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Hurling Club Championships 2024/25 - General Discussion

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "Naomh Mearnóg match v Garrycastle moved and good weather forecast for Sunday but rain tomorrow before and possibly during Cuala v Tullamore."
Yes, Barney, the Naomh Mearnog v Garrycastle game ended up in Inisfails GAA club. Looks like a genuine, hard-working club but I don't think their pitch was suitable for a Leinster semi-final, even at Intermediate level. No stand, seating accommodation or scoreboard, while the lack of dugouts meant that subs and mentors had to stand inside the barriers, thereby blocking the view of parts of the pitch for the spectators. The pitch seemed OK, especially considering the recent weather and the short notice the club received, but one has to wonder did Leinster Council and/or Dublin Co Board inspect the facilities in advance. It should have been obvious early last week that it was a mistake to fix three matches for Parnell within 26 hours, and there should have been ample time to make suitable alternative arrangements. Whatever about the players, it looks like little regard was had for the spectators who would have paid the same admission fee as those enjoying much more comfortable viewing elsewhere.

midlands (Westmeath) - Posts: 588 - 25/11/2024 16:37:30    2581202

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Replying To midlands:  "Yes, Barney, the Naomh Mearnog v Garrycastle game ended up in Inisfails GAA club. Looks like a genuine, hard-working club but I don't think their pitch was suitable for a Leinster semi-final, even at Intermediate level. No stand, seating accommodation or scoreboard, while the lack of dugouts meant that subs and mentors had to stand inside the barriers, thereby blocking the view of parts of the pitch for the spectators. The pitch seemed OK, especially considering the recent weather and the short notice the club received, but one has to wonder did Leinster Council and/or Dublin Co Board inspect the facilities in advance. It should have been obvious early last week that it was a mistake to fix three matches for Parnell within 26 hours, and there should have been ample time to make suitable alternative arrangements. Whatever about the players, it looks like little regard was had for the spectators who would have paid the same admission fee as those enjoying much more comfortable viewing elsewhere."
There's very few Dublin pitches that can accommodate a decent crowd. O'Toole Park - bad winter sod, Peregrines have a small stand, a few with banks and steps. That be it. Hard lines on supporters who paid in.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 3187 - 25/11/2024 17:05:45    2581214

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "There's very few Dublin pitches that can accommodate a decent crowd. O'Toole Park - bad winter sod, Peregrines have a small stand, a few with banks and steps. That be it. Hard lines on supporters who paid in."
In that case, maybe Leinster Council should have considered moving the game to a neutral venue outside of Dublin. I'm sure there are suitable alternatives in Kildare or Meath, and I don't think Naomh Mearnog would have been too unhappy to make a relatively short journey to somewhere like Ashbourne, Leixlip or somewhere in those regions with a suitable venue.

midlands (Westmeath) - Posts: 588 - 25/11/2024 17:28:56    2581217

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Replying To midlands:  "In that case, maybe Leinster Council should have considered moving the game to a neutral venue outside of Dublin. I'm sure there are suitable alternatives in Kildare or Meath, and I don't think Naomh Mearnog would have been too unhappy to make a relatively short journey to somewhere like Ashbourne, Leixlip or somewhere in those regions with a suitable venue."
No idea. Doubt either of the clubs were consulted, Happens regularly to "lower grade" games in Dublin too where venues are switched last minute if weather is bad and they don't want the bigger games messed up!

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 3187 - 25/11/2024 19:31:17    2581233

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Ballygunner will eventually be beaten in Waterford and Munster. However they will still be around for years to come because of their feeder system. It has been said they are not tested in Waterford. This is not correct. Yes they have dished out heavy defeats at home but also Waterford teams have got closer to them than other Munster teams. A lot of noise is made about their pick but 60% of the team are family or cousins. What are they supposed to do ? Go some where else ? Area alone is not the reason for their success. Well managed from the time they pick up a hurley and consistency of style up along has them prepared. Tramore is a big town and area playing junior most of the time. Ballygunner I am sure would like more All_Ireland success but getting out of the Munster bear pit is a tough assignment which they have done well. They are one of the great club teams of all time and building on more success. Looking forward to a good game on Sunday with the best team winning.

Canuck (Waterford) - Posts: 2878 - 25/11/2024 19:43:14    2581236

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "No idea. Doubt either of the clubs were consulted, Happens regularly to "lower grade" games in Dublin too where venues are switched last minute if weather is bad and they don't want the bigger games messed up!"
That's the message I got from some Naomh Mearnog supporters on Saturday. They weren't at all happy about being "messed around", and especially annoyed about the the lateness of the change.

midlands (Westmeath) - Posts: 588 - 25/11/2024 21:42:14    2581251

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Replying To Canuck:  "Ballygunner will eventually be beaten in Waterford and Munster. However they will still be around for years to come because of their feeder system. It has been said they are not tested in Waterford. This is not correct. Yes they have dished out heavy defeats at home but also Waterford teams have got closer to them than other Munster teams. A lot of noise is made about their pick but 60% of the team are family or cousins. What are they supposed to do ? Go some where else ? Area alone is not the reason for their success. Well managed from the time they pick up a hurley and consistency of style up along has them prepared. Tramore is a big town and area playing junior most of the time. Ballygunner I am sure would like more All_Ireland success but getting out of the Munster bear pit is a tough assignment which they have done well. They are one of the great club teams of all time and building on more success. Looking forward to a good game on Sunday with the best team winning."
It is understandable that people resent the "super clubs" in their own county but as you say are they supposed to turn people away or drop their standards?

Na Fianna are now among that catagory I suppose but if it wasn't for them there would be another swathe of Dublin city in which GAA hardly exists. Same probably be said of Na Piarsiagh in Limerick.

Anyone who has hundreds of kids hurling is credit to association.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 3187 - 25/11/2024 21:43:05    2581252

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "It is understandable that people resent the "super clubs" in their own county but as you say are they supposed to turn people away or drop their standards?

Na Fianna are now among that catagory I suppose but if it wasn't for them there would be another swathe of Dublin city in which GAA hardly exists. Same probably be said of Na Piarsiagh in Limerick.

Anyone who has hundreds of kids hurling is credit to association."
For sure Barney.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14008 - 26/11/2024 07:09:24    2581264

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Replying To Redzer99:  "Out of the teams left I'd rank it:

1) Ballygunner
2) Loughrea
3) Slaughtneil
4) Na Fianna
5) Sarsfields
6) Kilcormac
7) Martins
8) Casteltown
9) Portaferry

I wouldn't be bashing Loughrea at all. There two games away from being All Ireland champions and will fancy their chances against Leinster opposition. I'd fancy Na Fianna by 5+ against Martins in Parnell tbh."
Think loughrea really are lucky to be here, won't be much between slaughtneil v portaferry but if Slaughtneil reproduce their previous then they'll win by 6+, I'd have Slaughtneil at 2 with portaferry 5 or 6. Loughrea would be 7 at best. Na fianna at 4.
Ballygunnar and Slaughtneil are both the form clubs.

exref (Antrim) - Posts: 69 - 26/11/2024 19:30:10    2581365

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You have to have a great appreciation for all the club teams involved. The clubs are the cornerstone of our games with the voluntary work of players and officials. Of course you want your county reps to do well but no begrudgingly against anyone. The Waterford champs are an exceptional team and club. Making us proud.

Canuck (Waterford) - Posts: 2878 - 26/11/2024 23:51:56    2581406

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Replying To Canuck:  "You have to have a great appreciation for all the club teams involved. The clubs are the cornerstone of our games with the voluntary work of players and officials. Of course you want your county reps to do well but no begrudgingly against anyone. The Waterford champs are an exceptional team and club. Making us proud."
It is a fantastic competition as are all the club competitions. And while I am not a fan of downgrading of All Ireland county championship, the clubs have in some ways compensated for that both in crowds and in people backing their own county representative as used to be case before 1920s.

Hopefully big crows again for the provincial finals despite the distraction of the elections. Be more interesting, that's for sure. At least the main contenders are different :-)

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 3187 - 27/11/2024 15:54:39    2581492

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "It is a fantastic competition as are all the club competitions. And while I am not a fan of downgrading of All Ireland county championship, the clubs have in some ways compensated for that both in crowds and in people backing their own county representative as used to be case before 1920s.

Hopefully big crows again for the provincial finals despite the distraction of the elections. Be more interesting, that's for sure. At least the main contenders are different :-)"
Ill be in the Park for the Intermediate final. Get home in time to see the Ulster final hopefully. Will watch the Munster final on recording. Be a great day's hurling I'm sure!

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14008 - 27/11/2024 16:53:24    2581498

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Replying To Canuck:  "Ballygunner will eventually be beaten in Waterford and Munster. However they will still be around for years to come because of their feeder system. It has been said they are not tested in Waterford. This is not correct. Yes they have dished out heavy defeats at home but also Waterford teams have got closer to them than other Munster teams. A lot of noise is made about their pick but 60% of the team are family or cousins. What are they supposed to do ? Go some where else ? Area alone is not the reason for their success. Well managed from the time they pick up a hurley and consistency of style up along has them prepared. Tramore is a big town and area playing junior most of the time. Ballygunner I am sure would like more All_Ireland success but getting out of the Munster bear pit is a tough assignment which they have done well. They are one of the great club teams of all time and building on more success. Looking forward to a good game on Sunday with the best team winning."
A great team for sure. Probably the best ever from Munster - 11 in a row Waterford, 3 in a row Munster albeit only one AI (which I think has motivated them to keep on going)
TBH I tyhink its a bit of a mystery how they have only managed a single AI

I dont follow Waterford club hurling but I had thought they had pretty much cruised through Waterford the past few years - their average winning margin in 11 county finals was >12. Only one of the 11 was close in terms of the score (2015)
it doesnt look like any team has really put it up to them - they have beaten 8 different teams in 11 finals

In Munster it took them a while to find their feet - Borriseleigh beat them in 2019, Na Piarsaigh in 2017
Na Piarsaigh probably their closest rivals although they seem to have moved back just a little as Ballygunner keep improving
They did win their last 3 Munster titles relatively easy but Doon gave them plenty of it in the first round this year. They deserved to win, but Doon could have easily pulled off an upset

No problem at all with them winning, I am a big admirer and its up to the other teams in Waterford (and munster) to get to their level but cant help but wonder if its good to have the Waterford championship so one sided
I think it has helped them win Munster that they can pace themselves and time their peak for Munster, while in other counties its more competitive and teams have to do a lot more to win

Yadse (Limerick) - Posts: 59 - 27/11/2024 17:45:55    2581503

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Replying To exref:  "Think loughrea really are lucky to be here, won't be much between slaughtneil v portaferry but if Slaughtneil reproduce their previous then they'll win by 6+, I'd have Slaughtneil at 2 with portaferry 5 or 6. Loughrea would be 7 at best. Na fianna at 4.
Ballygunnar and Slaughtneil are both the form clubs."
7 at best.
How many Loughrea games did you watch this year?
They're unbeaten in the Galway championship. A much more competitive championship than Ulster.

BigBàsMan (Galway) - Posts: 40 - 27/11/2024 21:15:27    2581519

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Replying To Yadse:  "A great team for sure. Probably the best ever from Munster - 11 in a row Waterford, 3 in a row Munster albeit only one AI (which I think has motivated them to keep on going)
TBH I tyhink its a bit of a mystery how they have only managed a single AI

I dont follow Waterford club hurling but I had thought they had pretty much cruised through Waterford the past few years - their average winning margin in 11 county finals was >12. Only one of the 11 was close in terms of the score (2015)
it doesnt look like any team has really put it up to them - they have beaten 8 different teams in 11 finals

In Munster it took them a while to find their feet - Borriseleigh beat them in 2019, Na Piarsaigh in 2017
Na Piarsaigh probably their closest rivals although they seem to have moved back just a little as Ballygunner keep improving
They did win their last 3 Munster titles relatively easy but Doon gave them plenty of it in the first round this year. They deserved to win, but Doon could have easily pulled off an upset

No problem at all with them winning, I am a big admirer and its up to the other teams in Waterford (and munster) to get to their level but cant help but wonder if its good to have the Waterford championship so one sided
I think it has helped them win Munster that they can pace themselves and time their peak for Munster, while in other counties its more competitive and teams have to do a lot more to win"
They've only won one AI because they got beaten in the knockout rounds when they came up against other great club teams from other provinces. They've actually a 100% winning record in finals thanks to that Harry Ruddle smash and grab goal.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14008 - 27/11/2024 21:48:08    2581526

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Replying To Viking66:  "They've only won one AI because they got beaten in the knockout rounds when they came up against other great club teams from other provinces. They've actually a 100% winning record in finals thanks to that Harry Ruddle smash and grab goal."
I guess Viking you can look at it many ways Or the glass half full. Not many of them teams from other provinces would make it out of Munster with the exception of Ballyhale. Ballygunner were beaten in a stupid shootout last year when Dessie slipped in the mud. I agree they would not be pleased with All-Ireland returns but their length of time at the top table outside the county makes them one of the greatest club teams. Maybe the bar for that accolade is more that All-Irelands won. I was fortunate to grow up in the time of great club teams. Watching Rathnure,Glen Rovers,Bennettsbridge, Thurles Sarsfield .Mount Sion etc.

Canuck (Waterford) - Posts: 2878 - 28/11/2024 17:18:24    2581624

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Big news for Limerick Hurling....

https://www.rte.ie/sport/hurling/2024/1128/1483615-dowling-to-make-shock-comeback-with-limerick/

Fionn (Dublin) - Posts: 4009 - 28/11/2024 17:36:07    2581629

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Ballygunner have champ. could give Sarsfields an awful hammering.

CorkLiamMcCarthy24 (Cork) - Posts: 47 - 28/11/2024 18:47:10    2581639

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Replying To CorkLiamMcCarthy24:  "Ballygunner have champ. could give Sarsfields an awful hammering."
They will win the all Ireland

BaileCrann (Down) - Posts: 46 - 28/11/2024 20:12:24    2581652

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Replying To Canuck:  "I guess Viking you can look at it many ways Or the glass half full. Not many of them teams from other provinces would make it out of Munster with the exception of Ballyhale. Ballygunner were beaten in a stupid shootout last year when Dessie slipped in the mud. I agree they would not be pleased with All-Ireland returns but their length of time at the top table outside the county makes them one of the greatest club teams. Maybe the bar for that accolade is more that All-Irelands won. I was fortunate to grow up in the time of great club teams. Watching Rathnure,Glen Rovers,Bennettsbridge, Thurles Sarsfield .Mount Sion etc."
Ballygunner are by far the best team in Munster for the last good few years. But to say that all the teams from other provinces would struggle to get out of Munster is delusional. Munster club teams have only won 2 AIs in the last 20 years, 1 with Ruddles spectacular if speculative last minute goal, and the other when NaP beat Carlow Champions MLR. Yet you are saying all the clubs that beat Munster clubs the rest of the time would have struggled to beat the same Munster clubs in the Munster championship?

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14008 - 28/11/2024 20:40:07    2581656

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