Harty cup 2013/14

thinkstoomuch1

WHAT THIS IS:

Ard Scoil and Hamilton meet in the. 2014 Harty Cup Semi final in Mallow ,on the 1st of February at 3.30,the second time both teams have played each other in the Harty this year,the 1st time was in the Mallow venue in the Autumn and the North Ciruclar Road team were victourious on a score line of 4-20 to 3-14.

ARD SCOIL RIS HISTORY:

Ard Scoil ,are all boys secondary school in the heart of the Treaty county ,on the North Circular Road , in existence since 1963 and from around 50 students at the start  ,it has now over 700,and have became a powerhouse in Rubgy and GAA,and it has had distinquished rubgy men like Paul O Connell who was a Munster Heinken Cup Winner,Lions Test Series Winner and Former Series Captain,Grand Slam Winner,and Captain of Ireland.
Current Munster and Ireland Rubgy Internationals  David Kilycoyne ,and Leinster and Current Irish International Sean Cronin are also past pubils that graced there corridoors,but have excelled in there chosen sport.

Sam Lynch the Irish Rower and a World Champion with Ireland went to the school.

In GAA many former Clare and Limerick Intercounty stars went to the school such as Nicky O'Connell,Darach Honan(mother is a Cork woman),Cathal Mclirnery(joint captain when they won the Harty in 2010,and Kevin Downes,Declan Hannon,Adrian Breen ,(UCC,suprise ommisson from the senior intercounty set up)Seamus Dowling,and Niall Moran .

It is not just Sport the school is known for ,but Pat Cox, former President of the European Parliment ,was a former pupil,and renowend debater also went there.
If you want an entertainment link with the school ,look no further than,Dave Chambers and Bob Mcglynn ,of Rubberbandits fame ,as they are  past pupils.They are  trying to become the first Limerick school since CBS Sexton Street brought an All Ireland Title at senior schools back to Limerick in 1966 and it remains more a question of when,rather than if,that they accomplish that feat.The young Cork hurlers in 1966,were not the only boys that became men.That school are the only school,in Limerick that won a Croke cup,they won it in 1964 also.

Corks schools have won the Croke Cup14 times.In the Harty Cup just 3 Limerick schools have won it ,CBS Sexton Street ,have 10 Harty's ,and St .Munchins have just the 1.

Cork schools between ,St .Finbarrs Franfrerris (current Hamilton selector Noel Crowley won a Harty with them and would have learned under the expertise tulage of there Coach the Great Canon Michael O Brien,)North Mon,St Colmans,Midelton, Chriost Ri,and Cholaiste Iognaid RIS,they have over 40 titles and if Hammies were to win one,they would form a "Magnificent 7"in Cork schools that won the famous Harty Cup.

A bit like the spider that could not get up the wall.He may fall down repeatedly ,but he never stops trying,and eventually he finds a way.A bit like that spider,Ard Scoil won't give up ,and it is just a matter of time ,before the Dr.Croke Cup is resting at Ard Scoil.

And "Time" has been the storyline of Ard scoil,it has not been a case that many believe in that,the pick of talent between Limerick and Clare is put together,for instant success.Far from it.The foundations since 2002,have been laid and great work by the likes of Cormarc Bonnar of Tippereary,Liam Kennedy,Derek Larkin of Offaly, , Liam Cronin,Niall Crowe, Fergal Lyons ( a Cork man)and Pat Tobin , Victor Leydon,Tom Hennessy,Colm Honan (father of Clare player Darach), ,Jimmy Browne(expierence with Clare minors and u21 and LIT, Natal O’Grady and Joe Hannon (father of  Declan) among may others  at various times have all helped the school at various stages make good progress.

Niall Moran ,got involved in the mid 200O's and introduced modern training,recovery sessions,nutrition,post match video anayalis,tactial awareness and it benfited them greatly.


Of course they got money inputed in  to them from the Limerick and Clare County boards, and  the Limerick Supporters Club in Dublin and that is of mutal benefit ,there are players from both counties involved,so they will reap what Ard Scoil sow.

They also got  help from the various GAA boards in Limerick and  John Lyons of Supermacs down the years. They have been given the provison of use of facilties for use in many grounds,Meelick,LIT and Ul's superb North Campus complex,to name but a few,and combined with the huge support of parents ,they have and continue to build something special in Hurling.The money as it inevitably does made a difference,but it could not have helped,unless like the change in Dublin Hurling,it needed the "Will of the people involved"and it had that in abundance.

They are the only Munster school to compete in all A grades at u14,15 etc up along,and on any academic year they could have up to 14 teams in competition.

They learned the hard way,lost there 1st Dean Ryan Cup in 2005,won the Dean Ryan in 2008 and then decided to enter the Harty Cup in 2007, and  won the 1st one in 2010.They lost a Thriller of a Dean Ryan Cup to Midelton this year by a point,in a match they could easily of won.Just like the Dean Ryan 2005 loss did not set them back,the 2013 loss is unlikey to do so also.
The next generation of Ard scoil Harty Cup teams are already  taking shape on the production line.

Again there is a structure and organistion to everything they do ,and a clear path to Glory lined out.The school has a vision,and have  the teaching and coaching staff to implement it,along with the talent to cultivate there dreams in to reality.They then won two succesive Harty cups in 2010 and 2011,two White Cups (u15)and won and u14 All Ireland in the last few years.

In essence,everyone from the teachers,to the coaches,to the county boards,the sponsor,the parents and most importanly the players themselves have turned Ard Scoil  from a minnows competing in B Hurling in to a Powerful and Significance force"in terms of competing and winning regulary at the elite level of Senior Schools Hurling,the Harty Cup.And the school is a credit to both Limerick and Clare Hurling and all involved with them.a

HAMILTON HIGH'S HISTORY:
The school is an all boys Catholic Secondary school situated North of the River in Bandon .It is a privately owned school and it was founded by Sean Hamilton and the a Limerick man Patrick Cahill.It is owned to this day by Sean's son,Padraig Hamilton ,and is very much in line with the traditions and foundations it was built on.Sean Hamilton,was a great man,and is known to have cycled from Bandon to Cork City ,to school every day ,hail,rain or snow,as a young scholar go to school in Cork.He done it the hard way,and like this present new generation,no obstacle is ever too big for them,they just get on with it,and as seen as seen in this years Cork Colleges which they won in hugely convincing style ,and the Harty Cup ,when the odds are against them ,they like the founder of the school,always had the endurance,stamina ,and determination to reach there goal ,no matter how long or diffcult or ardourous that journey is.

The school has around 375 pupils and has  7 teams involved GAA across different levels , and are already in a Munster B final in football,with many duals players on both teams.Noel Crowley ,GDO with the Cork County board has done fantastic work with them,and so too has Aidan O Donuguhe.They get there players mainly from Valley Rovers,Bandon,Newcestown,and Courcey Rovers .

They wouldn't have the financial rescources of Ard Scoil.
They don't use that as an excuse not to succeed.In fact,former Prinicipal ,and coach of the Hurling teams,Kerry man ,Jim Costello said once ,that what makes the school so succesful ,is there is very little"Dont's"in the way of school life ,and there ethos is much in line with giving the students the freedom and trust to do things themselves .

For such young lads ,that is paying of ,and that ethos is very much in line with the way they play the game,they are not afraid to play themselves out of trouble at the back ,and play with a smile and freedom and fluency like they did ,last Tuesday ,that the postive ethos they have always enables them to look forward and embrace and relish a challenge,instead of  playing with fear and not being as succesful.

Famous past pupils ,are the legendary GAA journalist ,Con Houinhan,former Cork hurling captain Pat Kenneally ,and former Cork Senior football Captain and current Cork Senior selector Owen Sexton.

Judge Con Murphy,who has a Cup presented in he's honour ,to the winners of the Junior A Hurling league in Cork GAA is also a past pupil.

Most notably more famous in Football,in that they won a load of Munster B,and C competions down the years and two All ireland a  B football title in 1975 and a C title in  2007,Hurling is now far from the poor relation.They have won Munster Senior C hurling titles,B U 16 title,u15 C ,but never won in the A grade,and from 1995 up to last year,never entered it ,but in the second year back,became the 1st school from West Cork to advance to a Harty Cup Quater Final.

In 2012/2013 they won there 1st match 1-18 to 3-10 against Chriost Ri,beaten by just 3 points to quater finalists Midelton,drew with the defending champions Nenagh .They are not satsified to rest on there laurels,onwards and upwards they remain.

THE FORM GUIDE OF BOTH TEAMS:
Ard Scoil have got here,with a total of 8 goals-96 points(4 the 1st day against Hammies in Mallow)and conceded 8-47 ,3 of those againts Hamilton the 1st day and ,Hammies are one of few teams to get that many against them  and in truth could of had 5 that day.


Hammies have got 8 goals in a return of 8-78 and conceded 6-65,but It is important to note they have unlike Ard scoil who failed to score in 2 games,they only failed to find the net once against Dungarvan .
They know where the goals are,and while they never threatned to raise a green flag ,against Dungarvan ,they are more than capable of scoring them.It is a good sign,they can win a game ,when they don't score them.

Hammies  got 9 goals in 3 games in the Cork Colleges Truimph,but it was the way they beat ,and dismantled Midelton ,that really was there stage,they had no fear against the reigning champions that were going for 3 In A ROW,and like when they beat the powerhouses and traditionalists in St Colmans ,St Flannans,Dungarvan with 5 of last year Dr.Croke winning team ,they always find another gear within themselves against the best.A great sign of a team.
How far is left in them?,is like how long is a piece of string?in that no one can say with certainty ,but there is more in them,enough to beat Ard Scoil this Saturday ,only the passing of time will answer that.

IS THIS GAME THE FOREGONE CONCLUSION MANY BELIEVE IT IS:

Ard Scoil are a formidable team with the huge talent they have from, various clubs in Limerick(Adare,Patrickswell,Na Piarsaigh etc) and Clare (Clonlar,O Callaghan Mills,Sixemile bridge etc)yet like any schools team ,are not unbeatable at all,at all on any given day.

They were beaten by Templemore last year ,and were huge favourites ,they drew with St .Colmans in the Group stages,who they were expected to beat easily ,and the question remains,while,they are fine in free flowing games,can they win a close game.There must be a worry,a geuine fear that the lack of most games they played ,are over as a contest in the last quarter,if Hammies are with them ,in the last quarter,it is unchartered terriorty for them and it remains to be seen how will they react in the heat of the battle.

They were huge favourites in the Dean Ryan Cup,and then Garan Manley,ace man ,for Midelton was unable to start.No body saw them beaten.Then 9 points up,Midelton ,made a super ,super comeback.
The lesson like I always believe in, is that school teams  deal with expectation differentLy and understandably,as these are still young lads and many are not as battle hardened as other teams.

No one gave Facthnas a chance against Jack O Connor Sceilge,or against Brendans in the Corn Ui Mhuiri  football last week.Hamilton were not expected to beat Dungarvan,or were  Rochestown against Thurles .Jack O Connor was wary of that ,and tried to play Facthnas as favourites.

Ard Scoil before last week game was even as low as 1/2 to win the Harty outright,and not just the seni final.Favourites yes ,but no way are they by that much.It is sheer madness for anyone to back large sums on a schools game ,as there is always that degree of uncertainty attached to them.

The underdog has a huge advantage in these games.As seen in minor and u21,huge favouritism can test a team.Dr.Crokes a senior team,were expected to win in a canter against Cratloe in the Munster Final, yet they barely won in the end.

And this semi final is going to be like an intercounty minor match,in both teams are prepared as such ,and have so many talented players ,that ,are set to grace intercounty teams in the future that, who ever wins the game has to be focused entirely ,and turn up on the day,not just take to the field ,but they have  to be focused on it.


Ard scoil have such favourtism,the way they blitz teams ,and with so many intercounty stars,all the focus is on them.They are expected to win .Hamilton ,have done so well,they are winners no matter what ,and are in bonus terrirorty.

The other huge advantage they have is they were beaten to almost most 50/50 balls,there touch was way off,yet they never gave up the good fight against Ard Scoil in the 1st group stage,and a lesser team would have thrown in the towel.They stuck at it ,and they know that within.And they were much closer to them and the 9 point winning margin suggests .

Hamilton have resilence .They had only minimal ball work done in the lead up to that game, compared to Ard Scoil who had there  Limerick Intercounty stars  benefiting from  top class hurling just weeks before ,in the minor All Ireland semi final to Galway .They had the touch,where Hamilton were way off the pace,and gave away two sloppy goals ,and that team then had not the confidence or belief they have now 14 weeks later.They know they are better this time around.

They are a shadow of that team that played in the Autumn,and winning the Cork Colledges beating Midelton, then in the Harty Cup beating Dungarvan ,St Flannans and beating Templemore in the Munster B Football last week,with a lot of the hurlers playing  in Mallow,they fear no one. There is a belief in them.

The venue has a huge bearing also.Just like Thurles ,has became the home of hurling for Cork ,the West Cork school has had a good love affair with the North cork venue.

Hamilton have had many a good day in Mallow in hurling and football,even as far back as 2005,,in the Old Mallow Venue of Carrokeal,they won a Munster C football.

They beat Dungarvan last Tusday there,and then in the same venue beat Templemore on the Friday in the football.It is safe to say they know every corner ,and blade of grass in Mallow,and this is like a home match,as there will be a huge Cork crowd in general at it,as North Cork loves it's hurling,and unlike a weekday,a Saturday makes it viable for most to attend the game.

With Rochestown also  doing well,Midelton winning the Dean Ryan Cup,and the appointment of Mark Landers and Denis Ring to the Cork Minor team,complimented by the great appointments of Ger Cunningham to the Cork u15 team,and the Rock to the Cork u16 team,there is a great buzz and excitement back in Cork underage hurling,and that will make many a Cork fan  go to Mallow this Saturday,added to the fact ,a lot will want to see recently called up Cork Senior Michael Cahalane ,among many other stars on the ptich.

They played Ard Scoil in the 1st round match here ,the day they got beat but that day they learned they were a match for the best ,and that day was the turning point for them ,in that they learned you must start a game against the best well.Against Flannans,in the next game they tore in to the game from the off.

They now have there 4th game here,and have a familarity with the venue ,that is another string to their bow,and I would imagine they are delighted to be back there.
Ard scoil only played there once ,and they know Hamilton have an advantage,such was there decison to play Cork minor hurlers in a challenge match last thursday night,to add to the one game they played there.

THE MATCH ITSELF:

Barry Fitzpatrick is a top full back from Sixemilbridge and tipped to rattle the Clare u21 team .He is solid,strong ,under the high ball and knows how to man he's aera,and has oceans of Hurling.Trevor Horgan ,a dual Cork minor ,has faced the best and while he has not always came out on top,he has survived ,and that is good when your up against the best,to break even.Last Tuesday ,he faced the Waterford Captain and super full back Kevin Daly ,and got two points from play ,and made two scores,but crucially won ball when the need for he's team was greatest ,and when Daly did win ball,he chased,harried and blocked him,in that Daly always could not clear fast long ball,but had to lay it off ,to a team mate,and second phase possesion is easier dealt with by your half back line.

So while it seemed he was not doing much,in essence he was doing a lot for he's team.He has huge scoring in him,and he will cut loose some day ,3 goals in a county minor and u21 final and maybe now is the time to play him at centre forward,and Cahalane at full ,as Cahalane will be targeted.I expect an element of suprise with Hamilton,but it remains to be seen what that may be.He done it against Clare at minor this year also with 3 good points.

Kevin Daly only conceded one point from play to Brian Molloy in the All Ireland minor final ,that is how good an opponent,Horgan faced.Fitzpatrick has two good corner backs around him,in particular Na Piaraighs Josh O Halloran ,and if Casey starts at centre back ,then he may mark Reilly,but Kevin O Donovan is just as lively and got a great goal in the Cork College final,and whatever 3 they start here,there is scoring in them,but the forwards  and that is a credit to them and there coaches ,work just as hard of the ball as they do on it,and yes they have key men,but Hamilton are a team in every word.

The half back line of Ard Scoil has Gordon  Brown,and Mike Casey ,two club men at Na Piarsaigh,where a lot of Ard Scoil lads play ,and former  Ard Scoils players both past and present had a huge part in the clubs two Munster Senior club tiles,and Casey is likely to play against Portumna at corner back in the up coming Club Semi final.He is fast,and can hurl both sides.

Jack English compliments that line and they are a huge threat to Hamilton,as they must be prevented from getting a foothold in the game,as if they do,they will starve Hamilton of any forward supply of ball ,and thus will give there own lethal forwards possesion to work with .

They had Ronan Lynch,super from placed balls within 60 yards of goal,and also able to score from a sideline cut,at midfield the last day,and he got 3 points from play out there.Will he remain there or drop to half back and form an all Na Piasaigh unit?

Jerry O Neill has to have a huge game ,and him and maybe the excellent David Healy with 3 points against them in the 1st game will start in the half forward line,and he also can drop in and help midfield,and he is well able to score from distance .If Horgan ,or Cahalane is in there at centre forward,that unit should win ball.

I think that the middle third may be congested at times and Kevin O Donovan may drop deep from corner forward also and help them out in defence like he did last week.Ard Scoil will want to crowd out Hamilton,and in particuar ,Cahalane.Hamilton need to use every length of the ptich,and spread out at half forward ,as O Neill and Cahalane or  Horgan are capable of winning there own ball,and using there strength and power.In last weeks challenge match,Cork kept Ard Scoil open and wide,and Eoghan Kinery and Sean Hayes won a load of ball at half forward.

For that reason,I hope the lightening fast,and skilful ,Eoin o Reilly starts in the other corner,as he is able to play in a two man full forward line,and he's pace ,with the space inside could be a real threat different to what Fitzpatrick expects .

Eoin O Reilly is similar to Billy Dunne,and the Cork minor caused Ard Scoil huge problems last week with he's pace and got 2-1 from play.Fitzpatrick is a fine full back,but a fast nippy forward can cause him problems.Dunne kept swtiching,with Dan Landers,a big man.Hamilton have to do the same,numbers don't mean a whole lot up front once they all get the right ball,they have to keep rotating and moving players.Ard Scoil will try and do what Clare done to Cork,crowd there half forward line,and win the match from there,and the half back unit likes to hunt in packs.

If Casey is at centre back,they loose that yard of pace inside in the full back,so every cloud if Hamilton are smart enough can have a silver lining for them.
Curran who is a fine player may start at half forward.It will be a case of horses for coarses.


Midfield will be vital ,and Jonathan Mulchay and Luke Meade who was everywhere the last day,a certainty to make the final cut of 30 when the Cork minor  panel is announced this week ,will have a great battle with Cian O Brien and either Ronan Lynch or Clares Ian Galvin who may play half forward and can score.

The half back line of Murt Kenneally,the majestic and brave Chris O Leary,and Niall Murray,were awesome last week,hooking and blocking,winning ball,and then playing short cross field passes to a spare man,always in  control of  possesion,not hitting wasteful long Hail Marys to the forwards.
O leary did not fare the best against Cian Lynch,(ciaran carey nephew)the 1st day,but he was awesome against Flannans,and Midelton in the Cork College final,and also against Dungarvan ,he hurled a lot of ball ,and that unit will hold there own against any half forward line left in the competition.
Lynch will try and drag O Leary all over the ptich,so the likes of Meade etc ,will have to drop back and help when the need arises.Meade has fitness to do that and is lovely hurler,very fast hands.


The full back line of Captain Michael Mcsweeney ,definetly one of the best full backs in the competiton,will be solid and whether it is Alex Morey of Clare ,or more likely Michael O Loughlin,he won't let the side down.A brillant,brave block ,in the last few minutes against Dungarvan,showed he is brave,a leader,and like Cahalane up front,with O Leary ,very much the heartbeat of the team at the back.


Morey is lightening fast ,and Jack O Callaghan ,would have the pace for him.Crehan of Clare is just as good,and Andrew O Connell will have a tough opponent.
Mcsweeney is the key to that unit,he's commanding prescence,and hes always talking to the backs to keep there shape is a good foundation for them,and once you have a good defence ,with a superb. Centre and full backand Hamilton do,they have a realistic chance.

THE BEST TILL LAST:
Which leaves us  to Michael Cahalane ,and Ronan Lynch.This is no slight on any of the other 28 players,as there is great talent there,but these two men I feel are the best men for either teams.


Cahalane has played senior hurling since 2nd year,only there 3rd ever pupil to have that distinction,and done it in football also.He has a lot of schools expierence,played in minor and u21 county finals for Bandon,senior hurling for Carbery,played in an Intermediate County final at 17 for Bandon,played for Cork minors in hurling and football,and has a load of expierence,and is calm and composed,and has sublime natural skill,natural strength,poise,elgance,a great hand,and as he's side line cut showed with that super point last week,he has all the basic skills in hurling,but excels in them.He is hugely versatile,in he could play half or full forward ,or even centre back,such a great reading and understanding of the game he beholds at a young age.He has been ,and that is no suprise , called up to the Cork Senior team in the last week,and I expect to see him in a few games in the league.He did not and rightfully so play any game time for Cork on Saturday,and that was a wise move,as he had played Tuesday and Friday for Hamilton.He's day will come with the Cork Senior team,that is a certainty.

He's scoring rate is superb.Ten out of the teams 13 points last week.A super goal and around ten points against Ard scoil in the group gameg.Around 1-8 against Flannans, and 6 from play I think in the Cork Colleges final.


He got 1-11 against the Barrs in an u16 county final,got 3 goals against the Rockiers at U14 county final,this year got 18 points in a minor game against Carragline ,and got like 14 points in the Carbery u21 final out of he's teams 18 points againrgt Newcestown.
He got 1-1 against Kevin Daly ,for Cork against  Wateford this year.


Ronan Lynch is just as vital for Ard Scoil,and just as versatile,in that he
has the pace to play anywhere 2 to 9,and is such a presence with so much hurling,and fast hands ,and a good man under a high ball,he is just at home at centre back or full back,but he has so much hurling and can score long range points,he would be wasted at full back.

He was superb last year for Limerick minors,and is  a pivotal figure this year for that team.He did mark Cahalane already  in the group game,Cahalane got a great goal, but Lynch had hes moments too.

They may mark each other if both start at centre back or centre forward respectively ,or Ard Scoil may go with Casey on him,and let Lynch play at midfield,hence he can score ,and also play a sweeping role ,as a defensive midfielder just ahead of Cahalane,or just behind him,helping Casey out.I think they may do that.

Cahalane can handle either player,but two together is impossible,and if that happens,then Hamilton need to be cute and  drop him in full forward,  and withdraw the half forwards,with O Reilly inside with him,if that happens Ard Scoil are between a rock and a hard place,as if Lynch goes back to double team him,he can't score from there ,and horgan can win ball at centre forward also for Hamilton.

Either way,Hamilton will be keen to watch Ronan Lynch if he stays at midfield,and Curran or O Donovan may  have to help out in curbing him.
The key for Hamilton is not to let Cahalane be crowded at centre forward ,and if they do crowd him,they must utilse the free space that is bound to be else where.Both lads are a joy to watch in free taking,and the art of sideline balls.Both are key men in there teams of stars on Saturday.The match ups have could end up in many different variables,and that unkownity adds to the excitment and fasination of this game.

THE VERDICT:
Contary to the belief ,among many,I think ,and I have watched a lot of them ,and seen them grow and evolve ,as a team this year ,Hamilton have a huge chance to win it ,and there is more in them.As I said earlier,how much more is in them,and will it be enough as a hard question to answer.They have improved in every game since the 1st group match ,and the Dr.O .Callaghan Cup was a huge boost to them.

As a sunny dry Kilmallock,on a Autumns day ,on dry hard ground ,they have the  skill,touch and fire power to play on a dry day and shoot a high return,yet on a wet,wintry,heavy day in Mallow,they had the grit,strength,power ,and dog fight and composure to grind a hard fought win.They are adaptable to any weather.That is a great sign of a team,they have many a string to there bow.Hammies Captain Michael Macsweeny said when accepting a team award for the school said  " A Team is only as strong as it's  weakest link".

It is hard to find any weak link in the team.Like any team ,you must have leaders and a solid spine at full back,centre back, pace at midfield,centre forward and full forward.In Macsweeney,O Leary,Meade,Cahalane,and Horgan they have those key men in central positions,flanked and supported by good hurlers around them.
And they have a very good goalie in Robbie Mccarthy,who is good and composed under a high ball,and varies the short and long puckouts extremely well.For a goalie that doe not play much club hurling,he's sharpness or reflexes is not an issue.

Like any ship preparing to sail the high seas ,and through stormy waters ahead,you must have a good captain to steer you in the right direction,with a good support crew also.Noel Crowley and Aidan O Donughue provide Hamilton with that.This could be a free flowing game,but tactics will play a huge part in the game also .This game won't be far off ,if even that,intercounty minor standard in terms of hurling,speed ,and intensity .


Ard scoil are the same as Hamilton,a very adaptable team and have key men and leaders in all of the central postitions,but I think they may be slightly lighter.They were cold last year with no games in the lead up to there defeat to Templemore ,but once shy twice bitten,they had a good run out last Thursday against Cork Minors,who beat both teams in challenge matches ,so they won't be stale on the day.They have more expierence at this stage of the Harty Cup than Hammies.
Fitzparick,O Brien,Casey,Cian and Ronan Lynch,O Halloran,Crehan,O Loughlin all played in and won a quater final last year.
I have seen them a few times ,and have always been impressed by them.


Ard scoil,want to start fast and will try and blow Hamilton away early on,and they have huge fire power anywhere from midfield up,but if Hamilton,stay with them,and are with them in the last quarter,in what will be a huge Cork Crowd at it ,I feel ,they may just edge it,as unlike Ard Scoil ,they were tested in the quater final with a hard tough game.Many fans would have liked to have the comfort of winning by a bigger margin ,but that game could be a blessing in disguise for the team for Saturday's Litmus test.


As  much as I want Hamilton to win,I make that call,as I always do with emotion taken completely out of the equation.But it is truly an impossible game to predict with any certain accuracy,and I would not like to bet on it.

May the best team win,and we have  another entralling Cork ,Limerick under age contest in prospect ,if it half as good as the Munster 2011 u21 final,or the Dean Ryan 2013 Cup final ,between both Counties ,it should be some game,and Hurling and the Harty Cup will be the real winners.

The only draw back is this game clashes with the other semi final,which is sure to be as equally pulsating and mouth watering ,in Cahir between Rochestown and Doon,another Cork v Limerick clash.It is a pity people won't make both ,and that they are not on at the same venue as a Double header.Having just seen now that there is a gap between both starting times ,maybe just maybe it is possible to do both,fill up the tank ,and have the sambos and flask of soup in the car,and and you start praying for a clear run with traffic.
If the weather is as bad as the last two days ,its unlikey to make both games.

It is only Monday,and I am counting down the days to Saturday,.I'm not from any of the 4 remaining schools,I'm  only a  Hurling man ,and Saturday represents all that is good about Hurling and the Harty Cup.Bring it On.....some games ...and it is not even the Summer yet!!!!

Connorzee

Serious preview there TTM!

To answer your question in the other thread, it'll take u just under an hour-ish to get from Cahir to Mallow if u go through Mitchelstown and take the turn before Doneraile.

thinkstoomuch1

Connorzee wrote: »

Serious preview there TTM!

To answer your question in the other thread, it'll take u just under an hour-ish to get from Cahir to Mallow if u go through Mitchelstown and take the turn before Doneraile.

Cheers lad much appreciate it,i am tempted to fill up the tank and chance both games ,id be back for the second half at the very least by your view


I may chance it
Thanks again

thinkstoomuch1

Hamilton v Ard scoil is now on at 3 instead of 3.30.

thinkstoomuch1

Rochestown game off.No suprise,should never been in cahir.

feargale

thinkstoomuch1 wrote: »

Hamilton v Ard scoil is now on at 3 instead of 3.30.

Result please?

Fireball07

feargale wrote: »

Result please?

2-14 to 1-04 apparently. In favour of Ard Scoil.

puddie77

thinkstoomuch1 have too say im really looking forward too your post on the ard scoil v hamilton semi

Innish_Rebel

puddie77 wrote: »

thinkstoomuch1 have too say im really looking forward too your post on the ard scoil v hamilton semi

He has one on the cork thread.

Was at the game myself and I would agree the wind ruined the game but Ard Scoil were simply the better side. Their strength in depth was outstanding. When they bottled up Cahalane & Horgan Hammies had the problem that they really did not have a scoring forward left. Ard Scoil had 4/5 scoring forwards and then Lynch in midfield was majestic. His ball striking was sublime.

To get a feel for the wind though. In the first half at the peak of the wind Hammies got a free in from ~ 25 yards out ~ 10 yards to the right of the posts. Cahalane drilled it over, but I don't think the ball reached the back netting. Hammies had numerous free's from around their own 65 and most of the time the ball was landing short for the Ris 45 with the ball coming backwards when it landed.

Luckily for Ard Scoil Ris the heavens opened at half time - thus bunching the game more and killing the wind, as thinks too much mentioned they managed to score a 65 in 2nd half, Hammies puck-outs had been lucky to reach the 45...

Don't get me wrong though the better team won. They are a serious outfit, I just think the scoreline doesn't reflect the effort of both teams. After Cahalane's fortuitous goal the score was 1-8 to 1-4 all to play for but Ard Scoil reacted brilliantly.

I must also echo Thinker - Luke Meade was the Hammies man-of-the-match what a performance he put in. Some of the most impressive reading of a game I've seen in a long time.

All the best to Ard Scoil Ris in the final - if Roachestown beet Doon it will be trickey for a Hammies (Cork) man to not hope our conquerors win it out.

For the Hammies - Heads up because they're in the final of the munster B football on Friday and it would be their fisrt win in that since 197?. Only for this Harty run it would be the biggest news in ages!!!

One last thing I love those moments when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up... 5 minutes before throw in the two teams walked back past the crowd from their warm-ups. Ard Scoil walked past first (they are a big bunch of lads) Then 2 minutes later the hammies, to an impressive standing ovation.

Fireball07

All Limerick final, Doon vs Ard Scoil.

feargale

puddie77 wrote: »

thinkstoomuch1 have too say im really looking forward too your post on the ard scoil v hamilton semi

Na bi ag togaint an Mhicilin

feargale

Fireball07 wrote: »

All Limerick final, Doon vs Ard Scoil.

Where and when will it be played? When was the last All Limerick final? Was there ever?

thinkstoomuch1

Never an all limerick affair.The only all countys finals have been Cork contest1994,1986,1981,1969.and 1936.

Fair play to both teams a credit to Harty and limerick.I was sickened I couldnt go yesterday,went to the football,it clashed.Was meant to be the saturday.Final is the 22nd sat,in limerick you would imagine ,may not be Gaelic grounds,Ard scoil so Close.


Rochestown beaten ,but Doon the better team by all accounts.
They had Kingston unable to start,and Mark O Connor a huge loss.
Still ,rochestown only recently in the Harty done Super and 3 of the lads Meaney ,Dolan,and Shane kingston ,made the Cork minor panel.


I hope both teams get a huge crowd,if no match clashes I will go ,as a lot of these lads are sure to play against Cork down the line,likely in the minos semifinal this june.There is future stars on both teams.Whats sad to see is Limerick thread barely mentions the games,you would think there would be a real interest in it ,like in the Waterford thread for example.

Browney7

Was 4 points to 2 to Ardscoil at half time. Soon dropped back their centre forward to keep it tight

thesimpsons

Full-Time

Harty Cup Final
Ard Scol Ris 2-13 0-04 Doon

https://www.facebook.com/limerickslive95

well done Ard Scoil, hard luck to Doon - good for limerick hurling though to have it an all limerick final.