Well I hope Eoin goes to support the lads tomorrow not like the time we got annihilated in Ennis he cut the s••t out of the players but wasn’t actually there.
eoin Larkin would really fill you with confidence in his interview today with our game podcast. His sad demeanor alone says kk will lose by 10 to 14 points
The team does look a bit frail in places. I'd much, much rather d blanchfield in cb, with deegan mf, or maybe k blanchfield in the middle. Whatever about getting a settled midfield I think the one named for this weekend is too small and will really struggle with the amount of physicality limerick being to that area of the field.
I don't see that we have the upper hand on any line of the field with the possible exception of our full forward line if eoin Cody really clicks and gets back to his best form.
But the reality is that lim just have too many weapons at the moment so there's no amount of moving players around that you can do that you'll eventually find a team that, on paper, should beat them. They just have a stronger squad than we do.
The good news is we are going in with very little expectations and a real opportunity for these players to lay down a marker, let us as fans, and limerick and every other team in the country, know that they are not to be taken lightly. Our play hasn't been joined up and fluid the way limericks has, our tactics are just not as well developed. But what we can do is front up, flight like dogs and let everyone know that we still mean business. That's basically what Galway did last week and it nearly worked. Ok they had an extra man and couldn't get it done, but also they were missing several key players but they fought like dogs in the muck and limerick will have woken up the next morning Knowing they were in a fight.
As long as we can do that, I wouldn't mind a loss too much, as long as we start within three or four of them. That would set us up well going into the championship. A hammering would be a disaster but i think our lads have a point to prove here.
Very appropriate post. Every player gives it their all while sacrificing part of their lives for the good of Kilkenny hurling. The vast majority on here appreciate that and will usually suggest an alternative to a player they wouldn't start. But this continuous slating of individual players from a very small minority is disgusting at times. Asked to pick their starting 15 and they go into hiding for a while. Imagine asking them to pick a match day panel or full squad!
Unlike last Saturday when the match against Waterford wasn't televised, we'll have a larger audience of experts ready to slate no doubt this Saturday.
If I got as little enjoyment out of the hurling as some do, I'd pack it in. I don't understand how you'd be bothered at all.
To reiterate, the vast majority on here are very fair.
Our squad is looking much weaker overall than it has over the last 2/3 years in my opinion.
Still looking forward to going to Cork tomorrow evening and will be hoping for a good performance more than anything, result far from end of the world infairness.
Important that we get behind the team from here on in, I myself have been to only one game as it was a long winter going to support my club at matches which was great for that time of year. As others have said here before our support has been very poor over last while (I include myself in that BTW) lads can be happy to slate players on here, they need plenty of positive noise in their favour.
He did okay when he came on the last day and got a nice point but yeah he’d frustrate the life out of you.
Fenno and Cha...what a combination.
Probably 2012 would be a random guess
m Fennelly and m rice before either one of them was out injured
I'm 6 years looking at Billy Ryan and the same posts are written before every match
Looking at that team we are still going to be heavily reliant on the Ballyhale lads to light up the scoreboard, John Donnelly might get a score or 2.
Really need Billy Ryan to start using the lightning pace he has, he must drive Lyng bananas having that pace but not using it enough in matches to unlock defences.
Its time to man up tomorrow night and bring the fight to this Limerick team for 70 plus minutes.
Watch Paudie Clifford from Kerry, his brother David gets all the plaudits putting up 1-7 etc but Paudie makes Kerry tick. His workrate and tackling is through the roof.
TJ is a truly phenomenal hurler, I’ve never seen the likes of what he’s done consistently for Ballyhale and Kilkenny over the years.
Is it a last chance for Billy Ryan to perform?
He must be working hard in training but needs to turn it on when it matters, he's had numerous chances.
Everyone knows we are going to be under pressure come tomorrow evening but as Eddie Brennan pointed out its about how much fight we have in us to meet the challenge.
The 2 Mikeys will be big losses and Shane Murphy getting and opportunity in corner back will be a big test for him. Buckley obviously in there for his experience but it goes to show Lyng doesn't see any younger guys filling a wing back or corner back slot for us.
The performance is the key here. We know Limerick will go for 70 plus minutes so it will be a big test for our lads but one we have to meet head on.
Looking forward to it.
According to @tbiggertycome in post https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121900610/#Comment_121900610 he has left the panel.
Recovering from an injury. Back running.
Where's Tom Phelan these days?
Does anyone have the stat on how many different midfield pairings there have been on Kilkenny teams over the past 2 years? When is the last time the same pairing was named 3 times in a row even?
Will Buckley and Molloy switch?
I agree it’s a very small and light midfield
Is Darren Brennan gone from the panel.
Interesting. Probably would have started Molloy at 2, Murphy at 7 and Kevin Blanchfield in midfield myself
Buckley to start
I would imagine rhey will name a strong team its up to Kk to match them.
Limerick team being named at 9 tonight. Runoured to be full strength
Pressure on Mark Dowling after last years shambles when we were completely caught for pace as Brookville eluded too, especially Langton on the wing. It will be interesting to see did management learn from last year and how they will prepare for the lack of pace in the team last year.
If you compare 2 of our greatest players Tommy and Henry both spent there last season on the bench for Kilkenny not making much of contribution or a meaningful impact at 34
It makes what Tj is doing at 36 even more remarkable the last few years
If we lost TJ we would not get out of Leinster
He broke his thumb I think, not sure when he's back.
Any update on Mikey butler or Mikey Carey?
Anyone have an update on Jordan Molloy?
Thought he was out best player V Wexford...
Assume he is injured?
If you can't see how much difference tj made playing against Clare, you've no business commenting at all, he was phenomenal and we'd be shagged this year if he decided to give it up tomorrow
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