Six in the mix as league hots-up
I can’t remember this kind of situation for many a year, and even if the clock going forward and the sun shining isn’t enough, that on its own should bring the crowds out. Top team Dublin plays second-placed Galway, Kilkenny in third faces Waterford in fourth, and fifth-place Tipperary takes on sixth side Cork with only three points separating them all.
If that doesn’t attract the crowds, I don’t know what will.
I’m expecting a physical battle when the Dubs take on Galway. Everyone is talking about how muscular this Dublin team have become. Don’t expect Galway to be going backwards, don’t be surprised either if a few fellas are forced to take a walk.
Galway are missing a few, most noticeably Iarla Tannian who has been really motoring for them, but with Clarinbridge winning the club All-Ireland recently I think that’s going to give the Tribesmen a huge boost. I fancy them, just about, but then you look at the carrot for Dublin here and they’re almost certainly in the league final. Big test for them.
The second game, Kilkenny and Waterford, is a huge game for the Déise. Go to Nowlan Park, take on Kilkenny and win. That’s the challenge.
Waterford have been going well, introduced a lot of young players, given fellas their chance and Kilkenny have shown real signs of vulnerability this year. Waterford are definitely making progress but I fancy Kilkenny to bounce back.
The one that most interests me this weekend, however, is the game in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, that old tribal warfare. Tipp’s last trip there can’t be a very happy memory. But they still went on to win the All-Ireland and Cork won nothing.
One thing I’ve noticed about Tipperary lately is the number of injuries they’ve been suffering. Conor O’Mahony is still out, as is Seamus Hennessey; Eoin Kelly got a broken finger against Offaly, and now — most worrying of all — Brendan Maher has broken a bone in his ankle.
This fella was their most consistent and best player last year. He can play in the half-back line or midfield, has become a great leader of the team, even if he is just turned 22.
Tipperary though have a lot of good young players coming through and one of those is wing-back John O’Keeffe. He has really impressed me. Then they have the experienced old hands, guys like Benny Dunne, to fall back on. From one to eight I think we’re seeing very close to what will eventually be the Tipp championship team. Conor O’Mahony may work his way back in there but this represents a chance for young O’Keeffe.
Shane McGrath is back as a direct replacement for Brendan Maher, Gearoid Ryan retaining his spot and I think midfield might be his best position. Up front, it’s good to see Lar Corbett back. He’s the hurler of the year and that’s what people pay their money to see. Crucially though it’s also a big one for Lar.
I believe there is still confusion over the style of play in Cork. There’s a blend of old and new and the old – as we all know – are very familiar with the old short-passing game. The new guys, however, still seem a bit confused.
Ronan Curran is back and if he’s fully fit, that’s a real addition for Cork. Two new lads, McLoughlin and Cronin, are getting another chance in midfield and that’s a good thing but I see Tom Kenny is wing-forward again. I don’t agree with that. He’s either midfield or a wing-back, that’s where he’s done all his best hurling for Cork and that’s where I’d be playing him.
I’ve seen Michael Cussen a few times and I’m not impressed. He has the hurling but doesn’t have the aggression. I don’t care what size you are, you can’t pussyfoot in hurling. He’s getting another chance, time for him to show something for the faith shown in him by the selectors.
Winner? Tipp will give it everything here, and I think they have just about enough. By the way, this will have no bearing whatsoever in the championship in May.
