Waterford GAA Discussion Thread 2011-2012

noiniho

Deise Hurler wrote: »

What age is Shane Bennett. Ballysaggart should be hard to beat in the junior championship this year with 3 Bennetts on the team. Wonder what odds they are to win it with the bookies.

Well he played against Tipp last year in the championship (along with his 2 brothers) as a 15 year old in May 2012, so could be 16, but if his birthday is in May or June then he is 17....
preumably sixteen when he had two older brothers on the minor team last year

Ando's Saggy Bottom

Savage write up noinhio.

WumBuster

noiniho wrote: »

I really enjoyed that game last night, my take on it

I headed into the minor game last night in Pairc Ui Rinn, first off the pitch there was immaculate and it was a beautiful night for it, there was a very slight breeze but nothing that would affect the game, as we walked into the main stand it was like spot the Cork fan, there was a massive Waterford crowd in the attendance of over 3000 people.
Waterford elected to play with the breeze in the first half, and as the teams lined up I was alerted to the placing of the Cork midfielder (No. 8 Michael Cahalane, I think we will be hearing about him again), in the right corner forward position by some Cork fans sitting directly behind us, so even as the teams lined out this player emphasised above all the rest the difference in size and physique of the some of the Cork players compared to their Waterford rivals, he looked like a senior playing minor. The ball was thrown in, it was played instantly into the aforementioned Cahalane, he collected, streaked past the Waterford defence and goaled, the exclamation mark to this act was the Cork fans again proclaim his brilliance, it was an act that was repeated a few more times in the first half but thankfully he decided to settle for the point, Waterford switched the full back out on him but they also stopped the flow in, which is what really curtailed him. After 20 minutes Cork lead 1-7 to 0-1, but it was the strangest game I was ever at, Waterford defended the goal to my left, Cork the goal to my right, for much of the half I was looking into the Cork half of the field as that is where the action was, it would be interrupted by a brief Cork excursion up the field that would lead to a score. It was a pattern that was causing my head some discomfort and I didn’t like how this was going, many a Waterford underage team, with talented players, had been down this road up in Cork and wilted. Waterford with all their possession were so wasteful it was untrue, they inside line seemed to be obsessed with goals, they would work a situation so that an easy point would be on, but instead try that one last pass to work a goal, It would break down and Cork would clear, they also missed six easy points, Cathal Gleeson after brilliant work, missed three certain points.
The feeling was that Waterford, against the wind were throwing this away, the Cork full back line were actually in big trouble and Waterford’s marquee forward Patrick Curran was coming in for very close attention off the ball by a very tight corner back, it was around this time that a high ball into the Cork square was touched down to himself by Stephen Bennett and doubled on, but as it ratted the net the Referee called it back for a penalty, a penalty was subsequently saved. Things couldn’t get worse, but in the scramble the sticky Cork corner back pulled his hamstring and had to go off injured, Stephen Bennett also missed three easy chances for points, he didn’t look himself and looked short of confidence, running away from goal instead of taking on his man and dropping shots into the goalie. In this period when Waterford were on the rack one player started to emerge and that was centre back Austin Gleeson, in fact Cork were finding it difficult to by-pass him and find there danger man in the full forward line, We tacked on the last three points of the half to leave it at 1-7 to 0-4 and even though we were facing into the slight breeze we felt optimistic, we were actually starting to dominate exchanges.
It was in the second half that this Waterford really started to introduce themselves, with too many instances to go into detail, but minutes after the resumption we had 2-01 on the board to bring the sides level, with Patrick Curran and Stephen Bennett living up to their names, taking on their men and causing havoc, it was now resulting in goals. Although they are both small players they were exceptionally strong in the air, very quick, and had an eye for a score. Curran is as cute as a fox already, can win any type of ball that comes in to him, uses his body to great effect to edge defenders out of the way and has an effortless strike over the bar. In fact ever time the ball went into his corner, even when the corner back was clearly favoured to win it, you were confident the Curran would just flick it off him, which invariably happened. I think you could sum him up accurately by saying he is a fast, skilful, brave, intelligent corner forward, who works very hard and can win any ball you send into him and can score from anywhere under pressure, oh and as well as that he is a nerveless free taker? That pretty much ticks all the boxes right?
The Cork full back line was being ate alive at this stage and the platform for Waterford was the half back line, firstly it was the performance of young Shane Bennett, younger brother of Stephen who again was yielding bulk and size and presumably age to his direct opponent, but what he lacked in inches in made up for in tenacity, speed and skill. He was out in front for every ball, he won it in the air, he came out of rucks, he sidestepped oncoming challenges and sent perfect ball into the full forward line time and again, for a player of his age to dominate to that level in an intercounty minor game really was a sight to behold, remember the name he is a star. Inside him was centre back Austin Gleeson and I am at odds to decide if it was Gleeson or Shane Bennett was the best player on the field, I suppose a mitigating factor is taking into account Shane Bennetts apparent disadvantages, but definitely the most spectacular player on the field was Gleeson, a tall player with a physique similar to Daragh Fives, when Waterford were going bad he was very good and when Waterford began to dominate the only word for this guy is ridiculous, almost everything he did was ridiculous and he caught every single ball that came near him, danced out of defence and drove the ball 100 yards up the field. I am talking Ken McGrath sh!t here like, in fact his performance was reminiscent of Ken McGraths first outing at Centre Back for Waterford against Clare (the game Dan scored 3 goals), he was utterly, utterly dominant, as well as having a brilliant hand his touch and striking where a pleasure to behold, the ball was controlled and his hand faster than any other player on the field seemed capable of, in fact faster than most inter county players seem capable of, time after time he left the more physically intimidating Cork attackers in his wake as they ferociously attempted to chase him down, he breezed past them or sold them a deadly side step and seemed oblivious to their efforts, another ball was driven down the field.
Special mention also goes to DJ Foran who came on as a sub in the second half and sent the Cork half back line going the other way as he won primary possession in the air and drove forward time and again. Waterford were clearly the better side but Cork hung on in there, and with time almost up and the sides level the ref blew up early as Waterford were in an attacking position to send the game into extra time. Some boo’s reigned around the ground but I was happy enough, another 20 minutes of this please! On the resumption it was nip and tuck for a while and a Cork half back was given a second yellow for a high tackle on Patrick Curran, It was a harsh enough call because Curran is a small player and ducked into the tackle, but it looked alot worse than it was and you will always get a booking for it. Cork upped their game after this but the sides still went in level at half time of extra time if memory serves me correctly.
The second half of extra time was a real worry as Waterford players were dropping like flies with cramp, with sometimes multiple players down at the same time, for which the ref allowed no stoppage and the game went on around them. Austin Gleeson was still prominent the second half of extra time belonged to Shane Bennett, as everyone else got weaker he got stronger and I was tempted to pass Pairc Ui Rinn on the way to work this morning in the expectation that he would still be out there on the field harassing somebody and striking ball!
With the teams level there was an unreal passage of play in front of the Cork goal, with the keeper off his line and the defence stretched it felt like 3-4 Waterford forwards had a chance at goal before DJ Foran eventually found the net, Waterford were 3 up but Cork fought back and with a minute to go Waterford lead by the dreaded scoreline of two points. In this time Cork hit the side netting and I was literarily shaking. But Waterford steadied the ship by adding 3 points, the last to the deserving Cathal Gleeson who after creating so many chances only to fail at the last, but he kept going until the end, I was delighted for him. A ridiculous game had a ridiculous end as Shane Bennett ran the length of the field, weaving in and out between desperate Cork players flicking the ball over heads and going this way and that for what seemed like over a minute before collapsing in a heap. But no matter the game was over. Our first victory over Cork on their soil ever at minor grade and you know, isn’t it great being from Waterford? They may have beaten us over fifty times, but never has one of their victories felt as good for them as it did for us last night!

what was this film called again?

noiniho

WumBuster wrote: »

what was this film called again?

'The blue and white bus that couldn't be stopped'

It started off in predictable enough fashion, but there was an unforeseen twist and a gripping finish, 80 minutes but felt like less

noiniho

Ando's Saggy Bottom wrote: »

Savage write up noinhio.

Sound!

dzilla

dzilla wrote: »

Im well aware of our previous victory in 09 @ the 125 gaa celebrations. This is a different team however, also I imagine the Limerick crowd will be quite loud obviously in supporting their own minors(similiar to cork last night) because limerick don't get many big days out so last night will stand to em

I reckon they'll do it though

Deise_2012

The minors are 10/11 to win the all ireland haha

Morte

Giveitfong wrote: »

Was anyone who was at the game in Tullamore last Saturday surprised when Jamie Barron was taken off in the first half? At the time I thought that if anyone should have been taken off, it should have been Brian O’Sullivan who, to my memory, hadn’t played the ball once up to that point. By contrast, Barron was much more involved in the game. He was fouled for a free that Maurice converted and he also set Maurice up for this first point from play. He also had a shot at goal which went wide.


Just before he was taken off, Barron had an attempted pass intercepted which led to an Offaly score. If this was the reason he was taken off then half the Waterford team could have had a similar fate on the night. As it happened, Brian O’Sullivan had a very good game afterwards while Pauric Mahony played well when he came on, so the substitution did work in that sense. However, I still cannot see the logic involved in the move.

We were all amazed and decided Barron must have been injured. We were sitting right above his position and he had his marker in major trouble, getting him booked in the first few minutes. Then there was a reshuffle and Barron ended up centre forward . Not the place for him and he came off soon afterward. Brian O'Sullivan might be more clinical but Barron gets much more involved in the play.

Seamus hardly saw the ball when he moved to full forward which was a waste. I thought he had his marker in trouble when the ball was played into him. A feature of the match was too much shooting from far out the field. Also, when he went off we seemed to play with no full forward. This means any ball dropping in short or cleared to the area came straight back out. It also forced some lads to shoot under pressure from poor positions as they had no option to just drop one in.

Giveitfong

Ando’s Soggy Bottom thinks watching games by text message is bad for the nerves. Well, can you imagine what actually being at this game was like! This was one of the most nerve-jangling hurling games I was ever at, with very little (or nothing) between the teams throughout the second half and most of extra time until Waterford finally pulled away in the closing minutes.


There was so much depending on this game, not just for this particular Waterford team, but because of the opportunity it offered to finally lay the bogey of the Déise never having won an under-age game anywhere in Cork. After 20 minutes I was seething with irritation, as yet another Waterford team with immense ability and potential were struck down by the nerves which have destroyed countless Waterford teams against Cork over the years. All the symptoms were present – poor first touch, poor decision-making, poor striking (especially for scores), second to the breaking ball everywhere, standing off their opponents rather than driving into them.


Cork’s opening score set the scene, with Michael Cahalane sailing through the Waterford defence untouched to flash the ball to the net. Stephen Bennett’s super strike after five minutes might have settled the team down, but ended up making matters worse. He knocked a long ball into the Cork goalmouth down in front of him and then sent a bullet to the net with a super strike on the half-volley. The ball was already in the net when the referee blew up for a free. Not only did he not allow the advantage, but I do not even know what the free was for in the first place. Bennett missing the ensuing penalty only put more pressure on a Waterford team already short on self-confidence.


After playing second fiddle all over the field, and going nine points down, Waterford finally began to steady the ship, inspired by Austin Gleeson who decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck, winning possession and driving out of defence repeatedly. Another key development was the introduction of DJ Foran in the half forward line in place of Adam Farrell after 25 minutes. Cormac Curran had been unable to reproduce his ball-winning exploits against Clare, but Foran (whose omission from the starting team had surprised me) had an immediate impact in this department, and in the second half and extra time was immense, repeatedly winning ball and driving at the Cork defence.


However, while Waterford managed to stop the Cork scoring machine, they were finding it impossible to make an impression on the scoreboard at the other end. Both Stephen Bennett and Conor Gleeson missed a series of good chances, with Bennett even flicking the ball wide from the edge of the square having been set up by a good hand pass. A couple of scores before half time reduced the Cork lead to a reachable six points. Waterford were now at least competing for possession and creating scoring opportunities, but one felt that they needed an early goal in the second half to really get them back in the game.


And that is exactly what happened. Just after the restart, Patrick Curran soloed in from the left, and although his shot was blocked, Colm Roche (who had a big game for Waterford) pounced on the breaking ball to shoot to the net. Roche followed up with a point, and then Stephen Bennett finished off another good attacking move by flicking to the net to put Waterford in front.


We hoped that Waterford might push on from here and put Cork to the sword, but the home side were in no mood to throw in the towel, and a mighty contest ensued with both sides going at it hammer and thongs and neither capable of opening up a significant lead. In the closing stages of normal time, Austin Gleeson made some majestic catches and clearances to repel Cork attacks. Just after the public address announced at least one minute of additional time, with the scores level, Cork launched a dangerous attack down the right but it was brilliantly stopped by the Déise defence and the subsequent clearance found its way to an unmarked Conor Gleeson straight in front of the Cork posts, but just as he was about to shoot the lead point for Waterford, the referee blew the full time whistle with just 45 seconds of additional time indicated on the electronic clock on the scoreboard. Would the Tipperary referee Fergal Horgan (with a suspiciously Corkonian surname) have blown up if a Cork forward had been in a similar situation?


Just after the start of extra time the Cork right half back received a second yellow and follow-up red card for a high tackle, and the space which this created for Waterford was to eventually take its toll. Cork actually went into the second period of extra time a point ahead, but when DJ Foran fired the ball home after a bout of interpassing in front of the Cork goal, it seemed that Waterford were set for victory. However, Cork managed to reduce the lead to two points – the most dangerous lead in hurling – and came close to regaining the lead when one of their forwards came in along the end line but, with several colleagues waiting in front of goal, he went for glory only to shoot into the side netting.


Waterford then took over completely, and late scores from Conor Gleeson, Patrick Curran and substitute Paul O’Connor gave them a rather flattering five-point lead when the referee finally called a halt to an enthralling contest.


Apart from Austin Gleeson, who provided marvellous leadership and some spectacular hurling, one should also highlight the magnificent contribution at left half back of Shane Bennett, especially in the second half of normal time and in extra time. His was an extraordinarily mature performance from a player who will be a minor again next year. As already mentioned, DJ Foran’s contribution when introduced was crucial to Waterford’s success, while Colm Roche’s 1-3 from play was also vital to this win.


Ultimately Waterford’s win was due as much to hard work and a refusal to admit defeat as anything else. There is a lot more to this team than we saw in this game. A crucial factor in ultimate success was the quality of their substitutes. Apart from DJ Foran, Mark O’Brien made a tremendous contribution when introduced at midfield at halftime for Mikey Kearney, who shipped a bad injury during the course of the first half. Christy Breathnach put in a typically hard-working shift (and contributed a good point) when introduced for Cormac Curran in the second half, while Paul O’Connor also weighed in with an excellent point after replacing Colm Roche who was struck down by cramp as he knocked over his third point in the second period of extra point.


In my view, this Waterford team has much more to offer. Tom Devine, while doing well, can reach an extra level and, along with Austin Gleeson and Shane Bennett, makes up as good a half back line as one will find in minor hurling. Cormac Curran had an off-day on this occasion but we know what he is capable of. Conor Gleeson repeatedly got into good scoring positions and will hardly be as awry in his shooting again. This was Stephen Bennett’s first full game at this level this year, and his lack of match practice showed. I expect him to improve 100% the next day. Even Patrick Curran, despite his final haul of 0-12 (including three points from play) showed a lack of sharpness on occasions and is also capable of significant improvement. If Curran and Bennett can reach the levels of which they are capable simultaneously, they will constitute an awesone attacking force.


I was at the Laois/Wexford Leinster semi-final last week, and the level at which they were playing was well below the fare in Páirc Uí Rinn last night. Kilkenny had to work hard to beat Dublin in the other Leinstger semi-final, and I don’t expect them to be world beaters this year. You never know how good Galway will be, but Waterford must have a great chance of ultimate success this year.


Finally, if there are any readers out there who got lost looking for the roundabout at the junction of the Skehard Road and Ballinlough Road which I mentioned in my directions on how to get to Páirc Uí Rinn, this has been replaced by a traffic signal controlled junction since I was last in this area. My apologies for those who may have been sent astray by this error on my part.

Cake Man

What clubs are Mark O'Brien and Paul O'Connor from? Seems like there will be serious competition for places for the Munster final with many of the subs that came on the other night doing well. Tough decisions for management to either stick with a lad who was quiet but capable of much more or chance a lad who came on and did well. Good headache to have though and knowing there's good options on the bench to call upon.

Deskjockey

Thanks Noihno and Giveitfong for two excellent pieces.

Agree about Jamie Barron the first night, was amazed it wasn't Brian O'Sullivan who was taken off as he wasn't in the game at all. Just shows, some substitutions work, some don't, have to give Michael Ryan a bit of credit.

DeiseX

Cake Man wrote: »

What clubs are Mark O'Brien and Paul O'Connor from? Seems like there will be serious competition for places for the Munster final with many of the subs that came on the other night doing well. Tough decisions for management to either stick with a lad who was quiet but capable of much more or chance a lad who came on and did well. Good headache to have though and knowing there's good options on the bench to call upon.

Mark O' Brien - Ferrybank.
Not sure about Paul O' Connor, my programme is somewhere lost in the car!

Horseboxhead

I think he is a clashmore man, saw them hurling about 3 weeks ago, for a football club they are producing some good hurlers, speaking of which any update on brian o' halloran?.

deiseach

Deise_2012 wrote: »

The minors are 10/11 to win the all ireland haha

The only thing I can think of to explain this is that the bookies are extrapolating from Dungarvan Colleges winning the colleges All-Ireland. Maybe they're right!

dzilla

Lads I hate running away with meself but that minor team is good enough to do the business this year. I was buzzing after watching them in Cork the other night, they where majestic when they got going, like watching the Waterford Seniors in 07

deiseach

dzilla wrote: »

Lads I hate running away with meself but that minor team is good enough to do the business this year. I was buzzing after watching them in Cork the other night, they where majestic when they got going, like watching the Waterford Seniors in 07

I'm probably stating the obvious here, but what sets this apart is that we went with an expectation of a win and we got it. When they were nine points down I was dreading having to face up to the reality that no matter how good the hurlers we produce, they'd crumble as soon as they looked at those red/blue & gold jerseys, we are never going to overcome our inbuilt inferiority complex. But they did. I'm always proud of any Waterford team that fights the good fight. It doesn't matter how badly beaten they get, they're representing me and as long as they don't go down swinging timber or fists then I'll be proud to be associated with them. The lads the other night - they made me happy. I'm going to become a father for the first time soon (today is D-Day+1) and I'm looking forward to contrasting my feelings when it happens with my feelings on Wednesday night. I'm still buzzing from the result. If fatherhood is better than that, bring it on!

robopaddy

DeiseX wrote: »

Mark O' Brien - Ferrybank.
Not sure about Paul O' Connor, my programme is somewhere lost in the car!

Clashmore he was on the minor football team aswell

robopaddy

deiseach wrote: »

I'm probably stating the obvious here, but what sets this apart is that we went with an expectation of a win and we got it. When they were nine points down I was dreading having to face up to the reality that no matter how good the hurlers we produce, they'd crumble as soon as they looked at those red/blue & gold jerseys, we are never going to overcome our inbuilt inferiority complex. But they did. I'm always proud of any Waterford team that fights the good fight. It doesn't matter how badly beaten they get, they're representing me and as long as they don't go down swinging timber or fists then I'll be proud to be associated with them. The lads the other night - they made me happy. I'm going to become a father for the first time soon (today is D-Day+1) and I'm looking forward to contrasting my feelings when it happens with my feelings on Wednesday night. I'm still buzzing from the result. If fatherhood is better than that, bring it on!

Id be reasonably well up on the progress of the development squads over the past few years and Id seen Cork a few times at u16 and u17 and I always knew that this Waterford group were ahead of them so I like you would have been so dissappointed had we crumbled to them when it really mattered on Wednesday night. I would rate Limerick as being a serious outfit having seen them at u17 last year and it has always been a particularly strong group and it will be another huge battle but I do feel that we are stronger than them aswell and if we play to our ability we will beat them. While Tipp would have been rightly favourites for the All Ireland it wasnt as surprising as some people were saying that they were beaten knowing this crop of players Limerick have.

This year and next year are big years for us at this level we have a super group of players coming through. Next years minor team won the Tony Forristal 4 years ago and the U16 Arrabawn Plate last year and and out of Wednesdays nights starting team Conor Gleeson, Shane Bennett, Patrick Curran, Colm Roche, Cormac Curran are still on the age next year.

I do think this year is there is a huge oppertunity there for which ever team wins the Munster final. Leinster has been quite weak this year and while Kilkenny have made it through to the Leinster final it wouldnt be classified as a vintage minor team by their standards having been beaten at home by Wexford already, and they play Laois in the final whom they beat by 17 points already earlier in the competition. By winning Munster you avoid Galway in the quarters who will be strong as they are every year and more than likely Kilkenny even if you beat Galway.

Its hard to call as when it comes to minors anything can happen on any given day but I have a good feeling about us at this grade over the next couple of years.

In the meantime enjoy the sleepless nights

willietherock

From a Cork prospective better team won. Huge Waterford crowd at the game and much more vocal than Cork. Harney midfield was my MOTM. Started hoovering up possession when ye were in big trouble. Waterford failed to deal with Conor Twomey when he went into 6 early in the 2nd half and his dominance dragged Cork back into the game. Limerick were v impressive v Cork in a challenge a while back and are not to be underestimated. Massively frustrating to be following Cork underage hurling the last decade. A litany of extratime/1pt defeats.

deiseach

robopaddy wrote: »

In the meantime enjoy the sleepless nights

But enough about thinking about Waterford's summer

soggy biscuit

willietherock wrote: »

Limerick were v impressive v Cork in a challenge a while back and are not to be underestimated.

I have heard the opposite from a few people now to be honest, saying the Limerick were no great shakes in that match. What was the score in it?

Jarjohn

Waterford now 11/8 favourites to win all ireland minor :eek:. A bit short as least 3 more games to win to achieve that title. A great win the other night but I don't think Cork minor teams have been setting the world on fire the last few years. As other posters have mentioned minor hurling is very, very unpredictable and being 9 or ten points down, a team is still in with a shout. Tipp must have fancied their chances after beating us 6 weeks back and now they are gone. Limerick, Galway and Kilkenny could all win if they perform on the day. One or two of a Minor team can dominate any game at this level. I think the Harty experience will stand to a lot of our lads and the big occasion wont worry them. This could be a rollercoaster ride like many Waterford teams before them

Ando's Saggy Bottom

deiseach wrote: »

I'm probably stating the obvious here, but what sets this apart is that we went with an expectation of a win and we got it. When they were nine points down I was dreading having to face up to the reality that no matter how good the hurlers we produce, they'd crumble as soon as they looked at those red/blue & gold jerseys, we are never going to overcome our inbuilt inferiority complex. But they did. I'm always proud of any Waterford team that fights the good fight. It doesn't matter how badly beaten they get, they're representing me and as long as they don't go down swinging timber or fists then I'll be proud to be associated with them. The lads the other night - they made me happy. I'm going to become a father for the first time soon (today is D-Day+1) and I'm looking forward to contrasting my feelings when it happens with my feelings on Wednesday night. I'm still buzzing from the result. If fatherhood is better than that, bring it on!

Best of luck with the new arrival. If its a boy I presume he'll be a Tony or a Ken!? :pac:

deiseach

Ando's Saggy Bottom wrote: »

Best of luck with the new arrival. If its a boy I presume he'll be a Tony or a Ken!? :pac:

Erm, no. Not even close. Who do you think I am, the mother?

seananigans

deiseach wrote: »

I'm probably stating the obvious here, but what sets this apart is that we went with an expectation of a win and we got it. When they were nine points down I was dreading having to face up to the reality that no matter how good the hurlers we produce, they'd crumble as soon as they looked at those red/blue & gold jerseys, we are never going to overcome our inbuilt inferiority complex. But they did. I'm always proud of any Waterford team that fights the good fight. It doesn't matter how badly beaten they get, they're representing me and as long as they don't go down swinging timber or fists then I'll be proud to be associated with them. The lads the other night - they made me happy. I'm going to become a father for the first time soon (today is D-Day+1) and I'm looking forward to contrasting my feelings when it happens with my feelings on Wednesday night. I'm still buzzing from the result. If fatherhood is better than that, bring it on!

Good stuff ,make sure to raise him a hurler through , Tony Browne will need young legs around him when he's 58 ,and still hitting points from the half back line for fun

Ballyvoile Boy

Anyone interested in seeing the future stars of Waterford hurling should get in to the Fraher Field tomorrow morning, where the U16 hurling county finals will take place. In division 1, Cappoquin take on Cois Bhríde, in division 2, Brickeys will face St. Pat's. In division 3, St. Olivers play An Gaeltacht (fixture to be finalised).

First throw-in is at 10 or 10:30am I think.

nkay1985

Many of you heading tomorrow lads? I've been planning on heading but with people working, others with tickets to concerts and some just not going, I might end up going by myself if I go at all. I'm a bit surprised!

hardybuck

nkay1985 wrote: »

Many of you heading tomorrow lads? I've been planning on heading but with people working, others with tickets to concerts and some just not going, I might end up going by myself if I go at all. I'm a bit surprised!

I'm based in Dublin, and considering travelling, and although I hate to admit it, the closer I get to the game the more I think I'll give it a miss!

I expect Waterford to steamroll Westmeath, and the football is likely to be a war of attrition.

Mightn't be worth the hassle of getting in and out of Mullingar. I might keep my powder dry for the next day, which may possibly be a good double header.

Ando's Saggy Bottom

Train is only an hour from Connolly?

hardybuck

Ando's Saggy Bottom wrote: »

Train is only an hour from Connolly?

I know yeah, but it's a little over an hour if you're driving as well. It'd take me about 45 mins to get to Connolly.

deisedub

Would the U21 management be interested in a few of the minors the way Paul Flynn stepped up in grade in '92

hardybuck

deisedub wrote: »

Would the U21 management be interested in a few of the minors the way Paul Flynn stepped up in grade in '92

U21 teams will always include a few minors every year...

Mountainlad

hardybuck wrote: »

U21 teams will always include a few minors every year...

I don't remember any last year? But I'd be surprised if there wasn't one or two at least in the mix.

hardybuck

Mountainlad wrote: »

I don't remember any last year? But I'd be surprised if there wasn't one or two at least in the mix.

Well maybe not every year, but it's pretty common to see minors in the team, or at least in the squad.

Local_Chap

hardybuck wrote: »

Well maybe not every year, but it's pretty common to see minors in the team, or at least in the squad.

I don't think it's common at all really?

Mountainlad

hardybuck wrote: »

Well maybe not every year, but it's pretty common to see minors in the team, or at least in the squad.

When you've a quality minor team I'd say it is. I wouldn't expect the likes of Patrick Curran or Shane Bennett (two of the best performers) to be playing this year anyway. You might see Stephen Bennett or Austin Gleeson in there though.

I know Jake Dillon and Jamie Barron played u21 as minors and Philip Mahony in 2009, but don't think anyone did last year or in 2010.

hardybuck

Local_Chap wrote: »

I don't think it's common at all really?

I may stand corrected! I was an U21 squad member myself as a minor, many moons ago. At least one of my minor team started if I remember correctly.

nkay1985

Im after asking around friend's and all that so figured I'd chance here.

Is there anyone stuck for a lift up tomorrow that was thinking of travelling? I'm working in the morning and the following morning so I'm definitely driving if I'm going but it'd be a shame to have an empty car.

Worth a try!

robopaddy

Mountainlad wrote: »

When you've a quality minor team I'd say it is. I wouldn't expect the likes of Patrick Curran or Shane Bennett (two of the best performers) to be playing this year anyway. You might see Stephen Bennett or Austin Gleeson in there though.

I know Jake Dillon and Jamie Barron played u21 as minors and Philip Mahony in 2009, but don't think anyone did last year or in 2010.

The first 2 lads you mentioned are still minor next year so they would be too young. your right about the 3 lads in the last paragraph, normally only an exceptional minor is called to the u21 team so youd hope it bodes well for those 3 lads. I know Paul Flynn was mentioned already and as far as I know Kevin Moran was called up to the u21s the year he was minor. But it is very rarely you hear of it, I cant remember anyone else from Waterford. usually the minor lads have enough going on with leaving cert etc anyway

Giveitfong

Eoin Kelly gave a master class at midfield in a great under 21 win over Tipperary in Thurles in 2000 when he was still a minor. However, I doubt if any minors would be used by the under 21s while they are still in the minor championship. Besides, the current under 21s have been playing a lot of matches without any minors and it would be difficult to bring any into the panel at this stage without causing friction. In any case, the under 21 panel this year is very strong (at least on paper) and it is hard to see where there would be an opening for any minors.


For what it is worth, I think all of the following are under 21 and in the Waterford panel. If there are any errors or omissions I would be glad to hear of them:
Seánie Barry and Darren Duggan (goalkeepers)
Barry Coughlan
Stephen O’Keeffe (the other one)
Shane Roche
Tom Curran
Ian Kenny
Tadhg Bourke
Shane McNulty
Ray Barry
Paudie Prendergast
Kieran Power
Jim Power
Colin Dunford
Darragh Fives
Shane Ryan
Gavin O’Brien
Donie Breathnach
Pauric Mahony
Eamonn Murphy
Cormac Heffernan
Jake Dillon
Jamie Barron
Stephen Roche
Jack Lyons
Kieran Bennett
Barry O’Sullivan
Ryan Donnelly
Ray Ó Ceallaigh
Paul Coughlan


I don’t know what the story is with Eoin Madigan, but if he was available he would be a hell of an addition.


This to me is, like the minors, a panel with immense potential if it can be harnessed and focused properly. However, we have had many panels in recent years which fit this description but which failed to deliver on the night (the 2009 team being an exception). Peter Queally seems to have been doing a lot of work with them and working well with Michael Ryan. I believe there was a real hammer and thongs game between the under 21s and seniors a couple of Sundays ago which is great to hear. Any further intelligence would be welcome as they prepare for their home game against Clare on July 18 next.

Mountainlad

Colin Walsh would be another one.

robopaddy

Giveitfong wrote: »

Eoin Kelly gave a master class at midfield in a great under 21 win over Tipperary in Thurles in 2000 when he was still a minor. However, I doubt if any minors would be used by the under 21s while they are still in the minor championship. Besides, the current under 21s have been playing a lot of matches without any minors and it would be difficult to bring any into the panel at this stage without causing friction. In any case, the under 21 panel this year is very strong (at least on paper) and it is hard to see where there would be an opening for any minors.


For what it is worth, I think all of the following are under 21 and in the Waterford panel. If there are any errors or omissions I would be glad to hear of them:
Seánie Barry and Darren Duggan (goalkeepers)
Barry Coughlan
Stephen O’Keeffe (the other one)
Shane Roche
Tom Curran
Ian Kenny
Tadhg Bourke
Shane McNulty
Ray Barry
Paudie Prendergast
Kieran Power
Jim Power
Colin Dunford
Darragh Fives
Shane Ryan
Gavin O’Brien
Donie Breathnach
Pauric Mahony
Eamonn Murphy
Cormac Heffernan
Jake Dillon
Jamie Barron
Stephen Roche
Jack Lyons
Kieran Bennett
Barry O’Sullivan
Ryan Donnelly
Ray Ó Ceallaigh
Paul Coughlan


I don’t know what the story is with Eoin Madigan, but if he was available he would be a hell of an addition.


This to me is, like the minors, a panel with immense potential if it can be harnessed and focused properly. However, we have had many panels in recent years which fit this description but which failed to deliver on the night (the 2009 team being an exception). Peter Queally seems to have been doing a lot of work with them and working well with Michael Ryan. I believe there was a real hammer and thongs game between the under 21s and seniors a couple of Sundays ago which is great to hear. Any further intelligence would be welcome as they prepare for their home game against Clare on July 18 next.

the only pity is theyve been drawn against a super Clare team with most of their u21 AI winning team from last year still on the age. I think wed have the measure of the other 3 Munster counties but seriously up against it with Clare, even with home advantage. Still, heres hoping for a big performance to at least bury the demons of last years horror show in Ennis

Deise_2012

Giveitfong wrote: »

Eoin Kelly gave a master class at midfield in a great under 21 win over Tipperary in Thurles in 2000 when he was still a minor. However, I doubt if any minors would be used by the under 21s while they are still in the minor championship. Besides, the current under 21s have been playing a lot of matches without any minors and it would be difficult to bring any into the panel at this stage without causing friction. In any case, the under 21 panel this year is very strong (at least on paper) and it is hard to see where there would be an opening for any minors.


For what it is worth, I think all of the following are under 21 and in the Waterford panel. If there are any errors or omissions I would be glad to hear of them:
Seánie Barry and Darren Duggan (goalkeepers)
Barry Coughlan
Stephen O’Keeffe (the other one)
Shane Roche
Tom Curran
Ian Kenny
Tadhg Bourke
Shane McNulty
Ray Barry
Paudie Prendergast
Kieran Power
Jim Power
Colin Dunford
Darragh Fives
Shane Ryan
Gavin O’Brien
Donie Breathnach
Pauric Mahony
Eamonn Murphy
Cormac Heffernan
Jake Dillon
Jamie Barron
Stephen Roche
Jack Lyons
Kieran Bennett
Barry O’Sullivan
Ryan Donnelly
Ray Ó Ceallaigh
Paul Coughlan


I don’t know what the story is with Eoin Madigan, but if he was available he would be a hell of an addition.


This to me is, like the minors, a panel with immense potential if it can be harnessed and focused properly. However, we have had many panels in recent years which fit this description but which failed to deliver on the night (the 2009 team being an exception). Peter Queally seems to have been doing a lot of work with them and working well with Michael Ryan. I believe there was a real hammer and thongs game between the under 21s and seniors a couple of Sundays ago which is great to hear. Any further intelligence would be welcome as they prepare for their home game against Clare on July 18 next.

Madigan was warming up for de la salle when they were playing ring about 3 weeks ago, I presume he should be availible v clare in a few weeks! Can see aussie gleeson getting called up to the u21 panel maybe even in the forward line? Plenty of backs in that list above and he's playing there for mount sion in the senior championship and going well, good option to have wing forward as a ball winner

Mountainlad

Deise_2012 wrote: »

Madigan was warming up for de la salle when they were playing ring about 3 weeks ago, I presume he should be availible v clare in a few weeks! Can see aussie gleeson getting called up to the u21 panel maybe even in the forward line? Plenty of backs in that list above and he's playing there for mount sion in the senior championship and going well, good option to have wing forward as a ball winner

He didn't play against Fourmilewater. I can't see him starting anyway, sure he can't have enough done. Quite possible he won't play at all.

Deise_2012

Mountainlad wrote: »

He didn't play against Fourmilewater. I can't see him starting anyway, sure he can't have enough done. Quite possible he won't play at all.

I know I said he was warming up

Mountainlad

Deise_2012 wrote: »

I know I said he was warming up

You said against An Rinn. I was just saying that he didn't play any part in their most recent game. The fact they won that quite comfortably and they still wouldn't risk him suggests to me that he's still a bit away from it yet. With all the preparation the u21s have gone through, I'd say he won't play any part in the match against Clare.

alllcounty

What happened him anyway. Last time I see him he was hopping over the fence in carriganore to come on as a sub in the waterford crystal game against UL. Since then it's like he disappered.

Deise_2012

Mountainlad wrote: »

You said against An Rinn. I was just saying that he didn't play any part in their most recent game. The fact they won that quite comfortably and they still wouldn't risk him suggests to me that he's still a bit away from it yet. With all the preparation the u21s have gone through, I'd say he won't play any part in the match against Clare.

sorry I meant fourmilewater, they played rinn in the 1st round dunno what I was thinking!

robopaddy

Deise_2012 wrote: »

Can see aussie gleeson getting called up to the u21 panel maybe even in the forward line? Plenty of backs in that list above and he's playing there for mount sion in the senior championship and going well, good option to have wing forward as a ball winner

I hope hes not I dont think it would be logical in bringing him on it just for the sake of it. As long as the minors are still in the championship that has to be the priority. It would very unfair on minor management if he was to get an injury in training for the u21s or at a challenge game given the work they have been doing since last October because hes not going to be any more than a bit-part player for the u21s anyway. I think the u21s have enough work done and enough strength in depth themselves so dont see the need for him
If the minors are out of the championship and the 21s are still in it I would say by all means but at the moment he should be left to give his 100% commitment to the minors as he will have 3 years as an u21 anyway

deisefolife

best of luck to the seniors tonight