2013 Bord Gais U21Hurling Championship.

Thinkstoomuch

The Bord Gais U21 Hurling Championship is just 3 weeks away starting on May 31st and its promises to be the best ever.I thought it deserved it's own thread.

Liam O Neill announced the brand is strong enough to leave it at the current age group and not change it.
It has got extremely strong the last few years,and TG4 showing practially most games is helping promote it.
Attendences are pretty good also for this grade.Tg4 showed ten games last year.

Unlike the football grade it shows games from the start of the championship.
Over the last few years there has been some top class games,Cork V Tippereary in 2010 needed extra time.
2011 Munster final that also needed extra time was a classic.
2012 Munster Final between Clare and Tippereary was another great game as was last years final in Thurles between Clare and Kilkenny.

The beauty of this competition is favouritism goes out the window,on any given day anything is possible,it's unpredictability is one of this competitions charms.
Tippeareary were big favourites in 2009,but Waterford beat them who were then beaten by Clare.
Limerick after big wins over Clare and a narrow win over a highly rated Cork team were then suprised by Galway.
Likewise Galway who had around 11 or 12 of the team that won the All ireland the previous year were favourtites against Kilkenny last year but were beaten.
Tippereary who would have had a more work like and solid team,than a team of stars suprised the Munster Champions Limerick in Limerick even though Limerick had the most of the previous year's team,and a lot of senior panelists.

In 2008 Cork were in the same boat,current champions with 12 of the previous years team,but lost in Cork to Clare.Clare then were beaten by Tippereary in the Munster final in a final that was controversal to say the least.
Tippereary beat Cork in Cork last year where Cork were favourites by the bookies and had a stronger team than Tippereary.Laois produced the biggest shock of all beating Dublin last year.Unlike the Senior Championship most games are not a fore gone conclusion,and anything can happen on any given day.

Kilkenny and Cork have 11 All Ireland titles each, Galway have 10,while Tippereary have 9.
Limerick have 4.
Clare have 2.
Waterford have 1.
Wexford 1.

The Championship starts on the 31st May with Tippereary and Limerick in Thurles.
The Leinster Championship starts the following week.
The Munster Champions play Galway while the Leinster Champions play Ulster in the Semi Finals.

Most teams in the last few years have players on their senior panels,while it was always the case,there are more players on both panels in recent times.
Looking at most of the counties involved it should not be short on quailty.

Limerick have at least 7 or 8 of last years panel,and with Declan Hannon,Shane Dowling,Alan Dempsey ,Tom Ryan,Jake Mulchay,Jack Ahern they have quailty hurlers.
A new manager in Tj Ryan who done fantastic work with Kilworth in Cork,is bound to get the best out of them,and with Clem Smith their too,they have a strong management team.Having been successful in 2011 and with Ardscoil Rios getting to two All Ireland Colleges finals,Limerick's hurling at underage level is fairly strong.

Clare having won 2 titles in the last 4 years will be favourites considering they got to the minor all ireland final in 2010 and have the likes of David McInerney,Seadna Morey(player of the Championship last year) Colin Galvin, Tony Kelly, Aron Cunningham, Paudric Collins, Niall Arthur, Peter Duggan,Paul Flangan, and last year's top scorer in the Championship Cathal O Connell, they will be very hard to beat.Clare have 26 from last years panel of 35 involved.They will be Favourites against Waterford in the Semifinal .

Waterford will be very strong and having lost the last 3 games against Clare at this grade are due a victory.Waterford minors beating Clare recently is a boost to them.

Having contested minor finals and De la Salle and Dungarvan winning all ireland colleges in the last few years,it is a just a matter of time before they make the breakthrough.With Darragh Fives,Stephen Bennett,Gavin O Brien and Jake Dillion they have quailty hurlers.They have a new manager in Peter queally.

Tippereary may not be as strong as previous years but with the likes of Thomas Hamill ,Jason Forde who are on the senior panel,Niall O Meara and dual star Liam Mcgrath they will be tough to beat.

My own County Cork,I believe the talent is their.We may not have had success at Harty Cup level or minor success but their is the makings of a fine team.Colm Spillane,Damien Cahalane,Christopher Joyce,Jamie Coughlan,Conor lehane,Bud Hartnett have all played senior or are on the current panel bar Damien Cahalane who opted not to be involved.A lot of these guys would have been involved in this grade the last 3 years bar Spillane who is in he's second year and Bud Hartnett who is in he's first year, as he was ineligble due to club issues the last 2 years is a very classy hurler and even though he is very light,he should get away with it at this grade.

Kevin Hallisey,Alan Cadogan,Mark Sugrue,Jamie Wall (played excellent for Mary I in the Fitzgibbon Cup) are all eligble and able to hold their own at this level.They have all had success at football level for Cork the last few years so have big game expierence.
Diarmuid Lester,Daire Lordan are all fine hurlers and were named on the Cork Senior Club team of the year.
Killan Burke,Nicky Kelly who were involved last year,Dillon Cahill,Michael Vaughan ,Eoghan Finn, Cormac Walsh are classy hurlers and Cormac Murphy,Willam Mccarthy and Rob O Shea have all been involved in the senior panel this year.Pa Callaghan who is in he's last year as a minor is such a talent he may well be on the panel.

Having said all that though ,where Cork are weak is at mangement level.Ger Fitzgerald while he was a great player for Cork,is a poor manager ,one of the weakest out of all the counties taking part,in 3 years he has only won 2 games.
In 2010 and 2011, Cork had two superbly talented teams,the best talent Cork produced at that level in years and could not get them to win even a Munster title.Westmeath who have been added to this year's championship have Brian Hanley involved.They may be deemed a weaker county but they have a better manager then Cork do.

Such is the talent on this team Cork will be a match for any team in Munster but will fall short against Tippereary or Limerick,as this management team has no concept of tactics and can not win close games and as has been the hallmark of Ger Fitzgerald's terenure,we will probably end up on the wrong side of a result by a point or two.

The Leinster Championship looks like it will be very competive.Kilkeny having won the Minor title in 2010 look to be very strong.They should have the majiority of last years team that were beaten by Clare,and with the likes of Ger Alward,Cillan Buckley, Paudric Walsh at centre forward,Richie Reid,John Power all involved are very strong.

Dublin will be very strong and with their ex minor manager Shay Boland in charge,having contested the last two all irelands minor titles ,and with players like Cian O Callaghan,Danny Sutcliffe,Cormac Costello,Ciaran Kilkenny,they will be tough opponents for anyone.

Wexford have a new manager in JJ Doyle in charge this year,he guided the camoige team to 3 All Irelands in a row.Jack Guiney and dual star Lee Chin are their marquee players.Laois who beat Dublin last year are improving under Tony Doran.

Galway having won the minor title in 2011 and having Sean Skehill,Dara Burke ,Conor Cooney from St Thomas involved will fancy their chances.
Daithi Burke from their football winning team and Johnny Glynn,Paul Killen,Shane Maloney,Jason Flynn could all be involved.

Looking at most counties there is sum array of talent that has in some cases has made it mark already at senior level or in other cases likely to make their mark down the line.It should be a great Championship.

Xenophile

Thinkstoomuch wrote: »

The Bord Gais U21 Hurling Championship

Yes I agree it deserves it's own thread. Congratulations and sincere thanks for posting a very comprehensive post.

Thinkstoomuch

Xenophile wrote: »

Yes I agree it deserves it's own thread. Congratulations and sincere thanks for posting a very comprehensive post.

Thanks man.

Thinkstoomuch

 The Tippereary county under 21 hurling panel for 2013 is as follows: Niall O’Meara (Kilruane MacDonaghs (Captain), Jimmy Maher (Clonoulty Rossmore), Dara Mooney (Éíre Óg Annacarty Donohill), Justin Cahill (Kilruane MacDonaghs), Cathal Barrett (Holycross Ballycahill), John Meagher (Loughmore Castleiney), Andrew Ryan (Toomevara), Conor Hammersley (Clonoulty Rossmore), John McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney), Aidan McCormack (Thurles Sarsfields), Brian Stapleton (Templederry Kenyons), Michael O'Brien (Thurles Sarsfields), Daire Quinn (Nenagh Eire Og), Tadhg Gallagher (Kildangan), Thomas Cleary (Kilruane MacDonaghs), Stephen Cahill (Thurles Sarsfields), Bill Maher (Kilsheelan Kilcash), Jason Forde (Silvermines), Joe O'Dwyer (Killenaule), Tommy Heffernan (Nenagh Éire Óg), Liam McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney), Seamus Kennedy (St. Marys, Clonmel), Eoin Fennelly (Mullinahone), Tomás Hamill (Killea), Michael Breen (Ballina), Conor Kenny (Borris-Ileigh).

dzer2

Is Noel McGrath over age for this

ormond lad

dzer2 wrote: »

Is Noel McGrath over age for this

yes. He was overage last year as well

Tipperary animal lover

ormond lad wrote: »

yes. He was overage last year as well

Still only 22 won't be 23 till December

dzer2

Ah thats ok I know he is young didnt know how old he is thats all

Thinkstoomuch

Noel Mcgraths brother John is on the panel,and Liam Mcgrath is he's cousin.

premierstone

Thinkstoomuch wrote: »

Noel Mcgraths brother John is on the panel,and Liam Mcgrath is he's cousin.

Liam is takin a few months off from all GAA I believe, he has been dogged with injuries for the last few months.

Thinkstoomuch

Tipperary will play Limerick in the Quarter Final of the Bord Gais Energy Munster U/21 Hurling  Championship on Friday May 31st at 7:30pm in Semple Stadium, Thurles.

Live on TG4 7.15 Throw in 7.30

Referee – Colm Lyons (Cork)
Stand-By Referee – David Copps (Cork)
Linesman – Kevin Murphy (Cork)
Sideline Official – James Bermingham (Cork)
Umpires – John Barry, John Lyons, Kieran Murphy and Ciaran Hanley (Cork)

Extra time – (2 periods x 10 minutes only) to be played if sides finish level at the end of 60 minutes Next Round – the winners play Cork on July 17th in the Munster Semi-Final

Fireball07

Should be a good game, looking forward to it.

Thinkstoomuch

Fireball07 wrote: »

Should be a good game, looking forward to it.

Hopefully it will stay dry,if it does it could be an excellent game.When are Limerick naming their team??tonight or tommorrow??

Fireball07

Thinkstoomuch wrote: »

Hopefully it will stay dry,if it does it could be an excellent game.When are Limerick naming their team??tonight or tommorrow??

Not sure tbh

We should have a reasonably strong team, plenty of senior players available- Dempsey, Carmody, Ryan, Breen, Reidy, Hannon, Dowling.

Then add in the likes of Barry O'Connell, Shane Kenny, John Fitzgibbon, Robbie Egan, Mikey Ryan (I think he's still underage) and that looks like a strong team on paper.

Of course, last year our team looked even stronger and were no match for Tipp... they didn't look up for it on the day, and didn't have much fluidity to them. You'd hope that TJ has them prepared a bit better. They did win a few challenge matches well, but it's hard to know from those games alone.

Thinkstoomuch

Fireball07 wrote: »

Not sure tbh

We should have a reasonably strong team, plenty of senior players available- Dempsey, Carmody, Ryan, Breen, Reidy, Hannon, Dowling.

Then add in the likes of Barry O'Connell, Shane Kenny, John Fitzgibbon, Robbie Egan, Mikey Ryan (I think he's still underage) and that looks like a strong team on paper.

Of course, last year our team looked even stronger and were no match for Tipp... they didn't look up for it on the day, and didn't have much fluidity to them. You'd hope that TJ has them prepared a bit better. They did win a few challenge matches well, but it's hard to know from those games alone.

I think being such favourites and at home was a burden as well last year that they wont have this year.Limerick seem to struggle when favourites.The underdog role they thrive on.
Thats a strong pick of players for Limerick.Tj Ryan done very good work with Kilworth so while this is another challenge he seems to be a guy that knows what he is doing.
While the teams have yet to be announced I fancy Limerick to shade this,espiceally with Hannon as Captain in he's last year at this grade.

Fireball07

Well, I'm not going to underestimate Tipp again. They're the favourites with most bookies, and while I don't know much about their team tbh, the likes of Bill Maher, Liam McGrath and particularly Jason Forde are very highly-rated.

Having a stronger senior team means it's not as easy to break through while still U-21 after all.

Thinkstoomuch

Fireball07 wrote: »

Well, I'm not going to underestimate Tipp again. They're the favourites with most bookies, and while I don't know much about their team tbh, the likes of Bill Maher, Liam McGrath and particularly Jason Forde are very highly-rated.

Having a stronger senior team means it's not as easy to break through while still U-21 after all.

With PP Tipp are 8/11 ,Limerick are 5/4.
Not much between them.It will be interesting to see the teams.I have seen Jack Aherne play with UCC and he looks a tidy player.I hope he starts.
Tippereary have 3 lads on the panel,Aidan Mccormack,Michael O Brien and Stephen Cahill that won Munster Club medals with Thurles Sars this year.
Justin Cahill is a fine hurler and was immense last year against ye.Niall O Meara is a good hurler also.
It could go either way but I feel Limerick will be out for revenge.
Their is meant to be a heat wave the next few days,so with a dry eveing and the sun shining in Thurles it could be a cracker.

premierstone

Total guess obviously so hard to predict at u-21 level but I reckon Tipp will line out something like this :

Jimmy Maher
Cathal barrett Andrew Ryan John Meagher

Tossy Hamill Seamie Kennedy Justin Cahill

Brian Stapelton Niall O'Meara

Jason Forde Dan McCormack Tommy Heffernan

Liam Mcgrath Aidan McCormack Mikey O'Brien

Few question marks over a couple of them though - Liam McGrath and John Meagher have both been injured and their availability is uncertain, also Dan McCormack is due to go to the states on the J1 for the summer so it remains to be seen if he will be part of the match day squad. Conor Kenny and Bill Walsh or Tadgh Gallagher would be the obvious replacement for McGrath and McCormack and Michael Breen for John Meagher.

Thinkstoomuch

premierstone wrote: »

Total guess obviously so hard to predict at u-21 level but I reckon Tipp will line out something like this :

Jimmy Maher
Cathal barrett Andrew Ryan John Meagher

Tossy Hamill Seamie Kennedy Justin Cahill

Brian Stapelton Niall O'Meara

Jason Forde Dan McCormack Tommy Heffernan

Liam Mcgrath Aidan McCormack Mikey O'Brien

Few question marks over a couple of them though - Liam McGrath and John Meagher have both been injured and their availability is uncertain, also Dan McCormack is due to go to the states on the J1 for the summer so it remains to be seen if he will be part of the match day squad. Conor Kenny and Bill Walsh or Tadgh Gallagher would be the obvious replacement for McGrath and McCormack and Michael Breen for John Meagher.

Both teams are being named tonight.
That team you picked is a strong team,particulary the full forward line.

premierstone

Thinkstoomuch wrote: »

Both teams are being named tonight.
That team you picked is a strong team,particulary the full forward line.

Tipp have a 'nice' team they lack abit of physicality IMO and that may be their downfall. It seems to becoming a trend in Tipp, we are producing bucketloads of nice stickmen but not enough 'men'.

Thinkstoomuch

premierstone wrote: »

Tipp have a 'nice' team they lack abit of physicality IMO and that may be their downfall. It seems to becoming a trend in Tipp, we are producing bucketloads of nice stickmen but not enough 'men'.

I know exactly what you mean ,too many tappy skillful hurlers,but lacking a grafter,a guy that will win a dirty ball with 3 or 4 guys around him.We have the same problem with our seniors .
Too many players that are a alike.
Likes repel,opposites attract.
Same here,you dont necessarily need skilful forwards to be a potent force.
Ye may get away though with it to an extent at this grade,as while having a physical edge is an advantage its not as crucial as at senior level.

Thinkstoomuch

[quote="Fireball07;84820677"

You'd hope that TJ has them prepared a bit better. They did win a few challenge matches well, but it's hard to know from those games alone.[/quote]
Challenge matches are hard to gauge at the best of times.
However if you play KK you can take a bit more from them.KK at any level will rarely lack intensity.
Last week KK would have beaten Limerick by a few points in a challenge at this grade while tipp were beaten by 3 points about 7 weeks back by KK .KK are big favourites this year.On that basis thers not much between the two teams.
Limerick preparation seems to be good going on the basis to play KK is a good idea,espiceally when there preparing for their gane with offaly.
Last year before we played Tippereary or final game was against Cork Intermediates.Management said the team were flying after that game.Its easy to tell why.Guys looking good against guys they know reguarly from club level is not much of a test in fairness.
You can clearly see the difference in prepartion from two different managers.

Fireball07

premierstone wrote: »

Total guess obviously so hard to predict at u-21 level but I reckon Tipp will line out something like this :

Jimmy Maher
Cathal barrett Andrew Ryan John Meagher

Tossy Hamill Seamie Kennedy Justin Cahill

Brian Stapelton Niall O'Meara

Jason Forde Dan McCormack Tommy Heffernan

Liam Mcgrath Aidan McCormack Mikey O'Brien

Few question marks over a couple of them though - Liam McGrath and John Meagher have both been injured and their availability is uncertain, also Dan McCormack is due to go to the states on the J1 for the summer so it remains to be seen if he will be part of the match day squad. Conor Kenny and Bill Walsh or Tadgh Gallagher would be the obvious replacement for McGrath and McCormack and Michael Breen for John Meagher.

And who would you say would be the standout players in that team?


As you say, it's very hard to predict a team at U-21 level, there were a few shocks in the Limerick selection last year but judging from the challenge games, and form, we might have something like this:

Darragh Stapleton

Alan Dempsey Mark O'Loughlin Mark Carmody

Dan Morrissey Barry O'Connell Robbie Egan

Tomas Ryan Shane Kenny

David Reidy Declan Hannon Shane Dowling

Adrian Breen John Fitzgibbon Jack Aherne

But the likes of Mark O'Connell, Brendan O'Connor, Kevin O'Brien, Kevin O'Donnell, Mikey Ryan will all be pushing for places too...maybe Brian Griffin as well, he was on the panel last year.

Owen Webb O'Rourke has been on the panel for 3 years now and could start in goal, but he's not starting for Kilmallock so that could count against him. Not sure if Jake Mulcahy is still underage/on the panel.

premierstone

Fireball07 wrote: »

And who would you say would be the standout players in that team?

John Meagher,Tossy Hamill Justin Cahill are all very very good hurlers - although I heard since I posted that Meagher wont play!

Midfield as I have named would be very strong - Brian is a younger brother of Thomas Stapelton and Niall is a younger brother of Buggy O'Meara.

Jason Forde is the best known of the forwards - the other five could beat anyone on their day but mightn't hit a ball the next, all very capable but inconsistent, Aidan McCormack is a hurler I rate very highly but he's temperment might not be the best.

Thinkstoomuch

Tippereary team is being announced at 10 pm .

Thinkstoomuch

Saw this on Limerick GAA:

The 2013 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling Un.21 Championship was launched in Croke Park today Wednesday, ahead of the Championship opener between Tipperary and Limerick which throws in at 7.30pm in Semple Stadium this Friday, May 31. TG4 will once again broadcast ten games over the course of the 2013 Championship and this season will see the introduction of a new Breaking Through Player of the Year awards programme due to air in October which will also serve as a championship review. In addition, the new programme will also feature the first ever Bord Gáis Energy Un.21 Hurling Team of the Year award. Nominations and winners will be selected by a Bord Gáis Energy Un.21 judging panel to include Bord Gáis Energy Sports Ambassador and current Cork senior selector, Ger Cunningham, Micheál Ó Domhnaill of TG4, former Waterford hurler Ken McGrath and Galway's former Un.21 All-Ireland winner Joe Canning. Speaking ahead of the launch Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Liam Ó Néill said: "It gives me great pleasure to mark the start of yet another intriguing Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling Un.21 Championship and the prospect of top quality displays from some of the emerging talents in our game and their counties. "Bord Gáis Energy have helped us to bring this competition to another level for the last number of years and their enthusiastic engagement has shone through in their support of the championship, support that I am delighted to say will continue for another three years. "Finally to the players and managers, the very best of luck in the weeks ahead and I look forward to seeing you all in action over the coming months. It is one of the most open championships that we have in the GAA and the 2013 vintage promises to be just as exciting as previous years." Head of Marketing at Bord Gáis Energy Nicky Doran commented, "We are delighted to partner with the GAA in support of the Un.21 All-Ireland Championship again this year and we're looking forward to bringing new and exciting elements to this year's competition. Bord Gáis Energy customers will have the chance to present Man of the Match awards on live TV, to wave their counties onto the pitch at a provincial final or even to carry the iconic Cross of Cashel trophy onto the pitch on All-Ireland final day in front of 20,000 plus fans. "We wish all of the players the very best of luck over the next four months including our nine Bord Gáis Energy Ambassadors and we look forward to yet another action-packed and memorable Championship." Ger Cunningham, sports ambassador at Bord Gáis Energy said, "It's great to be here in Croke Park to launch the 2013 Championship and in particular to be introducing our new team of Ambassadors plus a host of exciting new developments with TG4. "This is the fifth year of Bord Gáis Energy's involvement with the Un.21 Hurling Championship and it's our intention once again to bring the action to fans in our own unique way as well as rewarding Bord Gáis Energy customers. "To the managers and players across Ireland that are gearing up for this year's competition, they are only concerned with one thing. Performing to their best and hoping that the result looks after itself. For us as hurling fans, we can't wait to see the action unfold and Friday evening in Thurles can't come quick enough!" Bord Gáis Energy also announced its team of ambassadors for 2013 at Croke Park today which includes: Christopher Joyce (Cork), Declan Hannon (Limerick), Conor Cooney (Galway), Cillian Buckley (Kilkenny), Jason Forde (Tipperary), Danny Sutcliffe (Dublin), Pauric Mahony (Waterford), Paul Flanagan (Clare) and finally Daniel Toner (Down). Bord Gáis Energy's micro-site BreakingThrough.ie will be back again this year, keeping fans up-to-date with Un.21 news and reviews plus footage captured by the Bord Gáis Energy Ambassadors with exclusive behind-the-scenes access on their video blogs and unique insight through the blog. Fans can also keep track of everything to do with Un.21 hurling through Facebook and Twitter (@BGEHurlingU21 ) this season and fans will be able to vote for their favourite moments from the ten televised Un.21 games on Facebook. TG4 will also be seeking viewer nominations for their Man of the Match awards through the use of a #LaochBGE hashtag during the ten live match broadcasts.

Thinkstoomuch

The Limerick Un.21 management team of TJ Ryan (Garryspillane), Clem Smith (Ahane) and Peter Finn (Bruree) has announced their team and panel for the Munster Un.21 hurling championship against Tipperary in Semple Staduim on this Friday evening.
  1 Owen Webb O Rourke (Kilmallock),
2 Alan Dempsey (Na Piarsaigh),
3 Mark O Loughlin (Kilmallock)
4 Mark Carmody (Patrickswell)
5 Dan Morrissey (Ahane)
6 Barry O Connell (Kildimo/Pallaskenry)
7 Kevin O Donnell (Kilmallock)
8 Thomas Ryan (South Liberties)
9 Shane Kenny (Ballybrown)
10 Declan Hannon (Adare) (Capt)
11 William Hickey (South Liberties)
12 David Reidy (Dromin/Atlacca)
13 John Fitzgibbon (Adare)
14 Shane Dowling (Na Piarsaigh)
15 Adrian Breen (Na Piarsaigh). 

Subs:
16 Darragh Stapleton (Doon),
17 Barry Lynch (Feohanagh/Castlemahon),
18 Shane Irwin (Bruff),
19 Diarmuid Byrnes (Patrickswell),
20 Robbie Egan (Kilmallock),
21 Kevin O Brien (Patrickswell),
22 Michael Ryan (Murroe/Boher),
23 Jack Aherne (Kileedy)
24 Brian Griffin (Ballybrown). 

Thinkstoomuch

The Tipperary under 21 hurling team to play Limerick in the Bord Gais Energy Munster championship quarter final on Friday night is:
  1. Darragh Mooney (Eire Og Annacarty)
2. Cathal Barrett (Holycross Ballycahill)
  3 . Michael Breen (Ballina)                       4. Andrew Ryan (Toomevara)
 5 .Joe O’Dwyer (Killenaule)
6.Thomas Hamill (Killea)
7. Seamus Kennedy (St. Marys Clonmel
8. Niall O’Meara (Kilruane Mcdonaghs
9 .Justin Cahill (Kilruane MacDonaghs) 10. Jason Forde (Silvermines)                 11. Dan McCormack (Borris-Ileigh)         12. Brian Stapleton (Templederry)
13. Aidan McCormack (Thurles Sars)
14. Bill Walsh (Carrick Swan)               15. Liam McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney)

Fireball07

Couple of changes to the Limerick team to what I predicted.

Owen Webb O'Rourke in goal ahead of Stapleton, I suppose being on the panel for so long has to count for something, he's obviously talented. Apparently played well for CIT too, so not much of a surprise.

Kevin O'Donnell in for Robbie Egan. That's a bit of a surprise, I mean Egan was starting last year and I thought he was unlucky not to make the senior panel, he was superb for Kilmallock as county champions. Whether at midfield or wing-back, I think he deserved a chance. Not that O'Donnell is a bad player, but things could be readjusted.

And William Hickey is at centre-forward, with Shane Dowling gone to full-forward, Jack Aherne on the bench. Don't know much about Hickey so can't really say whether it's a good choice or not.


Mikey Ryan was seen as good enough to be on the bench for the senior team last year, but can only make the bench for the U-21s now. Bit surprising....although I was never convinced by his ability to play at senior personally.



In theory, our forward line should be threatening with the likes of Hannon, Dowling, Breen and Reidy..... and Dempsey and Carmody are both making real claims to start as corner-back for the senior team, both very solid players. Have some good options on the bench too with Egan, Ryan, O'Brien, Byrnes, Irwin, Aherne, Griffin. Still, Tipp will be a tough proposition, very hard to say how these games will go.

Thinkstoomuch

Fireball07 wrote: »

Couple of changes to the Limerick team to what I predicted.

Owen Webb O'Rourke in goal ahead of Stapleton, I suppose being on the panel for so long has to count for something, he's obviously talented. Apparently played well for CIT too, so not much of a surprise.

Kevin O'Donnell in for Robbie Egan. That's a bit of a surprise, I mean Egan was starting last year and I thought he was unlucky not to make the senior panel, he was superb for Kilmallock as county champions. Whether at midfield or wing-back, I think he deserved a chance. Not that O'Donnell is a bad player, but things could be readjusted.

And William Hickey is at centre-forward, with Shane Dowling gone to full-forward, Jack Aherne on the bench. Don't know much about Hickey so can't really say whether it's a good choice or not.


Mikey Ryan was seen as good enough to be on the bench for the senior team last year, but can only make the bench for the U-21s now. Bit surprising....although I was never convinced by his ability to play at senior personally.



In theory, our forward line should be threatening with the likes of Hannon, Dowling, Breen and Reidy..... and Dempsey and Carmody are both making real claims to start as corner-back for the senior team, both very solid players. Have some good options on the bench too with Egan, Ryan, O'Brien, Byrnes, Irwin, Aherne, Griffin. Still, Tipp will be a tough proposition, very hard to say how these games will go.

I am suprised Egan didnt start but I thought Jack Aherne would too.Any time i have seen Aherne I was impressed.I am suprised that Jake Mulchay is not even on the bench.
It looks a strong full back line.
Id say Mcgrath and Mcormack wont get anything easy off Carmody and Dempsey.
Tippereary look like they may have an edge at midfield with O Meara and Justin Cahill. but Im suprised Tipp did not keep Cahill back at half back,I thought he would mark Hannon.
Tom Ryan should help limerick though at midfield.He is well able to score from distance.
Premierstone was right Meagher was out.A big loss to Tippereary.

On paper Limerick seem to be stronger and have a good bench but a puck of a ball id say will be between the teams.I fancy Limerick.

Fireball07

Thinkstoomuch wrote: »

I am suprised Egan didnt start but I thought Jack Aherne would too.Any time i have seen Aherne I was impressed.I am suprised that Jake Mulchay is not even on the bench.
It looks a strong full back line.
Id say Mcgrath and Mcormack wont get anything easy off Carmody and Dempsey.
Tippereary look like they may have an edge at midfield with O Meara and Justin Cahill. but Im suprised Tipp did not keep Cahill back at half back,I thought he would mark Hannon.
Tom Ryan should help limerick though at midfield.He is well able to score from distance.
Premierstone was right Meagher was out.A big loss to Tippereary.

On paper Limerick seem to be stronger and have a good bench but a puck of a ball id say will be between the teams.I fancy Limerick.

I've been convinced.... I did a little preview, and have favoured us narrowly

http://www.livegaelic.com/news/u-21-munster-hurling-championship-preliminary-round-tipperary-v-limerick-preview/


Not a great one tbh, writing from a point of ignorance in large parts, U-21 games are very hard to call. Suppose there still could be some changes to the starting teams, a friend of mine from Tipp said that Liam McGrath is doubtful too.

I think Hannon will be the best player on the pitch, if he's on form...along with Dowling, I think we just have a bit too much up front, even against the likes of Kennedy and Hamill. Of course...I said something similar last year and was very wrong then.

Kerrydude1981

Looking forward to this,U21 Championship always produces a few cracking matches.

Thinkstoomuch

Fireball07 wrote: »

I've been convinced.... I did a little preview, and have favoured us narrowly

http://www.livegaelic.com/news/u-21-munster-hurling-championship-preliminary-round-tipperary-v-limerick-preview/


Not a great one tbh, writing from a point of ignorance in large parts, U-21 games are very hard to call. Suppose there still could be some changes to the starting teams, a friend of mine from Tipp said that Liam McGrath is doubtful too.

I think Hannon will be the best player on the pitch, if he's on form...along with Dowling, I think we just have a bit too much up front, even against the likes of Kennedy and Hamill. Of course...I said something similar last year and was very wrong then.

Thought it was bang on,the preview.I dont think youre were being biased.The bookies have tipp slight favourites but looking at both teams Limerick seem to be stronger.I think the bookies always give the home side the advantage when games are close as they feel home advantage is worth a few points.
In some cases at this grade it can be a hindrance.Home advantage did not do Cork or limerick much good last year in this grade.I feel that sometimes the away team can feel less pressure playing ,than the home side.
I think the two words that are crucial in these games are hunger and intensity which you have mentioned.I think Limerick due to being huge favourites not just to beat Tipp but to win Munster and get to an Ireland Final,as Antrim were in the Semi finals on their side of the draw,last year expected to win rather than earn the right to win and were beaten in most 50/50 balls.
I found being in Limerick last year a lot of people from Limkerick coudnt see the team lossing at all.And that spread to the players and no better team than Tipp to exploit that as tipp never fear Limerick in hurling.
Tommorrow,I think there will be no problem with hunger or intensity from Limerick.
Playing in thurles will add that fear factor to their play that they have to turn up,and be up for the battle,cause if they dont then Tippereary with the sun on their backs could stroll away.
Limerick have a good core of last years side,and they will be out to prove a point.A wounded animal is always dangerous.
Limerick never handle favouritsim with any degree of comfort,a bit like the Cork Footballers,but are much more at home in a game where their the underdog.
And like yourself,a lot of limerick people are very edgy about tommorrows game,which is good for Limerick,as theirs no great pressure.
Thats where I feel Limerick will be different than last year,and the fact on paper they seem to have a stronger team and subs,I feel they may edge it.
But it will be close.I think Limericks Full back should hold the Tipp Full forward line,where on the Tipp side their defence with Meagher out and Cahill at midfield is a lot weaker.
It is meant to be a good dry eveing weather wise.

Thinkstoomuch

Wexford play westmeath at 3.30 in Wexford park on Sunday.

Thinkstoomuch

Fireball07 wrote: »

I've been convinced.... I did a little preview, and have favoured us narrowly

http://www.livegaelic.com/news/u-21-munster-hurling-championship-preliminary-round-tipperary-v-limerick-preview/


Not a great one tbh, writing from a point of ignorance in large parts, U-21 games are very hard to call. Suppose there still could be some changes to the starting teams, a friend of mine from Tipp said that Liam McGrath is doubtful too.

I think Hannon will be the best player on the pitch, if he's on form...along with Dowling, I think we just have a bit too much up front, even against the likes of Kennedy and Hamill. Of course...I said something similar last year and was very wrong then.

Youre right,Hannon should be the top man tonight.Its he's 5th year at this grade.Very rarely you see that.
It should really be a case of man against boys for him.
As captain he should really be leading from the front.
I think Limerick are right to play him at half forward than last year starting him at CB.
Tippereary made the same mistake with Noel Mcgrath in 2011 in hes last year ,when Cork beat them in thurles.They started him as a CB,but Michael O Sullivan (currently on the senior panel)just limited hes influence on the game.He didnt score much,he did not need to,he just kept Mcgrath out of the game.
I can never understand that with teams,to play your most lethal forward as far away from the opposings teams goal as possible.Willam Hickey ,who you mentioned,I saw him once in the Fitzgibbon cup final, he was poor enough and taken off.
At the same time Darragh fives marked him so he may not be that bad.

Fireball07

People often say "hunger" is a cliché, and that may be true depending on how it's used. But commitment to put your body on the line for 50-50s, to make sure you come out with the ball when people are scrapping for it, intensity in the tackle, closing down at high-pace....they are real things. It's not enough to win the game on its own, but without it, you'll find it very hard to come out.


Well Hannon did play centre-back a lot at underage, I suppose it's seen as the most important position on the pitch and he could act as an anchor. Liam Rushe has done it for Dublin a few times, Brick does it for Waterford. But I'm glad to see him back where he can do damage on the scoreboard...Barry should be able to hold the defence (another player who will have been on the panel 5 years when he gets to Hannon's age).

As for Hickey, don't know much about him at all, but he might be there to try and win ball and to prevent Hamill dominating his area of the pitch, freeing up Hannon/Reidy/Dowling/Breen.

Mountainlad

I know Niall O Meara played midfield for Mary I, but I would be thinking that he is likely to swap with Stapleton and play wing forward. Don't think Brian Stapleton is a forward.

Midfield is an area where Limerick might struggle, we'll see what bearing it has on the game. Saw Bill Walsh play a few years back (I probably saw him more recently but at Senior level so didn't know who he was) and while he was good wasn't blown away. Probably has more hurling than Cian Hogan I suppose, but though I don't know much about the Limerick full back if he's good he should get a handle on him. Thought Dan Morrissey did reasonable in there last year.

I think Limerick should win this game.

Thinkstoomuch

Fireball07 wrote: »

People often say "hunger" is a cliché, and that may be true depending on how it's used. But commitment to put your body on the line for 50-50s, to make sure you come out with the ball when people are scrapping for it, intensity in the tackle, closing down at high-pace....they are real things. It's not enough to win the game on its own, but without it, you'll find it very hard to come out.


Well Hannon did play centre-back a lot at underage, I suppose it's seen as the most important position on the pitch and he could act as an anchor. Liam Rushe has done it for Dublin a few times, Brick does it for Waterford. But I'm glad to see him back where he can do damage on the scoreboard...Barry should be able to hold the defence (another player who will have been on the panel 5 years when he gets to Hannon's age).

As for Hickey, don't know much about him at all, but he might be there to try and win ball and to prevent Hamill dominating his area of the pitch, freeing up Hannon/Reidy/Dowling/Breen.

Hickey in a Bonner Maher role,so to speak.Now obivously he is no where near Maher,few are but I see their reasoning .He played in a similar role for Mary I.
They had Conlon,Cooney,Luke O Farell all better scoring forwards but Hickey was the workhorse in a sense.
I agree half back is a key aera tonight.Im surpised Egan was not in that line.
It should be a good game.The bookies have it a one point game.

Thinkstoomuch

Mountainlad wrote: »

I know Niall O Meara played midfield for Mary I, but I would be thinking that he is likely to swap with Stapleton and play wing forward. Don't think Brian Stapleton is a forward.

Midfield is an area where Limerick might struggle, we'll see what bearing it has on the game. Saw Bill Walsh play a few years back (I probably saw him more recently but at Senior level so didn't know who he was) and while he was good wasn't blown away. Probably has more hurling than Cian Hogan I suppose, but though I don't know much about the Limerick full back if he's good he should get a handle on him. Thought Dan Morrissey did reasonable in there last year.

I think Limerick should win this game.

Niall O Meara is a very versalite player.
He was centre back for the U21 footballers against us in the Munster final.

KevIRL

Is the picture on TG4 scewed up for anyone else?

Kerrydude1981

Hope they get the picture sorted before throw in.

wazzer1

KevIRL wrote: »

Is the picture on TG4 scewed up for anyone else?

Head melt.

Kerrydude1981

Nice one.

KevIRL

Sorted just in time

KevIRL

Bit of a paddlin this for Limerick

Orizio

Limerick half-back line missing in action.

Thinkstoomuch

Limerick are brutal.First touch and basic skills are very poor.Tippereary are way sharper.Forde and Breen having great games.
The likes of Dowling and Hannon,two guys you would expect to lead at this grade are way off the pace.
Dowling gave the ball away very softly on two occasisons.
This wont do Hannon or Dowling ,any good for the senior game.I expected Limerick to show intensity.Tippereary are winning most battles .
Id say now is time to bring on Egan,and put him at CB,and move tom Ryan back to half back also.Jack Aherne should see game time also.
O Meara having a great game.Its hughely important that Limerick give a perferomance in the second half.Tippereary ,credit due,there far slicker with the ball.

Pudders

Score please?

KevIRL

Pudders wrote: »

Score please?

1-12 to 1-4. Tipp ahead. Limerick just scored a goal to give them some hope

Tipperary animal lover

Pudders wrote: »

Score please?

1-12 to 1-4 limerick goal

wazzer1

Dowling seems to have gone downhill since he first came on the scene. I reckon Hannons best position is Centre Back.