Clare GAA discussion thread

eroo

Thought I'd start this thread as haven't found one of the same.

So, 2010.. new decade... new beginnings? With the aim of the League being to get back into Division 1, could Clare also achieve success in Munster this year?

The fixtures for 2010:

31.01.2010 Waterford v Clare(Waterford Crystal Cup SF)

21.02.2010 Clare v Down (NHL)
28.02.2010 Laois v Clare (NHL)
14.03.2010 Clare v Wexford (NHL)
21.03.2010 Antrim v Clare (NHL)
28.03.2010 Carlow v Clare (NHL)
04.04.2010 Clare v Westmeath (NHL)
18.04.2010 Kildare v Clare (NHL)

07.06.2010 Waterford v Clare (MHC)

As well as a proposed friendly versus Cork, Ger O'Loughlin has a good load of matches to blood players from U-21's into the senior game. With the opponents in the League not posing a major threat some would argue Clare wont get as much preparation as Div 1 teams, but maybe it will give them an opportunity to focus on their strength and conditioning?

So, Clare face Waterford on Sunday at 2pm in Ballyduff Upper.. I think they should win against this weakened Waterford side, but I think it will be close tbh. But could Waterford topple us in the pre season tournament?

Cake Man

Think it's a tough game to call for Sunday, I'd say yerselves will prob beat us. Could see ye getting a lot of confidence for the season if ye go on to win this tournament-getting off on the right foot and all that. I don't think ye being in Division 2 will make much of a difference tbh, we'll be playing mostly players that won't be featuring in the Championship anyway so it'll be an intriuging clash on 7th June, big build up with the Davy Fitz factor and that!
Good win for ye the other night v a strong enough Tipp, that'll give ye a boost.

eroo

Cake Man wrote: »

Think it's a tough game to call for Sunday, I'd say yerselves will prob beat us. Could see ye getting a lot of confidence for the season if ye go on to win this tournament-getting off on the right foot and all that. I don't think ye being in Division 2 will make much of a difference tbh, we'll be playing mostly players that won't be featuring in the Championship anyway so it'll be an intriuging clash on 7th June, big build up with the Davy Fitz factor and that!
Good win for ye the other night v a strong enough Tipp, that'll give ye a boost.

To try and go unbeaten in the Waterford Crystal and the League would definitely boost the team. I think that could be easily done. But Munster is always well contested by teams so it will be interesting to see teams form over the coming months!

deisedude

eroo wrote: »

To try and go unbeaten in the Waterford Crystal and the League would definitely boost the team. I think that could be easily done. But Munster is always well contested by teams so it will be interesting to see teams form over the coming months!

How much of a diadvantage do you think playing in division 2 will be? The difference in speed and intensity between Division 2 and 1 is enormous IMO. Hardly ideal preparation for Munster championship

Toblerone1978

I suppose it's important for Clare not to get too carried away / impatient with their U-21 success. There is plenty of evidence to show that it mightn't transpire to much as senior level, Limerick being the obvious example.

In saying that, I hear Sparrow is an example appointment and he should be give 3/4 years to work with the Clare hurling team. Obviously he needs to show progress but they shouldn't kick him out over unrealistic demands.

eroo

deisedude wrote: »

How much of a diadvantage do you think playing in division 2 will be? The difference in speed and intensity between Division 2 and 1 is enormous IMO. Hardly ideal preparation for Munster championship

That's true, we are at a disadvantage in the sense of match experience this season. But if we were to win Div 2 title and be promoted after an unbeaten run, confidence would shine through which would set us up well mentally. Munster will be a major hurdle no doubt.

Toblerone1978 wrote: »

I suppose it's important for Clare not to get too carried away / impatient with their U-21 success. There is plenty of evidence to show that it mightn't transpire to much as senior level, Limerick being the obvious example.

In saying that, I hear Sparrow is an example appointment and he should be give 3/4 years to work with the Clare hurling team. Obviously he needs to show progress but they shouldn't kick him out over unrealistic demands.

I think it's fair to say maybe most of the U-21's will not make it through to the senior game long term, for various reasons. But Sparrow should be given a Development Contract by the County Board for 3-4 years to implement a comprehensive management and player development structure. But that requires the board to do something positive!

eroo

Heavy defeat today against Waterford! Onwards and upwards with team selections for the League!

Kristopherus

What went wrong,there, I wonder. Did'nt expect them to flop like that.

eroo

Kristopherus wrote: »

What went wrong,there, I wonder. Did'nt expect them to flop like that.

Well considering they had a match against Tipp on Tuesday and have probably been training as well I'd imagine fatigue is a factor.

Orizio

Won't be as easy as people think for Clare to bounce back up to Div. 1, some decent hurling teams in Div. 2, I wouldn't consider any of those games clearcut wins for Clare (bar Down).

Pride Fighter

deisedude wrote: »

How much of a diadvantage do you think playing in division 2 will be? The difference in speed and intensity between Division 2 and 1 is enormous IMO. Hardly ideal preparation for Munster championship

Dublin went unbeaten in Division 2 winning that league a few years ago. They then proceeded to lose to Westmeath in the Leinster Championship.

Division 2 hurling is a death sentence IMO.

Orizio

deisedude wrote: »

How much of a diadvantage do you think playing in division 2 will be? The difference in speed and intensity between Division 2 and 1 is enormous IMO. Hardly ideal preparation for Munster championship

Depends completely on the management imo - if they take the league seriously, take their opposition seriously, train hard and mix in friendlies against superior opposition then it shouldn't be too bad.

Daysha

Eroo what did you make of Davy Fitz's comments after the game? In summary he suggested that Clare played poorly on purpose to play mind games and try make us complacent for our Munster clash in the summer.

Link

He doesn't half mind being in the limelight that man does he?

Evil_Clown

Daysha wrote: »

Eroo what did you make of Davy Fitz's comments after the game? In summary he suggested that Clare played poorly on purpose to play mind games and try make us complacent for our Munster clash in the summer.

Link

He doesn't half mind being in the limelight that man does he?

Curse those deise devils copping onto our ingenius plan
Interesting comments alright, but by saying that Davy is clearly using mind games of his own.
If this has started already from both sides I can't wait for the banter around June.

deisedude

Orizio wrote: »

Depends completely on the management imo - if they take the league seriously, take their opposition seriously, train hard and mix in friendlies against superior opposition then it shouldn't be too bad.

Clare will be bringing in a good few of the U21 team this year so you might have the scenario where a few lads will be facing into their first championship game having only played against the likes of Kildare and Westmeath. Thats a serious baptism of fire IMO. I don't think challenge games really compensate, a lot of teams dont go full out in those games

Orizio

deisedude wrote: »

Clare will be bringing in a good few of the U21 team this year so you might have the scenario where a few lads will be facing into their first championship game having only played against the likes of Kildare and Westmeath. Thats a serious baptism of fire IMO. I don't think challenge games really compensate, a lot of teams dont go full out in those games

They are only playing Waterford in the first round Deise, after months of playing Down and Kildare they'll be more then ready for your lot.

deisedude

Orizio wrote: »

They are only playing Waterford in the first round Deise, after months of playing Down and Kildare they'll be more then ready for your lot.

I must admit i LOLed

eroo

We'll see in June folks!!

eroo

Clare 1-9 Wicklow 0-11

Nice to see the footballers have gotten off to a winning start in the NFL!

eroo

Clare 2-20 Down 0-6

An expected win, good to see a winning score in the League this year! Laois on Sunday, another comfortable win I would imagine. I think the only benefits Div 2 is giving us is the chance to give the U-21 players experience at senior inter county level. The other benefit is we can work on our pre season programme, hopefully we will be better prepared than most teams.

The footballers are doing great with 2 good wins out of 2 played. Getting out of Div 4 is a serious goal, along with Kilmurray-Ibrackane hopefully becoming All Ireland champions.

Onwards and upwards!!

Orizio

Down are a Div 3 team and will be relegated, while Laois are on their way up, and nearly beat Limerick in the championship last year. Its on in Moore Park as well yes?

Clare by 4-5 points but certainly not a hammering.

eroo

Orizio wrote: »

Down are a Div 3 team and will be relegated, while Laois are on their way up, and nearly beat Limerick in the championship last year. Its on in Moore Park as well yes?

Clare by 4-5 points but certainly not a hammering.

Yes I would imagine it wont be an easy win. Wouldn't mind seeing it but can't make it.

tatoo

Down had in the region of 20 wides against Clare in Ennis ,
if Clare give Laois as many chances they'll be beaten .

Pride Fighter

Orizio wrote: »

Down are a Div 3 team and will be relegated, while Laois are on their way up, and nearly beat Limerick in the championship last year. Its on in Moore Park as well yes?

Clare by 4-5 points but certainly not a hammering.

Down were in Division 1 in the recent past. I'd say Kildare or Westmeath would be more likely for relegation.

Orizio

Pride Fighter wrote: »

Down were in Division 1 in the recent past. I'd say Kildare or Westmeath would be more likely for relegation.

No chance. Westmeath are one of the best teams in Div 2.

eroo

Could it be that Clare get promoted and Limerick relegated this season? If so it's further bad news for Munster hurling.

Evil_Clown

I think this game on Sunday really depends on the team Clare put out. They will more than likely beat Laois but it may be a closer game than expected if they play a weakened team. A good few of the younger lads were playin with their colleges this week so they might be given a rest.

eroo

Evil_Clown wrote: »

A good few of the younger lads were playin with their colleges this week so they might be given a rest.

I would hope so. The last thing we need is the players who need senior experience being injured or overtrained.

eroo

Aertel has it Laois 0-4 Clare 1-4

Second half should be interesting if it's this close!

Orizio

Clare two up at HT with the breeze in the second half. Sounds like a terrible game.

Orizio

2-9 to 1-10 to Clare.

eroo

Laois 1-08 Clare 1-09

It will be close but does sound quite bad alright. Will be nice if Daly's Dublin beat Tipp, think they are 9 points up.

Orizio

eroo wrote: »

Laois 1-08 Clare 1-09

It will be close but does sound quite bad alright. Will be nice if Daly's Dublin beat Tipp, think they are 9 points up.

****ing hell Eroo, I was doing my best to avoid the Dublin/Tipp score.

eroo

Orizio wrote: »

****ing hell Eroo, I was doing my best to avoid the Dublin/Tipp score.

If you didn't want spoilers you shouldn't have been looking on a GAA forum - but sorry anyways!:o

Orizio

eroo wrote: »

If you didn't want spoilers you shouldn't have been looking on a GAA forum - but sorry anyways!:o

Yeah, silly me, not knowing there would be discussion of a match between Dublin and Tipp in the Clare GAA thread...

Kristopherus

Close, but that might be the wake-up call they need.

eroo

Orizio wrote: »

Yeah, silly me, not knowing there would be discussion of a match between Dublin and Tipp in the Clare GAA thread...

Well seeing as a Clare man is in charge of the Dubs the chances were 50/50!:D

Another win for Clare, but was quite close. Hopefully younger lads got a good run out.

kmart6

Fairly piled on the points according to RTE's as it happened page:

RTE.ie wrote:

4.08pm - Pluckly Laois go down fighting at Portlaoise with Clare winning by 2-111 to 1-10.

eroo

Cork v Clare - take two
05 March 2010


After the senior hurling challenge to mark the official switching on of their new floodlights was postponed last month due to fog, Fermoy GAA are hoping the weather won't stop tomorrow night's rescheduled game between Cork and Clare from going ahead.

The game has a 7.30pm throw-in at Fitzgerald Park, and Fermoy PRO Tommy O'Brien is expecting a big turnout for the meeting of the Munster rivals.

"After all the preparation, it was a bitter blow that the game didn't go ahead as planned initially, but there was nothing we could do about it, so we simply had to take it on the chin," O'Brien told the Corkman.

"We tried to get an alternative venue on the night seeing as Clare had made the long journey down, but it was never an option really, and I suppose it was just as well in hindsight that we weren't successful in that regard.

"It would have defeated the whole purpose of the thing had the game been staged elsewhere, and we are delighted, and extremely grateful to Cork and Clare, that we are able to host it under lights on Saturday night.."

He added: "Cork have already played two games in the league, but they weren't really tested by Offaly and Limerick, and they will surely benefit from another outing before they get down to the serious business against Kilkenny.

"It's an important game for Clare also because they won't be getting enough games against quality opposition in Division 2."

http://www.hoganstand.com/Clare/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=124939

Besides Mr.O'Brien's typical Cork bluntness, I had not even heard a thing about the cancelled fixture!

Looking forward to this fixture as it is our first major test of the season. Cork will be hoping for a win seeing as we are Div2.. it should be interesting but I do think we can beat Cork..a difference of 1-2 points.

eroo

A draw for Clare against Wexford means the battle for promotion is not going to be straight forward. Next up we have Antrim which should be another interesting fixture.

It's good to see no losses but it's also great to see that Div 2 is not a walk in the park as many would have believed! Younger lads are getting blooded in tough games which imo is a bit better than Div 1, where they would be in at the deep end immeadiately.

Clare's NFL campaign is going very very well with 4 wins from 4. Div 4 title and promotion looks quite possible and is great for our football team!! Kilmurry-Ibrickane currently 5 points down against St.Galls's.. hopefully a first All Ireland club football title will be won.

All in all, things are going well in the Banner.

Hyperbullet

Two good wins today in the hurling and football. Hopefully we now have two managerment teams in place that will stay for the long term and bulid solid teams.

Orizio

For anyone interested, the Clare Minors played the Cork Minors down in Cork on Saturday afternoon and lost by 6-7 points.

eroo

With a close win over Carlow today, we are in the lead in Div 2. It's good to see the likes of Colin Ryan notching up scores. Next up Westmeath.. and nothing is certain after they managed a one point victory over Antrim in this round.

Clare are having an amazing stretch in Div 4. 8 from 8, and next up is Limerick. Here's hoping onwards and upwards!!

Orizio wrote: »

For anyone interested, the Clare Minors played the Cork Minors down in Cork on Saturday afternoon and lost by 6-7 points.

That reminds me.. did the senior sides play that friendly I mentioned a few posts back?

eroo

It appears a Division 2 final is now certain after defeating Westmeath 4-19 to 3-15 on Saturday. Colin Ryan having another great game scoring 1-9.

It was disappointing to see our footballers suffer their first defeat in Div 4. Limerick 0-14 to our 2-7, very close indeed! Off to Waterford next for what is an important game for the footballers.. promotion is at stake.

Orizio

Conceeding 3-15 to Westmeath is pretty funny.

eroo

Orizio wrote: »

Conceeding 3-15 to Westmeath is pretty funny.

Well conceeding 1-14 against a Limerick side made up of B team players can be seen as pretty funny too.

But I'm taking the positive things.. granted Tuohy didn't have a great day guarding the net but that aside we did well.

PARKHEAD67

eroo wrote: »

Well conceeding 1-14 against a Limerick side made up of B team players can be seen as pretty funny too.

But I'm taking the positive things.. granted Tuohy didn't have a great day guarding the net but that aside we did well.

Dont fall for it.Clare could surprise people this year. Nothing expected of em. Won an U21 All Ireland against KK.Lets see

Orizio

PARKHEAD67 wrote: »

Dont fall for it.Clare could surprise people this year. Nothing expected of em. Won an U21 All Ireland against KK.Lets see

Wouldn't suprise me in the slightest if Clare did 'suprise people this year'...but conceeding 3-15 against Westmeath is still damn funny.

eroo

Orizio wrote: »

Wouldn't suprise me in the slightest if Clare did 'suprise people this year'...but conceeding 3-15 against Westmeath is still damn funny.

Didn't I cover this already?

Orizio

eroo wrote: »

Didn't I cover this already?

I'm teasing, jesus.

(and no, conceeding 15-16 points to Limerick, which most Div 1 teams have conceeded to them so far this season, is not as embarassing as conceeding 20+ to a Westmeath, who even by their own not very good standards, are in atrocious form)

deccy15

Clare leading Waterford 1-3 to 0-5 after 20 mins!! trailed 0-5 to 0-1 early!!!