Offaly U20 Hurlers 2025

[Glendassaun]

Having been at both of the Munster U20 championship games so far Clare were the most impressive outfit and should have won that game last night at their comfort. However their radar was well off hitting over 15 wides during the course of the game, while also going down to 14 for the closing 15 minutes of the game didn’t help either.

Clare have a team that comprises of a number of All Ireland minor winners from 2023, as well as their minors who we beat in the All Ireland minor semi final of 2022. Cork looked quite average to be honest and did exceptionally well to get a draw last night. They fave a tough assignment at home to Tipp next Wednesday who will be looking to get their season back on track.

It was clear from last nights game that Limerick seemed to want it more. They were more aggressive in the tackle, they defended valiantly and were unlucky not to have found the net on a couple more occasions. They certainly seemed to surprise Tipp who looked like a side that haven’t had much time together and perhaps were rusty in terms of their preparation. Asides from Mc Carthy and Daly up front they were unimpressive.

Limerick delivered excellent ball into their forwards, especially in the first half, as they were dominant around the middle third and especially so in their half back line. Meanwhile Tipp’s short passing style of play broke down on a number of occasions which led to scores or scoring opportunities for Limerick. Listening to some disgruntled Tipp fans they seem to believe that Cummins is part to blame and they felt some of the best players weren’t involved.

Either which way it sets up a fascinating second round of games, with Tipp knowing they need to get a win in Cork next Wednesday night. Clare should bounce back in my opinion and will still qualify as overall winners from the group phase. I could see Limerick finishing third with Tipp coming in second place while Cork and Waterford prop up the bottom of the table (admittedly I haven’t seen Waterford but I’m not expecting anything earth shattering).

As for ourselves, let’s focus in on the Galway game, who will have the added motivation of wanting to win their first ever underage game on home Galway soil, especially against their neighbours and All Ireland champions Offaly, who themselves could be a player or two short of their ideal starting 15, but that remains to be seen fully. Either way, it should make for a brilliant game in a packed Duggan Park.

[Bord na Mona man]

Munster is looking cagey already. Like Tipp, Klare underwhelmed somewhat. They seemed like they'd get away with it, but the sending off was a lifeline for Cork.

Like James Mahon last week, it seemed an excessive punishment:
https://www.youtube.com/live/jgQCGn6saM ... -O8&t=3946 (43:15 on the match clock)

[joe123]

Munster is looking cagey already. Like Tipp, Klare underwhelmed somewhat. They seemed like they'd get away with it, but the sending off was a lifeline for Cork.

Like James Mahon last week, it seemed an excessive punishment:
https://www.youtube.com/live/jgQCGn6saM ... -O8&t=3946 (43:15 on the match clock)

They are trying to get rid of contact with the head, I don't see anything wrong with doing that. I'll have kids playing in a few years i wont want them hitting or being hir on the head.. The referees are making calls as they see it and it's very difficult, they are human and their mistakes during matches are more talked about than the players even thought ironically they make far less individual mistakes than players do.. the vast vast majority of referees go out to do their best in what is a very fast paced difficult environment and they aren't out to do anyone. The criticism and slating of the refs is unfair and frankly a disgrace, the commentary around the referee for the offaly game was shocking, on here and in the media in general, the man made a mistake ffs and probably had to read and hear about on his way to work on Monday morning as did his family no doubt.. I've no problem calling out a mistake but instead lads are slating and making slanderous and defamatory comments suggesting bias on the part of the referee which is uncalled for.. time people copped on and stopped slating others, the sport wouldn't exist without the referees.. he got the offaly one wrong, contact to the head was slight but the player went in in a way that left the ref with a decision and young mahon will learn a good lesson.

[SearingDrive]

Munster is looking cagey already. Like Tipp, Klare underwhelmed somewhat. They seemed like they'd get away with it, but the sending off was a lifeline for Cork.

Like James Mahon last week, it seemed an excessive punishment:
https://www.youtube.com/live/jgQCGn6saM ... -O8&t=3946 (43:15 on the match clock)

They are trying to get rid of contact with the head, I don't see anything wrong with doing that. I'll have kids playing in a few years i wont want them hitting or being hir on the head.. The referees are making calls as they see it and it's very difficult, they are human and their mistakes during matches are more talked about than the players even thought ironically they make far less individual mistakes than players do.. the vast vast majority of referees go out to do their best in what is a very fast paced difficult environment and they aren't out to do anyone. The criticism and slating of the refs is unfair and frankly a disgrace, the commentary around the referee for the offaly game was shocking, on here and in the media in general, the man made a mistake ffs and probably had to read and hear about on his way to work on Monday morning as did his family no doubt.. I've no problem calling out a mistake but instead lads are slating and making slanderous and defamatory comments suggesting bias on the part of the referee which is uncalled for.. time people copped on and stopped slating others, the sport wouldn't exist without the referees.. he got the offaly one wrong, contact to the head was slight but the player went in in a way that left the ref with a decision and young mahon will learn a good lesson.

A balanced response there Joe.

[greenairfield]

Hurling is a tough physical sport. Not sure how many years we are playing it now but have yet to see a serious head injury form a shoulder to the head.

Yes it is more common and looks bad seems dangerous too, refs need to be aware of it but let's not turn it into the Premier league or we will we have players diving everywhere.

Joe maybe you should steer your sons to golf or swimming.

[Anonymous1]

Professional rabble rousing I’d suggest if they’re anything like their old man.

[JimBwobb]

Did I read here somewhere that the galway game is moved to the Tuesday night?

[Anonymous1]

Did I read here somewhere that the galway game is moved to the Tuesday night?

Yep.

[JimBwobb]

Did I read here somewhere that the galway game is moved to the Tuesday night?

Yep.

No change on the Leinster GAA fixtures or is it just hearsay?

[Plain of the Herbs]

It's down for Tuesday week on the Leinster GAA fixtures & results section now.

No change on the Leinster GAA fixtures or is it just hearsay?

[JimBwobb]

It's down for Tuesday week on the Leinster GAA fixtures & results section now.

No change on the Leinster GAA fixtures or is it just hearsay?

Thanks Pat, I see Ter Guinan is now ruled out with Inury and likely to miss a few weeks and Diggy Hand also out injured.

Looks like we will have Screeney,Rigney, Hand and Ter out for Galway game, huge losses if not back before knockout games.

[Plain of the Herbs]

Yes, unfortunately it looks like Offaly will be making the short trip to Ballinasloe in a fleet of ambulances. A pity, given the potential this year. But it would be far worse if they didn't win that All-Ireland last year.

For all the great days and evenings we've had supporting that group, they've been fierce unlucky too. They missed out on two years at Development Squad stage due to Covid, the 2020 Minor campaign was disrupted, the 2021 Minor campaign amounted to a single match against Kilkenny, and now this.

Thanks Pat, I see Ter Guinan is now ruled out with Inury and likely to miss a few weeks and Diggy Hand also out injured.

Looks like we will have Screeney,Rigney, Hand and Ter out for Galway game, huge losses if not back before knockout games.

[Anonymous1]

Yes, unfortunately it looks like Offaly will be making the short trip to Ballinasloe in a fleet of ambulances. A pity, given the potential this year. But it would be far worse if they didn't win that All-Ireland last year.

For all the great days and evenings we've had supporting that group, they've been fierce unlucky too. They missed out on two years at Development Squad stage due to Covid, the 2020 Minor campaign was disrupted, the 2021 Minor campaign amounted to a single match against Kilkenny, and now this.

Thanks Pat, I see Ter Guinan is now ruled out with Inury and likely to miss a few weeks and Diggy Hand also out injured.

Looks like we will have Screeney,Rigney, Hand and Ter out for Galway game, huge losses if not back before knockout games.

Injuries are part and parcel of the game though.

I’m sure every county has at least 1-2 of their best 15 out injured.

Leo and co won’t be viewing this as a problem, I’m sure they have the “next man up” mantra drummed into the lads on the outside looking in.

The problem will be if we pick up any more injuries as the senior/U20 fixtures begin to pile up in a few weeks.

[Glendassaun]

Looking at the current injury predicament through a more positive lens.

Even if we could finish second in the group this would allow some of the injured players up to the 5th of May to heal before the knockout stages commence.

I’m not sure of the timeline, and in some instances, I think even the medical team might be uncertain. But it still offers 6 weeks to recover before the business end of the competition.

The immediate games allow for other players to get quality game time under their belt, which will be important if we are to go deep on another memorable run this season given the likelihood of further fatigue/injury with those playing senior.

It’s clearly not ideal to have up to 4 starters injured, 3 of which are key forwards, but if you’re to have to choose a time to have injuries, it’s 6 weeks ahead of the knockout stages and not during the knockout stages.

Does anyone know of the extent of Ter’s or Hands injury?

[Doon Exile]

Does anyone know of the extent of Ter’s or Hands injury?

I’m hearing it’s not good for both. Hamstring again for Ter and heard its collar bone for Diggy.