Hurling Quarter Finals

FatherTed

Have to say despite the beating they got, Waterford should still start as favourites. When was the last time Galway got to a Semi-Final? 2005? Waterford has been in the Semis every year since then. When though they are a team in transition right now, they still have good experience to count as favourites.

Galway have won two on the trot against poor teams. Big deal, that won't count for much on Sunday.

Still, I'm hoping for Galway and Dublin wins on Sunday but Waterford with all their experience will be favourites.

premierstone

premierstone wrote: »

God forbid someone has a different opinion to you, ok fair enough you are dead right Kavanagh and Regan are the best in the bussiness dont know why Waterford are even bothering turning up tbh :rolleyes:

Dublin ran amok through the centre of Galways defense to claim any different is plain wrong, the fact that Dublin dont score goals against anyone might be papering over the cracks for you, Patrick Horgan destroyed Kavanagh in about 5 mins, Kavanagh was saved by the fact that Cork could'nt win any ball further out the field due mainly to Burke and Smith having excellent games.

I just dont think Tony OG is mobile enough for top level intercounty hurling and a forward unit like KK or Tipp who are constantly moving will expose him and Kavanagh for that matter.

There's a difference between saying they're the best we have and the best around.

You said both weren't good enough, yet I've given you two sets of facts to prove otherwise, both received all star nominations yet the team only reached the 1/4s and we've only given up one goal in the past three games.

You then say Tony Og isn't mobile enough but advocate replacing him with a stocky lump who can't even field a ball even though he's over 6'3.

Dublin ran amok through our defence?.... strange that I seem to remember most of their scores coming from free's further out the field and scarcely remember them threatening the goal once which would be the outcome of them ''running amok'' through the defence.
It was more a case of their HB line running amok if anything

FatherTed

FatherTed wrote: »

Have to say despite the beating the got, Waterford should still start as favourites. When was the last time Galway got to a Semi-Final? 2005? Waterford has been in the Semis every year since then. When though they are a team in transition right now, they still have good experience to count as favourites.

Galway have won two on the trot against poor teams. Big deal, that won't count for much on Sunday.

What has history got to do with anything?

If you used that wise knowledge betting you wouldn't make much money.

Only 5 players who started two years ago will start next weekend.

I'm glad Clarinbridge didn't think like that last year considering going on your theory they had no right to be contesting the final as ''they never did it before''

deisedude

gilberto_eire wrote: »

What has history got to do with anything?

If you used that wise knowledge betting you wouldn't make much money.

Only 5 players who started two years ago will start next weekend.

I'm glad Clarinbridge didn't think like that last year considering going on your theory they had no right to be contesting the final as ''they never did it before''

Write it off all you want but history does play a factor. Not saying Waterford will win though;)

billyhead

Does anyone know if there will be studnet rebates on full price tickets for Sundays double header

Mountainlad

FatherTed wrote: »

Have to say despite the beating they got, Waterford should still start as favourites. When was the last time Galway got to a Semi-Final? 2005? Waterford has been in the Semis every year since then. When though they are a team in transition right now, they still have good experience to count as favourites.

Galway have won two on the trot against poor teams. Big deal, that won't count for much on Sunday.

Still, I'm hoping for Galway and Dublin wins on Sunday but Waterford with all their experience will be favourites.

The team with the better form should always be favourites, that's just good policy.

gilberto_eire wrote: »

There's a difference between saying they're the best we have and the best around.

You said both weren't good enough, yet I've given you two sets of facts to prove otherwise, both received all star nominations yet the team only reached the 1/4s and we've only given up one goal in the past three games.

You then say Tony Og isn't mobile enough but advocate replacing him with a stocky lump who can't even field a ball even though he's over 6'3.

Dublin ran amok through our defence?.... strange that I seem to remember most of their scores coming from free's further out the field and scarcely remember them threatening the goal once which would be the outcome of them ''running amok'' through the defence.
It was more a case of their HB line running amok if anything

It still stuns me how Shane Kavanagh got the second full back nomination. Say what you want about Liam Lawlor at full back, he didn't let Feargal Quinn score off him, or Aisake in either game while he was on the field. Aisake is pretty crap in my opinion, but he still did damage to the eventual All-Star winner. Shane Kavanagh, on the other hand, was 45 yards from goal when Seamus Callinan was unmarked inside the 14 to score a goal for Tipp just before half time. I can't remember the Galway and Kilkenny Leinster final last year, but I can't imagine he was very good given Kilkenny won that handy. I'd probably have given Eoin Cadogan the nomination ahead of him.

As premierstone already mentioned Dublin don't score goals, they play with an extra man back too. Clare's forwards were very poor against ye. Cork don't have forwards, they may be a little better than last year, but we all saw evidence of the horror fest that is their forward line in the two Munster finals last year. Waterford will pose more problems than those two teams, whether we'll win or not I dunno. You've a right to have confidence and faith in your team...just don't expect things to be easy. If Galway do win, let it be known that I'll be supporting them as they will be my next favourite team left in the competition (I suppose primarily as they will be the only ones left to pose a threat to Tipp or Kilkenny)

Mars Bar

billyhead wrote: »

Does anyone know if there will be studnet rebates on full price tickets for Sundays double header

I bloody well hope so, €30 a ticket! :eek:

Then again...I suppose that's because there is two matches.

WM18

Does thurles town centre be closed off during match days,travelling from dublin but headin back to galway so need to go through the town to get
home. anyone know??

aidan24326

premierstone wrote: »

Dublin ran amok through the centre of Galways defense to claim any different is plain wrong, the fact that Dublin dont score goals against anyone might be papering over the cracks for you.

Dublin didn't 'run amok' through Galway's defence, they got most of their scores from frees and on the night they beat a Galway team that simply didn't show up.

Patrick Horgan destroyed Kavanagh in about 5 mins, Kavanagh was saved by the fact that Cork could'nt win any ball further out the field due mainly to Burke and Smith having excellent games.

Yeah but what did he do after that??? Kavanagh had a shaky start for sure but once he settled into the game he was comfortable. Joe Canning destroyed Diarmuid O'Sullivan in Thurles in 2008, does that make the rock a sh1t fullback?? I don't think so.

I just dont think Tony OG is mobile enough for top level intercounty hurling and a forward unit like KK or Tipp who are constantly moving will expose him and Kavanagh for that matter.

But who said you need to be mobile to play centre back? Number 6 is all about holding your ground, winning ball and clearing ball. It's not a position that requires great mobility. Tony Keady was probably the best number 6 we ever had and he wasn't exactly mister mobile.

billyhead wrote: »

Does anyone know if there will be studnet rebates on full price tickets for Sundays double header

Usually is.

Clemon

Anyone suggesting John Lee is as an option instead of tony og has clearly not been at a galway match this year and seen the man from a close distance. He is grossly unfit, he needs to lose about 3 stone. He shouldnt be anywhere near the panel imo. Its a shame because he has all the talent in the world.

Kojak

I think the Dublin Limerick game on Sunday could be very interesting indeed. Limerick are on a bit of a roll albeit they had to play Antrim, while the dubs will want to atone for their poor showing in the Leinster final against KK. The fact that the dubs rarely play in Thurles may work against them, as its a second home for Limerick.

Limerick I hear are wiating on a fitness test for kevin Downes - if he wasn't able to make the starting 15, it would be a big blow to Limerick as he provides them with a big target man who can win his own ball and then outpace his opponent. Also, Limerick have the advantage on the sideline as regards managers - O'Grady is a master tactician and will have a devised a game plan to counter Dublin's crowding/mass defence, probably long, quick ball into the full-forward line ala KK. I'm going for a Limerick win by 3 points.

As for Galway and Waterford, Waterford cannot play as bad again (although we said that after the 2008 AI final against KK) and will be out to prove a point. Galway have had 2 wins in a row after that debacle up in Tullamore, but the quality of the opposition has to be called into question. Clare had some very naieve defending (a bit like Waterford against Tipp) and Cork are clearly in decline/major transition. The Galway hurlers for a number of years have been very fickle - if things go their way, they could beat anyone in the country, but when things are going against them it is usually difficult for them to do anything about it. Still I see Galway winning this (just). They will make very heavy weather of winning, but I think they will.

Browney7

Kojak wrote: »

I think the Dublin Limerick game on Sunday could be very interesting indeed. Limerick are on a bit of a roll albeit they had to play Antrim, while the dubs will want to atone for their poor showing in the Leinster final against KK. The fact that the dubs rarely play in Thurles may work against them, as its a second home for Limerick.

Limerick I hear are wiating on a fitness test for kevin Downes - if he wasn't able to make the starting 15, it would be a big blow to Limerick as he provides them with a big target man who can win his own ball and then outpace his opponent. Also, Limerick have the advantage on the sideline as regards managers - O'Grady is a master tactician and will have a devised a game plan to counter Dublin's crowding/mass defence, probably long, quick ball into the full-forward line ala KK. I'm going for a Limerick win by 3 points.

As for Galway and Waterford, Waterford cannot play as bad again (although we said that after the 2008 AI final against KK) and will be out to prove a point. Galway have had 2 wins in a row after that debacle up in Tullamore, but the quality of the opposition has to be called into question. Clare had some very naieve defending (a bit like Waterford against Tipp) and Cork are clearly in decline/major transition. The Galway hurlers for a number of years have been very fickle - if things go their way, they could beat anyone in the country, but when things are going against them it is usually difficult for them to do anything about it. Still I see Galway winning this (just). They will make very heavy weather of winning, but I think they will.

Dublin only need to have a simple game plan. Plant a big man on the edge of the square and pump high ball into him. Hickey is not a full back and could be caught out on Sunday. If Dublin go with the loose man in behind the half back line it could play into Limerick's hands a bit. They haven't been pumping in aimless high ball like they had been for years. If they put it over the loose mans head there's damn all he can do then. Limerick will only put it long if the option is on. Dublin are a very big team and physical and Limerick are far from big. Tobin and Mulcahy are fairly small. James Ryan isn't exceptionally tall either. If Limerick can break even with the Dublin half back line I think they have a chance but I think Dublin will take it this time.

Mountainlad

Clemon wrote: »

Anyone suggesting John Lee is as an option instead of tony og has clearly not been at a galway match this year and seen the man from a close distance. He is grossly unfit, he needs to lose about 3 stone. He shouldnt be anywhere near the panel imo. Its a shame because he has all the talent in the world.

I don't think he was being suggested for this game, I think it was over the coming few years, some work needs to be done. Somebody must be after doing something with Canning because he looks much faster than he was.

antoobrien

premierstone wrote: »

Dublin ran amok through the centre of Galways defense to claim any different is plain wrong, the fact that Dublin don't score goals against anyone might be papering over the cracks for you

Then how did only 0-2 come from 11 & 14?

premierstone wrote: »

Patrick Horgan destroyed Kavanagh in about 5 mins. Kavanagh was saved by the fact that Cork could'nt win any ball further out the field due mainly to Burke and Smith having excellent games.

Ferghal Moore had Pat Horgan in his pocket all day. It was Paudie O'Sullivan scored 1-3 in the first 10 minutes and the goal wasn't Kav's fault. You're right that once midfield and the half forwards started doing their jobs right he beat Paudie to nearly everything. Give the man some credit for doing his job, he had about as much chance for the first 10 minutes as the brick had the next day in paric ui choamh..

premierstone wrote: »

I just dont think Tony OG is mobile enough for top level intercounty hurling and a forward unit like KK or Tipp who are constantly moving will expose him and Kavanagh for that matter.

He has proved in the past that he can do just this job - he followed Shefflin around Croke Park in 2005 and had a good game. He might look slow (a bit like Canning, who looked lumbering even when going away from Egan for the disallowed goal), but he can keep up with almost everyone in the Galway team.

premierstone

aidan24326 wrote: »

Dublin didn't 'run amok' through Galway's defence, they got most of their scores from frees and on the night they beat a Galway team that simply didn't show up.




Yeah but what did he do after that??? Kavanagh had a shaky start for sure but once he settled into the game he was comfortable. Joe Canning destroyed Diarmuid O'Sullivan in Thurles in 2008, does that make the rock a sh1t fullback?? I don't think so.




But who said you need to be mobile to play centre back? Number 6 is all about holding your ground, winning ball and clearing ball. It's not a position that requires great mobility. Tony Keady was probably the best number 6 we ever had and he wasn't exactly mister mobile.




Usually is.

Clemon wrote: »

Anyone suggesting John Lee is as an option instead of tony og has clearly not been at a galway match this year and seen the man from a close distance. He is grossly unfit, he needs to lose about 3 stone. He shouldnt be anywhere near the panel imo. Its a shame because he has all the talent in the world.

I personally thought Dublin opened up Galway's defense when they ran at them and apart from the 19 points they also had 12 wides, that is 31 shots on goal, which is definitely a concern.

Actually it wasnt Horgan it was Pebbles O'Sullivan, my bad, the reason he did nothing after the first ten minutes had nothing to do with Kavanagh, it was Galways midfield getting on top and Cork having absolutley no game plan, anyone who isnt concerned about the ease with which Kavanagh was dragged around in the first ten minutes, is imo burying their head in the sand, he is a fine big aerial FB but hes positional sense and spacial awareness are exploitable.

Off course you need to be mobile to play CB in modern day hurling, unless you havent noticed hurling has changed dramatically since the 1980's, to win the AI Galway will have to more than likely beat KK and Tipp, this means stoping Henry Shefflin, Seamie Callinan and Noel McGrath, not much point and holding your ground against these guys, they will run you into the ground.

Re. John Lee, no one suggested he should be on hte team this year, I merely pointed out that if Hurling was he's no.1 priority and he was mentally prepared he would be the NO.1 choice CB in Galway, but as you have pointed out he at the moment is neither mentally or physically anywhere near the required level.

premierstone

antoobrien wrote: »

Then how did only 0-2 come from 11 & 14?



Ferghal Moore had Pat Horgan in his pocket all day. It was Paudie O'Sullivan scored 1-3 in the first 10 minutes and the goal wasn't Kav's fault. You're right that once midfield and the half forwards started doing their jobs right he beat Paudie to nearly everything. Give the man some credit for doing his job, he had about as much chance for the first 10 minutes as the brick had the next day in paric ui choamh..



He has proved in the past that he can do just this job - he followed Shefflin around Croke Park in 2005 and had a good game. He might look slow (a bit like Canning, who looked lumbering even when going away from Egan for the disallowed goal), but he can keep up with almost everyone in the Galway team.

Only 0-2 came from Dotsy and Ryan O'Dwyer granted, but Dotsy hasnt exactly been prolific now for quite some time, and ROD wouldnt score in a whore house, that been the main reason he is not on the Tipp panel.

Yes it was Paudie, my mistake and your right after ten minutes the threat was nullified, personally I thought that was down more to midfield than anything Kavanagh himself did, Tony Og was taken for 4 points from play aswell, infact 1-7 from 1-14 came down the middle. With regard to Brick, he had never played FB at that level before, he spent most of the first half in the corner, and I think we all accept that Tipps 6 forwards are operating a level ahead of Corks.

I agree Fergal Moore has been excellent, as has Skehill the Cork goal aside. With regards to mobility and speed, Joe is slow and anyone saying otherwise is deluding themselves the big difference is a) a forward can get away with it more as possesion is key and b) both Joe Canning and Eoin Kelly have shown this year that if you have the required skill levels and the added brawn then fleet of foot is not neccessarily a deterrent.

Caimin Morey also took Kavanagh for 3 points from play in he's first game of the year and this was in a team that was getting beaten in almost every line on the field, it may seem like I am been unduly harsh on Galway and I certainly dont mean to be, but the centre of Galways defense is the main reason I cant see them beating both KK and Tipp.

In case anyone didn't see it bus Eireann are putting on a special bus for the game from galway, details on galway gaa website. I'm travelling by car myself so haven't looked into it but Id imagine places will be very limited.

Also on ticket prices all info on the galway gaa website aswell. Stand 30, terrace 20. Students get a 10 euro refund on stand tickets at the gate.

InchicoreDude

Somebody must be after doing something with Canning because he looks much faster than he was.

Canning has always been deceptively quick.

I know John Lee qualified in medicine in the last couple of years. Is he working as a junior doctor now? Very tough to be doing that and playing inter county hurling, impossible even.

aidan24326

premierstone wrote: »

. With regards to mobility and speed, Joe is slow and anyone saying otherwise is deluding themselves the big difference is a) a forward can get away with it more as possesion is key and b) both Joe Canning and Eoin Kelly have shown this year that if you have the required skill levels and the added brawn then fleet of foot is not neccessarily a deterrent.

This thing about Canning being slow is a myth. Granted he's not a sprinter in the way that say DJ was, but he's quicker than you think. He's well able to shake off a defender with a burst of speed. People used to say Padraig Joyce was slow aswell, but you have to play against him to appreciate that he's anything but. Both of them have a running style that looks slow but is deceptively quick. Canning isn't fast over a quick burst of a few yards I'll give you that, but he has acceleration when he gets going, and when you have the level of skill and touch that he has it hardly matters anyway.

premierstone

aidan24326 wrote: »

This thing about Canning being slow is a myth. Granted he's not a sprinter in the way that say DJ was, but he's quicker than you think. He's well able to shake off a defender with a burst of speed. People used to say Padraig Joyce was slow aswell, but you have to play against him to appreciate that he's anything but. Both of them have a running style that looks slow but is deceptively quick. Canning isn't fast over a quick burst of a few yards I'll give you that, but he has acceleration when he gets going, and when you have the level of skill and touch that he has it hardly matters anyway.

Oh I agree and yes he is not slow in the bigger scheme of thing and has a deceptively large stride but he is not exactly what I would call a speedstar, much in the same vein as Noel McGrath I guess. Speed will never be an advantage to Joe over any intercounty defender but like you say, try running beside him or try stopping him in full flight and its a different matter!

niallo27

Can someone answer me who plays who in the semi finals, if limerick and galway both win.

Kojak

niallo27 wrote: »

Can someone answer me who plays who in the semi finals, if limerick and galway both win.

Its an open draw afaik. Limerick and Galway would be in one pot and they would be drew against the provincial winners - KK and Tipp.

premierstone

Kojak wrote: »

Its an open draw afaik. Limerick and Galway would be in one pot and they would be drew against the provincial winners - KK and Tipp.

No official statement has been made and conflicting reports have been issued, some sources have said that Tipp play the winners of Limerick and Dublin and that KK play the winners of Waterford and Galway regardless, others are saying it will be an open draw if Limerick and Galway win. Seems to be alot of confusion surrounding it, I was of the opinion that no draw is neccessary but I have seen arguements against this aswell.

niallo27

premierstone wrote: »

No official statement has been made and conflicting reports have been issued, some sources have said that Tipp play the winners of Limerick and Dublin and that KK play the winners of Waterford and Galway regardless, others are saying it will be an open draw if Limerick and Galway win. Seems to be alot of confusion surrounding it, I was of the opinion that no draw is neccessary but I have seen arguements against this aswell.

Was talking to a few tipp boys and they seem postive there playing winners of limerick and dublin, i'm not sure, there would have to be a draw i think, getting limerick over galway is a huge advantage to either KK or tipp.

antoobrien

premierstone wrote: »

No official statement has been made and conflicting reports have been issued, some sources have said that Tipp play the winners of Limerick and Dublin and that KK play the winners of Waterford and Galway regardless, others are saying it will be an open draw if Limerick and Galway win. Seems to be alot of confusion surrounding it, I was of the opinion that no draw is neccessary but I have seen arguements against this aswell.

If both Galway and Limerick win there are no previous meetings so there is a draw. RTE are under the impression that there can be one as they mentioned it as part of their coverage plans for the weekend. See page 3 of the Information on structure of GAA Hurling Championship 2011 document for details.

aidan24326

Yeah I think if Limerick and Galway both win there will be a draw.

If Limerick and Waterford win it would be Limerick V Tipp and Waterford v KK.

Anyway I can see Dublin and Galway winning and that will leave it as Tipp v Dublin and Galway v Kilkenny.

LostBoy101

aidan24326 wrote: »

Yeah I think if Limerick and Galway both win there will be a draw.

If Limerick and Waterford win it would be Limerick V Tipp and Waterford v KK.

Anyway I can see Dublin and Galway winning and that will leave it as Tipp v Dublin and Galway v Kilkenny.

That would be a very exciting Semi-Finals so lets hope that happens!

adrian522

niallo27 wrote: »

Was talking to a few tipp boys and they seem postive there playing winners of limerick and dublin, i'm not sure, there would have to be a draw i think, getting limerick over galway is a huge advantage to either KK or tipp.

Strongly disagree with this statement. The tougher the battle in the semi the better when it comes to the all Ireland. I think Kilkenny suffered in this last year where they didn't really get a truly competitive game until September.

Skyrim

I was thinking the same too, the tougher the semi-final the better, although to be fair cork and clare were tough games for tipp to get over.

Kojak

adrian522 wrote: »

Strongly disagree with this statement. The tougher the battle in the semi the better when it comes to the all Ireland. I think Kilkenny suffered in this last year where they didn't really get a truly competitive game until September.

Agreed, look at last year where Tipp had a fairly difficult game against Waterford in the semi-final, while KK hammered Cork while pulling up. The year before, it was the other way round where Tipp crushed a Limerick team who were in internal difficulties and KK had a strong challenge from Waterford.

Maybe what can be taken from this is that if Waterford win on Sunday, whoever they play in the semi's will end up as AI champions.

adrian522

They may even end up as AI champions themselves ....

Indie.

Kojak wrote: »

Agreed, look at last year where Tipp had a fairly difficult game against Waterford in the semi-final,

I would have thought that Tipp won that game fairly comfortable. The Galway game would have done more for them.

grenache

I'll be devasted if we don't beat Dublin on Sunday. Not because i think we have a divine right to win or because i consider the Dubs inferior opposition, it's more to do with how Limerick are progressing and how our new slicker style of hurling is taking shape under O'Grady. I've never seen a Limerick side play like this before, and i'm going to games twenty years. I've never been as excited about going to see a Limerick team play. And yet the change has been so simple and just common sense - we now go out with a clear plan, to always find another man in a green shirt, whether it be a short handpass or a twenty yard hurl pass. We're not just aimlessly hitting long balls into our full forward line like so many limerick sides have done in the past. This Limerick team is actually entertaining us fans, and i've not seen it since Tom Ryan's spell in charge during the mid 90s.

Putting aside the introduction of O'Grady's short passing game, what the guy has achieved in such a short space of time is nothing less than miraculous. He has taken the disaffected '09 squad, a few young newbies from '10 and mixed them all together with this year's newcomers like Downes and Hannon. Bear in mind that some of these guys had never hurled together before at senior inter-county level. And it's also worth remembering that around 20 of this years panel hadn't hurled at county level for two years after either being dropped or going on strike in '09. In blending all these players together, and having them hurling as they are now, O Grady has achieved something worthy of high praise. The parallels to what Brian Clough did at Forest are evident. The bringing together of a motley crue of talented individuals who needed the right manager to get the best out of them. Not that i think O Grady will have the same level of success as Clough had, but the situation and variables are similar. I sincerely hope we give a good account of ourselves on Sunday, if the short passing game is done right and our inside forwards get the right ball then victory is very achievable.

Browney7

grenache wrote: »

I'll be devasted if we don't beat Dublin on Sunday. Not because i think we have a divine right to win or because i consider the Dubs inferior opposition, it's more to do with how Limerick are progressing and how our new slicker style of hurling is taking shape under O'Grady. I've never seen a Limerick side play like this before, and i'm going to games twenty years. I've never been as excited about going to see a Limerick team play. And yet the change has been so simple and just common sense - we now go out with a clear plan, to always find another man in a green shirt, whether it be a short handpass or a twenty yard hurl pass. We're not just aimlessly hitting long balls into our full forward line like so many limerick sides have done in the past. This Limerick team is actually entertaining us fans, and i've not seen it since Tom Ryan's spell in charge during the mid 90s.

Putting aside the introduction of O'Grady's short passing game, what the guy has achieved in such a short space of time is nothing less than miraculous. He has taken the disaffected '09 squad, a few young newbies from '10 and mixed them all together with this year's newcomers like Downes and Hannon. Bear in mind that some of these guys had never hurled together before at senior inter-county level. And it's also worth remembering that around 20 of this years panel hadn't hurled at county level for two years after either being dropped or going on strike in '09. In blending all these players together, and having them hurling as they are now, O Grady has achieved something worthy of high praise. The parallels to what Brian Clough did at Forest are evident. The bringing together of a motley crue of talented individuals who needed the right manager to get the best out of them. Not that i think O Grady will have the same level of success as Clough had, but the situation and variables are similar. I sincerely hope we give a good account of ourselves on Sunday, if the short passing game is done right and our inside forwards get the right ball then victory is very achievable.

I wouldn't say I've found their performances entertaining now Grenache. At times I've been watching through my fingers to be honest and waiting for something to go wrong:pac: I'm a desperate pessimist but sure that's what happens when you've been watching Limerick for years.

I just fear Dublin will be too big and strong for us and Hickey is not a full back and Daly knows it and I'm sure Dublin will be targeting this.

If there's one thing to God I hope O'Grady has changed its our ability to win games we shouldn't. I don't know do I buy into O'Grady turning them around like you say he has. Realistically we've beaten a poor Wexford team and Antrim. Granted we've got promotion from Division 2 but Clare haven't exactly franked the form in their game V Galway. If any of the players had a bit of pride in themselves at all they were always going to give Waterford a right rattle and prove themselves to the county and the doubters they had. Sure if they were beat out the gate you'd have had the papers saying what was the point of the hassle with Justin? Yet the old Limerick failing came back to haunt us and we shot a few costly wides.

One good thing to come out of it though is that the buzz is back in Limerick hurling and everyone down here is looking forward to it. Part of me hoped that it would be the second game. I always find there is a better atmosphere at the second game.

grenache

Browney7 wrote: »

I wouldn't say I've found their performances entertaining now Grenache. At times I've been watching through my fingers to be honest and waiting for something to go wrong:pac: I'm a desperate pessimist but sure that's what happens when you've been watching Limerick for years.

I just fear Dublin will be too big and strong for us and Hickey is not a full back and Daly knows it and I'm sure Dublin will be targeting this.

If there's one thing to God I hope O'Grady has changed its our ability to win games we shouldn't. I don't know do I buy into O'Grady turning them around like you say he has. Realistically we've beaten a poor Wexford team and Antrim. Granted we've got promotion from Division 2 but Clare haven't exactly franked the form in their game V Galway. If any of the players had a bit of pride in themselves at all they were always going to give Waterford a right rattle and prove themselves to the county and the doubters they had. Sure if they were beat out the gate you'd have had the papers saying what was the point of the hassle with Justin? Yet the old Limerick failing came back to haunt us and we shot a few costly wides.

One good thing to come out of it though is that the buzz is back in Limerick hurling and everyone down here is looking forward to it. Part of me hoped that it would be the second game. I always find there is a better atmosphere at the second game.

ah now, compared to the rubbish we had to watch under Justin Mac and guys like Padjoe Whelehan, it is a total breath of fresh air. Like i said, the last time i saw Limerick players look up and try to find another green shirt in space with a twenty yard pass was under Tom Ryan's tenure. There's nothing complicated or astounding about it but it's definitely nice to watch and when we do it well (like in the second halves against both Wat &Wex) then there's no doubting it's effectiveness. I know Wexford were poor but at times in that game we were running rings around them with our passing, and this is what i like. Even though i'll freely admit our performances so far have been patchy at best.

You're worried about Hickey being exposed browney and it's a genuine concern. However you also have to ask, do Dublin have the inside forward line to exploit his weakness under the high ball. My guess would be no. Paul Ryan is decent but he's not a goal threat, he's a good free taker. Dotsy O Callaghan and David Treacy are bigger goal threats but i'd be reasonably confident of Moloney and Condon containing them. Unlike Dublin, we do pose a significant goal threat. Downes, Mulcahy, Moran, they all know where the net is. This is what gives me most cause for optimism. And i'm pessimistic by nature most of the time. If Keaney is winning ball off Wayne Mac, expect O Mahony to move on to him. Our half backs against their half forward will be where the game is won and lost. Against Waterford they really moved up a few gears in the second half, they caught or broke nearly every ball. Ditto against Wexford. The final thing that gives me confidence is how Dublin will cope with our running game. Where there is always a man coming off the shoulder in support. Its actually a very difficult game to play against when its done right. It's no fluke that Cork won 2 All Irelands playing this style. Sure when it breaks down it can often lead to opposition scores as there are guys out of position but, i think we are getting more accustomed to this style with every game and i'm quietly confident it will assist in defeating Dublin this Sunday.

Aiel

Cant wait for these quarter finals.I was there 2 years ago to see a heartbreaking defeat for my beloved Galway that day.Waterford dont have Dan the Man to come off the bench and Galway have Shane Kavanagh available this time around as he was badly missed that day so im more optimistic now.
Meant to be a nice warm summer's day on Sunday too so where would you rather be then in Semple Stadium watching 2 (hopefully) good games,cant wait:D.

AGC

Dublin will have a big player missing on Sunday from reports im hearing. Big loss

Sentid

Can I buy two childrens tickets without having to buy an adults one?? I want to go with my friend, we're both 15. Really don't want to have to drag the mammy along :rolleyes:

Whatsthisabout

Anyone with a Season Ticket not get the tickets for Sunday yet. I am getting anxious now.

One_More_Mile

AGC wrote: »

Dublin will have a big player missing on Sunday from reports im hearing. Big loss

Any more info bout this?

SSK

It's Keaney...disaster for Dublin

http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/2207111035-keaney-ruled-out-for-dublin/

Edit: I should have said, lets hope its not too serious and he's back on the field asap.

One_More_Mile

SSK wrote: »

It's Keaney...disaster for Dublin

http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/2207111035-keaney-ruled-out-for-dublin/

Very unfortunate for Keaney himself. Hope he makes a full recovery

Diabhal Beag

Sentid wrote: »

Can I buy two childrens tickets without having to buy an adults one?? I want to go with my friend, we're both 15. Really don't want to have to drag the mammy along :rolleyes:

Yep. I got four.

copacetic

Keaney confirmed to have broken ankle. Disaster for him and for Dublin.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/gaa/2011/0722/1224301156731.html

Sentid

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Yep. I got four.

I suppose it's OK to just walk up to your man on the day?? I'll be so pissed if I'm turned away

Diabhal Beag

Sentid wrote: »

I suppose it's OK to just walk up to your man on the day?? I'll be so pissed if I'm turned away

You won't get turned away. Just don't stink of vodka when you buy the tickets.

billyhead

I have 2 spare terrace tickets for Sundays game Unfortuantely I will not be able to go and I am selling them for half price. PM me if interested.

lovelypoint

Whatsthisabout wrote: »

Anyone with a Season Ticket not get the tickets for Sunday yet. I am getting anxious now.

Got an email yesterday @ 5.19pm with an e-ticket from orders@tickets.ie. Would call up the GAA asap, if you both haven't received tickets yet, and haven't already been in touch with them. Do check your spam folder first though

Best of luck, and hope you get sorted!

EDIT: I'm a Waterford season ticket holder, for what its worth, with the ticket being for block 208 in the Old Stand.

Fireball07

Can't wait for the game on Sunday. I shall be in the terrace.

It's good that we're at full-strength...though a couple of doubts still remain. Will Hickey be exposed at full-back? Will our half-forward line be able to win enough primary possession? Will we be able to feed Downes with enough good ball to make full use of his talents?

Dublin are formidable opponents but will be weakened by the loss of Keaney. Either way, I think we can win this one. But we will need Downes to get some ball so he can do a bit of damage, the man is a genius. We can't let Dublin dominate in the air, but I don't think we will, Donal O'Grady isn't stupid.

I predict a narrow victory for Limerick.

AbsentPonderer

Fireball07 wrote: »

Can't wait for the game on Sunday.


though a couple of doubts still remain. Will Hickey be exposed at full-back? .

Hickey is the one doubt that I cannot rid from my mind,,, He is clearly not a full back, and his many wanderings prove that.
With Downes in full forward we have a future Limerick great and with the ball in hand, will create havoc, there lies the problem, he needs the ball in hand!
Hoping for a cracker! It's great to think we have come from where we were last year! And I am sure somebody else has mentioned it, but I wish it was the second match!