Trying to decide what to write for my first attempt, I was considering Rory McIlroy's famous redemption weekend at Congressional, the NFL lockout or even some of the transfer rumours circulating in the mad, mad, monied world of premiership soccer. In the end, it was pretty simple though. I'm a GAA man first and foremost, and it makes sense that my first clumsy attempt would be in the area of sports that is closest to my heart.
Any readers from Ireland will be fully aware of the place this great organisation occupies in the hearts and minds of a huge number of Irish people, home and abroad, and this is the time of the year when things really heat up.
Even though you wouldn't know it from the weather, we are approaching high summer and with it the white heat of serious championship action. A lot of the shadow boxing has been done, and a lot of counties are already in the Qualifiers last chance saloon, in hurling and football. Those that are progressing through their provincial series are well advanced at this stage, and are at semi final stages at least.
So, to kick us off, a few thoughts so far in my "Hits and Misses", in hurling and football.
Football Hits
Kerry's forwards. Alright, Limerick were depleted, and disspirited, but some of Kerry's forward play was lovely to look at. If Kerry can sort out Midfield, they'll be Cork's biggest challengers by a mile.
Eoin Bradley. The Derry Full Forward was immense against Armagh, and made you forget the brother. Out in front, kicking off both feet and able to take a goal chance as well. A perfect full forward performance. You always feel he's one frustration away from getting a red card though. Tyrone would be interesting in an Ulster Final, if they get there.
Carlow (Pictured). Not going to win an All Ireland, not going to win a Leinster, and probably not going to beat Wexford in the Leinster Semi Final, but it was great to see Carlow registering a win against Louth. People deride the provincial championships, but they still give the vast majority of counties a tangible target for the season. There's only a max of 6-8 counties that realistically think they can win Sam. There's a hell of a lot more that think they can win their province.
Leitrim. See Carlow. Their win against Sligo was brilliant for them, and a fitting tribute to Philly McGuinness. Unfortunately for them Roscommon sent Cinderella crashing out of the Connacht dance but they can still be awkward in the Qualifiers.
Wexford. Tricky trip to Tullamore in the first round? No problem. Westmeath at home in the next game? No problem. On to Carlow in the semi final, and Jason Ryan and his Wexford high scoring outfit seem to be building a bit of momentum.
Misses
Offaly. A home loss to Wexford is not a shock, but a 14 point defeat is unacceptable for Faithful fans. For a couple of years now the attitude of the Offaly lads has been questioned, and they need to show something big against Monaghan in the qualifiers.
Down. Beaten All Ireland finalists, but well beaten by Armagh in the revamped Athletic Grounds. Armagh's subsequent demolition by Derry doesn't auger well for the Mourne men. They'll be hoping to advance through the qualifier path again, but they'd have preferred a more direct route.
Mayo. OK, this is a bit harsh considering they won, but Mayo came within a whisker of bowing out of the Connacht championship in London. London led for most of the match, and only 2 late, late points from the Mayo men salvaged extra time. That they emerged comfortably enough in extra time is hardly a shock, that they needed it most certainly was. Big game against Galway this weekend.
Hurling Hits
Dublin. Relax hurling aristocrats, I'm not crowning Dublin All Ireland Champions, or favourites, but the progress they have made over the past 3 years has been steady and remarkable. The starkest illustration is the difference in approach between their Leinster Final showing against Kilkenny 2 years ago (Play defensive, keep the score down) and the obliteration of the same opponents (albeit a weaker edition) in the League Final this year. Pace, power, and no little skill have made Dublin a serious outfit, no mistake. The Leinster Final against Kilkenny (again) will be a much different kettle of fish, but they showed against Galway in the semi final that the Dubs are no pushover for anybody.
Limerick. OK, they lost in heartbreaking fashion against Waterford in the Munster Semi Final, but they showed enough in that game, and their promotion from Division 2, to suggest that last years annus horibilis is a distant memory. They should have too much for Wexford in the Qualifiers, and then who knows?
Misses
Laois. Ouch. The Brendan Fennelly era in Laois has not been stellar so far, and the reasons are myriad. However conceding 10 goals against Cork last weekend is obviously far from good enough at this level, and when you consider it was a bit into the second half before Cork got their 4th, contributing to 7-11 in the second half alone, it does hint at a towel being flung into the ring.
Galway. So disappointing against Dublin. When Galway joined the Leinster Championship the hurling world was convinced that this would finally give Galway the opportunity to hone their preparation like all the other main contenders. Unfortunately, they've not really done anything since to bear that out. This year, despite getting a right shoeing from Galway heros like Lynskey, Lane and Hayes they were unable to raise themselves out of a torpor that saw Dublin blow them away. Clare up next for the Tribesmen, and unless there's a big change, the consequences for panel and management, as John McIntyre himself acknowledges, will be dire.
Offaly County Board. Not the team itself as such, even though relegation from Division 1 and a first round exit, and a likely Qualifier exit to Cork is not exactly a template for a successful season. This Miss is rather about the ongoing friction in Offaly between the 'Hurling' people (whomever they may be) from the South of the County, and the 'Football' people from the north. (Very simplistic, but you get my drift). I think the nub of this issue is that the hurling people want their own board to look after and promote hurling. The Birr v Tullamore issue is only a symptom of this malaise, in my opinion. A seperate hurling board may make sense from one perspective, but in a county as small as Offaly, with a lot of dual clubs, I can only imagine the fixtures mess that would ensue. If we can't even organise training in Tullamore, what chance have we of running two county boards in harmony?
Other Bits'n Pieces.
The Boy done good. Congratulations to Holywood's finest, Rory McIlroy, on his win in the US Open. It took serious cajones to pick up where he left off after 63 holes of the Masters, in the very next Major. European Golf is on the crest of a wave at the moment, and the Irish and Northern Irish are well up there in the vanguard. Hopefully the likes of Harrington, McGinley and Offaly's own Shane Lowry can take their lead from McDowell and McIlroy's past 12 months.
Still locked out. In the ongoing battle between the millionaire players and the billionaire owners, the NFL is still locked out at the moment, and there's no sign of an imminent agreement. There are hopeful signs beginning to emerge though, and there was an owners meeting in Chicago on Tuesday to discuss a draft CBA proposal. The fact that this is an output from negotiations with players is a good sign, but I'd say there's more to go in this yet. More than a few commentators stateside are of the opinion that the league's lesser paid and short careered position players like linemen, special teams and kickers may force the NFL Players Association to take any sort of reasonable deal. They can't afford to sit out a season like Tom Brady, Payton Manning or Aaron Rogers can. We shall see.
Puckin' Hell. Congratulations to the Boston Bruins, breaking serve in the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals to clinch a 4-3 series win over the Vancouver Canucks. Canada's wait for a title goes on, but Boston's famine of 39 years was finally put to an end. The denizens of Vancouver weren't enamoured with the result though, and I hope North American sports commentators remember the scenes of burning cars on the streets of BC the next time they feel tempted to make fun of soccer hooliganism.
The New Title Town. On a related note, the Bruins' victory in the Stanley Cup means that Boston/New England teams have been champions of the 4 major sports in North America in recent times. The Patriots last won the Superbowl in February 2005, The Red Sox claimed the World Series in 2007 and the Celtics won the NBA title in 2008. Titletown indeed.
Any readers from Ireland will be fully aware of the place this great organisation occupies in the hearts and minds of a huge number of Irish people, home and abroad, and this is the time of the year when things really heat up.
Even though you wouldn't know it from the weather, we are approaching high summer and with it the white heat of serious championship action. A lot of the shadow boxing has been done, and a lot of counties are already in the Qualifiers last chance saloon, in hurling and football. Those that are progressing through their provincial series are well advanced at this stage, and are at semi final stages at least.
So, to kick us off, a few thoughts so far in my "Hits and Misses", in hurling and football.
Football Hits
Kerry's forwards. Alright, Limerick were depleted, and disspirited, but some of Kerry's forward play was lovely to look at. If Kerry can sort out Midfield, they'll be Cork's biggest challengers by a mile.
Eoin Bradley. The Derry Full Forward was immense against Armagh, and made you forget the brother. Out in front, kicking off both feet and able to take a goal chance as well. A perfect full forward performance. You always feel he's one frustration away from getting a red card though. Tyrone would be interesting in an Ulster Final, if they get there.
Carlow (Pictured). Not going to win an All Ireland, not going to win a Leinster, and probably not going to beat Wexford in the Leinster Semi Final, but it was great to see Carlow registering a win against Louth. People deride the provincial championships, but they still give the vast majority of counties a tangible target for the season. There's only a max of 6-8 counties that realistically think they can win Sam. There's a hell of a lot more that think they can win their province.
Leitrim. See Carlow. Their win against Sligo was brilliant for them, and a fitting tribute to Philly McGuinness. Unfortunately for them Roscommon sent Cinderella crashing out of the Connacht dance but they can still be awkward in the Qualifiers.
Wexford. Tricky trip to Tullamore in the first round? No problem. Westmeath at home in the next game? No problem. On to Carlow in the semi final, and Jason Ryan and his Wexford high scoring outfit seem to be building a bit of momentum.
Misses
Offaly. A home loss to Wexford is not a shock, but a 14 point defeat is unacceptable for Faithful fans. For a couple of years now the attitude of the Offaly lads has been questioned, and they need to show something big against Monaghan in the qualifiers.
Down. Beaten All Ireland finalists, but well beaten by Armagh in the revamped Athletic Grounds. Armagh's subsequent demolition by Derry doesn't auger well for the Mourne men. They'll be hoping to advance through the qualifier path again, but they'd have preferred a more direct route.
Mayo. OK, this is a bit harsh considering they won, but Mayo came within a whisker of bowing out of the Connacht championship in London. London led for most of the match, and only 2 late, late points from the Mayo men salvaged extra time. That they emerged comfortably enough in extra time is hardly a shock, that they needed it most certainly was. Big game against Galway this weekend.
Hurling Hits
Dublin. Relax hurling aristocrats, I'm not crowning Dublin All Ireland Champions, or favourites, but the progress they have made over the past 3 years has been steady and remarkable. The starkest illustration is the difference in approach between their Leinster Final showing against Kilkenny 2 years ago (Play defensive, keep the score down) and the obliteration of the same opponents (albeit a weaker edition) in the League Final this year. Pace, power, and no little skill have made Dublin a serious outfit, no mistake. The Leinster Final against Kilkenny (again) will be a much different kettle of fish, but they showed against Galway in the semi final that the Dubs are no pushover for anybody.
Limerick. OK, they lost in heartbreaking fashion against Waterford in the Munster Semi Final, but they showed enough in that game, and their promotion from Division 2, to suggest that last years annus horibilis is a distant memory. They should have too much for Wexford in the Qualifiers, and then who knows?
Misses
Laois. Ouch. The Brendan Fennelly era in Laois has not been stellar so far, and the reasons are myriad. However conceding 10 goals against Cork last weekend is obviously far from good enough at this level, and when you consider it was a bit into the second half before Cork got their 4th, contributing to 7-11 in the second half alone, it does hint at a towel being flung into the ring.
Galway. So disappointing against Dublin. When Galway joined the Leinster Championship the hurling world was convinced that this would finally give Galway the opportunity to hone their preparation like all the other main contenders. Unfortunately, they've not really done anything since to bear that out. This year, despite getting a right shoeing from Galway heros like Lynskey, Lane and Hayes they were unable to raise themselves out of a torpor that saw Dublin blow them away. Clare up next for the Tribesmen, and unless there's a big change, the consequences for panel and management, as John McIntyre himself acknowledges, will be dire.
Offaly County Board. Not the team itself as such, even though relegation from Division 1 and a first round exit, and a likely Qualifier exit to Cork is not exactly a template for a successful season. This Miss is rather about the ongoing friction in Offaly between the 'Hurling' people (whomever they may be) from the South of the County, and the 'Football' people from the north. (Very simplistic, but you get my drift). I think the nub of this issue is that the hurling people want their own board to look after and promote hurling. The Birr v Tullamore issue is only a symptom of this malaise, in my opinion. A seperate hurling board may make sense from one perspective, but in a county as small as Offaly, with a lot of dual clubs, I can only imagine the fixtures mess that would ensue. If we can't even organise training in Tullamore, what chance have we of running two county boards in harmony?
Other Bits'n Pieces.
The Boy done good. Congratulations to Holywood's finest, Rory McIlroy, on his win in the US Open. It took serious cajones to pick up where he left off after 63 holes of the Masters, in the very next Major. European Golf is on the crest of a wave at the moment, and the Irish and Northern Irish are well up there in the vanguard. Hopefully the likes of Harrington, McGinley and Offaly's own Shane Lowry can take their lead from McDowell and McIlroy's past 12 months.
Still locked out. In the ongoing battle between the millionaire players and the billionaire owners, the NFL is still locked out at the moment, and there's no sign of an imminent agreement. There are hopeful signs beginning to emerge though, and there was an owners meeting in Chicago on Tuesday to discuss a draft CBA proposal. The fact that this is an output from negotiations with players is a good sign, but I'd say there's more to go in this yet. More than a few commentators stateside are of the opinion that the league's lesser paid and short careered position players like linemen, special teams and kickers may force the NFL Players Association to take any sort of reasonable deal. They can't afford to sit out a season like Tom Brady, Payton Manning or Aaron Rogers can. We shall see.
Puckin' Hell. Congratulations to the Boston Bruins, breaking serve in the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals to clinch a 4-3 series win over the Vancouver Canucks. Canada's wait for a title goes on, but Boston's famine of 39 years was finally put to an end. The denizens of Vancouver weren't enamoured with the result though, and I hope North American sports commentators remember the scenes of burning cars on the streets of BC the next time they feel tempted to make fun of soccer hooliganism.
The New Title Town. On a related note, the Bruins' victory in the Stanley Cup means that Boston/New England teams have been champions of the 4 major sports in North America in recent times. The Patriots last won the Superbowl in February 2005, The Red Sox claimed the World Series in 2007 and the Celtics won the NBA title in 2008. Titletown indeed.
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