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Within third level GAA at the highest level, the Fitzgibbon and Sigerson Cup sides, there does exist a snobbery where a bias generally exists towards perceived stronger counties or more traditional counties.

There’s also a degree of prioritising players from counties where the institutions are situated and the respective counties using them as an incubator to develop their county sides at the expense of other levels.

Fitzgibbon Hurling and Sigerson Football is great. But it’s by far the be all and end all of our sports.

Yeah that's the point they were trying to get to.

Just convenient for cork , that once the u20 was won by Offaly, that Fitzgibbon was a bigger stage and shir hadnt they the numbers playing Fitzgibbon to back it up , 13 of this year's 26 involved with the cork colleges and the poor Offaly lads could only dream of playing Fitzgibbon

JohnnyBoy24 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 8:38 pm Yeah that's the point they were trying to get to.

Just convenient for cork , that once the u20 was won by Offaly, that Fitzgibbon was a bigger stage and shir hadnt they the numbers playing Fitzgibbon to back it up , 13 of this year's 26 involved with the cork colleges and the poor Offaly lads could only dream of playing Fitzgibbon

I don’t think that was the intent at all tbf to them.

They were just musing as to why we fell off so badly and to be honest we don’t fully know ourselves what happened.

I'm almost certain that the points brought up on that cork forum where brought up on this forum a number of years ago when their was no one from offaly on a college ream. There is somthing to it but not communicated very well in that forum. Like or not, cork are better than this Tipperary team and I really don't know how Tipperary won the munster final. They absolutely rode their luck in the final. But they bet cork twice as it happens and that's what the record books will show.
Chatting to lads in tipperary, the best team at u20 in munster was that cork team. Somehow Tipperary managed to beat them.

private joker wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2024 8:57 pm I'm almost certain that the points brought up on that cork forum where brought up on this forum a number of years ago when their was no one from offaly on a college ream. There is somthing to it but not communicated very well in that forum. Like or not, cork are better than this Tipperary team and I really don't know how Tipperary won the munster final. They absolutely rode their luck in the final. But they bet cork twice as it happens and that's what the record books will show.
Chatting to lads in tipperary, the best team at u20 in munster was that cork team. Somehow Tipperary managed to beat them.

Yeah look I was more so having a sneer at there attempt of analysing the social economic factors affecting Offaly
But there is a point in the Fitzgibbon thing and I think as one lad said on that , the majority of our lads who are in college would only be on freshers teams currently and it would be probably next year or year when they are final years of college we should see a large contingent ( based off our usual numbers )

To be fair, they were complementing us. They were also referring to what an Offaly friend said about Offaly with respect to economic. It is no secret to say that Cork is a wealthier county than Offaly on average. It is also true that their lads have access to CIT (or whatever its called now) and UCC without their players needing to live away from home in the same way that Clare and Limerick have LIT and UL and Galway have NUIG and GMIT. I know some have changed branding names but you get the idea - they are all Fitzgibbon playing colleges. It might be different for us if Athlone or Maynooth were Fitzgibbon colleges but they aren't. I don't see any disrespect there.

Beyond that, most of our fellas are U19 and have just gone through freshers while others are only sitting their leaving cert. It will be 2 or 3 years before they would be expected to star at Fitz level as freshers are not allowed play Fitzgibbon any more. Next year will be first year majority of them will be eligible for Fitzgibbon and I'd expect that as All Ireland U20 champions, they will be in demand in their respective colleges. That said, when I was in college, there were lads who later that year played in All Ireland senior hurling final who were stuck on the bench for their college while lads who played co U21 for strong hurling counties could only make college intermediate team. Fitzgibbon Cup is a fair standard and a step up from co U20 and club senior level. It will hopefully help many of our U20s make that step to senior inter county in years to come.

They were also comparing us to Kilkenny in terms of players on Fitzgibbon teams but in order to do that you have to factor in the fact we’re a dual county and have a decent number of Sigerson players at present too.

Also the socio economic factor isn’t really a thing anymore because any player worth their salt receives a scholarship in this day and age.

Wow, still on cloud nine after the weekend. These men have given the entire county a lift; it’s absolutely incredible. Every player stood up, delivering a sensational performance.

Hoare was composed, with excellent distribution and wasn't far off making it 3 penalty saves in 3 weeks. His excellent season continued.

Ruairi Kelly epitomises the modern corner back: tigerish, fast, and excellent on the ball. He kept Tipp's corner forward under wraps and contributed a couple of times in attack, notably in the lead-up to Screeney's outrageous early score and sealing the deal in the 63rd minute with a white flag for himself.

Ben Miller held the full back line together, effectively neutralising his man. His great fielding, particularly one crucial catch in the first half, was pivotal.

James Mahon delivered an incredible display, combining excellent ball skills with defensive solidity. He limited Tipp’s main man to a solitary point from play and excelled in hooking and blocking.

Ter Guinan’s relentless effort and smart play were evident throughout. His improved passing and heads-up hurling made him a key player who was involved in so many big moments in the game.

Brecon Kavanagh’s hurling intelligence shone, with crucial flicks, touches, and a key last-ditch tackle in the closing moments. His defensive awareness and distribution were outstanding.

Donal Shirley's interplay and composure were crucial. His aerial ability and athleticism, along with Ter Guinan, disrupted the opposition's puck outs.

The midfield duo of Colin Spain and Cathal King were tireless, consistently chipping in with points from play. Their lung-busting runs and selfless play complemented each other perfectly, showcasing their importance to the team. I don't think it will be the last time we see the pair at 8 & 9 in a green, white and gold jersey.

Shane Rigney’s incredible pace and defensive efforts were crucial. I think he was the unsung hero of the game. He forced turnovers, won frees, and saw his direct opponent substituted after 40 minutes.

Dan Bourke led by example, showing incredible athleticism and scoring crucial points. His goal ignited the crowd and his steadying point after Tipp's first goal was vital. This man will be a key player for our county for years to come.

Doyle's work rate and distribution were excellent. He won important 50/50 balls and played through an early knock, contributing more than in any game this year.

Leigh Kavanagh won numerous frees and smartly positioned himself to occupy Tipp's sweeper and corner back, crucially assisting in Bourke's goal.

Barry Egan’s two first-half points were out of this world. His pressure on the opposition full back line was relentless.

Screeney delivered again, combining work rate with resilience. Despite a couple of missed frees, he remained unfazed and almost scored an incredible goal. 'The Magician'

Alex Kavangh was spot on when he came on. I would imagine its difficult to get straight up to the pace of a game like that, but Alex got involved straight away hassling the Tipp goalie and defender to win a 'dubious' 65. He also showed great composure to distribute to Burke for a late free and to set up Colin Spains score in the dying embers. Incredible for the Kavangh family to have 3 brothers on the field together and all 3 had a huge impact.

Eoin Burke was on the field about 5 seconds when he made an 90 yard run down the field, ending in a Tipp player fumbling the ball over the end line. Small moments all add together to win big games.

Ruairi Kelly’s last-minute score, supported by Ravenhill and Hand, capped off the game perfectly. These twp players will be key to the future of Offaly hurling and it is fantastic that they got to play their small part in the occasion.

The team executed the game plan effectively, forcing Tipp to take difficult shots from the sidelines. Miller and Kavanagh’s defensive solidity was central to this strategy.

Tipp fans were excellent, supporting their team passionately and showing magnanimity in defeat. Our fans were incredible, serving as a proper 16th man and adding to the breathtaking atmosphere.

The management team deserves immense credit, not just for tactical setup but for instilling pride and a win-at-all-costs attitude in the team.

We are incredibly lucky to have these men representing us.

The level of enthusiasm across the county for hurling is at an all time high.

Just passed through the footballing heartlands of Rhode and Croghan, with two lads in their teens carrying hurls over their shoulders, before witnessing three lads of no more than 8/9 in Croghan school out pucking around.

It’d bring a tear to the eye!

Glendassaun wrote: ↑Tue Jun 04, 2024 6:08 pm The level of enthusiasm across the county for hurling is at an all time high.

Just passed through the footballing heartlands of Rhode and Croghan, with two lads in their teens carrying hurls over their shoulders, before witnessing three lads of no more than 8/9 in Croghan school out pucking around.

It’d bring a tear to the eye!

Genuine question as i don't know the answer but where does a young fella go to hurl from these parts ? Just thinking of all the football clubs Rhode st brigids Clonmore harps and ballyfore etc. would they all be served by edenderry ?

JohnnyBoy24 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 04, 2024 6:16 pm

Glendassaun wrote: ↑Tue Jun 04, 2024 6:08 pm The level of enthusiasm across the county for hurling is at an all time high.

Just passed through the footballing heartlands of Rhode and Croghan, with two lads in their teens carrying hurls over their shoulders, before witnessing three lads of no more than 8/9 in Croghan school out pucking around.

It’d bring a tear to the eye!

Genuine question as i don't know the answer but where does a young fella go to hurl from these parts ? Just thinking of all the football clubs Rhode st brigids Clonmore harps and ballyfore etc. would they all be served by edenderry ?

Traditionally they’d all have hurled with Edenderry. It’s the most established club in the area and great work has been done with underage in the club over the past couple of years which will reap rewards down the line.

Alternatively, I know there is great work also being done in Daingean with underage sides, so that’s another option.

The more the game can be promoted in these areas the better for all in Offaly. We’ve seen what can be done bringing through the likes of the Clara lads and Donal Shirley from Tubber.

There’s no reason why with the right training and dedication lads of this calibre can’t be fostered in the traditional footballing areas as well. As a small county we need to max out our playing populations.

Glendassaun wrote: ↑Tue Jun 04, 2024 6:20 pm

JohnnyBoy24 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 04, 2024 6:16 pm

Glendassaun wrote: ↑Tue Jun 04, 2024 6:08 pm The level of enthusiasm across the county for hurling is at an all time high.

Just passed through the footballing heartlands of Rhode and Croghan, with two lads in their teens carrying hurls over their shoulders, before witnessing three lads of no more than 8/9 in Croghan school out pucking around.

It’d bring a tear to the eye!

Genuine question as i don't know the answer but where does a young fella go to hurl from these parts ? Just thinking of all the football clubs Rhode st brigids Clonmore harps and ballyfore etc. would they all be served by edenderry ?

Traditionally they’d all have hurled with Edenderry. It’s the most established club in the area and great work has been done with underage in the club over the past couple of years which will reap rewards down the line.

Alternatively, I know there is great work also being done in Daingean with underage sides, so that’s another option.

The more the game can be promoted in these areas the better for all in Offaly. We’ve seen what can be done bringing through the likes of the Clara lads and Donal Shirley from Tubber.

There’s no reason why with the right training and dedication lads of this calibre can’t be fostered in the traditional footballing areas as well. As a small county we need to max out our playing populations.

Edenderry won junior b and a in consecutive years if I'm correct in saying, so obviously the want is there and the work is being done underage to support it.

That's great to hear , yeah I was thinking of saying daingean , but thought they'd have been in with Tullamore for anyone wanting to hurl.

Suppose on the tubber point with Shirley , the idea of a brosna gaels 2.0 being developed let's say across Rhode st brigids Clonmore etc could be something we see in years to come if the numbers develop.

Absolutely JohnnyBoy24.

For such a club to flourish I’d say adding in Daingean with Rhode, Croghan and Clonmore initially would be the most successful.

It would also require some assistance from coaches in more traditional clubs, ensuring the future of Offaly hurling trumps any traditional views in the areas about only playing football.

I would say there’s no hurling club in the county that only plays hurling? Yet there’s about 10/12 football clubs that only play football. Something which should come into focus in order to develop hurling further.

Thatll be a big task for the next man up after Michael duignan vacates at the end of the year. Driving it on to maximise the positivity around the hurling currently.

Glendassaun wrote: ↑Tue Jun 04, 2024 6:36 pm

I would say there’s no hurling club in the county that only plays hurling? Yet there’s about 10/12 football clubs that only play football. Something which should come into focus in order to develop hurling further.

In fairness I would have to call out that this is not quite correct.

Of this cohort, I would say there’s a handful of football teams in a given year:

Shinrone
Coolderry
Seir Kieran
Birr
Kinnitty
Drumcullen
Crinkill
Ballyskenach / Killavilla
Lusmagh

B/K entered a Junior C team in football and got to the final which was great for them.

Birr and Kinnitty have on/off entries into lower levels of junior but have often not had teams.

Drumcullen entered Junior C/B for sure in recent years but I don't think so anymore. Crinkill were due to enter Junior C but not sure if that happened.

Lusmagh once again entered their own football team which was great to see. Indeed some of their lads would have been missed by Rynaghs.