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

thesultan

deisedude wrote: »

Brian O'Sullivans attempts to win frees are embarrassing

He was caught for three or four in county final too.

PTH2009

Bad mistake by SOK hard to see a comeback now

Lismore going very well in the intermediate

PTH2009

**** it

Brillent effort by ballygunner, mistakes cost them

Congrats to Lismore on there win

dobbs2210

Ballygunner f**ked it away. Left Padraic Maher free man whole game for him to get Man of the match. Stephen O'Keeffe cost them two vital points in last quarter. They defo had the chances for sure to win the game.

cul beag

Congrats to Lismore on a fantastic win against Bandon today. Exhibition stuff from Maurice Shanahan and Ray Barry especially. They deserve great credit for the effort put in over the weekend. Commiserations to Ballygunner I think Thurles will go on to at least win Munster now.

awaywithyou

dobbs2210 wrote: »

Ballygunner f**ked it away. Left Padraic Maher free man whole game for him to get Man of the match. Stephen O'Keeffe cost them two vital points in last quarter. They defo had the chances for sure to win the game.

Keeffe and Mahoney cost their team that game today......

Fred C Dobbs

awaywithyou wrote: »

Keeffe and Mahoney cost their team that game today......

If truth be told, Sarsfield were marginally the better team - they were more composed and economical in possession. Balllygunner shot themselves in the foot on occasions but who are we to criticise. As for the referee, what an a**hole, from both teams perspective. Peter Hogan enhanced his reputation - what's the story with David O'Sullivan ... looked good today at times but did I read somewhere that he's had his chance with the Seniors.

mountgomery burns

Ref was good I thought except for way too many yellow cards. Way too many.

robopaddy2

Fred C Dobbs wrote: »

If truth be told, Sarsfield were marginally the better team - they were more composed and economical in possession. Balllygunner shot themselves in the foot on occasions but who are we to criticise. As for the referee, what an a**hole, from both teams perspective. Peter Hogan enhanced his reputation - what's the story with David O'Sullivan ... looked good today at times but did I read somewhere that he's had his chance with the Seniors.

McGrath has tried to call him up a few times but he declined due to work commitments. Got a run under Davy Fitz for a year or 2 but left the panel due to study and trave commitments. He must be 27 or 8 now so I think that ship has sailed. Hogan wasn't even a regular starter for the u21s this year, he's got a bit to go yet.

mountgomery burns

robopaddy2 wrote: »

McGrath has tried to call him up a few times but he declined due to work commitments. Got a run under Davy Fitz for a year or 2 but left the panel due to study and trave commitments. He must be 27 or 8 now so I think that ship has sailed. Hogan wasn't even a regular starter for the u21s this year, he's got a bit to go yet.

Think Hogan has a good bit more to offer than a few who started. Serious performances the last two weeks, will defintely be in the squad next year.

Giveitfong

PTH2009 wrote: »

**** it

Brillent effort by ballygunner, mistakes cost them

“Brillent” might be overstating it a little. Ballygunner played very poorly for most of the game and when they finally showed what they could do in the last ten minutes they were chasing the game and simply left themselves with too much to do.

Ballygunner’s error rate was very high. Their short game, so effective against weaker opposition in Waterford, was a disaster, with intended passes repeatedly going astray or being intercepted. Their first touch was poor until the closing stages of the game. They sent numerous long balls into space in the Thurles half of the field, obviously expecting their own players to be there, but where the recipient time and again was an unmarked Thurles defender. In the second half, they attempted too many long-range shots which fell short, a sure sign of a lack of conviction and in stark contrast with Thurles’s superb long-distance shooting in the first half.

Pauric Mahony had a couple of bad misses from frees, which was uncharacteristic for him, but typical of the general malaise afflicting Ballygunner. However, Stephen O’Keeffe surpassed his worryingly normal level of errors. His two late intercepted clearances gifted Thurles two points, but in the first half several of his attempts to place puckouts were also intercepted, and I reckon he cost Ballygunner at least four points in all. Derek McGrath does need to start looking elsewhere for a reliable goalkeeper.

Denis Walsh was complaining about the referee, but he would be better off looking at his own performance as team manager. For a start, he did not have the team in the right frame of mind starting the game. Secondly, playing only five forwards, thus allowing Padraig Maher to play a free role in defence, was sheer lunacy. On top of that, the player who was withdrawn out the field, Conor Power, had very little impact on the game as far as I could see. Walsh was also very slow to move Brian O’Sullivan out the field when there was no decent ball going into him.

The Ballygunner defenders played far too much high ball, especially late in the game, straight down the middle where their light forwards had little chance against the likes of the two Mahers. I would have started the game with six forwards, including the combative Billy O’Keefe, who should have been detailed to try to keep Padraig Maher tied up with marking duties.

The referee was a bit of a stickler in applying the letter of the law, but where do you draw the line when it comes to avoidable strikes with the hurley, which is a yellow card offence? I thought he was even-handed in his application of the rules, and was also very good at detecting hurley-holding and other close-combat offences, and attempts to attract frees (as Brian O’Sullivan found to his cost). The players should have copped this, and Ballygunner gave away several unnecessary frees as a result. The Philip Mahony hurley-hold which gave Thurles their penalty was completely unnecessary, as there was no immedate danger to the Ballygunner goal.

However, the referee did make one serious error in incorrectly pulling David Sullivan up for a third catch late in the first half. This denied Ballygunner a nailed-on point which was crucial given the ultimate margin of defeat.

Seamus Walsh made some great catches in the second half and provided good leadership, although the player he was supposed to be marking (the Thurles No. 10) also won a lot of ball. I thought Ian Kenny once again played very well at corner back and could be looked at for the county panel.

Ballygunner probably would have won this game if they played anywhere their normal level of performance, as Thurles were there for the taking. They may have thereby passed up a great chance of a Munster title. Having Ballygunner involved in the All-Ireland series after Christmas would also have had the beneficial side-effect of forcing Derek McGrath to look beyond his narrow corps of favourites for the Waterford team in the early stages of the league.

robopaddy2

You'd have to give Lismore credit for another big win just 48 hours after winning their county final, But it begs the question how the hell they let themselves slip back to intermediate in the first place. Bar that one slip-up against Modeligo earlier in the year they really have shown to be a step above everything in this grade. So much quality, the Shanahan's, Prendergast's, Barry's ets these guys are all senior hurlers. No doubt they will fancy going on to have a crack at Munster and All Ireland now. Nothing beats success to instill a bit of feel-good factor back into a group of players. They will be back challenging for senior honours again next year imo and no doubt relegation has proved to be a big blessing in disguise for that club

Deise Gael

Pretty much bang on there Giveitfong. Sok at this stage is becoming a liability with his pucks out and decision making. Cost his team at least four points yesterday while Paudie missed two frees that he would normally nail. Denis Walsh blaming the ref is a bit unbecoming of him and normally not what Cork lads bother with. The game was reffed properly. He would have been better off questioning his own judgement and the bottle of his forwards to put it up to Paudie Maher. Basically Maher did as he liked yesterday. Sars were better and deserved to win. It's beginning to become a bit of a pattern now for this Ballygunner team in Munster.

Word to Derek McGrath about his latest effort at self promotion in the Examiner- would you please cop on with the media. Frankly it's becoming embarrassing! You never see Cody or Gavin spouting this waffle.

The pure s*ite he spewed about Paudie Mahoney missing that free against Kilkenny is cringe worthy. This rubbish about Paudie going through a process and grieving after that missed free makes him look a laughing stock. It doesn't do Paudie or anyone else any favours. There's a reason the media gives you an award and it's in their interest. McGrath is a slave to them. The paper doesn't refuse ink. Does he want to become a reality TV personality or become a successful manager? He would be better served sorting out the sh*t with one of his selectors rather than trying to come across as more intelligent than he is in the press, He needs to make up his mind what he wants.

DiscoStew

Deise Gael wrote: »

Pretty much bang on there Giveitfong. Sok at this stage is becoming a liability with his pucks out and decision making. Cost his team at least four points yesterday while Paudie missed two frees that he would normally nail. Denis Walsh blaming the ref is a bit unbecoming of him and normally not what Cork lads bother with. The game was reffed properly. He would have been better off questioning his own judgement and the bottle of his forwards to put it up to Paudie Maher. Basically Maher did as he liked yesterday. Sars were better and deserved to win. It's beginning to become a bit of a pattern now for this Ballygunner team in Munster.

Word to Derek McGrath about his latest effort at self promotion in the Examiner- would you please cop on with the media. Frankly it's becoming embarrassing! You never see Cody or Gavin spouting this waffle.

The pure s*ite he spewed about Paudie Mahoney missing that free against Kilkenny is cringe worthy. This rubbish about Paudie going through a process and grieving after that missed free makes him look a laughing stock. It doesn't do Paudie or anyone else any favours. There's a reason the media gives you an award and it's in their interest. McGrath is a slave to them. The paper doesn't refuse ink. Does he want to become a reality TV personality or become a successful manager? He would be better served sorting out the sh*t with one of his selectors rather than trying to come across as more intelligent than he is in the press, He needs to make up his mind what he wants.

What actually happened with Fintan O'Connor?? Haven't heard any answer on why he was removed from the set up?

thesultan

It was Barry Coughlan held the Hurley for the penalty.

thesultan

DiscoStew wrote: »

What actually happened with Fintan O'Connor?? Haven't heard any answer on why he was removed from the set up?

Heard he is going for the Laois job.

TheScoringGoal

Good analysis although I'd disagree slightly in relation to O Keeffe. The ball he played down the right wing at the end that was intercepted and nearly resulted in a goal was bad judgement and he would have to take the blame for. But many of the others were mis controlled by his defenders including the one to his brother around the same time. However again I would be more inclined to blame Denis Walsh for this as the short pick outs were not working and needed to mix it up.

I think talk of needing a replacement for O Keeffe is an over reaction. However I'd agree with the remainder of your analysis. I'd also add I would probably have looked at Stephen Power at an earlier point in the second half as he would have added strength to the forward line.

danganabu

TheScoringGoal wrote: »

Good analysis although I'd disagree slightly in relation to O Keeffe. The ball he played down the right wing at the end that was intercepted and nearly resulted in a goal was bad judgement and he would have to take the blame for. But many of the others were mis controlled by his defenders including the one to his brother around the same time. However again I would be more inclined to blame Denis Walsh for this as the short pick outs were not working and needed to mix it up.

I think talk of needing a replacement for O Keeffe is an over reaction. However I'd agree with the remainder of your analysis. I'd also add I would probably have looked at Stephen Power at an earlier point in the second half as he would have added strength to the forward line.

tbh I have never understood the high regard which most Waterford supporters hold SOK in, he has at least one brain fart in every game and it has been getting progressively worse, shot stopping is actually becoming less and less important in the armour of a keeper and it was/is his strongest attribute, it in no way compensates for the very obvious flaws in his game.

Charlie69

danganabu wrote: »

tbh I have never understood the high regard which most Waterford supporters hold SOK in, he has at least one brain fart in every game and it has been getting progressively worse, shot stopping is actually becoming less and less important in the armour of a keeper and it was/is his strongest attribute, it in no way compensates for the very obvious flaws in his game.

Was just thinking the same thing while watching the game .

mickmackmcgoo

Charlie69 wrote:

Was just thinking the same thing while watching the game .

So who out there is better than him that should be county number 1 keeper ? I wouldn't be his biggest fan either but can't think of anyone better

danganabu

mickmackmcgoo wrote: »

So who out there is better than him that should be county number 1 keeper ? I wouldn't be his biggest fan either but can't think of anyone better

I obviously wouldn't know the club scene in Waterford as most lads on here but I would be very much of the opinion if you are good enough you are old enough and on that basis Billy Nolan is the best equipped from what I have seen.

mickmackmcgoo

danganabu wrote:

I obviously wouldn't know the club scene in Waterford as most lads on here but I would be very much of the opinion if you are good enough you are old enough and on that basis Billy Nolan is the best equipped from what I have seen.

I think Billy sees his future out the field rather than as a keeper

debok

[QUOT

Word to Derek McGrath about his latest effort at self promotion in the Examiner- would you please cop on with the media. Frankly it's becoming embarrassing! You never see Cody or Gavin spouting this waffle.

The pure s*ite he spewed about Paudie Mahoney missing that free against Kilkenny is cringe worthy. This rubbish about Paudie going through a process and grieving after that missed free makes him look a laughing stock. It doesn't do Paudie or anyone else any favours. There's a reason the media gives you an award and it's in their interest. McGrath is a slave to them. The paper doesn't refuse ink. Does he want to become a reality TV personality or become a successful manager? He would be better served sorting out the sh*t with one of his selectors rather than trying to come across as more intelligent than he is in the press, He needs to make up his mind what he wants.[/QUOTE]

Maybe he is doing what he wants.how do you know he's not sorting out the **** with his selector.

Deisegodeo

danganabu wrote: »

tbh I have never understood the high regard which most Waterford supporters hold SOK in, he has at least one brain fart in every game and it has been getting progressively worse, shot stopping is actually becoming less and less important in the armour of a keeper and it was/is his strongest attribute, it in no way compensates for the very obvious flaws in his game.

SOK is the best goalkeeper in the county at the moment. Billy Nolan looks likely to challenge him in the near future, but he is minor this year, and even whether he is involved as a keeper or outfield is not certain. There isnt really anyone else who could have challenged SOK for the position over the past few years. Adrian Power was always expected to challenge but he went abroad I believe.

SOK is the best shot stopper in the county, no doubt about that. He has always had issues with his distribution of the ball and the occasional rush of blood to the head decisions. I know a lot of people felt these issues would be sorted as he matured and worked on his game. This doesnt appear to have transpired, unfortunately.

tomwaterford

danganabu wrote: »

tbh I have never understood the high regard which most Waterford supporters hold SOK in, he has at least one brain fart in every game and it has been getting progressively worse, shot stopping is actually becoming less and less important in the armour of a keeper and it was/is his strongest attribute, it in no way compensates for the very obvious flaws in his game.

The day shot stopping becomes a non vital part of goalies game is the day to give up

A player one on one with sok....youd give him a fighting chance...he is undoubtedly one of the bravest I've ever seen in goal for waterford


I remember being at a munster final where the ball trickled through brennners legs
Another where Clinton Hennessy turned his arse to the ball when a lad taking a shot
I recall brendan landers batting a ball down in the square in PUC to a Limerick forward as waterford threw away an 11 point lead

(BTW fun fact....that was the one and only time that particular goalie jersey was played in for waterford when henneasy left in 7 in PUC that time)


So I'll for one support someone who can pull off saves and has all the skills necessary...decision making can be improved...but seen what went before...

robopaddy2

DiscoStew wrote: »

What actually happened with Fintan O'Connor?? Haven't heard any answer on why he was removed from the set up?

You won't get any answers from the anti-McGrath brigade anyway. Just digs and cheap-shots as always. No substance behind it, just heresay

danganabu

tomwaterford wrote: »

The day shot stopping becomes a non vital part of goalies game is the day to give up

That's not what I said

culbaire

tomwaterford wrote: »

The day shot stopping becomes a non vital part of goalies game is the day to give up

A player one on one with sok....youd give him a fighting chance...he is undoubtedly one of the bravest I've ever seen in goal for waterford


I remember being at a munster final where the ball trickled through brennners legs
Another where Clinton Hennessy turned his arse to the ball when a lad taking a shot
I recall brendan landers batting a ball down in the square in PUC to a Limerick forward as waterford threw away an 11 point lead

(BTW fun fact....that was the one and only time that particular goalie jersey was played in for waterford when henneasy left in 7 in PUC that time)


So I'll for one support someone who can pull off saves and has all the skills necessary...decision making can be improved...but seen what went before...

Clinton Hennessy was a fine goalkeeper. He WON two Munster Senior hurling medals and one NHL medal. Your criticism of him is most unfair! He was anything but cowardly.

seananigans

culbaire wrote: »

Clinton Hennessy was a fine goalkeeper. He WON two Munster Senior hurling medals and one NHL medal. Your criticism of him is most unfair! He was anything but cowardly.

he did this on his own did he ?

fact is our glory team of the noughties had many passengers including clinton .

we had maybe ten class players, and then the also rans, unfurtinately if dan eoin or paul didnt play out of their skin we lost there were no subs no plan b , im glad to be in a position now we have 23 ish starters avvailable one or 2 positions arent contested but most are , long may it last

cul beag

robopaddy2 wrote: »

You won't get any answers from the anti-McGrath brigade anyway. Just digs and cheap-shots as always. No substance behind it, just heresay

Truth be known here it's far from hearsay and far from cheap shots. Fool me once shame on you,fool me twice shame on me! I'll leave you work it out from there. Unfortunately being at the other end of the planet doesn't help you keep your finger on the pulse so to speak but McGrath's closest ally is gone so what's that telling you? It wasn't the anti McGrath brigade that did that!!