Last week i put 50 euro on Galway and Wexford to win their Quarter final matches against Kilkenny and Wexford.
The game was called off and thankfully i received my 50 euro back.
Kilkenny vs Galway
The general feeling within the GAA is that Kilkenny are going to walk this. And while there has been very little evidence that Galway can win i feel they have a very good chance.
What happened last weekend will have a huge effect on the Kilkenny squad, it was looking like McGarry would have started in the goal last weekend. The Kilkenny players this weekend will really want to go and win this game for McGarry and their emotions could get the better of them. It really is a pity what happened and puts hurling into perspective. I felt though that last weekend a classic was on the cards.
I have seen Galway once in his years championship and i have no doubt their players are in the best physical condition of any team in the country.
Loughnane has his team ready for Croke Park.
One big mistake Loughnane has made and i will be surprised if he doesnt start the weekend is not playing Eugene Cloonan.
In a game like Saturdays, an experienced free taker is so important. Cllonan hit five frees against Clare he scored five. While Karl Wade was impressive against Antrim on the frees i dont think that he will have the nerve in Croke Park under pressure to score the frees. And against Kilkenny Galway are sure to get many.
Galway against Antrim played a very quick game, puckouts, lineballs etc were moved on quickly. I think Loughnanes tactic will be to try and run Kilkenny off the field. If it is a dry day Galway might just achieve this.
One thing about both teams though, in any sport a manager has to show 100 percent trust in each player. While some of you will say that the competition for places in Kilkenny and Galway is a goo thing and keeps players on their toes. I disagree, this puts added pressure on a player that has just been picked ahead of another. Take for instance Brian Hogan, if he starts this weekend, it will be a big game for him, but in the back of his mind he knows that if he makes a few mistakes he will be replaced b John Tennyson.
The same with Galway if Wade does start ahead of Cloonan it will be the biggest game he has ever played for Galway, enough to worry about than also having to take the frees. If he misses the first two frees he will be off.
Alot of pressure for amateur players to take.
All in all i think this will be close, if it remains dry i am going for Galway, if its a wet slippery surface in Croke Park the cats should prevail.
Just a quick comment on Tipperary.
After watching Wexford play Offaly in the league i remarked that Wexford were preparing a team for Croke Park, i know they were terrible against Kilkenny but we all know they are alot better than that.
Last week i went for Wexford, this week though i feel Tipp should win, it looks like Eoin Kelly will start. He has to start if Tipperary are to have any chance. Its the same as above, Willie Ryan if he starts ahead of Kelly its the biggest game he will ever have played at senior level, doesnt need the added pressure of frees. While Kelly as we all know is calm under pressure.
If Kelly starts Tipp to win
If he isnt on the field after twenty minutes - Wexford to win
The other quarter finals
I am going for Cork and Clare
All-Ireland Hurling Quarter Finals
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Offalys Future
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All-Ireland Hurling Quarter Finals
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Lone Shark
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Can't agree with you with regard to Cloonan. From free play he's nothing only absolutely dead weight these days - and in modern hurling that extra man, even if it is the full back, makes all the difference in getting the ball cleared. Kerrill Wade may be inexperienced and obviously hitting over a rake of frees against Antrim is no guide as to how he'll do in Croke Park against Kilkenny, but I think if he's even going to get 70% (which is low enough for a hurling freetaker) you have to leave Cloonan off.
I can't see anything other than a good Kilkenny win here. Nothing Galway have done in the last two years suggests otherwise.
I can see where you're coming from with regard to Wexford. I do think that they are over priced, and that they might have one kick in them and Tipperary are the kind of team where that might come. If he lines out in the corner Eoin Kelly will find Malachy Travers a very sticky opponent - I think he's a very under-rated defender. Keep Kelly's scoring down, let Rossitter dominate centre back thus negating Benny Dunne's influence and Wexford have every chance. I'm certainly trying to lay Tipp this weekend at 1/4.
Cork and Waterford is very hard to call - on the one hand Waterford have beaten them three times now this year and you'd say they are just the better team, but on the other hand Cork scored 3-18 on Waterford last time out, and a large chunk of the 5-15 Waterford got was on account of the absence of Ó'hAilpín, O'Sullivan and Dónal Óg. Should be a great game, absolute toss of a coin job as to who'll win.
Clare in the last few years remind me of Offaly hurlers in from 1998-2000 in one sense - they have developed this knack of making a pig's ear of the province, limping through the qualifiers and getting a handy quarter final draw before playing their best hurling in an All Ireland Semi Final. Limerick have better players and should win on form, but a lot depends how they've rebounded from that Munster Final defeat. Logic says Limerick, but a niggly feeling inside tells me Clare are going to grab a few doggish goals and win it on a scoreline like 2-13 to 0-17 or something like that.
I can't see anything other than a good Kilkenny win here. Nothing Galway have done in the last two years suggests otherwise.
I can see where you're coming from with regard to Wexford. I do think that they are over priced, and that they might have one kick in them and Tipperary are the kind of team where that might come. If he lines out in the corner Eoin Kelly will find Malachy Travers a very sticky opponent - I think he's a very under-rated defender. Keep Kelly's scoring down, let Rossitter dominate centre back thus negating Benny Dunne's influence and Wexford have every chance. I'm certainly trying to lay Tipp this weekend at 1/4.
Cork and Waterford is very hard to call - on the one hand Waterford have beaten them three times now this year and you'd say they are just the better team, but on the other hand Cork scored 3-18 on Waterford last time out, and a large chunk of the 5-15 Waterford got was on account of the absence of Ó'hAilpín, O'Sullivan and Dónal Óg. Should be a great game, absolute toss of a coin job as to who'll win.
Clare in the last few years remind me of Offaly hurlers in from 1998-2000 in one sense - they have developed this knack of making a pig's ear of the province, limping through the qualifiers and getting a handy quarter final draw before playing their best hurling in an All Ireland Semi Final. Limerick have better players and should win on form, but a lot depends how they've rebounded from that Munster Final defeat. Logic says Limerick, but a niggly feeling inside tells me Clare are going to grab a few doggish goals and win it on a scoreline like 2-13 to 0-17 or something like that.
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Offalys Future
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I would have to disagree with you there also. I have followed Eugene Cloonan closely for a number of years now. And last year he was in the best shape of his life and was left off.Lone Shark wrote:Can't agree with you with regard to Cloonan. From free play he's nothing only absolutely dead weight these days - and in modern hurling that extra man, even if it is the full back, makes all the difference in getting the ball cleared. Kerrill Wade may be inexperienced and obviously hitting over a rake of frees against Antrim is no guide as to how he'll do in Croke Park against Kilkenny, but I think if he's even going to get 70% (which is low enough for a hurling freetaker) you have to leave Cloonan off.
He did play poorly against Clare but still managed to score the five frees and directly setup two Galway points. And did not alot of Galway hurlers play bad that evening?
He didnt play against Antrim, and he scored ten points four from play against Laois. If Galway get frees 70% wont do.
You judge a player not on League but championship performances, Cloonan to me is an exceptional talent and should start the weekend. I would be very surprised if Loughnane doesnt start him
if its a dry day Sunday those words could come back to haunt you.I can't see anything other than a good Kilkenny win here. Nothing Galway have done in the last two years suggests otherwise.
Waterford vs Cork
Waterford just dont have the heads for the big games, players like Eoin Kelly, forty two mins gone in the Munster final gets a relative easy free, team needs a score it goes wide, next free Paul Flynn taking it. No consistency.
Same with him getting a yellow card kicking the ball over the line, watch Sunday if an early decision goes against them they will fall apart.
Ken McGrath, John Mullane, Dan Shanahan, Eoin McGrath, Eoin Kelly -
lack of respect for the game or your opponent means that the game will not serve you well, whenever you most need it...e.g. lucky breaks...decisions...turning moments in the game will go against you. Maybe not next week, but soon enough. of that you can be certain. It's the law of the game.
Sunday will prove this.
Clare vs Limerick
I really dont rate that Limerick team, and Clare well they are a little better.
Limericks backs are very poor and i can see their half back line getting cleaned in Croke Park.
Clare by six plus
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Plain of the Herbs
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I too have followed Eugene Cloonan’s career with Athenry and Galway over the last decade and I would concur with Lone Shark. Cloonan didn’t cut the mustard on a consistent basis in that period so I can’t see him making a significant impact from play now. Sure he hurled well last year when the game was up but history is full of subs being introduced and looked good in this situation. Galway have no shortage of talent to take his place and if Kerrill Wade is in good form, from frees and play, then the New Inn man rightly gets his chance. I agree Cloonan has trimmed down considerably but he’s had some major injuries particularly to his back which take their toll.
Don’t be depending on a dry day this summer!
My own view of Galway is that they are vastly overrated. We have been waiting some years now for the underage talent to blossom. There are too many doubts over the defence as a unit. They don’t know who’ll be full back, or centre back. They’re on their fourth goalkeeper this year. Then there’s their style where they do too much running and not enough direct hurling. And the Kerins’ aren’t going to suddenly become match winners.
The two things they have going for them is that they don’t fear Kilkenny (or Tipperary) who were the two teams they beat on the way to the final two yeas ago. Then there’s Loughnane. Galway don’t seem to have clicked with him and he’s finding out that the Irish twenty-something male of the current decade is entirely different to the twenty-somethings he dealt with in Clare in the 1990’s. Picking fellas, dropping them, introducing them after twenty minutes and taking them off again won’t work. In Clare he treated his forwards like dirt and they still came back for more! He still knows his hurling though and there’s always the chance he will produce something big on Saturday.
Don’t be depending on a dry day this summer!
My own view of Galway is that they are vastly overrated. We have been waiting some years now for the underage talent to blossom. There are too many doubts over the defence as a unit. They don’t know who’ll be full back, or centre back. They’re on their fourth goalkeeper this year. Then there’s their style where they do too much running and not enough direct hurling. And the Kerins’ aren’t going to suddenly become match winners.
The two things they have going for them is that they don’t fear Kilkenny (or Tipperary) who were the two teams they beat on the way to the final two yeas ago. Then there’s Loughnane. Galway don’t seem to have clicked with him and he’s finding out that the Irish twenty-something male of the current decade is entirely different to the twenty-somethings he dealt with in Clare in the 1990’s. Picking fellas, dropping them, introducing them after twenty minutes and taking them off again won’t work. In Clare he treated his forwards like dirt and they still came back for more! He still knows his hurling though and there’s always the chance he will produce something big on Saturday.
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Offalys Future
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Just in relation to Cloonan
I never mentioned him coming on against Kilkenny last year.
What i said was that last summer he was in the best shape and form of his life.
Just a point on Kerrill wade, i didnt say he was in bad form actually he played well against Antrim, but you would be a very foolish person to judge a player on his performance against Antrim.
Yes he is entitled to his chance but all i am saying is will it be the right decision? will he bottle it under pressure?
Saturday will tell all
Vastly Overated
sher nobody is rating them, so i dont get ya here.
This weekend there wont be one national gaa commenator or journalist backing Galway so therfore how are they over rated?
I never mentioned him coming on against Kilkenny last year.
What i said was that last summer he was in the best shape and form of his life.
I have to disagree with you there as for at least 6 years he was in the top 5 forwards in the country.Didnt cut the mustard on a consistent basis
Just a point on Kerrill wade, i didnt say he was in bad form actually he played well against Antrim, but you would be a very foolish person to judge a player on his performance against Antrim.
Yes he is entitled to his chance but all i am saying is will it be the right decision? will he bottle it under pressure?
Saturday will tell all
Vastly Overated
sher nobody is rating them, so i dont get ya here.
This weekend there wont be one national gaa commenator or journalist backing Galway so therfore how are they over rated?
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Plain of the Herbs
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Yerra I know that. I mentioned that he came on. I think he peaked when he was about twenty though!Offalys Future wrote:Just in relation to Cloonan
I never mentioned him coming on against Kilkenny last year.
What i said was that last summer he was in the best shape and form of his life.
Who the best forwards are is a subjective matter. Personally I wouldn't have him and I know several loyal Galwegians who wouldn't have him either. By a consistent basis I mean on more than one day a year.Offalys Future wrote:I have to disagree with you there as for at least 6 years he was in the top 5 forwards in the country.Didnt cut the mustard on a consistent basis
Fair enough.Offalys Future wrote: Just a point on Kerrill wade, i didnt say he was in bad form actually he played well against Antrim, but you would be a very foolish person to judge a player on his performance against Antrim.
Yes he is entitled to his chance but all i am saying is will it be the right decision? will he bottle it under pressure?
Saturday will tell all.
Half the country has been rating them as being next to Kilkenny and Cork. I would rate them alongside Wexford, and have done for, probably, the last five years. Again ranking teams against one another is a subjective exercise and down to personal preferences. While the national media will tip Kilkenny en masse to wi on Saturday, at the start of the year Galway were still spoken of as All-Ireland contenders.Offalys Future wrote: Vastly Overated
sher nobody is rating them, so i dont get ya here.
This weekend there wont be one national gaa commenator or journalist backing Galway so therfore how are they over rated?
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Offalys Future
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Everyone one entitled to their opinion, but the reason many people in Galway would prefer to not have Cloonan is because he is a Confrontational person.Plain of the Herbs wrote:Offalys Future wrote:Just in relation to Cloonan
I never mentioned him coming on against Kilkenny last year.
What i said was that last summer he was in the best shape and form of his life.Who the best forwards are is a subjective matter. Personally I wouldn't have him and I know several loyal Galwegians who wouldn't have him either. By a consistent basis I mean on more than one day a year.Offalys Future wrote:I have to disagree with you there as for at least 6 years he was in the top 5 forwards in the country.Didnt cut the mustard on a consistent basis
Go to Meath and ask how many would have Graham Geraghty on the panel?
As for more than once a year, to me you are talking complete nonsense here, and if you have studied Eugene Cloonan closely for the last eight years you wouldnt have made that statement.
Offalys Future wrote: Vastly Overated
sher nobody is rating them, so i dont get ya here.
This weekend there wont be one national gaa commenator or journalist backing Galway so therfore how are they over rated?
Kilkenny, Cork and Waterford have all been rated higher than Galway.Half the country has been rating them as being next to Kilkenny and Cork. I would rate them alongside Wexford, and have done for, probably, the last five years. Again ranking teams against one another is a subjective exercise and down to personal preferences. While the national media will tip Kilkenny en masse to wi on Saturday, at the start of the year Galway were still spoken of as All-Ireland contenders.
The reason Galway were spoken highly of was because Ger Loughnane took over and people presumed that he would be able to get the potential out of the players
Last edited by Offalys Future on Thu Jul 26, 2007 5:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Lone Shark
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Offalys Future wrote:Vastly Overated
sher nobody is rating them, so i dont get ya here.
This weekend there wont be one national gaa commenator or journalist backing Galway so therfore how are they over rated?
This weekend they are playing Kilkenny - if in theory, one was to rank Galway as the fourth best team in Ireland, behind KK, Cork and Waterford they'd still probably have no-one tipping them - it doesn't mean that they're not over-rated. I would put them behind Tipp, behind Limerick and based on two weeks ago, behind Clare. The national consensus would put them above that, hence the feeling from me (and it appears, shared by POTH) is that they are over-rated.
Obviously by 5.30pm Saturday we'll all be in a much better position to judge- if they stay within 4/5 points of Kilkenny (notwithstanding a deceptive score like last year obviously!) then the national consensus is probably on the money, if on the other hand they go down by 9/10 points whithout ever being in real contention, then yes I think over-rated would be fair.
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Offalys Future
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We just have a different opinion on this and many other issues....Lone Shark wrote:Offalys Future wrote:Vastly Overated
sher nobody is rating them, so i dont get ya here.
This weekend there wont be one national gaa commenator or journalist backing Galway so therfore how are they over rated?
This weekend they are playing Kilkenny - if in theory, one was to rank Galway as the fourth best team in Ireland, behind KK, Cork and Waterford they'd still probably have no-one tipping them - it doesn't mean that they're not over-rated. I would put them behind Tipp, behind Limerick and based on two weeks ago, behind Clare. The national consensus would put them above that, hence the feeling from me (and it appears, shared by POTH) is that they are over-rated.
Obviously by 5.30pm Saturday we'll all be in a much better position to judge- if they stay within 4/5 points of Kilkenny (notwithstanding a deceptive score like last year obviously!) then the national consensus is probably on the money, if on the other hand they go down by 9/10 points whithout ever being in real contention, then yes I think over-rated would be fair.
saturday will tell all, hopefully it will stay dry
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Plain of the Herbs
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Re: All-Ireland Hurling Quarter Finals
Kelly comes on as sub after 22 minutes, and Wexford win!!! That two minutes was crucial.....Offalys Future wrote: If Kelly starts Tipp to win
If he isnt on the field after twenty minutes - Wexford to win
Seriously though - good call - I didn't go to town on Wexford myself, but I had a few bob on them plus six points on the handicap, so pleased with the start to the weekend.
Cloonan doesn't start either. I see Gerlock is in the same corner as myself and POTH ...
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Hey Gang,
Just wanted to get a few thoughts on the Waterford/Cork game.
Was pulling for a Waterford win here and really believe they completely blew it.
In the first half we saw Mullane beating his man to every ball put into space and Shanahan doing something dangerous every time he touched the ball. As I was watching on TV with knuckleheads shouting nonsense I may be unaware of some of Cork's tactical switches/positioning if there was any.
BUT anyway, with Waterford ahead by a few points with 15-20 minutes left what do we see...Waterford rushing to take relatively low percentage shots on goals from distance - the bulk of them going harmlessly wide.
It was painful to watch. No diagonal balls into space and they played as if Shanahan was not even there (this was finally pointed out by the commentators). I mean jeez - at least make the defense work to look good. Does Waterford:
1. Have that much respect for the Cork backs?
2. Not have the patience and poise to keep their advantage and finish off a team they clearly have on the ropes?
3. OR is it a bunch of glory hounds who cannot funtion in a team setting?
It looks to me that Waterford need to be twice as good as Cork to win. From a Waterford perspective I'd be very disappointed...or maybe I'm just frustrated that it is July and I'm not looking at hurling that deep down I give a shit who wins. Its just not the same.
Would be interested in thoughts from the real hurling fans out there.
Just wanted to get a few thoughts on the Waterford/Cork game.
Was pulling for a Waterford win here and really believe they completely blew it.
In the first half we saw Mullane beating his man to every ball put into space and Shanahan doing something dangerous every time he touched the ball. As I was watching on TV with knuckleheads shouting nonsense I may be unaware of some of Cork's tactical switches/positioning if there was any.
BUT anyway, with Waterford ahead by a few points with 15-20 minutes left what do we see...Waterford rushing to take relatively low percentage shots on goals from distance - the bulk of them going harmlessly wide.
It was painful to watch. No diagonal balls into space and they played as if Shanahan was not even there (this was finally pointed out by the commentators). I mean jeez - at least make the defense work to look good. Does Waterford:
1. Have that much respect for the Cork backs?
2. Not have the patience and poise to keep their advantage and finish off a team they clearly have on the ropes?
3. OR is it a bunch of glory hounds who cannot funtion in a team setting?
It looks to me that Waterford need to be twice as good as Cork to win. From a Waterford perspective I'd be very disappointed...or maybe I'm just frustrated that it is July and I'm not looking at hurling that deep down I give a shit who wins. Its just not the same.
Would be interested in thoughts from the real hurling fans out there.
Any interest in this?
Taken from Hogan Stand:
Kilkenny v. Wexford - Guinness SHC semi-final
A repeat of the Leinster final may not have been to everyone’s liking a few weeks back, but Wexford’s performance against Tipperary has given the county a renewed hope and more importantly restored pride in the purple and gold jersey. However, that will not last for long unless they can repeat that performance against the defending All-Ireland champions. The Slayneysiders have suffered two heavy defeats to the Cats already this year and are sure to be eager to avoid a third.
Johnny Meyler’s charges have a massive task on their hands. The heroics of last Saturday should give them massive confidence going into Sunday’s match. Rory McCarthy went off injured in that match, but should be okay. David ’Doc’ O’Connor looks set to start having scored two points when introduced against Tipp, while the ever dependable Damien Fitzhenry will be the last line of defence.
The Cats roared against Galway when needed, although a ten-point margin flattered the Leinster champions slightly. What gives Kilkenny an edge over the majority of teams is the strength of their squad. Last Sunday, Brian Cody introduced Richie Power, John Tennyson, James Ryall and Michael Fennelly, all of which are in contention for a starting place against Wexford with three of them expected to start. The Cats have quality all over the field, but every player knows that if he does not play up to standard then there is someone only to eager to take their place.
Henry Shefflin tormented Declan Ruth when the sides last met and it will be interesting to see how the defender copes with the ’Hurler of the Year’ this time round. Keith Rossiter was outstanding against Tipp and his battle against Martin Comerford should make for interesting fare. Wexford may stick with Kilkenny for a longer period than the Leinster final, but there shall still be only one outcome as the Cats progress to yet another final.
Verdict: Kilkenny
Cork v. Waterford - Guinness SHC semi-final
Controversy surrounded the outcome of the drawn game, but at the end of the day, it was the fairest result. There have been arguments all week on whether or not referee Brian Garvin was right to award a last minute free to Waterford. That is in the past now and everyone can look forward to an eagerly awaited replay between two of the top sides in the country. The drawn match threw up many interesting questions and none more so as to why the Decies did not play the ball into dangerman Dan Shanahan more often. The big full forward scored 1-3 and only received around four balls into him for the entire match. Cork full back Diarmuid O’Sullivan had his hands full when faced with the Lismore attacker and with his confidence brimming, Shanahan would certainly have caused more damage given the opportunity. The same could be said of John Mullane who started brightly but was frozen out of the game in the second half due to the lack of service provided. Waterford were well on top at midfield and the fact that Jerry O’Connor was substituted is a testament of how well the Decies done in this area.
Both sides proved that they have the desire to fight back on the biggest stage, although there is a slight concern that Waterford have yet to win a ’big’ match in Croke Park, they still are in with a shout in this year’s championship. The fact that Eoin McGrath went for goal instead of tapping the sliothar over the bar shows the mindset within the squad as they wanted to win the match and not just settle for a draw. Cork need all their team to click on the day and not just leave it to a few as was the case last weekend when Sean Og O’hAilpin and Neil Ronan led the way. If Waterford get their tactics right then it looks as if they can get the right result, but expect another close contest.
Verdict: Waterford
My thinking is: Wexford are no match for Kilkenny momentum or not, just can't see it. Waterford had Cork beat the last day and let it go, I can't begin to guess what might happen here, just would like to see Waterford can get to the next step.
Taken from Hogan Stand:
Kilkenny v. Wexford - Guinness SHC semi-final
A repeat of the Leinster final may not have been to everyone’s liking a few weeks back, but Wexford’s performance against Tipperary has given the county a renewed hope and more importantly restored pride in the purple and gold jersey. However, that will not last for long unless they can repeat that performance against the defending All-Ireland champions. The Slayneysiders have suffered two heavy defeats to the Cats already this year and are sure to be eager to avoid a third.
Johnny Meyler’s charges have a massive task on their hands. The heroics of last Saturday should give them massive confidence going into Sunday’s match. Rory McCarthy went off injured in that match, but should be okay. David ’Doc’ O’Connor looks set to start having scored two points when introduced against Tipp, while the ever dependable Damien Fitzhenry will be the last line of defence.
The Cats roared against Galway when needed, although a ten-point margin flattered the Leinster champions slightly. What gives Kilkenny an edge over the majority of teams is the strength of their squad. Last Sunday, Brian Cody introduced Richie Power, John Tennyson, James Ryall and Michael Fennelly, all of which are in contention for a starting place against Wexford with three of them expected to start. The Cats have quality all over the field, but every player knows that if he does not play up to standard then there is someone only to eager to take their place.
Henry Shefflin tormented Declan Ruth when the sides last met and it will be interesting to see how the defender copes with the ’Hurler of the Year’ this time round. Keith Rossiter was outstanding against Tipp and his battle against Martin Comerford should make for interesting fare. Wexford may stick with Kilkenny for a longer period than the Leinster final, but there shall still be only one outcome as the Cats progress to yet another final.
Verdict: Kilkenny
Cork v. Waterford - Guinness SHC semi-final
Controversy surrounded the outcome of the drawn game, but at the end of the day, it was the fairest result. There have been arguments all week on whether or not referee Brian Garvin was right to award a last minute free to Waterford. That is in the past now and everyone can look forward to an eagerly awaited replay between two of the top sides in the country. The drawn match threw up many interesting questions and none more so as to why the Decies did not play the ball into dangerman Dan Shanahan more often. The big full forward scored 1-3 and only received around four balls into him for the entire match. Cork full back Diarmuid O’Sullivan had his hands full when faced with the Lismore attacker and with his confidence brimming, Shanahan would certainly have caused more damage given the opportunity. The same could be said of John Mullane who started brightly but was frozen out of the game in the second half due to the lack of service provided. Waterford were well on top at midfield and the fact that Jerry O’Connor was substituted is a testament of how well the Decies done in this area.
Both sides proved that they have the desire to fight back on the biggest stage, although there is a slight concern that Waterford have yet to win a ’big’ match in Croke Park, they still are in with a shout in this year’s championship. The fact that Eoin McGrath went for goal instead of tapping the sliothar over the bar shows the mindset within the squad as they wanted to win the match and not just settle for a draw. Cork need all their team to click on the day and not just leave it to a few as was the case last weekend when Sean Og O’hAilpin and Neil Ronan led the way. If Waterford get their tactics right then it looks as if they can get the right result, but expect another close contest.
Verdict: Waterford
My thinking is: Wexford are no match for Kilkenny momentum or not, just can't see it. Waterford had Cork beat the last day and let it go, I can't begin to guess what might happen here, just would like to see Waterford can get to the next step.