Kilkenny vs Waterford All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final

Daysha

*gulp*

vs

Date 7.08.11

Time 15.30

Venue Croke Park, Dublin

KILKENNY

Team that played Dublin
1. David Herity
2. Noel Hickey
3. J.J. Delaney
4. Jackie Tyrrell
5. Tommy Walsh
6. Brian Hogan
7. Paul Murphy
8. Michael Fennelly
9. Michael Rice
10. T.J. Reid
11. Richie Power
12. Eoin Larkin
13. Colin Fennelly
14. Henry Shefflin
15. Richie Hogan

Key Player
Tommy Walsh
Similar to Pauric Maher for Tipp last month, if this man gets on top against what is still an average Waterford half-forward line the Deise will be facing an uphill battle from the start. He's also the sole reason his opposite number on Sunday hasn't won twice as many All-Stars.


Manager
Brian Cody
Yeah there's very little that needs to be said in areas like this one. 12 (!) All-Irelands as a player and manager and without doubt the greatest manager hurling has ever seen.


The Story So Far
Kilkenny 1-26 Wexford 1-15
Kilkenny 4-17 Dublin 1-15

---

WATERFORD

Possible team
1. Clinton Hennessy
2. Darragh Fives
3. Liam Lawlor
4. Noel Connors
5. Tony Browne
6. Michael 'Brick' Walsh
7. David O'Sullivan
8. Kevin Moran
9. Stephen Molumphy
10. Seamus Prendergast
11. Shane O'Sullivan
12. Pauric Mahony
13. John Mullane
14. Shane Walsh
15. Eoin Kelly

Key Player
John Mullane
His was at his clinical best in front of goal against Limerick, but by his high standards he's had a quiet enough few games since. He was the only Waterford player to perform in that game in 2008 so we know he can do it against this opposition, but he needs to be at his very best if Waterford want to have any chance. More passing of the ball like we saw 2 weeks ago rather than going for glory all the time wouldn't go astray either.


Manager
Davy Fitzgerald
Is this the little man's swan song? After 3 years and 4 Championships there is a real sense that his relationship with the Deise is reaching its natural end, and it could very well happen against one of just two sides he has failed to defeat as Waterford manager. Letting his team play the right way is one final decision he absolutely must get right.


The Story So Far
Waterford 3-16 Limerick 3-15
Tipperary 7-19 Waterford 0-19
Waterford 2-23 Galway 2-13

---

Last 4 Championship Meetings
2009 Kilkenny 2-23 Waterford 3-15
2008 Kilkenny 3-30 Waterford 1-13
2004 Kilkenny 3-12 Waterford 0-18
1998 Kilkenny 1-11 Waterford 1-10

Did You Know...
In his 3 Championship appearances against Waterford, Henry Shefflin has amassed a total of 3-26, 3-9 of which has come from play.

And in his 61st summer selection, Tony Browne faces the only team he has never defeated in his Championship career. A win for the neighbours from the north could finally bring his amazing 19 year stint with Waterford to a sad end.

Betting
Kilkenny 1/9
Waterford 7/1
Draw 16/1

Prediction
There's no getting away from this one unfortunately. Kilkenny have better players in all but a couple of areas on the field, and anything other than a 6th straight All-Ireland final would be the biggest shock in hurling since....well, the last time Kilkenny lost a semi-final. Kilkenny by 5.

flahavaj

Head says KK, heart says Waterford.

It would take the greatest performance by a Waterford team in my lifetime to win this one.

ShamoBuc

flahavaj wrote: »

Head says KK, heart says Waterford.

It would take the greatest performance by a Waterford team in my lifetime to win this one.

As above.

wixfjord

Would love to see Waterford give this a good rattle, really would.
Having said that, you only really need to look at the KK full forward line and the Waterford full back line to see the story of this game.
Indeed, pick any line and KK are probably stronger.

Two of the best players ever to play the game in Shefflin and Walsh and 13 other very good players, means that Waterford will really need a miracle....

Couldn't happen, could it

flahavaj

I could see KK doing what Galway failed to so as well an putting Shefflin in on the edge of the square to really test the Wterford FB line.

corny

Just hope Waterford leave everything on the pitch and give us a good game. Don't think it will be one sided but Kilkenny should win.

Fireball07

Can't wait for this, should be a cracking game. Waterford will give them a good game, I think, but I just can't see Kilkenny losing it, they are too good.

Fergus_Nash

Kilkenny to win well but I was surprised by Waterford's response to the Tipp game so they may just very well give Kilkenny a good rattle.

teednab-el

Daysha wrote: »

against one of just two sides he has failed to defeat as Waterford manager.

I thought Kilkenny were the only team he has failed to beat as manager? They beat Tipperary in 2008 under Davy. Correct me if I have forgotten a team they have failed to beat besides Kilkenny.

Looking back at the last few championship meetings, I think 1998 was the one they will have the most regrets about, they should have beaten Kilkenny that day. Hopefully 2011 will be the year for these Waterford boys. Its a big ask though.

johnmcdnl

The only way Waterford are gonna win this if Kilkenny don't show up...

They will show up though because they always do...

Kilkenny by 7-8 points but Waterford will fight like dogs to the last minute...

teednab-el

johnmcdnl wrote: »

The only way Waterford are gonna win this if Kilkenny don't show up...

They will show up though because they always do...

Kilkenny by 7-8 points but Waterford will fight like dogs to the last minute...

Waterford should pray for RAIN, its the one thing that Kilkenny may not show up for, happened in a few All Irelands before.

log22

It will take a great performance from waterford to beat kilkenny As above. Go On Kilkenny!!!! will be a cracker match.

mccarthy37

Lets hope we have a great performance next Sunday I can assure you Kilkenny wot be found wanting they always give it 100 per cent. Let the countdown begin

mccarthy37

People are saying we have no right to complain about our two teams playing on different Sundays. Dublin were given the choice to have both teams on one day as they are Leinster champions, no complaint there but Clare are Munster minor champions I wonder what choice were they given. I wonder what county supporters would they prefer to play in front of or were they even asked.

UpTheSlashers

teednab-el wrote: »

Waterford should pray for RAIN, its the one thing that Kilkenny may not show up for, happened in a few All Irelands before.

Kilkenny won the AI final against us on a very wet day in 2009.

Mountainlad

UpTheSlashers wrote: »

Kilkenny won the AI final against us on a very wet day in 2009.

None of that is true. First of all 2008 was as sunny a day as there was that year. Second of all, as I've mentioned it was 08 not 09.

Thery bet us on a bad day in 2004. 2009 was bleak but I think it was dry.

Kojak

This is Kk's game to loose, I feel. Waterford looked good against Galway, but Galway were pure shíte. Also Waterford missed a bucket load of chances that day and if they hope to beat the cats, then they will have to cut down on the wides and make every shot count. Waterford's full-back line is pretty weak, despite Galway not testing it, and KK will have seen what Tipp did to it in the munster final - have a feeling shefflin will start at 14 and try to go for goal within about the first 10 minutes.

KK will probably be a bit rusty for the first 15 or 20 minutes, but once they get into their groove, they should win by near to 10 points. Despite the fact that Waterford hammered Galway, I would like to see them make the AI final, but I cannot see it happening, hope I am wrong.

Martin567

Mountainlad wrote: »

None of that is true. First of all 2008 was as sunny a day as there was that year. Second of all, as I've mentioned it was 08 not 09.

Thery bet us on a bad day in 2004. 2009 was bleak but I think it was dry.

2009 All Ireland Final is the most wet I have ever been at a match. I was sitting about three rows from the front of the Hogan Stand and it was like being in a deluge for around two hours. I believe it stopped raining shortly before the Senior match started and stayed dry thereafter so you may be right that it didn't actually rain during the Senior game.

Mountainlad

Martin567 wrote: »

2009 All Ireland Final is the most wet I have ever been at a match. I was sitting about three rows from the front of the Hogan Stand and it was like being in a deluge for around two hours. I believe it stopped raining shortly before the Senior match started and stayed dry thereafter so you may be right that it didn't actually rain during the Senior game.

I was refereing to the 2008 all-ireland final, Waterford v Kilkenny.

I was refering to the 2009 all-ireland semi, Waterford V Kilkenny also.

I accept it wasn't 100% clear, but at the same time it would have been irrelevant for me to refer to a Kilkenny v Tipp game with regards weather given the title of the thread and the contents of the comment I quoted.

Cake Man

On the topic of weather, what's the forecast for Sunday? Probably still a bit early in the week to determine an accurate forecast.

Hard to see anything but a KK win unfortunately but I'll be going up to roar on the lads. We can dream!

teednab-el

Mountainlad wrote: »

None of that is true. First of all 2008 was as sunny a day as there was that year. Second of all, as I've mentioned it was 08 not 09.

Thery bet us on a bad day in 2004. 2009 was bleak but I think it was dry.

You are right. In fairness In 2004 ye got off to a bad start but finished strong. In 2009 ye played very well and were almost good enough to beat Kilkenny on the day. I think Eoin Kelly hit the post when he was going for a goal from a free. That was very unlucky to be fair. Once Waterford perform and with a bit of luck this time round there is no reason why they cant beat Kilkenny.

Martin567

Mountainlad wrote: »

I was refereing to the 2008 all-ireland final, Waterford v Kilkenny.

I was refering to the 2009 all-ireland semi, Waterford V Kilkenny also.

I accept it wasn't 100% clear, but at the same time it would have been irrelevant for me to refer to a Kilkenny v Tipp game with regards weather given the title of the thread and the contents of the comment I quoted.

Fair enough but you did contradict the other poster who said that Kilkenny won the 2009 Final on a very wet day. You said this was not true.

teednab-el

UpTheSlashers wrote: »

Kilkenny won the AI final against us on a very wet day in 2009.

It was a dull day in 2009 (Kilkenny V Tipperary) but it didnt rain at all.

Martin567

teednab-el wrote: »

It was a dull day in 2009 (Kilkenny V Tipperary) but it didnt rain at all.

Maybe not during the match but, as I said above, the rain all morning and up to around 3.15pm was torrential and constant. I had the full golf wet gear on all match.

LuckyGent88

Cant see Waterford winning this but it should be close for a large period of the game. Waterford have noting to loose which the odds suggest so they should just leave everything on the field.

Also, C'MON the BANNER in the minor Should be a cracking curtain raiser.

Mountainlad

Martin567 wrote: »

Fair enough but you did contradict the other poster who said that Kilkenny won the 2009 Final on a very wet day. You said this was not true.

Yeah I only saw that now. Apologies to you and indeed Up the Slashers, mistook him for a Waterford fan (I duno whether me incorrectly contradicting him or thinking he was from Waterford will cause more offence).

I think it was very wet in 2009 from what I heard from a friend.

dastardly00

Martin567 wrote: »

Maybe not during the match but, as I said above, the rain all morning and up to around 3.15pm was torrential and constant. I had the full golf wet gear on all match.

Spot on. It lashed extremely heavily that day, and magically stopped near the end of the minor match. I had the full wet gear on, and I was sitting near the front of the Hogan stand!

ondeball

Two most recent SHC clashes: 2009 and 2008.

I can't see anything other than another Kilkenny destruction.

Waterford have been lulled back into thinking that they're full back line is in decent shape after the Galway game. I'd say Cody will have a plan to take them to bits.

UpTheSlashers

Mountainlad wrote: »

I was refereing to the 2008 all-ireland final, Waterford v Kilkenny.

I was refering to the 2009 all-ireland semi, Waterford V Kilkenny also.

I accept it wasn't 100% clear, but at the same time it would have been irrelevant for me to refer to a Kilkenny v Tipp game with regards weather given the title of the thread and the contents of the comment I quoted.

I was responding to post #11, not your post. I also said AI Final in 2009

Mountainlad

ondeball wrote: »

Two most recent SHC clashes: 2009 and 2008.

I can't see anything other than another Kilkenny destruction.

Waterford have been lulled back into thinking that they're full back line is in decent shape after the Galway game. I'd say Cody will have a plan to take them to bits.

Don't see us getting hammered at all. Thing we could even provide a stiffer challenge then 2009, because in spite of the final result I have to say we weren't that good on the day. See our fullback line against Tipp was not the same is it is, or has been against Tipp. I'll show you now;

Vs Tipp- 2. Jerome Maher 3. Brick 4. Connors

What actually happened was Maher was markin Corbett, Brick was corner back and Connors had to try and play full back.

vs Galway- 2. Fives 3. Lawlor 4. Connors

There's a big difference as Brick returns to centre back as well which allows Moran to play midfield.

Sure we have always been prone to conceding goals, but 7 won't happen against Kilkenny. Also, depite the fact that we were abysmal all over the pitch against Tipp, we still scored 19 points. Granted they were mostly frees but that suggests that we did enough to draw fouls off Tipp players. Also, 2-23 the last day against Galway is further evidence that we can get big scores. Don't think Kilkenny beating Wexford and Dublin (who were abysmal on the day) is a clear sign of where they're at and I don't believe either that Waterford peaked against Galway. They can improve, and in my view will improve. Could be a great game.

Martin567

Mountainlad wrote: »

Don't see us getting hammered at all. Thing we could even provide a stiffer challenge then 2009, because in spite of the final result I have to say we weren't that good on the day. See our fullback line against Tipp was not the same is it is, or has been against Tipp. I'll show you now;

Vs Tipp- 2. Jerome Maher 3. Brick 4. Connors

What actually happened was Maher was markin Corbett, Brick was corner back and Connors had to try and play full back.

vs Galway- 2. Fives 3. Lawlor 4. Connors

There's a big difference as Brick returns to centre back as well which allows Moran to play midfield.

Sure we have always been prone to conceding goals, but 7 won't happen against Kilkenny. Also, depite the fact that we were abysmal all over the pitch against Tipp, we still scored 19 points. Granted they were mostly frees but that suggests that we did enough to draw fouls off Tipp players. Also, 2-23 the last day against Galway is further evidence that we can get big scores. Don't think Kilkenny beating Wexford and Dublin (who were abysmal on the day) is a clear sign of where they're at and I don't believe either that Waterford peaked against Galway. They can improve, and in my view will improve. Could be a great game.

I don't know how next Sunday will go but Dublin certainly weren't abysmal against Kilkenny. Dublin's display in the Leinster Final was 8-10 points better than Waterford's in the Munster Final. While never looking like winning, they had a decent share of possession and were not outplayed all over the field like Waterford were.

premierstone

Mountainlad wrote: »

Also, depite the fact that we were abysmal all over the pitch against Tipp, we still scored 19 points. Granted they were mostly frees but that suggests that we did enough to draw fouls off Tipp players.

There was an awful lot of questionable frees awarded to Waterfrod in the Tipp game when it was clear the game was over in fairness, Im not blaming the ref its human nature of course but I wouldnt read too much into the 19pts scored.

Mountainlad

Martin567 wrote: »

I don't know how next Sunday will go but Dublin certainly weren't abysmal against Kilkenny. Dublin's display in the Leinster Final was 8-10 points better than Waterford's in the Munster Final. While never looking like winning, they had a decent share of possession and were not outplayed all over the field like Waterford were.

I fully agree, they weren't as bad as Waterford (the worst performance I've seen from a Waterford team), but it seems as though people seem to think we were at our best in the Munster Final. I'm sure Dublin can play better than they did against Kilkenny, though I don't think in terms of the way they set out it was too different to how they normally would, where as the team that was put out to play Tipp was a joke (not so much from a personell point of view as there were maybe only two or three who shouldn't have started) and worse still the players new it was a joke.

From where I see it, it seems people think the Munster Final performance from ourselves was a greater reflection of our performances then the Galway game. I personally don't think we reached our full potential vs Galway but I'm glad we didn't. If we did beat em by 20 people would probably be looking at us slightly differently.

Mountainlad

premierstone wrote: »

There was an awful lot of questionable frees awarded to Waterfrod in the Tipp game when it was clear the game was over in fairness, Im not blaming the ref its human nature of course but I wouldnt read too much into the 19pts scored.

What about the 2-23 against Galway. Should I not read too much into that either because of Galway, and should I take the seven goals we conceded in the Munster Final as conclusive proof of our full backlines failings, despite the fact that none of our players will play in those positions against Kilkenny?

I don't mind saying Galway were pretty bad and that we will need to improve to have a chance of beating Kilkenny, or that we were awful against Tipp, both are facts. What I do mind is people seemingly ignoring my constant advising (and indeed that of nearly everyone in Waterford, I'm no genius for being able to see this, it's not a unique view though it is correct) that the way the full backline was sent out against Tipp is not a fair reflection of the full backline that started against Galway, and will start against Kilkenny.

premierstone

Mountainlad wrote: »

What about the 2-23 against Galway. Should I not read too much into that either because of Galway, and should I take the seven goals we conceded in the Munster Final as conclusive proof of our full backlines failings, despite the fact that none of our players will play in those positions against Kilkenny?

I don't mind saying Galway were pretty bad and that we will need to improve to have a chance of beating Kilkenny, or that we were awful against Tipp, both are facts. What I do mind is people seemingly ignoring my constant advising (and indeed that of nearly everyone in Waterford, I'm no genius for being able to see this, it's not a unique view though it is correct) that the way the full backline was sent out against Tipp is not a fair reflection of the full backline that started against Galway, and will start against Kilkenny.

Damn right you shouldnt read too much into it, it was the worst performance by a Galway team in the last 20 years and they have had some stinkers in them 20 years.

In relation to the FB line tbh it doesnt matter who is in the FB line if Waterfords half forward line dont compete with KK, all those 7 goals had one thing in common, Paraic Maher, John OKeefe and Gar Ryan hitting uncontested ball into lethal forwards and having all the time in the world to do so, Waterford must cut off the supply and not the other way around.

And you are making a very large assumption that Fives, Lawlor and Connors as a unit are the answer based on one game again I ask of Davy, what was the league for everyone knew the FB line selected against Tipp was an accident waiting to happen.

My biggest hope if I was a Waterford fan would be at the other end of the field where like Waterford KK have an untried and untested FB line, two of the three have seen better days IMO and are been played out of position, so if Mullane and Walsh are on form they could really exploit this.

mccarthy37

I see where Dublin are being touted as the third best team in the championship I wonder if Galway had beaten us the last day would they be installed as the second best team. I don't really care what people think of us but we will never get the respect we crave until we win an All Ireland whenever that happens. the really strange fact is if Galway had won all and sundry would be saying this is Galway's year. I know Cyril Farrell would. We are view'd nationally as a Jekyll and Hyde team and I suppose you can't really argue with that. The thing is we could play a brilliant game next Sunday you just don't know neither will Brian Cody. Wishfull thinking eh.

enda1

Kilkenny to win by about 5.

They'll be ten ahead with ten to play, Waterford will put in a last gasp effort and pull the game to 4, with the cats getting the last score.

I'd say that Kilkenny will not be as up for the game as Waterford, also cause they won't want to be going into the final as favourites having trounced everyone before them. I'd say a tactical win if it can be called that.

I just dont think that Waterford have the talent to match Kilkenny. They've passion but not a clever tactician to guide them (sorry Davy). Waterford need to think long and hard about their next appointment as manager cause I feel with a good head at top, and with more focus on the basics they could really shine and compete with the top two.

Looking forward to a good match though!

Kojak

Mountainlad wrote: »

Also, 2-23 the last day against Galway is further evidence that we can get big scores.

Maybe, but you have to realise that Galway just gave up - especially in the second half. Galway are notorious for givinng in when things don't go their way - KK won't give in as easily. For a more accurate assessment of your forwards ability, look to the Limerick and Tipp games tbh.

If I was a Waterford man, I would nearly write off the second half against Galway as Galway simply threw in the towel. I'm not saying that Waterford didn't deserve to win (or Galway let them win), but I am saying that KK will not give up the ghost like Galway.

rossie1977

the top two are on a different planet compared to the rest in hurling

kk by at least 10

premierstone

rossie1977 wrote: »

the top two are on a different planet compared to the rest in hurling

kk by at least 10

Its never as cut and dry as that though, all year Ive heard people moaning and fighting over who was the third best football team after Cork and Kerry, Mayo never even got a mention and probably would'nt have been in most peoples top 7 or 8, but it didnt stop them beating Cork last weekend, when you cross them white lines its 15 v 15 and anything can happen.

phkk

Really looking forward to the game Sunday, I think it will be a close, tight match. I don't pay too much attention to all the talk of Kilkenny hammering Waterford, if we win by 1point, we'll be delighted. With hurlers of the calibre of Brick Walsh, Tony Browne, Kevin Moran, John Mullane, Eoin Kelly, Stephen Molumphy, Noel Connors et al, you could not be complacent. Michael Rice is doubtful with a rib injury and would be a huge loss if he isn't match fit.

Mountainlad

Kojak wrote: »

Maybe, but you have to realise that Galway just gave up - especially in the second half. Galway are notorious for givinng in when things don't go their way - KK won't give in as easily. For a more accurate assessment of your forwards ability, look to the Limerick and Tipp games tbh.

If I was a Waterford man, I would nearly write off the second half against Galway as Galway simply threw in the towel. I'm not saying that Waterford didn't deserve to win (or Galway let them win), but I am saying that KK will not give up the ghost like Galway.

Let's be honest about, you wouldn't completely write off the second half if you were a Waterford man. We all let bias get in the way.

premierstone wrote: »

Damn right you shouldnt read too much into it, it was the worst performance by a Galway team in the last 20 years and they have had some stinkers in them 20 years.

In relation to the FB line tbh it doesnt matter who is in the FB line if Waterfords half forward line dont compete with KK, all those 7 goals had one thing in common, Paraic Maher, John OKeefe and Gar Ryan hitting uncontested ball into lethal forwards and having all the time in the world to do so, Waterford must cut off the supply and not the other way around.

And you are making a very large assumption that Fives, Lawlor and Connors as a unit are the answer based on one game again I ask of Davy, what was the league for everyone knew the FB line selected against Tipp was an accident waiting to happen.

My biggest hope if I was a Waterford fan would be at the other end of the field where like Waterford KK have an untried and untested FB line, two of the three have seen better days IMO and are been played out of position, so if Mullane and Walsh are on form they could really exploit this.

I agree that our half forward line is the root to all our problems, though I believe midfield against Tipp was another major problem that compounded the first and was also a big reason we were hammered. But, Shane O'Sullivan has shown over the past few years that midfield is his best position. Thought he was worth a punt at centre forward but he wasn't able for it. Up until he got sent off against Tipp in the league he was our best player. I was calling for Moran in the midfield because of our ball winning problems further up the field, and I firmly believe he will make it difficult for Fennelly (awesome player by the way) and whoever else lines out there. Keeping the ball away from Tommy Walsh would be great for our chances, Tipp did it last year, an excellent feat that really stood to them. I think, while Prendergast doesn't have the legs, he makes it awkward for wing backs and so he should and probably will start and will leave the likes of Molumphy, Mullane, Mahony and the midfield to sweep in around him. Compare it to Eoin McGrath starting against Tipp, and as John Mullane put it 'What can you say really?' there is just no comparison.

I'm not making any assumptions based on one game, nor am I assuming that they are brilliant or 'the answer' as you put it, but definetly the best we have and I think capable of putting in a good performance against Kilkenny.

If Kilkenny have J.J. Delaney at full back I'd be happy. Awesome wing back, but I felt he was one of the main reasons several teams ran Kilkenny close in 2009 playing out of position.

Warper

Its amazing the difference 12 months can make to people. This time last year you would have been sent to an asylum if you thought Waterford could even get close to KK on an AI semi-final day. People forget that KK were going for an unprecedented 5 in a row last year. They obv. are putting everything into the AI again this year and they could obliterate Waterford on Sunday. The spread is seven pts and thats where my money is going. They will hammer in at least 3 goals i reckon. This is still one of the best hurling sides of all-time and people should not forget that.

flahavaj

premierstone wrote: »

Its never as cut and dry as that though, all year Ive heard people moaning and fighting over who was the third best football team after Cork and Kerry, Mayo never even got a mention and probably would'nt have been in most peoples top 7 or 8, but it didnt stop them beating Cork last weekend, when you cross them white lines its 15 v 15 and anything can happen.

Hurling is such a skill based game that the potential for upsets are much much less. While Cork and Kerry may have allegedly been seen as teh top 2 in football up till last weekend, there was never the gulf in quality between them and th rest that exists between KK/Tipp and the rest. They are playing a different game at the moment, the last 2 All Ireland finals have taken hurling onto a level that has never been seen before IMHO. The two greatest games ever in terms of the quality of hurling on show. They are doing everything at a faster speed, with more accuracy and greater intensity. I commented while watching the two quarter finals the last day in Thurles that Tipp or KK wouldn't make even a quarter of the simple handling errors the 4 teams made on the day. Everyone else is playing catch up and doing so from quite a way back.

Mountainlad

flahavaj wrote: »

Hurling is such a skill based game that the potential for upsets are much much less. While Cork and Kerry may have allegedly been seen as teh top 2 in football up till last weekend, there was never the gulf in quality between them and th rest that exists between KK/Tipp and the rest. They are playing a different game at the moment, the last 2 All Ireland finals have taken hurling onto a level that has never been seen before IMHO. The two greatest games ever in terms of the quality of hurling on show. They are doing everything at a faster speed, with more accuracy and greater intensity. I commented while watching the two quarter finals the last day in Thurles that Tipp or KK wouldn't make even a quarter of the simple handling errors the 4 teams made on the day. Everyone else is playing catch up and doing so from quite a way back.

Ah I dunno now. That is quite the statement. No doubt they are fantastic teams, just I don't believe the gap is as big as people say. A lot can change in a year.

Now Tipp and Galway had a great game last year but there were plenty of mistakes, something you will always see when the game goes at such a speed. Tipp peaked in the final. They played very well, but some of the Kilkenny players were off. Eddie Brennan in particular had a sequence of play I remember as being especially woeful. Going away from goal, he tried picking up the ball 3-4 times, and didn't succeed and he had time to do it.

We live in the era of hype.

flahavaj

Mountainlad wrote: »

Ah I dunno now. That is quite the statement. No doubt they are fantastic teams, just I don't believe the gap is as big as people say. A lot can change in a year.

Now Tipp and Galway had a great game last year but there were plenty of mistakes, something you will always see when the game goes at such a speed. Tipp peaked in the final. They played very well, but some of the Kilkenny players were off. Eddie Brennan in particular had a sequence of play I remember as being especially woeful. Going away from goal, he tried picking up the ball 3-4 times, and didn't succeed and he had time to do it.

We live in the era of hype.

One incident. There's a huge difference in the speed at which Tipp/KK do things and the few unforced errors they make compared to other teams.

jive

Kilkenny will walk it unless the weather takes a turn for the worse IMO. The weather could prove a great leveller. Waterford don't have a bad team and if the likes of Mullane/Walshe/Mahony/Moran/Brick perform then they will be in with a shout but only IF, and it's a big if at that, the back line holds up. The back line was obliterated against Tipp and you can argue they did well against Galway but the fact of the matter is they didn't because Galway never tested of them. You can only say they didn't completely crumble and that they were adequate. Galway were just muck.

If it's a really ****ty day then Waterford have a hope. I still think whatever happens that Kilkenny will win by 8 points or so because they're a different class. Waterford have a chance but it's a slim one which slightly increases with bad weather imo. Waterford aren't a bad team and have proven again that they are the 3rd best team in the country with their consistent performances both provincially and in the AI. Tipp and KK are a country mile ahead of the rest though. One thing which sticks in my mind is the mare that KK had against Dublin. I don't see the same thing happening in the AI but it shows they are beatable.

KK by 8 for me and hopefully no hammering for Waterford. I hope it's close at least as it will lead to some great entertainment in at least one of the semi's as I can see Tipp tearing the arse out of the Dubs.

rossie1977

premierstone wrote: »

Its never as cut and dry as that though, all year Ive heard people moaning and fighting over who was the third best football team after Cork and Kerry, Mayo never even got a mention and probably would'nt have been in most peoples top 7 or 8, but it didnt stop them beating Cork last weekend, when you cross them white lines its 15 v 15 and anything can happen.

football is alot closer than hurling to be fair, while certain team like kerry are ahead the gap isn't as great as between tipp/kk and the rest for me, down beat kerry last year, sligo should have beaten them in 2009, mayo with the experience they have (guys like moran, dillon, higgins, mortimer, gardiner, mcgarrity etc) being written off like that was daft especially when the extent of corks injuries became fully known as the match drew closer

here is my last post on the cork vs mayo game http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=73543766&postcount=185

dastardly00

phkk wrote: »

Michael Rice is doubtful with a rib injury and would be a huge loss if he isn't match fit.

It looks like Michael Rice should be fit for Sunday which is a great boost for KK.

From the Irish Times:

MICHAEL RICE appears to be Kilkenny’s only concern ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final against Waterford at Croke Park, writes GAVIN CUMMISKEY .
The Carrickshock midfielder is nursing bruised ribs, sustained in a training game, but is expected to recover. There are no other major wounded reports coming from Brian Cody’s camp, despite a full round of club championship matches taking place since they overwhelmed Dublin in the Leinster final on July 3rd.

phkk

dastardly00 wrote: »

phkk wrote: »

Michael Rice is doubtful with a rib injury and would be a huge loss if he isn't match fit.

It looks like Michael Rice should be fit for Sunday which is a great boost for KK.

From the Irish Times:

MICHAEL RICE appears to be Kilkenny’s only concern ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final against Waterford at Croke Park, writes GAVIN CUMMISKEY .
The Carrickshock midfielder is nursing bruised ribs, sustained in a training game, but is expected to recover. There are no other major wounded reports coming from Brian Cody’s camp, despite a full round of club championship matches taking place since they overwhelmed Dublin in the Leinster final on July 3rd.

Great news for Kilkenny, fantastic hurler

adrian522

dastardly00 wrote: »

The Carrickshock midfielder is nursing bruised ribs, sustained in a training game,

Any word on who did the damage?