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Limerick Hurling thread 2023

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Time for a new Thread dedicated to all things Limerick Hurling in advance of Limerick going for 4 in a row in 2023.
After the couple of games in the Munster league it will be interesting to see how many new faces will be featuring in the opening round fixture against Cork in PUC Saturday week & Clare at home following Saturday night in Gaelic Grounds.

OpenStand (Limerick) - Posts: 673 - 23/01/2023 15:25:51    2453694

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There is no doubt Limerick are the kings and wear the crown well. The team is still young and not too much freshening up required. I am sure the long knives will be even sharper from your detractors but the majority of hurling people will appreciate the standard set and achieved by this great team.

Canuck (Waterford) - Posts: 2660 - 23/01/2023 16:32:03    2453731

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"not too much freshening up required" - i think we really need to see competition for starting jerseys to keep levels high. If you go back to 2021 final there wasn't a debate about any position once Casey got the green light to play. That is a big worry for me.

dingo (Limerick) - Posts: 23 - 23/01/2023 17:17:32    2453751

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22 players played yesterday against Kerry and only one Dan morrissey started all ireland final so there is a fair layer of players looking to make the breakthrough. A panel of 36 will need a lot of these players anyways .
Cian Lynch of course will be a big big asset back as well this year . Who will be back up to Nicky Quaid with Barry Hennessy gone ?

OpenStand (Limerick) - Posts: 673 - 23/01/2023 19:07:50    2453785

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Competition will be very strong again but they won't make change for changes sake. Cathal o neill David Reidy Barry Murphy Conor Boylan will be pushing very hard. Adam English has a year under his belt from a conditioning perspective and will get through the workload a bit easier and he'll want to really kick on. Michael Houlihan has a now or never year for him imo and he looks like he's gotten a lot fitter. With Peter and Cian back to full throttle the big question will be how they'll adapt to a new season and what game plan will be used. Does Kyle stay 11. Is midfield going to get a look at development. What will the FF line look like. Will they continue to go more direct or a more expansive puck out strategy. The one thing that's there is options . I believe the mood is very good and the squad are very keen to get started. The league will run its course like it always does and allow the panel to pick up some game time and form the 26-30 kiely will want for championship.

I see a few teams improving this year. Tipp and Waterford will be 2. Wexford too I think. Kilkenny again will be there at the last 4 stage I think and Galway are at a huge point now as shefflin may or may not do a 3rd year. It's a big year for them. Clare and cork could be anything this year.

daveboy (Limerick) - Posts: 1128 - 23/01/2023 19:14:11    2453786

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Replying To dingo:  ""not too much freshening up required" - i think we really need to see competition for starting jerseys to keep levels high. If you go back to 2021 final there wasn't a debate about any position once Casey got the green light to play. That is a big worry for me."
Don't worry too much. The fact of the matter is the current team is exceptional and extremely hard to break into. They're still relatively young. Only real concern is alot of miles already on the clock.
In a different era, we'd be all raving about the likes of Cathal O'Neill Shane O'brien, Fergal & Aidan O'Connor and Adam English and the potential talents that they are coming along. No doubt most will come good but at the moment they need careful managing.
People need to sit back and just enjoy the great times for Limerick hurling. God I remember a time when our minors got absolutely mauled by an average Tipp team in the first round in the Gaelic Grounds. Some changes to the present time

Shocs07 (Limerick) - Posts: 372 - 23/01/2023 20:54:31    2453816

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Replying To Shocs07:  "Don't worry too much. The fact of the matter is the current team is exceptional and extremely hard to break into. They're still relatively young. Only real concern is alot of miles already on the clock.
In a different era, we'd be all raving about the likes of Cathal O'Neill Shane O'brien, Fergal & Aidan O'Connor and Adam English and the potential talents that they are coming along. No doubt most will come good but at the moment they need careful managing.
People need to sit back and just enjoy the great times for Limerick hurling. God I remember a time when our minors got absolutely mauled by an average Tipp team in the first round in the Gaelic Grounds. Some changes to the present time"
So was the Kk team but always seemed to be 1/2 new starters each year that added to their quality. There is a lot of promising young players in Limerick plus a number of good squad players that can make an impact from bench. But all available, can you really see anyone forcing a current starter off the team this year?

dingo (Limerick) - Posts: 23 - 25/01/2023 18:58:21    2454285

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Replying To dingo:  "So was the Kk team but always seemed to be 1/2 new starters each year that added to their quality. There is a lot of promising young players in Limerick plus a number of good squad players that can make an impact from bench. But all available, can you really see anyone forcing a current starter off the team this year?"
Lynch and Casey if back to themselves will be the first back into the team. As regards new players the team isn't full of 33 or 34 year olds holding off younger players, the majority of the regular team are at or near their peaks age wise.

updwell (Limerick) - Posts: 817 - 26/01/2023 17:14:32    2454454

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Replying To updwell:  "Lynch and Casey if back to themselves will be the first back into the team. As regards new players the team isn't full of 33 or 34 year olds holding off younger players, the majority of the regular team are at or near their peaks age wise."
The way I'd see it is there is a core of 18 players for Limerick since 2018, the 15 that started the final last year plus Lynch, P Casey and English. 11 of these are from the freak group born 1994-96 maybe as good a concentration of as we've seen from any county plus Quaid, Hannon, D Morrissey and Mulcahy slightly older and Flanagan, P Casey and Hayes slightly younger, while there certainly not an old team they are an experienced team with alot of big day know how, I'd imagine the concern would be they'd age together in a few years time. I don't think it would be right to change for change sake though there's a golden generation there and only right ye cash in on it. There is serious prospects there for ye in Cathal O'Neill, Shane O'Brien, Adam English etc. but I don't know who or how you could justify dislodging any from the core group since 2018 I mentioned above.

TerribleFootwork (Wexford) - Posts: 1724 - 26/01/2023 17:51:12    2454462

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Replying To dingo:  ""not too much freshening up required" - i think we really need to see competition for starting jerseys to keep levels high. If you go back to 2021 final there wasn't a debate about any position once Casey got the green light to play. That is a big worry for me."
Freshening up? Sure Kiely and his men have never stopped freshening things up.

If you count all the panels members since 2018, there's 60-70 Limerick men with AI medals. If anyone doubts that, find the panels for each of the fours years that Limerick have won and count.

It might not seem like that because the first 15-20 hasn't changed that much, but overall there's been big changes. But people, even die-hard GAA men often fail to see it.

For example: almost immediately after last year's final (I was back for it), I was chatting to a Bouncer, and he said "Another medal for Garryspillane.", and I asked "Who?". "Mark Quinlan", he relied.

I had to explain that Quinlan had unfortunately been injured for most of the year and was no longer on the panel. It's ironic that a man from Florida had to tell a man who lives within 5 miles of Quinlan that fact. But he's like many fans who go to the games, see the 26 named on the program, and assume that the rest of the 36-37 are the same as last time.

Kiely & Co. Unlimited have really changed up personnel over the past 4-5 years. Also what they done, and this should really drive hurling for the future in the county, is that by having so many players involved, AI medals now abound in places like Garryspillane, Glenroe, Kilteely, Na Piarsigh, Knockaderry, Murroe, Adare, Crecora, Pallasgrean, Bruff, and I'm sure that I'm missing a other few clubs, where they had never been before. The hurling hero that school kids aspire to be is no longer a guy called Henry or Tommy wearing black and amber miles up the country in a different county, but possibly the guy living next door or even within the next 5 miles (even if my Bouncer friend doesn't happen to be able to smell the silver).

That's the quite revolution that's going on in the background in Limerick hurling. And long may it continue!

foreveryoung (USA) - Posts: 1912 - 26/01/2023 21:05:34    2454478

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Replying To updwell:  "Lynch and Casey if back to themselves will be the first back into the team. As regards new players the team isn't full of 33 or 34 year olds holding off younger players, the majority of the regular team are at or near their peaks age wise."
Its all about striking while the iron is hot but longterm would there be any fear that younger players wont get the same chance to develop like this bunch did? I think under Cody he religiously changed 1 or 2 almost every year. Limerick are different though as they are all similar ages - or most are.
I remember speaking to a man from Athenry about 10 years ago and I asked him how they were going now and he told me that the team was so good back in the 90s that county under 21s couldnt get a look in in challenge games and it had a huge effect on the club longterm as many good players were lost or just gave it up.
I'm not saying its the same in Limerick or am I trying to get a dig in but the a similiar thought to the original poster crossed my mind also. Its almost been impossible for anyone to get meaningful game time outside of the 17-18 that play most of the games and perhaps one or two have been lost already. However, I dont think there's any need to worry in the next year or so as they guys have more than a few years left and Kiely def has his head screwed on.

tiobraid (Tipperary) - Posts: 4119 - 27/01/2023 09:22:28    2454485

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Replying To daveboy:  "Competition will be very strong again but they won't make change for changes sake. Cathal o neill David Reidy Barry Murphy Conor Boylan will be pushing very hard. Adam English has a year under his belt from a conditioning perspective and will get through the workload a bit easier and he'll want to really kick on. Michael Houlihan has a now or never year for him imo and he looks like he's gotten a lot fitter. With Peter and Cian back to full throttle the big question will be how they'll adapt to a new season and what game plan will be used. Does Kyle stay 11. Is midfield going to get a look at development. What will the FF line look like. Will they continue to go more direct or a more expansive puck out strategy. The one thing that's there is options . I believe the mood is very good and the squad are very keen to get started. The league will run its course like it always does and allow the panel to pick up some game time and form the 26-30 kiely will want for championship.

I see a few teams improving this year. Tipp and Waterford will be 2. Wexford too I think. Kilkenny again will be there at the last 4 stage I think and Galway are at a huge point now as shefflin may or may not do a 3rd year. It's a big year for them. Clare and cork could be anything this year."
i think youre right about a few teams improving and I hope Tipp are one of them but you left out one - Limerick.

I think they are a better team than they showed last year - as good as they were. You bring Lynch and Casey back into that team - god help the rest. One can score 5-6 from play regularly and the other sets up probably more than that.
Added to that I dont think Mike Casey was as good in every game last year as the media made him out to be but I'm a big fan and he will undoubtedly be better this year. Their options have now improved also and Dan M can be brilliant in a couple of positions if need be as can Kyle Hayes. 2 years ago I thought Limerick were over hyped to be honest - but I was wrong and I fear for the rest this year. Only thing stopping them is if they want another one enough which is never easy but I dont think that will be a problem somehow.
Hoping for a good year though and a few more matches like the All Ireland and Munster finals wouldnt go astray.

tiobraid (Tipperary) - Posts: 4119 - 27/01/2023 09:29:45    2454487

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Replying To tiobraid:  "Its all about striking while the iron is hot but longterm would there be any fear that younger players wont get the same chance to develop like this bunch did? I think under Cody he religiously changed 1 or 2 almost every year. Limerick are different though as they are all similar ages - or most are.
I remember speaking to a man from Athenry about 10 years ago and I asked him how they were going now and he told me that the team was so good back in the 90s that county under 21s couldnt get a look in in challenge games and it had a huge effect on the club longterm as many good players were lost or just gave it up.
I'm not saying its the same in Limerick or am I trying to get a dig in but the a similiar thought to the original poster crossed my mind also. Its almost been impossible for anyone to get meaningful game time outside of the 17-18 that play most of the games and perhaps one or two have been lost already. However, I dont think there's any need to worry in the next year or so as they guys have more than a few years left and Kiely def has his head screwed on."
Most of the best Limerick players have up to 5 good years left if not more. And they have some excellent u20s from last year to push for starting places in a couple of years if not sooner. Properly organised and motivated they will be winning more AIs......

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 11864 - 27/01/2023 14:36:14    2454584

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Replying To foreveryoung:  "Freshening up? Sure Kiely and his men have never stopped freshening things up.

If you count all the panels members since 2018, there's 60-70 Limerick men with AI medals. If anyone doubts that, find the panels for each of the fours years that Limerick have won and count.

It might not seem like that because the first 15-20 hasn't changed that much, but overall there's been big changes. But people, even die-hard GAA men often fail to see it.

For example: almost immediately after last year's final (I was back for it), I was chatting to a Bouncer, and he said "Another medal for Garryspillane.", and I asked "Who?". "Mark Quinlan", he relied.

I had to explain that Quinlan had unfortunately been injured for most of the year and was no longer on the panel. It's ironic that a man from Florida had to tell a man who lives within 5 miles of Quinlan that fact. But he's like many fans who go to the games, see the 26 named on the program, and assume that the rest of the 36-37 are the same as last time.

Kiely & Co. Unlimited have really changed up personnel over the past 4-5 years. Also what they done, and this should really drive hurling for the future in the county, is that by having so many players involved, AI medals now abound in places like Garryspillane, Glenroe, Kilteely, Na Piarsigh, Knockaderry, Murroe, Adare, Crecora, Pallasgrean, Bruff, and I'm sure that I'm missing a other few clubs, where they had never been before. The hurling hero that school kids aspire to be is no longer a guy called Henry or Tommy wearing black and amber miles up the country in a different county, but possibly the guy living next door or even within the next 5 miles (even if my Bouncer friend doesn't happen to be able to smell the silver).

That's the quite revolution that's going on in the background in Limerick hurling. And long may it continue!"
Thats the extended panel. Its fantastic smaller clubs getting those AI medals and thats mainly due to academy system plus Kiely and management looking to all levels of club hurling in Limerick. But my point is there is a significant drop between our core team and the rest and the hunger/drive/workrate from that core group has to drop off somewhat. Its only natural and maybe only a small % but they are at a different stage in their development then 2017/2018. Ideally you would love to see serious pressure coming on for starting jerseys from some of the squad players but I don't see that happening this year. Some are just impact players and some are maybe too early in their development.

dingo (Limerick) - Posts: 23 - 27/01/2023 16:03:47    2454607

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Replying To tiobraid:  "i think youre right about a few teams improving and I hope Tipp are one of them but you left out one - Limerick.

I think they are a better team than they showed last year - as good as they were. You bring Lynch and Casey back into that team - god help the rest. One can score 5-6 from play regularly and the other sets up probably more than that.
Added to that I dont think Mike Casey was as good in every game last year as the media made him out to be but I'm a big fan and he will undoubtedly be better this year. Their options have now improved also and Dan M can be brilliant in a couple of positions if need be as can Kyle Hayes. 2 years ago I thought Limerick were over hyped to be honest - but I was wrong and I fear for the rest this year. Only thing stopping them is if they want another one enough which is never easy but I dont think that will be a problem somehow.
Hoping for a good year though and a few more matches like the All Ireland and Munster finals wouldnt go astray."
I think Limerick will be very powerful this year. They have a very coordinated structure in place now and all are buying in. I think winning last year without possibly our 2 most inventive forwards for the most part was a huge statement Tiobraid. They are vulnerable like any team in relation to injuries, suspensions, bounce of a ball but for me they'll take stopping this year. Again it'll be that first championship match v Waterford in Thurles that'll tell a lot. Davy will treat that like an AI final but similarly cork did the same in PUC last year but Limerick were ready.

For me I think Tipp will come out of munster and if they play like we expect Limerick will too. Tipp have finally found their Full back in Breen. We have been saying it over here for years he's the ideal 3 but for some reason he hasn't played there. I remember watching him play 3 for tipp underage in defeat v Limerick in the gaelic grounds and he was by far the MOTM. I think o mara at 6 and you start to solidify your back line.

After that it's anyone's guess who comes out. Clare will have Mccarthy Rodgers pushing into the 15 and for Lohan he has a big job to get them where they were last year. Playing Limerick 2nd May not suit as well as playing them last like last year. Cork and Waterford are capable of going a long way but equally may not make it out. Cork having Limerick last might suit but that's only basing it on Limerick being where we expect them to be. It's impossible to call but right now if I was to guess I'd predict Limerick Tipp and Cork to come out of munster. Only a prediction so no offence to any posters. If Waterford go at Limerick like an AI final first day out it might backfire against them. If they can get over Limerick then all bets are off.

daveboy (Limerick) - Posts: 1128 - 28/01/2023 11:43:00    2454685

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Replying To dingo:  "Thats the extended panel. Its fantastic smaller clubs getting those AI medals and thats mainly due to academy system plus Kiely and management looking to all levels of club hurling in Limerick. But my point is there is a significant drop between our core team and the rest and the hunger/drive/workrate from that core group has to drop off somewhat. Its only natural and maybe only a small % but they are at a different stage in their development then 2017/2018. Ideally you would love to see serious pressure coming on for starting jerseys from some of the squad players but I don't see that happening this year. Some are just impact players and some are maybe too early in their development."
"Ideally you would love to see serious pressure coming on for starting jerseys from some of the squad players…"
I think that's happening every year but it just that the first 15-20 are so good; Limerick would not have their 4 recent AI titles only for the fact that the core 15-20 is so good.
Nonetheless, Kiely & Co. aren't taking their eyes off the ball. No guy can hang around the panel if he isn't putting his hand up. Hence, the huge turnover. The management is constantly seeking out the best hurlers in the county to complete the panel from 21-36/37.

The core 15~20 know that and see it and realize that they could be the next in line. Dan Morrissey said as much in an interview last year when he said that a 5% sway in performance could mean being off the panel altogether or playing on an AI winning team.

foreveryoung (USA) - Posts: 1912 - 28/01/2023 18:50:34    2454788

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Replying To tiobraid:  "Its all about striking while the iron is hot but longterm would there be any fear that younger players wont get the same chance to develop like this bunch did? I think under Cody he religiously changed 1 or 2 almost every year. Limerick are different though as they are all similar ages - or most are.
I remember speaking to a man from Athenry about 10 years ago and I asked him how they were going now and he told me that the team was so good back in the 90s that county under 21s couldnt get a look in in challenge games and it had a huge effect on the club longterm as many good players were lost or just gave it up.
I'm not saying its the same in Limerick or am I trying to get a dig in but the a similiar thought to the original poster crossed my mind also. Its almost been impossible for anyone to get meaningful game time outside of the 17-18 that play most of the games and perhaps one or two have been lost already. However, I dont think there's any need to worry in the next year or so as they guys have more than a few years left and Kiely def has his head screwed on."
I think age and succession planning is not the main factor for management I think they live mainly in the present and never look back and don't look too far forward. I think it's really as simple if you can hit your markers and show that you are better than your competition you start the big games. If you show enough talent but then can't hit the markers required you'll probably never start but can still have all an impact as a sub . Being a talented forward or hurler will not be enough the attitude to work hard and have the courage to play possession hurling in the championship cauldron is also required. Matches at the moment are effectively being used as trials

Fitzy01 (Limerick) - Posts: 387 - 28/01/2023 21:25:22    2454829

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At this stage of the season all the teams are at the bottom of the mountain. Frankly very few would have foretold limerick winning 4/5 all Ireland's in feb 2018…Limerick certainly look well equipped to go again. Cian and Peter hopefully back to full fitness would be massive while I think it's hopeful cathal o neill will play a more prominent scoring role as he matures. Scary talent. Physically they'll be there I think the mental size was tougher last season than before. ….I felt like a lot of challengers who weren't far away last season.

Munster will be a saloon brawl to get out of as usual. Two wins is enough to get out. The longer we stay in the championship the stronger we will get. Waterford first up with probably more pressure on them than us. Think that will suit us but if we slip up expect a very tough game v Clare a week later.
We've a very good squad with 3 or 4 raring to go from the u20s and a hurler of the year and an all star back in the mix.
Waterford have the talent, the size and the hunger and will get the Davy lift in season 1. However the media pressure on them will be relentless and if they're not firing their season will be unpleasant. Thurles will prob be not far off full and a huge challenge expected.

Clare won't be the surprise package they were last year. Their forwards will be better with Aidan McCarthy rogers and Meehan closer they'll be in shooting high scores. Lot of good hurlers across the backs and crucially Their Backs won't be short of timber….which is very important for munster championship. Logan seems to find the correct positions for a lot of them too. Won't be far off. Clare neither fear nor respect us and there will be skin hair flying that night in the Gaelic grounds. I think getting out of game 1and 2 will 4 points and no injuries or suspensions will be a very tough task.

Tipp next In thurles. Personally I suspect Cahill to get them firing. They'll be a serious threat and the longer they stay in the championship the better their young lads will become.
Last game home v cork. So hard to predict. Corks have so much ability and with a new manager could be a real surprise package. They've excellent forwards and if the rebels have momentum they'll be hard to beat. Can pat Ryan find a settled 15. I can pick 3 of his backs but who is no 3/5/7. Who can do the donkey work to let fitzgibbon roam and terrorise teams at midfield. Who can win enough ball in the forwards. I honestly think two ball winning but limited players in the forward would be massive for them. They've never replaced Timmy and McCarthy.

So hard to predict. Come out as one of that three and we're in a good position.

Not to sound like Cyril Farrell but Kilkenny are Kilkenny. Must be 10 points better on the day to win by 2 still applies. Add in a few of their u20s and they'll be close again.
Galway will be further down the road. Personally feel they were the closest to us for 2 seasons in the semifinal. Wouldn't guarantee pipping them again.
Wexford could beat anyone. Can they increase their scoring ability and spread?

Can't wait for the madness to begin

Sugary_tae (Limerick) - Posts: 70 - 29/01/2023 20:05:48    2455090

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The team that really worried us last year is Galway so that's the first look for me. They have a core of outstanding players but they are ageing. Joseph Cooney is now 32 (robbed for an All Star in 2022) They also have some really promising young players. I think that Waterford messed up last year. We won U21 All Irelands in 2015 and 2017. They won the U21 in 2016 and they have a core of fantastic players. KK to my mind are slipping and have lost 2 starters from the All Ireland last year. I don't rate Wexford or Dublin to be very blunt. Tipp have finally picked Breen at No 3 so they will be better but I don't think they can close all the gap. Cork will also be better and will be fighting to get out of Munster but who is going to play at full back? Also, I'm not inspired by their goalie. I'm fascinated by where Clare will be. The core that won an All Ireland in 2013 including Kelly are getting older and I don't know what their scope for improvement is. They could prove me wrong but I reckon their window is closing.

I expect Limerick will benefit enormously from the return of Cian Lynch and Peter Casey. I'm also expecting Aaron Gillane to be back in arms by the time that the Munster championship comes around and I'm hoping for further progress from Cathal O'Neill (who I rate as the best 20 year old forward in the country). Shane O'Brien and Aidan 'Connor (his wrists are divine) are probably a year away. We had a clutch of young players into the senior panel last year who kept breaking down because they couldn't bear the physical load but they look to have come through that process and are ready for senior hurling now. I'm hearing that Michael Houlihan is in tremendous shape after an injury ravaged year and is desperate to find a place in the squad.

Final comment is that I imagine that most teams will be using the league to prepare for championship and that we won't see teams going all out at 100% unlike last year when teams attacked Limerick (Cork game in the Gaelic Grounds was madness). Who wants to be in the League Final is a most interesting question to ponder?

Dealer (Limerick) - Posts: 835 - 30/01/2023 17:02:47    2455344

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Replying To Sugary_tae:  "At this stage of the season all the teams are at the bottom of the mountain. Frankly very few would have foretold limerick winning 4/5 all Ireland's in feb 2018…Limerick certainly look well equipped to go again. Cian and Peter hopefully back to full fitness would be massive while I think it's hopeful cathal o neill will play a more prominent scoring role as he matures. Scary talent. Physically they'll be there I think the mental size was tougher last season than before. ….I felt like a lot of challengers who weren't far away last season.

Munster will be a saloon brawl to get out of as usual. Two wins is enough to get out. The longer we stay in the championship the stronger we will get. Waterford first up with probably more pressure on them than us. Think that will suit us but if we slip up expect a very tough game v Clare a week later.
We've a very good squad with 3 or 4 raring to go from the u20s and a hurler of the year and an all star back in the mix.
Waterford have the talent, the size and the hunger and will get the Davy lift in season 1. However the media pressure on them will be relentless and if they're not firing their season will be unpleasant. Thurles will prob be not far off full and a huge challenge expected.

Clare won't be the surprise package they were last year. Their forwards will be better with Aidan McCarthy rogers and Meehan closer they'll be in shooting high scores. Lot of good hurlers across the backs and crucially Their Backs won't be short of timber….which is very important for munster championship. Logan seems to find the correct positions for a lot of them too. Won't be far off. Clare neither fear nor respect us and there will be skin hair flying that night in the Gaelic grounds. I think getting out of game 1and 2 will 4 points and no injuries or suspensions will be a very tough task.

Tipp next In thurles. Personally I suspect Cahill to get them firing. They'll be a serious threat and the longer they stay in the championship the better their young lads will become.
Last game home v cork. So hard to predict. Corks have so much ability and with a new manager could be a real surprise package. They've excellent forwards and if the rebels have momentum they'll be hard to beat. Can pat Ryan find a settled 15. I can pick 3 of his backs but who is no 3/5/7. Who can do the donkey work to let fitzgibbon roam and terrorise teams at midfield. Who can win enough ball in the forwards. I honestly think two ball winning but limited players in the forward would be massive for them. They've never replaced Timmy and McCarthy.

So hard to predict. Come out as one of that three and we're in a good position.

Not to sound like Cyril Farrell but Kilkenny are Kilkenny. Must be 10 points better on the day to win by 2 still applies. Add in a few of their u20s and they'll be close again.
Galway will be further down the road. Personally feel they were the closest to us for 2 seasons in the semifinal. Wouldn't guarantee pipping them again.
Wexford could beat anyone. Can they increase their scoring ability and spread?

Can't wait for the madness to begin"
I fancy us to win leinster to be honest.

Ye are the only team I don't think we can beat on a given day no matter what happens.

It's the time of the season for optimism so I'm hoping Galway, Waterford, Clare or kilkenny can produce a miracle performance and take ye out at some stage.

Enjoy the group ye have. It is amazing and deserved, but will at some point come to an end.

We probably have a golden generation(by our recent standards) that is not going to win the top prize.

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 2661 - 30/01/2023 18:26:32    2455377

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