Kilkenny GAA Thread Part 3 MOD NOTE POST 1*

Truth be told1974 · 23-09-2020 10:00am

tbiggertycome wrote: »

Final preview:

Colin and TJ Reid are crucial to Ballyhale while this may appear obvious the only game Colin missed all year was Shamrocks loss to O'Loughlins and it's also the only game they've failed to register a goal in (conceded 2). Colin is where most of their attacks start, plan is put the ball into Colin at the edge of the square and work off that. He's so strong that even if he doesn't win the ball he can hold it up long enough for the support to arrive which isn't too bad either;) This is their main mode of attack but thats not to say they can't mix it anyway you want with TJ drifting out to the half forward line and plucking ball out of the sky. Eoin Cody and Reid in particular provide a brilliant foil for Colin and TJ to farm ball out too and their class enough to exploit the opportunities their given. Richie Reid and Joey Holden along with Darren Mullen provide a safe spine if you try take them on through the sky. Their defence is where they can be exploited and I don't think they have the class or they haven't got back to the level they were previously playing at on this end of the field. Paddy Mullen while big and talented is also rash and seems lazy or not fit enough and should have seen the line long before he did against the Village. If the ref has his eyes open he'll be in big trouble against a running Boro team. The way the Boro play they like to run the ball through defences and this is Ballyhales Achilles heal they don't cope well with it. The Village could and should have won by running at them. Ballyhale should be alive to it but what can they do to stop the Boro's big strong runners, I know what they should do but they haven't done it in any games I've seen. The Ballyhale game plan is we'll score more than you no matter what you score and they have the forwards to do it. I think we're in for a Titanic battle as I think the Boro have had the best defence in the county this year. Evan Cody should be strong enough to stop Colin going crazy altogether he's physically very strong. The half backline of Ollie Walsh, Buckley and Tom Kenny would serve most counties very well. Ollie gives great forward momentum and is growing into the roll of a defender and has now cut out the silly mistakes. We all know what Buckley brings to a game and people may point to Eoin O'Shea getting 6 points of him the last day but Buckley did exactly what he was asked to do and a bit more as he has done all year. Tom Kenny is probably one of the most under rated hurlers in the county and from what I've heard he's one of the very few in county training that keeps TJ quiet. Aidan Nolan will be a massive loss for the Boro but I think they have the bench to deal with it you have Oisin Gough as a straight replacement or you could move a few things around and put in Conor Doheny who is one of the classiest wing backs in the county, reads the game so well and thunders into tackles, nothing phases him either. The direct running of Shane Stapelton, Liam Moore and AN Other will cause serious issues for the Shamrocks defence. Bill Sheehan inside will take Joey on a tour of Nowlan Park or pick up plenty of ball. While the Boro have no star forwards like Colin or TJ they all chip in and the Boro have racked up some serious scores by the end of most games.

A close one but I think the Boro's defence can hold Ballyhale enough and cause enough trouble down the other end to get over the line just.

I know, I know I'm totally biased but I have to be.

Does your wife know that you fancy Dicksboro that much.....?

citykat · 23-09-2020 10:02pm

JJs Left Hand wrote: »

"Tom Kenny is probably one of the most under rated hurlers in the county and from what I've heard he's one of the very few in county training that keeps TJ quiet."

This line is probably my favourite. One of, if not the greatest hurler Kilkenny has ever produced just casually wrote off

Jesus. Kenny was marking TJ out in Callan in 2018.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-30872603.html%3ftype=amp

Grats · 23-09-2020 11:13pm

citykat wrote: »

Jesus. Kenny was marking TJ out in Callan in 2018.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-30872603.html%3ftype=amp

TJ is very hard to pin down for 60 minutes at either club or county level. I'm sure young Kenny has improved and matured as a hurler since 2018 and I'd wish him the best for Sunday.

BTW, are you positive he marked TJ in 2018. Certainly the link you provided doesn't back up your assertion.

brookville · 24-09-2020 12:11am

A big weekend in store for the 4 teams involved.It doesn't feel like theres a final unless your from the competing clubs.The junior then the following week should finish the club campaign.Alot of enjoyable matches and and I was grateful to watch it online.
I don't know if pat carroll is back for lisdowney but they are hard working team who have introduced young players and wont be a push over but thomastown like the past few intermediate champions have being knocking on the door and tasted final defeat last year and I think that the hurt and experience will stand to them and should get them over the line.They have good scoring fowards but they have chopped there backs a few times and the last day freshford exposed a few weaknesses in defence lisdowney will try target this.
Ballyhale are rightly favourites but the boro are a coming force and have a good panel.the village showed how to hurt the shamrocks.they used their pace but didnt take all their chances and we all know you have to take your chances against a team like ballyhale.
The few match ups could go a long way to deciding this.While its impossible hold tj,colin is nearly as dangerous.He is nearly impossible to stop and is so direct.If he doesn't score he will win frees and penalties.it will be intresting to see how evan cody goes on him.Tom kenny could pick up tj but would he follow him into the full back line? Boro need to try cut out the good ball going in but easier said than done
I think the boro are better than they were a few years ago and are steadily improving.
It's hard to go against the shamrocks giving the spine of the team and the experience they possess but it wouldnt shock me if the boro pulled it off.Tg4 are showing the match hopefully it will be a cracker
The junior the following week.Conahy have being the consistent team over the last few years but have being giving a few scares this year.Tom phelan was good the last day he has good pace.Conahy I feel need to get over the line this year cause you have tullogher and ballyragget along with teams like mooncoin it wont get any easier over the next few years.
I actually fancy the boro tho and like the seniors they have a good panel. Paul flynn or arron Duggan would make most junior teams but are only subs.They have a great convenor belt and some very good young hurlers.I think o loughlins winning last year has giving them confidence and believe that they can win this competition.they are putting up big scores in most matches.They have only lost young moore to the seniors and I was told the junior panel is separate to the seniors so they can give it full attention.best of luck to all teams and officials.
Will there be a club u20 championship?
How are the county getting on back at training?is there anyone who wasnt called in earlier in the year now in?

Village87 · 24-09-2020 8:12am

If the Boro put Buckley on TJ i would fear for the Boro chances. Will be interesting to see what the boro do.

Noddy33 · 24-09-2020 8:20am

Village87 wrote: »

If the Boro put Buckley on TJ i would fear for the Boro chances. Will be interesting to see what the boro do.

No chance the Boro will put Buckley on TJ as he is too loose. Kenny will most likely be given that job with Buckley left to sweep up and get on as many possessions possible to launch Boro attacks

ellinguistico · 24-09-2020 7:11pm

Any word of Adrian Mullen lads? Is he likely to figure come end of October for county team? Is he on the Ballyhale panel?

citykat · 24-09-2020 10:20pm

Grats wrote: »

TJ is very hard to pin down for 60 minutes at either club or county level. I'm sure young Kenny has improved and matured as a hurler since 2018 and I'd wish him the best for Sunday.

BTW, are you positive he marked TJ in 2018. Certainly the link you provided doesn't back up your assertion.

I was at the game so yeah I'm sure. It was even enough up to half time. In fact Bill Sheehan had the Shamrocks at sixes and sevens in the first half playing into the country end. It looked good for the Boro at half time bearing in mind TJs missed penalties. Then TJ came out and destroyed the Boro almost singlehandedly in the first 10 minutes of the second half. They moved Kenny way too long after the damage had been done. Game over after that.
That's recent enough so I don't understand the confidence I'm hearing locally from the Boro camp. Personally I hope the Boro win at the weekend. I don't think another Ballyhale county final win would be good for hurling in Kilkenny atm.

ClubFirst · 25-09-2020 8:50am

citykat wrote: »

I was at the game so yeah I'm sure. It was even enough up to half time. In fact Bill Sheehan had the Shamrocks at sixes and sevens in the first half playing into the country end. It looked good for the Boro at half time bearing in mind TJs missed penalties. Then TJ came out and destroyed the Boro almost singlehandedly in the first 10 minutes of the second half. They moved Kenny way too long after the damage had been done. Game over after that.
That's recent enough so I don't understand the confidence I'm hearing locally from the Boro camp. Personally I hope the Boro win at the weekend. I don't think another Ballyhale county final win would be good for hurling in Kilkenny atm.

Very strange remark that you think another Ballyhale win would not be good for hurling in Kilkenny? What's your evidence on that? I'm not a Ballyhale supporter but the best team wins it every year and if Ballyhale win it's up to every other club to get to their standard..

Grats · 25-09-2020 9:29am

citykat wrote: »

I was at the game so yeah I'm sure. It was even enough up to half time. In fact Bill Sheehan had the Shamrocks at sixes and sevens in the first half playing into the country end. It looked good for the Boro at half time bearing in mind TJs missed penalties. Then TJ came out and destroyed the Boro almost singlehandedly in the first 10 minutes of the second half. They moved Kenny way too long after the damage had been done. Game over after that.
That's recent enough so I don't understand the confidence I'm hearing locally from the Boro camp. Personally I hope the Boro win at the weekend. I don't think another Ballyhale county final win would be good for hurling in Kilkenny atm.

Fair enough regards your thoughts on that match in 2018. However, the Boro brigade have every right to be confident going into the final on Sunday. Their team have won all their matches, mostly well won. If the team doesn't t go into their final match with confidence they may as well stay at home! Should the Shamrocks do the three in a row, they'll be well deserving of it. As will the Boro if they prevent them from doing so.

JohnCougar · 25-09-2020 3:51pm

citykat wrote: »

I was at the game so yeah I'm sure. It was even enough up to half time. In fact Bill Sheehan had the Shamrocks at sixes and sevens in the first half playing into the country end. It looked good for the Boro at half time bearing in mind TJs missed penalties. Then TJ came out and destroyed the Boro almost singlehandedly in the first 10 minutes of the second half. They moved Kenny way too long after the damage had been done. Game over after that.
That's recent enough so I don't understand the confidence I'm hearing locally from the Boro camp. Personally I hope the Boro win at the weekend. I don't think another Ballyhale county final win would be good for hurling in Kilkenny atm.

This confidence you speak of is not coming for the Boro team camp, it might be coming from so called bar stool gossips in Cleere's pub. The players believe they have a chance but they are not cocky or over confident.
They will respect the Shamrocks but they wont fear them.

citykat · 25-09-2020 8:57pm

Grats wrote: »

Fair enough regards your thoughts on that match in 2018. However, the Boro brigade have every right to be confident going into the final on Sunday. Their team have won all their matches, mostly well won. If the team doesn't t go into their final match with confidence they may as well stay at home! Should the Shamrocks do the three in a row, they'll be well deserving of it. As will the Boro if they prevent them from doing so.

I hope you are just as magnanimous to the Village when they win the U13 tomorrow.

citykat · 25-09-2020 8:59pm

JohnCougar wrote: »

This confidence you speak of is not coming for the Boro team camp, it might be coming from so called bar stool gossips in Cleere's pub. The players believe they have a chance but they are not cocky or over confident.
They will respect the Shamrocks but they wont fear them.

That's a terrible slur on the loyal customers of Cleeres, the vast majority of whom wouldn't know one end of a hurl from the other.

Grats · 25-09-2020 9:00pm

citykat wrote: »

I hope you are just as magnanimous to the Village when they win the U13 tomorrow.

?

26-09-2020 6:28pm

Well done to both teams for the great entertainment that was served up in nowlan park , Lisdowney never gave up enjoy the win hard luck Thomastown.

kksaints · 26-09-2020 7:08pm

Have to admit I wouldn't know much about Lisdowney but fairplay to them for beating Thomastown and getting promoted to Senior. Are there any players on their panel that could make the county panel in the next few months?

JJs Left Hand · 26-09-2020 7:59pm

No.

Can't believe Lisdowney are a senior club. Incredible achievement and incredible bottle to do what they did in the second half of extra time.

Massive bottle job from Thomastown though. Had it won twice ffs

Mankbag · 26-09-2020 8:33pm

citykat wrote: »

That's a terrible slur on the loyal customers of Cleeres, the vast majority of whom wouldn't know one end of a hurl from the other.

The only one of them that knows anything about hurling is from Ballyhale.

brookville · 26-09-2020 8:45pm

JJs Left Hand wrote: »

No.

Can't believe Lisdowney are a senior club. Incredible achievement and incredible bottle to do what they did in the second half of extra time.

Massive bottle job from Thomastown though. Had it won twice ffs

Thomastown will be bitterly dissapointed.As you said they had it won twice.I thought the experience from last year would of stood to them cause infairness to lisdowney they have a young team and they also beat ballycallan a few weeks ago junior b or c.They are definitely putting in hard work and had a few good u21 teams but even the most optimistic lisdowney person would say they are a few years from winning but fair play to them I hope they go well.They are a really hard working team and have a couple of good club hurlers.
Thomastown are like a few previous eventual winners.The rower,ballyragget and tullaron struggled for years and were told they hadn't got it in the belly when it came to it.Theres no doubt they have the players and fowards but are struggling to cross this line.its alot harder when your expected to win aswell.i would expect them to win one in the next few years but there making things hard on themselves.They really should of won that match.
They should have the two minors from last year eligible for next year but the next few days and weeks will be raw

kilkennyboy · 26-09-2020 11:22pm

brookville wrote: »

Thomastown will be bitterly dissapointed.As you said they had it won twice.I thought the experience from last year would of stood to them cause infairness to lisdowney they have a young team and they also beat ballycallan a few weeks ago junior b or c.They are definitely putting in hard work and had a few good u21 teams but even the most optimistic lisdowney person would say they are a few years from winning but fair play to them I hope they go well.They are a really hard working team and have a couple of good club hurlers.
Thomastown are like a few previous eventual winners.The rower,ballyragget and tullaron struggled for years and were told they hadn't got it in the belly when it came to it.Theres no doubt they have the players and fowards but are struggling to cross this line.its alot harder when your expected to win aswell.i would expect them to win one in the next few years but there making things hard on themselves.They really should of won that match.
They should have the two minors from last year eligible for next year but the next few days and weeks will be raw

The problem with losing a couple of intermediate finals it shortened the time you have as a senior club.You couldn't see either teams today lasting long senior

Swamp_Cat · 26-09-2020 11:47pm

Rarely if ever to I say anything negative about players or refs but msn were Thomastown so casual resulting in block after block. Their body language said it all. Not to mention some really sloppy tackling in the 2nd 1/2 & extra time & giving Lisdowney shooters tons of space. Terrible performance & bet by in inferior team who just wanted it more. Reminded me a little bit of KK's win over LK in the semi's. A. Tallis was sharp.

And on S.C. I don't think he'll ever see another IC championship match again unless the GAA's reservoir of top refs dries up even more than it already is. Terrible 1st half & only slightly better in the 2nd.

I'm a TTown fan but I don't have much good to say about them right now. Feel silly for having defended Jon Joe in the past.

No fan of having to finish on the day but it is what it is & congrats to Lisdowney though I think their time in senior will be brief, but who knows. Definitely not me.

bamayang · 26-09-2020 11:50pm

Was very surprised to hear John Joe going up to take a penalty. Wouldn’t have put his strengths down as a dead ball striker (an excellent hurler from play). Would he have taken them before?

droppingball · 26-09-2020 11:58pm

Swamp_Cat wrote: »

Rarely if ever to I say anything negative about players or refs but msn were Thomastown so casual resulting in block after block. There body language looked said it all. Not to mention some really sloppy tackling in the 2nd 1/2 & extra time & giving Lisdowney shooters tons of space. Terrible performance & bet by in inferior team who just wanted it more. Reminded me a little bit of KK's win over LK in the semi's. A. Tallis was sharp.

And on S.C. I don't think he'll ever see another IC championship match again unless the GAA's reservoir of top refs dries up even more than it already is. Terrible 1st half & only slightly better in the 2nd.

I'm a TTown fan but I don't have much good to say about them right now. Feel silly for having defended Jon Joe in the past.

No fan of having to finish on the day but it is what it is & congrats to Lisdowney though I think there time in senior will be brief, but who knows. Definitely not me.

Why would you feel silly for defending jonjo after today after everything he has given our club, an amazing servant, he has carried us on his back for years, drove wides today and his striking often let's hin down but got some good scores. He has more support around him these days and hopefully they will help him to hurl senior before he retires. Some club man and a lot of clubs would love to have him.

It is taking us a bit longer than it should have and we have deficiencies but we will get there. It took other clubs a few goes we will just have to improve.

Thought John Donnelly got some amazing scores today as did Robbie. Felt like we won the match a few times but the fight lisdowney showed was great, if they produce that fight they will survive without doubt.

So congratulations to lisdowney and we will be back

droppingball · 27-09-2020 12:01am

bamayang wrote: »

Was very surprised to hear John Joe going up to take a penalty. Wouldn’t have put his strengths down as a dead ball striker (an excellent hurler from play). Would he have taken them before?

Has taken them before but wouldn't be his strong point but he is a real leader and club man and wouldn't shirk the responsibility,

Swamp_Cat · 27-09-2020 12:19am

droppingball wrote: »

Why would you feel silly for defending jonjo after today after everything he has given our club, an amazing servant, he has carried us on his back for years, drove wides today and his striking often let's hin down but got some good scores. He has more support around him these days and hopefully they will help him to hurl senior before he retires. Some club man and a lot of clubs would love to have him.

It is taking us a bit longer than it should have and we have deficiencies but we will get there. It took other clubs a few goes we will just have to improve.

Thought John Donnelly got some amazing scores today as did Robbie. Felt like we won the match a few times but the fight lisdowney showed was great, if they produce that fight they will survive without doubt.

So congratulations to lisdowney and we will be back

Fair enough. I was referring to some of the negative comments directed his way while playing IC. Also, I should have taken a breather before posting. Was worked up & disappointed. he did perform much better as the match went on.
I didn't get to see it live & commented right after I finished watching.
Not too bright on my part.

And JD & Robbie did have some great scores & JD took more than his fair share of hard hits. One of the backs, name escapes me ATM was very good as well.

brookville · 27-09-2020 1:15am

Was it burke in defence for thomastown you were thinking of?I think most of us expected ttown to win and lisdowney put in a solid shift but ttown just couldn't finish them off when they had their chance.I thought there was warning signs against freshford.They were casual at times and just kind of expected to get the win but today lisdowney got that late goal to go again that freshford didnt.Im sure they new what lisdowney would bring to the table today after looking at the glenmore match.
They are probably sick of winning the league and breezing through to the semi final and maybe they believed the hype.I do think they will win it over the next year or two but today is a lesson learned.They just didnt seem to be willing to put their head on the block.Best of luck to lisdowney and hard luck ttown.

Swamp_Cat · 27-09-2020 1:46am

brookville wrote: »

Was it burke in defence for thomastown you were thinking of?I think most of us expected ttown to win and lisdowney put in a solid shift but ttown just couldn't finish them off when they had their chance.I thought there was warning signs against freshford.They were casual at times and just kind of expected to get the win but today lisdowney got that late goal to go again that freshford didnt.Im sure they new what lisdowney would bring to the table today after looking at the glenmore match.
They are probably sick of winning the league and breezing through to the semi final and maybe they believed the hype.I do think they will win it over the next year or two but today is a lesson learned.They just didnt seem to be willing to put their head on the block.Best of luck to lisdowney and hard luck ttown.

Yep! I thought he was very good as was
O'Hanrahan & Staunton was solid as well. Rewatching right now & I was a bit harsh. But I do think they were a little slow/casual, they improved in that respect as the match progressed. The Lisdowney keeper made some good saves. learned my lesson to give myself a little more time/another view when the bloods pumping. Lisdowney were hungry & deserving winners. Hoping for a cracker tomorrow.

27-09-2020 12:55pm

Lisdowney were well coached yesterday there tackling was unbelivable there goalie played under age for kilkenny not a bad prospect, they have three adult teams this year not bad for a rural parish.

JJs Left Hand · 27-09-2020 2:52pm

Game. Over.

conor05 · 27-09-2020 2:54pm

JJs Left Hand wrote: »

Game. Over.

Dicksboro not able for Ballyhales level of hurling at all.

This could turn into a massacre yet.

kilkennyboy · 27-09-2020 2:56pm

JJs Left Hand wrote: »

Game. Over.

Physically just blowing them out of the way.bar a slump could be a cricket score

BoroMan32 · 27-09-2020 3:06pm

It's real men against boys stuff out there. Shamrocks came out hitting hard in the early stages and to say the Boro aren't able for it would be an understatement.

I'd fancy the Boro might make a better fist of things in the second half and close the gap a bit, but there's only one winner here.

JJs Left Hand · 27-09-2020 3:10pm

More than anything what Shamrocks seem to have done (going off the TV only so hard to tell) is hold their half back line so those lovely balls Boro were playing in the semi final can't go in now and the Shamrocks backs are murdering the forwards. There's zero threat from the Boro midfield or half forward line either.

Realt Dearg Sec · 27-09-2020 3:12pm

The ballyhale forwards were fighting like dogs when they didn't have the ball, totally stopped any decent supply of ball to the forwards, but the boro forwards have been very poor either way. Evan Cody was going well but you could see he was isolated and a goal was always going to be in the cards. Shamrocks are class, the village caught them cold the last day and knocked the complacency out of them.

JJs Left Hand · 27-09-2020 3:35pm

This is embarrassing now

JJs Left Hand · 27-09-2020 3:36pm

Spoke too soon. Now it's embarrassing.

BoroMan32 · 27-09-2020 3:38pm

An absolute and total humiliation.

The Boro came out after half time a beaten team; Darren Mullen gave Bill Sheehan a mild shoulder in a race for possession and Sheehan nearly went out over the line, not able for a physical battle at all.

JJs Left Hand · 27-09-2020 3:45pm

Christ if something happens to TJ

Panic over

conor05 · 27-09-2020 3:46pm

BoroMan32 wrote: »

An absolute and total humiliation.

The Boro came out after half time a beaten team; Darren Mullen gave Bill Sheehan a mild shoulder in a race for possession and Sheehan nearly went out over the line, not able for a physical battle at all.

And Darren Mullen would be one of the smaller built lads on the Ballyhale team.

Every 50/50 physical battle Ballyhale won it hands down.

I remember in 2017 Cuala blew Dicksboro off the pitch physically in Leinster, something they Havnt obviously worked on since.

JJs Left Hand · 27-09-2020 3:58pm

1-3 from play in a county final ffs

kksaints · 27-09-2020 4:06pm

That was disappointing. Dicksboro were never in the game. Ballyhale were impressive as usual but we wanted a more competitive contest for the final.

blackcard · 27-09-2020 5:10pm

I thought that the dry fine day would suit Dicksboro but they were blown out of it by the Shamrocks. Wasn't expecting that amount of hunger from them. 10 different scorers from play. Went for the jugular going for goals. Disappointed with Buckley, Sheehan, Doheny, Walsh etc. Game was over after 15 minutes

BloodyBill · 27-09-2020 5:24pm

Ballyhale were fantastic but did nothing that they don't normally do. That fiest goal from I think Richie Reid showed up Dicksboro badly. Lose possession in your own fullback line is kindergarten stuff. Dicksboro are the worst type of townie team..soft as butter. I dont know why they would float these aimless balls into the Ballyhale half backs.
Hats off to Ballyhale. What a team.

Village87 · 27-09-2020 6:44pm

Buckley very poor again. No fight. Lacks pace. Can't see him on the Kilkenny team in this form. TJ greatest club hurler ever in Kilkenny imo

conor05 · 27-09-2020 6:56pm

Village87 wrote: »

Buckley very poor again. No fight. Lacks pace. Can't see him on the Kilkenny team in this form. TJ greatest club hurler ever in Kilkenny imo

Agreed. He is nearly man of the match every time he togs out for Ballyhale.

A truly gifted hurler. Works his socks off too.

What a role model for the younger Ballyhale hurlers coming through the ranks.

Alonzo Moseley · 27-09-2020 9:15pm

Ballyhale are a fine tuned machine.
TJ, quite possibly the most complete hurler I have ever seen
Colin Fennelly emulating his brother Mick in a good steady career till late 20s and then turning in to a beast of a player

Forget club, there isn't a county in Ireland that wouldn't kill to have the pair of them

The Boro will be shattered at the scale of the loss, but the reality is that no club team in Ireland could live with that quality today

I agree that Buckley just hasn't got back to his former self and probably shouldn't start for Kilkenny and it's tough to have to say that

On current form you couldn't see Buckley or Paul Murphy deserving their places against the likes of Darren Mullen or Richie Reid

At this stage it is hard to see how Kilkenny would line out without at least 5 Ballyhale players and as many as 7 if Adrian Mullen is fit

The one sided nature of the final shouldn't detract from a very high quality senior championship with the vast majority of our county squad men's form very good
And on that note, I think Kilkenny are in better position to win an AI right now than at any time in last 5 years

If fully fit, I would rate Kilkenny's likely starting 15 at least as good as any of the top 2/3 contenders.

dastardly00 · 27-09-2020 9:45pm

As another poster said, it was men against boys today.
Shamrocks were harder, better, faster, stronger than the Boro

Billy Ocean · 27-09-2020 11:50pm

With the benefit of hindsight the village and ballyhale was the sliding doors moment of your championship, its common enough that a heavy hitter like ballyhale has 1 day there vulnerable and weather the favourite can find a way in that game can define the whole championship...

kilkennyboy · 27-09-2020 11:57pm

Are we looking at ballygunner type dominance. Where
They could put another 2 or 3 titles together .The reality is bar a blip they have a panel to do it and once they get to latter stages seem to improve.

Swamp_Cat · 28-09-2020 12:51am

Normally I hate blowouts, although it's easier on the blood pressure. But when it comes to Ballyhale, well it's just a joy to watch such talent. Confident, never look like they're panicked, very unselfish every one of them always getting the ball to the man in the better position. Humble guys from what I can tell, just going about their task. Last year I felt like many of us, myself included were looking at some players through 'rose tinted glasses' & forgetting what a huge step up IC is. But w/this Shamrocks team I don't think that's the case, granted they have quite a few top IC players so it's not exactly the same. I really hope Richie Reid is playing championship hurling for Kilkenny. He's been so consistent & his decision making has really improved. Was happy to see P. Mullin not giving away silly frees like he has in other matches this year & Darren had a great match. Joey as steady as always & ...TJ not sure I have to say anything about his form. He's looking fitter than I've ever seen him & feel privileged to get to see him play as I've no doubt he'll be looked back on like DJ or Shefflin & believe he's surpassed them at this point. GOAT in my book. Just don't see any weaknesses. Agree w/a previous comment about the Fennelly brothers though I think Mick was always consistent while inconsistency was a common & accurate observation about Colin. No longer. Dean Mason is class & when his time comes will likely seamlessly take over between the sticks when E. Murphy decides to call it provided he's patient enough as Eoin is @ the peak of his powers. I haven't seen enough of him playing outfield but have listened to many a Glenmore match on the radio & always sounded solid. Curious what those who are more familiar think. How good is he when not in goal? IC level?
Scary to think what would have happened had Mick Fennelly & Adrian been on the pitch? Then again their replacements have been outstanding. Felt for Evan Shefflin, he's usually a decent shooter but just couldn't put one between the posts today. Eoin Reid's been great & an inspiration to us 'old' farts who still feel young. Always love to see him doing his thing.
Congrats to Ballyhale.
I don't think for a second that the boro are as poor a squad as they were today although 1-3 from play is really poor to say the least. They did shoot a ton of wides today & will be back. Not their day. Buckley seemed absent for much of the match especially when compared to the amount of ball he got on in the semifinal. I knew it was always possible but did not expect the hammering we saw today. I know it's no conciliation right now but still an impressive run in such a competitive county championship.
Shame we are robbed of the likely chance to see the Shamrocks win a 3rd AI on the trot & for the players & managment to not have the opportunity. Still, I can't complain having been treated to an amazing summer of hurling when I needed it most & as someone living in the States the fact that COVID-19 forced clubs to stream matches has been a silver lining & has kept me as sane as possible during these insane, scary & frankly embarrassing times. Impressive how well counties adapted.
Thanks to all who made it happen!!
Now we'll see if that can be replicated @ IC.

Got a scare when TJ went down. But picked himself up & got one hell of a score soon after. Was holding my breath.

Kilkenny GAA Thread Part 3 **MOD NOTE POST 1***

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Kilkenny GAA Thread Part 3 MOD NOTE POST 1*