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Westmeath Hurling thread

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Replying To Dheen:  "Was also a very good crowd in, were you even at it? some of your takes are ridiculous?"
From half time it wasn't in doubt!!! There were two points in it at half time and O' Brien's save from Jogger would have made it a two point game with five mins left. Any poster not fully acknowledging David O' Reilly's talent, attitude and accuracy is disappointed that CTG won. As for the crowd, there was a huge attendance

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 1916 - 03/11/2024 13:34:56    2578096

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Replying To Gaaforlife2023:  "Sounds like u thought ctg were lucky to win they were better team overall .
Sour grapes? first half close but ctg wer much better second half.
O'reillt had good championship. He is young and doesn't lack physical presence in terms height maybe can fill out more but he is still young a lot clearly forget that.

Daly big loss but don't llg would have won either with him on for all it.

Noel conaty was good but no mention threat by ctg forwards if he didn't save it would be fair beaten.

Thomastown are going win leinster no Shame loosing to them they hammered o loughlins of kk so nobody is expecting much but to write off as if they are bad forwards ridiculous.

This is extremely harsh as if you forget 2 17 is good scoring but more so 1 27

There was good crowd"
No CTG were the far better team, I'm not sure why you said sour grapes.

I never suggested CTG didn't deserve their win. I gave them full credit, sure I stated it was over at HT and they were just going through the gears. To be honest my point is they could and should have won by more only for Noel Conaty and I agree Daly staying in would not have saved LLG, but because they seemed to me to be playing 1 dimensionally launching long to him and Jogger his loss was probably most acute for LLG.

I tried to point out aspects of the game that I felt were good for them and LLG and what both could have improved. I agree OReilly played well maybe I should have said that but I assumed that is widely agreed. But I was thinking of the next level. Someone mentioned his physical presence and I agree he is young but he will need more power. While it didn't affect his performance yesterday I also think that no matter how good anyone is, scoring 1-5 and not asking if the opposition (especially in terms of level of marking) were a factor is not presenting the whole case (and you all have being pointing out for weeks hIs threat) so that in mind that is a post mortem that LLG will and should do especially as you would think they would have man marked him. On the CTG forwards there was a lot they did apart from scoring that was super. They found lots of space and the diagonal balls from HBL to HFL and FFL was super, no one mentioned that. I also never said they had bad forwards. I made the point that they was only 1 LLG back who managed to contain CTG. But… My point on their forwards return was 5 goal opportunities 2 in the first and 3 more in the second were all very very clear goal chances, and I'm fairly sure when they do their review before the next game if they are honest they will not at all be happy with 1 goal no matter how many points they did scored, or how much ye have praised them especially if other posters here are to be believed as some seem to be suggesting that LLG were still in the game until the end and those missed goals if that is to be believed could have haunted CTG. IMHO CTG had extra gears all day. Everyone seemed happy to laud CTG but not ask did LLG play well or to full potential or was their level of performance a factor in the final score line and a 7 point win which being fair includes 2-3 goals left behind. The score line as it was was good for both teams. I did ask could it have been even better on good dry day and firm ground because one might expect it could be.

The only other comment I'll make is that posters here need to be more analytical and fair in response. I gave an analysis of what I saw. Calling someone's opinion ridiculous which a few did is just being adverse. You weren't the only one and you made the point in context which is not so bad so I won't be taking it personally but a few other posters could all take a step back and allow people to give a point of view. You all might not like it but you don't have to be belligerent.

Anyway I'll leave ye all to it. Everyone here clearly knows more that I don't see any point giving a different point of view or perspective if posters just get disparaging.

Oh and for the record for a few others who asked I was at the game.

Iveagh (Westmeath) - Posts: 6 - 03/11/2024 22:33:55    2578239

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Replying To Iveagh:  "From half time it wasn't really in doubt. CTG seemed to be going through the gears and while they played well and clearly to a plan, a faster opposition with an alternative to the long ball which LLG stuck to could have been closer.

I felt that LLG suffered on first touch, and got caught in possession more than CTG while the space that CTG created for their fast young forwards gave them time on the ball.

LLG wasted a lot of ball, wides as well as long ball cleared down the middle which was too predictable after a while went stalemate and lot of which was cleared from the CTG HB and FB lines.

O Reilly was good but in my opinion lacks physical presence and his advantage today was space and speed over a slow LLG FB and HB lines where only Shane Williams excelled.

CTG were in luck that Eoin Daly had to be substituted. Himself and Tommy Doyle were central to the long ball plan. Without him LLG were under pressure to win and distribute ball and David Williams (who tried really hard) was living on slow scraps while trying to get through the CTG 'wall defence' as they retreated quickly.

Barry Kelly has a curious style. He would do well to remember that it's not inter county hurling and also reread the rule book on advantage rule. He seemed to signal advantage for both teams at times but not always recall the play to give a free.

Shout out to Noel Conaty. I'm my opinion the man of the match. We might want to applaud the CTG forwards but different forwards who left LLG backs trailing and went 1-1 on Conaty many times and he got the better of them. You don't see that often. It left me wondering what will those lighter CTG forwards achieve against faster stronger defences in Leinster.

Good entertaining game overall and enjoyable to watch. Seemed like LLG support was larger than CTG though I felt overall the crowd was small. What would a final be like on fast dry ground on a nice sunny day in early September?"
Is this the same slow Gaels back line that have been playing excellent all year and limited clonkill in the semi? David o Reilly is a super talent no question about that and inter county full back lines struggle marking him

westmeathgaa11 (Westmeath) - Posts: 294 - 04/11/2024 08:55:26    2578264

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Replying To Iveagh:  "No CTG were the far better team, I'm not sure why you said sour grapes.

I never suggested CTG didn't deserve their win. I gave them full credit, sure I stated it was over at HT and they were just going through the gears. To be honest my point is they could and should have won by more only for Noel Conaty and I agree Daly staying in would not have saved LLG, but because they seemed to me to be playing 1 dimensionally launching long to him and Jogger his loss was probably most acute for LLG.

I tried to point out aspects of the game that I felt were good for them and LLG and what both could have improved. I agree OReilly played well maybe I should have said that but I assumed that is widely agreed. But I was thinking of the next level. Someone mentioned his physical presence and I agree he is young but he will need more power. While it didn't affect his performance yesterday I also think that no matter how good anyone is, scoring 1-5 and not asking if the opposition (especially in terms of level of marking) were a factor is not presenting the whole case (and you all have being pointing out for weeks hIs threat) so that in mind that is a post mortem that LLG will and should do especially as you would think they would have man marked him. On the CTG forwards there was a lot they did apart from scoring that was super. They found lots of space and the diagonal balls from HBL to HFL and FFL was super, no one mentioned that. I also never said they had bad forwards. I made the point that they was only 1 LLG back who managed to contain CTG. But… My point on their forwards return was 5 goal opportunities 2 in the first and 3 more in the second were all very very clear goal chances, and I'm fairly sure when they do their review before the next game if they are honest they will not at all be happy with 1 goal no matter how many points they did scored, or how much ye have praised them especially if other posters here are to be believed as some seem to be suggesting that LLG were still in the game until the end and those missed goals if that is to be believed could have haunted CTG. IMHO CTG had extra gears all day. Everyone seemed happy to laud CTG but not ask did LLG play well or to full potential or was their level of performance a factor in the final score line and a 7 point win which being fair includes 2-3 goals left behind. The score line as it was was good for both teams. I did ask could it have been even better on good dry day and firm ground because one might expect it could be.

The only other comment I'll make is that posters here need to be more analytical and fair in response. I gave an analysis of what I saw. Calling someone's opinion ridiculous which a few did is just being adverse. You weren't the only one and you made the point in context which is not so bad so I won't be taking it personally but a few other posters could all take a step back and allow people to give a point of view. You all might not like it but you don't have to be belligerent.

Anyway I'll leave ye all to it. Everyone here clearly knows more that I don't see any point giving a different point of view or perspective if posters just get disparaging.

Oh and for the record for a few others who asked I was at the game."
I think your view on O Reilly is correct and should be commended.Why? Simply because this young man has the potential to be among the best forwards in the country not to mind Westmeath and to achieve this he will need to be physically stronger.
We will see this soon when he will contend with Kilkenny defenders.

The reality is to be highly competitive CTG will have to up their game a lot before next weekend amid celebrations.

Dont be getting up on your high horse and running off.WH hurling needs constructive criticism and we all get flak on here.

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1600 - 04/11/2024 09:19:22    2578272

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Replying To jobber:  "I think your view on O Reilly is correct and should be commended.Why? Simply because this young man has the potential to be among the best forwards in the country not to mind Westmeath and to achieve this he will need to be physically stronger.
We will see this soon when he will contend with Kilkenny defenders.

The reality is to be highly competitive CTG will have to up their game a lot before next weekend amid celebrations.

Dont be getting up on your high horse and running off.WH hurling needs constructive criticism and we all get flak on here."
Fair statements

They will give it a go whether it's enough doubt but agree. I think David is great yes of course he is young and has areas to work on but still time for that

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 517 - 04/11/2024 09:38:20    2578277

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Replying To jobber:  "I think your view on O Reilly is correct and should be commended.Why? Simply because this young man has the potential to be among the best forwards in the country not to mind Westmeath and to achieve this he will need to be physically stronger.
We will see this soon when he will contend with Kilkenny defenders.

The reality is to be highly competitive CTG will have to up their game a lot before next weekend amid celebrations.

Dont be getting up on your high horse and running off.WH hurling needs constructive criticism and we all get flak on here."
O'Reilly is only just 19, he has plenty of time to fill out. He is a tall lad and the most important thing is his hurling ability is outstanding. The same thing is being said about Screeney in Offaly regarding being too light, that can be worked on but the likes of O'Reilly and Screeney have that skill and ability that can't be coached. I'd rather have to work on a lads S&C than have a unit of a lad that can't hurl.

Dheen (Westmeath) - Posts: 951 - 04/11/2024 09:47:21    2578278

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "From half time it wasn't in doubt!!! There were two points in it at half time and O' Brien's save from Jogger would have made it a two point game with five mins left. Any poster not fully acknowledging David O' Reilly's talent, attitude and accuracy is disappointed that CTG won. As for the crowd, there was a huge attendance"
O Reilly is a smashing young player. Give him time and he will be doing that for Westmeath at senior level

A_Chairde (Westmeath) - Posts: 242 - 04/11/2024 09:57:07    2578283

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Replying To A_Chairde:  "O Reilly is a smashing young player. Give him time and he will be doing that for Westmeath at senior level"
Exactly but people are forgetting his performances in the Joe Mcdonagh this year at 18. His debut season. 1-02 vs Offaly, 0-05 up in Down, 0-06 vs Meath, 0-04 vs Laois. He's already doing it.

Dheen (Westmeath) - Posts: 951 - 04/11/2024 11:01:23    2578287

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Replying To A_Chairde:  "O Reilly is a smashing young player. Give him time and he will be doing that for Westmeath at senior level"
Castletown stronger than LLG all over the pitch. To me o Reilly a player very similar to martin Comerford of kilkenny great skill and strength with plenty of time to fill out. Hurling seems to be his main focus now as he is a better hurler than footballer so that time with the county will benefit him. Could be a good spell for Castletown raharney will be back but wouldnt bet against CTG doing a double with the young squad there.

Dazzler30 (Westmeath) - Posts: 34 - 04/11/2024 11:01:40    2578288

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Unfortunately I can't see father Dalton's going far in Leinster, playing v strong team from laois who won a senior not long ago and were in senior finals

preddan (Kildare) - Posts: 760 - 04/11/2024 12:50:31    2578313

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CBS Mullingar vs CBS Kilkenny in the Leinster junior "A" semi final confirmed for this Wednesday at 12pm in Robinstown. Having beaten Enniscorthy of Wexford and Colaiste Eoin of Dublin comprehensively the Mullingar school are aiming for an historic Leinster hurling final at "A" level and give Westmeath hurling a major shot in the arm. Bundles of talent on the team and managed by Adrian Moran. This side are likely to be the backbone of the county minor team for 2025.

Dheen (Westmeath) - Posts: 951 - 04/11/2024 15:21:14    2578350

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Replying To preddan:  "Unfortunately I can't see father Dalton's going far in Leinster, playing v strong team from laois who won a senior not long ago and were in senior finals"
I agree its a big challenge for the 3 Westmeath clubs.I hear the Laois lads think they are going to have a real go at Leinster but if Daltons play like they did v Delvin they are well capable.Brownstown have to go to Carlow with no Conor Shaw or Rice and Castletown facing hot Leinster favourites Thomastown.

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1600 - 04/11/2024 15:43:41    2578353

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Replying To jobber:  "I agree its a big challenge for the 3 Westmeath clubs.I hear the Laois lads think they are going to have a real go at Leinster but if Daltons play like they did v Delvin they are well capable.Brownstown have to go to Carlow with no Conor Shaw or Rice and Castletown facing hot Leinster favourites Thomastown."
yes they have laois county players past and present involved including scully who did the damage against westmeath in that league play off in 2021, id say definiltey in with a good chance in leinster if not further. westmeath needs a good club year in leinster badly

preddan (Kildare) - Posts: 760 - 04/11/2024 20:04:44    2578401

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Replying To preddan:  "yes they have laois county players past and present involved including scully who did the damage against westmeath in that league play off in 2021, id say definiltey in with a good chance in leinster if not further. westmeath needs a good club year in leinster badly"
True but the draw has not been kind.Castletown face team 2nd favourites to win All Ireland,Daltons face without a doubt a team who can do a Thomastown in 2025 while Brownstown have to travel to Cullen Park without 2 key players.

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1600 - 05/11/2024 07:55:02    2578419

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Replying To jobber:  "True but the draw has not been kind.Castletown face team 2nd favourites to win All Ireland,Daltons face without a doubt a team who can do a Thomastown in 2025 while Brownstown have to travel to Cullen Park without 2 key players."
The draw is never kind, we always face either the Dublin or Kilkenny champions in the first round. I do feel CTG will be up for it though, we will see how it all goes. Is Conor Shaw injured for Brownstown?

Dheen (Westmeath) - Posts: 951 - 05/11/2024 10:46:12    2578430

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Replying To jobber:  "True but the draw has not been kind.Castletown face team 2nd favourites to win All Ireland,Daltons face without a doubt a team who can do a Thomastown in 2025 while Brownstown have to travel to Cullen Park without 2 key players."
I agree with a lot of your takes but no way will Dalton win senior A next year nothing they are bad team don't think they will

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 517 - 05/11/2024 14:22:15    2578463

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Replying To jobber:  "True but the draw has not been kind.Castletown face team 2nd favourites to win All Ireland,Daltons face without a doubt a team who can do a Thomastown in 2025 while Brownstown have to travel to Cullen Park without 2 key players."
Never mind I misread your statement agree.

My apologies.

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 517 - 05/11/2024 14:23:09    2578464

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Replying To Dheen:  "The draw is never kind, we always face either the Dublin or Kilkenny champions in the first round. I do feel CTG will be up for it though, we will see how it all goes. Is Conor Shaw injured for Brownstown?"
Lads I'm sticking my neck on the line here I really fancy CTG against Thomastown. The style of hurling now being all about possession has really equalised the playing field. KK hurling either inter county or club has always been about ball winners and hurling man against man. They struggle if you play against them doing something different, either sweeper or extra midfielder.You should never be afraid of them. The only thing CTG should be concerned with is their own ambition. Happy to win Westmeath senior or go all out to start making the next step. You've O Reilly scoring 1-5 and O Brien 10 points and varley chipping in with 3 points. Christ lads scoring 1-27 and having three good goal chances saved is not to be sniffed at.

2maroonjerseys (Galway) - Posts: 97 - 05/11/2024 15:02:37    2578473

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Replying To 2maroonjerseys:  "Lads I'm sticking my neck on the line here I really fancy CTG against Thomastown. The style of hurling now being all about possession has really equalised the playing field. KK hurling either inter county or club has always been about ball winners and hurling man against man. They struggle if you play against them doing something different, either sweeper or extra midfielder.You should never be afraid of them. The only thing CTG should be concerned with is their own ambition. Happy to win Westmeath senior or go all out to start making the next step. You've O Reilly scoring 1-5 and O Brien 10 points and varley chipping in with 3 points. Christ lads scoring 1-27 and having three good goal chances saved is not to be sniffed at."
You obviously havn't seen Thomastown play in the last 12 months to make such a sweeping statement?

Their movement, working the ball through the lines and stick work is phenomenal, not to mention the ferocity of their tackling versus two of the best club teams in Ireland Ballyhale and O'Loughlin Gaels.

Thomastown are playing one of the best brands of hurling I have seen a club play in years.

I'm not saying Castletown can't win, but Thomastown are definitely not a hit and hope and catch team.

Past hurler (None) - Posts: 806 - 05/11/2024 16:04:14    2578483

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I do like the optimism, Castletown are well capable and as you say scoring 1-27 and having 3 certain goals saved is definitely nothing to be sniffed at, I actually think Castletown were only going through the years too their is plenty more in them. As the weather potentially worsens though it won't suit their style of play, they like to play nice hurling and spray the ball around the pitch. Thomastown are a super team and are playing fantastic hurling, they coasted through the Intermediate club championship last year and then cut through O'Loughlin Gaels in the Kilkenny final and won comfortably enough in the end. Nobody will be expecting Castletown to win but we would all love a good performance and to show they can mix it with the Kilkenny boys. Castletown have some excellent stickmen, they are the most balanced club side in Westmeath and are the one side you'd put out against Thomastown If you had to pick one of our clubs to play them. I'd imagine Johnny Bermingham will pick up John Donnelly

Dheen (Westmeath) - Posts: 951 - 05/11/2024 17:09:39    2578492

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