There could be surprises on the horizon, but Limerick’s pace seems too high for the competition. As we move further into the year, we expect increased comparisons. Viewing Kilkenny’s unsuccessful attempt at securing five All-Irelands in succession, which came to an end by Tipperary in the 2010 final, is interesting. There was no indication from their championship form that summer that a decline was imminent.
Intriguingly, the league was always taken seriously by Brian Cody, often utilised as a way to dishearten potential competitors. During that year, however, they suffered losses to Tipperary, Galway, and Cork in the spring, making it hard to believe Cody remained unaffected by these defeats.
Limerick, who’d been generally indifferent to the league over the years, intentionally claimed victory last year but then made a slow transition into the championship. Although John Kiely did not publically connect these two outcomes, it wouldn’t be surprising if Limerick decided to bypass the league playoffs this year.
However, they seem to be undeterred so far. Predictions show them topping Division 1B, with Clare expected to dominate the other division. It’s plausible that Limerick and Clare could clash in a league final, scheduled just three weeks before their first-round meeting in the Munster championship. Is this truly their preference? Honestly, a scenario like this is the last thing the hurling league needs. Stay alert for unexpected changes. Denis Walsh
Waterford’s struggle to draw fans through the gates is projected for 2025. Despite the disappointing loss to Wexford on Sunday, Davy Fitzgerald expressed his eagerness to concentrate on the upcoming championship. However, not qualifying for hurling’s top tier in 2025 presents a major challenge for the county, both on and off the field.
Waterford debuted their fresh jersey, bearing a Suir Engineering sponsorship logo over the weekend. Meanwhile, during the half-time break at Walsh Park, GAA president Jarlath Burns praised the recently renovated pitch during an interview. All was looking promising, but an hour later the mood turned sombre. Waterford will be relegated to Division 1B – effectively Division Two – next year.
Even though the final rankings in all pertinent leagues have yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated that Waterford, Dublin, Offaly, Westmeath, Antrim, Carlow, and Laois will form the group. These teams are not known for drawing large spectating crowds at Walsh Park. Last Sunday’s game, which was viewed by a meagre crowd of 3,571, suggests that marketing Division 1B to Waterford GAA fans may be a difficult undertaking next season.
Gordon Manning’s report goes on to discuss Liam Cahill’s experience in managing against Limerick. Saturday night marked Cahill’s ninth game against John Kiely, six of which were with Waterford and three with Tipperary. Out of these, Cahill has marked a single win, a draw, and seven losses. His single victory came during 2021’s Covid disrupted league when Limerick were down 13 men. The draw took place during last summer’s championship; despite Tipperary’s lead for most of the game, an equaliser was required in the eighth minute of extra time.
Cahill’s post-match press conferences often reveal his straightforwardness. On Saturday, he highlighted the defining characteristics of the Limerick team. Whether this knowledge equates to power remains to be seen.
One of Limerick’s tactical hallmarks is to focus on the game’s third quarter. They possess a consistent history of overcoming Tipperary’s half-time lead during this period. Last Saturday witnessed them gaining five consecutive points in the third quarter, thereby eclipsing Tipperary’s lead.
Cahill reflected on both instances post-game, acknowledging Limerick’s strategy of asserting their dominance shortly after half-time. Despite everyone knowing the critical questions, solutions remain elusive, adds Denis Walsh.
Glynn potentially holds the answers to Galway’s struggles
There’s an unspoken agreement that if Johnny Glynn holds the solution for Galway, they find themselves in unfamiliar territory, faced with ill-fitting questions. Glynn’s intercounty games have been absent for half a decade now, with him living in New York as a somewhat seasonal hurler. His return to secure a spot in the summer championship panel would be remarkable, though not particularly flattering for the current forwards of Galway.
It’s easy to envisage, isn’t it? While Glynn may not match up to Galway’s front line players in terms of skill – his underrated wrist action and his stereotype of having a unidimensional game begs to differ. There’s no denying the positive change he could bring, something that Henry Shefflin’s team desperately needs.
In situations where Galway urgently needs the ball to be held in the interior line, they trust Conor Whelan with less-than-favourable chances and he invariably produces results. The same consistency cannot be pledged by Evan Niland, Brian Concannon or Jason Flynn, regardless of their individual prowess. The bare minimum expectation from Glynn would be worthy attention.
While Glynn’s involvement in training has been sporadic and given his return to the US, there’s a reasonable possibility that none of this may materialise. Yet, there’s a glimmer of excitement surrounding the prospect. – Malachy Clerkin
A satisfied smirk or a possible jinx?
In the hurly-burly timetable of present-day national leagues, averting rescheduling is paramount. The CCCC (Central Competitions Control Committee) could feasibly allow itself a slight sense of contentment over the seamless execution of this season’s hurling matches.
Division 1 counties are in a quandary about the appropriate time duration to stay in league contention, especially with the championship on the horizon – now merely six weeks away. Any unplanned disruptions become intolerable.
Remarkably, so far there have been no rescheduled matches in the premier two divisions.
Unquestionably, the reliability of weather conditions is not something the hurling league can count on for an uninterrupted season, especially if extreme events such as the 2018 ‘Beast from the East’ transpire, making it impossible to host matches. However, the advancement of pitch technologies has undoubtedly facilitated the execution of matches under decent conditions, eliminating the need to have them in poor conditions due to lack of alternative scheduling options, as was experienced during last January’s All-Ireland club football semi-final between Kilmacud and Glen, which was barely visible due to thick fog. Hurling, perhaps by chance, had a weekend off when freezing weather hit in early March, with more impressively, only a minimal effect on football fixtures.
There was a 20-hour delay in the Division Two match between Fermanagh and Armagh, but the rest of the matches were conducted as per plan. Nonetheless, it remains a delicate balance. If severe weather events were to occur once the rest weekends are finished, it could pose significant scheduling challenges. Still, with modernised match and league protocols aimed at reducing or eliminating unscheduled fixtures, the CCCC can be commended annually when things run smoothly. Thus far, this has been the case. -Seán Moran