Cork GAA Discussion Thread

There’s a kernel of a point there that some teams across all sports do make sure that if a refs decision goes against them they make an issue of it in the belief this will make refs think twice next time. Certainly if that view is correct (not sure), then Cork do in general fall down in doing this.

Again, there is a general argument capable of being made that Cork, who have the reputation of being soft, somehow end up with more red cards in key matches than most counties. Im thinking of Hoggie in the semi v Waterford in 2017, O Donoghue against Clare last year, Barrett v Clare this year and the the two finals (hurling and camogie) this year, etc. To take the red in the hurling this years final, a soft yellow followed by a yellow with a possible push in the build up. Contrast it with how many fouls Adam Hogan committed in the previous years final for example.

But I can think if plenty counter arguments too. Moreover, most of the above reds are hard to argue with on a standalone basis. Finally, re Eoin Downey, I agree you kinda need to look beyond the ref if you are only scoring two points in a half of hurling.

In the round though I do think there are other counties (Clare are a good example) that seem to me to get reffed a bit differently and it might be because they work on refs before, during and after matches…

Some teams have mastered the dark art of playing on the edge, but, not overstepping it, ( essentially fouling but, not getting penalised for it), Kilkenny have been masters of this for years, as have Limerick and Clare in recent years. There's an art to it, knowing what certain refs will let go etc., on the other hand teams like Cork & Galway are too niave, they haven't mastered the dark arts and lose out because of it.

Down through the years I have plenty of experience of watching Galway concede soft frees against Kilkenny for F all, yet Kilkenny seem to get away with a lot worse, but, it's in the way they tackle compared to Galway, Galway make it obvious they are fouling, so concede soft frees, whereas Kilkenny don't make it as obvious, so get away with more. Cork have the same problem as Galway, don't know how to tackle properly without making it obvious they are fouling, so end up conceding soft frees, yellows, reds eventually costing matches. Until Cork improve on the dark arts, they will struggle to win an AI.

Jesus look at all those thanks comments from people having a pop at us get! I guess we're the Millwall of the GAA and that's something to revel in i think. Nobody likes us we don't care etc. These people are just serial haters and begrudgers even when we do win all Irelands again, they'll never give us the credit for it. It's a lose a lose situation with these people. I wouldn't change who we are as people for anything though. It's what makes us uniquely Cork at the end of the day!

why is he a forgotten hurler?

Ben was on the panel but had a very bad hamstring injury which is why he was out this year. I think he will be involved going forward with Cork and hopefully Padraig Power recovers well also. Ben will be a huge asset to Cork with both his play and free taking ability as you said Shamo

That's awful news if true. Really needs a change

Complete nonsense, everywhere west of the city it's all football, there is virtually no hurling in West Cork.

Was at it - the scoreline at the end almost flattered Erin's Own. First 10 was good competitive but once Sars got on top, they were seriously impressive.

Jack O'Connor got a couple of great scores, Murphy midfield (Killian I think) got contender for goal of the season - that guy has unreal pace, chased down Robbie O'Flynn in a straight footrace 5-10yards head-start to Robbie. Probably showing why Robbie is not as effective at inter-county this past year. In the past he would not have been caught.

In the first game fair play to Newcestown but Midleton were very flat I thought, should probably have lost. Luke Meade played sweeper for Newcestown and hurled a lot of ball - Midleton need to figure out how to get Tommy O'Connell on the ball more every time he did he seemed to pick out a great pass/distribution but just wasn't on the ball enough for me