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What a year it has been for Hurling. Preseason and the League was nothing compared to the championship but did bring some great hurling. Definitely the best Championship there has been in years; no questions asked!!! The format and everything worked brilliantly and should not be tampered with for next year. We can only wish that 2019 will deliver what 2018 has offered. Definitely over shadowed Football this year.
oakleafersir (Derry) - Posts: 808 - 19/08/2018 19:03:23
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Given the number of games this year it would be very difficult for previous years to surpass this one. A quick count and we had around 15 top class down to the wire contests with a good standard of hurling. Other games outside of these were not bad either and very few what you call poor games. ' Better still to come'
ZUL10 (Clare) - Posts: 693 - 19/08/2018 19:33:08
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Replying To oakleafersir: "What a year it has been for Hurling. Preseason and the League was nothing compared to the championship but did bring some great hurling. Definitely the best Championship there has been in years; no questions asked!!! The format and everything worked brilliantly and should not be tampered with for next year. We can only wish that 2019 will deliver what 2018 has offered. Definitely over shadowed Football this year." Hurling has overshadowed football for some time now, this year has been just outstanding, the round robin system needs introducing into the football provincials ASAP, it would bring a freshness and an interest that is sorely lacking back, hurling has been the saving grace for the last few years and is now the main financial driver for the GAA too, they say the GAA needs the Dubs!!! No a functioning hurling championship is worth so much more, well done Limerick and well done everyone in hurling ye gave us some year
Richieq (Meath) - Posts: 3734 - 19/08/2018 19:47:53
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Replying To oakleafersir: "What a year it has been for Hurling. Preseason and the League was nothing compared to the championship but did bring some great hurling. Definitely the best Championship there has been in years; no questions asked!!! The format and everything worked brilliantly and should not be tampered with for next year. We can only wish that 2019 will deliver what 2018 has offered. Definitely over shadowed Football this year." Only thing i would tamper with is the break between games in round robin, no team should have to play 3 or 4 games on the trot.
Agree definitely best championship in years.
Dec82 (Clare) - Posts: 242 - 19/08/2018 20:13:03
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A great year for hurling overall but a few changes must be made to give teams rests during the provincial group stages and help the promoted McDonagh Cup teams progress. Maybe scrapping the League quarter finals will help stop some teams having four provincial games in four weeks, without the need to bring the championship into September. Also, while it probably won't be introduced next year, the idea many have posted here were six teams play in each province and both McDonagh Cup finalists get promoted should be brought in sooner rather than later.
eoghan6688 (Galway) - Posts: 154 - 19/08/2018 20:46:13
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Replying To Richieq: "Hurling has overshadowed football for some time now, this year has been just outstanding, the round robin system needs introducing into the football provincials ASAP, it would bring a freshness and an interest that is sorely lacking back, hurling has been the saving grace for the last few years and is now the main financial driver for the GAA too, they say the GAA needs the Dubs!!! No a functioning hurling championship is worth so much more, well done Limerick and well done everyone in hurling ye gave us some year" Not gonna work, Richie. Might be ok in Ulster and maybe, at a push, Connacht, but what good is a round robin format going to do to the Munster and Leinster football championships for example? What, we'll get to see Kerry and Dublin spitroast their provincial opponents four times more often then they do already?
ballydalane (Kilkenny) - Posts: 1246 - 19/08/2018 22:09:55
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Replying To Richieq: "Hurling has overshadowed football for some time now, this year has been just outstanding, the round robin system needs introducing into the football provincials ASAP, it would bring a freshness and an interest that is sorely lacking back, hurling has been the saving grace for the last few years and is now the main financial driver for the GAA too, they say the GAA needs the Dubs!!! No a functioning hurling championship is worth so much more, well done Limerick and well done everyone in hurling ye gave us some year" Not gonna work, Richie. Might be ok in Ulster and maybe, at a push, Connacht, but what good is a round robin format going to do to the Munster and Leinster football championships for example? What, we'll get to see Kerry and Dublin spitroast their provincial opponents four times more often then they do already?
ballydalane (Kilkenny) - Posts: 1246 - 19/08/2018 22:22:12
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The excitement, skill and yes sportsmanship was a joy to behold. Best teams advanced. We will have to get back up in the saddle for next year. Try and erase that terrible long wait for an All-Ireland.
The reference to sportsmanship is players were not trying to get opponents sent off. It was creeping in last year. The best sport in the world is also the best at correction coarse. No matter what the issue is.
Canuck (Waterford) - Posts: 2671 - 20/08/2018 02:29:18
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I agree - keep the football Provs - but play them in the current KO - Extend the KO Front Door, so 2 unbeaten champs join 6 Qualifiers in the AI KO QFs (revert to KO, no dead rubbers).
omahant (USA) - Posts: 2621 - 20/08/2018 04:42:01
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Replying To eoghan6688: "A great year for hurling overall but a few changes must be made to give teams rests during the provincial group stages and help the promoted McDonagh Cup teams progress. Maybe scrapping the League quarter finals will help stop some teams having four provincial games in four weeks, without the need to bring the championship into September. Also, while it probably won't be introduced next year, the idea many have posted here were six teams play in each province and both McDonagh Cup finalists get promoted should be brought in sooner rather than later." Playing 4 matches by all over 6 weeks could be done with no team playing more than 2 matches in consecutive weekends (as each team gets 2 byes) - simply allocate the byes as - A, BCD, E, ABC, D, E.
This leaves A and E playing 2 series of 2 games (on either side of breaks) while B, C and D play segments of 2-1-1.
It's a simple solution - while leaving everything else in place !
omahant (USA) - Posts: 2621 - 20/08/2018 05:19:36
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what a year.
hurling people fell over this format by accident,but thank god they did!
to do's for next year.
1. trial 2 referees in the league.the game is too fast for 1 man.make umpires proper referees,a player bearing down on goal,they are best placed to call it.there are 3 other referees in each county who can help the man in the middle.
2. abolish league quarter finals,they are not needed.the league should be 5 games,top team wins it,end of story.
3. relegate bottom 2,promote top 2,between 1a and 1b.
4. no team should have to play 4 weeks in a row.we were gassed v kilkenny after 4 games.
5. if you dont play the 1st week,you should get a home game for your 1st game.it would be unfair to play your 1st game away against a team who has already had a game.
6. pump money and coaches into offaly,laois,antrim.we need these counties.croke park needs to do a review of what is going on in offaly in particular.hurling needs these and it sounds like a civil war down there.
perfect10 (Wexford) - Posts: 3929 - 20/08/2018 08:51:26
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Replying To perfect10: "what a year.
hurling people fell over this format by accident,but thank god they did!
to do's for next year.
1. trial 2 referees in the league.the game is too fast for 1 man.make umpires proper referees,a player bearing down on goal,they are best placed to call it.there are 3 other referees in each county who can help the man in the middle.
2. abolish league quarter finals,they are not needed.the league should be 5 games,top team wins it,end of story.
3. relegate bottom 2,promote top 2,between 1a and 1b.
4. no team should have to play 4 weeks in a row.we were gassed v kilkenny after 4 games.
5. if you dont play the 1st week,you should get a home game for your 1st game.it would be unfair to play your 1st game away against a team who has already had a game.
6. pump money and coaches into offaly,laois,antrim.we need these counties.croke park needs to do a review of what is going on in offaly in particular.hurling needs these and it sounds like a civil war down there." Definitely no 6, I'd throw Carlow and Westmeath in there, 2 counties who have done great work with little support deserve some support to take the next step up now.
I'd like to see a break with county boundaries for leagues. I believe some Carlow clubs play in kilkenny leagues. I'd like to see more of this. Club hurling in Offaly is of a good standard with the likes of Coolderry and Kilcormac/Killoughey it would be good to see Westmeath teams play in a league with Offaly clubs. This would help clubs in weaker counties get competitive games.
dahayeser (Cork) - Posts: 338 - 20/08/2018 11:29:49
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The round robin in Munster was an absolute success - I will try and make some of those games next year - let's hope the likes of Wexford, Offaly and others continue to improve to lift the Leinster championship and give us many fantastic summers of hurling action for the next decade or so.
IrishGael3 (USA) - Posts: 1092 - 20/08/2018 11:54:00
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Yeah I agree on number 6 too, and throw Carlow and Westmeath in for definite. Maybe Kildare too?
Is there any county in Ulster/Connacht, other than Antrim, where serious investment would be anything other than a money pit?
StoreysTash (Wexford) - Posts: 1737 - 20/08/2018 12:22:48
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There are a few things that need to be tampered with.
There needs to be a proper break within the round robin championships in Munster and Leinster, its unfair having teams getting a break mid championship whilst other teams play 3 and 4 weeks on the trot.
Scrap the April for clubs because its doesnt actually work and back to the 1st sunday in september for the final, the whole season is far too condensed and it hasnt helped club action one iota.
Scrap the mismash of certain games getting replays whilst others go to Extra time, if the provincial finals which are essentially AI quarter finals can go to replays rather than extra time first time around then semi finals should follow suit imho. At the moment we have 1 team in Ireland who remain undefeated over 70 mins of hurling and they didnt even make the final in Cork.
I would question the logic of relegating Offaly also when putting an 8th team in leinster in particular makes game scheduling etc much easier.
Other than that then yes its being a great year
tearintom (Wexford) - Posts: 1353 - 20/08/2018 13:12:50
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Replying To IrishGael3: "The round robin in Munster was an absolute success - I will try and make some of those games next year - let's hope the likes of Wexford, Offaly and others continue to improve to lift the Leinster championship and give us many fantastic summers of hurling action for the next decade or so." How about 2 'mix n match' groups of 5 - 3 teams from one Prov grouped with 2 from the other - still top 3 from each to AI Series, incl highest placed team from each Prov in each group to respective Prov Finals. While unlikely, a Prov Final might incl a 4th placed team - in this scenario, they should not advance to the AI Series, even as Champs - the groups would need to have some edge.
omahant (USA) - Posts: 2621 - 20/08/2018 13:59:18
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Carlow had a great season would have tipped Westmeath to get promoted at the start of the year.
Round robin was a success with the exception of some teams having to play 4 weeks in a row, that should and will be rectified for 2019.
The threat of relegation spurred Offaly into action and they were better this year than recent years but their lack of talent showed in the later games.
Dublin were much better this year and were probably the most unlucky team this year. It will be interesting to see how 2019 goes for them.
Tipp and Waterford got their preparations for the round robin structure horribly wrong and paid for it. Tipp looked drained and heavy legged but never threw in the towel. As far as I know, Waterford started back training later than normal after the All-Ireland final and that might be why they accumulated so many injuries. The new managers will have to learn from the mistakes of Ryan and McGrath and rebuild confidence in 2019. Division 1b could be a blessing in disguise for Waterford and Tipp should be too fussed about the league in 2019.
Wexford seems to have plateaued this year and it seems to be the norm under Davy Fitz. If they have a similar year next year or fail to finish top 3 in Leinster you can see the Wexford faithful losing patience with him.
Clare were good but seem to be missing that one or two players that could turn them into real contenders. They should be happy with 2018, they started the league really brightly and then seemed to ease off. They were the only team to beat Limerick in championship nearly took Galway down too.
Cork will be bitterly disappointed that they didn't beat Limerick in the semi-final. They are very close to getting over the line and are my early favourite to win the All Ireland next year.
Winning back to back is extremely difficult to do Galway never gave up the fight yesterday. McInerney was not at 100% and that was a big blow to their chances. They will mount a serious challenge for the All-Ireland again next year.
Like Tipp in 2016 and Galway in 2017, Limerick were very good right from the start of the season. For a young team, they have shown incredible maturity. It will be some job for them to win back to back, the confidence of being champions will mean they will come close like Galway this year.
The short version of the review for me is Limerick are the 5th winner in 6 seasons and that says it all about how competitive and exciting hurling is at the minute. Waterford winning the All-Ireland next year would be icing on the cake. Some people are talking about hurling entering another golden age like the 90s. The good news is we are already in it.
Killarney.87 (Tipperary) - Posts: 2513 - 20/08/2018 15:20:45
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....Or, adding to my recent post.....better to have unlikely 4th-placed Prov Champs advance as 7th and 8th QF berths in AI Series.
omahant (USA) - Posts: 2621 - 20/08/2018 22:52:17
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Replying To Killarney.87: "Carlow had a great season would have tipped Westmeath to get promoted at the start of the year.
Round robin was a success with the exception of some teams having to play 4 weeks in a row, that should and will be rectified for 2019.
The threat of relegation spurred Offaly into action and they were better this year than recent years but their lack of talent showed in the later games.
Dublin were much better this year and were probably the most unlucky team this year. It will be interesting to see how 2019 goes for them.
Tipp and Waterford got their preparations for the round robin structure horribly wrong and paid for it. Tipp looked drained and heavy legged but never threw in the towel. As far as I know, Waterford started back training later than normal after the All-Ireland final and that might be why they accumulated so many injuries. The new managers will have to learn from the mistakes of Ryan and McGrath and rebuild confidence in 2019. Division 1b could be a blessing in disguise for Waterford and Tipp should be too fussed about the league in 2019.
Wexford seems to have plateaued this year and it seems to be the norm under Davy Fitz. If they have a similar year next year or fail to finish top 3 in Leinster you can see the Wexford faithful losing patience with him.
Clare were good but seem to be missing that one or two players that could turn them into real contenders. They should be happy with 2018, they started the league really brightly and then seemed to ease off. They were the only team to beat Limerick in championship nearly took Galway down too.
Cork will be bitterly disappointed that they didn't beat Limerick in the semi-final. They are very close to getting over the line and are my early favourite to win the All Ireland next year.
Winning back to back is extremely difficult to do Galway never gave up the fight yesterday. McInerney was not at 100% and that was a big blow to their chances. They will mount a serious challenge for the All-Ireland again next year.
Like Tipp in 2016 and Galway in 2017, Limerick were very good right from the start of the season. For a young team, they have shown incredible maturity. It will be some job for them to win back to back, the confidence of being champions will mean they will come close like Galway this year.
The short version of the review for me is Limerick are the 5th winner in 6 seasons and that says it all about how competitive and exciting hurling is at the minute. Waterford winning the All-Ireland next year would be icing on the cake. Some people are talking about hurling entering another golden age like the 90s. The good news is we are already in it." Would agree with most of this analysis. In Waterford's case most of the time playing with one regular defender. Key other players like Mahony,Gleeson and Connors playing injured. This was unprecedented by any standard. Having all away games. These are facts not excuses. Next move on how they choose to play will be interesting. The Bennetts, Curran, Gleeson, Devine, Foran,DeBurca are all younger than most of the Limerick players. Plus a few more who have minor and u21 all- irelands. However no guarantees. The Ken McGrath, Paul Flynn, John Mullane etc. were a better team and no All-Ireland. The present team may have a little more depth. The bottom line is if you are good enough you will win.
Canuck (Waterford) - Posts: 2671 - 21/08/2018 01:13:14
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Scrap the April for clubs because its doesnt actually work and back to the 1st sunday in september for the final, the whole season is far too condensed and it hasnt helped club action one iota.
tearintom
it wont work when your hurling management plans a training weekend for 1 week,and your football manager plans a practice match for another weekend.
Wexford seems to have plateaued this year and it seems to be the norm under Davy Fitz. If they have a similar year next year or fail to finish top 3 in Leinster you can see the Wexford faithful losing patience with him.
Killarney.87 (Tipperary)
i am amazed that davy was brought back this year,and a poor championship next year will result in a p45.we bet 3 of the semi finalists in the league,and our goose was cooked when it came to the crunch.
perfect10 (Wexford) - Posts: 3929 - 21/08/2018 08:42:26
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