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Was at the other senior game last night. Poor enough spectacle too. Castletown were particularly off-colour in the first quarter, couldn't find their rhythm as Bunclody defended well en masse. But once Castletown's running game got going, Bunclody couldn't cope with the pace, especially from Higgins. They went from 0-4 to 0-1 down to I think 0-8 to 0-5 up early in the second half, although Bunclody kept plugging away. It was a well worked team goal that proved the decisive in the end.
John Dunne and Jamie John Murphy were good for HWH, but O'Connor looked a bit hampered by injury. Best for Castletown were Roche, Carty and Higgins. Gardiner had an excellent second-half too.
On last night's display, Bunclody will be hard to breakdown, probably won't concede an awful lot, but may lack enough quality up front. They only had three different scorers on the night (although Castletown had four).
beano (Wexford) - Posts: 1451 - 27/08/2022 11:28:31
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Replying To zinny: " Replying To Stmunnsriver: "was at glynn v james, entertaining stuff but the standard was dreadful, great pace to the game, glynn were very poor, jason ryan is not trying to build a team he going with a lot of players well past their best, while he as a lot of good young lads on the line, thats the danger of bring lads like jason in he wants instant success he is not going to build a team for the next lad , james showed great heart to get a win it looked like glynn had it in the bag for ages, very impressed with the james midfield partner of o hanlon [cant remember his name "
Stmunnsriver (Wexford) - Posts: 2885 - 28/08/2022 08:18:34
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A pretty awful start to the championship. And today's games don't look like they are going to be any much better.
An absolutely pathetic crowd in Wexford park yesterday for the double header.
Onfor15 (Wexford) - Posts: 531 - 28/08/2022 12:13:22
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Replying To Onfor15: "A pretty awful start to the championship. And today's games don't look like they are going to be any much better.
An absolutely pathetic crowd in Wexford park yesterday for the double header." St martin's were poor
Lockerroomboy (Wexford) - Posts: 472 - 28/08/2022 13:02:57
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Replying To Lockerroomboy: "St martin's were poor" Format like most counties is a problem. Games lack value with teams having so many chances.
222 (UK) - Posts: 799 - 28/08/2022 13:19:22
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Replying To Onfor15: "A pretty awful start to the championship. And today's games don't look like they are going to be any much better.
An absolutely pathetic crowd in Wexford park yesterday for the double header." Taghmon v St Fintans was an awful watch according to some of the players who played in it! The lads only had a week or so to prepare for it after the Hurling final though. I couldn't make it thank god lol!
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 13650 - 28/08/2022 14:02:27
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Replying To 222: "Format like most counties is a problem. Games lack value with teams having so many chances." 16 team championship in 4 groups of 4 the only way to go!
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 13650 - 28/08/2022 14:03:48
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Replying To Viking66: "16 team championship in 4 groups of 4 the only way to go!" Is there really enough depth to have a 16-team Championship?
ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 348 - 28/08/2022 16:46:42
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Replying To ElGranSenor: "Is there really enough depth to have a 16-team Championship?" Definitely not.
But I would also say that there is no need for the hurling format to be the same as the football format.
Onfor15 (Wexford) - Posts: 531 - 28/08/2022 17:42:12
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Replying To Onfor15: "A pretty awful start to the championship. And today's games don't look like they are going to be any much better.
An absolutely pathetic crowd in Wexford park yesterday for the double header." In fairness, the first couple of rounds in the hurling were not much better. First real competitive football game in months, hopefully the weather will hold and things will get better.
zinny (Wexford) - Posts: 1897 - 28/08/2022 17:55:42
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there needs to be a 3 weeks brake between the hurling and football championships
Stmunnsriver (Wexford) - Posts: 2885 - 28/08/2022 18:14:12
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Replying To Stmunnsriver: "there needs to be a 3 weeks brake between the hurling and football championships" Why?
Onfor15 (Wexford) - Posts: 531 - 28/08/2022 19:10:23
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Replying To Viking66: "16 team championship in 4 groups of 4 the only way to go!" are u mad , need to reduce the number of senior teams NOT increase them
Stmunnsriver (Wexford) - Posts: 2885 - 28/08/2022 19:11:15
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Replying To ElGranSenor: "Is there really enough depth to have a 16-team Championship?" The aim would be to improve the standard around the county by getting more players playing more games against better players. In hurling AND football. This would in turn benefit our intercounty teams. And if we get more Senior intercounty success this would encourage more people to take up hurling and football and stick with it which would benefit the GAA in Wexford in general and the clubs who these young lads would be joining in particular.
Noone can say Intermediate football clubs like Ferns, Gorey, Horeswood, Taghmon, St Mary's Maudlintown, Fethard or any of the other Intermediate clubs don't have the football playing numbers to make a good go of Senior Football in the long run. And every club in Junior, Intermediate and Senior would have 1 less Championship game in both hurling and football so there could be more breaks to space out the schedule a little.
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 13650 - 28/08/2022 19:50:52
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Replying To Stmunnsriver: "are u mad , need to reduce the number of senior teams NOT increase them" How will that improve the general standard of hurling and football in the county? We would be reducing the number of our top level pool of players even more. More players won't get the chance to improve their games by playing on better opponents. The standard countywide would surely fall.
What is your reason for reducing the number of top level teams? Who does this benefit? The media because they can cover less games? The small number of very top level clubs?
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 13650 - 28/08/2022 19:57:25
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Replying To Viking66: "The aim would be to improve the standard around the county by getting more players playing more games against better players. In hurling AND football. This would in turn benefit our intercounty teams. And if we get more Senior intercounty success this would encourage more people to take up hurling and football and stick with it which would benefit the GAA in Wexford in general and the clubs who these young lads would be joining in particular.
Noone can say Intermediate football clubs like Ferns, Gorey, Horeswood, Taghmon, St Mary's Maudlintown, Fethard or any of the other Intermediate clubs don't have the football playing numbers to make a good go of Senior Football in the long run. And every club in Junior, Intermediate and Senior would have 1 less Championship game in both hurling and football so there could be more breaks to space out the schedule a little." Coaching in general and underage in particular definitely needs improvement in alot of the clubs. The difference in standard between some of the elite football and hurling clubs and the rest is quite stark. It definitely helps to have a larger pool of lads who themselves played at the top level to mentor their underage teams. This is something the County Board needs to look into further.
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 13650 - 28/08/2022 20:05:14
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Everyone has their own opinion on the Championship format so here's mine:
12 teams in each division is the right number, 16 teams risks diluting the quality of Senior plus increased the chances of hammerings. The standard of Senior Football is so poor right now that the last thing we should be doing is expanding it from 12 teams to 16 teams.
I get that there are dead rubbers and meaningless games in the current format and that there are arguably too many games being played. My biggest gripe with the current Championship is that you could win all five of your group games but you'd still only qualify for the quarter-finals, whilst you could have a team with 2 or 3 points make the Quarter-Finals (St Anne's made the Senior Hurling Final in 2019 despite only getting 3 points in their group). IMO, the best way to fix this and to slightly reduce the number of games is the following:
2 groups of 6 as we have now
1st in each group goes directly to the semi-finals
2nd in Group A plays 3rd in Group B and 2nd in Group B plays 3rd in Group A in the Quarter-Finals
4th and 5th place in both groups are out but are safe from relegation
6th place in each group play against each other in the Relegation Final
Also, there is a bye week after the fourth round of games in the group stages
I think the above would reduce the number of games a bit, reduce the number of meaningless games, and incentivise coming 1st in the group stages. Again, only a small change to the current format but I think it would improve things.
ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 348 - 28/08/2022 21:20:03
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Replying To beano: "In terms of his combined minutes in their showpiece events (i.e not Leinster championship cakewalks), then yes he should be regarded as a bit-part player. Second coming of Matty now all of a sudden. I won't even be drawn into your cheap-shot that followed as I didn't once question the validity of the transfer.
Anyway, senior previews.
St.James vs. Glynn-Barntown: can Jason Ryan work the oracle again? It could be argued, on solid ground, that Glynn's second and third teams have out-performed their senior sides in recent years. Apart from making the junior final and winning junior B hurling this year, their second-string footballers had back-to-back promotions too. Meanwhile, they have largely flattered to deceive at the top table, and I don't know if they are contenders even if Ryan instills confidence. St.James' are one of those teams that are always floating around and firmly in the mid-table bracket. If this was a knock-out tie, I'd 100% tip Jimmies, but maybe Glynn will shade this one.
HWH-Bunclody vs. Castletown: Bunclody really should have won this fixture last year, and that will surely be fresh in their minds again. In the short-term, Castletown will be without Brosnan (one-game ban) and Coleman (injury), and their losses are significant. Bunclody maximised a thin squad last year, but are short a few now, with John Dunne seemingly abroad which is a big blow as I thought he was excellent last year. They have a new manager as well, who in fairness got a tune unexpectedly out of Kilanerin last year. Castletown's new trainer, Paul Garrigan, seems to be very highly thought of, certainly in the Meath ladies football camp anyway, and will be looking to implement a new style of play. Mightn't be a classic, but tip Castletown to win.
Kilanerin vs. Gusserane: nevermind O'Gara, for me the biggest sub-plot of the whole championship is Timmy Walsh taking over Kilanerin after winning two senior titles with Castletown. It's the local GAA version of Klopp joining United! The man knows how to get results though, and has been handed good tools to give it a go. Their county men haven't even reached their peak, while they have a conveyor belt of good, first-year youngsters who most recently won an AI with Gorey CS. That crop of lads didn't win a minor title despite their talents though, and it's a massive step up. Ordinarily, Gusserane would be in the top four of the market, but seem to be decimated with injuries and other absentees (Conway as big a loss as the rest). On that basis, I give the nod to Kilanerin.
St.Martin's vs. St.Anne's: had Rory O'Connor been fit and available, I'd have St.Martin's as the nearest to Shelmaliers. In my opinion, he has been the best half-back in the championship the last two seasons, and arguably the best player full stop. However, the young lads that made a splash in their journey to the senior hurling final are all fine footballers too, particularly Joe Barrett (good enough to play county in either code) and Philip Dempsey. The retirement of Lyng will surely affect them in the long-run too. St.Anne's are probably too defensive to really challenge for the title, and if they let the shackles off a bit, they have the players to trouble some teams. Maybe still over reliant on the older fellas, however, and I just think Martin's will have too much for them despite Anne's surely fired up after the hurling controversy.
Crossabeg vs. Starlights: as someone mentioned earlier, if Crossabeg had everyone available to them from the team that sauntered to intermediate glory last year, they'd be well capable of bloodying noses. They couldn't have picked worse opponents than Starlights to play in their maiden appearance in senior however. Like Rapps, Starlights have their system down to a fine art, and will quietly go deep in the championship again. Darragh Pepper back fit is a boost (he showed that in the hurling semi-final), although conversely, Kevin Foley will be a big loss. The record of intermediate champions making an immediate splash in senior isn't as prevalent as it was about a decade ago (aside from Kilanerin getting to the final in 2018), and I can't see anything else than Starlights' experience getting the win.
Sarsfields vs. Shelmaliers: Chin will be a huge loss obviously if he doesn't play, but people forget he didn't play senior last year either, and Sarsfields coped okay. I seem to recall them winning a minor football title a few years ago now, and those lads have stepped up to senior since and lowered the average age of the side. Dylan Furlong is obviously a fine player and will only improve. I don't know the breakdown of the football clubs of the talented Faythe Harriers Feile winning team, but Darby Purcell will bring a bit of swagger up front and Richie Lawlor looks a good footballer from the bits I seen last year. After my earlier diatribe about Shels, there's no denying they are the team to beat, with all eyes on O'Gara. Shels will win this one, but might learn more about themselves next day out vs. St.James as they tend to keep it compact and have warriors.
If I was picking my four semi-finals before a ball is kicked, I would go: Shemaliers, Starlights, St.Martin's and maybe Castletown. It's amazing to think that the hurling has become a lot more unpredictable." 50% right on that one. In at the last two games. CB full value for their win and look a decent football team. Ronan Devereux was missing as well. P Foley will be heading off and was a big presence for them in midfield outplaying Nick Doyle but he may be around for another couple of games which would be a big boost and with Gusserane on the back foot it could see them safe for next year. However it was not a one man show and a full team effort. Probably don't have the bench bar RD but a bunch of young lads who will keep going. Quite a few of the players do not play hurling, you would have to say they perhaps are a better Football team than hurling. Starlights were bad, looked unfit and devoid of leadership. Its early days yet and like the Martins have the talent to come back into it, the both play each other next weekend, who reacts the most to this weekend could save their championship hopes.
Shels were the Shels, they were sloppy at times but when they do get moving can be very dangerous, the Starlights in fairness with them stuck at their task but lack any the attacking threat that would worry teams. Everyone came to see O'Gara but it was his replacement that got 3 goals that in fairness, were typical O'Gara style goals. From what I hear bar O'Gara's injury most of the other changes were due to the lads being on holidays during the week - I would say it shows that they have a fairly decent bench and their big players Glen Malone and Eoghan Nolan are going well. James will be a different team. The Sars stuck with their task without ever looking as if they would overhaul the Shels. They may make it difficult for teams but I have a feeling that they may find themselves in another relegation battle. They have two tough games now in a row, and then will most likely be in a dogfight.
zinny (Wexford) - Posts: 1897 - 29/08/2022 08:20:35
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Replying To ElGranSenor: "Everyone has their own opinion on the Championship format so here's mine:
12 teams in each division is the right number, 16 teams risks diluting the quality of Senior plus increased the chances of hammerings. The standard of Senior Football is so poor right now that the last thing we should be doing is expanding it from 12 teams to 16 teams.
I get that there are dead rubbers and meaningless games in the current format and that there are arguably too many games being played. My biggest gripe with the current Championship is that you could win all five of your group games but you'd still only qualify for the quarter-finals, whilst you could have a team with 2 or 3 points make the Quarter-Finals (St Anne's made the Senior Hurling Final in 2019 despite only getting 3 points in their group). IMO, the best way to fix this and to slightly reduce the number of games is the following:
2 groups of 6 as we have now
1st in each group goes directly to the semi-finals
2nd in Group A plays 3rd in Group B and 2nd in Group B plays 3rd in Group A in the Quarter-Finals
4th and 5th place in both groups are out but are safe from relegation
6th place in each group play against each other in the Relegation Final
Also, there is a bye week after the fourth round of games in the group stages
I think the above would reduce the number of games a bit, reduce the number of meaningless games, and incentivise coming 1st in the group stages. Again, only a small change to the current format but I think it would improve things." I wouldn't judge the quality of any championship based on the first round A good few teams in it are missing numerous players.
A full strength Gusserane, St Martins, Starlights would be a hell of a lot better than what they produced over the weekend.
hurlorhurley (Wexford) - Posts: 1660 - 29/08/2022 09:43:02
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Replying To ElGranSenor: "Everyone has their own opinion on the Championship format so here's mine:
12 teams in each division is the right number, 16 teams risks diluting the quality of Senior plus increased the chances of hammerings. The standard of Senior Football is so poor right now that the last thing we should be doing is expanding it from 12 teams to 16 teams.
I get that there are dead rubbers and meaningless games in the current format and that there are arguably too many games being played. My biggest gripe with the current Championship is that you could win all five of your group games but you'd still only qualify for the quarter-finals, whilst you could have a team with 2 or 3 points make the Quarter-Finals (St Anne's made the Senior Hurling Final in 2019 despite only getting 3 points in their group). IMO, the best way to fix this and to slightly reduce the number of games is the following:
2 groups of 6 as we have now
1st in each group goes directly to the semi-finals
2nd in Group A plays 3rd in Group B and 2nd in Group B plays 3rd in Group A in the Quarter-Finals
4th and 5th place in both groups are out but are safe from relegation
6th place in each group play against each other in the Relegation Final
Also, there is a bye week after the fourth round of games in the group stages
I think the above would reduce the number of games a bit, reduce the number of meaningless games, and incentivise coming 1st in the group stages. Again, only a small change to the current format but I think it would improve things." Improve things for who? The media? The spectators? What about improving the general standard of our countys playing pool?
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 13650 - 29/08/2022 09:47:41
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