Hurling Semi's
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Rynaghs Biffo
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Hurling Semi's
Anyone got any idea what the fixtures for the above are this weekend?
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Plain of the Herbs
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The senior hurling championships have reached the semi final stage which take place this weekend. The venue is O’Connor Park, the first time the hurling semi finals have been played at the venue since 1993 when Birr and Kinnitty met in a curtain raiser to an All-Ireland under 21 final. Coincidentally, both have also reached this year’s semi finals.
BIRR v COOLDERRY
Last meeting:- Birr 2-9 Coolderry 1-11. 2006 final replay
Last semi finals:- Birr 0-18 Kilcormac Killoughey 1-10 (2006); Coolderry 1-13 St. Rynagh’s 0-12 (2006)
Last semi final meeting Birr 1-13 Coolderry 1-13 (draw); Birr 5-20 Coolderry 1-8 (replay) 2001.
Last five semi finals:- Birr won 5; Coolderry won 3 lost 2.
The county’s hurling followers have waited with anticipation for 51 weeks now, ever since the final whistle blew on that thrilling replayed final last year. It was inevitable that the sides would meet again during the latter stages while the semi final draw ordained that that meeting would be at the semi final stage.
Both sides have shown indifferent form during the year. Birr were forced to come from behind against Clareen and Shinrone since the summer break (neither being championship contenders) though they did turn this form around somewhat last Sunday with a display of ruthlessness against Tullamore who themselves were not without hope beforehand.
Coolderry were beaten by Kilcormac Killoughey in their group and didn’t hurl well against Ballyskenagh, relying on a big win over Drumcullen to top their group on scoring difference. They trailed Shamrocks at half time in their quarter final and were helped by Shamrocks losing two of their key players to injury when they turned the deficit around in the second half. Granted Coolderry were missing some experienced players due to illness and injury, but it isn’t the form of a team with title aspirations.
Poor form aside, we can still expect a cracker on Saturday. Hunger will be the key to success here. Have Birr the appetite for another assault on the title? Coolderry shouldn’t want for hunger having come so close last year. Nor should they lack the belief to overturn Birr.
In fairness to Coolderry their preparations have been upset by absentees. In analysing the game I can only assume they will have a full deck to pick from on Saturday. They will need to have all hands on deck if they are to hope to beat Birr. Joe Brady has been absent due to a hamstring injury, though he has been out for over a month and should by now be recovered. Even if he is not fully fit, they have the option of placing him at full forward. I would prefer to see him at centre half back where he is likely to be opposed by Simon Whelahan.
I would expect Kevin Brady to pick up Gary Hanniffy. This clash will be crucial. They also have settled on their best full back line with the two Corcorans at 2 and 4. They would be better served by placing Barry Teehan at midfield leaving Carroll, Murray and Parlon to lead the attack
Birr are the semi final specialists, not having lost a semi final since 1998. Their one big worry at this stage is a lack of freshness. To this end they rearranged their defence for the quarter final, placing Paul Cleary at centre half back, Niall Claffey at full back, Rory Hanniffy at left half back and Brian Whelahan in his old slot at 5. Given that their intermediates are still involved in the championship they are operating with a panel of 18. Whatever three don’t make the starting XV will still offer useful options though. Despite reasonable success at underage they have been slow to promote new players to senior level.
Brian Whelahan had a spell in the forwards during the group stages. I feel they would be better served with him in defence. Remember in last years final how he ‘spooked’ various Coolderry forwards who, when faced by him were unable to get a clean shot away. Very few hurlers in the county have prospered in his shadow. Remember the inspirational point he scored before half time, outsprinting Damien Murray up the field?
It’s now or never for Coolderry. I always felt they might stand a slightly better chance of beating Birr in a semi final rather than a final. Another defeat by Birr would come as a severe dent to this team as a whole and reduce their 2004 final win to that of a fluke. There are also other title contenders on the horizon. Birr have had a recent run in O’Connor Park and look to have rediscovered their appetite with that quarter final performance over Tullamore. They will be hard beaten and another thriller is likely. Coolderry, with a fully fit fifteen, might just have the hunger to see them over the line – just.
KILCORMAC KILLOUGHEY v KINNITTY
Last meeting:- Kilcormac Killoughey 2-12 Kinnitty 2-9. 2006 playoff
Last semi finals:- Birr 0-18 Kilcormac Killoughey 1-10 (2006); Coolderry 3-10 Kinnitty 2-11 (2005)
Last winning semi finals:- Kilcormac Killoughey 0-11 Coolderry 1-5 (2002); Kinnitty 2-13 St. Rynagh's 1-11 (1985)
Last five semi finals:- Kilcormac Killoughey won 1 lost 4; Kinnitty lost 5.
The semi final draw which pitted Birr and Coolderry against each other afforded another team a great chance to reach a final. That chance is now in the hands of Kilcormac Killoughey and Kinnitty.
This match will feature a contract in hurling styles. Kinnitty play direct, Offaly style hurling where they look to get the ball to the full forward line as quick as they can. K/K, on the other hand, loo to gain possession out field and handpass to a runner coming from deep who looks to run into space before taking a shot at goal.
Kilcormac Killoughey could be described as the form team in this year’s competition. They have turned their season around since they lost to Tullamore, beating Coolderry next time out. They will have learned a lot from their two quarter final matches (draw and replay) with St. Rynagh’s and have by now more or less settled on their best fifteen. Full forward is probably the only position still up for grabs. All bar Cassidy are over six foot tall, they are strong up the middle and mobile on the wings. They have a tendancy for their full back line to hurl their men from the front which is potentially fatal.
Kinnitty have been the championship’s surprise packet. They were poor enough when they had to come from behind against Shinrone and Clareen. They were in devastating form in their quarter final win over Lusmagh, however, and took their goals well. Odhran Kealey is nippy and is hurling well. Someone like him could prosper if he found room in behind a full back line who look to push out. Their defence will look to James Rigney to continue his superb quarter final form.
The sides met twice last year. Kinnitty had a one point win over K/K in the final group round which rescued their championship. They were drawn together in the resultant playoff where K/K turned the tables with a three point win.
Kilcormac Killoughey will look to press home their superiority in the air where they are taller in most positions. It’s interesting that Kinnitty caught very little ball against Clareen earlier in the summer. Kinnitty will look to capitalise on the poor striking techniques of some of the K/K players. An interesting contrast in styles. The Kilcormac side are regulars now on semi final day while Kinnitty appear in their third semi final in five years. They probably should have won the other two and are seasoned enough. Kilcormac propably improved more over the last month and should make it count on Sunday.
BIRR v COOLDERRY
Last meeting:- Birr 2-9 Coolderry 1-11. 2006 final replay
Last semi finals:- Birr 0-18 Kilcormac Killoughey 1-10 (2006); Coolderry 1-13 St. Rynagh’s 0-12 (2006)
Last semi final meeting Birr 1-13 Coolderry 1-13 (draw); Birr 5-20 Coolderry 1-8 (replay) 2001.
Last five semi finals:- Birr won 5; Coolderry won 3 lost 2.
The county’s hurling followers have waited with anticipation for 51 weeks now, ever since the final whistle blew on that thrilling replayed final last year. It was inevitable that the sides would meet again during the latter stages while the semi final draw ordained that that meeting would be at the semi final stage.
Both sides have shown indifferent form during the year. Birr were forced to come from behind against Clareen and Shinrone since the summer break (neither being championship contenders) though they did turn this form around somewhat last Sunday with a display of ruthlessness against Tullamore who themselves were not without hope beforehand.
Coolderry were beaten by Kilcormac Killoughey in their group and didn’t hurl well against Ballyskenagh, relying on a big win over Drumcullen to top their group on scoring difference. They trailed Shamrocks at half time in their quarter final and were helped by Shamrocks losing two of their key players to injury when they turned the deficit around in the second half. Granted Coolderry were missing some experienced players due to illness and injury, but it isn’t the form of a team with title aspirations.
Poor form aside, we can still expect a cracker on Saturday. Hunger will be the key to success here. Have Birr the appetite for another assault on the title? Coolderry shouldn’t want for hunger having come so close last year. Nor should they lack the belief to overturn Birr.
In fairness to Coolderry their preparations have been upset by absentees. In analysing the game I can only assume they will have a full deck to pick from on Saturday. They will need to have all hands on deck if they are to hope to beat Birr. Joe Brady has been absent due to a hamstring injury, though he has been out for over a month and should by now be recovered. Even if he is not fully fit, they have the option of placing him at full forward. I would prefer to see him at centre half back where he is likely to be opposed by Simon Whelahan.
I would expect Kevin Brady to pick up Gary Hanniffy. This clash will be crucial. They also have settled on their best full back line with the two Corcorans at 2 and 4. They would be better served by placing Barry Teehan at midfield leaving Carroll, Murray and Parlon to lead the attack
Birr are the semi final specialists, not having lost a semi final since 1998. Their one big worry at this stage is a lack of freshness. To this end they rearranged their defence for the quarter final, placing Paul Cleary at centre half back, Niall Claffey at full back, Rory Hanniffy at left half back and Brian Whelahan in his old slot at 5. Given that their intermediates are still involved in the championship they are operating with a panel of 18. Whatever three don’t make the starting XV will still offer useful options though. Despite reasonable success at underage they have been slow to promote new players to senior level.
Brian Whelahan had a spell in the forwards during the group stages. I feel they would be better served with him in defence. Remember in last years final how he ‘spooked’ various Coolderry forwards who, when faced by him were unable to get a clean shot away. Very few hurlers in the county have prospered in his shadow. Remember the inspirational point he scored before half time, outsprinting Damien Murray up the field?
It’s now or never for Coolderry. I always felt they might stand a slightly better chance of beating Birr in a semi final rather than a final. Another defeat by Birr would come as a severe dent to this team as a whole and reduce their 2004 final win to that of a fluke. There are also other title contenders on the horizon. Birr have had a recent run in O’Connor Park and look to have rediscovered their appetite with that quarter final performance over Tullamore. They will be hard beaten and another thriller is likely. Coolderry, with a fully fit fifteen, might just have the hunger to see them over the line – just.
KILCORMAC KILLOUGHEY v KINNITTY
Last meeting:- Kilcormac Killoughey 2-12 Kinnitty 2-9. 2006 playoff
Last semi finals:- Birr 0-18 Kilcormac Killoughey 1-10 (2006); Coolderry 3-10 Kinnitty 2-11 (2005)
Last winning semi finals:- Kilcormac Killoughey 0-11 Coolderry 1-5 (2002); Kinnitty 2-13 St. Rynagh's 1-11 (1985)
Last five semi finals:- Kilcormac Killoughey won 1 lost 4; Kinnitty lost 5.
The semi final draw which pitted Birr and Coolderry against each other afforded another team a great chance to reach a final. That chance is now in the hands of Kilcormac Killoughey and Kinnitty.
This match will feature a contract in hurling styles. Kinnitty play direct, Offaly style hurling where they look to get the ball to the full forward line as quick as they can. K/K, on the other hand, loo to gain possession out field and handpass to a runner coming from deep who looks to run into space before taking a shot at goal.
Kilcormac Killoughey could be described as the form team in this year’s competition. They have turned their season around since they lost to Tullamore, beating Coolderry next time out. They will have learned a lot from their two quarter final matches (draw and replay) with St. Rynagh’s and have by now more or less settled on their best fifteen. Full forward is probably the only position still up for grabs. All bar Cassidy are over six foot tall, they are strong up the middle and mobile on the wings. They have a tendancy for their full back line to hurl their men from the front which is potentially fatal.
Kinnitty have been the championship’s surprise packet. They were poor enough when they had to come from behind against Shinrone and Clareen. They were in devastating form in their quarter final win over Lusmagh, however, and took their goals well. Odhran Kealey is nippy and is hurling well. Someone like him could prosper if he found room in behind a full back line who look to push out. Their defence will look to James Rigney to continue his superb quarter final form.
The sides met twice last year. Kinnitty had a one point win over K/K in the final group round which rescued their championship. They were drawn together in the resultant playoff where K/K turned the tables with a three point win.
Kilcormac Killoughey will look to press home their superiority in the air where they are taller in most positions. It’s interesting that Kinnitty caught very little ball against Clareen earlier in the summer. Kinnitty will look to capitalise on the poor striking techniques of some of the K/K players. An interesting contrast in styles. The Kilcormac side are regulars now on semi final day while Kinnitty appear in their third semi final in five years. They probably should have won the other two and are seasoned enough. Kilcormac propably improved more over the last month and should make it count on Sunday.
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kinnittyman
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2003-disappointed but not majorly because of the novelty factor of being in a semi final(it was our first in ten years) and we beat coolderry in the quarter which made the year
2005-Heartbroken. Firstly we didnt hurl in the first half and Coolderry went in 3-8 to 6 points up. We hurled the shit out of them in the second half and only their gamesmanship won it for them. I was never as down after a match
2007-?????? Fcuk it lads we have a chance. I dont care we have a great chance. okay the big wide pitch will suit their game but we have now what we didnt have in 2003/2005 and thats a long range free taker. In tight games that can be priceless. They are undoubtedly favourites-i see we are 7/4 with laddies-and if they hurl to their ability they'l win. They have too many forwards that can do damage. But if they turn up at semi final day like they did last year we'll do it. But it will have to be a low scoring game for us to win as no way will we score 4 goals off their full back line and our full forward line isnt exactly prolific. Id take 1-8 to 10 points. Il be travelling with hope rather than expectation but who knows at 3pm that 22 year wait could be over.
The very best of luck to the lads and i know ye'll do us proud. Ceann Eitigh Abu!!!
2005-Heartbroken. Firstly we didnt hurl in the first half and Coolderry went in 3-8 to 6 points up. We hurled the shit out of them in the second half and only their gamesmanship won it for them. I was never as down after a match
2007-?????? Fcuk it lads we have a chance. I dont care we have a great chance. okay the big wide pitch will suit their game but we have now what we didnt have in 2003/2005 and thats a long range free taker. In tight games that can be priceless. They are undoubtedly favourites-i see we are 7/4 with laddies-and if they hurl to their ability they'l win. They have too many forwards that can do damage. But if they turn up at semi final day like they did last year we'll do it. But it will have to be a low scoring game for us to win as no way will we score 4 goals off their full back line and our full forward line isnt exactly prolific. Id take 1-8 to 10 points. Il be travelling with hope rather than expectation but who knows at 3pm that 22 year wait could be over.
The very best of luck to the lads and i know ye'll do us proud. Ceann Eitigh Abu!!!
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Plain of the Herbs
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Briefly,
Despite being a close game with the lead changing hands I thought this was a very poor game. It never came to life at all with maybe half a dozen or so cameos of brilliance, each of which lasted no more than about twenty seconds. Examples being Cathal Parlon’s point from distance before half time and Gary Hanniffy’s point from a forty yard stick-pass from Rory at the Park Avenue end. Even the potential flash points never threatened to boil over like the Barry Whelahan – Andrew Hall and Joe Brady – Brian Whelahan duels.
Coolderry were poor. Their old failings returned to haunt them as they never looked to vary their game always looking to run the ball up the middle and rarely moved the ball to the wings. Too many players looked to run through non-existant gaps. Only Brendan O’Meara who hurled well at full back stood out. Even in the dying moments and having enough possession to do so they never looked like snatching an equalising goal. Neither did they switch Kevin Brady onto Gary Hanniffy who frequently was too strong for Kevin Teehan (who battled gamely) under his own puckout.
Birr did what they had to. They didn’t create that many scoring chances other than what they scored. Both their goal chances came from the persistence of the scorers, Michael Dwane and Stephen Brown as neither goal seemed on when either scorer gained possession. Brown’s goal on the three-quarter mark and the point which followed immediately after knocked the life out of Coolderry who had enjoyed a monopoly of possession during the third quarter but created little.
For Birr, Niall Claffey looked like he hurled all his life at full back, ably assisted by Verney and O’Meara who cleared well. Both Hanniffys were dominant. The rest did what they had to, no more, and Birr will start the final as warm favourites to bring the three-in-a-row back to the town.
Despite being a close game with the lead changing hands I thought this was a very poor game. It never came to life at all with maybe half a dozen or so cameos of brilliance, each of which lasted no more than about twenty seconds. Examples being Cathal Parlon’s point from distance before half time and Gary Hanniffy’s point from a forty yard stick-pass from Rory at the Park Avenue end. Even the potential flash points never threatened to boil over like the Barry Whelahan – Andrew Hall and Joe Brady – Brian Whelahan duels.
Coolderry were poor. Their old failings returned to haunt them as they never looked to vary their game always looking to run the ball up the middle and rarely moved the ball to the wings. Too many players looked to run through non-existant gaps. Only Brendan O’Meara who hurled well at full back stood out. Even in the dying moments and having enough possession to do so they never looked like snatching an equalising goal. Neither did they switch Kevin Brady onto Gary Hanniffy who frequently was too strong for Kevin Teehan (who battled gamely) under his own puckout.
Birr did what they had to. They didn’t create that many scoring chances other than what they scored. Both their goal chances came from the persistence of the scorers, Michael Dwane and Stephen Brown as neither goal seemed on when either scorer gained possession. Brown’s goal on the three-quarter mark and the point which followed immediately after knocked the life out of Coolderry who had enjoyed a monopoly of possession during the third quarter but created little.
For Birr, Niall Claffey looked like he hurled all his life at full back, ably assisted by Verney and O’Meara who cleared well. Both Hanniffys were dominant. The rest did what they had to, no more, and Birr will start the final as warm favourites to bring the three-in-a-row back to the town.
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kinnittyman
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Well lads sorry for not posting earlier but im completley and utterly up the walls in college.
To the game-I have to say i thought 10 minutes into the second half we were done for. They were completley dominant in practically every sector and our midfield and half forward line were suffering badly but remarkably we scored those 2 goals in a minute and even though they did go 3 points up again we showed tremendous heart to reel off the next four and it actually crossed my mind when Slevin missed the 65 that we were going to be in the county final but alas not to be. The soft goal was a hammer blow that the lads did brilliantly to recover from and even though Ducky made two brilliant saves in the first half he always seems to let in a howler like that in big games. Also id have to question why Colm Coughlan didnt come up and take the penalty. Stevey Molloy wouldnt have a hugely powerful shot from frees on him. Looking at our forwards id be both happy and disappointed. Any ball that went into the full forward line looked to have their full back line in huge trouble and its definintley their weakest link. Our forwards put them under huge pressure and nothing came out simple. Cracks will appear for them in that full back line if its put under enough pressure. The disappointing factor is that only 2 of our 7 forwards raised white flags from play and that simply isnt good enough and five points from play came from our midfield and half back line and that cant be guaranteed to happen on saturday again so a better spread among the forwards is required. Also we have to compete with them much better in the air cos they excel in this so it has to be curtailed. A direct game is vital to be played against them becuase as i have said their full back line could be found wanting. Obviously they have to be favourites for the replay and they on the general run of the game sunday they should have won even though it was a sickener to be caught at the line. I do also think the swithch of bringing Andy McRedmond to centre back and James Rigney worked very well and i think id leave it like that for the replay as Rigney brings great energy around the field. But i do think id start Richie McRedmond and give him a chance to redeem himself and in fairness he is well capable of picking off a few scores.
Anyways lads the very best of luck again on saturday and ye did us proud on sunday and i know ye'll do the same on saturday. And if any supporters are reading this-get to the game and wear your colours!!! Ceann Eitigh Abu!!!
To the game-I have to say i thought 10 minutes into the second half we were done for. They were completley dominant in practically every sector and our midfield and half forward line were suffering badly but remarkably we scored those 2 goals in a minute and even though they did go 3 points up again we showed tremendous heart to reel off the next four and it actually crossed my mind when Slevin missed the 65 that we were going to be in the county final but alas not to be. The soft goal was a hammer blow that the lads did brilliantly to recover from and even though Ducky made two brilliant saves in the first half he always seems to let in a howler like that in big games. Also id have to question why Colm Coughlan didnt come up and take the penalty. Stevey Molloy wouldnt have a hugely powerful shot from frees on him. Looking at our forwards id be both happy and disappointed. Any ball that went into the full forward line looked to have their full back line in huge trouble and its definintley their weakest link. Our forwards put them under huge pressure and nothing came out simple. Cracks will appear for them in that full back line if its put under enough pressure. The disappointing factor is that only 2 of our 7 forwards raised white flags from play and that simply isnt good enough and five points from play came from our midfield and half back line and that cant be guaranteed to happen on saturday again so a better spread among the forwards is required. Also we have to compete with them much better in the air cos they excel in this so it has to be curtailed. A direct game is vital to be played against them becuase as i have said their full back line could be found wanting. Obviously they have to be favourites for the replay and they on the general run of the game sunday they should have won even though it was a sickener to be caught at the line. I do also think the swithch of bringing Andy McRedmond to centre back and James Rigney worked very well and i think id leave it like that for the replay as Rigney brings great energy around the field. But i do think id start Richie McRedmond and give him a chance to redeem himself and in fairness he is well capable of picking off a few scores.
Anyways lads the very best of luck again on saturday and ye did us proud on sunday and i know ye'll do the same on saturday. And if any supporters are reading this-get to the game and wear your colours!!! Ceann Eitigh Abu!!!
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Plain of the Herbs
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Kilcormac Killoughey 2-23 Kinnitty 1-11
There was no indication this match would turn into a rout when Kinnitty went into a 7 – 6 lead around the twenty fifth minute. Then, without any major change to the overall trend of the play Kilcormac Killoughey scored five unanswered points between then and the break to forge an 11 – 7 lead.
This became 16 – 9 around the fortieth minute and the belief was clearly draining out of the Kinnittymen, for whom James Rigney was still working tirelessly. Then Justin Kinsella pulled the ball back to the ‘14’ where Mark Robinson gathered and slammed the ball to the net. A minute later they attacked again, an attacker heading for goal and K/K had flashbacks to last Sunday’s two-goals-in-a-minute. He appeared to me to be dragged down by Colm Cassidy but no free was awarded. Kilcormac scored a good point from the counter attack and floodgates opened after that.
Kilcormac were dominant in the air throughout and Kinnitty had huge difficulty securing their own puckout. Their lack of height was proving to be a major handicap. Still, they had two good goal chances, one on about five minutes and another on about twenty, but the final shots were poor and the ball was cleared. Kilcormac also created a good goal chance around the fifteenth minute but the shot was smothered by the covering corner back.
The second half turned into a procession as Kilcormac fired point after point over the Arden Road end crossbar. While the forwards took some marvellous scores, they were given a superb supply, mainly from Grogan at centre back, Cassidy on the wing and Healion at full back. Lee and Mahon were on top at midfield, mainly in the air, though Rigney still hurled well on the ground. Peter Healion hurled a fine game at centre half forward.
So Kilcormac Killoughey march on to a final meeting with Birr. They are in good form, are hurling well and will quietly fancy their chances. Time will tell.
There was no indication this match would turn into a rout when Kinnitty went into a 7 – 6 lead around the twenty fifth minute. Then, without any major change to the overall trend of the play Kilcormac Killoughey scored five unanswered points between then and the break to forge an 11 – 7 lead.
This became 16 – 9 around the fortieth minute and the belief was clearly draining out of the Kinnittymen, for whom James Rigney was still working tirelessly. Then Justin Kinsella pulled the ball back to the ‘14’ where Mark Robinson gathered and slammed the ball to the net. A minute later they attacked again, an attacker heading for goal and K/K had flashbacks to last Sunday’s two-goals-in-a-minute. He appeared to me to be dragged down by Colm Cassidy but no free was awarded. Kilcormac scored a good point from the counter attack and floodgates opened after that.
Kilcormac were dominant in the air throughout and Kinnitty had huge difficulty securing their own puckout. Their lack of height was proving to be a major handicap. Still, they had two good goal chances, one on about five minutes and another on about twenty, but the final shots were poor and the ball was cleared. Kilcormac also created a good goal chance around the fifteenth minute but the shot was smothered by the covering corner back.
The second half turned into a procession as Kilcormac fired point after point over the Arden Road end crossbar. While the forwards took some marvellous scores, they were given a superb supply, mainly from Grogan at centre back, Cassidy on the wing and Healion at full back. Lee and Mahon were on top at midfield, mainly in the air, though Rigney still hurled well on the ground. Peter Healion hurled a fine game at centre half forward.
So Kilcormac Killoughey march on to a final meeting with Birr. They are in good form, are hurling well and will quietly fancy their chances. Time will tell.