Kilkenny GAA Thread

I actually forgot about Sky. TG4 should have second dibs in fairness.

I think the fact newstalk give more priority to rugby and soccer than RTE might be held against them.

Have a throw at the team for the weekend: A tin of USA assorted biscuits to the winner.

E Murphy

M Butler, H Lawlor, T Walsh

M Carey, P Deegan, D Blanchfield

C Kenny A Murphy

W Walsh, P Walsh, E Cody

A Mullen, M Keoghan, B Ryan

TJ to come on with 20 minutes to go.

I think that is the likely team.

ButI believe that team 8-15 will be savaged sooner or later, 4 of the forwards are not great strikers of the ball (I might be a bit unkind to Phelan but the two matches I saw of him, I thought his striking wasn't great).I believe there is very little between at least 6 teams (us included). So, I think the most efficient and accurate team of that 6 may win the AI

For all the forensic analysis conducted, the fundamental requirement of accurate striking seems to be overlooked. Limerick probbaly cannot much longer get away with their profligacy. Barely hitting 50% from shots is a blight on them and their claim to greatness. Limerick (because of their power) might however win another AI hitting 16-20 wides in matches, but no way in hell can we.

Look at 3 almost certain starting forwards (WW, Keoghan and Billy Ryan). I don’t have the stats but it looks obvious to me that after busy and productive first halves, all 3 taper off in 2nd half and the wides start to mount. They simply aren’t reliable shooters, especially late on (as mental and physical tiredness demands almost perfect technique).

Donnelly however is a good shooter, so is Maher and so (quite obviously) is R Hogan. For me, if that team starts, Cody must have a plan to replace at least 2 if not 3 of the forwards a lot earlier (probably from HT to 50th min) to ensure if game tightens up, we not only have the freshness but also have the best shooting options on the field. Having the most accurate shooters on the field is especially vital when chances start to dry up and you must make every shot count.

Well, going on past, and indeed very recent, form I wouldn't bank on Cody using the subs early and using all five. Had he done so against Cork we'd have won.

I 100% agree I think we have only averaged 3 subs per game in the league and and almost never in the backs. The nature of this round Robin format with games coming thick and fast we should be making 5 subs per game and in that at least 3 by that 45 to 55 minute window... our backs have been run over a number of times over the last few years with fresh legs coming on early in the second half. Cork last year and this year in the league and Waterford the previous year are prime examples

KK v Westmeath

E Murphy

M Butler H Lawlor T Walsh

M Carey P Deegan D Blanchfield

C Kenny A Mullen

W Walsh P Walsh E Cody

B Ryan M Keoghan A Murphy

Subs

D Brennan

C Delaney

D Mullen

D Corcoran

R Reid

J Maher

C Browne

C Buckley

TJ Reid

J Donnelly

S Walsh

All the best to our minors seniors over the weekend.

Could it not be said the reason they have it at No. 3 is because they don't have any rights.

Plus with the football and hurling shows that OTB produce I think they do plenty on GAA

RTE get away with murder when it comes to GAA coverage, no midweek championship preview/review television programme since 2015 or 16, only reason they had live games during the league was Eir Sport went south. Thank god for TG4.

Mullen won't play at mf Cody is changing tatics there...they seem to be playing 3 there at times I think he is trying to null the running/short passing game... it's a gamble but less than a 10 point win we are in trouble.

Tactic seems straight forward, Murphy comes out as third midfielder and Kilkenny keep the middle packed, creates space inside and players like Mullen can score from distance.

There can't have been many championship matches in the last 30 years when one of DJ, Henry or TJ didn't start? 1998 maybe? 2011? Who is leader of the attack now?

Padraig Walsh

Minors lost to Dublin by a point. Meaning all 3 teams finish the Round Robin with a win and a defeat each. Points difference (if my maths are correct) mean Kilkenny and Dublin go straight into a SF while Wexford have a QF to play