The Tipperary Hurling Discussion Thread 2010.

Reginald P. DuM

I have decided to start this thread, because it's the Tipperary forum and hurling is a huge part of what makes us proud Tipperary people. Few do it better after all. I considered putting it in the GAA forum, but opted for here to breathe some life into the Tipperary forum.

I hope to see it used by hurling fans, right throughout the league campaign and especially when summer comes, and with it comes the big games against the big teams. We welcome discussion on your opinions on the condition of hurling within Tipperary, your hopes for 2010, our chances of dethroning Kilkenny, team selections, match previews and reviews, and all things hurling related. Of course it's not confined to just the Senior panel but all inter-county panels and their exploits. Needless to say contributors from other counties are welcome too.

Basically I intend to see the thread as a point of information for Tipp fans on Boards right across the county and beyond. So spread the good word and let's just hope we can get something from it.

I am gonna start by wishing Liam Sheedy and his panel the very best for 2010. The season begins under lights on the 20th February in Semple Stadium againt Kilkenny in the NHL.

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Hu Deman

great idea let's hope it takes off. really enjoyed last years hurling. pity about the final. still had a great day out!!!:)

premierstone

Very welcome OP and should be a sucess. I'll get the ball rolling here so, does anyone know if any sort of preliminary panel has been drafted for the minors for the coming year?

Reginald P. DuM

There doesn't seem to be much information on the Minor squad available yet. I would assume the management team are gathering their players by now alright. It's only 11 weeks to the first championship outing: April 28th @ 6:30pm - vs. Cork (Pairc Ui Chaoimh) - 2010 Munster Minor Hurling Championship Quarter-Final.

premierstone

Reginald P. DuM wrote: »

There doesn't seem to be much information on the Minor squad available yet. I would assume the management team are gathering their players by now alright. It's only 11 weeks to the first championship outing: April 28th @ 6:30pm - vs. Cork (Pairc Ui Chaoimh) - 2010 Munster Minor Hurling Championship Quarter-Final.

Yeah I was in UL there last week and spoted the Limerick Minor panel training so id imagine they are doing something at this stage.

In other very welcome news imo the great Eoin Kelly has been named as captain for the forthcoming year with Declan Fanning as vice-captain, delighted for the guy and hope we can give him the AI he so greatly deserves.

Reginald P. DuM

premierstone wrote: »

In other very welcome news imo the great Eoin Kelly has been named as captain for the forthcoming year with Declan Fanning as vice-captain, delighted for the guy and hope we can give him the AI he so greatly deserves.

Very true, an undisputed legend is Kelly and the captains armband is thouroughly deserved. Good call Liam Sheedy. Finally they have broken that tired tradition of giving the captaincy to the club champions captain.

tippspur

premierstone wrote: »

Yeah I was in UL there last week and spoted the Limerick Minor panel training so id imagine they are doing something at this stage.

In other very welcome news imo the great Eoin Kelly has been named as captain for the forthcoming year with Declan Fanning as vice-captain, delighted for the guy and hope we can give him the AI he so greatly deserves.

Yep,Eoin Kelly is a great choice for captain and he deserves it.lets hope he can stay fit for the rest of the year and lift the Liam Mc Carthy cup next September.:cool:

Reginald P. DuM

13/02/2010
SH Challenge game

Tipperary 1-20 Dublin 1-17


The Tipperary team and scorers were as follows - Darren Gleeson; Conor O'Brien, Paul Curran, Diarmaid Fitzgerald; Brendan Maher, Declan Fanning (Captain), Shane Maher; Benny Dunne (0-1), Gearoid Ryan (0-1); Seamus Hennessy (0-7, 0-3 frees), Hugh Maloney (0-2), John Devane (0-2); Pat Kerwick (0-1), Micheal Webster (1-0), Patrick Maher (0-1)
Subs: Michael Heffernan for Pat Kerwick, Seamus Callanan (0-4, 0-2 frees) for Micheal Webster, Paul Kelly for Hugh Maloney, Jody Brennan (0-1) for Seamus Hennessy, Shane McGrath for John Devane

Gerard.C

Anyone goin to Semple on Saturday?

Reginald P. DuM

Gerard.C wrote: »

Anyone goin to Semple on Saturday?

Certainly am, hat and hip flask at the ready...

tippspur

Yeah,Im heading up myself,First big game of the year.Looking forward to it.

Reginald P. DuM

As per usual Liam Sheedy will intend to use the league as a serious preparation for the championship, so a good start is very important to stay in the competition as long as possible. OK it's Kilkenny but they are beatable, especially on a cold night in Thurles if we tear into them. Should be a lively affair now. Throw in for half 7. Will both stands be open does anyone know?

Gerard.C

I heard that the Ballyhale Shamrock players wont be playing Sunday due to the Club final, we've certainly got the beating of them if thats the case. I wonder will many new faces be starting?

Reginald P. DuM

Yes you would assume that key Ballyhale players will get a break from the inter county scene until after Paddy's Day, which makes for a glorious opportunity to steal a march on our rivals. Not too many other teams in Div 1 will take a scalp from Kilkenny.

There will be some new faces in Saturday alright, but not wholesale changes from last year I would expect. Going on the team above that lined out v Dublin there's not too many surprises. Good to see Seamus Hennessy scoring 0-7, with only 0-3 from frees. I would be very hopeful the can overcome Kilkenny on Saturday.

BTW I may draw ye're attention to the Boards NHL Pools, as a bit of an interest throughout the league. Anyone interested the rules are on Pg 1, its quite straightforward and maybe a bit of fun.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055806920

Gerard.C

Reginald P. DuM wrote: »

Yes you would assume that key Ballyhale players will get a break from the inter county scene until after Paddy's Day, which makes for a glorious opportunity to steal a march on our rivals. Not too many other teams in Div 1 will take a scalp from Kilkenny.

There will be some new faces in Saturday alright, but not wholesale changes from last year I would expect. Going on the team above that lined out v Dublin there's not too many surprises. Good to see Seamus Hennessy scoring 0-7, with only 0-3 from frees. I would be very hopeful the can overcome Kilkenny on Saturday.

BTW I may draw ye're attention to the Boards NHL Pools, as a bit of an interest throughout the league. Anyone interested the rules are on Pg 1, its quite straightforward and maybe a bit of fun.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055806920

Yeah, it'd be nice it Hennessy got a bit of momentum going, he could very well be a handy player.

Callanan too, 0-4 with 0-2 from play after coming on as a sub. He's still only a young lad, but he showed signs last year that he could develop into a quality player in time. Sheedy really is the man to nurture these young lads isnt he? He has done some job for us, I cant give him enough credit!

Reginald P. DuM

Aye Seamy Callanan is a right player in the making. Come on a tonne recently and still such a young age. He'll win an All Ireland Senior medal I have no doubt. Hard work is required though, but as you say Ger, they have to right man to inspire them in Sheedy.

Gerard.C

That's it, if they can hang on to Sheedy, they'll have players like Callanan and Noel McGrath winning plenty of medals. He's the man to develop them into the quality players they have the potential to be. Really interested to see the line out for saturday now!

Reginald P. DuM

Tipperary Senior Hurling team lineout's for the 2010 Allianz GAA Hurling League will be announced by email at 9pm on the Thursday night preceding each game. The team will also be published on the Tipperary GAA website as soon as possible after 9pm. Any changes to these arrangements will be announced in advance.

Thomas Stapleton (Templederry) and Pa Bourke (Thurles Sars) are definitely out for Sat due to recent illness, while Michael Woodlock (Drom and Inch) and John O Neill (Clonoulty R) are out for the entire NHL campaign due to serious leg injuries.

There are 3 other new panelists – Jody Brennan (Upperchurch Drombane) and Michael Heffernan (Nenagh Éire Óg) who are both forwards and David Young (Toomevara) who is a defender.

Setanta Ireland are showing this match live too, programme starts at 7pm.

hinault

Good thread.

Slightly off topic post, though.

As a Dub who married a Tipp woman and I am now living in Tipp, I can testify to the obsession that is Tipperary Hurling for Tipp people!

My nextdoor neighbour is on the Tipp panel and played in the Championship two years ago.
(I won't mention any names).

I see the sacrifices this man makes to be play the game at the highest level.

Admire the dedication and sacrifice and ability.

tippspur

Gerard.C wrote: »

Yeah, it'd be nice it Hennessy got a bit of momentum going, he could very well be a handy player.

Callanan too, 0-4 with 0-2 from play after coming on as a sub. He's still only a young lad, but he showed signs last year that he could develop into a quality player in time. Sheedy really is the man to nurture these young lads isnt he? He has done some job for us, I cant give him enough credit!

We badly need a couple of new scoring forwards to come through this year,I hope Seamus Hennessey can make the grade because he is strong physical player and imo just what we need in the side.

Reginald P. DuM

We definitely need at least one championship level half forward for this year. I think that line was an achilles heel last year for us.. If there's an improvement there then we're in business.

Gerard.C

Do ye think Lar will keep up his great form from last year?

Almost every year before that he was very touch and go, he really stepped up last year and my opinion on him completely changed. Hopefully he will keep the form going, he was clinical last year

Reginald P. DuM

I'm with ya on Lar, I used to get dogs abuse for being a critic of his up until last year, then when he hit top form last year, and impressed me greatly I got the usual I told ya so's!! But I was happy to eat the humble pie. I see no reason why he can't contunue playing at this level. I sincerely hope he does because if he doesn't we're in trouble. I think he can handle the pressure. He has proved me completely wrong but doing it consistently year on year is the mark of a great forward, I now believe he can become that player.

Reginald P. DuM

Brendan Cummins,


Conor O'Brien, Paul Curran, Brendan Maher,



Declan Fanning, Padraic Maher, Shane Maher,


Benny Dunne, Shane McGrath,


Seamus Hennessy, Seamus Callanan, Hugh Maloney,


Eoin Kelly, Micheál Webster, Noel McGrath.

The team features 9 players that started v Kilkenny in the 2009 All Ireland final. Liam Sheedy has opted for an experienced side, there are no league debutants in this team.

tippspur

Not a bad side to start the league with,looks like Sheedy is going to persist with Webster for another while.It's a strong enough backline also,great to see Kelly lining out so early in the year.Best of luck to them on Sat night.

premierstone

That half forward line doesnt look up to much tbh, Maloney is not and never will be a forward, and as for Webster - I better not comment wouldnt want to get banned from my own county forum!!

Anyone know what the story with Conor O'Mahoney is, hasnt featured in pre-season but yet has never been mentioned as one of the injured players??

Its an experimental line up in alot of ways yet all these players have alot of championship experience.
Its an experienced back line. O'Brien i would have my worries about pace wise compare to young Stapleton who was tremendous in the All Ireland final. Hugh Maloney might be ok in midfield or half back line, Perhaps he will switch with Benny at some point. this fixture is always considered a bit more then a match to any Tipperary or Kilkenny person outside the respective panels but both sheedy and Brian Cody will know that this gives them both a chance to see how strong their panels are. I think its great sheedy is shuffling his pack as it keeps players on their toes. O'Mahony or stapleton or whoever else might think,"jesus i could be danger of losing my place here if these guys have a good game".

To be honest its not the end of the world tomorrow night if Tipperary are beaten so long as they make a good game of it. Sure, our nearest and dearest neighbours up the road could well take the bragging rights tomorrow night but its all about the bragging rights on the first Sunday in September. i for one would take them any day of the week and i beg to guess most tipp fans on this topic would feel the same.

Reginald P. DuM

Your last point is very true tippgunner.. I would take an All Ireland title next September over any other sporting event imaginable.. But one step at a time, tomorrow's game is the first stepping stone and while a win isn't crucial it is very important pyschologically that we stop the rot. Losing to KK four times on the spin wouldn't do much for morale. We don't want a niggling feeling in the players minds that they are an unbeatable team. If that sets in then we are doomed before we begin. I am not suggesting that is present in their minds, or Liam Sheedys but we must be careful not to let it develop.

Reginald P. DuM

Reginald P. DuM wrote: »

Your last point is very true tippgunner.. I would take an All Ireland title next September over any other sporting event imaginable.. But one step at a time, tomorrow's game is the first stepping stone and while a win isn't crucial it is very important pyschologically that we stop the rot. Losing to KK four times on the spin wouldn't do much for morale. We don't want a niggling feeling in the players minds that they are an unbeatable team. If that sets in then we are doomed before we begin. I am not suggesting that is present in their minds, or Liam Sheedys but we must be careful not to let it develop.

You make a good point about pyschology. that is something that worries me too. What would another defeat to kilkenny do to Tipperary psyche? You only have to look at Cork footballers who can beat Kerry anywhere, even killarney, but not croke park and many other teams who seem to suffer of fear of winning more then the fear of losing.

that is the only negative i would have about a defeat tomorrow night. perhaps it will be a draw

Gerard.C

We feckin better win, I have money on them!! :pac:

Reginald P. DuM

Gerard.C wrote: »

We feckin better win, I have money on them!! :pac:

Is that betting with the head or the heart now Ger?! I think they will win it by a few points tomorrow. Though I wouldn't gamble with the prices offered.

tippspur

Any news on the KK lineout yet ?

Reginald P. DuM

P.J. Ryan, Canice Hickey, Brian Hogan, John Dalton, Tommy Walsh, Jackie Tyrell, J.J. Delaney, Willie Dwyer, P.J. Delaney, Richie Hogan, Michael Rice, Aidan Fogarty, Michael Grace, Martin Comerfrod, Richie Power.

Announced tonight.. Missing a few obvious big names but still it's a formidable side.

Gerard.C

Reginald P. DuM wrote: »

Is that betting with the head or the heart now Ger?! I think they will win it by a few points tomorrow. Though I wouldn't gamble with the prices offered.

The head, ive an accumulator done up. Given theres a few KK lads being rested, and its their first time under flood lights, in our Semple no less, we've a right chance!

tippspur

Strong enough KK team,probably as strong as they can put out less the Ballyhale lads plus injuries.Coady is taking this game seriously it would seem,defiantly going to be a tough game now.:cool:

Reginald P. DuM

• Babs Keating maintains Cody isn't too pushed about the league.

• He says the pressure will be on Liam Sheedy to perform this year after all the money invested in the side by the county board.

• He and Nicky English are of the same mind that Tipp need 3 more players before they can really challenge Kilkenny in September. The half forward line and centre field being the main source of difficulty.

• Disappointed to see Eoin Kelly moved from full forward for tonights game. Clearly flagging it as an error on Sheedy's behalf.

• Henry Shefflin will be a better player this year.

• Cork will be a serious threat to Tipperary in the Munster Championship.

As usual Babs seems a bit too smug in writing off his own counties chances of toppling KK in 2010. Come championship time Eoin Kelly will undoubtedly play at 14 but he wanted to have a dig at current management. While I don't nececcarily disagree with the rest of his comments, I can't help but dislike this man. Pity he didn't go off to Dubai with his son in law that time he bragged about it on the telly. And stay there.

Best of Luck to Tipperary tonight.

looder

Reginald P. DuM wrote: »

• Babs Keating maintains Cody isn't too pushed about the league.

• He says the pressure will be on Liam Sheedy to perform this year after all the money invested in the side by the county board.

• He and Nicky English are of the same mind that Tipp need 3 more players before they can really challenge Kilkenny in September. The half forward line and centre field being the main source of difficulty.

• Disappointed to see Eoin Kelly moved from full forward for tonights game. Clearly flagging it as an error on Sheedy's behalf.

• Henry Shefflin will be a better player this year.

• Cork will be a serious threat to Tipperary in the Munster Championship.

As usual Babs seems a bit too smug in writing off his own counties chances of toppling KK in 2010. Come championship time Eoin Kelly will undoubtedly play at 14 but he wanted to have a dig at current management. While I don't nececcarily disagree with the rest of his comments, I can't help but dislike this man. Pity he didn't go off to Dubai with his son in law that time he bragged about it on the telly. And stay there.

Best of Luck to Tipperary tonight.

• If Kilkenny don't take the league serious, why are they always there or thereabouts? Bab's hasn't spoken a word of sense in 20 years.

• That’s just a low dig at Sheedy because Bab’s failed in his second stint in charge.
• Tipp outplayed Kilkenny twice last year. Tipp need a midfielder to replace Woodlock, and competition in the forwards is always good, but I think Festy will make a serious impact this year. He has pace to burn and can cause serious damage if his accuracy improves.
• Eoin in the corner is a lot more use than where he was when Bab’s was in charge (on the bench). This is when I realised Bab’s is a fool. Making this mistake which cost us a AI Semi Final place against Wexford.
• Henry had a bad year by his standards last year. It doesn’t take a genius to say he’ll be better this year!

• It doesn’t take a genius to think the Cork game will be very very difficult. Tipp have won in the Pairc once in 70 odd years I think and it’s been a long long time since Tipp won 4 games on the trot against Cork (if ever).
• Bab’s is about a reliable source of information as Wikipedia.... Take it all with a huge grain of salt.

Reginald P. DuM

Agreed looder. I was being diplomatic about his musings because I don't want to turn the thread into an anti Babs Keating affair. Maybe I shouldn't have bothered posting about him at all. It's about the current team and not the opinions of a bitter former manager with more enemies within the county than I have had hot dinners...

looder

looder wrote: »

• If Kilkenny don't take the league serious, why are they always there or thereabouts? Bab's hasn't spoken a word of sense in 20 years.

• That’s just a low dig at Sheedy because Bab’s failed in his second stint in charge.
• Tipp outplayed Kilkenny twice last year. Tipp need a midfielder to replace Woodlock, and competition in the forwards is always good, but I think Festy will make a serious impact this year. He has pace to burn and can cause serious damage if his accuracy improves.
• Eoin in the corner is a lot more use than where he was when Bab’s was in charge (on the bench). This is when I realised Bab’s is a fool. Making this mistake which cost us a AI Semi Final place against Wexford.
• Henry had a bad year by his standards last year. It doesn’t take a genius to say he’ll be better this year!

• It doesn’t take a genius to think the Cork game will be very very difficult. Tipp have won in the Pairc once in 70 odd years I think and it’s been a long long time since Tipp won 4 games on the trot against Cork (if ever).
• Bab’s is about a reliable source of information as Wikipedia.... Take it all with a huge grain of salt.

+1

I respect and admire Babs for all he achieved for Tipperary hurling but his comments since Liam sheedy have taken over have varied from bitter to absolutely bang out of order. whilst tipp improved a bit under Babs by comparison to previous regimes before him, they were no where near the level that Liam sheedy has brought them to, in terms of fitness, preparation, stamina, technical level. Tipp are now a team that teams, and by teams i include kilkenny, have a certain amount of fear playing. It boils down to biterness and jealousy on Babs part.
the jilted ex who has seen their former lover in a more prosperous new romance

Gerard.C

Anyone else feel a tiny bit ripped off after that shambles earlier?

Gerard.C

Gerard.C wrote: »

Anyone else feel a tiny bit ripped off after that shambles earlier?

Bit of a nuisance having travelled to thurles and i was really geared up for it. Not sure they were forecasting that weather though. I felt when there was no sign of the teams it wasn't going to go ahead. Am a season ticket holder so will hit Semple field for the refix Tuesday night, get my values worth. Snow wont save the cats in Sept!!

tippspur

Gerard.C wrote: »

Anyone else feel a tiny bit ripped off after that shambles earlier?

Yep,traveled up for nothing,was also charged a fiver for parking as well as all the other costs.now people who weren't even there tonight can get in for free for the re fixture.what happens if a person that went tonight can't go on Tuesday night,there's no way to get there money back.:mad:

tippspur

Reginald P. DuM wrote: »

• Babs Keating maintains Cody isn't too pushed about the league.

• He says the pressure will be on Liam Sheedy to perform this year after all the money invested in the side by the county board.

• He and Nicky English are of the same mind that Tipp need 3 more players before they can really challenge Kilkenny in September. The half forward line and centre field being the main source of difficulty.

• Disappointed to see Eoin Kelly moved from full forward for tonights game. Clearly flagging it as an error on Sheedy's behalf.

• Henry Shefflin will be a better player this year.

• Cork will be a serious threat to Tipperary in the Munster Championship.

As usual Babs seems a bit too smug in writing off his own counties chances of toppling KK in 2010. Come championship time Eoin Kelly will undoubtedly play at 14 but he wanted to have a dig at current management. While I don't nececcarily disagree with the rest of his comments, I can't help but dislike this man. Pity he didn't go off to Dubai with his son in law that time he bragged about it on the telly. And stay there.

Best of Luck to Tipperary tonight.

I'm sick of Babs rantings,I don't take any notice of him anymore.He's gone very bitter.

Reginald P. DuM

I was looking forward to this all week.. It was a pity the game couldn't go ahead, but conditions were dreadful so I think the right decision was made. I didn't get as far as the stadium because there was a minor traffic accident on the golf course road that delayed us. Will definitely head up on Tuesday though, game on....

Reginald P. DuM

FYI ammended fixture will be shown live.

Tipperary v Kilkenny live on Setanta Ireland | Setanta

Gerard.C

Shur we'll give it another go tonight so lads, will we?

Reginald P. DuM

Gerard.C wrote: »

Shur we'll give it another go tonight so lads, will we?

We sure will, tis wet and cold in Clonmel this morning but unlikely to impact on the game I'd imagine. Fingers crossed. Just on a point of interest to any season ticket holders I made an enquiry and all ticktes will be credited with attendance regardless of whether they are used or not. There will be no season ticket gate for scanning tonight just open doors.

Gerard.C

Reginald P. DuM wrote: »

We sure will, tis wet and cold in Clonmel this morning but unlikely to impact on the game I'd imagine. Fingers crossed. Just on a point of interest to any season ticket holders I made an enquiry and all ticktes will be credited with attendance regardless of whether they are used or not. There will be no season ticket gate for scanning tonight just open doors.

Aye tis miserable in cork too. Really looking foward to it now, should be a great game. We've 2 Waterford lads coming up in the car with us. Should be a bit of craic out of them anyway!

Reginald P. DuM

Update: As of 1700 Tipp Fm news bulletin game is still on, snow has been falling, but not landing and the powers that be are monitoring the situation. Game expected to go ahead at this stage.

Reginald P. DuM

And it happened, again.... Much more frustrating than Saturday night. Probably because we headed straight to the pub on Saturday.

Tonight the snow didn't seem to be half as bad, at least coming from the Clonmel side. Any bit of snow wasn't landing, none of the gardens were white in Thurles as opposed to the first time round. Having said that I didn't get as far as the stadium so the pitch conditions are unknown to me.

Listening to Newstalk on the way home Liam Sheedy was said to have been frustrated by the situation yet he seemed to agree with the decision to postpone the tie, again. It's probably likely that the pitch was unplayable. Some texted the radio saying they had driven from Dublin, so there's always someone worse off out there. The car parks would have done well again. As bad as it was for the supporters it must have been worse again for the players. So we await the refixed game again, possibly on the weekend of March 6/7 but nothing confirmed yet.

tippspur

Another wasted journey tonight:rolleyes:that pitch looked playable to me and many others.I've been at plenty of games in much worse conditions than that.totally pissed off I have to say.