Waterford GAA Discussion Thread 3 ***Updated Mod Note Post 1***

meathhurler48

cul beag wrote: »

Alot easier to stay on the KK panel when you're as successful as they are. Again I reiterate,can constructive criticism be not allowed on here? Contrary to some people there aren't hidden agendas here just some posts that are up for discussion. When plaudits are deserved you will see I have been very generous with them but god forbid if I criticise the regime I'm accused of wanting McGrath out! I'd say wait until the dust settles and wait for the stories to leak out!

You must be worn out carrying that chip around.

Gavlor

Nice touch from the lads...

https://twitter.com/cahilljackie/status/765640484698066947

cul beag

meathhurler48 wrote: »

You must be worn out carrying that chip around.

Sorry Derek. ........To use your own phrase CLOWN. When you grow up and want to engage in a grown up discussion feel free to participate.

culbaire

Horseboxhead wrote: »

i thought Barry Coughlan did as well as anyone the other night, a full back can not do much against a man with the height , strength and power of Colin Fennelly if the ball is being posted in, in fact first goal ball in is magic from Walter, you'd have to question the inexperience of young Gleeson [Conor], the way he attacked a ball he clearly could not win, and walsh did what he is in the kilkenny team for bought himself time to make the right decision , saw de burca was out of Position [he was between two stool's all night, Micheal fennelly was a compleatly different quality of opponent that he would have faced all year], and put a dream ball right across the 40 to the far right of the 21 it was a peach, Now coughland slipped and that slip cost him, because everything about what happend next was down to quality , would he have got a tackle in if he did not slip, i'd reckon he would but live an learn, but the only way to prevent that goal is furthur out the field, Second goal ball was dropped in the middle of our defence , as has happen alot of times in the Munster final and since, right in the middle of the field and on the 40, Clever reading of the play by walter walsh, bad fielding and reading of the game by tadgh and Young Gleeson, and walter attacked the square and bang, nothing to be done inside , bar maybe one of the three lads stayed with colin, but you stop the attacker with the ball, what a pass though from the big man, but you have to at least stop the ball in your half back line, Looked at it again, Fennelly got more tangled up with De Burca rather than fouled him, two goals , and both could have been prevented, but hurling is like that.
Need Brick to stay , need Patrick Curran, and Stephen Bennett to Bulk up , and really Bulk up, Stephen at this stage is an outstanding underage Prospect, and his body conditioning is the same, I hope for his sake that he learns from Austin Gleeson , who is potentially the Greatest hurler to come onto the scene in my lifetime, who is now not fearing contact , safe in the knowledge that he has the work done, but Stephen will never fulfill his Potential untill he is severly cut, as you could see the other night, he could not turn quickly enough, was not "running strong", and whilst i would not have taken him off, he made the goal with a pinpoint pass, he was not really in the game, and this is the reason he has not started all year, Fair play to Derek though gave him a shot in the big one, was not let down at all, but i really hope he is in a position to attack the gym this Christmas, cos he is in the position that the only thing that will curtail him is himself[be it body or mind]. Patrick Curran, same he has the hands of a master, but now has to show the want, same as above Limitless potential, but no good, time is now, get strong, get more power, its going to make him better, i would hate in 3 years time to be talking about how good these guy's could be , Hurling is there and then some, up to them selves.
Shane Bennett is one serious enigma, he can be wonderfull, and have to take his age into account, U-21 again next year, and he can dissappear, Looks like when he is not in the game that he has the head down, but works hard, i am wondering what he will develop into, is he a wing back playing wing forward, but he is so off the cuff you might not be able to play him there, he might just be the pick of the three, he is a gifted stickworker, but i want to see a threat in him every time he's on the ball, have not see this alot of this, in the last month , has looked tired , and he is usually a ball of energy, needs to develop his weak side too, its not bad, but its not as good as it should be, and he again has a massive peak talent wise, but i get the impression, and i could be wrong, that he is a real free spirit , nothing wrong with it, and again as of the above he needs to work at getting bigger , and keeping his focus, if that is to become the best he can be.
Need D.J Foran now to **** or get off the pot, Decide he want's it , or is happy enough to hurl for Portlaw, no Physical conditioning done, you could see it a mile off, Goal against Kilkenny from wing forward in the Minor , very few would have done it, it was kilkenny Like, Intermediate game v Clare christ he was a man amongst boys, but bar one or two moments in both U-21'S , and they were fleeting, he could be finished by the end of this year, he'll still play Club and maybe thats his thing but it would be a waste.
Colin Dunford needs to bring something else to the table now, needs to score more , or needs to defend better, but needs to bring something to it, he is in danger now of becoming a filler on the panel, some one we'll see in th league and be reminded of how talented he is, and then only see him when we want to waste time bringing on subs, so he needs now to decide what he is, and attack it with a very strong mentality, does not have the exposure of an U-21 Championship to raise awarness of his talents, and won't be seen now till next year, so Tunnell vision if thats what he wants.
Need Colin Roche now to step up too, blessed with ability same as the above but looks lazy and also what is he, is he a back , forward , midfielder or sub, i think he is as gifted as any i mentioned, but not enough any more, i do like the look of O'Brien of Feyybank, Look's as if he might not be as technically gifted, but looks like there is a want in him to improve, sometimes that is more important,
So Who Else...... Conor Prunty [Has everything] is the desire there?, Darragh Lyons ? Where do you play him?, Young hahessy is a dinger of an underage corner back, Micheal Harney ???? is he willing??. Mickey Kearney ????, nice place to be we're not down in Waterford, but we might not peak unless we keep and uncover a new brick, because what he has you can't buy.

Face facts. Barry Coughlan had a nightmare game against both Tipperary and Kilkenny. He is just not good enough as a full back. He lacks the hurling skill. The whole country can see it except the Waterford management. It is laughable that you should seek to blame Conor Gleeson and find excuses for Barry Coughlan. Waterford needs a new full back. It needs a big skilful target man at full forward. Derek McGrath needs to look at every talented player in the country, and not dismiss some without a fair trial-as he has done.

This country is close to winning the All Ireland. However it wont win it unless some alterations- in key positions- are made to the current team. The manager may have to bin his pride if he wants to lead the county to All Ireland success. Now that is the plain unvarnished truth. Of course I will be attacked here for being "negative" and allegedly having an anti McGrath agenda. So be it! Could not care less if Vladimir Putin were manager once the country wins the All Ireland. Its all about success. There are enough good players in the country to bring it about as evidenced by the Herculean efforts of the players against Kilkenny in both games. All I want is a Senior Hurling All Ireland.

I dont doubt that everybody-manager and players- put in a huge effort for which we all all grateful. However it is necessary to question why we fell short.

meathhurler48

cul beag wrote: »

Sorry Derek. ........To use your own phrase CLOWN. When you grow up and want to engage in a grown up discussion feel free to participate.

We might. When you show some respect for young lads giving their time to Waterford hurling. Deadwood? Between your ears I think.
No more discussion with the likes of you.

seananigans

culbaire wrote: »

Face facts. Barry Coughlan had a nightmare game against both Tipperary and Kilkenny. He is just not good enough as a full back. He lacks the hurling skill. The whole country can see it except the Waterford management. It is laughable that you should seek to blame Conor Gleeson and find excuses for Barry Coughlan. Waterford needs a new full back. It needs a big skilful target man at full forward. Derek McGrath needs to look at every talented player in the country, and not dismiss some without a fair trial-as he has done.

This country is close to winning the All Ireland. However it wont win it unless some alterations- in key positions- are made to the current team. The manager may have to bin his pride if he wants to lead the county to All Ireland success. Now that is the plain unvarnished truth. Of course I will be attacked here for being "negative" and allegedly having an anti McGrath agenda. So be it! Could not care less if Vladimir Putin were manager once the country wins the All Ireland. Its all about success. There are enough good players in the country to bring it about as evidenced by the Herculean efforts of the players against Kilkenny in both games. All I want is a Senior Hurling All Ireland.

I dont doubt that everybody-manager and players- put in a huge effort for which we all all grateful. However it is necessary to question why we fell short.

I suppose him getting nominated for an allstar last year was luck ? tell me, of all the players whipped off this year, babyshan the bennets gleeson, he was kept on why ? even if i agreed he is not great, who do you think is better? we have no better option the jersey is his until someone takes it off him ATM there is no one willing or able so shut up andput up

mickmackmcgoo

culbaire wrote:

Face facts. Barry Coughlan had a nightmare game against both Tipperary and Kilkenny. He is just not good enough as a full back. He lacks the hurling skill. The whole country can see it except the Waterford management. It is laughable that you should seek to blame Conor Gleeson and find excuses for Barry Coughlan. Waterford needs a new full back. It needs a big skilful target man at full forward. Derek McGrath needs to look at every talented player in the country, and not dismiss some without a fair trial-as he has done.

Tell us the names of all these potential inter county players out there that were over looked and should be on the panel so . Anyone good enough off the under 21 panel is already on the senior panel

culbaire

seananigans wrote: »

I suppose him getting nominated for an allstar last year was luck ? tell me, of a;; the players whipped off this year, babyshan the bennets gleeson, he was kept on why ? even if i agreed he is not great, who do you think is better? we have no better option it is his until someone takes it off hi ATM there is no one willing or able so shut up andput up

I have no intention of debating with anybody who tells me top "shut up". "Shut up" is the usual response from a person who cannot put up a reasonable argument. I am entitled to my opinion. We dont live in Stalinist North Korea! If you want to wallow in self delusion, so be it. Half the country gets an All Star nomination. Barry Coughlan was cleaned out against Kilkenny and Tipperary. Period! The whole country could see it. What planet are you living on?

culbaire

mickmackmcgoo wrote: »

Tell us the names of all these potential inter county players out there that were over looked and should be on the panel so . Anyone good enough off the under 21 panel is already on the senior panel

Let the management open its eyes. The players I am referring to are over 21. Knowing how the current management team works they are unlikely to be picked.

cul beag

meathhurler48 wrote: »

We might. When you show some respect for young lads giving their time to Waterford hurling. Deadwood? Between your ears I think.
No more discussion with the likes of you.

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😘😂😂😂😂
Vote number 1 Sean Power

robopaddy2

Kieran Bennett is a guy who I'm surprised hasn't got more of a look in the full back line. Quality player on his day, can play anywhere. Not saying he's the be all and end all but considering we moved heaven and earth to try make a fullback out of Barry Coughlan I'm surprised Bennett has never even been given a go in the league. Then again there was very little experimentation done in this years league. Hopefully next a few more lads can get a fair chance.

Cake Man

PTH2009 wrote: »

Davy and his tactics will be either gone or he will come under pressure and change them massively. Rumours he is resigning as manager but will take up a role as Director of Hurling in Clare and Liam Sheedy will replace him

Hang on PTH, did you not just say in a post the other day Sheedy would never take over a team other than Tipp and now say the above!? You're a gas man!


As regards who will stay/go/retire, would have to agree a few more of the U21's will likely be called up - Foran, Prunty, Mark O'Brien. Would Prunty be ready for full back though? Maybe not just yet but no harm giving him a few games in the league.


Does anyone else think Billy Nolan could make the step up and challenge SOK for the number 1 jersey? He seems to be equally adept as SOK at shot stopping, as evidenced by some outrageous saves this and last year at minor. Nice safe pair of hands too, big lad with a monster puck out. He'd be like our own Eoin Murphy - plays outfield for the club but on goal for the county.
Next season might still be a little too soon for him, he can focus on the U21's (am I right in saying he's overage for minor?) but I'd have no issue promoting him to sub-keeper ahead or O'Regan as I think he offers more.

Cake Man

robopaddy2 wrote: »

Kieran Bennett is a guy who I'm surprised hasn't got more of a look in the full back line. Quality player on his day, can play anywhere. Not saying he's the be all and end all but considering we moved heaven and earth to try make a fullback out of Barry Coughlan I'm surprised Bennett has never even been given a go in the league. Then again there was very little experimentation done in this years league. Hopefully next a few more lads can get a fair chance.

Yeah that's it and I think will probably be the case next season as well (for all teams really). The way the league is structured, yes we get good, tough games but every game is against top opposition and kind of "must-win" so experimentation is generally kept to a minimum. Would be interested to see what KB could do though.

robopaddy2

Cake Man wrote: »

PTH2009 wrote: »

Davy and his tactics will be either gone or he will come under pressure and change them massively. Rumours he is resigning as manager but will take up a role as Director of Hurling in Clare and Liam Sheedy will replace him

Hang on PTH, did you not just say in a post the other day Sheedy would never take over a team other than Tipp and now say the above!? You're a gas man!


As regards who will stay/go/retire, would have to agree a few more of the U21's will likely be called up - Foran, Prunty, Mark O'Brien. Would Prunty be ready for full back though? Maybe not just yet but no harm giving him a few games in the league.


Does anyone else think Billy Nolan could make the step up and challenge SOK for the number 1 jersey? He seems to be equally adept as SOK at shot stopping, as evidenced by some outrageous saves this and last year at minor. Nice safe pair of hands too, big lad with a monster puck out. He'd be like our own Eoin Murphy - plays outfield for the club but on goal for the county.
Next season might still be a little too soon for him, he can focus on the U21's (am I right in saying he's overage for minor?) but I'd have no issue promoting him to sub-keeper ahead or O'Regan as I think he offers more.

O'Keeffe could do with a bit of competition. Liable for the odd brain fart like weve seen this year. Nolan is a funny one, excellent outfield player but is not fit enough, so has ended up in goals for the county minors. Not a great sign for a lad still only minor. Very talented lad though

PTH2009

Cake Man wrote: »

Hang on PTH, did you not just say in a post the other day Sheedy would never take over a team other than Tipp and now say the above!? You're a gas man!


As regards who will stay/go/retire, would have to agree a few more of the U21's will likely be called up - Foran, Prunty, Mark O'Brien. Would Prunty be ready for full back though? Maybe not just yet but no harm giving him a few games in the league.


Does anyone else think Billy Nolan could make the step up and challenge SOK for the number 1 jersey? He seems to be equally adept as SOK at shot stopping, as evidenced by some outrageous saves this and last year at minor. Nice safe pair of hands too, big lad with a monster puck out. He'd be like our own Eoin Murphy - plays outfield for the club but on goal for the county.
Next season might still be a little too soon for him, he can focus on the U21's (am I right in saying he's overage for minor?) but I'd have no issue promoting him to sub-keeper ahead or O'Regan as I think he offers more.

Got the Liam Sheedy rumour off the Clare Gaa thread I didn't make it up.

Anyway I think the Munster league should be used for experimentation

Not sure what way we will approach the league, go all out too get revenge over last year's final defeat, use it to experiment ???. It's not going to be an easy league with us having to travel to Kilkenny, Ennis and Dublin.

Looking forward to Saturday's game, hopefully we make a good start and bag a couple of goals. Have a feeling the match will be tougher than we expect. Hopefully if things start to go wrong we don't start panicking and give away stupid frees. We should be winning in the double digits if we have any ambitions to win the title TBH. Hopefully a big crowd from here will go

robopaddy2

PTH2009 wrote: »

Cake Man wrote: »

Hang on PTH, did you not just say in a post the other day Sheedy would never take over a team other than Tipp and now say the above!? You're a gas man!


As regards who will stay/go/retire, would have to agree a few more of the U21's will likely be called up - Foran, Prunty, Mark O'Brien. Would Prunty be ready for full back though? Maybe not just yet but no harm giving him a few games in the league.


Does anyone else think Billy Nolan could make the step up and challenge SOK for the number 1 jersey? He seems to be equally adept as SOK at shot stopping, as evidenced by some outrageous saves this and last year at minor. Nice safe pair of hands too, big lad with a monster puck out. He'd be like our own Eoin Murphy - plays outfield for the club but on goal for the county.
Next season might still be a little too soon for him, he can focus on the U21's (am I right in saying he's overage for minor?) but I'd have no issue promoting him to sub-keeper ahead or O'Regan as I think he offers more.

Got the Liam Sheedy rumour off the Clare Gaa thread I didn't make it up.

Anyway I think the Munster league should be used for experimentation

Not sure what way we will approach the league, go all out too get revenge over last year's final defeat, use it to experiment ???. It's not going to be an easy league with us having to travel to Kilkenny, Ennis and Dublin.

Looking forward to Saturday's game, hopefully we make a good start and bag a couple of goals. Have a feeling the match will be tougher than we expect. Hopefully if things start to go wrong we don't start panicking and give away stupid frees. We should be winning in the double digits if we have any ambitions to win the title TBH. Hopefully a big crowd from here will go

If you got a dollar for every managerial job liam sheedy was linked with since he left the Tipp job you'd be doing nicely. Tipp were on the cusp of challenging KK's greatness at the time and he gave up that opportunity due to lack of time in his personal life. If he ever takes another intercounty job it would surely be back to Tipp

cul beag

robopaddy2 wrote: »

Kieran Bennett is a guy who I'm surprised hasn't got more of a look in the full back line. Quality player on his day, can play anywhere. Not saying he's the be all and end all but considering we moved heaven and earth to try make a fullback out of Barry Coughlan I'm surprised Bennett has never even been given a go in the league. Then again there was very little experimentation done in this years league. Hopefully next a few more lads can get a fair chance.

Would you think Dermot Dooley might see potential in Kieran Bennett when he comes in as a selector? I think he deserves as many chances as some more on the panel or maybe Conor Prunty? Offaly had good fullbacks down the years so hopefully some of that will rub off on us!

robopaddy2

cul beag wrote: »

Would you think Dermot Dooley might see potential in Kieran Bennett when he comes in as a selector? I think he deserves as many chances as some more on the panel or maybe Conor Prunty? Offaly had good fullbacks down the years so hopefully some of that will rub off on us!

Where are you getting that info about Dermot Dooley from?

DeiseDawg

Anyone know if both stands in Semple Stadium will be open on Sat.?

PTH2009

DeiseDawg wrote: »

Anyone know if both stands in Semple Stadium will be open on Sat.?

If demand is there they will open up the old stand AFAIK.

Hope we don't have a repeat of the 2013 Munster minor final replay debacle where they ran out of room in the new stand and had to open the old stand just before throw in and the crowd had to walk across the pitch ( think the ball was thrown in and there were still people walking across the pitch)

robopaddy2

PTH2009 wrote: »

DeiseDawg wrote: »

Anyone know if both stands in Semple Stadium will be open on Sat.?

If demand is there they will open up the old stand AFAIK.

Hope we don't have a repeat of the 2013 Munster minor final replay debacle where they ran out of room in the new stand and had to open the old stand just before throw in and the crowd had to walk across the pitch ( think the ball was thrown in and there were still people walking across the pitch)

What a shambles that was. Youre right there was still people crossing the field after the ball was thrown in. Right where the waterford team where having their pre-match huddle and national anthem there was people just breezing in between the players. With 4 counties involved there will surely be 2 stands open on Saturday

PTH2009

http://www.paddypower.com/bet/gaa-sports/gaa-matches/u21-hurling-matches/Waterford%2dU21%2dv%2dAntrim%2dU21-11038833.html

Jayus were 1/20 to win by 16pts or more. Money could be made if we win by less than 15

Dick phelan

Lads how good are Antrim? We are massive unbackable favorites to win, should we win this by a similar margin to the Clare game?

Gavlor

PTH2009 wrote: »

http://www.paddypower.com/bet/gaa-sports/gaa-matches/u21-hurling-matches/Waterford%2dU21%2dv%2dAntrim%2dU21-11038833.html

Jayus were 1/20 to win by 16pts or more. Money could be made if we win by less than 15

That makes no sense whatsoever.

Horseboxhead

Never said Barry Coughlan had a good game, thought he did as well as anyone could, I'm not doubting that there are better full backs in Ireland, but in Waterford Presently ?, Really who?. instead of getting stupid and thinking i was blaming anyone , read what i wrote again, and whilst you might not agree, it is all there if you watch the game again, both Goals Walter walsh had a massive role in, plain as day, who was his direct marker, Connor Gleeson, Jesus the lad probably knows this himself, and i think Connor will become a top top class corner back, Possibly wing back, and the above experience might be the making of him, it certainly did not deter his willingness to get on the ball, and i think he is a gem, but the problem with this forum, is people never discuss anything rationally, its always schoolyard , what you saying about my friend/Clubmate?, Nothing other than what happened, Barry coughlan had a nightmare, apparently in the Munster final, no he did not, he misread one ball for one goal, the rest were caused furthur out the field by balls not being competed for, or leaving runners go, when balls were not being competed for, i'm not trying to defend Barry , i'm still not sure myself, but fair is fair, iF and i still say If we have a better full back now, who is capable of doing better over the last two years, and gives us the same presence in front of our goal, without robbing peter to pay paul?, Well Name him, and then we will debate it, other than that Just watch the games, and watch them with the blinkers off, i have no preference for barry coughlan, never met or spoke to the man, but i do go to and watch the game's , and fullbacks, specially ours tend to be constantly in the firing line, and alot of the time, the goals are conceeded furthur out, Maybe barry could have done better for the first goal, i would argue the point , but second not a chance.

culbaire

Horseboxhead wrote: »

Never said Barry Coughlan had a good game, thought he did as well as anyone could, I'm not doubting that there are better full backs in Ireland, but in Waterford Presently ?, Really who?. instead of getting stupid and thinking i was blaming anyone , read what i wrote again, and whilst you might not agree, it is all there if you watch the game again, both Goals Walter walsh had a massive role in, plain as day, who was his direct marker, Connor Gleeson, Jesus the lad probably knows this himself, and i think Connor will become a top top class corner back, Possibly wing back, and the above experience might be the making of him, it certainly did not deter his willingness to get on the ball, and i think he is a gem, but the problem with this forum, is people never discuss anything rationally, its always schoolyard , what you saying about my friend/Clubmate?, Nothing other than what happened, Barry coughlan had a nightmare, apparently in the Munster final, no he did not, he misread one ball for one goal, the rest were caused furthur out the field by balls not being competed for, or leaving runners go, when balls were not being competed for, i'm not trying to defend Barry , i'm still not sure myself, but fair is fair, iF and i still say If we have a better full back now, who is capable of doing better over the last two years, and gives us the same presence in front of our goal, without robbing peter to pay paul?, Well Name him, and then we will debate it, other than that Just watch the games, and watch them with the blinkers off, i have no preference for barry coughlan, never met or spoke to the man, but i do go to and watch the game's , and fullbacks, specially ours tend to be constantly in the firing line, and alot of the time, the goals are conceeded furthur out, Maybe barry could have done better for the first goal, i would argue the point , but second not a chance.

Seamus Callanan was carrying a bad leg and cleaned Barry Coughlan out in the Munster Final. Similarly he was cleaned out against Kilkenny. That's the blunt truth. There is no point in coming on here and trying to pretend otherwise. Barry Coughlan not alone lacks the necessary skills but persistently fouls.

Before you lecture others about reading your posts maybe you should decide to use paragraphs. I can assure you I am not blinkered.

danganabu

culbaire wrote: »

Seamus Callanan was carrying a bad leg and cleaned Barry Coughlan out in the Munster Final. Similarly he was cleaned out against Kilkenny. That's the blunt truth. There is no point in coming on here and trying to pretend otherwise. Barry Coughlan not alone lacks the necessary skills but persistently fouls.

Before you lecture others about reading your posts maybe you should decide to use paragraphs. I can assure you I am not blinkered.

If you're dropping lads on the basis of the Munster Final then you won't have many left. Noel Connors for one in the FB line was far worse. As was SOK behind him, but those two seem to be immune to criticism in Waterford.

Coughlan played well in the first game against KK. As for the second game when Colin Fennelly hits form I doubt there is a FB in the country let alone Waterford who can stop him, just Waterford's bad look that he hadn't done it in so long but chose last Saturday.

FB has become the most difficult position in the modern game IMO, traditionally the main attribute was to be big and strong and commanding in the air, now you need to have all that but also have the speed to mark say the likes of Shane O'Donnell while 20 mins later mark a target man like your own Maurice Shanahan.

hurler on de ditch

culbaire wrote: »

Seamus Callanan was carrying a bad leg and cleaned Barry Coughlan out in the Munster Final. Similarly he was cleaned out against Kilkenny. That's the blunt truth. There is no point in coming on here and trying to pretend otherwise. Barry Coughlan not alone lacks the necessary skills but persistently fouls.

Before you lecture others about reading your posts maybe you should decide to use paragraphs. I can assure you I am not blinkered.

first of all as i said here before why don't people read the posts instead of giving out about spellings ,punctuations and paragraphs , you say ,,Barry Coughlan not alone lacks the necessary skills but persistently fouls.,, are you sure your not talking about TDB

blueflame

Have to be honest here and say that i have my doubts about Coughlan as our long-term full back but what has gone on since last Saturday is crazy:

- Fennelly is a very fine hurler, big, strong, skillful and experienced. For the first goal, it was a peach of a ball in Coughlan over committed trying to get in front, slipped and paid the price. For the second goal Walsh for a culmination of reasons got a free run on goal, Coughlan was left with little option but to go to him and that left Fennelly free for his second goal. After that Fennelly gave Coughlan a torrid time scored a point and won a couple of frees, some of which he was lucky to win - one free in particular Fennelly made no attempt to play the ball, Coughlan tried to get around him and yet it was Fennelly got the free. This to me in the cold light of day does not constitute getting taken to the cleaners, nor does it warrant being cast aside.

There are a number of issues that need to be addressed:

- Firstly while he fouls no more than almost every other full back - he is a bit more obvious about it - he needs to be more discrete. This will also reduce the number of silly yellow cards he picks up.

- Secondly, last Saturday was a whole new experience for him facing a different challenge - good players learn from experience and making mistakes, good full backs especially - take the first goal, rather than taking the high risk strategy of getting in front of Fennelly, given this experience he might be more inclined to have stayed with Fennelly, left him get the ball and forced him wide and maybe nick the ball in a challenge, something he is quite good at. For too long we have been playing the one dimensional sweeper system that protected space in front, so Coughlan has learned very little over the last 2 years - we need to change whether Coughlan is there or someone else is.

- thirdly he goes to ground too easily, he has to learn to stay on his feet. If you go to ground and don't win the ball you are out of the game and a full back cannot do that.

- Finally he needs to work on his striking.

Coughlan has a lot of good attributes of a full back, he is tall , he is pacy, he is dogged and he is not frightened to foul when necessary - i believe his failings can be worked on and he can become much better with experience.

There are two things however that do bother me , the first being Derek's unwillingness to give someone else a proper chance there - Coughlan like everybody else needs to feel under pressure to hold their place, not because he gets "cleaned out"" but because someone else is playing there and playing well there. This is positive rather than negative pressure. We need to look at alternatives such as Shane Roche, deBurca, Prunty, Shane Fives now that he has more experience - we need to give others game time there - what happens if Coughlan picks up a serious injury - this is something that management really has to address.

The second thing is even more worrying, I have said this for years now, every time we concede a goal or two we look immediately to the full back and blame them - we have turned the position into the be all and end all and made it a "poison chalice". In the modern game, full backs are going to get a roasting from time to time, and if we discard them every time it happens we are going to run out of full backs quickly. Are we the only team in the country that either have to concede two goals or less, or score two goals or more to win a match?

Give the team and management a chance to learn from this years experience and to progress. That is why everyone rates the potential in this team, because we have come such a long way in a very short while and should improve further with experience - if given the chance to do so.

culbaire

hurler on de ditch wrote: »

first of all as i said here before why don't people read the posts instead of giving out about spellings ,punctuations and paragraphs , you say ,,Barry Coughlan not alone lacks the necessary skills but persistently fouls.,, are you sure your not talking about TDB

If you think that Barry Coughlan is an inter country standard full back persist in your delusion. When did you ever see Barry Coughlan drive a ball 60 metres? He was targeted by Kilkenny and Tipperary and cleaned out. De Burca has hurling skill in abundance. However he has been messed around by management. He now appears unsure of his role and it is telling in his performances.