Kilkenny GAA Thread Part 2 **MOD NOTE POST 1***

jeff bingham

brookville wrote:

Good post as always.is there a reason murphy would be home earlier than fennelly?

Think there both heading off on their own private holidays for a week or 2 now.

danganabu

tbiggertycome wrote: »

I think Tipps full back line is still a massive area of concern, from midfield forward they will punish every team they play but I think they're full back line is still really vulnerable.

Kilkenny and Tipp are the two teams who have tried the most players in this years league, I think they've both tried 35 players each. I think Kilkenny have found more in areas they needed to find players in than Tipp have. Tipp needed to strengthen their defence at the start of this league and to be honest I think they've only strengthened they're midfield and forwards which is lovely but not what they set out to do, I would imagine.

Don't agree with that at all to be honest, Alan Flynn corner back has been excellent in every game he has played and Barry Heffernan at wing back is a huge step up on Seamus Kennedy. Paude Feehan has been very good wing back as well. Cathal Barret still has to come back. The major problem with Tipps backs last year was a lack of pace, Flynn and Barrett in partcualr are a huge step forward in that regard.

Donnagh Maher and Kennedy were in the back six last season and haven't a hope of been there this year barring injuries. Barry at full back is vunrable but show me an inter county full back that isn't.

Dont think we have improved our midfield at all, its still Brendan Maher and A.N. Other.

Jason Forde is the only 'new' forward that has nailed down a spot, the likes of Breen and Curran will be nice options from the bench but thats about it.

tbiggertycome

brookville wrote: »

Good post as always.is there a reason murphy would be home earlier than fennelly?

Murphy is apparently starting a course with the Army and needed to be home to start it before the tour was ending. He also got to take a bit of a holiday before coming back as far as I know.

tbiggertycome

danganabu wrote: »

Don't agree with that at all to be honest, Alan Flynn corner back has been excellent in every game he has played and Barry Heffernan at wing back is a huge step up on Seamus Kennedy. Paude Feehan has been very good wing back as well. Cathal Barret still has to come back. The major problem with Tipps backs last year was a lack of pace, Flynn and Barrett in partcualr are a huge step forward in that regard.

Donnagh Maher and Kennedy were in the back six last season and haven't a hope of been there this year barring injuries. Barry at full back is vunrable but show me an inter county full back that isn't.

Dont think we have improved our midfield at all, its still Brendan Maher and A.N. Other.

Jason Forde is the only 'new' forward that has nailed down a spot, the likes of Breen and Curran will be nice options from the bench but thats about it.

That's fair enough I wouldn't expect us to agree especially on Tipp players. I agree there is no full back that looks truly comfortable these days. I personally don't think Alan Flynn is the answer to your corner back issue. Admittedly I haven't seen a huge amount of him however what I saw on Saturday night would definitely concern me. When things were tight he was really good as any corner back should be but he was very shaky and didn't do a good job when his man dragged him around which Lim did plenty of in the first half and only sparingly there after. That's just my opinion I'm sure he has the hurling to improve but I wouldn't be happy with him, much as I'm not the biggest fan of Paddy Deegan but he's improving game on game and I'm sure Alan can do the same but will either improve enough? Likewise Mickey Cahill is great in the tight and is definitely more assured when it gets a bit looser but still not amazing although he does seem to be getting back to where he was which would be a massive step for ye. I think ye'll have a good half back line with who ye have available but Maher needs to marshall them which I'm sure he does.

I think Ronan Maher has proven he can handle midfield and Cathal Barrett could even be put back in there, he didn't do much wrong that I saw. I think in the forwards if everyone is fit Michael Ryan will have a nice headache of finding the right 6 to blend together out of John McGrath, Noel McGrath, Bonner Maher, Bubbles, Jason Forde, Sheamie Callanan we're already at 7 and we haven't mentioned any of the lads who've played so well in the League when given the chance. I think you won't be short of forwards unless the plague strikes Tipperary. For me ye have 3 top class defenders and the rest are good or decent Padraig Maher, Cathal Barrett and Mickey Cahill but that leaves areas in that defence that can be targeted and exploited, we're the same to be honest but we don't have the experience up front however with what will be available Sunday I just about fancy Kk to do it.

dirkmeister

For anyone intending to travel, Ardán de Grás is already sold out.

danganabu

dirkmeister wrote: »

For anyone intending to travel, Ardán de Grás is already sold out.

I have been putting off buying mine alright until I know who or what I am bringing and I have already gotten three emails today from county boards, supporters club and my own club telling me to buy them ASAP as they are selling out fast.

RayVaughan1984

tbiggertycome wrote: »

That's fair enough I wouldn't expect us to agree especially on Tipp players. I agree there is no full back that looks truly comfortable these days. I personally don't think Alan Flynn is the answer to your corner back issue. Admittedly I haven't seen a huge amount of him however what I saw on Saturday night would definitely concern me. When things were tight he was really good as any corner back should be but he was very shaky and didn't do a good job when his man dragged him around which Lim did plenty of in the first half and only sparingly there after. That's just my opinion I'm sure he has the hurling to improve but I wouldn't be happy with him, much as I'm not the biggest fan of Paddy Deegan but he's improving game on game and I'm sure Alan can do the same but will either improve enough? Likewise Mickey Cahill is great in the tight and is definitely more assured when it gets a bit looser but still not amazing although he does seem to be getting back to where he was which would be a massive step for ye. I think ye'll have a good half back line with who ye have available but Maher needs to marshall them which I'm sure he does.

I think Ronan Maher has proven he can handle midfield and Cathal Barrett could even be put back in there, he didn't do much wrong that I saw. I think in the forwards if everyone is fit Michael Ryan will have a nice headache of finding the right 6 to blend together out of John McGrath, Noel McGrath, Bonner Maher, Bubbles, Jason Forde, Sheamie Callanan we're already at 7 and we haven't mentioned any of the lads who've played so well in the League when given the chance. I think you won't be short of forwards unless the plague strikes Tipperary. For me ye have 3 top class defenders and the rest are good or decent Padraig Maher, Cathal Barrett and Mickey Cahill but that leaves areas in that defence that can be targeted and exploited, we're the same to be honest but we don't have the experience up front however with what will be available Sunday I just about fancy Kk to do it.

Pretty spot on in terms of analysis.
Tipp really aren't gifted in terms of defenders but it's early days yet.Flynn certainly has pace and hopefully he can add more vision to his game.The Wing back line is certainly a cause for concern.KK will certainly be looking to edge that duel on Sunday and wouldnt be surprised if they do.John Mcgrath is in serious form at the moment so stifling him will see KK win on Sunday i think.A tall order again,but you would have to expect a high scoring encounter again!

Joe_ Public

RayVaughan1984 wrote: »

Pretty spot on in terms of analysis.
Tipp really aren't gifted in terms of defenders but it's early days yet.Flynn certainly has pace and hopefully he can add more vision to his game.The Wing back line is certainly a cause for concern.KK will certainly be looking to edge that duel on Sunday and wouldnt be surprised if they do.John Mcgrath is in serious form at the moment so stifling him will see KK win on Sunday i think.A tall order again,but you would have to expect a high scoring encounter again!

With Tipp its probably more full back line is the relative weak spot. Wing backs you could have any combination of Heffernan, Kennedy, 2 Mahers, Barrett, Bren Maher and those like Feehan, Fox and O'Dwyer who have shown they can have futures there. Personally think that Heffernan, R Maher, P Maher is as good as what's out there so dont have too many concerns on that front. Will take 2 to crowd out TJ though, so unless they're all willing to put in double shifts on Sunday, Kilkenny will likely have some joy there.

tbiggertycome

Yeah I was talking to someone involved in the planning for the match and they said the League Final in 2013 had a crowd of 21,500 and he was at a meeting with the county board and they were expecting at least the same again, given how ticket sales were going up to Tuesday evening. They can only accommodate 24,000 with the health and safety protocols. I would expect very close to a full house.

The Paddy Grace stand can take 9,500 when full and there is just over 4,000 season ticket holders in the counties involved so it only left 5,000 and change, on sale to the general public.

I'm really looking forward to it now if the atmosphere from the 2013 league final can be reached it will be a memorable game.

jeff bingham

TJ and Maher will be a serious battle in the air.

danganabu

jeff bingham wrote: »

TJ and Maher will be a serious battle in the air.

It will be very interesting as teams in general have avoided hitting high ball on top of the Tipp half back line since 2016 but Reid is so good in the air KK may decide that its worth trying, P Maher is unquestionably a better wing back but Ryan seems hell bent on playing him Centre Back.

There will be some fascinating battles all over the field and you never really get a phoney war with these two its generally all out and may the best team win, I have wondered ever since last years epic game in Thurles if either or both of the managers regretted the way that game developed into almost warfare, it took both teams a hell of a long time to recover, some would argue that neither did and that their seasons tailed off from that point.

robwen

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0405/952413-combined-kilkenny-v-tipperary-xv-since-2009/

Combined Tipp KK team since 09, won't go down to well in Tipp I'd imagine, I'd have Richie Power in ahead of Colin Fennelly

Realt Dearg Sec

robwen wrote: »

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0405/952413-combined-kilkenny-v-tipperary-xv-since-2009/

Combined Tipp KK team since 09, won't go down to well in Tipp I'd imagine, I'd have Richie Power in ahead of Colin Fennelly

I would say it's tough on Cummins and Eoin Kelly as well. No way C Fennelly would really be in the mix when you think just of the KK forwards he is in ahead of. Mick Kavanagh might also feel left out. I'm sure there's others.

danganabu

I wont comment on any Tipp ommissions as it will just like a Tipp man whinging but when the author describes Bonner as a brilliant score getter then its time to stop reading. Bonner has many fine attributes and worth his place but he has never been in that forward line as a score getter, Bonners job and he does it better than anyone is to compliment the Kellys, the Corbetts, the McGraths etc. with hard graft and winning primary possesision, something Tipp have always struggled with.

Joe_ Public

danganabu wrote: »

I wont comment on any Tipp ommissions as it will just like a Tipp man whinging but when the author describes Bonner as a brilliant score getter then its time to stop reading. Bonner has many fine attributes and worth his place but he has never been in that forward line as a score getter, Bonners job and he does it better than anyone is to compliment the Kellys, the Corbetts, the McGraths etc. with hard graft and winning primary possesision, something Tipp have always struggled with.

The Bonner one is all just bullish!t, doesn’t capture his essence at all which was an ability to get on ball and, by sheer dint of will, create something out of it whether it was finding a colleague in space or having three lads dragging out of him and getting a free, he made stuff happen and made opponents work like dogs to stop him.

I did always think though that he could have bscked himself more to score on occasion. Seemed sometimes that it was the last thing on his mind.

Getting back to the list, it does bring it home how Kilkenny dominate in defense and the central positions while Tipp do best in the marquis forward lines.

dubcat51

No power no larkin no bubbles allin ahead of colin for me

Realt Dearg Sec

danganabu wrote: »

I wont comment on any Tipp ommissions as it will just like a Tipp man whinging but when the author describes Bonner as a brilliant score getter then its time to stop reading. Bonner has many fine attributes and worth his place but he has never been in that forward line as a score getter, Bonners job and he does it better than anyone is to compliment the Kellys, the Corbetts, the McGraths etc. with hard graft and winning primary possesision, something Tipp have always struggled with.

Yeah I hadn't read what he said about Bonner, but anyone with even a passing knowledge of the game would tell you Bonner wasn't there for his score taking. Good idea for an off season rainy day debate list but it's a little amazing that there's someone getting actual money from the national broadcaster for that guff.

MentalMario

Is the terrace open Sunday lads?

tbiggertycome

MentalMario wrote: »

Is the terrace open Sunday lads?

Yeah I went buy a ticket terrace ticket this evening in Loughboy SuperValu and they only had Ollie Walsh Stand tickets for sale. They're not always released to Centra/SuperValu at the same time and seem to be released in batches. Hopefully they're selling them in the Marketcross SuperValu because I have to buy 8 terrace tickets now.

Realt Dearg Sec

Is the Ollie Walsh stand the loughlins end one? Didn't know they named it. Great choice.

tbiggertycome

Realt Dearg Sec wrote: »

Is the Ollie Walsh stand the loughlins end one? Didn't know they named it. Great choice.

The Ardan Breathnach, also known as the old stand is the stand with the uncovered seats on either side of the main stand. It was named after Ollie Walsh.

The country end stand is Ardan Cearbhaill named after Ted Carroll

The stand with the full length stand is Ardan de Gras is named after Paddy Grace

I don't think the town end terrace is named after anyone.

Realt Dearg Sec

tbiggertycome wrote: »

Realt Dearg Sec wrote: »

Is the Ollie Walsh stand the loughlins end one? Didn't know they named it. Great choice.

The Ardan Breathnach, also known as the old stand is the stand with the uncovered seats on either side of the main stand. It was named after Ollie Walsh.
.

Ffs in my stupidity I never made that connection.

Maybe we should name the town end after Diarmuid Kirwan, wind up the tipp lads.

Comerman

Any chance anyone has a spare Ardan De Gras ticket available? Went up to Loughboy Wednesday morning for a third one and they were gone. PM me please.

brookville

Just on the match sunday most agree it's always a 50-50 game when we meet each other.
How we recover from last weekend's performance could be crucial.If we can get a similar performance and be more clinical when goal chances arrive could decide this match.
The fact that it's at home might help our less experienced lads.
Underfoot conditions mightnt be great although I think it's to get better over the weekend.
Will cody make changes?maybe fogarty for maher.
Couple of key matchups could be vital.will tipp put maher on tj that could be some battle,or maybe someone like Walter or mossy could be 11 to try break up the play and reduce his influence.
Forde and mcgrath have continued their good form it'll be interesting to see who marks these.
Sunday's game will be different to last weekend's and more 15v15.
Tipp will be anxious to get a win in nowlan park but if we can lift it again sunday we should have a right chance.

danganabu

Realt Dearg Sec wrote: »

Ffs in my stupidity I never made that connection.

Maybe we should name the town end after Diarmuid Kirwan, wind up the tipp lads.

I was actually thinking of proposing Ardan Ó Corbáin in honour of yer favourite gael

blackcard

Hard to know where Kilkenny are at the moment. The home league wins against Tipp and Wexford were against depleted opposition, the win over Offaly was nothing to write home about. A good win against Wexford who reportedly had a heavy training session on the Friday before that match. Not that I am complaining as all players have given 100% but we will be a bit wiser on Sunday evening. I imagine Scanlon or Blanchfield will replace Aylward if he is out with a hamstring injury. I wouldn't be expecting us to win but hope we put up a decent performance.

JJs Left Hand

Aylward has been in the gym a few times this week and doesn't look like a lad who's hurt so be surprised if he's left out

Garyp88

blackcard wrote: »

Hard to know where Kilkenny are at the moment. The home league wins against Tipp and Wexford were against depleted opposition, the win over Offaly was nothing to write home about. A good win against Wexford who reportedly had a heavy training session on the Friday before that match. Not that I am complaining as all players have given 100% but we will be a bit wiser on Sunday evening. I imagine Scanlon or Blanchfield will replace Aylward if he is out with a hamstring injury. I wouldn't be expecting us to win but hope we put up a decent performance.

Wasn't kilkenny also depleted against tipp missing Walsh, donnelly and delaney never mind the two away with the army. Also they beat offaly didn't lose, a hard fought scrappy win is the best of all you can only beat what's put in front of you and even better given " we supposed to have had our day “

Cornerback1

I see the winners on Sunday will travel to Australia in November to play Galway - another incentive if one was needed!

kilkennyboy

Tipp team named beatable

HughCassidy

The best of luck to both senior camogie, senior hurlers, on sunday in the park hopefully ye will bring spring to life.

Garyp88

Interesting how tipp have named Mark Russell on the bench. Not featured the last 2 games and was very threatening and effective when bought on against us last time

tbiggertycome

Kil v Tipp
E Murphy
J Holden P Walsh P Deegan
C Delaney C Buckley E Morrissey
R Leahy J Maher
M Keoghan TJ Reid J Donnelly
B Sheehan W Walsh A Murphy
Subs
D Brennan
C O'Shea
R Lennon
C Browne
L Ryan
C Fogarty
L Blanchfield
P Lyng
L Scanlon
C Martin
R Reid

minty81

No Kilkenny team yet?

Charlie69

Surprised Fogarty not starting, thought he was excellent when he came on the last day. Aylward obviously not fit.

kilkennyboy

No harm to hold fogarty give Maher his start and bring him in.would have liked to see Scanlon in .
As good as we Have I think we might not be to far away .should be great atmosphere

Comerman

Would of preferred Scanlon Corner forward than Murphy otherwise looks good.

usualstripes

kilkennyboy wrote: »

No harm to hold fogarty give Maher his start and bring him in.would have liked to see Scanlon in .
As good as we Have I think we might not be to far away .should be great atmosphere

More of the same hopefully Sunday. Getting into the league final a boost for these lads. They deserve it based on the performances thus far. Having fogarty, Lester, blanchfield and Scanlon to call on is a plus too as these guys especially the younger lads are gaining confidence with each outing.

Garyp88

Comerman wrote: »

Would of preferred Scanlon Corner forward than Murphy otherwise looks good.

Would definitely agree with that especially after he goaled last time against them and not started since

dubcat51

Looking forward to game.were so lucky to follow this team of ours.the spirit they show win or lose is brillant to witness.lets roar them on and the girls beforehand v cork.

brookville

Looking at the two teams both teams will fancy their chances.
Tipp have more experience obviously but if we contain breen,mcgrath and forde we definitely have a good chance.
I don't ever remember the team named as late they must of being going through things in great detail.
I know some lads disappointed scanlon not starting but murphy is also a good hurler it's a pity someone like conor martin who's being on the panel a few years can't nail down a spot.I'd perfer to see someone like billy ryan ahead of him at this stage.
Bonner will be a loss for tipp but Mccarthy done some good things the last time these teams met.
It's a shame aylward is injured he needs as many games as he can get.
Should be a good atmosphere tomorrow both stands full already hopefully the weather is nice.
It'd be a fair achievement for cody to win the league when you think of the criticism he was getting after the first 2 matches.
Best of luck to our 2 teams tomorrow.

dubcat51

Really impressed with workrate and attitude in wexford.same again will do for me.lger awylard a loss for me.seemed to be getting back to his 15 lwvel with a little more sharpness.

Powerhouse

Garyp88 wrote: »

Interesting how tipp have named Mark Russell on the bench. Not featured the last 2 games and was very threatening and effective when bought on against us last time

Not true. He played as a substitute against Limerick so I wouldn't read much into him being named in the same role here.

Powerhouse

kilkennyboy wrote: »

Tipp team named beatable

Tipperary have one forward which started their last championship game. I realise the pre-match party line is "we'll give them a match" etc. but in reality Kilkenny will win this one with some comfort. How depleted does the opposition have to be before their is conspicuous confidence?

danganabu

Powerhouse wrote: »

Tipperary have one forward which started their last championship game. I realise the pre-match party line is "we'll give them a match" etc. but in reality Kilkenny will win this one with some comfort. How depleted does the opposition have to be before their is conspicuous confidence?

Off with your wheelbarrow to the bookies so KK can be backed at 2/1 - oh and I think we can safely say Jason Forde is one of Tipps first 6 now.

Powerhouse

brookville wrote: »

It'd be a fair achievement for cody to win the league when you think of the criticism he was getting after the first 2 matches.

It will not be an insignificant achievement to win the League when you look at the starting point but the criticism Cody was getting is not about the League. Will, when the All Ireland final finalists are known in July, Kilkenny be missing for the second year running for the first time since 1997? That's when that criticism will be assessed.

Powerhouse

danganabu wrote: »

Off with your wheelbarrow to the bookies so KK can be backed at 2/1 - oh and I think we can safely say Jason Forde is one of Tipps first 6 now.

Who needs a bookie? Why don't you give me 2/1 and I'll happily throw €200 on with you. You can PM me the details.

danganabu

Powerhouse wrote: »

Who needs a bookie? Why don't you give me 2/1 and I'll happily throw €200 on with you. You can PM me the details.

slow day in the asylum, this fish aint biting

Powerhouse

danganabu wrote: »

this fish aint biting

Unsurprising really. Talk is easy but it's not so easy to put money where your very considerable mouth is.

danganabu

Powerhouse wrote: »

Unsurprising really. Talk is easy but it's not so easy to put money where your very considerable mouth is.

Already heavily invested in the game and certainly dont need to be placing 'trust' bets with some random nut job on the internet.