Kilkenny GAA Thread

Village87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123890490#Comment_123890490

I did not think i said too much on that, we are in the same boat. I said previously that it is concerning that a lot of players from Kilkenny are turning down the chance to play Senior intercounty, that is not just in the Boro, it is county wide.

tbiggertycome

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123890384#Comment_123890384

Would agree with almost everything here. The one thing that has changed is Liam Moores interest in the intercounty scene. Since he dropped himself off the AI winning U20 panel in fairness to Derek he has asked Liam into the senior set up. Liam turned it down for his own reasons.

Anyone who saw Liam play underage and in the quarter final knows he has all the ingredients to be an intercounty hurler if the motivation is there. I've heard through the grapevine in the club that since he's finished college and is working he would relish a chance to try and make it at the intercounty level.

If he was called in (and Derek might have no interest in calling in a lad who refused him before) I wouldn't be expecting him to make an immediate impact I think he would need a bit more conditioning to get to the level of those already there.

I think Mattie Kelliher would be well worth a look at for Kilkenny too. He's big, strong, fast and lots of hurling and accurate. He's been unlucky this year with having an operation just before the league started but his performances since he's got back have been vital to the Boro getting this far.

Timmy Clifford has been the Boro's best and most consistent forward this year and is really thriving in his role (similar to what Eoin Cody is doing for the Shamrocks).

On the matches at the weekend you would have to say that if OLG and Shamrocks play to their best there will be only one outcome in the semi's.

Now maybe OLG are timing their run and they've only been coasting so far but they have been blitzing teams in the start of matches and tailing off in the second half of a lot of games and they seem to find it difficult to snap out of it. Vegas are a big strong team that while they may not have the overall level of talent OLG have their probably a more balanced team. If OLG are not on it, I could see Vegas over turning them. Vegas have been close to OLG and could have beaten them in the last few meetings. I'm sure OLG will know they can't afford to switch off like they have in previous games.

If Ballyhale and the Boro both play to their absolute best there will only be one winner. The Boro will have to play to their best and hope that Ballyhale are a bit off to stand a chance, if we're being realistic about it. Shamrocks apparently were mad to beat Thomastown and wanted "revenge" for last years exit. When they have that motivation it's very hard to beat them. It's hard to see where they can get the same motivation from playing the Boro who they beat handily in the the end, only a month ago (without TJ and only a cameo from Adrian). Henry and Co have them humming and no doubt he will have them ready and switched on. My hope is that it's as good a game as the quarter final two years ago between the teams and if it is there's always a chance the Boro might sneak it, if plenty goes right for them. Hopefully it's not another humiliation like the 2020 county final. I'll be happy if the Boro turn up and perform to their best even though that will still likely mean a loss. If the Boro did manage to win it would be a history making win as, as far as I'm aware the Boro have never had a Championship win over Ballyhale.

If it works out as expected above, it's hard to look past Shamrocks winning it out with their "revenge" for the county final of two years ago front of their mind. While I'm fairly sure Ballyhale will perform, OLG's second half sleepiness this year, will have to be a worry to their supporters.

Charlie69

Anyone hear about Adrian Mullen picking up a serious hand injury? Not sure if it’s true but those Mullens have been so unfortunate with injuries I wouldn’t be surprised.

Pennywise345

On some of the above funnily enough I got chatting to a former player recently at a work thing and we got speaking about Kilkenny hurling. He reckoned Cody and then Lyng picked wrong players. He reckoned Cody who used drop players easily, changed and kept average guys for too long, and said Lyng did the same and only last year did he really start to change. He mentioned some names who he seemed never got chances who were continously producing for their clubs, some of thes have been mentioned in the last few pages in intermediate and senior. I tend to agree but we don't know did they decline calls.

I think we have some snobbery towards clubs.

Anyway this weekend will see Ballyhale and OLG win with a bit to spare and will set up a great final!

Junior is harder to call, I think Paulstown and OLG

Nedflanders02

I'm not sure about Lyng but with Cody it was definitely him picking players who he could trust and who he knew would put in a shift for him and was more willing to ive a lad of ordinary ability more game time because of this. It obviousy served him well but probably did mean some of the more talented players may have not game time if de didn't feel they'd put a shift in.

The games at the weekend will be interesting. Mullinavat always seem to put to put it up to OLG and after their no show in last years semi final I think they will come out all guns blazing on Sunday and it could be an uncomfortable afternoon for OLG. I think OLG should have the quality to see the game out in the end but I think they will face a massive battle which could stand to them in the long run. The other semi should be a good game, if Shamrocks are a little bit off their game the Boro have the players to put it up to them, Buckley seems to be hurling well for them and Clifford and Moore are in good form. Boro will need everything to go right for them and if Shamrocks have an off day they have a chance but on all known form you would ahve to say it'll lok like a Shamrocks/OLG final.

Marrooned

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123891291#Comment_123891291

Well Ned, I’d agree with you on the two finalists personally I’m very happy with our year regardless we came through a tough year and came out the far side I’d hope we’re building the panel for next years campaign and hopefully have a bit of luck next year.

Marrooned

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123890574#Comment_123890574

Well Village, I was just pointing a few things out glad of the opportunity to reply.

greenspurs

Still no date or venue for the Senior camogie final !!!

Next Sat or Sun…

THats all thats been said. County board is terible , full of people in their positions too long.

Waiting on the gaa's permission to be allowed into the Park ...

🙄

Sir Chaz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123892967#Comment_123892967

Won't be in the park anyway, 2 Junior semis are Saturday and 2 Senior semis on Sunday

greenspurs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123893001#Comment_123893001

Not this weekend.

Weekend after..

Sir Chaz

It'll probably be played there on the Saturday so? Only the Intermediate Final as a standalone game is on that weekend.

Unusual they haven't already committed to it though given the Minor finals are played and the Junior and Senior Finals are the weekend after.

Dunnadude

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123892967#Comment_123892967

I thought it is on before the Intermediate Final

barneygumble99

meant to be on tomorrow week at 3:30 with intermediate final at 1:30 but no venue yet

greenspurs

Sat 18th .

Intermediate final at 1.30

Senior final at 3.30

Nowlan Pk.

hogans heroes

Told its next Saturday

Krazy gang

Ballyraggett and barrow rangers to win today.

O loughlins and ballyhale tomorrow.

WibblyWobblyWonderman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123896851#Comment_123896851

I fancy Ballyragget and Galmoy today.

Always find it hard to know with the city second teams. Maybe the seniors playing tomorrow will give them an edge for today, but Ballyragget are strong all over the field, especially the middle third. Forwards like Kevin Kelly and Michael Brennan can be the difference at this level.

Galmoy have come through two tough teams the last two games, and I don’t think it can be underestimated their finish against Kilmacow. Think they’ll have too much for Barrow Rangers who depend a lot on Jack Kelly. Jack seems heavily strapped, so may not be 100%.

WibblyWobblyWonderman

HT

St. Patrick’s 1-06 v O Loughlain Gaels 0-11

A quick start from Ballyragget looked like they’d run away with this early. There was ferocious pressure being put on OLG whenever they were on the ball, I counted 5 blocks/hooks within the first 6/7 minutes from Ballyragget. From this, some neat passing and finding runners in space had OLG under huge pressure in defence. In defence Geoff Brennan and Bill Staunton were cleaning up ball, and up front they were finding the danger men Sean Brennan, Kevin Kelly and Michael Brennan. Kelly scored a great point and a well taken opportunistic goal from Sean Brennan gave them an early lead. I think it was 1-03 to 0-01 after about 10 minutes.

But to be fair to OLG, they stuck to their plan and played their way back into the game after a difficult opening 10 minutes. Young in full back got to grips with Sean Brennan. Sammy Johnston in midfield is playing a blinder and looks a level above. Paddy Butler in wing forward is winning all the ball in his direction. Molloy ion wing forward is causing trouble running from deep at the Ballyragget defence. OLG, despite being a bit ponderous at the start of the game, are looking like a well oiled machine moving the ball well onto runners. Their defence has really stepped up and are outmuscling the Ballyragget forwards.

A highlight from the game so far is a brilliant sideline from about 50 meters by Ballyragget wing forward Christian Connick. He nearly repeated the effort, only for a great catch by the OLG goalkeeper as it was going over the bar. Ballyragget need their forward line to start winning ball like they were in the first 10 minutes, because when they do, they look very dangerous

kentu

O'Loughlins leading by 2 at half time after a certain slow start, Ballyragget could have had game nearly out of sight with the start they had, Kevin Kelly started well but has not got enough ball since.

Fancy the winners of this game to win it out, I would have said Ballyragget before the start with their experienced spine down the team but they will have to start well to win today 1st of All.

Krazy gang

Ó Loughlins very impressive. Too fast and energetic for Ballyragget. Probably the 4 or 5 weeks in a row after catching up on them

WibblyWobblyWonderman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897201#Comment_123897201

Ballyragget came out the 2nd half with great intensity, but OLG knocked them back fairly quickly. OLG just moved the ball aroundtoo well for them. Forget if it was Sheridan or Molloy who got the goal for OLG, but that was the game. As you said they were just too athletic for Ballyragget. Sean Brennan was well marshalled, as were Kevin Kelly and Michael Brennan. Kevin Kelly scored an absolute rasper for Ballyragget at the end, but it was too late. Sam Johnston was excellent today for OLG, as was Paddy Butler

kilkenny123456

Barrow Rangers v Galmoy going to extra time now. Very even game

barneygumble99

Full time
Barrow Rangers : 3-22(31)
Galmoy: 0-27(27)

Krazy gang

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897478#Comment_123897478

Really exciting game. Full credit to both teams for the entertainment. Billy Hanlon and Jack Kelly outstanding for barrow rangers. Billy drennan was very good as well as Gearóid phelan and conor grace.

mooz

Barrow Rangers will be representing Kilkenny in the Leinster junior championship as O'Loughlin Gaels can't enter a team.

Last time this happened, Conahy Shamrocks lost county final and then went all the way to win the All-Ireland club.

OLG look like the team to beat and will be favourites no doubt but have a feeling the Paulstown men will upset the odds. Some classy hurlers on their team

Krazy gang

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897787#Comment_123897787

Nothing against ó Loughlins but I think most people would prefer to see barrow rangers win it. Can't remember when they were last intermidiate.

Have to feel for galmoy. Some great hurlers there but with a small squad and key men getting hurt extra time was always going to stretch them. Thought conor grace and Gearóid phelan had excellent championships for them

Village87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897833#Comment_123897833

Why the need to play a sweeper? They have some nice forwards, When Conor Drennan went off and they pushed up they should have won the match in normal time from being 4 down. Conor Drennan hardly needs a sweeper around him. It allows Billy Drennan who had a fine game to be well marshalled , made absolutely no sense to me, especially when big Stanley is not the most mobile playing full forward

nippy corner foward

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897903#Comment_123897903

Paulstown got 3 goals and very easily could of had 3 more. This was probably the thought process behind that. Kieran o neill was outstanding at 6 and if derek was looking at junior hurlers he could do worse than look at this lad. He is big man for a 22 year old. Some of the high fielding from paulstown was excellent billy hanlon was excellent but the next step was often poor with clearances going straight to the opposition. Galmoy drove 16 wides. The age profile of the paulstown team is young but o loughlins have the benefit of training with the seniors. Ballyragget carried momentum into the start of the game but o loughlins got some cruical scores before half time and the last few weeks possibly caught up with ballyragget

Marrooned

I was at the U16 “A” county final yesterday, not a great game it was a game of two halves, at half time the Village were 10pms. Up and I thought myself our day was done, now saying that a lot of things didn’t go well in the first half but they stormed into the match in the second half and saw it home by 3pts. Some class hurlers on both sides,Millea,Mulcahy, O Brien and Phelan centre back. The Boro had Robbie Lacey,Ormonde,Treacy,Norton and Joe Dowling.As I keep saying don’t let anyone tell me we have no hurlers coming up.

kentu

I fancy O'Loughlins to scrape past Mullinavat in a serious battle, wouldn't surprise me if Vegas win either, they'll come with a performance today I feel.

Fancy Ballyhale to prevail against Boro with a bit to spare if they have everyone fit.