Waterford GAA thread - mod warning post #1 and #51

Dick phelan

Lads i'm not living at home atm has is Shane Bennett off the panel still or what's the story? Also watching on GAA GO the Tipp v Clare game and they said something about no promotion or relegation this year. So does this mean even if we win the division we'll be playing Offally and the likes again next year.

PTH2009

Dick phelan wrote: »

Lads i'm not living at home atm has is Shane Bennett off the panel still or what's the story? Also watching on GAA GO the Tipp v Clare game and they said something about no promotion or relegation this year. So does this mean even if we win the division we'll be playing Offally and the likes again next year.

Shane played today was sub off early in the 2nd half. Still prob getting used too playing again

The 2020 league system is explained here. Main objective is too avoid relegation for us. Promotion is not as important this year

http://punditarena.com/gaa/kennedymarisa760/gaa-change-structure-hurling-league-2019/

KevIRL

Hard to read a whole lot into it with Offaly being so bad. Also conditions underfoot very poor with lots of slipping and sliding. Stephen bennett in the form of his life with 16 points (6 from play), one of which was worth the trip alone to see. Dj foran, Kearney, prunty, tdb also all had v good games.

We could easily have had 8 goals today

PTH2009

KevIRL wrote: »

Hard to read a whole lot into it with Offaly being so bad. Also conditions underfoot very poor with lots of slipping and sliding. Stephen bennett in the form of his life with 16 points (6 from play), one of which was worth the trip alone to see. Dj foran, Kearney, prunty, tdb also all had v good games.

We could easily have had 8 goals today

Brick was so unlucky not too score a goal when Bennett's shot hit the post

Offaly goalkeeper made a brilliant save in the first half

Crowd of just under 2300

Jjjjjjjbarry

2395 they announced.

Great to see lots of our scores coming from 65 yards and in. Not as many scores flying over from our own half which can’t be counted on in close games. I’m seeing a different attitude and an eagerness to get the ball quickly to our forwards and not as much of this playing it backwards, run at a man, take the shoulder and hand pass. There’s a lot more freedom of expression which you can see from all the creative passing and flicks. Bennett pulled off some really clever passes. His free taking is the best I’ve ever seen from a waterford player. Not the greatest ‘swing’ but he’s sinking the putts!

KevIRL

Jjjjjjjbarry wrote: »

2395 they announced.

Great to see lots of our scores coming from 65 yards and in. Not as many scores flying over from our own half which can’t be counted on in close games. I’m seeing a different attitude and an eagerness to get the ball quickly to our forwards and not as much of this playing it backwards, run at a man, take the shoulder and hand pass. There’s a lot more freedom of expression which you can see from all the creative passing and flicks. Bennett pulled off some really clever passes. His free taking is the best I’ve ever seen from a waterford player. Not the greatest ‘swing’ but he’s sinking the putts!

His instinctive pass to the brother in the first half was excellent and really deserved a goal

puzl

Could only listen to it on the radio today. Sounds like 1B really is going to be an opportunity for some new talent to prove their worth, which is exactly what we need. Refreshing to hear many of the names we've been talking about around here for a couple of years - McNulty, prunty, Nolan etc... Over the next season or two the enire team could be transformed with so many fighting for a place on the panel and team. When you look at the callibre of subs the other contenders are bringing on to close out games we need to have 20-25 players capable of starting on any given day. With the injured, the resting and ballygunner to return I think we could have a lot to say come munster championship.

If Stephen Bennet can push on from this amazing start he could light up the championship with his skill and cunning.

Deisegodeo

Really good attacking performance today, can only beat whats put in front of you but my God Offaly were terrible today.

Absolutely great to see Stephen Bennett in such good form, he was brilliant today, flicks and passes, points from all angles from play and frees, huge workrate and effort too.

Also nice to see Conor Prunty put in another excellent performance, looks very comfortable at senior level so far. And Tadhg was dominant at centre back, so good to have him in there mopping up ball after ball.

Tougher games to come, no doubt about that, but great to see Waterford trying things and looking to create goal chances throughout the game. Unlucky not to have more goals on the board, on another day those chances will be converted hopefully.

Good start and encouraging signs for the year ahead, albeit against very poor opposition today, so wont be losing the run of ourselves, but lots of positives for January hurling. Roll on Portlaoise next week.

Giveitfong

Waterford 2-28 Offaly 0-7

You can’t read much into this result such was the weakness of the opposition. Only four of the Offaly team featured in their last championship game against Dublin last June. Most of them I had never heard of before. Their basic skills were okay and right to the end they tried to play constructive hurling, but they were simply not at the races compared with Waterford’s pace, strength and conditioning. When they did create the odd scoring chance, their shooting was terrible – eleven wides to just six for Waterford. Four of their seven points came from frees – two from their goalkeeper and two from their left half back. Only one of their starting forward line scored.

The quality of the game was further affected by the fact that it was played on a soft, uneven, pitch which had taken a battering from the Tipperary/Clare game the night before. It was a very cold day with a stiff enough breeze blowing into the town goal. Offaly had the wind in the first half which meant they were able to keep the ball down at the Waterford end of the pitch for much of the time, and were only seven points down at half time, 0-12 to 0-5. That said, Waterford could easily have had several goals on the board by then but messed up a series of chances, while Offaly’s goalie Eoin Cahill pulled off two excellent saves. After the break it was lights out for Offaly, as Waterford rained over scores from all angles.

Waterford lined out with Shane Fives at full back, Shane McNulty in the right corner and Conor Prunty (rather surprisingly) at right half back. Prunty was doing fine there but when Fives shipped an injury late in the first half, Prunty moved back to the edge of the square, with Jordan Henley coming in at wing back. Kevin Moran was at left half back with Brick at midfield along with Mikey Kearney, although the latter moved into the forwards in the second half with Mark O’Brien moving from centre forward to midfield. Memories of older days from the distant past were revived when Waterford lined out with six defenders and six forwards, the latter rotating all the time.

Given the absence of close, physical, exchanges, it may not mean a lot to comment on individual performances here. However, easily the standout player of the day was Stephen Bennett, who ended up with 16 points, six of them scored from play. The only sign that he was human was a mis-hit 65 early in the first half. He gave an exhibition of magical control here, including one second-half point that made the admission price worthwhile. There was also one incident in front of the stand late in the game where, in virtually a single movement, he dispossessed an Offaly player, got the ball into his hand as he fell to the ground and laid it off to Kevin Moran with a handpass which had the crowd gasping in admiration. Here was a man who was clearly celebrating the passing of the Derek McGrath era.

Other Waterford players to stand out were Tommy Ryan, whose ball control while travelling at pace was a joy to watch; DJ Foran who notched 1-3 (the goal a brilliant individual effort, soloing in from the right wing and placing the ball in the far corner); and Tadhg de Búrca, who lorded affairs at centre back and, freed from the strictures of acting as sweeper, repeatedly broke forward to link up with his forwards.

There were a couple of disappointing performances. Shane Bennett lacked sharpness in some early involvements, and then faded out of the game altogether. Brian O’Halloran got on a lot of ball, but his use of it was very poor, and he was the only starting forward who failed to score. Both were replaced on 45 minutes by Patrick Curran and Jack Prendergast. Prendergast played on the wing and did well, notching 1-1. Curran went into the full forward line, but little ball came his way. It struck me that, while Waterford’s outfield players, with the aid of the wind, were scoring long range points for fun, they would have been better off putting ball into the full forward line to give Curran some useful match practice. With 15 minutes left, Stephen Roche and Colin Dunford replaced Brick Walsh and Mikey Kearney.

Given that Waterford were missing Stephen O’Keeffe, Darragh Fives, Austin Gleeson, Philip and Pauric Mahony, Conor Gleeson, Jamie Barron, Kieran Bennett, Darragh Lyons and the soon-to-return Maurice Shanahan, it would appear that they will have a depth of squad going into the championship which many other counties would envy.

Waterford: Billy Nolan; Shane McNulty; Shane Fives; Noel Connors; Conor Prunty; Tadhg de Búrca (0-1); Kevin Moran (0-1); Brick Walsh; Mikey Kearney (0-3); Shane Bennett (0-1); Mark O’Brien (0-1); DJ Foran (1-3); Tommy Ryan (0-1); Stephen Bennett (0-16, 10 frees); Brian O’Halloran. Subs: Jordan Henley for Shane Fives (injured, 30 minutes); Jack Prendergast (1-1) for Shane Bennett and Patrick Curran for Brian O’Halloran (45 minutes); Stephen Roche and Colin Dunford for Brick Walsh and Mikey Kearney (55 minutes).

IanVW

Giveitfong wrote: »

Waterford 2-28 Offaly 0-7

You can’t read much into this result such was the weakness of the opposition. Only four of the Offaly team featured in their last championship game against Dublin last June. Most of them I had never heard of before. Their basic skills were okay and right to the end they tried to play constructive hurling, but they were simply not at the races compared with Waterford’s pace, strength and conditioning. When they did create the odd scoring chance, their shooting was terrible – eleven wides to just six for Waterford. Four of their seven points came from frees – two from their goalkeeper and two from their left half back. Only one of their starting forward line scored.

The quality of the game was further affected by the fact that it was played on a soft, uneven, pitch which had taken a battering from the Tipperary/Clare game the night before. It was a very cold day with a stiff enough breeze blowing into the town goal. Offaly had the wind in the first half which meant they were able to keep the ball down at the Waterford end of the pitch for much of the time, and were only seven points down at half time, 0-12 to 0-5. That said, Waterford could easily have had several goals on the board by then but messed up a series of chances, while Offaly’s goalie Eoin Cahill pulled off two excellent saves. After the break it was lights out for Offaly, as Waterford rained over scores from all angles.

Waterford lined out with Shane Fives at full back, Shane McNulty in the right corner and Conor Prunty (rather surprisingly) at right half back. Prunty was doing fine there but when Fives shipped an injury late in the first half, Prunty moved back to the edge of the square, with Jordan Henley coming in at wing back. Kevin Moran was at left half back with Brick at midfield along with Mikey Kearney, although the latter moved into the forwards in the second half with Mark O’Brien moving from centre forward to midfield. Memories of older days from the distant past were revived when Waterford lined out with six defenders and six forwards, the latter rotating all the time.

Given the absence of close, physical, exchanges, it may not mean a lot to comment on individual performances here. However, easily the standout player of the day was Stephen Bennett, who ended up with 16 points, six of them scored from play. The only sign that he was human was a mis-hit 65 early in the first half. He gave an exhibition of magical control here, including one second-half point that made the admission price worthwhile. There was also one incident in front of the stand late in the game where, in virtually a single movement, he dispossessed an Offaly player, got the ball into his hand as he fell to the ground and laid it off to Kevin Moran with a handpass which had the crowd gasping in admiration. Here was a man who was clearly celebrating the passing of the Derek McGrath era.

Other Waterford players to stand out were Tommy Ryan, whose ball control while travelling at pace was a joy to watch; DJ Foran who notched 1-3 (the goal a brilliant individual effort, soloing in from the right wing and placing the ball in the far corner); and Tadhg de Búrca, who lorded affairs at centre back and, freed from the strictures of acting as sweeper, repeatedly broke forward to link up with his forwards.

There were a couple of disappointing performances. Shane Bennett lacked sharpness in some early involvements, and then faded out of the game altogether. Brian O’Halloran got on a lot of ball, but his use of it was very poor, and he was the only starting forward who failed to score. Both were replaced on 45 minutes by Patrick Curran and Jack Prendergast. Prendergast played on the wing and did well, notching 1-1. Curran went into the full forward line, but little ball came his way. It struck me that, while Waterford’s outfield players, with the aid of the wind, were scoring long range points for fun, they would have been better off putting ball into the full forward line to give Curran some useful match practice. With 15 minutes left, Stephen Roche and Colin Dunford replaced Brick Walsh and Mikey Kearney.

Given that Waterford were missing Stephen O’Keeffe, Darragh Fives, Austin Gleeson, Philip and Pauric Mahony, Conor Gleeson, Jamie Barron, Kieran Bennett, Darragh Lyons and the soon-to-return Maurice Shanahan, it would appear that they will have a depth of squad going into the championship which many other counties would envy.

Waterford: Billy Nolan; Shane McNulty; Shane Fives; Noel Connors; Conor Prunty; Tadhg de Búrca (0-1); Kevin Moran (0-1); Brick Walsh; Mikey Kearney (0-3); Shane Bennett (0-1); Mark O’Brien (0-1); DJ Foran (1-3); Tommy Ryan (0-1); Stephen Bennett (0-16, 10 frees); Brian O’Halloran. Subs: Jordan Henley for Shane Fives (injured, 30 minutes); Jack Prendergast (1-1) for Shane Bennett and Patrick Curran for Brian O’Halloran (45 minutes); Stephen Roche and Colin Dunford for Brick Walsh and Mikey Kearney (55 minutes).

Thought Billy Nolans puckouts were good today also and thought Mark o Brien done well

PTH2009

No footage of today's game on RTE tonight but had action from the other 2 1B games

Derek McGrath seems impressed with the free flowing style we seem too be playing.

sitkaspruce

Disappointing not to see it on league Sunday after waiting an hour! Was there any cameras there for it to be on tg4 during the week?

thesultan

Check tg4 tomorrow hopefully at 8.

Mastermcgrath

KevIRL wrote: »

His instinctive pass to the brother in the first half was excellent and really deserved a goal

If there’s nothing else to take from Fannings management reign so far its just so refreshing to see Stephen Bennett finally flourish in the senior colours. Jesus I couldn’t physically watch anymore of him chasing shadows 40 yards out from goal under Derek McGrath and then cutting a lonely dejected figure as he is withdrawn after 45 mins over for the past 4/5 years. Having witnessed him rip defence’s apart for fun at minor and under 21 level it depressed me to think that were never going to see the best of him and his career would pass him by

I’m happy to see McGrath standing up in national conventions giving presentations on this, that and the other, putting all his fancy words to better use because it means he’s no longer here draining the life out of some of the best young hurlers we’ve had in a generation

Now if Fanning can also get Curran playing with the same confidence and swagger that he did when playing alongside Bennett in those underage teams we could finally have a full forward line to build on for the next number of years that some other counties could only wish for

Jjjjjjjbarry

Derek was looking trim on the telly last night. He definitely enjoyed highlighting Tipp's double marking of the Clare full forward and a two man full forward line down the other end

Jjjjjjjbarry

I'd say it'll be a right head scratcher picking the half back line this year. Moran is doing really well there. He's a good lad to catch the ball. Tadhg's fielding has improved a lot too and then Philip Mahony is to come back with Darragh Fives hopefully available at some stage. Prunty is almost too good a hurler to be full back but he's probably the best option or else a definite wing back. I can't see Aussie fitting back into the defence this year which means he's probably fighting for a half forward place and we have plenty of lads fighting for positions there too. Dj Foran was impressive yesterday too and showed well for the ball, made some great catches and took his goal really well.

Deise_2012

Was Shane Fives's injury bad?

KevIRL

Deise_2012 wrote: »

Was Shane Fives's injury bad?

Didn't look too bad. But not sure tbh

PTH2009

Next Sunday will be a much tougher test esp on a tight pitch like Port Laoise

A win for us should be expected but Laois put it up too Galway yesterday

DiscoStew

Jjjjjjjbarry wrote: »

I'd say it'll be a right head scratcher picking the half back line this year. Moran is doing really well there. He's a good lad to catch the ball. Tadhg's fielding has improved a lot too and then Philip Mahony is to come back with Darragh Fives hopefully available at some stage. Prunty is almost too good a hurler to be full back but he's probably the best option or else a definite wing back. I can't see Aussie fitting back into the defence this year which means he's probably fighting for a half forward place and we have plenty of lads fighting for positions there too. Dj Foran was impressive yesterday too and showed well for the ball, made some great catches and took his goal really well.

Ya Moran and Tadhg are probably nailed on for the half back line barring injuries. I think Prunty is our best bet full back. Connors and Gleeson probably in the corners although Fives will push them hard I think. McNulty and Lyons have hurled well when played there so far also so we have no shortage in the back line. That leaves one spot for half back with Philip Mahoney, Austin and Darragh Fives fighting for it i’d imagine. Darragh or Austin could easily line up in midfield with Barron but Bricks experience important in the middle section also. If Brick was left midfield I’d expect to see Austin Gleeson at wing forward with Foran on the other wing. They would be serious threats in the air and in terms of running at the defence. Centre forward Paudie with Stephen Bennett full. After that you have a lot of options, Mikey Kearney, Tommy Ryan, Shane Bennett, Patrick Curran, Maurice.
That’s a serious outfit in fairness. Obviously a few issues within it, Austin’s current fitness, Curran returning from injury, Shane Bennett lacking a little form, Darragh Fives’ continued absence, Pauric and Philip potentially needing a break after a long year of club action, Maurice getting up to speed etc but overall it would leave one looking ahead with excitement.

Giveitfong

PTH2009 wrote: »

Laois put it up too Galway yesterday

Not quite. Galway started with just four of the team that lined out in last year's All-Ireland Final and still were 1-24 to 0-9 up with ten minutes to go. They then went to sleep and allowed Laois to score 2-6 in the closing stages.


Galway actually split their panel in two yesterday. One half played against Laois and the other half played a challenge against Ballygunner. I don't know how that game went but it probably was a better workout for the Galway lads.

PTH2009

Giveitfong wrote: »

Not quite. Galway started with just four of the team that lined out in last year's All-Ireland Final and still were 1-24 to 0-9 up with ten minutes to go. They then went to sleep and allowed Laois to score 2-6 in the closing stages.


Galway actually split their panel in two yesterday. One half played against Laois and the other half played a challenge against Ballygunner. I don't know how that game went but it probably was a better workout for the Galway lads.

Unusual to have 2 squads they must have some amounts of players playing senior with them

How's Ballygunners preparations going does anyone knw ???. Would love too see them do the business Saturday week and play on Paddys day in Croke Park. A lot of people saying Ballyhales forwards will be too strong

sitkaspruce

PTH2009 wrote: »

Unusual to have 2 squads they must have some amounts of players playing senior with them

How's Ballygunners preparations going does anyone knw ???. Would love too see them do the business Saturday week and play on Paddys day in Croke Park. A lot of people saying Ballyhales forwards will be too strong

Wouldnt think so, BG have played and beaten the best there is over the last few years incl. Thurles Sars, Na Piasaigh (2018 AI Finalists) Ballyea (2017 AI Finalists).

The Shamrocks reliance on the relatively inexperienced at adult level Mullen brothers could be a worry.

wazzer1

PTH2009 wrote: »

Unusual to have 2 squads they must have some amounts of players playing senior with them

How's Ballygunners preparations going does anyone knw ???. Would love too see them do the business Saturday week and play on Paddys day in Croke Park. A lot of people saying Ballyhales forwards will be too strong

Most Div 1 counties do the same. Pretty sure Dublin played Ballyhale yeasterday morning. No idea of the score just heard Dublin won well enough.

hardybuck

I presume this a foolish question, but do Waterford have any commercial officer or fundraising committee?

I note that Wexford have a Head of Commerical Development role, while Tipperary have just announced a new commercial board loaded with lots of senior business figures.

carter10

hardybuck wrote: »

I presume this a foolish question, but do Waterford have any commercial officer or fundraising committee?

I note that Wexford have a Head of Commerical Development role, while Tipperary have just announced a new commercial board loaded with lots of senior business figures.

Not that I'm aware of but as more counties do it we'll probably follow suit. Just keeping in line with the associations now core function of extracting as much money out of it's "customers" as is possible.
In November we had the CEO of the Munster council on WLR lecturing us on building a stadium and warning us that the cost of it would fall on the waterford co board and hence the waterford public, now just months later they are loading another €5 on the cost of league matches to cover Corks vanity project.
Most of us are already in a local club lotto but we are still being sold the line that the GAA needs money and that it is invested back into the clubs!
This despite the fact that most clubs in the last 10 years have managed to build 'hurling walls' and all weather pitches.
The GAA - the gift that keeps on taking or as it was known back in the 80s the Grab All Association

PTH2009

The Walsh Park development is such a farce as it should be half way through building now but it's not even started and we could be still playing championship games in it's current state

DiscoStew

PTH2009 wrote: »

The Walsh Park development is such a farce as it should be half way through building now but it's not even started and we could be still playing championship games in it's current state

Was it not held up due to objections from residents? I think it’s the right decision to delay it now until after we have played our home games in Munster. Start work as soon as possible after. It may not be pretty for this years games but having the games at home will be an advantage to us and that’s the most important thing right now.

PTH2009

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/gaa/gaa-ruled-out-building-alternative-waterford-venue-901309.html

thesaturdayman

so when are we going to know when games are played officially? whats the hold up at this stage ffs, the silence is deafening.