LSHC SF: Galway v. Laois ; Tullamore; 20th June @17:00

T0001

Its Galway v. Laois in the Leinster Semi-Final

Galway have 2 matches v. DUblin under their belt, drew the first day then hammered them in the replay 5-19 to 1-18

Laois come into this with confidence riding high after a steller performance v. Offaly beating them 0-29 to 0-21, plus 3 competitive round-robin games.

Most people say its Galway all the way, but most GAA fans will know we are in for a competitive game

50:50... Come off it.

While Galway aren't consistent, Laois are a second tier team.
I was at both games against them and while they were close we were absolutely pathetic in both.
What that tells me is at our worst we were still better and this time we're coming in off the back of performances that yielded countless goal chances.

If you think its a 50:50 then you'll may as well back them as the bookies will give 8-14 points on the spread, a banker if you view it at evens.

zombieHanalei

It's not a 50:50, Galway will be favourites and will rightfully be expected to win, to suggest anyone who believes this is not a "true" GAA fan is a little daft!

Today was an important step for Laois but it doesn't mean they're now one of the heavy hitters. But they have run Galway very close on a couple of occasions in the last few seasons. Annoying and all as the old cliché is it's fair to say that a lot hangs on which Galway team turns up. I'll be rooting for Laois but a Galway team firing on all cylinders is always a welcome addition to the championship.

3hn2givr7mx1sc

I assume this will be televised somewhere? Shall be out of the country for it!

efb

It's gonna be nasty

MfMan

efb wrote: »

It's gonna be nasty

Why?

efb

Galway will destroy them, Offaly are just awful - I say that as an Offaly man

MfMan

efb wrote: »

Galway will destroy them, Offaly are just awful - I say that as an Offaly man

Darn lucky over the past 2 years to overcome them - that will be in their mind too.

donnem33

baz2009 wrote: »

I assume this will be televised somewhere? Shall be out of the country for it!

im almost certain its meant to be shown live on sky sports

LeinsterDub

50:50 come off it. Galway at a canter

cson

Galway will destroy them.

You can see what it meant to the team to beat Dublin - very pumped on the pitch. 8 yellow cards (albeit some ridiculously harsh) show an edge to the team too which is nice to see - far too often they've been bullied.

They were horrendous against Dublin the first day, they were sensational for about 25mins of the match on Saturday, pedestrian for other 45mins. The challenge for Galway has always been to keep the flat spots they inevitably hit as brief as possible because when they blitz teams they can put 10 points on them in 5 mins and not score for the next 20 (happens countless times; last year v Tipp, this year v Dublin, KK in the 2012 1st AI). If they can learn to keep the scoreboard ticking over then they've a real chance at making an AI Semi at least.

zombieHanalei

Ah! Just seen what county the OP is from! Saying it's 50:50 is nothing more than this odd phenomenon of downplaying your own teams chances in a bid to take the pressure off your own team and to try and heap some on the opposition!

MfMan

cson wrote: »

Galway will destroy them.

You can see what it meant to the team to beat Dublin - very pumped on the pitch. 8 yellow cards (albeit some ridiculously harsh) show an edge to the team too which is nice to see - far too often they've been bullied.

They were horrendous against Dublin the first day, they were sensational for about 25mins of the match on Saturday, pedestrian for other 45mins. The challenge for Galway has always been to keep the flat spots they inevitably hit as brief as possible because when they blitz teams they can put 10 points on them in 5 mins and not score for the next 20 (happens countless times; last year v Tipp, this year v Dublin, KK in the 2012 1st AI). If they can learn to keep the scoreboard ticking over then they've a real chance at making an AI Semi at least.

Not really true on both counts. Both teams were a little wary of each other in the drawn game, but Galway dug in in a way they're not always credited for, and, a ten-minute spell in the first half apart, kept the scoreboard ticking over regularly. Certainly weren't horrendous. Weren't pedestrian in the replay either. First 20 mins were superb, but they maintained their drive and hunger until the end, and were always dangerous on the attack in the 2nd half.

What they need to do now is tighten up the defence and finds ways to reduce the free count. As I said earlier, Collins and Coen may benefit from a switch, while a better FB really is needed. Tannian isn't great defensively either and we don't have a lot of cover off the bench for the backs. Surely Moore is still worth a place. Harte's form is encouraging and another 'covering back' midfielder is needed beside him, probably Smith as J Cooney is attack-minded (and scarcely good enough anyway). A Conor Cooney of '14 form (or Niall Burke of '12 form) would be better options than Glynn in the HF line at this stage also.

Danno

Laois are under no illusions the huge challenge that awaits us the next day in Tullamore. Galway have the potential to blitz any team, including Kilkenny, on their day. The fact that this Laois team don't travel well tips more in the favour of balance for Galway.

If Laois can keep from conceding goals and turn it into a dog fight then there is a small chance we could carry a narrow victory here. Our 30 points (Picky Maher's final point was never registered on the scoreboard) yesterday was accompanied with 16 wides too which shows the ability of this Laois team to take their scores. The point shooting was impressive with tight angles and long range efforts floating on over. Galway though won't be as generous as Offaly were in affording Laois the little bit of space to take aim.

It's Galway's to loose in Tullamore as Laois are truly in bonus territory now. The last two years of running Galway close will count for nothing more than serve the Tribesmen a warning shot not to be complacent facing us. I feel Galway will have heeded those warnings and bring their A game to Tullamore once more and deal with us effectively. Galway 1-19 V 0-17 Laois my prediction.

Stationmaster

A massive win for Laois yesterday and, as a hurling supporter from another county, I was delighted to see them do it. It's very important now that they build on it and give a good account of themselves against Galway and in the qualifiers.
They won't beat Galway but they have made progress already this year so anything from now on is a bonus.

T0001

zombieHanalei wrote: »

Ah! Just seen what county the OP is from! Saying it's 50:50 is nothing more than this odd phenomenon of downplaying your own teams chances in a bid to take the pressure off your own team and to try and heap some on the opposition!

You clearly underetimate Laois. They will go into the game with belief they can upset the odds. I stand by what I said

FatherTed

Lads, we're talking about Galway here. One game bad, next day brilliant, next day awful. It's been proven down the year. Who knows which Galway will turn up the next day? Consistently inconsistent. It wouldn't surprise me if we eeked out a 1 or 2 point win against Laois and then blow KK away.

TCDStudent1

FatherTed wrote: »

Lads, we're talking about Galway here. One game bad, next day brilliant, next day awful. It's been proven down the year. Who knows which Galway will turn up the next day? Consistently inconsistent. It wouldn't surprise me if we eeked out a 1 or 2 point win against Laois and then blow KK away.

That wouldn't surprise anybody.

However, a Laois victory or a draw would surprise >95% of hurling fans. Which is why it is hard to agree with the OP that this is a 50 - 50 match. As awful as Galway can be, they are still a team that has regularly played to a higher level than Laois in the past few years.

Fireball07

I wouldn't be surprised if Laois won but on the back of a super win against Dublin, you would expect Galway to kick on. Laois have run the close in recent years but Galway have always had too much in the tank.

I'd love to see Laois to do win tbh; have great time for Cheddar and Ger Cunningham. They do have some fine players but it's one thing beating a poor enough Offaly side and another thing beating Galway.

donnem33

Fireball07 wrote: »

I wouldn't be surprised if Laois won but on the back of a super win against Dublin, you would expect Galway to kick on. Laois have run the close in recent years but Galway have always had too much in the tank.

I'd love to see Laois to do win tbh; have great time for Cheddar and Ger Cunningham. They do have some fine players but it's one thing beating a poor enough Offaly side and another thing beating Galway.

if the game was in portlaois id give them a stronger chance..but in tullamore id be less inclined!!

even look at the highlights..they take long range pot shots from anywhere due to the small tight confines of portlaois..what was it like 16 wides yesterday aswell?There are very defensive and bunch the middle and try score massive long range points.

In saying that they do have a few nice hurlers. the likes of willie hyland would make any intercounty team!

zombieHanalei

T0001 wrote: »

You clearly underetimate Laois. They will go into the game with belief they can upset the odds. I stand by what I said

I clearly don't underestimate them, but you clearly overestimate them. Galway are favourites, why on earth would you deny that?

You know what; how about we have a bet on it? Nominate a charity; if Laois win or draw I'll donate €100 to a charity of your nomination. If Galway win you donate €100 to my nominated charity (I'll pick the boards.ie secret Santa fund)

Have we a deal??

T0001

zombieHanalei wrote: »

I clearly don't underestimate them, but you clearly overestimate them. Galway are favourites, why on earth would you deny that?

You know what; how about we have a bet on it? Nominate a charity; if Laois win or draw I'll donate €100 to a charity of your nomination. If Galway win you donate €100 to my nominated charity (I'll pick the boards.ie secret Santa fund)

Have we a deal??

Of course not, a blind monkey would know Galway will flatten Laois. The match will ultimately be a bore of a contest but its nice to give Laois credit

zombieHanalei

T0001 wrote: »

Of course not, a blind monkey would know Galway will flatten Laois. The match will ultimately be a bore of a contest but its nice to give Laois credit

But you see, by insisting it was a 50:50 you only went and invited people to point out that Laois were not actually at the same level as Galway and that it was not at all a 50:50 as you claim. And what you've just posted isn't exactly giving Laois credit, in fact you've basically just admitted your praise was false praise.

No need to piss all over them like that. Just because someone suggests Galway are favourites is not a criticism of Laois. Laois have actually come close to turning them over twice in recent seasons, and just because Galway are favourites does not mean Laois have no chance. Of course they do. I'd be thrilled if they did but I just don't see it happening.

aidan24326

I'd be hoping that Galway will be forewarned for this one given how they got out of jail last year. If Galway turn up with anything close to their A-game they will win and quite possibly win comfortably. But Galway still haven't shaken off that tag of being a good day then bad day kind of team, and a bit of consistency is badly needed.

I don't expect Galway to wallop Laois as they are improving team who showed the last couple of years that they have no fear of playing Galway. But with any sort of a decent performance you'd expect Galway to come through by a few points even if it isn't spectacular.

Orizio

Galway could win this a point a man.

Yes they've struggled against the likes of Westmeath and Laois before in the Leinster champ, but they didn't have two competitive championship matches under their belt going into those matches like they will for two weeks time.

WallyGUFC

Fairly encouraged by the way the team stuck at it against Dublin the first day, and the first half the last day was pretty sensational, although Dublin were terrible. Expecting an 8+ point win with plenty of goals.

CrabRevolution

The whole "unpredictable Galway" thing isnt really as bad as people make out. They only ever perform really bad against other top teams, I've never actually seen them lose to a poorer team. In the last 5 years they've lost to Tipp, Kilkenny, Dublin, Waterford and Clare, hardly being hacked down by minnows. Closest I've seen was drawing vs. Offaly 5 years ago. Say what you like about Westmeath/Laois etc running them close, the bottom line is always that Galway still win these matches.

Galway are 1/16 to reach the final. It takes an extreme optimist to say that's a 50/50 contest.

Danno

No goal at 18/1 isn't bad at all either.

Dien

Laois supporters would certainly hope that bet comes through Danno, in terms of keeping it low scoring at least.

Scoring 29 points against Offaly was fair going, but you'd imagine that Laois will have to hit a few goals against Galway to be there or thereabouts at the final whistle.

Laois had a good win over Offaly with a fair score but before that they hardly pulled up any trees, losing against Antrim, scraping past Westmeath and in the league they lost to Offaly and were comfortably beaten by Waterford and Wexford. They did ok against a weakened Limerick but that was a dead rubber. Add to that the fact that Galway have games under their belt and a bit of momentum which they didn't have in the other years facing Laois. Galway know that Laois were within a whisker of beating them last year and there should be no room for complacency. Also, Tullamore as opposed to Portlaoise is a big help for Galway.

Being honest if Galway have any ambitions for the Leinster final they need to have this won going into the last 10 minutes.

Dien

True Borders, but Laois' form in the qualifying stages last year wasn't too hectic either which is part of the reason why Laois hurling folk were so delighted to beat Offaly. It was a long awaited victory but it also means we are out of the minefield of the qualifiers next year.

As Galway have shown many times before, when they turn it on they can destroy any team, so there is always the possibility the match on Saturday could result in a beating for Laois. Laois won't be anywhere as naive tactically as Dublin were though. You're not gonna see the Laois defence out of position or acres of space left in front of Canning and co. I'm confident Laois will make Galway work really hard for their scores and as I've said above if we can score a few goals it could be tighter than some people think. Here's hoping!

Danno

Dien wrote: »

As Galway have shown many times before, when they turn it on they can destroy any team, so there is always the possibility the match on Saturday could result in a beating for Laois.

Very true that, even Kilkenny have fallen victim to them too, and at times when Kilkenny were close to full tilt aswell.

Happyilylost

Getting over Laois unscathed is important. With Conor Cooney surprisingly being back in light training Galway could be looking at a fully fit squad for the first time in ages for a bash at another Leinster Championship.

Happyilylost

Also anyone that can try and get down early to throw some support behind our ladies too.

T0001

Happyilylost wrote: »

Also anyone that can try and get down early to throw some support behind our ladies too.

Should be a good match Hope they get the support they deserve. I'll be there. Also, driving to Tullamore myself for the first time, where's the best for parking or just on the side of the road?

Vanolder

Laois by 5.

Happyilylost

Any time I've been to Tullamore I park in the hospital car park right beside the pitch. 2 euro would cover you for one game or 3/4 euro for the two games. It's handy and the car park is massive.

donnem33

2 changes and 1 positional change from the Galway team that defeated Dublin.

Niall Healy comes in corner forward for in the injured Jason Flynn (broken finger), Andy Smith goes to centre field while Davy Burke replaces Joe Cooney.

MfMan

Slowly the team is starting to take a better shape. David Burke may well swap with Andy Smith and play midfield, maybe greater room suits him better. FB line will probably need more tweaking, but I suppose mgmt want to minimise the amount of changes for any one game. First c'ship start for Niall Healy since when? Hope he shows up well anyway - in Flynn's absence will he, JC or Cathal Mannion take the frees? Hope Galway play with the same freedom, pace and expansion as shown v Dublin, though Laois are sure to line up way more defensively tomorrow evening.

cson

Good idea to make those changes imo. You realistically need a squad of up to 20. Certainly 3-4 decent lads to pull from the bench anyway.

Think Andy back to midfield is a good shout too. Again your worry would be Hanbury, maybe not Staurday but certainly v KK if we get there. Would much prefer to see Daithi Burke back in there, bring Johnny Coen out to 7 and Fergal Moore into the corner.

T0001

Galway Team v. Laois

1. Colm Callanan
2. Johnny Coen
3. John Hanbury
4. Padraig Mannion
5. David Collins
6. Iarla Tannian
7. Daithi Burke
8. Andrew Smith
9. Aidan Harte
10. David Burke
11. Cyril Donnellan
12. Jonathan Glynn
13. Cathal Mannion
14. Joe Canning
15. Niall Healy

aidan24326

MfMan wrote: »

Slowly the team is starting to take a better shape. David Burke may well swap with Andy Smith and play midfield, maybe greater room suits him better. FB line will probably need more tweaking, but I suppose mgmt want to minimise the amount of changes for any one game. First c'ship start for Niall Healy since when? Hope he shows up well anyway - in Flynn's absence will he, JC or Cathal Mannion take the frees? Hope Galway play with the same freedom, pace and expansion as shown v Dublin, though Laois are sure to line up way more defensively tomorrow evening.

You'd have to imagine it will be Joe.

He had a bit of an off-day in the drawn game against the Dubs but when on form he is still one of the best freetakers in the country.

Great that we've options in that department though, Jason Flynn doing an excellent job when taking over from Joe the last day.

T0001

Laois Team

1. Eoin Reilly
2. John A Delaney
3. Cahir Healy
4. Brian Stapleton
5. Joe Fitzpatrick
6. Matthew Whelan
7. Tom Delaney
8. Joe Campion
9. Paddy Purcell
10. Tommy Fitzgerald
11. Zane Keenan
12. Charles Dwyer
13. Ben Conroy
14. Willie Hyland
15. PJ Scully.

Diabhal Beag

Cooney to come back as well. Apparentley a good chance he's back for the next game.

Can't fault the changes for this. Give Hanbury another run out at FB to see if he floats is fair, Joe Cooney is probably going to be swapped in favour of Smith in midfield with Harte and Burke floating which works. Hope Niall Healy has a stormer.

Optimistic but also cautious of Cheddar's boys. Hyland tore the backs apart in 2013 for one.

Mushy

Ground conditions look tough for this. Sliotar bouncing very hard and running a mile

Mars Bar

Poxy goal but we'll take them all

Mars Bar

Tannian should give up going for a shot. He puts it wide every time.

LuckyGent88

Galway wasting an awful lot of ball and should be winning by a lot more but the strength of the wind is ruining this game really

Mushy

Pity the game isn't looking much a contest now

Mars Bar

Hah, the Laois no. 3 thought he was a hardy fella there!

corny

Game fizzling out now.