Kilkenny GAA Thread

Lot of blind faith on your part there, nothing to back that up, but equally nothing wrong with being parochial or myopic in these scenarios. We're all guilty of it to one extent or another. 

To put it bluntly, Tipps confidence is basically based off finishing 3rd in what we now know to be a very poor standard Munster Championship, off the back of 2 terrible Munster campaigns, and relying on the same players. There's a feel good factor in Tipp because this team are giving everything for the jersey this year, backed up by good underage success over the last 12 months, and Tipp have also had decent performances this year against 2 teams in decline, Clare and Limerick. It's a sea change in supporters attitudes from even January though, where there was a general air of pessimism in their panel and players, and a widespread feeling that Cahill was achieving nothing and should be replaced. Fast forward less than 6 months and ye are going to comfortably get to a final 😂.

But as you say, semi finals are a law unto themselves and are hard won. Kilkenny have far more reasons to have that confidence you have, but understandably given recent setbacks at all levels in the same period, are somewhat apprehensive.

Kilkenny's last 3 defeats in knockout championship games have been to the All Ireland Champions. 2 by very narrow margins, and the other due to what was probably Limericks greatest ever half of hurling. I'd believe we're a better side now with better options and energy off the bench, and like Liam Cahill, Derek Lyng is a better manager than he was 2 years ago. If Kilkenny perform we'll win as we have the better players, and far more substance to our championship form overall, but it'll undoubtedly require a big performance against a dogged and game Tipp team.

Eoghan Connolly has been excellent for Tipp all year, he obviously would not make full back on the KK team, Robert Doyle, Bryan O'Meara would make it also, Ronan Maher is way ahead of Richie Reid, much more physical and dominant in the air, Sam O'Farrell would probably make the Kilkenny team somewhere too

'Rattled' 😂

You're on the wrong forum sunshine. There's actually reasoned and logical debate here. Back to PremierView with you, that tone is more suited to that sewer. 

Id imagine Billy Ryan could step into 11. His pace down the middle could cause Tipp problems

Tipps issue is at midfield. That's where the overlaps came against Galway that created the goal chances. McGarry was lost there and Connors tries hard but lacks mobility. That's the area Kilkenny should target. If they go long too often Tipp will be happy enough with Ronan Maher, Breen, OMara and Connolly comfortable under the dropping ball.

TJ won't retire until Hogie retires first! 😉

Can see McGrath getting involved very quickly as a selector or something, seems like his role on the squad now has as much to do with his presence in the dressing room and sideline as what he contributes when he's on the field.

Oh well, would have been nice to get a good match but sure you can't have everything.

Terrible referee… very whistle happy while being very inconsistent at the same time.

Kilkenny to win by at least ten points against tipp. We are a way stronger team, this tipp team is very average.

My optimism has been dampened by our defeats at minor and u20 despite the optimism of many on here. Tipp also have had the indian sign over us since 2016.

Not saying we can't win but we will need a lot more players to find the form that they are capable of - Donnelly, Mullen, Cody, Blanch in particular. Also proper ball being played to TJ and the other forwards