Cork GAA Discussion Thread

Walsh and Sheehan undecided on hurling future
Friday, October 04, 2013
Suggestions that Cork footballers Aidan Walsh and Ciarán Sheehan will both definitely play hurling for the county next year are wide of the mark, the pair have confirmed.


There has been speculation Walsh and Sheehan are in line to become dual inter-county players in 2014 — and even rumours the pair had taken part in training matches before last month’s All-Ireland final and replay.

Walsh — currently on a break from his PE and biology course in DCU — said yesterday that, while it is something he might consider, he will not do so until a new football manager is appointed.

“I don’t know what the situation is yet, I’ll wait until a replacement for Conor [Counihan] comes in and then maybe discuss things.

“All I can say at the moment is that I’ll see what the story is.

Walsh added: “The hurling management haven’t even asked me so I’d have to see if they even wanted me.”

For Sheehan, the prospect of making himself available for hurling is not on his immediate agenda.

“To be honest, I’m not even thinking about any of that,” he said.

“Right now, I have club commitments with Éire Óg and I’m training with the International Rules panel.

“You can only focus on one thing at a time so this isn’t something I’ve been looking at. It’s not the right time to be talking about it anyway, it’s a hard week for the hurlers so this is the last thing you want to be coming out.”

The notion that Walsh and Sheehan took part in training games before the All-Ireland hurling final with Clare is totally untrue, Sheehan maintains.

“I don’t know where that came from,” he said, “I heard back that I was meant to have got 1-4 in one match!”

STATS PROVE CORK HAD ENOUGH CHANCES TO BEAT CLARE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 03, 2013




WHEN Ger Loughnane presented the Munster medals to the victorious Clare minor panel in December 2010, he spoke about a grand vision he had for Clare hurling.
Clare had lost the All-Ireland final to Kilkenny in a game they should have won but Loughnane could clearly identify how the bright lights of the future were reflected through that group.
Clare had already won the All-Ireland U21 title the previous year and it was obvious that the county now had the potential to become a serious force.
“In the next three or four years, a chance to win an All-Ireland for Clare is going to come,” said Loughnane that night in 2010.
“That is an absolute certainty.
“We will be nothing in Clare until we win another All-Ireland.
“We have got to win one in this decade and you are the people. We will be in the Square in Ennis sometime in 2015 or 2016 with the MacCarthy Cup back.”
In the end, Loughnane’s grand vision came a few years earlier than expected.
The county is now harvesting a standard of hurler Clare never had before in such bulk; athletic, pacy, beautiful ball-players, immensely skilful, diamond forwards.
And, more importantly, all fused with a belief that they can rule the hurling world.
That belief and confidence was absolutely central to Clare’s success on Saturday in possibly the greatest All-Ireland final ever played.
At so many stages of the second half, Cork generated massive momentum but they could never get ahead and Clare’s class eventually told.
Clare’s attack was on the rack for long stages but they were always going to get the chances.
When they did, they nailed them. Conor McGrath’s goal was an epic score.
Tony Kelly’s brilliant point immediately afterwards effectively locked the game down.
McGrath was outstanding. The other Clare forwards made just 16 plays in the second half but McGrath made ten plays alone in that period.
It was testament to Clare’s character and resilience that they were able to weather that storm with those decreased attacking stats.
The game turned on its head either side of half time when Cork won nine puck-outs to Clare’s one.
That was mirrored on the scoreboard with Cork scoring nine out of ten points registered in that time.
That increase in Cork’s work-rate visibly set the tone for the third quarter when Cork’s front eight made twice as many plays (24) as Clare’s front eight.
Yet Cork expended massive energy in getting level and Clare were never forced to chase the match.
Cork’s second half surge also never upset Clare’s mental focus, while their fitness also ensured they were always going to finish strong.
In the last quarter, Clare’s attack made 16 plays (McGrath made five of those) to Cork’s 13.
Ultimately, the game belonged to Shane O’Donnell who hit 3-3 from just nine plays.
While O’Donnell was Clare’s direct point of attack, Cork used Pa Cronin in a similar fashion at full-forward.
In that first half, Cork targeted Cronin with 15 balls.
He only had the ball in his hand on three occasions but he scored one point and was directly involved in another 1-2.
Cork targeted Cronin with six balls after the break.
He made five plays in that period and was directly involved in 1-1 but the rest of the Cork forwards had stepped up and there wasn’t the same dependency on Cronin as there had been in the opening half.
After making 36 plays three weeks ago, the play count of the Cork forwards was as high as 64 on Saturday.
Similar to the drawn game, Seamus Harnedy was Cork’s most productive forward.
He was heroic in the second half when making 11 plays.
His workrate was excellent but Cork’s application and desire was exemplary throughout.
That was really reflected in Cork winning 18 Clare puckouts.
After forcing just three turnovers in possession in the drawn game, Cork made 14 turnovers to Clare’s 11.
Cork also got their match-up right with Brian Murphy on Podge Collins.
After causing wreck in their two previous meetings, Collins main contribution from nine plays on Saturday was setting up two points and forcing a turnover which led to a converted free.
However, Clare’s greater quality and class was reflected in their scoring economy.
They converted 21 of their 29 scoring chances. Cork nailed 19 of their 34 scoring chances.
From just three second half plays, Tony Kelly nailed two points.
As a comparison, Patrick Horgan made five second-half plays but winning a converted free was the most profitable dividend from those plays.
On The Sunday Game on Sunday evening, Cyril Farrell queried the decision to play Cronin at full-forward.
He felt it impacted on Horgan and made him more peripheral.
However, Horgan made nine plays overall, five more than he made in the drawn game.
Cronin also made eight more plays than he had made on September 8.
In the final analysis, Clare are just a better team.
They are also a more accurate reflection on the game’s future.
Cork deserve massive credit for their performance on Saturday but Clare have enjoyed the underage success that Cork have not.
Whatever about the next few years now with the senior team, focussing on their underage production line
is just as important for Cork’s future.
In the end, Loughnane was right three years ago.
Even if he was a couple of years out in his prediction.

Horse84 wrote: »

Yea complete nonsense being talked about Walsh and Sheehan. Some journalists desperate for something to write about. Not on. Not fair to the current panel right at this moment and I'm sure these 2 lads themselves are sick of hearing about it now.

Totally agree,lazy journalism.And as you said and sheehan said not fair to the panel.

The writer i actually had good time for,but i think that they wanted a story,and sure these guys sell papers.

It was a full page with pictures of them,strengths etc.


Were lucky they didnt include colm o neill and sweetnahm,they couldnt as he was playing rubgy in a half empty dooradoyle for dolphin saturday.


I do get a vibe,that because of walshes change in situation in Dulin he is open to it,and in june he said it was a no no,now todays its more he will review it with cuthbhert if hes the new man.
Walsh being close to Nash and Lorchan ,i feel will have a bearing on it.

To facilate one player,it can be done.
To even think about four is ludruicous, just wrong, and a statement of PANIC for the hurlers,before a ball is even thrown in next year.

Cuthbhert being close to crowley as their the same club,i believe would allow walsh do both.

Walsh has a busisness making hurleys,was a hurling man first and foremost,and had trials with them,and always said some day wants to play both.

Now is the time ,he is young enough.Being in dublin makes it hard,but im not sure if he can play next year up their.

I could not and would hope they dont allow sheehan do both.He could be a bit part of a hurling team,where in the football we could build a team around him.
Our most versatile and natuaral talented player and athlete on the panel,we would be fools to comprise and risk such a diamond.These players are a rare breed,the least we can do is protect them when we have them.

Others wont change.

Sugrue,killlan o connor,wall,michael cahalane all have similar choices to make in time.

Another point is cork always run of the county champ games as close as they can andtmake exceptions unlike most with only big games,delayed.

If dual players are to play both,they have to play both at club or they would be War.

It is nt feasible for more than one.

Also if DOD, is a selector with cuthbhert,they would facilate JBM with Walsh, as DOD, is a close friend of JBM.

Na Piarsaig beat the Glen 2-16 to 17.

I said they would beat the Glen and rattle the County,with their half back line of,joyce,gardiner,sean o.

Sean og was majestic,joyce too,gardiner went off injured.

Mcdonnell solid,Horgan poor enough.

Ian mcdonnell Na Piarsaigh v good man to catch a ball.A great Paw.I would like to see more of him,to judge him.


A good win,considering,they was missing Paudraig Gould.

A big shock in Doneraile,in the u21 county,Fermoy beat Newtownshandrum, a team with Conor twomey,Eric o connor and Coughlan.

Their goes the dream final with Mallow,that people expected.

rebel girl 15 wrote: »

They are playing a county final in Grenagh this weekend - met a few of the club mentors at the weekend who were looking forward to it, their second under 12 county final in 3 years. Under 16s are in one as well in a few weeks time.

Senior county final is on Sunday at 3.45 in CIT - St Vals v Inch Rovers. Would like to see Vals win it, don't know if Inch would be affected by the celebrations. Vals won senior B two years running - would love to see Briege Corkery complete the set of medals. She already has county club camogie, intercounty AI camogie and football medals, Munster football and camogie medals, just missing a county football one

C 103 fm doing that match live tommorrow at 3.45.Must be a ist thats it has been done.

thinkstoomuch1 wrote: »

Eire Og beat St catherines intermediate hurling semifinal,,coached by Denis Walsh.

Eire og were not expected to win this.

Much was being made out of Walsh beating Barryroe,coached by Justin Mccarthy,and how he was getting he's coaching career back on track.

Something out of nothing.


Eire Og Will play before senior final n the 27th.Sheehan got two goals,will surely add more fuel to the rumour he will play for cork.It will go in to overdrive now.

Daniel goulding,kevin hallisey with them also.A well coached team,by what i hear,ex cloughduv man and barrs and cork player kevin murray with them.

Hopefully Kanturk beat Meelin,then fermoy,it be some final,and their the days sheehans hurling can be scrutinised.Still not the highest level,but better test than today.


Seamus harnedy meant to be a doubt for UCC tommorrow eveining,a savage loss if it prevails.

He got one,four from play,i was talking to a lad at the game,he was unreal.

He went off after a knock in the head and was quite dazed and shaken,but the came back on.He is some man,made of stern stuff.

Apparantely they didnt want to bring him on but he was adamant he wanted to.

Lesser players go down for less,and stay down.
Should be a cracker.
In all remaining games extra time will be played.


Ballincollig true to their ist camoige final.

They play Milford or Douglas in the final.

I might go to that game if i can,on in Mallow tommorrow morning.Have not been at one in ages ,interesting to c what the standard is like.

Was Harnedy playing for Glenbower Rovers in the football tonight?

Boots234 wrote: »

Was Harnedy playing for Glenbower Rovers in the football tonight?

Im nt sure,but i doubt it.Joe deane probaly was with Mark landers.

After last night,it would be madness and surely unhealthy to play again ,after a bang in the head.He will do well to play tommorrow.

The guy is a star,but jesus i hope they dnt burn the lad out.

ShamoBuc wrote: »

Sars had a good win tonight 2-14 v 0-09 UCC

Harnedy missing was a big blow for College.

Yup they never got in to the game.

They were also missing Breen up front who played for na piarsaigh limerick county final.

Harnedy came on when game was over,thfy what i said last ngt ,he had a huge bang in the head fri nght.He was n with 15 to go.


When he was missing it must nt be underestimated the loss to ucc.When i saw he was ot,i knew that was ucc game over,as they threw rob o shea in full forward ,and hes a midfield man or h forward.Without anyone else they had but lost all shape.

Harnedy against imokilly and ucc,last two games got 5-5,thats unreal in two games.
Thats the loss he was.He has become that Great that fast.

Once he was out,and considering ucc ,all indivuidual talents,but had no team unity or cohesive play as they are nt a club team,need a harnedy,a self sacfricing,work horse,unselfish player but also lots of scoring power.

On paper with the lawtons,limerick man jack aherne,tipp u21 mccormack,egan ,and fives they have the talent.Mark sugrue tried ,but not what they needed.


Spillane done okay .

Glynn kk,poor full back.

Cleary of knockainey roasted.

Ucc now play killeagh.Killeagh have joe deane,ex cork panelist michael byrne,bugsie barry at centre back and a player,i earmarked here 6 wks ago,Eoighan Kinery.

Still minor,and on form with midelton cbs.

Sars may have too much for them.

Fair play to ballyartle ,grit and determinatin got them over the line.

Corrys excellent and mccarthy,but Brian a fine club man,been a fringe intercounty man for the last four years is nt that level.

That was a well fancied douglas,with aron ward,mark o connor,mark collins,moylan and the cadogans.


Bishopstowon just edged it,should been home and hosted but complacency nearly got them.

Thomas hogan ,the GK,Carrig got 2-3.

Kanturk meet fermoy in the intermediate semifinal,nash goaled a free,missed a penalty.

Eire og v kanturk dream final still on.

Bishoptown and midelton should be a great game,but id fancy the town.

Midelton have not played in ages,and the town showed great spirit when needed but they also confirmed again that shane o neill when in their at times ,aint a Full back.


Ballymartyle are a dogged team,but very good hurlers,and thats douglas and newtown beaten already.

They will be a tough game if sars do come through.

Speaking of newtown,U16s won and in a county final.

Doneraile won the div 2 hurling league.Clyda lost in the hurling,but a good day for North Cork.

I only heard Vals win later,but managed to hear corkerys amazing interview.

It meant so much to her.What struck me was her hunger and Drive to push on and nt rest on laurels and win pmunster.

Vals ist win,they cd get carried away,but she dismissed it,and any celebrations,and said by thursday,it be back training,and they now had a great opportinty,must take it,they can,and they have in her words Bigger fish to fry.


My hair stood on my head.Great lnterview,she if what people are here saying that will captain cork,she will be some captain.

willietherock wrote: »

Not a mention of Sars.
Anyway good riddance to UCC. Crazy to see such an talent laden representative side being allowed take on club sides with a fraction of the talent and pick available to them.

Kearney,sul very good,top players.
There was no one else to mention ,as from a cork view,kennedy,ryan,mccarthy (bar a sub )etc and cussen ,are not intercounty standard.


I agree with your point bt ucc,but they have offered a lot to cork hurling and for the sake of we nd a full back ,and harnedy ,lawtons ,sugrue getting more exposure,it would be better for us.

Is their anyone you think with sars ,bar sul,and kearny that they can get on the cork team?
sars had their day in the sun,and didnt do too well in muster the last few years,id like some one else to get a chance.

Who ever wins county will never have as gd a chance to get to a Munster Final,as the cork champs have a bye to the semifinal with home advantage,and play the clare champs who are going to fairly tired,with only 2nd rnd games done and a heavy work load for the next month.

Big wk of harty cup.

I will do my best to make hamilton and flannans in kilmallock.

thinkstoomuch1 wrote: »

How did adian walsh do?

scored two points yesterday nash also scored a goal from 21 and had a pen saved

rebel girl 15 wrote: »

No, he is suspended for the same competition - would have been sent off under contributing to a melee rule I presume. 4 week suspension inclusive of the next game - so next years senior championship I presume

not certain of that, thought it only pertained to inter-county that was excepted? obviously he would be eligible for football despite the sending off