Predictions for this weekend: Senior Killoe v Ardagh: Ardagh have been a surprise packet so far and its a credit to them, probably a shade unlucky not to have at least two wins. Killoe will be looking to bounce back and I'd expect them to have enough for Ardagh, but dont think there will be a huge amount in it. Rathcline v Mullinalaghta: Big game for both teams, fighting for survival at this stage. Very hard one to call but have a sneaky feeling Rathcline might just register their first win. Abbeylara v Dromard: Local derby and should be a tight game. Abbey showed a lot of hunger against Killoe and I think that will get them over the line here. Clonguish v Longford Slashers: Clonguish already through but will want to keep the winning streak going. I'd fancy them to have enough here. Carrickedmond v Granard: Last chance saloon for Carrickedmond and you'd expect them to throw everything at this one. Granard have impressed me so far and while they were a little bit off Clonguish's level in round 2, I'd expect them to win here and potentially meet Clonguish again in a quarter / semi final. Intermediate: Kilashee v Grattans: Expecting a response from Kilashee here after a surprise defeat last weekend. Must win game for them and I expect them to do that. Ballymahon v Killoe: Based on Killoe's performance against Grattans you'd expect Ballymahon to win comfortably. Connollys v Cashel: Both sides registered impressive first round wins. Having the Reynolds at this level is a serious boost and I think they will guide Connollys over the line. Mostrim v Fr Manning Gaels: Both coming off the back of defeats and both conceded 4 goals in their first games. Tough to call but maybe Mostrim to nick it.
Diarmuid stepping away after a very successful season. Both senior managements gone now in the space of a week. Very hard to attract the same level of talent in both codes considering the both previous managements have stepped away for the same reasons. Interesting few weeks ahead for us.
Losing both management teams after both achieving promotion last season does not look good.
Whether or not they are related, who knows? But if it is related to cost cutting, it seems like a step backwards when progress has been made on the field this year.
Having a great centre of excellence won't count for much if it means stifling progress on the pitch. We need to be playing at the highest level possible in order to develop and retain players in both codes.
Replying To SHCEIGHTY: "Losing both management teams after both achieving promotion last season does not look good.
Whether or not they are related, who knows? But if it is related to cost cutting, it seems like a step backwards when progress has been made on the field this year.
Having a great centre of excellence won't count for much if it means stifling progress on the pitch. We need to be playing at the highest level possible in order to develop and retain players in both codes."
Cost cutting ? What was solan getting for a start.? If its cost cutting with ni real soultion which wouldnt surprise me with some on the executive than we are goosed but surely we have improved in that regard.
Replying To Gaaforlife2023: "Cost cutting ? What was solan getting for a start.? If its cost cutting with ni real soultion which wouldnt surprise me with some on the executive than we are goosed but surely we have improved in that regard."
It might be about cutting panel numbers/costs rather than management costs.
Clonguish look like a team that could give leinster a right good go. Kiloe eased to another win...dromard very luckly to get a dromard.next game will be there last.
Replying To drunkensailor: "Clonguish look like a team that could give leinster a right good go. Kiloe eased to another win...dromard very luckly to get a dromard.next game will be there last."
We have to win a championship first and that will be very difficult to do. Killoe still favourites in my book. Reigning champions, multiple champions over the last 10-15 years and a good blend of youth and experience. Know how to get it done at the business end of the championship. We had a good win, but it was only when we went down to 14 men, we started to play.
Did Carrick think they were only down by a point at the end of their game yesterday? I was watching it on clubber and they had a 45 right at the death. Instead of lobbing it into the square to try get a goal, they played it short as if they were trying to get a 2 pointer. It made no sense to me anyway what they were trying to do. It was mentioned at one stage that the scoreboard was wrong, but I think they rectified that after a few minutes.
Based on the first 4 rounds Killoe are title favourites closely followed by Clonguish. Would be great to see both teams in the final going at it. I believe Killoe are performing better than they were this time last year with a change i style with new management meaning they are a lot more direct. Were conservative in previous years allowing other teams stay in the game. Their veterans in Quinn and mcGoldrick are playing very well. Appear to have the best squad and depth with their experience and physicality potentially just going to pip Clonguish. Clonguish have improved and the extra year is standing to them in terms of physicality. Carey has turned around his poor county form and is shooting the lights out. Their full back line would be a concern, with Daire O'Brien causing them huge problems. They will be praying Ronan Sweeney injury is not too serious as they will need to sacrafice him back to full back line if they want to win the champ.
Relegation is Rathcline and Carrick looking favourites to go down as both have not won a game. The last spot in the battle will be between Ardagh and Mullinaghta. Ardagh just need to Rathcline or match Mullinaghta result to reach quarter final. Huge opportunity for them. Relegation looks like will be a massive scrap. Predicting all 3 teams to win and lose a game each with the team to stay up been decided on points difference.
Replying To datsit: "Based on the first 4 rounds Killoe are title favourites closely followed by Clonguish. Would be great to see both teams in the final going at it. I believe Killoe are performing better than they were this time last year with a change i style with new management meaning they are a lot more direct. Were conservative in previous years allowing other teams stay in the game. Their veterans in Quinn and mcGoldrick are playing very well. Appear to have the best squad and depth with their experience and physicality potentially just going to pip Clonguish. Clonguish have improved and the extra year is standing to them in terms of physicality. Carey has turned around his poor county form and is shooting the lights out. Their full back line would be a concern, with Daire O'Brien causing them huge problems. They will be praying Ronan Sweeney injury is not too serious as they will need to sacrafice him back to full back line if they want to win the champ.
Relegation is Rathcline and Carrick looking favourites to go down as both have not won a game. The last spot in the battle will be between Ardagh and Mullinaghta. Ardagh just need to Rathcline or match Mullinaghta result to reach quarter final. Huge opportunity for them. Relegation looks like will be a massive scrap. Predicting all 3 teams to win and lose a game each with the team to stay up been decided on points difference."
If Ardagh/Moydow only match Mullinalaghta's result, Mullinalaghta will go through to the Q/F's and AM will be in the relegation play off.
Replying To Frank74: "If Ardagh/Moydow only match Mullinalaghta's result, Mullinalaghta will go through to the Q/F's and AM will be in the relegation play off."
Yes you are correct. SHannonside FM article online confused me stating it was a draw with Rathcline at the weekend.