Kilkenny GAA Thread Part 2 **MOD NOTE POST 1***

Cornerback1

mountgomery burns wrote: »

Not trying to stir anything here, but Farell was the only man inside the 21 for a good portion of the second half from what I could see.

I counted there at the end at least 8 men in the Kilkenny 21 or just outside when preventing a goal, certainly outnumbering the Dubs.

Is it fair to say that Cody will adapt the numbers at certain points in the game to suit their targets at that point in time? When they need to score, they'll push up a bit, when they need to defend they'll drop men back a bit deeper?

Teams who are leading are not going to concede a goal with 5mins to go. It's important to shut up shop.

Re: the point about Farrell - T.J. played the last 15mins in at full forward, flanked by Liam B and Farrell. Colin Fennelly moved to left half forward.

Good to have options like like as Fennelly's pace will be crucial in last quarter of a game against a tiring half back.

Cornerback1

IanVW wrote: »

dubcat51 wrote: »

Good performance last night should bring us on a tonne.half back line are the best in the game.mick fennelly a colossus in midfield. Paul Murphy brilliant.
Thought Murphy really sharp in goal and Rob Lennon good for first championship start.larks off the pace and Colin fennelly can do better. Really impressed with Walters work rate and physicality. Lester not as good as he has been in the league and blanch field and kelly didn't get on the board when they came on.really loved the reception the lads got coming out at the start of the game and when larks and mick fennelly came off.great respect shown to great servants for kilkenny. Ever since we were written off in 13 the supporters starting with that great night in nowlan park v tipp have really bonded with this team.also great to see 15 on 15 hurling.

Didnt see much 15 on 15!! What game were you watching?? Dublin played with 2 inside

Maybe hewas talking about no sweepers??? Just 15 v 15.

mountgomery burns

It was on 42 minutes I first noticed a ball go into the full forward line and only Farrell inside the 21.

I would be surprised if anything Kilkenny do on the field isn't pre designed by which I mean Dempsey isn't going on to tell them to play a way they're not familiar with. But if they feel the game is going a certain way and they want to adapt accordingly I think it is quite likely that they would have pre rehearsed/discussed instructions for in game changes.

That to me would be a tactical standard that any team with any hope of being successful would have to have really.

I'm not for a second criticizing what Kilkenny are doing in anyway before anyone gets defensive.

unrealtime

Over-analytical nonsense. You play what you face on the day generally.

I can however say - going back to when Clare brought Markham back to be a seventh back, that Kilkenny did not change their shape at that but were very secure in their orthodoxy.

Also Kilkenny devised a scheme to destroy Cork's short puck-outs in 2006. Generally though Kilkenny do not set up in any out of shape way for tactical purposes like others do.

Cornerback1

unrealtime wrote: »

Over-analytical nonsense. You play what you face on the day generally.

I can however say - going back to when Clare brought Markham back to be a seventh back, that Kilkenny did not change their shape at that but were very secure in their orthodoxy.

Also Kilkenny devised a scheme to destroy Cork's short puck-outs in 2006. Generally though Kilkenny do not set up in any out of shape way for tactical purposes like others do.

I counted 5 pts, throughout the whole game, that Dublin coughed up with short puck outs. KK's full forward line dropped back 20yards and their half forwards dropped back a bit - not as much though. This gave more numbers around the middle third and the press on the short puck outs was first class. He, if i remember went to the corner back once but they got turned over and conceded a score.

I would go long with puck outs all day long. Can't see why goalies puck it to someone 20 yds away, who then is going to put it down the field. Pointless i think.

I'll watch game again today to see re: Dublin's puck outs.

adrian522

I still have major worries about the FB line in general and Joey in particular.

I thought they seemed in trouble several times in the first half yesterday and a better team than Dublin would have taken advantage. A few times the ball came in and was 2 v 2 and we just about survived, with the HB line being too far away for my liking.

I don't want to mention the S word but we need to protect that FB line. God help us if anything happens Paul Murphy.

I know its not the time of year for experimentation but I'd love to see a full back line of Murphy/Lennon/Prendergast at some point.

Canadel

dastardly00 wrote: »

Mick Fennelly is involved in a huge amount.

Been the best player in the country for the best part of a decade. Unplayable at his best and as good as anyone even when not at his best.

dirkmeister

Joey Holden is getting a very raw deal lately.

How can he be blamed for Eoin Murphy jumping out on top of him?

Also, if you leave any full back with 50 yards of space isolated he'll be in trouble.


He wasn't very assured last night in the first half but people need to calm down a small bit.

adrian522

dirkmeister wrote: »

He wasn't very assured last night in the first half but people need to calm down a small bit.

granturismo

adrian522 wrote: »

I still have major worries about the FB line in general and Joey in particular.....

He gave away two silly frees wrapping his hurl around the neck from behind and they werent goal chances.

droppingball

Good performance last night, team worked hard and really ramped up the physicality.

Walter is really turning in some great displays, works like a trojan and has added the scoring touch. Buckley, murphy and fennelly were top drawer and really drove us forward. Jonjo Farrell was very good and really attacked everything with gusto, a number of our subs should take note. He took his goal brilliantly and will surely start next day out but will need to maintain his performance levels ala ger aylward last year.

We pushed up and made it very difficult on their puckouts which really worked. Couldn't believe they persisted with short puckouts but then our half back line were on top. Stiffer tests ahead and hopefully richie hogan will have recovered in time.

blackcard

If Shane Prendergast, Jackie Tyrrell and Richie Hogan are fit for the Leinster final, I presume that Shane Prendergast plays and Rob Lennon and Lester Ryan will lose out?

Deskjockey

blackcard wrote: »

If Shane Prendergast, Jackie Tyrrell and Richie Hogan are fit for the Leinster final, I presume that Shane Prendergast plays and Rob Lennon and Lester Ryan will lose out?

What's the word on Jackie Tyrell, is he injured?

Noddy33

Job well done over a somewhat very dissapointing Dublin Team.P Murphy was excellent and thought lennon did well when had the ball in his hand but looked very slow when he was turned and needed to sprint for a 50/50 challenge and I couldnt understand why Dublin didnt target him more with fast ball into the space in his corner. Buckley was back to very best so hopefully the notions of playing him midfield will stop as he is an out and out half back who is at best when attacking the ball and running onto the ball.Mick Fennelly did mountain of work for a lad who barely played this year.Wally took some punishment from the Dubs and got some excellent scores too so hopefully he can carry this form throughout. TJ has had better days by his own extreme high standards but he has been excellent all year so nothing to worry about there. Fair play to JonJo as he harrowed, tackled and took some brilliant scores so if he can build some consistency into his game the number 13 jersey should be his for the year. I was a bit suprised by some of the subs brought on. I actually thought Blanchfield was very poor when he came on considering he got a good near 20 mins pitch time.I rate blanchfield and def think he future star but he had 4/5 balls delivered his way and I think he failed to win any or even compete well for any.I know Cody team selection is based on training performance but I really would love to see Bolger get a run. Overall a good championship opening performance with plenty to work and improve on and assuming Galway beat Offaly you would no doubt then that their full forward line will will be a stern test the kk full back line

blackcard

Noddy33 wrote: »

Job well done over a somewhat very dissapointing Dublin Team.P Murphy was excellent and thought lennon did well when had the ball in his hand but looked very slow when he was turned and needed to sprint for a 50/50 challenge and I couldnt understand why Dublin didnt target him more with fast ball into the space in his corner. Buckley was back to very best so hopefully the notions of playing him midfield will stop as he is an out and out half back who is at best when attacking the ball and running onto the ball.Mick Fennelly did mountain of work for a lad who barely played this year.Wally took some punishment from the Dubs and got some excellent scores too so hopefully he can carry this form throughout. TJ has had better days by his own extreme high standards but he has been excellent all year so nothing to worry about there. Fair play to JonJo as he harrowed, tackled and took some brilliant scores so if he can build some consistency into his game the number 13 jersey should be his for the year. I was a bit suprised by some of the subs brought on. I actually thought Blanchfield was very poor when he came on considering he got a good near 20 mins pitch time.I rate blanchfield and def think he future star but he had 4/5 balls delivered his way and I think he failed to win any or even compete well for any.I know Cody team selection is based on training performance but I really would love to see Bolger get a run. Overall a good championship opening performance with plenty to work and improve on and assuming Galway beat Offaly you would no doubt then that their full forward line will will be a stern test the kk full back line

Agree with that. Eoin Murphy had a very solid outing and it was nice to see him acting as a sweeper on one occasion. Paul Murphy had a stormer. Rob Lennon is more suited to a central position and I expect Shane Prendergast to come back the next day. Our half back line was very good and could have ended up with 4 or 5 points if Padraig Walsh's shooting was better, great to see scores coming from this line. Michael Fennelly is a phenomenon and got good assistance from Conor Fogarty. Our forwards worked extremely hard with Wally carrying on with his good form this year. Eoin Larkin's touch was a bit off but this was his first inter-county match in 9 months. It was pleasing to see the whole team up for the battle as Dublin hit hard in the first half. The Leinster final will tell us a lot more

pmy.murphy

Ive been fairly critical of Jonjo Farrell for a long time but in fairness to him it was a top performance from him Saturday night, i was highly impressed and just hope he can sustain it when the bigger tests come along. At the end of the day its all about the team and we want every player to do well

kk.man

Canadel wrote: »

Been the best player in the country for the best part of a decade. Unplayable at his best and as good as anyone even when not at his best.

I concur and I will go one further...He could play in any position and shine.

dubcat51

Agree with noddy 33. Blanch field was poor and I would have liked to see bolger.think bolger could be a star given the opportunity.

randd1

I wonder would it be an option to swap Lennon and Holden?

Physically Lennon is more suited to FB, and it's not an unusual position for home to play in.

Also I'm not convinced by Blanchfield yet, he could come good but there's been times this year where his brain just isn't at the speed of those around him. Would like to see Bolger get a run instead of Blanchfield if the situation arises, decent pace and knows how to take a goal chance.

On the game itself, I thought that Dublin were far better in the first half, partly because they were wearing into Kilkenny. After half time they seemed more intent on this tippy tappy stuff, and it broke what little momentum they had and played right into Kilkenny's hands. I honestly don't know what Cunningham is at, it's like he's trying to turn Dublin into the Cork.

That being said, Kilkenny were absolutely awesome in the first 15 minutes of the second half, when it came down to it every one of our lads turned it on physically and in terms of work ethic, a real example of a team going for the jugular.

Cornerback1

dubcat51 wrote: »

Agree with noddy 33. Blanch field was poor and I would have liked to see bolger.think bolger could be a star given the opportunity.

I thought he was keen when he come on against Clare. He got 2pts i think and the game was well over at that stage.

blackcard

dubcat51 wrote: »

Agree with noddy 33. Blanch field was poor and I would have liked to see bolger.think bolger could be a star given the opportunity.

Blanchfield is only 20, still has a bit to learn but Cody must be seeing something in training if he is bringing him in as a sub

dubcat51

I LIKE Blanch field and rate him highly. But he hasn't set the world alight yet when he has played.Bolger was the standout player for the 21s last year and his cameo v clare was full of promise. He is a scoring forward and we need one.

brookville

dubcat51 wrote: »

I LIKE Blanch field and rate him highly. But he hasn't set the world alight yet when he has played.Bolger was the standout player for the 21s last year and his cameo v clare was full of promise. He is a scoring forward and we need one.

I wonder is it possible that bolger is being primed for later in the year?liam blanchfield will probaly need two or three more years to develop he looked way off the pace the other night.I thought lennon done what he had to do in the corner considering it was his debut it's likely he'll be jackies long term successor in the number 4 jersey.Joey definitely looked in trouble at various stages but at times he had zero protection he'll get more help as we get through the summer plus most teams are playing with only two players in the ff line.he could be lacking a bit of confidence.The panel look in a decent position now with jackie,hogan,pender and jimmy maher all nearing a return

Noddy33

I wouldn't be as convinced Brookville about Lennon being jackies long term successor as he def not suited to corner back and if he any chance of making a long term inter county career it will be at full back.i just don't think he quick or mobile enough for either position but since the dept of kk panel not as good in comparison to previous years he prob worth his place on the panel and is a better hurler than mick Walsh from Gowran. I'd be hoping young tommy Walsh and Conor Delaney will come good over the next year or two and think these two could be long term cogs in the kk defence for years to come.i rate Blanchfield but I would have left him just with the U21's this season and I know they are gone from championship now but actually think the break and rest from inter county hurling could have done him wonders as when you think about it he has been on the go non stop for last 4years and throw in 2 very long seasons with Bennetsbridge on top of that too.Bolger deserves a shot and just hoping Cody is holding him in reserve for later the season

Realt Dearg Sec

Noddy33 wrote: »

I wouldn't be as convinced Brookville about Lennon being jackies long term successor as he def not suited to corner back and if he any chance of making a long term inter county career it will be at full back.i just don't think he quick or mobile enough for either position but since the dept of kk panel not as good in comparison to previous years he prob worth his place on the panel and is a better hurler than mick Walsh from Gowran. I'd be hoping young tommy Walsh and Conor Delaney will come good over the next year or two and think these two could be long term cogs in the kk defence for years to come.i rate Blanchfield but I would have left him just with the U21's this season and I know they are gone from championship now but actually think the break and rest from inter county hurling could have done him wonders as when you think about it he has been on the go non stop for last 4years and throw in 2 very long seasons with Bennetsbridge on top of that too.Bolger deserves a shot and just hoping Cody is holding him in reserve for later the season

Is blanchfield overage for 21s next year?

brookville

Realt Dearg Sec wrote: »

Is blanchfield overage for 21s next year?

No

Noddy33

Realt Dearg Sec wrote: »

Noddy33 wrote: »

I wouldn't be as convinced Brookville about Lennon being jackies long term successor as he def not suited to corner back and if he any chance of making a long term inter county career it will be at full back.i just don't think he quick or mobile enough for either position but since the dept of kk panel not as good in comparison to previous years he prob worth his place on the panel and is a better hurler than mick Walsh from Gowran. I'd be hoping young tommy Walsh and Conor Delaney will come good over the next year or two and think these two could be long term cogs in the kk defence for years to come.i rate Blanchfield but I would have left him just with the U21's this season and I know they are gone from championship now but actually think the break and rest from inter county hurling could have done him wonders as when you think about it he has been on the go non stop for last 4years and throw in 2 very long seasons with Bennetsbridge on top of that too.Bolger deserves a shot and just hoping Cody is holding him in reserve for later the season

Is blanchfield overage for 21s next year?

No he is under U21 again next year as he was on the all Ireland minor winning team in 2014

Realt Dearg Sec

Sound thanks lads. What do ye make of that lads? For a long time it was common wisdom that Cody doesn't throw in lads that young onto the field
I know it was only a few minutes when the game was won but do you think it points to Cody seeing something in blanchfield or is it part of a shift towards using younger players for no other reason than we don't have as strong an established panel as we used to have, where you might be 23 before you're getting a decent look in? (I know there's exceptions)

brookville

Realt Dearg Sec wrote: »

Sound thanks lads. What do ye make of that lads? For a long time it was common wisdom that Cody doesn't throw in lads that young onto the field
I know it was only a few minutes when the game was won but do you think it points to Cody seeing something in blanchfield or is it part of a shift towards using younger players for no other reason than we don't have as strong an established panel as we used to have, where you might be 23 before you're getting a decent look in? (I know there's exceptions)

It's probaly a small suprise considering john power was also on the bench and has all ireland experience he also came on before kevin kelly who has being around a few years.I think he obviously sees something in him...I know people had mixed reviews on wally when he broke into the team but coady kept persisting with him and infairness his definitely getting better every year and a real crowd favourite unbelievable in the air

unrealtime

Very unconvinced about Blanchfield. Thought he was better than what he has shown so far. Looked like a star in the making. Maybe he is too big which makes him a little immobile. We'll see yet.