What have we learned from the league

Division 1

I'll start with cork, Think the team nearest to their championship standard at the moment, wouldn't read into the result too much today weakened team i expect them to win the league.

Galway inconsistant wonce again, tipp could have done them a favour and gave them the kick up the ass they needed dark horses for the all-ireland this year.

Kilkenny hard to say here well off their best yet but can't afford to peak around september like they always do this year as if they do they won't win leinster.

Tipp, doing a bit of a galway at the moment not consistant. But have 8 good backs this year a potential strong midfield and 7 good forwards but yet again a half forward line that dosen't win clean ball and floats in and out of games. Hammersly is a find paul kelly is a loss and also still don't have a target man full forward will end up switching between kelly corbett and callinan to fill the position.

Dublin still progressing just have to get the mental edge and figure out they are good enough in the words of steve stauton could be a banana skin this year.

Waterford kinda flying under the radar still short 3 top class forwards to be contenders but well capabale of beating anyone if things go their way.

Offaly some good hurlers but still missing 7/8 top class players to be challengers.

Limerick.... No Comment

Good analysis there Clash. Still can't see past Kilkenny though a good Cork side are always capable of putting it up to the Cats.

Jayo Cluxton wrote:Good analysis there Clash. Still can't see past Kilkenny though a good Cork side are always capable of putting it up to the Cats.

What did you think of Hag's analysis?

RMDrive wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:Good analysis there Clash. Still can't see past Kilkenny though a good Cork side are always capable of putting it up to the Cats.

What did you think of Hag's analysis?

Its Monday ... working all weekend .. I'm sooooooo

Jayo Cluxton wrote:

RMDrive wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:Good analysis there Clash. Still can't see past Kilkenny though a good Cork side are always capable of putting it up to the Cats.

What did you think of Hag's analysis?

Its Monday ... working all weekend .. I'm sooooooo

I'm quiting already even the Administrator won't give me credit for my contribution!!!

Sure didn't I tell you only last night those MODs are an odd bunch altogether. Jayo in particular is prone to bouts of senilty and grumpiness but hes an alright sort all round.
Its a pity you missed out on the golden age of GT Hag but we shall keep our heads up.

What have we learned from the league?
KK-
didn't take it too seriously although Mulhall looks like he might be the latest top drawer recruit from their conveyor belt. Still deserving of being short price favourites for 5th Liam in a row.
Galway-
Have used countless players and now have serious squad depth and range ie have options of pace/height/muscle all over the pitch which is something Galway sides have lacked in the past. If Tipps finest Johh Mac can unlock the right combination of all these players then Galway will be very hard to beat in 2010. They will be crowned league champions in 2 weeks time.
Cork-
Have quietly been building which is unusual for Cork. The blending of new front players has been interesting but cannot be called a resolute success just yet. Half back line still the fulcrum of the side and while no one will like to face Cork, personally I believe 2010 might be a year too early for them.
Tipp-
The only other serious contenders for Liam this year, they will be happy enough heading into the champo, although there are still big question marks hanging over them, not least of which is can they raise their game to the heights it reached last year? Remember they still fell short at the highest level and their nothing really to indicate they've improved since last year. Still worthy main challengers at this stage to KKs throne.
Waterford-
Tony Browne is giving it another year and I implore anyone who has never seen this man play in the flesh to get to a Blaa match this Summer as this will surely be his final year. One of the all time great hurlers, no question. If they had a full back line full of Tony Browns Waterford would have 3 or 4 All-Irelands in the bag at this stage. They don't and although they will have one or two big days in the Sun, they haven't a prayer of winning the All-Ireland.
Offaly-
Div one hurling will stand to this team and they of the best team ethic for years of any Offaly side. Will be a tough nut to crack in the Summer but lack the scoring potential to do any real damage to the top sides.
Dublin-
They needed a performance against Limerick and they got it in spades. They have some of the most naturally gifted hurlers in the country but have not yet re-invented themselves fully as a difficult side to beat and until they do their silverware cabinet will remain empty. Still will be very interesting to see how this side progress in the Championship.
Limerick-

Most still not convinced with galway need more forwards to score in games canning dose most of the scoring and healy scores a fair bit. The measure where this galway team are will be against kilkenny in the championship.

Tipp granted not happy with the lack of consistancy but anytime they played near to full strenght teams they did well. One major plus from the league are some players they've blooded. Hammersley Brendan maher midfield and mickey cahill also henessy at wingforward is turning into a good option. So they added strenght in dept in the panel.

I learnt that as I suspected Cork could well be Kilkenny's biggest threat to the 5 in a row.

I also learnt that cody haqs decided this season is three games, a L:einster game V Galway, All Ireland semi and final, and will peak accordingly.

I think they will do it, but will not print T shirts until AFTER the event.

patrique wrote:I learnt that as I suspected Cork could well be Kilkenny's biggest threat to the 5 in a row.

I also learnt that cody haqs decided this season is three games, a L:einster game V Galway, All Ireland semi and final, and will peak accordingly.

I think they will do it, but will not print T shirts until AFTER the event.

Well their going in the right direct now not playing Niall and Timmy McCarthy that's a mark of progress in my book. Cork still have a lot of the back bone that put it up to Kilkenny.

I wouldn't be surprised if Galway won Leinster and kilkenny still went on to win the all-ireland. Would mean they play more than 3 games for a change.

Correction 4 games