Hurling Championship '09.

[John]

Hi all,

Make sure the chair is comfortable, the TV is on the right channel, the whiskey is poured and dog is out of kicking distance - the 'real start' of the hurling championship is this weekend. Good luck to all of the con(pre)tenders to the throne
Enjoy,
John.

[JohnM]

Limerick v Waterford could be spicey.

[John]

You're right there John.
More axes to be ground there than at a lumberjacks yard I think! Should be a good game although I notice a few notable absences from the Waterford line-up.
J.

[JohnM]

Shannahan is dropped, I heard. Is there anyone else?

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

Kilkenny V Galway should be good also next week.

Adds a bit more spice to the Leinster Championship.

[John]

Mmm, not the start I hoped for . Difficult conditions but bad game really. Onwards and upwards though; time now for the tribesmen to see how we do things in Leinster

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

Yes the Waterford Limerick game was definitely a game of 2 halves. Looked like Waterford would run away with it in the first half but they were lucky ,due to Limericks wasteful use of the ball, not to lose in the end.

Yes we'll see how Joe Canning deals with a serious team

[JohnM]

I'd love to see Limerick beat Waterford.

[John]

Yeah, I can't help but feel there would be an element of poetic justice with a Limerick win...

[John]

Hey IWC,
I've heard rumours that Mr. Canning is a no-show for Saturday, is this right? Shame if it's true because the game might well suffer without him.
Best of luck anyway
J.

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

Hey IWC,
I've heard rumours that Mr. Canning is a no-show for Saturday, is this right? Shame if it's true because the game might well suffer without him.
Best of luck anyway
J.

Hey John, just to let you know I'm not Galway ... just live here Let's just say I'm from a predominantly footballing county but I do prefer a good game of hurling

Yes I think he's out which is as you say a shame for the game ... they also have another good young hurler Iarlaith Tannion who is unfortunately out for the whole season with cruciate ... looks like it may be Kilkennys day.

[John]

Clearly the rumours of Mr. Canning's demise were greatly exaggerated!
What a fantastic game, it's what hurling is all about, edge of the seat stuff. I was a bit iffy about Galway's entry into the Leinster frame at the start but to be honest a competitive game like that hasn't been played at the semi-final stage for a long time. On to meet the new kids on the hurling block (Dublin!) next; hopefully we can look forward to more of the same!
John.

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

A good run out for Galway so it should stand them well through the back door stages. Both counties need thsee type of games as in all fairness Kilkenny only rarely get it put up to them in Leinster unless Wexford are strong and Galway have no one to play against in Connacht.

Waterford Limerick was a bit of a disappointment.

I am sceptical at how Dublin will fair against Kilkenny but you never know. IF they can keep it respectable that may be as good as they can hope.

[John]

Did anyone see the All Ireland Final yesterday? In my opinion it has to rank as one of the finest finals in many years. Two great teams producing a fantastic display which had supporters and 'neutrals' on the edge of their seats for 72 minutes!!

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

Yes a fantastic game and the Minor match was a cracker too.

I think Kilkenny deserved it in the end but you'd have to feel sorry for Tip especially in relation to the penalty which was very harsh. Second Goal was a lovely piece of play which I think knocked the stuffing out of poor Tip.

Great spectacle though ... good skill and hard tackling a great advocate for the game.