Kilkenny GAA Thread Part 2 **MOD NOTE POST 1***

With the conventions coming up we got thinking and talking about the club scene last week over a few drinks, especially with the way the clubs had to wait for so many weeks for a proper game due to the minor SF replay.

We came up with this idea of a league based competitions for the clubs for both hurling and football to give players more games.

There's about 40 clubs in Kilkenny, so here was what we were thinking.

In the hurling, the top three leagues would contain 10 teams, the fourth tier would contain 10 teams made up of the remainder of the clubs and a few of the B sides from other clubs, with the fifth tier made up of other B teams, and so on.

Three up, top two automatically and into league final, with 3rd and 4th in a shield final which doubles as a playoff for the other promotion spot (obviously promotion not needed in top tier).Three down, bottom two automatically with 3rd and 4th bottom in relegation playoff. The Carlow clubs could also participate as they do now if they so wished.

This would replace other club competitions and would be completely independentof the club championship. It would be a total of 10 games, played from May to September, when the county sides are on the go, and games would be played without the county players when the county players are preparing for matches as it would be designed purely to give club players more summer games.

The football leagues would be the same format, played from January to April, and would double up as the championship, with the winners of each of the top 3 leagues being the senior, intermediate and junior champions.

All in all in would give clubs 20 games between the football and hurling leagues, with whatever games they get in the championship added on, with most clubs getting at least 6/7 games in the championships.

Does anyone think it would be a good idea? We were going to propose it, but were unsure what people would think about it.

Cornerback1 wrote: »

Does he not even play for Ballyhale these days? I thought he'd still play club hurling. Such a talented hurler but as you said, couldn't commit. If you include his All Ireland's medals etc. with the Shamrocks, he must has some collection.

I recall seeing his name on a few programmes during the year - I'm fairly sure he played some part in their last game against O'Loughlins. In fairness there's no half measures in club hurling in Kilkenny especially at a club like Ballyhale.

culbaire wrote: »

Kilkenny people don't mind looking for jobs in Waterford. So I guess you could say Kilkenny people don't mind looking for what Waterford people have.

Big difference between jobs and land/peoples heritage and sense of identity. People have to work to survive no matter where it is but stealing peoples sense of identity and forcing some very proud kk people over around slieverue direction to live in waterford isnt fair

With Clara being champions, will Shane Prender, Conor O'Shea or Chris Bolger be KK captain this year?

What do yous reckon?

Cornerback1 wrote: »

With Clara being champions, will Shane Prender, Conor O'Shea or Chris Bolger be KK captain this year?

What do yous reckon?

I don't think there is any doubt that it will be Shane Prendergast.

Cornerback1 wrote: »

True. He'll probably be the only one from Clara who'll be in the first 15 i'd say.

Has Lester a chance to push on and gain a place in mid-field this year? He could play half back also.

Have my doubts about Lester at that level, was tried out at half back in last years league and Cody quickly abandoned that idea . Would really like to see Chris Bolger get some game time in the league, definitely think he has potential.

Cornerback1 wrote: »

Has Lester a chance to push on and gain a place in mid-field this year? He could play half back also.

Unfortunately I can't see Lester getting into the (championship) starting team. Mick Fennelly and Conor Fogarty would be my number one choice. If Fennelly is injured or not fit, which is always quiet likely, I'd prefer to have Richie Hogan there. I just think that Lester doesn't offer enough.

And in the half-back line, Buckley, Joyce and Padraig Walsh are superior players.

brookville wrote: »

Shane will be nominated from clara to represent them as kilkenny captain no doubt.lester was captain last year while the other two will be hoping to break into the match day squad .Chris bolger will be one to watch and hopefully himself and kevin kelly can have good years

Yeah, Kevin Kelly should push on now and be looking for a place on team over the league. He done ok V Clare in Nowlan Park but then never pushed on.

By the way, what cover is there for mid-field? Good chance to try a few partnerships in Walsh Cup. I suppose Pádraig Walsh could slot in there if required. As someone said earlier, Richie is a good option but i like him in a free role in the half forward line. He can have a better impact there i think.

randd1 wrote: »

Walter Walsh was very effective in midfield against Galway in the Leinster final, definitely got the better of Smith.

Smith is ok but he always wants to mix it instead of playing the game.

I like WW at half-forward under the puck outs and he can be an option in at full forward if things need to be changed. Once he gets a run on you he's hard to stop. Although i still believe that there's more in him in terms of scores. Needs to be targeting 3pts from play in every game.

brookville wrote: »

Joe lyng will probably get a look around mf, not the most stylish but honest worker.brian kennedy and mark kelly have being flirted there.mark mansfield had a good year at club level he deserves a look

The starting 15 from last year's AI will start off in prime position but our substitute bench looked lightweight in terms of experience and you would like to see options available to cover injuries and loss of form. I would see Joe Lyng providing an option at wing back rather than midfield. Hopefully, Chris Bolger and Kevin Kelly can push for places in the forwards. Not sure what options there are for full back, centre back or midfield?

I'm sure cody has seen all this before but like tipp the bench won't be as strong.not many teams have direct replacement for such pivotal positions but players are so flexible now they can be moved around .John power is another who isn't far from the first 15.

Shane pender, paul murphy, jackie, padraig walsh, buckley, kennedy...probably not good enough to win the all Ireland but all good hurlers. Alternatively fogarty could go to six with buckley on the wing although some see buckley as long term number six..michael walsh done his cruciate so will miss most of next year I personally don't think rob lennon is ready tho he was in favour this year

Cornerback1 wrote: »

Mick Fennelly is a good No. 6. It would suit him well as he could hold that middle ground. He played a lot this year but trained little. I'm worried that he may struggle for one more year. He's a driving force and heartbeat of the team. It's good that he's got a break over winter.

Jackie T seems to be ready to go at it again, even looking forward to the Walsh Cup!!! Will he start in the corner come c'ship time?

It will be interesting to see how jackie goes next year, he will be targeted by other teams fast fowards although that has being tried for years and years and one thing bout jackie is he never let his county down he has being an unbelievable servant to club and county but if he can hold onto the number 4 jersey it would be some achievement.i was surprised he stuck around but like most of his team mates his so self motivated. I seen him in kk the other day couldn't believe how well he looks

Well lads. My young lad came home from school the other day and was looking for a new hurl. He's looking for one from Butler's in Kilkenny. He said a few of his friends are using them. Just wondering do ye know are they any good or that thanks.

2015 yearbook out now in the shops. Comes with full colour poster of TJ in action.