All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final Cork v Galway: August 12th, 3.30pm

Diabhal Beag

Great result today albeit a poor showing at times especially from Niall Burke and Tannian's shooting. They pulled it out of the bag today in comparison to the great start they had against KK. You need to be able to win games even playing poorly. Niall Donohue was my MOTM. You could see how instilled confidence in Tony Óg, Johnny Coen and Davey Collins. Truly outstanding today.

David Burke is some man believe it or not. Played better than Canning today (What was the deal with his shooting for goal from a million miles out when a point was clearly the better option I ask you humble reader?). James Regan was fine and filled in for Cyril as well as you can expect. Damien Hayes was good in spells but Conor Cooney didn't turn up. Took a while for Tannian to settle and he did play great in the second but his shooting is abysmal. Smith was good too.

The full-forward line was non-existent at times which left McDonnell with some space. Canning didn't get enough ball in the first half to do any real damage. Long-range shooting from Tannian and Burke was so bad. Sideline cuts gave away scores which is a big issue. There are problems in the side that need to be drastically improved on before we dream of lifting Liam.

So big decision to be made in the Galway camp. Should Cunningham give somebody else a chance ahead of Niall Burke and Cooney? Glynn deserves a go IMO.

As for the Cork supporters they were great craic. Even had a quick word with the Rock himself.

All-in-all delighted to be in the final. To deliver that in your first season is something John McIntyre could only dream of. Will be watching the Tipp/KK match from behind the couch.

Amprodude

I did feel sorry for Galway in 2010 when they lost narrowly to Tipperary. Just hope this is their year.

TheCoolWay

ShamoBuc wrote: »

We won the football in 2010

How long is it since Galway won an All Ireland anyway?

88

ShamoBuc

ShamoBuc wrote: »

I hope TSG will have a look at some of them - especially Canning, who took 9 steps before offloading the ball in the second half

Why do supporters find this so hard to understand? :rolleyes:

1.7

When a player is in possession of the ball it may be

(a)carried in the hand for a maximum of four consecutive steps OR held in the hand for no longer than the time needed to take four steps.

The rule in GAA has never been 4 running steps, in football you would be bouncing/soloing the ball like basketball otherwise.
It refers to a player playing the ball at a walking pace.
The length of time it takes to take 4 walking paces is not the same as running 9 at a pelt.

So no, there was no ridicules over carrying calls by the ref, the only blatant over carry of the game was committed by Andy Smith, and rightly called against him.

There is also a small allowance given to players being fouled in a manner that is illegal but not warranting enough of a free.
Players being held are allowed more steps to break away from the challenge or offload the ball. If anything these challenges should be awarded to the attacking player but the game needs to flow.
The instance you're probably talking about was when JC had two Cork players hanging off him before offloading to C.Cooney placing it too far over his head.

blackbelt

Great game of hurling yesterday. Was happy to be at it and take it all in as a neutral. Galway played very well yesterday. Their backs smothered Cork out when needed and the forwards worked particularly well.Cork played very well in the first half but 6 points in the second half was a poor return.

I feel Corks tactics of doubling up on Joe Canning was well intended but limited Corks ability to defend from the Galway half forwards running in.Also it nearly backfired only for the Cork keeper to pull off an excellent save.Donal Og may not just walk back on when he comes back from injury.

A lot has been mentioned about Corks score tally coming from frees.Tipp or KK will not be as reliant on frees as perhaps Cork were yesterday and it is for this reason I think Galway won't go the distance though I would like to see them doing it.They had been hyped up needlessly over the years only to fail to deliver and I can relate to that feeling.

On the refereeing yesterday, it was quite inconsistent.Brian Gavin missed a few dirty pulls that merited a red.Also he seemed quite harsh on the Galway forwards when they were being fouled.From an angle I saw from the Hill I think Regan or Cannings hurl was been grabbed by a Cork defender and no free was given.

I think Cork definitely have a team to build on.A good year for them reaching a league final and All Ireland semi final.

paddy no 11

How many times is that now where beaten teams have deliberately tried to take canning out. Great idea lads, rob the rest of us the chance of watching a great of the game just because ye can't take a beating.

Randy Watson

Very disappointed in Corks second half performance and their inability to get around Galways massed defence.

They crowded the their own half, suffocating Corks attack. You could see it happening and yet Cork had no answer only to launch high ball after high ball down onto spare Galway defenders.

Galways style of play in the second half wouldn't be my cup of tea but it works for them. They will seriously have to up it against tipp or kk though.

As for Cork, I wouldn't be as optimistic as most of my fellow countymen.

Mr. Boo

I think Cork played to their full potential, but I don't think they had a goal in them. They'll come on again next year.

Galway were disappointing for their lack of shape especially around the half-forward line. A few great performances though, great work rate from Canning (but he should've taken a point off that free), Coen was outstanding in the second half, and the half-back line was looking nice and solid.

Looking forward to watching the game next weekend now.

cgpg5

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Great result today albeit a poor showing at times especially from Niall Burke and Tannian's shooting. They pulled it out of the bag today in comparison to the great start they had against KK. You need to be able to win games even playing poorly. Niall Donohue was my MOTM. You could see how instilled confidence in Tony Óg, Johnny Coen and Davey Collins. Truly outstanding today.

David Burke is some man believe it or not. Played better than Canning today (What was the deal with his shooting for goal from a million miles out when a point was clearly the better option I ask you humble reader?). James Regan was fine and filled in for Cyril as well as you can expect. Damien Hayes was good in spells but Conor Cooney didn't turn up. Took a while for Tannian to settle and he did play great in the second but his shooting is abysmal. Smith was good too.

The full-forward line was non-existent at times which left McDonnell with some space. Canning didn't get enough ball in the first half to do any real damage. Long-range shooting from Tannian and Burke was so bad. Sideline cuts gave away scores which is a big issue. There are problems in the side that need to be drastically improved on before we dream of lifting Liam.

So big decision to be made in the Galway camp. Should Cunningham give somebody else a chance ahead of Niall Burke and Cooney? Glynn deserves a go IMO.

As for the Cork supporters they were great craic. Even had a quick word with the Rock himself.

All-in-all delighted to be in the final. To deliver that in your first season is something John McIntyre could only dream of. Will be watching the Tipp/KK match from behind the couch.

I'd leave Burke in cos even when he plays poorly like yesterday he still has a great knack of popping up and getting scores. Workrate lacks so much though. I'd start Regan for Cooney, I've come to the conclusion Glynn might be better suited to being the impact player

eigrod

gilberto_eire wrote: »

Why do supporters find this so hard to understand? :rolleyes:

1.7

When a player is in possession of the ball it may be

(a)carried in the hand for a maximum of four consecutive steps OR held in the hand for no longer than the time needed to take four steps.

The rule in GAA has never been 4 running steps, in football you would be bouncing/soloing the ball like basketball otherwise.
It refers to a player playing the ball at a walking pace.
The length of time it takes to take 4 walking paces is not the same as running 9 at a pelt.

So no, there was no ridicules over carrying calls by the ref, the only blatant over carry of the game was committed by Andy Smith, and rightly called against him.

I think you're mis-reading that rule. The 'time' element of it relates to if the player is static. 9 steps is 9 steps and breaks the 4 step rule, irrespective of how quickly the steps are taken.

Every team benefits from over-carrying decisions and every team gets the wrong end of over-carrying decisions, so its not something to get too excited about.

Revenge for Tomas Mulcahy in '86 (or was it '90 ? ) ?

Amprodude

eigrod wrote: »

gilberto_eire wrote: »

Why do supporters find this so hard to understand? :rolleyes:

1.7

When a player is in possession of the ball it may be

(a)carried in the hand for a maximum of four consecutive steps OR held in the hand for no longer than the time needed to take four steps.

The rule in GAA has never been 4 running steps, in football you would be bouncing/soloing the ball like basketball otherwise.
It refers to a player playing the ball at a walking pace.
The length of time it takes to take 4 walking paces is not the same as running 9 at a pelt.

So no, there was no ridicules over carrying calls by the ref, the only blatant over carry of the game was committed by Andy Smith, and rightly called against him.

I think you're mis-reading that rule. The 'time' element of it relates to if the player is static. 9 steps is 9 steps and breaks the 4 step rule, irrespective of how quickly the steps are taken.

Every team benefits from over-carrying decisions and every team gets the wrong end of over-carrying decisions, so its not something to get too excited about.

Revenge for Tomas Mulcahy in '86 (or was it '90 ? ) ?

92 against Limerick.

Donnielighto

gilberto_eire wrote: »

Why do supporters find this so hard to understand? :rolleyes:

1.7

When a player is in possession of the ball it may be

(a)carried in the hand for a maximum of four consecutive steps OR held in the hand for no longer than the time needed to take four steps.

The rule in GAA has never been 4 running steps, in football you would be bouncing/soloing the ball like basketball otherwise.
It refers to a player playing the ball at a walking pace.
The length of time it takes to take 4 walking paces is not the same as running 9 at a pelt.

So no, there was no ridicules over carrying calls by the ref, the only blatant over carry of the game was committed by Andy Smith, and rightly called against him.

There is also a small allowance given to players being fouled in a manner that is illegal but not warranting enough of a free.
Players being held are allowed more steps to break away from the challenge or offload the ball. If anything these challenges should be awarded to the attacking player but the game needs to flow.
The instance you're probably talking about was when JC had two Cork players hanging off him before offloading to C.Cooney placing it too far over his head.

Steps are steps where does is say anything about walkin? they should just up it 6 steps and enforce it

The_Kew_Tour

Nash has good shout of getting All Star.

premierstone

THFC wrote: »

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!!!!!!! Unlucky lad, ye have some awful dirty players by the way, 2 red card offences in that game, and all because they couldn't handle getting beat. That chop on Canning was shocking. I suppose the boys from Cork must be having nightmares about him at this stage:D:D:D:D

And what may I ask would your opinion of young Cooney's sole contributuion to the game, where he attempted to remove Anthony Nash's head, when the sliothar was 50 yards away??

Youthfull exeuberance?, sliped?, too much lucozade orange???

premierstone

gilberto_eire wrote: »

Why do supporters find this so hard to understand? :rolleyes:

1.7

When a player is in possession of the ball it may be

(a)carried in the hand for a maximum of four consecutive steps OR held in the hand for no longer than the time needed to take four steps.

The rule in GAA has never been 4 running steps, in football you would be bouncing/soloing the ball like basketball otherwise.
It refers to a player playing the ball at a walking pace.
The length of time it takes to take 4 walking paces is not the same as running 9 at a pelt.

So no, there was no ridicules over carrying calls by the ref, the only blatant over carry of the game was committed by Andy Smith, and rightly called against him.

Jaysus I hope your joking??

By your logic Usain Bolt could run the lenght of the field if he was playing as it would take the same time it would take most club players to take 4 steps.

aidan24326

Conor Cooney was anonymous for long spells and hasn't scored in the last two games. He'll be lucky to keep his place for the final.

I'm not convinced we'll win an All-Ireland with Niall Burke at center forward either. He's not physically imposing enough in that position. Could Donnellan play there?

Great to be in the final but yesterday's performance wouldn't get us within 10 points of Tipp or KK. Serious improvement needed. Shooting was surprisingly poor yesterday, some terrible wides.

But credit to Cunningham for bringing about great improvement in areas where it was most needed - workrate, tenacity, tackling, blocking etc. They're doing the ugly stuff now aswell as playing nice hurling at times.

Mountainlad

paddy no 11 wrote: »

How many times is that now where beaten teams have deliberately tried to take canning out. Great idea lads, rob the rest of us the chance of watching a great of the game just because ye can't take a beating.

To be fair to Paudie O'Sullivan, that wasn't deliberate. And can you maybe give a few examples of all the other times beaten teams have tried to take him out? He's not made of glass, you know.

Great to see Galway win, pretty much as expected, they were never going to runaway with the game but they were comfortable enough in the last 10 minutes. A bit of sluggishness from the break in games and obviously there wouldn't be the same focus as there was in the Leinster Final. They'll have to cut out the wides, and be more ruthless in front of goals, but I would put that down to the long break since the Kilkenny game.

Disappointed with Cork's forward line, I'm thinking now it's not really as potent as it's been blown up to be. Sure, pretty much every player there is well able to take their scores and they got some nices scores yesterday again, but in the 3 big games they've played this year they've managed 1 goal, which is identical to Waterford who we're told have a weak forward line. Did they even create a goal chance yesterday? Maybe the one Cronin hit over the bar when he made a great catch in the second half, but again it was a snapshot and wasn't a well worked opportunity.

Joe Canning was truly outstanding, his ability to finish with such ease and accuracy from right or left is incredible. Johnny Coen is having a very good year, and everyone of the forwards is a threat. Even James Regan got 2 great scores, and when you've got players like Hayes, David Burke and Canning around him that's about as much as is needed from him.

The right result, and I reckon it'll be a much better final than 2005.

Mountainlad

premierstone wrote: »

Jaysus I hope your joking??

By your logic Usain Bolt could run the lenght of the field if he was playing as it would take the same time it would take most club players to take 4 steps.

It'd be a pretty stupid rule wouldn't it? I mean, who travels at a walking pace in hurling?

I think this four steps at a walking pace is probably special dispensation awarded by Gilberto to Galway. I wonder if there was a crucial steps call in the final against Galway, would we still be hearing about this non-existent 'walking' pace rule...

Jimmy Iovine

Thought it wasn't a great game at all for a neutral. Both teams missed some dreadful scores. If Cork had a Joe Deane or a Ben O'Connor in there who was capable of putting the ball over the bar more times than he missed then they'd have won it imo.

I fell asleep at halftime and woke up to find Galway with no forwards. Ridiculous tactics but I suppose it helped them to win the game.

Canning is a great player but his decision to go for goal after 8 minutes was one of the worst I've ever seen. Knock the ball over the bar and he'd have tied the game. Went for glory and it backfired. Do that against either Tipp or Kilkenny and they will make you pay. Needs to work on his decision making in those situations.

bruschi

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

Thought it wasn't a great game at all for a neutral. Both teams missed some dreadful scores. If Cork had a Joe Deane or a Ben O'Connor in there who was capable of putting the ball over the bar more times than he missed then they'd have won it imo.

I fell asleep at halftime and woke up to find Galway with no forwards. Ridiculous tactics but I suppose it helped them to win the game.

Canning is a great player but his decision to go for goal after 8 minutes was one of the worst I've ever seen. Knock the ball over the bar and he'd have tied the game. Went for glory and it backfired. Do that against either Tipp or Kilkenny and they will make you pay. Needs to work on his decision making in those situations.

I disagree. You get goals early and kill off a team. At that stage a point wasnt overly vital, but a goal would be a significant boost to them. you see the way they targetted goals too against KK. It was worth a shot, 21 yard free that he has potential to score.

Jimmy Iovine

bruschi wrote: »

I disagree. You get goals early and kill off a team. At that stage a point wasnt overly vital, but a goal would be a significant boost to them. you see the way they targetted goals too against KK. It was worth a shot, 21 yard free that he has potential to score.

Target goals from play but not from frees imo. A save (or a double one in this case) gives teams a massive boost. A save in play wouldn't have as much of an effect.

Cork weren't good enough to go up the field and capitalise. Tipp and Kilkenny are.

premierstone

bruschi wrote: »

I disagree. You get goals early and kill off a team. At that stage a point wasnt overly vital, but a goal would be a significant boost to them. you see the way they targetted goals too against KK. It was worth a shot, 21 yard free that he has potential to score.

Don't think it was the right decision myself, but can understand why he did it. Cork had actually settled the better and a point would have been very welcome at that time.

That said We have no idea who made the call, perhaps he got a signal from the line, perhaps it had been decided before the game what to do in such circumstances.

bruschi

premierstone wrote: »

Don't think it was the right decision myself, but can understand why he did it. Cork had actually settled the better and a point would have been very welcome at that time.

That said We have no idea who made the call, perhaps he got a signal from the line, perhaps it had been decided before the game what to do in such circumstances.

yeah I'm indifferent to the actual decision of going for it, but it was worth a shot. I certainly dont think it was one of the worst decisions I ever saw though.

elguapo

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

Thought it wasn't a great game at all for a neutral. QUOTE]

Respectfully disagree, thought it was a fascinating game. Some of the shooting was poor enough at times, but there were some fantastic passages of play, total commitment from both sides, and some great hooking, blocking and striking. I'd happily watch a game like that every Sunday.

paddy no 11

Mountainlad wrote: »

To be fair to Paudie O'Sullivan, that wasn't deliberate. And can you maybe give a few examples of all the other times beaten teams have tried to take him out? He's not made of glass, you know.

Great to see Galway win, pretty much as expected, they were never going to runaway with the game but they were comfortable enough in the last 10 minutes. A bit of sluggishness from the break in games and obviously there wouldn't be the same focus as there was in the Leinster Final. They'll have to cut out the wides, and be more ruthless in front of goals, but I would put that down to the long break since the Kilkenny game.

Disappointed with Cork's forward line, I'm thinking now it's not really as potent as it's been blown up to be. Sure, pretty much every player there is well able to take their scores and they got some nices scores yesterday again, but in the 3 big games they've played this year they've managed 1 goal, which is identical to Waterford who we're told have a weak forward line. Did they even create a goal chance yesterday? Maybe the one Cronin hit over the bar when he made a great catch in the second half, but again it was a snapshot and wasn't a well worked opportunity.

Joe Canning was truly outstanding, his ability to finish with such ease and accuracy from right or left is incredible. Johnny Coen is having a very good year, and everyone of the forwards is a threat. Even James Regan got 2 great scores, and when you've got players like Hayes, David Burke and Canning around him that's about as much as is needed from him.

The right result, and I reckon it'll be a much better final than 2005.

No way of knowing if it was deliberate or not, for me it was a very bad tackle.

2 years ago 2 clare lads tried to take him out, one with an identical challenge to O'Sullivans on sunday, and the other fella hit hit with the edge of the hurley across the shoulder (he got red iirc)

There have been other's that i cant recall right now. I've heard the loughrea boys shamed themselves in a county semi final a few years ago also (i wasnt there)

premierstone

elguapo wrote: »

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

Thought it wasn't a great game at all for a neutral. QUOTE]

Respectfully disagree, thought it was a fascinating game. Some of the shooting was poor enough at times, but there were some fantastic passages of play, total commitment from both sides, and some great hooking, blocking and striking. I'd happily watch a game like that every Sunday.

Yeah it was a very interesting and gripping game, but Jimmy has a point I mean it never really took off hurling wise, yes there was incredible passion, commitment and work rate but the moments of genius and flashes of brilliance were sadly lacking, I guess it was a typical semi-final, very enjoyable all the same and the better team won.

elguapo

premierstone wrote: »

elguapo wrote: »

Yeah it was a very interesting and gripping game, but Jimmy has a point I mean it never really took off hurling wise, yes there was incredible passion, commitment and work rate but the moments of genius and flashes of brilliance were sadly lacking, I guess it was a typical semi-final, very enjoyable all the same and the better team won.

I definitely take the point about the game never quite catching fire, was very surprised at the lack of goal chances.

Couldn't believe the lack of Galway forwards inside the Cork 45 during the second half yesterday; if they drop that deep in the final, I can't see how they'll win.

Mountainlad

paddy no 11 wrote: »

No way of knowing if it was deliberate or not, for me it was a very bad tackle.

2 years ago 2 clare lads tried to take him out, one with an identical challenge to O'Sullivans on sunday, and the other fella hit hit with the edge of the hurley across the shoulder (he got red iirc)

There have been other's that i cant recall right now. I've heard the loughrea boys shamed themselves in a county semi final a few years ago also (i wasnt there)

If there's no way of knowing whether it was deliberate or not, how come you said what you said in the first place? Bit unfair to O'Sullivan. It was late, and I'm sure it hurt, but it was a yellow card tackle and that's what he got. I'm adamant he didn't mean to hit him.

I remember the red card, it was last year. That was dreadful, but I don't think it was just because it was Canning. The clown who did it would have hit anybody at the moment in time.

The Loughrea team targeted him, and that was absolutely shameful. They won the match however, it wasn't a reaction to losing. Really ugly stuff given it was premeditated.

premierstone

elguapo wrote: »

Couldn't believe the lack of Galway forwards inside the Cork 45 during the second half yesterday; if they drop that deep in the final, I can't see how they'll win.

Cunningham is a shrewd guy, them tactics were specifically for Cork, just like yesterdays appraoach bore very little resemblence to the Leinster Final.

Im sure he will have a whole new game plan for Sept 9th and it will be based on who is providing the opposition.

aidan24326

elguapo wrote: »

Couldn't believe the lack of Galway forwards inside the Cork 45 during the second half yesterday; if they drop that deep in the final, I can't see how they'll win.

That was surprising alright. Galway were hitting balls in and there was Cork defenders in an acre of space. At times we had no full forward line at all. I'm not sure why Cunningham wanted to play it so defensive against a team that while decent are not superstars by any means.

I thought Galway's tactics actually suited Cork. The game became bogged down in a tactical physical affair and when you're underdogs that's just what you want. Having Joe Canning and Damien Hayes winning ball back in the half back line is madness. As a Cork supporter you're seeing Joe Canning picking up the ball on his own 45 yard line and you're thinking that'll do nicely, leave him there.

We got away with it yesterday but to go with those sort of tactics in the final would be suicide. But Cunningham has so far shown himself to be a tactically astute manager and I'm sure he'll have a different plan for the final. He'll need to.

paddy no 11

Mountainlad wrote: »

If there's no way of knowing whether it was deliberate or not, how come you said what you said in the first place? Bit unfair to O'Sullivan. It was late, and I'm sure it hurt, but it was a yellow card tackle and that's what he got. I'm adamant he didn't mean to hit him.

I remember the red card, it was last year. That was dreadful, but I don't think it was just because it was Canning. The clown who did it would have hit anybody at the moment in time.

The Loughrea team targeted him, and that was absolutely shameful. They won the match however, it wasn't a reaction to losing. Really ugly stuff given it was premeditated.

Well this thing of striking a player across the hands has become very common recently. Think it needs to be stamped out if the trend continues

paddy no 11

Galway's second half tactics minimised the impact of the cork bench, particularly the running threat of sweetnam and naughton. Was effective and dont think they'll repeat the same tactics in the final.

Cunningham appears a pretty shrewd tactician so far. Will have to be for the final.

Fireball07

If Galway do that in the final though, they'll definitely lose. So many aimless balls just given back to Cork. They weren't going to concede a goal but Kilkenny or Tipp will take points from distance.

Jimmy Iovine

Fireball07 wrote: »

If Galway do that in the final though, they'll definitely lose. So many aimless balls just given back to Cork. They weren't going to concede a goal but Kilkenny or Tipp will take points from distance.

That was the worst part for me. They'd do something heroic in defence and then thump it straight down to the Cork fullback line who would lump it back in again. Then the Cork forwards wouldn't be able to do anything with it so it'd come back again.

It was like a game of tennis.

LeoB

Just a few points on yesterdays game. The better team won not playing to their potential.

I think as has been pointed out Canning is a magnificent player and teams will try to stop a player like him and I dont think Cork apart from puttting 2 men around him done anything wild or dangerous. Canning gets far worse treatment in his own county and has got worse playing with Galway. Also I got the impression he does not mind using his big frame on opponents. I think the problem here lies with the officals. If its a dirty stroke on him or anyone else they can use their cards.

Some critisim of John McIntyre at this time is a little unfair. I didnt like him but a few lads let him down big time when they were in good positions, I know they were also unlucky with injury.

Galway done what they had to do to win yesterday. At this stage of the year NOTHING is performance related, its strictly result based so Cunningham and his backroom team will be happy with how things went for them. There is another big performance in this Galway side and Cunningham appears to be the man to get it out of them.

Cunningham is very shrewd tactically and I think Galway now back in the final will be favourites.

LeoB

Just a few points on yesterdays game. The better team won not playing to their potential.

I think as has been pointed out Canning is a magnificent player and teams will try to stop a player like him and I dont think Cork apart from puttting 2 men around him done anything wild or dangerous. Canning gets far worse treatment in his own county and has got worse playing with Galway. Also I got the impression he does not mind using his big frame on opponents. I think the problem here lies with the officals. If its a dirty stroke on him or anyone else they can use their cards.

Some critisim of John McIntyre at this time is a little unfair. I didnt like him but a few lads let him down big time when they were in good positions, I know they were also unlucky with injury.

Galway done what they had to do to win yesterday. At this stage of the year NOTHING is performance related, its strictly result based so Cunningham and his backroom team will be happy with how things went for them. There is another big performance in this Galway side and Cunningham appears to be the man to get it out of them.

Cunningham is very shrewd tactically and I think Galway now back in the final will be favourites.

premierstone

LeoB wrote: »

Cunningham is very shrewd tactically and I think Galway now back in the final will be favourites.

Seriously?? Not even the most optomistic Galway fan could make that case, they will be playing in what for almost everyone of them will be their first ever senior AI against either the greatest team of all time or a team contesting their 4th final in a row. Galway are in the final and KK and Tipp are only in the semi and the bookies don't even have Galway as favourites at this stage so there is no way they will be favs when their opponents are known.

InchicoreDude

Seriously?? Not even the most optomistic Galway fan could make that case, they will be playing in what for almost everyone of them will be their first ever senior AI against either the greatest team of all time or a team contesting their 4th final in a row. Galway are in the final and KK and Tipp are only in the semi and the bookies don't even have Galway as favourites at this stage so there is no way they will be favs when their opponents are known.

I dont know what that poster is on.

The winner of Tipp / KK will be favourites.

Before this championship, people would have said Tipp & KK awere the best. Then there is a group of Galway, Cork and Waterford a level below that with not much between those teams. Clare, Limerick, Offaly & Wexford would be on the next level.

And that is pretty much how the championship has panned out. The only major surprise has been Galway beating KK. But that is not enough to justify Galway being anywhere near favourites here.

It will be interesting to see who Galway get in the final. If Tipp win on Sunday, Galway have an opportunity to win an AI where they would have beaten Kilkenny, Cork & Tipp on their route. There would not be many all-irelands harder won than that! But then it would be interesting to see how Galway would fare against Kilkenny a second time too.

I have no preference who get Galway get. If you want to win an AI, then you should be beating the best and whoever is best in the 2nd semi is the team Galway will have to beat. But Galway will have to improve from yesterday; pucking the ball straight to KK or Tipp's backs will not go unpunished like it did yesterday.

LeoB

premierstone wrote: »

Seriously?? Not even the most optomistic Galway fan could make that case, they will be playing in what for almost everyone of them will be their first ever senior AI against either the greatest team of all time or a team contesting their 4th final in a row. Galway are in the final and KK and Tipp are only in the semi and the bookies don't even have Galway as favourites at this stage so there is no way they will be favs when their opponents are known.

Im very serious. Cunningham has brought to Galway what Pat Gilroy brought to Dublin. Years of promise and heartbreak channeled into a system that is working for them. Belief in a system that has worked for him. The players see the evidence (Garrycastle Galway U/21s) (Gilroy leading Vincents to club title) and they even the ones who have been around for a few years and know only to well heartbreak. When you can get that type of belief in a squad they will go that extra yard in a more focused way because their mindset is different. That coupled with their undoubted talent makes them Favourites for me.

Maybe Cody and Ryan were planning on 2 big games but I dont think KK and Tipp are quite at the level they were at.

Just an opinion

HelloYoungBoy

Galway were very lucky to win, some mind boggling refeering decisions cost Cork

premierstone

LeoB wrote: »

Im very serious. Cunningham has brought to Galway what Pat Gilroy brought to Dublin. Years of promise and heartbreak channeled into a system that is working for them. Belief in a system that has worked for him. The players see the evidence (Garrycastle Galway U/21s) (Gilroy leading Vincents to club title) and they even the ones who have been around for a few years and know only to well heartbreak. When you can get that type of belief in a squad they will go that extra yard in a more focused way because their mindset is different. That coupled with their undoubted talent makes them Favourites for me.

Maybe Cody and Ryan were planning on 2 big games but I dont think KK and Tipp are quite at the level they were at.

Just an opinion

So you dont think you might just be giving a small bit too much credit for one unbelievable performance, which they have never before or since came near, as opposed to two proven all ireland winning teams?

I'm not knocking Galway hear by the way and of course they will have a chance but to make them favourites against either is bordering on lunacy, do you have a betfair a/c as a matter of interest

RoscommonTom

Up the galways, from your rossies friends. Up the west, dont be listening tovthe grudgers.

Junior D

As a Kilkenny man, I was really hoping Galway would win, so that IF we are to beat Tipp, we'd get another shot at 'em!
It's very hard to take what happened and let em get away with it without a (hopeful) backlash

Pappa Charlie

Junior D wrote: »

As a Kilkenny man, I was really hoping Galway would win, so that IF we are to beat Tipp, we'd get another shot at 'em!
It's very hard to take what happened and let em get away with it without a (hopeful) backlash

Theres always the risk of double humiliation!

DC10A

HelloYoungBoy wrote: »

Galway were very lucky to win, some mind boggling refeering decisions cost Cork

I don't know what cool aid you have been drinking but the referee was certainly no aid to Galway, cork should have seen a red and the amount of clearly inconsistant decisions was definetly in corks favour from lying on ball to throwing it ahead and diving even the cork commentator on rte had enough cop on to save in most cases cork "were lucky to get that" and joe was being fouled all day long. Plus most of the forwards were rusty so to run out 5 point winners with 14 wides (needs to be rectified) and a fantastic goal save ain't that bad.

DC10A

Junior D wrote: »

As a Kilkenny man, I was really hoping Galway would win, so that IF we are to beat Tipp, we'd get another shot at 'em!
It's very hard to take what happened and let em get away with it without a (hopeful) backlash

Galway are akin to the French rugby team they can tear you apart if they turn up and in fairness they tend to against Kilkenny it's a compliment really :-p

HelloYoungBoy

DC10A wrote: »

I don't know what cool aid you have been drinking but the referee was certainly no aid to Galway, cork should have seen a red and the amount of clearly inconsistant decisions was definetly in corks favour from lying on ball to throwing it ahead and diving enough the cork commentator on rte had enough cop on to save in most cases cork "were lucky to get that" and joe was being fouled all day long. Plus most of the forwards were rusty so to run out 5 point winners with 14 wides (needs to be rectified) and a fantastic goal save ain't that bad.

Are you suggesting i consume illegal substances? How very dare you do that on a public forum. I want an apology now

DC10A

HelloYoungBoy wrote: »

DC10A wrote: »

I don't know what cool aid you have been drinking but the referee was certainly no aid to Galway, cork should have seen a red and the amount of clearly inconsistant decisions was definetly in corks favour from lying on ball to throwing it ahead and diving enough the cork commentator on rte had enough cop on to save in most cases cork "were lucky to get that" and joe was being fouled all day long. Plus most of the forwards were rusty so to run out 5 point winners with 14 wides (needs to be rectified) and a fantastic goal save ain't that bad.

Are you suggesting i consume illegal substances? How very dare you do that on a public forum. I want an apology now

I sincerly apoligise, your clearly just slightly naturally deranged ;-)

Jimmy Iovine

LeoB wrote: »

I dont think KK and Tipp are quite at the level they were at.

And what makes you think that Galway have gone to another level? The performance against Kilkenny was brilliant. The one against Cork was average imo. If it wasn't for Joe Canning and his 7 points from frees/65s they may well have lost the game against a very poor Cork side. As I said earlier if Cork had someone in the forwards who could score a few points or a goal then they could well have won the game.

If they want to both Kilkenny and Tipperary have the ability to kick onto a level that makes them unbeatable. From what I've seen Galway don't have that luxury.

HelloYoungBoy

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

And what makes you think that Galway have gone to another level? The performance against Kilkenny was brilliant. The one against Cork was average imo. If it wasn't for Joe Canning and his 7 points from frees/65s they may well have lost the game against a very poor Cork side. As I said earlier if Cork had someone in the forwards who could score a few points or a goal then they could well have won the game.

If they want to both Kilkenny and Tipperary have the ability to kick onto a level that makes them unbeatable. From what I've seen Galway don't have that luxury.

What are you saying if for? Completely irrelevant. It didnt happen. Right so if the sky fell down tomorrow what would you do?