · 15-10-2011 12:06am

hurler on de ditch wrote: »

anyone hear who,s in charge of minors

Was wondering myself, I reckon Chuck O' Connor again. Also I'd hazard a guess at Fergal back for another year with the U21's.

daddydick · 15-10-2011 11:50pm

I see Dunhill and Tourin drew today in the intermediate final, anyone at it?

comeraghs · 16-10-2011 10:17am

is Ballygunner v Tallow on TG4 today?

fricatus · 16-10-2011 10:24am

comeraghs wrote: »

is Ballygunner v Tallow on TG4 today?

Dont' think so - seems to be the Cork football final.

comeraghs · 16-10-2011 10:44am

that was last weekend Fricatus, all it says on the TG4 site is "live coverage of GAA" no other details.

fricatus · 16-10-2011 12:32pm

comeraghs wrote: »

that was last weekend Fricatus, all it says on the TG4 site is "live coverage of GAA" no other details.

Hmmmm... I got that off the UPC guide for today... Irish Times magazine just says "hurling and football county finals", so I guess I don't know!

Mountainlad · 16-10-2011 1:43pm

Cork football and deferred coverage of Tipp hurling is on.

Sure, tis a lovely day to be going to Walsh Park anyway!

Professey Chin · 16-10-2011 1:47pm

Wonder have they found the national anthem tape yet? :pac:

Mountainlad · 16-10-2011 1:54pm

Mega Chin wrote: »

Wonder have they found the national anthem tape yet? :pac:

That a-cappella version was very entertaining to listen to and we on our way into the grounds!

daddydick · 16-10-2011 5:03pm

Gunners run away with it 1-19 to 0-06.

Wayne Hutchinson immense at CB, great to see him hurling well again after his injuries earlier in the year. Pauric Mahony MOTM with 0-12.

They now play Drom-Inch in the Munster QF in Tipp in two weeks time, with the winners playing Na Piarsaigh of Lim at home venue.

Cake Man · 16-10-2011 5:05pm

Well that was a horribly one sided affair. As soon as BG got the first goal, that was that really. Paudric Mahony got MOTM, he did well but I thought Wayne Hutchinson was immense, caught every ball that came his way. Shane O'Sullivan was very good too. Tallow were very poor and were just overpowered by BG all over the pitch.
Best of luck to BG in the Munster club championship.

Good minor game, much better than the senior. DLS dominated the first half and looked like they were going to win handy enough. But credit to Lismore they roared back into it second half and got scores at crucial times. Stephen Bennet made one and scored one, he was MOTM and well deserved. Caught some excellent balls and caused the DLS backline trouble all day long.

dartbhoy · 16-10-2011 7:02pm

An awful hammering for Tallow!

suitcasepink · 16-10-2011 7:24pm

Where did it all go wrong...

Well I know where.. At 15:31 >.<

Cake Man · 16-10-2011 7:54pm

deise_girl wrote: »

Where did it all go wrong...

Well I know where.. At 15:31 >.<

Ah well, it was kinda what we all hoped wouldn't happen. Tallow needed to get off to a good start and I'd say they won the toss and opted to play with the aid of the stiff breeze first half. Tommy Ryan got a good score (Tallow's first IIRC) down on the right by the sideline but Ballygunner took over after that. Tallow needed to get more out of having the aid of that breeze but didn't.
We all knew Tallow were going to be up against it and would really have to play out of their skins to have any chance but they just never really got into it.

Looks like BG will be up against Drom & Inch in two weeks time up in Tipp. Should be a good game. BG could have done with a good, tough game under their belts going into though but I reckon they're two evenly matched teams.

Mountainlad · 16-10-2011 11:05pm

daddydick wrote: »

Gunners run away with it 1-19 to 0-06.

Wayne Hutchinson immense at CB, great to see him hurling well again after his injuries earlier in the year. Pauric Mahony MOTM with 0-12.

They now play Drom-Inch in the Munster QF in Tipp in two weeks time, with the winners playing Na Piarsaigh of Lim at home venue.

Are you sure it's not Na Piarsaigh in the quarters?

Hutchison has been quite impressive in the last three games Ballygunner have played.

David O'Sullivan also deserves a mention, really think he's coming on each game he plays. However, awful decision by Tallow to put Tommy Ryan on him. Also, Tommy Daly seems to be hard done by. He came on today and the last day and both times he had significant impact. Apparently he was playing in the junior championship up to that!

The only positives (and it's more personal positives then positives for the team) for Tallow were Aiden Kearney keeping Brian O'Sullivan in his pocket, and Aaron Pratt, at such a young age, firing over two great points and working hard.

And also, the last time they met it was 17 points in it...so yeah, progress :pac:

premierstone · 17-10-2011 10:49am

Mountainlad wrote: »

Are you sure it's not Na Piarsaigh in the quarters?

No its definitely Drom v Ballygunner, pretty poor planning by the Limerick County Board IMO, Na Piarsiagh will be going into that game not having played in a month, what was the panic with the Limerick County Final??

deiseach · 17-10-2011 12:36pm

45-Ballygunner-v-Tallow-16-October-2011-Cover-348x500.jpg

Jaysus, that was grim stuff. I've put together a match report here but be warned! The writing of it felt like an exercise in trying to come up with as many different ways of saying how badly Tallow were out of their depth

hurler on de ditch · 17-10-2011 7:21pm

premierstone wrote: »

No its definitely Drom v Ballygunner, pretty poor planning by the Limerick County Board IMO, Na Piarsiagh will be going into that game not having played in a month, what was the panic with the Limerick County Final??

SURE THEY WILL HAVE CHALLENGE GAMES

hurler on de ditch · 17-10-2011 7:32pm

deiseach wrote: »

Jaysus, that was grim stuff. I've put together a match report here but be warned! The writing of it felt like an exercise in trying to come up with as many different ways of saying how badly Tallow were out of their depth

WELL DONE ON YOUR REPORT ALTHOUGH AFTER SEEING IT I COULD NOT SUBJECT MYSELF TO READING IT IN ITS ENTIRETY ,but sure better 2 have loved and lost as they say,minor match great and dan the man going through de motions ,entertaining 2 say the least

rebel girl 15 · 17-10-2011 7:48pm

Jerry Seinfeld wrote: »

What time did the news break? papers already printed. It'll be in tomorrows.

I got a text at 12.30ish about it - presume it broke shortly before that, depending on the paper, print deadline would be about 10.30ish - I know from the soccer reports that they would have to be in around 20 mins after the final whistle, which would be 9.50.

Delighted for him, got to know him through ladies football, and he's a lovely man, wish him the best of luck with it. I heard Sunday that Pat Flanagan won't be overall trainer on his own, that there will be two of them in charge of it.

lovelypoint · 17-10-2011 9:07pm

Michael Ryan & co due to be ratified tonight, perhaps anyone in the know can keep us posted here, as to how things go. Hopefully the lads will get three years at the helm (with perhaps a review after two), and won't be hamstrung by having to look over their shoulders every year.

Mountainlad · 17-10-2011 9:15pm

To any onlooking mods, I suppose we could take down the poll?

lovelypoint · 18-10-2011 10:37am

All the best to Michael, Nicky, Pat & Br. Philip, who seem to have been ratified for two years at the helm, last night. Don't think there will be too much of a honeymoon period, and the lads have it ahead of themselves to address our touch, attacking play, ball winning ability and the cohesion of our full back line, as well as manage new blood while dealing with retirements.

Really looking forward to 2012 now, and hopefully the new mgt. team will get the support they need in what is not the easiest of jobs, and not end up having to look over their shoulders every 12 months!

premierstone · 18-10-2011 4:03pm

hurler on de ditch wrote: »

SURE THEY WILL HAVE CHALLENGE GAMES

Against who, and no challenge match can remotely prepare for a munster semi.

hardybuck · 18-10-2011 4:30pm

premierstone wrote: »

Against who, and no challenge match can remotely prepare for a munster semi.

They would get very good games against the college sides - UL, LIT - both in Limerick, and NUIG and UCC are only an hour or so away probably for them.

hardybuck · 18-10-2011 4:50pm

Folks,

I'd like to bring up a topic for discussion, although it has probably been muted before - group selections in senior championship.

In senior hurling we have a two, or possibly three-tiered championship. DLS and Ballygunner are capable of blowing many teams off the field by 20 points, and many of our teams would be of intermediate standard in other counties.

Senior football is probably more evenly contested, but there is still a dominance held by three clubs.

Increasingly on our underage and senior county teams, an increasing number of players are being sourced from junior and intermediate clubs. What worries me here is the lack of games and poor standard of game players in these grades get in comparison to neighbouring counties. Waterford have to put a lot more work into developing senior players than the likes of Cork or Tipp.

As a result, I think we should explore the possibility of developing Group teams like what is done in Cork and Kerry - with a great deal of success. Cork footballers in particular have a huge amount of junior club players in their ranks - many of whom would not have had a chance to be spotted.

Advantages:

Player development - talented young players who are playing a lower club standard can benefit from a more competitive senior club standard, while still being able to line out for their home clubs.
Junior and Inter clubs have reduced risk of losing players - something which has been quite common in Waterford over the years
The overall standard of the club championship is raised improving the enjoyment for players and spectators
County sides benefit from more players playing at a higher standard for more of the year

Disadvantages:

County Board has to put better fixture structures in place
County Board and clubs have to place a lot of time into planning and strategy
Some smaller senior clubs will complain about dropping down a grade

Now, I know a lot of people will say it'll never work, but I think many things which are worth doing present challenges and require quite a lot of effort.

Thoughts and opinions?

Waterford GAA Discussion Thread 2011-2012

Comments