Come on my hurling men.

It's the biggest week of the year for Kilkenny and Galway folk and there isnt as much as a word on the main forum here about it. About 15 different threads going on about what was probably the worst game of football played last Sunday and the replay of it Saturday. Such a pity for it to be over shadowing the hurling final.

Anyways back to business. What outcome do we predict Sunday? Hardly a draw for a 4th year in a row? It's possible.

sliotharfan (Galway) - Posts: 87 - 02/09/2015 09:10:24    1780360

Really hope Galway do it and I'll be roaring them on from my couch BUT I have a horrible feeling it's going to be the Cats AGAIN. Hope I'm wrong though.

CroiGorm (Dublin) - Posts: 1547 - 02/09/2015 09:18:25    1780370

Don't think it will be a draw no.

Galway need to do something to surprise Kilkenny. Their Leinster Final tactics in 2012 were manic physical aggression hard tackling. That will only work this time if they ratchet it up and I think they will.

How they use Canning will be vital too. If he has a free role it is important he stays away from the Kilkenny 3 & 6 positions. His early goal in the 2012 Leinster Final was from getting in between full back & corner back.

I've said it yesterday that I think Galway will win 2-22 to 1-21 & I'm sticking with that. Joe Canning to score 2-10.

slayer (Limerick) - Posts: 6480 - 02/09/2015 09:29:37    1780380

It is a pity it is overshadowing it but im sure the Hurling will all that will be talked about next week. Can't wait for Saturday but likewise, Ill be glued to the telly Sunday.

Will the Galway half-back line dominate as they did against Tipp? I think not. I think Kilkenny won't be as slow playing the ball into the forwards as Tipp were. However, Canning could make hay against Joey Holden, he's not near JJ Delaney so I hope Galway keep him in there. I'd be worried if Tj gets the supply Callanan got, he'll cause serious damage.

Galway to end the famine for me as I feel they've a stronger bench, Conor Cooney's a lovely hurler and could make the difference. Galway by 3.

BarStoolFan (Mayo) - Posts: 15 - 02/09/2015 09:41:56    1780395

Like most i'm hoping for a Galway win and although I think kk will win Galway with that full forward line and maybe the one line kk could be vulnerable is their full back line so Galway do have a chance plus if i'm correct Galway have Jason Flynn which they didn't have in Leinster final so that's a plus.The closer it gets the better chance i'm giving Galway.

someday (Limerick) - Posts: 1104 - 02/09/2015 09:45:07    1780398

Kilkenny's full back line is not what it was! Galway have a great chance of their full forward line clicks. They'll need Joe to cut out the 5/6 poor wides (for his ridiculous standard) against Tipp.

The big problem I see for Galway is their defence, we all saw the damage Séamus Callinan did to them in the semi-final. Both TJ and Richie will be sniffing around the Galway defence Sunday and they are as good as Séamie.

It's gonna be another epic final I think. I'd love to see the Tribesmen do it and I think they've a much better chance than in 2012. I've got myself a ticket and will be on the early train outta Cork for it with a head on me from a wedding the night before. Cannot wait!!!

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13705 - 02/09/2015 09:57:53    1780410

The GAA handling of the football semi final is a disgrace, this weekend is All Ireland Hurling Final weekend and should be showing the respect it deserves instead we are talking about football tickets and I'm afraid the Hurling final is almost forgotten about except in Kilkenny and Galway. The football semi replay could be played on Sunday week the 13th and the final put back a week to the 27th, that way only the Hurling Final would and should be discussed this week and weekend and shown the respect it deserves, after all it is the greatest game on earth

riverboys (Mayo) - Posts: 1389 - 02/09/2015 10:20:05    1780433

Galway will need to be more accurate and tighten up in defence, particularly the full back line, would love to see Galway win but fear it could be same old story..

McFan88 (Limerick) - Posts: 447 - 02/09/2015 10:21:49    1780438

I have to agree that the football semi-final replay is going to detract from the hurling final. I can't believe the pitch can be in the best possible condition for hurling less than 24 hours after a football match.

wonit1time (Westmeath) - Posts: 450 - 02/09/2015 10:38:20    1780451

Ok, I've made a few tongue in cheek predictions this year that turned out to be comically wrong (Wexford to beat the cats, Galway to win Leinster but lose against Clare in the semi) These were more stirring it than anything. However, now I say exactly as I see it. I believe there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY Galway will not win this game. Why? Their hunger is unbelievable, they have uncovered some top youngsters who do not yet know anything about losing, they have the leaders (Alan Smith and Fergal Moore - if needed on the pitch - prime examples), and a powerful bench. Kilkenny, on the other hand, ARE going through a transition, backs definitely not as strong as a few years back, hunger cannot be as strong as before no matter how much they desire it (nothing more to prove), and main threats easily indentifable (Hogan and Reid). Reid used to have a habit of slipping out of games when the going got touch - at that time they had more than enough aces in the pack to compensate, now no longer - and I believe this could happen again on Sunday. And of course for Joe Canning, who has not had his best year, what better stage to do his stuff?

MiAmigaVERONICA (Clare) - Posts: 298 - 02/09/2015 10:55:26    1780465

Riverboys - I agree that this week should 100% be all hurling final talk, not just because Im from Galway and we're there, but its a big day and one of the best field games in the world, but I don;t think putting back the football final by a week would work with people having flights booked for it and all that, the date is set in stone every year so there is big organisation gone in to the match going ahead that day.

MesAmis - fair play to you - I've a wedding in limerick the Friday and worried I'll still be suffering the effects on Sunday! TJ and Richie I feel will be our biggest problem. TJ is on a par with Seamus Callanan and if he is not contained God know's how what damage he will do. That man has one thing on his mind when he get the ball on near the 20 yard line - back of the net.

Cody was at the Gal v Tipp game as normal watching on. The man will have his homework done and god knows what he has up his sleeve. I think Galway have a the edge coming into the final with teh way they've played the last 2 games, Joe isn't being relied on as much now so can't see him scoring anywhere near 2-10, which is good we have 5 other forward who can score no problem. A fella said to me here in Galway yesterday about Galway Hurling - "We've always worried about our forwards down through the years, now we have them we're worrying about the backs". Our full back line will have to show up with 110% in there tanks, I believe they will.

Wonit1time - I worry the same about the pitch less than 24 hours after the football, but I have faith in the groundsmen who always have it in pristine condition.

sliotharfan (Galway) - Posts: 87 - 02/09/2015 10:57:14    1780466

Too many of ye tipping Galway. I'm getting nervous again :(

Maroonatic (Galway) - Posts: 1060 - 02/09/2015 11:52:20    1780518

For me,this is the best week of the year.All Ireland hurling final day is my favourite day of the year.My St Patricks Day if you like.A special day.I've been to numerous finals.Think this will be my 16th.I should have my golden ticket tomorrow.

There is no doubt the game will be somewhat overshadowed by the football replay.It will definately deflect some of the attention away from Sundays game.Pity for the two counties involved.Me,being a Dub,makes it a very exciting week to look forward to.I've been at finals in 2002,2006,2008,2009,2012 to see Kilkenny lift the Liam McCarthy.I've backed them to win every year since they were defending their title in 2003.More often than not,i was proved correct.An unprecedented era of dominance.However,for Sunday,i am going with my gut instinct - a Galway win.

cuederocket (Dublin) - Posts: 5084 - 02/09/2015 12:04:13    1780532

Be great to see Galway increase that 18% win ratio

DoireCityFC (Derry) - Posts: 1580 - 02/09/2015 14:00:09    1780627

That's a regular chant you hear on the terraces alright...'Lets increase the 18% win ratiooooooooo'

Maroonatic (Galway) - Posts: 1060 - 02/09/2015 14:32:49    1780651

I really admire Kilkenny for such a small county to win so many AIs and produce the greatest of hurlers. But of the sake of hurling I hope it's Galway's day on Sunday... Imagine having Liam and Sam in neighbouring counties :)

mayo_hurler (Mayo) - Posts: 113 - 02/09/2015 14:44:01    1780662

Yeah the build up has been tainted because of the football . That's a pity .

TheRightStuff (Donegal) - Posts: 1688 - 02/09/2015 15:16:15    1780697

Kilkenny to ease to another win me reckons.

waynoI (Dublin) - Posts: 13650 - 02/09/2015 15:23:36    1780706

mayo_hurler
County: Mayo
Posts: 103

1780662
I really admire Kilkenny for such a small county to win so many AIs and produce the greatest of hurlers. But of the sake of hurling I hope it's Galway's day on Sunday... Imagine having Liam and Sam in neighbouring counties :)

It's happened plenty of times :) 2010, 04, 01, 98 etc

jafallon (Galway) - Posts: 489 - 02/09/2015 16:20:27    1780768

jafallon
County: Galway
Posts: 439

1780768 mayo_hurler
County: Mayo
Posts: 103

1780662
I really admire Kilkenny for such a small county to win so many AIs and produce the greatest of hurlers. But of the sake of hurling I hope it's Galway's day on Sunday... Imagine having Liam and Sam in neighbouring counties :)

It's happened plenty of times :) 2010, 04, 01, 98 etc

Better still, imagine having Liam and Sam in the same county, The Double. It's happened only four times, in only two counties.

Cork 1890
Tipp 1895
Tipp 1900
Cork 1990

Cockney_Cat (UK) - Posts: 2447 - 02/09/2015 17:08:57    1780804