And just as Gods game was being written off the Munster hurling championship sprung to life again in the summer of 07. After the damp squib that was the opening round between Clare and Cork many pundits had started writing off the value of the provincial championships.
On Sunday the 10TH June 2007 two former giants of the game led their respective charges into battle into the cauldron that was the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. The Limerick crowd turned out more in hope than expectation following on the heels of six years without a Munster championship victory. The Premier County arrived in Limerick to the news that Curran and Corbett weren’t fit to start and that Eoin Kelly was carrying a knock going into the game.
Straight from the throw in it was obvious there was something different about this Limerick side, something had changed from the previous few years of heartache, pain and near misses for they were playing with a fire in their bellies, a fire that was only matched by the searing afternoon sun. After twenty three minutes, disaster struck as Limericks Captain Damien Reale saw red for a second bookable offence following a chop down on Kelly. The Limerick rear guard had already been breached, following a John Carroll (who gave Mark Foley the run around for the afternoon) goal and now the defence would have to be reshuffled.
Limerick went in at the break a man down, three points down and the hard luck stories of the passed half decade looked set to be repeated once more. The teams came out for the second half and Keatings men set out there stall, opting to play the extra man in the full back line instead of putting Limerick to the sword and deploying him further out the field, for the first 15 minutes of the second half at least. But Limerick stayed plucking away, fighting for every ball, chasing in packs refusing to give in. None more so than Ollie Moran, who at 31 years of age stood up to be counted putting in a man of the match performance. A leader in the half forward line Limerick have been craving and the rest of the troops followed. A goal and a point in the last few minutes of the game meant that this enthralling energy sapping tie would be brought to a replay.
The Limerick camp rejoiced at the chance to get a second bite of the cherry where as there seemed to be an heir of discontent in the Tipp camp. Babs came out after the game claiming that some of his charges hadn’t stood up to be counted in the heat of battle and questioned a few of the officials decisions also. Maybe this was psychological, maybe not but the force was now firmly behind Limerick entering into the replay.
Going into day two, one would have to give the advantage to Limerick who had the mental edge over Tipp, or so one have thought. Tipp lined up but for the first time in 12yrs without Brendan Cummins between the sticks, Babs Keating instead choosing to give a debut to young Kennedy. Tipperary blew Limerick away in the first half, Kennedy saved a penalty and Babs men went in at half time 10 points to the good. Game over? Surely?
Against all odds, Richie Bennis’ charges rose from the depths of despair and clawed there way back, inch by inch, a point at a time. One of the keys to Limericks revival was that they never panicked, they never went searching for goals, knowing that if they stayed picking off their points that the might unnerve Tipp. And they did, when with the last puck of the game Andrew Shaughnessy stood over a 20 yard free to level the sides. The temperatures may have been down on the previous week but the feast of passion, heart and Munster Championship hurling certainly was not. After 20 minutes of extra time there was nothing to separate these gladiators and they would need a third day out.
Day three and after 160 minutes of top class hurling these sides are coming back for more. These sides know each other inside out at this stage and it will take one piece of magic to separate the sides. Tipp have the higher skilled hurlers, something that was never more noticeable than during the first half last Saturday. The Limerick lads would need two to three touches to kill or rise the sliothar where as Tipp were faster with the basics and much more clinical as well. But these days players need more than skill and physical fitness. Players need to be mentally strong and this is where the Premier County are slipping up. Bennis’s use of the bench was the other major factor to Limericks revival on both days. In a game that again went into extra time it was Limerick who got the rallying scores from Niall and Ollie Moran at vital times. But these scores would have been worthless if it werent for the solid base built by Geary, Hickey and Foley at the back. Limerick went on to win 0-22 to 2-13.
This game much like the Battle Royal did for fotball in '91 revitlized hurling. In the end there was no fairytale victory for Limerick, Kilkenny won the All Ireland in an emotional match dedicated to the memory of Vanessa McGarry, wife of Kilkennys goalkeeper James. But what the 2007 season has shown is that the GAA and above all Hurling needs teams like Limerick, Waterford, Clare or Offaly to mix it up with the bigger teams and add that bit of romance, that bit of hope in the search for the Holy Grail.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Rebel Rebels
It is a topic that has divided a nation. Much like the Collins and de Valera or Keane and McCarthy debates everyone has an opinion. It is an issue that has caused divides in families and parishes. The strike by the Cork Hurling Panel 2008, could have repricussions far beyond the 2009 championship but its not the first time we have been down this road.
In November 2002 the then Cork hurling panel went on strike. The players were seeking better conditions and refused to play until their demands were met. Having the team doctor at all Championship and league matches, free gym access and disputes over travel arrangements were among their demands. The players also raised an issue about the undue influence County Secretary, Frank Murphy had over selectors. The strike eventually ended prior to the start of the National League in 2003 but not before the footballers too joined the strike in sympathy to their county colleagues.
Indeed this strike was seen as a massive step forward by a GAA team. An organization that has prided itself as the leading amateur organtization in the world had taken a step towards professionalism in terms of training methods and player preparation for big games. Donal Ogs tactical puck outs, Jerry O'Connors all running all action mid-field play, three half backs that dominated the air ways above Semple, Pairc Ui Caoimh and Croke Park for many battles raised the bar for all other counties. Every detail covered, every advantage found and used including the introduction of the much debated Cummins sliothar, no quarter asked or given.
This panel was to hurling as the 6 counties and blanket defense was to football. There is no doubt that these players changed the face of hurling and the record speaks for itself as two All Irelands, three Munster titles and many epic encounters in the four year period between 2003-2006 shows.
Fast forward five years and a second strike. This time both the footballers and hurlers walked out at the same time over the issue of who should pick the senior team selectors. The players believed this was a job for the manager however the County Board picked the selectors when football manager Billy Holland was appointed. The footballers then refused to play under Billy Holland, as he accepted the appointment while the players were on strike. It took 97 days, abandonded National League fixtures, calls from the then Taoiseach Berti Ahern to enter talks, binding arbitration and the sacking of Billy Holland to end the dispute. The outcome of the arbitration chaired by Labour Relations Commissioner Kieran Mulvey were clear:
# Teddy Holland and his selectors to resign from their positions.
# The Cork players committed to not engage in future strikes.
# The new management committee will be five county board members and two players.
# The new management will be able to pick their own selectors.
In February 2007 Conor Counihan was appointed the new manager of the Cork footballers and all remaining League and Championship fixtures were played. On the 10th of August the Cork hurlers played their last match against the soon to be crowned All Ireland three in a row Champions, Kilkenny. After a topsy turvy campaign that was filled with many great clashes and legendary come backs the Cork hurling panel of 2008 bowed out with a whimper.
Less than two months later and Gerald McCarthy was re-appointed as the Cork Hurling Manager. This was followed by an outburt from an enraged Ben O'Connor who was adamant the panel would not go back, nor would they back down until their demands were met. Both camps had dug their trenches and were now digging their heals in for the long haul. A bitter war of word has ensued over the last 3 months with the rift between players and County Board/Gearld McCarthy getting deeper and wider.
At the end of January John Gardiner backed by the entire 2008 squad read a statement to the waiting press highlighting the following:
# They deny that any of the current squad assembled by Gerald McCarthy were put under pressure not to play and say that they will not bear any grudge against them for doing so
# The striking hurlers seek a meeting with the chairman of every club where they will outline their case and address any concerns they have on the current stand-off.
# They are calling on delegates on the Cork County Board to make their real feelings known. If they do that and they decide to back Gerald McCarthy, then the 2008 squad pledges to "disband" and will not stand in the way of any player who wishes to hurl for Cork
# They say Frank Murphy should not be expected to lead the Cork Co Board forever and describe his longevity of service as "unhealthy".
Following this statement the press were free to ask the panel questions, and from young to old the panel were united in their response. Each one singing from the same well rehearsed hymn sheet. It was signifigant too that it was John Gardiner and not Donal Og or Sean Og who read the statement. This was a statement of intent from the players. A last cry for help.
It is 125 years since Michael Cusack sat in Hayes Hotel Thurles and founded the GAA with 6 other like minded men but when he did so its hard to think that it this he had in mind for the organization. With the Championship looming large, the rebel rebels continue to train on their own as a squad united while McCarthy forages away with a panel of fourth and fifth choice players. Although they have shown bravery, belief and pride in the jersey, so far in their NHL outings there is little doubt that hard ground, fast ball and the heat of championship battle and this panel would be the whipping boys of '09.
It is hard to see an outcome to this without one side or other having to make some concessions. Whether you are in the players camp or the County Board/McCarthy camp there is one thing for sure there will be no winners. Cork GAA and the famous rebel jersey are the biggest losers of all in this sorry and sad dispute.
In November 2002 the then Cork hurling panel went on strike. The players were seeking better conditions and refused to play until their demands were met. Having the team doctor at all Championship and league matches, free gym access and disputes over travel arrangements were among their demands. The players also raised an issue about the undue influence County Secretary, Frank Murphy had over selectors. The strike eventually ended prior to the start of the National League in 2003 but not before the footballers too joined the strike in sympathy to their county colleagues.
Indeed this strike was seen as a massive step forward by a GAA team. An organization that has prided itself as the leading amateur organtization in the world had taken a step towards professionalism in terms of training methods and player preparation for big games. Donal Ogs tactical puck outs, Jerry O'Connors all running all action mid-field play, three half backs that dominated the air ways above Semple, Pairc Ui Caoimh and Croke Park for many battles raised the bar for all other counties. Every detail covered, every advantage found and used including the introduction of the much debated Cummins sliothar, no quarter asked or given.
This panel was to hurling as the 6 counties and blanket defense was to football. There is no doubt that these players changed the face of hurling and the record speaks for itself as two All Irelands, three Munster titles and many epic encounters in the four year period between 2003-2006 shows.
Fast forward five years and a second strike. This time both the footballers and hurlers walked out at the same time over the issue of who should pick the senior team selectors. The players believed this was a job for the manager however the County Board picked the selectors when football manager Billy Holland was appointed. The footballers then refused to play under Billy Holland, as he accepted the appointment while the players were on strike. It took 97 days, abandonded National League fixtures, calls from the then Taoiseach Berti Ahern to enter talks, binding arbitration and the sacking of Billy Holland to end the dispute. The outcome of the arbitration chaired by Labour Relations Commissioner Kieran Mulvey were clear:
# Teddy Holland and his selectors to resign from their positions.
# The Cork players committed to not engage in future strikes.
# The new management committee will be five county board members and two players.
# The new management will be able to pick their own selectors.
In February 2007 Conor Counihan was appointed the new manager of the Cork footballers and all remaining League and Championship fixtures were played. On the 10th of August the Cork hurlers played their last match against the soon to be crowned All Ireland three in a row Champions, Kilkenny. After a topsy turvy campaign that was filled with many great clashes and legendary come backs the Cork hurling panel of 2008 bowed out with a whimper.
Less than two months later and Gerald McCarthy was re-appointed as the Cork Hurling Manager. This was followed by an outburt from an enraged Ben O'Connor who was adamant the panel would not go back, nor would they back down until their demands were met. Both camps had dug their trenches and were now digging their heals in for the long haul. A bitter war of word has ensued over the last 3 months with the rift between players and County Board/Gearld McCarthy getting deeper and wider.
At the end of January John Gardiner backed by the entire 2008 squad read a statement to the waiting press highlighting the following:
# They deny that any of the current squad assembled by Gerald McCarthy were put under pressure not to play and say that they will not bear any grudge against them for doing so
# The striking hurlers seek a meeting with the chairman of every club where they will outline their case and address any concerns they have on the current stand-off.
# They are calling on delegates on the Cork County Board to make their real feelings known. If they do that and they decide to back Gerald McCarthy, then the 2008 squad pledges to "disband" and will not stand in the way of any player who wishes to hurl for Cork
# They say Frank Murphy should not be expected to lead the Cork Co Board forever and describe his longevity of service as "unhealthy".
Following this statement the press were free to ask the panel questions, and from young to old the panel were united in their response. Each one singing from the same well rehearsed hymn sheet. It was signifigant too that it was John Gardiner and not Donal Og or Sean Og who read the statement. This was a statement of intent from the players. A last cry for help.
It is 125 years since Michael Cusack sat in Hayes Hotel Thurles and founded the GAA with 6 other like minded men but when he did so its hard to think that it this he had in mind for the organization. With the Championship looming large, the rebel rebels continue to train on their own as a squad united while McCarthy forages away with a panel of fourth and fifth choice players. Although they have shown bravery, belief and pride in the jersey, so far in their NHL outings there is little doubt that hard ground, fast ball and the heat of championship battle and this panel would be the whipping boys of '09.
It is hard to see an outcome to this without one side or other having to make some concessions. Whether you are in the players camp or the County Board/McCarthy camp there is one thing for sure there will be no winners. Cork GAA and the famous rebel jersey are the biggest losers of all in this sorry and sad dispute.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
February 8th - NHL Rnd 1
Cork vs Dublin
A cold freeze greeted the first round of the National Hurling League with most of the fixtures falling foul to the adverse weather conditions. One fixture that survived was the meeting of Gerald McCarthys Cork and Anthony Dalys Dublin. There were many side stories to this clash, not least the on-going exile of the squad of 2008. The previous day an estimated 10,000 people marched in support of the rebel rebels, to show solidarity to the players and to further highlight the damage this strike will do to the GAA season.
With Gerald McCarthy fielding an experimental team, Dalys Dublin were in a no win situation. The Dublin side who were physically the stronger and more experienced at this level started the brighter, getting a goal inside the first five minutes of the game.At half time the Dubs looked comfortable leading by 3-4 to 0-7. but this didnt tell the whole story as in the opening 35 minutes they were playing against a strong wind and in the conditions all six of their forwards hit wides. In the second half the rebels battled bravely against the elements and all the odds and really put it up to Dublin. Bouyed by their keepers peanalty save in the 42nd minute Cork seemed to get some self belief. Dublin however won the 2 league points on offer winning by 4-14 to 1-14. Another interesting side note to this story was the introduction of the new yellow card system. Cork the more inexperienced team were the side that suffered with these rules losing three players in total, two in the first half.
A cold freeze greeted the first round of the National Hurling League with most of the fixtures falling foul to the adverse weather conditions. One fixture that survived was the meeting of Gerald McCarthys Cork and Anthony Dalys Dublin. There were many side stories to this clash, not least the on-going exile of the squad of 2008. The previous day an estimated 10,000 people marched in support of the rebel rebels, to show solidarity to the players and to further highlight the damage this strike will do to the GAA season.
With Gerald McCarthy fielding an experimental team, Dalys Dublin were in a no win situation. The Dublin side who were physically the stronger and more experienced at this level started the brighter, getting a goal inside the first five minutes of the game.At half time the Dubs looked comfortable leading by 3-4 to 0-7. but this didnt tell the whole story as in the opening 35 minutes they were playing against a strong wind and in the conditions all six of their forwards hit wides. In the second half the rebels battled bravely against the elements and all the odds and really put it up to Dublin. Bouyed by their keepers peanalty save in the 42nd minute Cork seemed to get some self belief. Dublin however won the 2 league points on offer winning by 4-14 to 1-14. Another interesting side note to this story was the introduction of the new yellow card system. Cork the more inexperienced team were the side that suffered with these rules losing three players in total, two in the first half.
DUBLIN: A Nolan; R Treanor, T Brady, N Corcoran; M Carton, S Hiney, captain, D O'Reilly (0-1); S Durkin, A McCrabbe (1-9, 1-0 sideline, 0-4 frees, 0-1 '65); J Boland, L Ryan, J Kelly (1-0); D O'Callaghan (0-1), P Carton, L Rushe (2-1). Subs : S Lambert for Boland half-time, J McCaffrey (0-1) for Kelly (51 mins), M O'Brien for M Carton (54 mins), D Treacy (0-1) for O'Callaghan (58 mins), S Martin for P Carton (62 mins.)
CORK: A Kennedy; E Clancy, C Murphy, C O'Sullivan; E Keane, R Ryan, captain, C Leahy; B Johnson (1-6, 1-0 penalty, 0-4 frees, 0-1 '65), G O'Connor (0-1); T Óg Murohy, A Ryan (0-1), D Crowley (0-1); A Mannix (0-2), M Collins (0-1), E Cronin (0-1). Subs: T Murphy for Crowley yellow card (22 mins), J Moran for Ryan yellow card (29 mins), R O'Driscoll for Clancy (54 mins), G O'Driscoll (0-1) for Collins yellow card (60 mins).
Referee: J Ryan (Tipperary).
Waterford vs Tipperary
TIPPERARY: B Cummins; C O'Brien, D Fanning, P Curran; B Dunne (0-1), C O'Mahony (0-1, 65), D Fitzgerald; S Maher, T Stapleton; P Kerwick (1-1), P Maher (0-1), J Woodlock (0-2); P Kelly (1-1), J O'Brien, W Ryan (0-4, three frees). Subs: J Devane (0-2) for Woodlock (52 mins), S McGrath for Stapleton (62 mins), S Callanan for P Maher (70 mins).
WATERFORD: C Hennessy (1-0, free); E Murphy, D Prendergast, N Connors; R Foley, M Walsh, J Murray; S O'Sullivan, J Nagle (0-1); J Kennedy (0-1), G Hurney, S Prendergast (0-6, three frees and two 65s); S Walsh, D Shanahan (0-1), S Molumphy (capt; 0-2). Subs: S Casey for S Walsh (5 mins), P Hurney (0-1) for G Hurney (49 mins), M Shanahan for Casey (59 mins), T Connors for Nagle (69 mins).
Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath).
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