The GAA Thread

[whyohwhy]

Since this is a sports website forum, I hereby open the GAA page!!

Just to get the sliothar rolling:

2006 Predictions:

All Ireland Football winners: Tyrone
All Ireland Football runners-up: Kerry

All Ireland Hurling winners: Cork
All Ireland Hurling runners-up: Kilkenny

League Football: Galway
League Hurling: Clare

Ulster Football: Armagh
Munster Football: Kerry
Connaught Football: Galway
Leinster Football: Laois/Dublin

Ulster Hurling: Antrim
Munster Hurling: Waterford
Connaught Hurling: Galway!
Leinster Hurling: Kilkenny

[bandage]

Welcome aboard whyohwhy. There's a hurling championship preview on the site on the GAA section.

I think Waterford are the only team that can realistically challenge Cork this year. Remember they've beaten them twice in the last few years. No other teams have coped with their pace and movement lately - not even Kilkenny who I controversially wrote off in the article. Still take Cork to win it though - they've been on a different level during the last few years and are light years ahead of most of the rest.

Re football: I don't want to be boring by going for 2 repeat champions but it's Tyrone's to lose imo. Armagh, I think, are slightly on the wane and Kerry, their other main challengers, don't seem to possess that sheer hunger and frenzied work ethic that Tyrone have - that can be the critical difference in a final come September. Dublin and Galway appear to be the next best but it would be asking a lot for either of these to overtake the top 3.

[stickywithoutjam]

Completely agree with with Bandager there. Tyrone will be up there, but a lot of opinion last year was saying 2005 was there final year in the ascendancy for them and Armagh too. Armagh, certainly on the wane now. I would put money on Derry to push through Ulster this year, as a second choice, definitely think they'll have the mettle to put through to the quarters.

Righto, better head here, ma's got tea on the go.

Take er handy.

[whyohwhy]

bandage said:

Welcome aboard whyohwhy. There's a hurling championship preview on the site on the GAA section.

I think Waterford are the only team that can realistically challenge Cork this year. Remember they've beaten them twice in the last few years. No other teams have coped with their pace and movement lately - not even Kilkenny who I controversially wrote off in the article. Still take Cork to win it though - they've been on a different level during the last few years and are light years ahead of most of the rest.

Re football: I don't want to be boring by going for 2 repeat champions but it's Tyrone's to lose imo. Armagh, I think, are slightly on the wane and Kerry, their other main challengers, don't seem to possess that sheer hunger and frenzied work ethic that Tyrone have - that can be the critical difference in a final come September. Dublin and Galway appear to be the next best but it would be asking a lot for either of these to overtake the top 3.

But Waterford in the hurling are a bit like Mayo in the football, they freeze when they get to croke park. Munster chnapionship is their only hope really. I agree with your comments in the article about Galway re: on a high after Club Championship, a good bet.

As for the football, will Tyrone have the focus and energy to get the two-in-a-row. It hasn't been done in a long time (Cork in the early nineties, if memory serves me right).

[steamboatsam]

don't think we'll have an Ulster winner this year (of the all-ireland that is; pretty sure there will be a winner of the ulster c'ship itself). i reckon the likes of armagh and tyrone will struggle to reach the intensity of last year - there's only so much punishment these athletes can take. judging from the league semis line up the rest of the country are striving to close the gap and i believe kerry, galway, dublin etc will have the gameplan and the stamina this year to break down the blanket defence system employed by the ulster boys.

there is an argument that armagh & tyrone were taking it relatively easy in the league and will be primed for the c'ship but when it comes down to it i think they may struggle to move up a couple of gears while the teams who have fared well in the league will have a good momentum coming into the summer - and that's without any of them playing near their potential yet.

we will definitely see at least one ulster team in the semis but their exploits over the last few years will take its toll and they will lack the necessary sharpness in late august.

galway to beat dublin in the final

[bandage]

I agree that two in a row is a tall order. It's a decent call about Derry - they probably have the players to challenge if they can really organise themselves. I don't mean to be harsh on Armagh but they've a lot of players with a lot of mileage on the clock and may not have the stamina to go the full distance - this is despite introducing the likes of Aaron Kernan from their All Ireland U21 winning team from 2 years ago. If Tyrone struggle to repeat last year's intensity and form then it really opens the door to Kerry. As I said I wouldn't rule out Galway and Dublin from getting to the last 4 but can't see either of them winning it.

Louth to dump Meath out of Leinster to be the first real shock of the Championship!

[whyohwhy]

bandage said:

I agree that two in a row is a tall order. It's a decent call about Derry - they probably have the players to challenge if they can really organise themselves. I don't mean to be harsh on Armagh but they've a lot of players with a lot of mileage on the clock and may not have the stamina to go the full distance - this is despite introducing the likes of Aaron Kernan from their All Ireland U21 winning team from 2 years ago. If Tyrone struggle to repeat last year's intensity and form then it really opens the door to Kerry. As I said I wouldn't rule out Galway and Dublin from getting to the last 4 but can't see either of them winning it.

Louth to dump Meath out of Leinster to be the first real shock of the Championship!

Derry - no chance, won't even beat Donegal if they meet, plus any half decent qualifier will beat them (Limerick, Mayo or Galway, Cork, Laois, Wexford, even Roscommon).

Galway toughened up a lot, esp against Mayo, they're getting physical to stand up to the northern challenge. But i think their backs are too weak

[whyohwhy]

whyohwhy said:

Since this is a sports website forum, I hereby open the GAA page!!

Just to get the sliothar rolling:

2006 Predictions:

League Football: Galway

Guess I was wrong, Galway were brutal in the second half, Kerry get their 18th League title!!

[whyohwhy]

No surprises yesterday really.

Monaghan had their chances but Armagh wont be too bothered about a draw.

Roscommon and Meath: no surprises.

Westmeath: absolutely shocking (a one man team, nothing without him), Offaly: not much better.

Limerick hurlers: no leadership, believed their own hype after league success (relative).

Tipperary: will be fucked if anything happens Eoin Kelly (a class act)

[bandage]

whyohwhy said:

No surprises yesterday really.

Monaghan had their chances but Armagh wont be too bothered about a draw.

Roscommon and Meath: no surprises.

Westmeath: absolutely shocking (a one man team, nothing without him), Offaly: not much better.

Limerick hurlers: no leadership, believed their own hype after league success (relative).

Tipperary: will be fucked if anything happens Eoin Kelly (a class act)

Meath/Louth showed the difference between Div 1 and 2 football. Louth are like Wexford circa 2003 when they got promoted, everyone thought they could beat Laois but were given a lesson. Meath will be favourites against us but if someone can do a job on Geraghty they're beatable.

Think the Armagh game showed they won't win it this year - disagree with the media saying that Monaghan are a good side - to me it emphasised that Armagh are on the slide. Leinster football may not be as strong as previously but O'Rourke and Brolly both said on Sunday that if Monaghan were in Leinster they'd fancy their chances of winning it. They would in their hole win it!

Eoin Kelly is supremely gifted. That's why I had him down in a previous thread as the one player who I would like added to the Wexford team. What an incredible talent.

[bandage]

Again, no real shocks in what's been a slow enough start to the championship. Monaghan, and Tommy Freeman in particular, will be kicking themselves over the 2 first half goal chances they squandered. Once Armagh upped it after 50-55 mins they never looked in danger.

Suppose the main talking point is W'meath toppling the might of Dublin in the hurling. Great for them to win live on TV after Galway-Sligo fell to the weather. I actually enjoyed the pure guts and commitment on show and much as you'd like Dublin to become a force in hurling for the future of the game it's hard to begrudge W'meath their victory.

Next week it'll get going with us taking on Meath - must do some research to see how our injuries are healing up. We really need Philip Wallace fit as we don't really have decent cover for full back and they'll have Geraghty or Sheridan at #14. Would be nice to have Eric Bradley fit for centre field also, a cracking under age player before he went to NYC for a few years. Expecting former hurling panelist Rory Stafford to have a big game in midfield also. Think we can take them despite our poor league form - then again I say that about every Wexford game.

Finally, the Biffs beating Laois confirms us against them in Kilkenny on 11 June - that'll be an occasion. Hopefully something similar to 2003 when we last played them there. Both teams were trounced by Cork in challenges in the last 10 days while Wexford are concerned by the great Darragh Ryan's continuing knee problems (he's almost like Paul McGrath now) but Paul Codd (albeit a fat Paul Codd) is back and could be useful as an impact sub. Bring it on.

[bandage]

I see Cork have announced the same starting XV for Sunday against Clare as that which started the All-Ireland final last year. Some have suggested this signifies a lack of new talent coming through or a lack of depth but I disagree. They've some cracking hurlers on the bench like Wayne Sherlock, Cian O'Connor and Neil Ronan. To me they've had an unprecedented injury free run over the past few years. The only major one I can think of is when Pat Mulcahy missed the 2004 championship and that was due to a car crash. In the meantime other sides like Waterford, Tipp and Wexford have been crippled with injuries.

Tyrone-Derry should be good also. Tyrone have had a hex over Derry during the last 10 years and though Tyrone are carrying a load of injuries also they'll probably be too strong for Derry, who after a great start to the league have allowed things to drift away badly since then.

Then a decent double header in Croker too so hopefully it'll really get up and running this weekend.

Actually looking forward to the championship more than the World Cup.

[eamo]

bandage said:

Actually looking forward to the championship more than the World Cup.

Same here. My appetite has been diminished somewhat by Declan Maxwell's injury which means that we have gone from having an outside chance against Mayo to having none at all. Still roll on June 25th.

[steamboatsam]

bandage said:

I see Cork have announced the same starting XV for Sunday against Clare as that which started the All-Ireland final last year. Some have suggested this signifies a lack of new talent coming through or a lack of depth but I disagree. They've some cracking hurlers on the bench like Wayne Sherlock, Cian O'Connor and Neil Ronan. To me they've had an unprecedented injury free run over the past few years. The only major one I can think of is when Pat Mulcahy missed the 2004 championship and that was due to a car crash. In the meantime other sides like Waterford, Tipp and Wexford have been crippled with injuries.

Indeed, the Cork team is so strong and settled that it's very difficult for anybody to break into it. It's a sign of strength more than anything else that it's the same 15.

I'll be hoping for one of two things from Cork a) a lack of hunger (for winning) over the summer given their success over the past 2 yrs; or b) Clare to surprise them on Sunday (although would it be a huge surprise if Clare beat them? probably not imo) and this leads to a reshuffling of the team for the qualifiers which will upset their rhythm and make them vulnerable.

I reckon the hurling c'ship will be a lot more keenly contested than most people think....ie a Cork / Kilkenny parade, especially with Tipp impressing against Limerick (who aren't finished yet) and Galway seeking to build on last year.

As for the football, Meath 1/3 to beat Wexford on Sunday is laughable. They're still a long way from the Meath of old.

[bandage]

Wexford name team for Sunday:

Wallace is fit, Bradley is injured and Graeme Molloy makes his debut. Not a great team but one that can beat them. 11/4 is too good to turn down.

1. Cooper (Adamstown)
2. Morris (Castletown)
3. Wallace (Gusserane)
4. Murphy, N (Bannow-Ballymitty)
5. Curtis (Clongeen)
6. Murphy (St. Mary’s Rosslare)
7. Molloy (St. James’ Ramsgrange)
8. Stafford (St. Anne’s Rathangan)
9. Kinsella (Castletown)
10. Deely (Horeswood)
11. Colfer (Clongeen)
12. Barry (St. Anne’s Rathangan)
13. Murphy, L (Clongeen)
14. Banville (Horeswood)
15. Forde (Kilanerin)

[steamboatsam]

bandage said:

Wexford name team for Sunday:

Wallace is fit, Bradley is injured and Graeme Molloy makes his debut. Not a great team but one that can beat them. 11/4 is too good to turn down.

1. Cooper (Adamstown)
2. Morris (Castletown)
3. Wallace (Gusserane)
4. Murphy, N (Bannow-Ballymitty)
5. Curtis (Clongeen)
6. Murphy (St. Mary’s Rosslare)
7. Molloy (St. James’ Ramsgrange)
8. Stafford (St. Anne’s Rathangan)
9. Kinsella (Castletown)
10. Deely (Horeswood)
11. Colfer (Clongeen)
12. Barry (St. Anne’s Rathangan)
13. Murphy, L (Clongeen)
14. Banville (Horeswood)
15. Forde (Kilanerin)

Fogarty injured or out of favour? Need the midfield to dominate and hope that Liam Murphy doesn't choke like he did for Peters against Good Counsel 7 yrs ago when he missed a free from the 14 in the last minute to draw the game.

[whyohwhy]

Actual Wexford team to play Meath:

1. 'Kick the ball to Mattie' (Adamstown)
2. 'Kick the ball to Mattie' (Castletown)
3. 'Kick the ball to Mattie' (Gusserane)
4. 'Kick the ball to Mattie' (Bannow-Ballymitty)
5. 'Kick the ball to Mattie' (Clongeen)
6. 'Kick the ball to Mattie' (St. Mary’s Rosslare)
7. 'Kick the ball to Mattie' (St. James’ Ramsgrange)
8. 'Kick the ball to Mattie' (St. Anne’s Rathangan)
9. 'Kick the ball to Mattie' (Castletown)
10. 'Pass the ball to Mattie' (Horeswood)
11. 'Pass the ball to Mattie' (Clongeen)
12. 'Pass the ball to Mattie' (St. Anne’s Rathangan)
13. 'Pass the ball to Mattie' (Clongeen)
14. 'Pass the ball to Mattie' (Horeswood)
15. Forde (Kilanerin)

[bandage]

steamboatsam said:

bandage said:

Wexford name team for Sunday:

Wallace is fit, Bradley is injured and Graeme Molloy makes his debut. Not a great team but one that can beat them. 11/4 is too good to turn down.

1. Cooper (Adamstown)
2. Morris (Castletown)
3. Wallace (Gusserane)
4. Murphy, N (Bannow-Ballymitty)
5. Curtis (Clongeen)
6. Murphy (St. Mary’s Rosslare)
7. Molloy (St. James’ Ramsgrange)
8. Stafford (St. Anne’s Rathangan)
9. Kinsella (Castletown)
10. Deely (Horeswood)
11. Colfer (Clongeen)
12. Barry (St. Anne’s Rathangan)
13. Murphy, L (Clongeen)
14. Banville (Horeswood)
15. Forde (Kilanerin)

Fogarty injured or out of favour? Need the midfield to dominate and hope that Liam Murphy doesn't choke like he did for Peters against Good Counsel 7 yrs ago when he missed a free from the 14 in the last minute to draw the game.

Fogarty is out of favour as a result of his 6 week 'finding himself' trip to Africa in the middle of the league. Kieran Kennedy is also injured, 2 cracking points from wing back against Dublin last year, so he'll be missed though he might be able to come off the bench. Tomás Howlin is back in training but the game is too soon for him, can't wait to see him back in the midfield after his 3 years of injury problems.

Shocking arrogance by whyohwhy in his post. I'd love it if we beat them, love it.

[whyohwhy]

bandage said:

steamboatsam said:

Fogarty injured or out of favour? Need the midfield to dominate and hope that Liam Murphy doesn't choke like he did for Peters against Good Counsel 7 yrs ago when he missed a free from the 14 in the last minute to draw the game.

Fogarty is out of favour as a result of his 6 week 'finding himself' trip to Africa in the middle of the league. Kieran Kennedy is also injured, 2 cracking points from wing back against Dublin last year, so he'll be missed though he might be able to come off the bench. Tomás Howlin is back in training but the game is too soon for him, can't wait to see him back in the midfield after his 3 years of injury problems.

Shocking arrogance by whyohwhy in his post. I'd love it if we beat them, love it.

Where's the arrogance? We weren't much different in the league

[bandage]

whyohwhy said:

bandage said:

Fogarty is out of favour as a result of his 6 week 'finding himself' trip to Africa in the middle of the league. Kieran Kennedy is also injured, 2 cracking points from wing back against Dublin last year, so he'll be missed though he might be able to come off the bench. Tomás Howlin is back in training but the game is too soon for him, can't wait to see him back in the midfield after his 3 years of injury problems.

Shocking arrogance by whyohwhy in his post. I'd love it if we beat them, love it.

Where's the arrogance? We weren't much different in the league

The 2006 Leinster champions are far from a one-man team. As we will show on Sunday. At 11/4.

[bandage]

Just stuck €50 on Wexford plus a €15 accumulator on Cork, Tyrone, Offaly, Galway and Mayo. Easy money.

[tommymoore]

€50 on Wexford. Waste of money. They peaked in the league last year and it's been downhill for them ever since. Meath by 5 or 6 points me thinks.

I'm going for Clare to beat the langers on Sunday. Time somebody brought them down a peg or 2.

Also wins for Galway and Offaly and possibly a draw up North.

[bandage]

tommymoore said:

€50 on Wexford. Waste of money. They peaked in the league last year and it's been downhill for them ever since. Meath by 5 or 6 points me thinks.
.

I just smited you for that!

[tommymoore]

You can come back on Sunday evening or Monday morning and exalt me for such an accurate prediction.

[whyohwhy]

tommymoore said:

€50 on Wexford. Waste of money. They peaked in the league last year and it's been downhill for them ever since. Meath by 5 or 6 points me thinks.

I'm going for Clare to beat the langers on Sunday. Time somebody brought them down a peg or 2.

Also wins for Galway and Offaly and possibly a draw up North.

Good call on the draw up north, Tyrone have a fair few injuries.

Clare wont beat Cork-Nemo. Galway to crucify Sligo