Waterford GAA Discussion Thread 2009-2011

Deise Tom · 06-06-2011 11:20AM

Mountainlad wrote: »

I think we'll win by about 5. Fitzgerald is now in his 3rd full year, the assault on Liam McCarthy must be this year. I'm sure it's the aim that's been there all the time, but we're probably best set to do it now.

Possible line-up:

1.Clinton
2.Darragh Fives
3.Hutchison
4.Connors
5.Tony
6.Brick
7.Nagle
8.Moran
9.Foley
10.Molumphy
11.Shane Sully
12.Eoin McGrath
13.Mullane
14.Shane Walsh
15.Eoin Kelly

I think that's the strongest team we've had since 2007. I think Hutchison will shade it over Liam Lawlor because Liam hasn't had the game time and Hutchison to be fair has looked solid. I always liked Nagle but I wasn't sure that wing back was his position. I think he improved a lot over the league. Still prone to the odd mistake but pretty good. I wouldn't have Eoin McGrath starting but it looks like he will. The last spot (15) is a hard one to call. In every championship game last year Fitzgerald picked someone different. It's a pity O Halloran missed the league and is still injured. I had hoped he'd get a good run at that spot this year and that he'd be good there but he hasn't gotten the chance, I don't think he'll feature this year. I'd also start Brian O'Sullivan ahead of Kelly. Maybe he'll play Kelly at twelve and start O'Sullivan but I'd be suprised.

The rest of the team bar 3, 12 and 15 I'm certain that's how they'll line up.

Moran is playing out of skin, Brick too having rediscovered his form. Shane Walsh is back in his best position and a real threat, Mullane is Mullane. Shane O'Sullivan looks good at centre forward and is hopefully the answer to a long standing problem. I dunno how Tony still does but the important thing is he does, exceptional athlete. It's a strong team, and it should be too strong for Limerick. It would want to be, as I said this is the year we need to be thinking about that title, other wise Fitzgerald won't be returning (whether he'd come back if we did win an all-ireland or not is another stroy)

Can see the team lining out along that line. However i cant see Kelly playing and see maurice or Mahony playing and coming out as a possible extra half forward.

A lot of people think that Adrian Power should be in goal and they way he has played over the past while he would deserve his place. However Davy in the past when questioned about the goal keepers position quite rightly has answered back, what as Clinton done wrong. The answer, well little and it would be hard to drop him just for the sake of it. We have to remember that last year he was in the running for an all-star.

The number two shirt could also be interesting. Eoin Murphy has made it his own over the past few years. Through no fault of his own he will not see much of it this year. Davy again quite rightly has given Darragh Fives the chance to challenge for it and he has taken that chance. Ringo is also on the way back and he will be pushing hard for a place there. I know that in the past Davy was an admirer of the Tallow man and had hopes for him to fill the full back position but that never really worked out for what-ever reason. Maybe we might see him in the corner again or on the wing.

flahavaj · 06-06-2011 11:50AM

I wouldn't like to see E McGrath or Nagle or E Kelly starting from the team named above. I'd have Dec Prender or Ringo at wing back, O Sullivan or O Halloran in the corner and I'd have Maurice or O Mahoney at wing forward.

Cake Man · 06-06-2011 11:58AM

The rest of the team bar 3, 12 and 15 I'm certain that's how they'll line up.

I'd agree with that, it seems all positions bar 3, 12 and 15 are cemented in but I'm not fully convinced Nagle will get 7, could be Dec or Ringo there. Might be a possibility that Ringo will get the nod over Darragh Fives but I think Fives will ultimately start. Hutchy looks odds on to take 3. I just don't like the thought of Eoin McGrath in the starting 15 at all.

That leaves 12 and 15. I reckon Maurice will take 12, either himself or Paudric Mahony it's a tough one to call. Possible that Kelly might even get the nod there. Just have a slight fancy for Shan given his bit more experience than Mahony (not much but you know what I mean) and in fairness to Maurice he played well in the U21 game last Weds night so I think that may shade it for him.

15 is interesting, toss up between Kelly again, Brian O'Sullivan, maybe Paudric Mahony and I wouldn't fully rule out Brian O'Halloran yet either tbh.
On that basis:
1.Clinton
2.Darragh Fives
3.Hutchison
4.Connors
5.Tony
6.Brick
7.Dec/Ringo (whoever looks to be in better form)
8.Moran
9.Foley
10.Molumphy
11.Shane Sully
12.Maurice
13.Mullane
14.Shane Walsh
15.Eoin Kelly/Brian O'Sullivan/Paudric Mahony (again, whoever is in better form)

Fireball07 · 06-06-2011 12:02PM

What's the story with Eoin Kelly?? Why does no one want him to start anymore? Is it because you've found a new free-taker?

The full-back...is he fast?

deisedude · 06-06-2011 12:26PM

Fireball07 wrote: »

What's the story with Eoin Kelly?? Why does no one want him to start anymore? Is it because you've found a new free-taker?

The full-back...is he fast?

Questionable attitude and in horrible form are the main reasons. No doubting his talent. He is definately our best free taker but i think this has made him complacent and he doesnt do enough from play

Hutchy shouldnt be caught for pace. I'd worry more about him commanding the square for high balls to be honest

Mountainlad · 06-06-2011 12:44PM

I dunno. Ringo has had no competitive game time. It's about time Prender was a sub to be honest. Both of them. Deccie was a good corner back in his day but I think that's come and gone. Seamus was a brilliant forward but his legs aren't able for that level anymore in my opinion.

Eoin McGrath will start, I reckon. He's played a lot of games. Mahony was good enough against Tipp in the 21s but not brilliant and Sundays game is an even bigger step up. Maurice to me isn't fit enough. He looked very tired a short way into the second half. Thats why I reckon he'll stick with Eoin McGrath, though it could be Seamus. Brain O'Sullivan has been getting scores consistently and got 1-4 in the 21s game. Would like to see him included and if neccesary play Eoin Kelly at half forward, a position he'd be more comfortable in. But he really does need to shape up, there's replacements there now.

Hutchison has been in good form and I think that is quite a good half back line. They won't concede the goals to Limerick that Clare did, or certainly not if the ball into the forwards is as poor as it was in the divison two league final.

Cake Man · 06-06-2011 01:20PM

Deccie would be more physically stronger and a bit more defensively solid than Nagle but Nagle would have more hurling in him and a bit better skill than Dec. Nagle's distribution is poor though and we saw last year against Clare that Deccie is capable of bursting forward. I'd agree that Ringo wouldn't have the game time under his belt however.
Wouldn't mind seeing Maurice start, even if he will only last a half or 45mins.
I'd be a bit more confident with Hutchinson starting, he attacks the ball well and I think is the best option we have for 3.

Are tickets on sale at Walsh park this week anyone know?

Mountainlad · 06-06-2011 01:25PM

I dunno. Against a good wing forward I'd be worried about Prendergast and his notable lack of pace. I think the Clare game was a bit of a stand alone there. We'll see what happens, I'd prefer Ringo to both I suppose but he has hardly played so it's not likely. We have a fair old team though, a team that should be capable of challenging for the All Ireland this year and I expect nothing less.

johnfarmer · 06-06-2011 04:17PM

I'm sorry but it's been long enough we've had Ringo, Dec Pender and Nagle at wing back. All are relatively average players. So can somebody please tell me WHY Philip Mahony isn't in contention nor anybody is mentioning his name? He was the star of the minor team that won Munster, the star of the successful De La Salle college teams, the most promising talent to come out of Ballygunner since Hartley and only last week he was our star performer against Tipp in the under-21. He gave a Brick Walsh-like performance and I thought he was fantastic up in Thurles. Yet he continues to be over-looked.

My team for Limerick would be:
1. Adrian Power
2. Darragh Fives
3. Wayne Hutchison
4. Noel Connors
5. Tony Browne
6. Michael 'Brick' Walsh
7. Philip Mahony
8. Kevin Moran
9. Stephen Molumphy
10. Richie Foley
11. Shane O'Sullivan
12. Pauric Mahony
13. John Mullane
14. Shane Walsh
15. Maurice Shannahan

I have no problem with admitting that I am bias in wanting younger players picked over older players but that is because I think over the long term we have some fantastic prospects that need developing ASAP in championship hurling.

deisedude · 06-06-2011 04:32PM

johnfarmer wrote: »

I'm sorry but it's been long enough we've had Ringo, Dec Pender and Nagle at wing back. All are relatively average players. So can somebody please tell me WHY Philip Mahony isn't in contention nor anybody is mentioning his name? He was the star of the minor team that won Munster, the star of the successful De La Salle college teams, the most promising talent to come out of Ballygunner since Hartley and only last week he was our star performer against Tipp in the under-21. He gave a Brick Walsh-like performance and I thought he was fantastic up in Thurles. Yet he continues to be over-looked.

My team for Limerick would be:
1. Adrian Power
2. Darragh Fives
3. Wayne Hutchison
4. Noel Connors
5. Tony Browne
6. Michael 'Brick' Walsh
7. Philip Mahony
8. Kevin Moran
9. Stephen Molumphy
10. Richie Foley
11. Shane O'Sullivan
12. Pauric Mahony
13. John Mullane
14. Shane Walsh
15. Maurice Shannahan

I have no problem with admitting that I am bias in wanting younger players picked over older players but that is because I think over the long term we have some fantastic prospects that need developing ASAP in championship hurling.

Yes he is a fantastic prospect but i dont think he stood out in the league at senior level. Doesnt matter what he did at underage its irrelevant. If a Ballygunner player deserves to play in the half back line at this moment in time it would be David O'Sullivan

ovalu · 06-06-2011 05:08PM

Mountainlad wrote: »

I dunno. Against a good wing forward I'd be worried about Prendergast and his notable lack of pace. .

some of the comments on here are pretty clueless, Declan Prendergast isn't the worlds most skillfull hurler but he certainly has plenty pace

Mountainlad · 06-06-2011 06:11PM

ovalu wrote: »

some of the comments on here are pretty clueless, Declan Prendergast isn't the worlds most skillfull hurler but he certainly has plenty pace

Harsh. Well, Bonner Maher gave him enough of it last year. I wouldn't start him.

I wouldn't start Mahony. He was very good against Tipp, aminly in the second half, even he didn't stand out in the first half. And in the league he was decent but not brilliant, I wouldn't toss him in just yet. I'd agree about David O'Sullivan but I still wouldn't start him.

flahavaj · 06-06-2011 09:35PM

IMO Dec Prender has plenty hurling in him. I'd prefer to see him there than Nagle anyway tbh.

Deise Tom · 06-06-2011 09:55PM

Lismore won Sargent Cup this evening. Was a good game. Despite both teams been short a few players, they were still able to field strong teams. Final Score 1-15 to 0-17.

Lismore: S Barry; P Fennessy, M Coleman, S Heaphy; J Prendergast, D O’Gorman, J Bennett; E Quann, P O’Keeffe; P Coleman, D Howard, C O’Gorman; T Walsh, D Shanahan, J Heneghan. Subs: C Tinnelly for P Fennessy, B Bennett for T Walsh.
Scorers: J Heneghan 1-5 (0-1 frees), J Prendergast 0-3 (0-1 free, 0-1 ’65), E Quann, D Shanahan, C O’Gorman 0-2 each, D Howard 0-1.

De La Salle: J Cody; K Byrne, I Flynn, M Doherty; B Phelan, C Watt, C Clancy; E Barrett, D Twomey; P Nevin, J Keane, T Kearney; J Dillon, E Madigan, L Hayes. Subs: A Sullivan for J Dillon, C Sheehan for T Kearney, S McNulty for L Hayes.
Scorers: E Madigan 0-6 (0-1 frees), J Keane 0-3 (0-1 frees), E Barrett, P Nevin 0-2 each, J Dillon (free), A Sullivan, B Phelan (free), D Twomey 0-1 each.

Referee: P Casey (Cappoquin

Fireball07 · 06-06-2011 11:34PM

deisedude wrote: »

Questionable attitude and in horrible form are the main reasons. No doubting his talent. He is definately our best free taker but i think this has made him complacent and he doesnt do enough from play

Hutchy shouldnt be caught for pace. I'd worry more about him commanding the square for high balls to be honest

But hasn't his attitude always been slightly poor? And I don't think he's been really good from play, bar a couple of performances, in years. One of the most overrated players of the last few years in my humble opinion. As a hurler, not a patch on Mullane.

I think Downes has a real touch of class about him. Great first touch, strong, fast, good in the air and gets scores. Nearly has everything to make a top class hurler, give him a few years and I think he'll be the best forward we've produced in a long time.

I really rate him and if Hutchison is not on top form and Downes gets good ball, then he could be our one chance to really open up the defence. He had a great league, probably our best forward especially in the 2nd half of it. And in the league final he was superb, caused panic in the Clare defence every time he got the ball.

I'm scared of Shane Walsh and Mullane though. We've got no proper full-back and Walsh could exploit that. And Mullane is Mullane. Reale is probably too slow to man mark him now so it means Condon will take him. He was our best player throughout the league but he's still inexperienced at Championship level.

PTH2009 · 07-06-2011 12:24AM

If Waterford win then its Either Tipperary or Clare in the Munster final on Sun July 10th.

If Waterford Lose Its either Galway,Dublin,Kilkenny or Wexford in Phase 2 of the All Ireland Quilfers on Sat July 2nd (Tall Ships Saturday, could get moved to Sunday July 3rd if Waterford get a home draw or something).

Mountainlad · 07-06-2011 09:06AM

Fireball07 wrote: »

But hasn't his attitude always been slightly poor? And I don't think he's been really good from play, bar a couple of performances, in years. One of the most overrated players of the last few years in my humble opinion. As a hurler, not a patch on Mullane.

I think Downes has a real touch of class about him. Great first touch, strong, fast, good in the air and gets scores. Nearly has everything to make a top class hurler, give him a few years and I think he'll be the best forward we've produced in a long time.

I really rate him and if Hutchison is not on top form and Downes gets good ball, then he could be our one chance to really open up the defence. He had a great league, probably our best forward especially in the 2nd half of it. And in the league final he was superb, caused panic in the Clare defence every time he got the ball.

I'm scared of Shane Walsh and Mullane though. We've got no proper full-back and Walsh could exploit that. And Mullane is Mullane. Reale is probably too slow to man mark him now so it means Condon will take him. He was our best player throughout the league but he's still inexperienced at Championship level.

Nice ta get a bit of insight.

Well, your right Kelly never had a great attitude, but there was never really a question of him losing his place. Now there is and we all want him to prove his worth because he is talented and he's shown glimpses of it (Munster Final drawn game last year when he scored THAT goal, replay against Limerick in 2009 when he made a marvellous pick up and drilled it over, 2009 against Kilkenny when he pulled first time was unlucky PjcRyan saved it, 2007 League Final when he scored a point the fist half over his shoulder on the touchline off his weaker side). Again your right like, Mullane is sensational, and was worthy of an all star in 2008 ahead of both Kelly and Canning (still pisses me off, he was the top scorer from play in the championship that year).

I saw a fair bit of that league final, missed the first half saw the goal highlights. They gave Condon man of the match so he must have done something right, because that is a very strong Clare forward line. Ye have players I admire like Hickey and O Mahoney. Ye're midfield looked good too. I'd still fancy Moran and Foley to get the better of them. Shane Walsh is on fire as well, 3-14 in 5 games in the league. Could be a good game, we should win it.

Jeddah · 07-06-2011 12:53PM

Certain starters for Sunday are

1. Clinton
2. Fives
3.
4. Connors
5.
6. Brick
7.
8. Foley
9. Sullivan
10. Moran
11. Molumphy
12.
13. Mullane
14. Walsh
15.

Think Hutchy has the adv at full back , Ringo too lose , Nagle is not a back , think that Pender and D O Sullivan will get nod eventhough P Mahoney wont be far off it, Tony on bench , Mahoney will prob be at No.12 and B O Sullivan in the corner

Outsider for a start could be Thomas Ryan. Id say he will probably want to start with the most experienced team he can and if things are going well to introduce a couple of the newer lads.

Mountainlad · 07-06-2011 01:09PM

I would bet my savings on Tony Browne starting. He was class in the league, proving again that age is but a number to him. I think Moran will be midifeld. They won't put him in the forwards after last year, might switch him in game if we're struggling.

Tommy Ryan won't start in my view because Fitz doesnt think hes strong enough (which he probably isn't!)

Jeddah · 07-06-2011 01:17PM

Tony done ok in the league , in the last match against offaly all the backs were poor enough except maybe for Brick. Think this would be a good match to give either O Sullivan or Mahoney a start alongside Brick and Pender. Tonys experience if needed could be used towards the end if things were tight.

Would agree about Ryan and his strenght but its his pace and running at defences which he is excellent at provided he gets the right ball.

Daysha · 07-06-2011 01:19PM

Interesting XV predicted by the News and Star. They're going for Kevin Moran at 7, David O'Sullivan partnering Foley in midfield, Seamus Prendergast and Pauric Mahony at wing-forwards and Molumphy at 15.

comeraghs · 07-06-2011 04:16PM

Is that Paraic Fanning that writes the hurling in the N&S?

Deise Tom · 07-06-2011 04:32PM

comeraghs wrote: »

Is that Paraic Fanning that writes the hurling in the N&S?

No

suitcasepink · 07-06-2011 04:33PM

comeraghs wrote: »

Is that Paraic Fanning that writes the hurling in the N&S?

I think its his father Phil!

Daysha · 07-06-2011 06:57PM

Nah that XV was put together by Ger Lawton.

Mountainlad · 07-06-2011 07:19PM

Daysha wrote: »

Interesting XV predicted by the News and Star. They're going for Kevin Moran at 7, David O'Sullivan partnering Foley in midfield, Seamus Prendergast and Pauric Mahony at wing-forwards and Molumphy at 15.

I'd like to see what Mansfield has for us in the Observer, he usually has the inside track though he may have been warned against revealing too much after past leaks.

I can't see why Fitzgerald would consistently play Moran at midfield and then move him into the backs. Equally, I don't see David O'Sullivan starting, and I don't see both Mahony and Prendergast starting, but if I was to pick one I'd say he'd go for Mahony. He may name Molumphy at 15, but he won't stay there.

I agree about Tommy Ryans pace, it's frightening. I like him and would like to see him get a chance in the championship, particularly with a three man full forward line where you have Shane Walshs ball winning ability and aerial ability which will give Ryan the opportunity to both receive passes and work off the breaking ball too. But, I don't think Fitzgerald will play him. Selections suggest he won't anyway.

KevIRL · 07-06-2011 08:27PM

Wexford beat KK tonight in the Leinster u-21 championship quarter final. Interesting to see KK's stranglehold on underage in Leinster being well and truly broken

Mountainlad · 07-06-2011 08:33PM

KevIRL wrote: »

Wexford beat KK tonight in the Leinster u-21 championship quarter final. Interesting to see KK's stranglehold on underage in Leinster being well and truly broken

Kilkenny won the minor in 2008 as well so it really is a coup for Wexford. Hope they go on and win the all-ireland, it would be great for hurling. Of all the teams out there, I'd love to see the re-emergance of Wexford!

Cake Man · 07-06-2011 08:49PM

Tony will definitely start, just as much as Kelly will not start. Have heard Kelly still off the pace in training and just not doing anything to warrant a starting place for Sunday. Paudric Mahony I'd say will start, same with Brian O'Sullivan to get the nod over Tommy Ryan. David O'Sullivan too I've been told is making a good claim for no.7.
Moran will surely partner Foley in midfield and I highly doubt Seamus will start.

Wexford beat KK tonight in the Leinster u-21 championship quarter final. Interesting to see KK's stranglehold on underage in Leinster being well and truly broken

I'm delighted for Wexford fair play to them. When we played KK in a U21 challenge 3 weeks ago in Walsh park, KK were very poor by their standards tbh so it actually doesn't really surprise me they were beaten. Funny that we also beat Wexford U21 comfortably a few weeks ago too in another challenge, it's a pity we lost last Weds! :rolleyes:

egpower · 08-06-2011 12:03PM

Cake Man wrote: »

Tony will definitely start, just as much as Kelly will not start. Have heard Kelly still off the pace in training and just not doing anything to warrant a starting place for Sunday. Paudric Mahony I'd say will start, same with Brian O'Sullivan to get the nod over Tommy Ryan. David O'Sullivan too I've been told is making a good claim for no.7.
Moran will surely partner Foley in midfield and I highly doubt Seamus will start.

Couldn't disagree with a word of that !

I think Hutchinson will be fine. Watched him manacle Shefflin (what else can you do with class like that?) in Tallow and he made a good enough fist of it.
Just wonder about Paraic Mahony. Clearly a great prospect - he's been solid all year and hit great frees under pressure but if you take that away what impressed you other than him being solid and not being over-awed by senior inter-county hurling (which is a lot to achieve in year 1!) ? Is it too big a jump to start him ? Have to say I agree with the view on Philip too. Hasn't done enough at this level just yet - but will be a fixture before too long.

Isn't it great to have options ??

Waterford GAA Discussion Thread 2009-2011

Comments