You'd have to fancy Birr here mainly because of how poor Rynaghs are, very lucky to be in a semi-final honestly not giving them a hope here depleted from last year. Birr were impressive against Shinrone went about there business in a procession like manner. Rynaghs are are different opposition and will play a more traditional game than Shinrone. Expecting Rory Hanniffy, Dylan Hayden and Paul Cleary to dominate and ultimately be the difference for Birr.
Birr win by 5.
Are Rynaghs missing many players from last year? You say they are a depleted side. Who are they missing from last year's team? . I am sure that they cannot be expected to compete with Birr without all their players being available to them.
Fergus Shortt, Ciarán Flannery and Diarmuid Horan are all abroad. Stephen Quirke was in America on a summer sanction but will be available for the semi-final.
Sharp Eye wrote:Are Rynaghs missing many players from last year? You say they are a depleted side. Who are they missing from last year's team? . I am sure that they cannot be expected to compete with Birr without all their players being available to them.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.
Plain of the Herbs wrote:Fergus Shortt, Ciarán Flannery and Diarmuid Horan are all abroad. Stephen Quirke was in America on a summer sanction but will be available for the semi-final.
Sharp Eye wrote:Are Rynaghs missing many players from last year? You say they are a depleted side. Who are they missing from last year's team? . I am sure that they cannot be expected to compete with Birr without all their players being available to them.
Didn't know that was all thought there was more than that, still there 3 older players to balance the team. Where's Gaza Kelly, Gary Healy and C.Horan then or are they still around?
Birr V St.Rynaghs
I have to say I have been impressed by Birr this year,only one loss in the group stages and that to KK in the first round.
Johnny Pilkington has kept them ticking over nicely even when missing key players for games they have played good hurling with Barry Whelehan rolling back the years controlling things from the middle of the field. Cant see anything other than a Birr win but at the same time Rynaghs can never just be written off especially when playing Birr and Padraig Horan will have them well up to play their biggest rivals.
For me its a Birr win 1-17 to 1-11!
KK V Seir Kieran
It wont be a place for the fainthearted the Clareen lads have absolutely no love for KK they have been major rivals over the years and sunday will be no different.
The whole game will swing on how much help the rest of the Seir Kieran forwards give Joe Bergin if he is left to carry them on his own KK will win at a canter.
KK 2-15 Seir Kieran 1-14
On a side note its good to see Brian Gavin and Tony Carroll getting the semis and hopefully Brian Gavin will get the final,our best referees should be getting the biggest games!
K V Seir Kieran
It wont be a place for the fainthearted the Clareen lads have absolutely no love for KK they have been major rivals over the years and sunday will be no different.
The whole game will swing on how much help the rest of the Seir Kieran forwards give Joe Bergin if he is left to carry them on his own KK will win at a canter.
KK 2-15 Seir Kieran 1-14
Don't think KK would expect it any other way!
It will be the survival of the fittest and 'who' wants it most and after the performance displayed by Belmont against KK everyone knows there will be no hiding place in these knockout stages. Joe Bergin is proving, once again, to be Clareen's greatest source of scores and how he is marshalled by the, whole, of the KK defence on Sunday looks the crucial question. Bergin will punish any indiscipline with his accuracy and it will be crucial that our defence limits his opportunities of scoring.
Our forwards need to be on their A-game come Sunday and the amount of work done off-the-ball by Dan Currams and his colleagues against Belmont was crucial at keeping the wagon wheel rolling.
Put the cart before the horse for a minute. How might a defeat of K-K come about in the Offaly county championship? Because the defeat will come when least expected. Item: Coolderry last year, when the then Leinster and Offaly champions ran into a team who were hungrier than they were, hit the ground running and had the belief to see the deed out to the end.
K-K do look unassailable at the moment, running up big totals (exceeding 20 points in three of their last four matches) while conceding very little at the back. The team is settled, so much so that the front eight has been unchanged since the resumption after summer (after Daniel Currams returned from that injury).
That’s all very well. It is also a breeding ground for complacency. K-K have been hurling constantly since the start of last year and it is difficult to keep a keen edge on things. Kieran McManus’s many solo runs through the K-K defence during the second half of the quarter-final showed possible signs that the edge is wearing off to a degree. Perhaps a change or two to the lineup would give a focus. Perhaps give Trevor Fletcher a start – it wouldn’t weaken the team anyway.
The unthinkable couldn’t happen on Sunday, could it? To be in with a chance, Clareen need their blue-chip player hurling very well. For this to happen they need to keep their forwards spread out, with Joseph Bergin in a one-on-one situation with Peter Healion. They cannot afford to have covering defenders and midfielders crowding matters. And Killian Leonard and Damien Kilmartin will concentrate on covering Bergin’s area. Christopher Connors impressed in the full-forward role against Coolderry. How he does against Ger Healion could decide the outcome. A day of contrasts, Ger Healion will appear in his 11th SHC semi-final while each of the Clareen men appear in their first.
At the other end, Dermot Mooney’s duel with Peter Geraghty could be decisive. Geraghty is generally good for a few points, often at crucial times. Mooney is doughty, gives little away and likes to get forward himself. Dónal Coughlan should do well on James Gorman, while Éanna Murphy should do likewise at full-back. On the other hand, Conor Mahon will test novice centre half-back James Mulrooney. Around for long enough to almost be considered a veteran, Mahon is K-K’s second-highest scorer after Ciarán Slevin this year (he has scored 4-11 in the six games to date) and with his improved strokeplay he could also be considered the most improved hurler in Offaly. Clareen could do with Seán Coughlan lining out here.
Strong winds are promised, with gales possible, which will make two halves of the game. K-K and Clareen share a history of close matches. They have drawn on several occasions in the recent past, drawing twice in the 2009 quarter-final (K-K win in extra time in a replay that ended level agter 60 minutes) and ending on level terms in a group game last year. There is also the shaing of two U21 titles in recent years, Clareen’s title win over K-K in 2008, K-K avenging that defeat in the following year’s Final.
Clareen will not lack for belief and if K-K do not carry the edge, and a bright, shining, cutting edge at that, Clareen could well dethrone the champions. On the other hand, sufficiently fresh and motivated, K-K have enough forwards to carry the day.
BIRR v ST RYNAGH’S
When a fired up Tullamore led St Rynagh’s by nine points at half-time of the recent quarter-final, it looked as if the local side would advance to another semi-final. That St Rynagh’s overtook the leaders is a tribute to the Shannonsiders’ resilience and their composure. The tendency when facing such a deficit is to pile into attack, lose shape and panic when the scores do not come. Instead ’Rynagh’s picked off the points with a consistent regularity.
In doing so, their half-back line was the most impressive – Conor Hernon hurled quite an amount of ball in that second-half, Dermot Shortt gave a glimpse of the Dermot Shortt that destroyed Coolderry last year. Simon Lyons is lively and a good ball player. This line should get the better of Colm Mulrooney, Stephen Lonergan and (possibly) Tomás Bolger. ’Rynagh’s corner-backs are tenacious and have hurling.
Birr, in contrast, had no such test in their quarter-final and they never looked like they were not going to beat Shinrone. Which, at the stage of teambuilding they are at, they could have done with a character-building test such as the one Sunday’s opposition got.
’Rynagh’s midfield impressed in that second-half too, where Pat Camon and Aidan Treacy are two ball-playing defenders by nature. They may well gain an edge on Barry Whelahan and Brendan Murphy.
Yet it hard to see the ’Rynagh’s forwards running up a big total in the face of the Birr defence, and many of those second-half scores against Tullamore came from distance. They do depend on Ger Rafferty to win the dirty ball and to put them on the front foot. How that goes when facing Rory Hanniffy remains to be seen. Seán Dolan, a good worker, will need to stop Paul Cleary from clearing the ball. And Brian Mullins is sharp at picking out a spare man with a short puckout. Barry Harding’s return may well allow Seán Ryan move up to midfield, which would change the dynamic there. Ryan is mighty at catching the ball and with strong winds promised, playing havoc with goalkeepers’ puckouts, midfield will be vital.
St Rynagh’s look to have more midfield potential. With both having superior defences, and with strong winds seemingly likely, that midfield potential may well see St Rynagh’s through, something like 1-14 to 1-11 or thereabouts.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.
hard to see past KK in the 2nd game. If Joe Bergin is held, clareen have little else in forwards with Mulrooney back at centre back..... KK forwards a lot more potent and anything other than a KK win here would be a massive shock.... KK by 5 or 6 points
I think Birr will take banagher..... at the start of year id have said banagher but having seen them in action twice, i wouldnt be too impressed... struggled to beat a poor tullamore team and beaten well by Ferbane belmont doesnt augur well.... might have a few more back but not having played together wont have helped.... Birr by 3 or 4...
i have seen Birr 3 times this year and we are no great shakes, our down fall over the last
4 years has been in the forward line and still is, only Dylan Hayden looks stood out again Shinrone
with Harding and Bolger back plus our backline hurl well we might nick it by a point or 2.
but we will have to put away our chances and not the messing that went on the last day in
front of goal.
the other game will also be close i though Clareen showed great fight and belly for it again Coolderry and they will need the same again this weekend, k/k are still as good as ever
and look like the winners again this year, but don't rule out a shock on sunday they will have
to hurl well for the 60 minutes again Clareen.
Brosna Gaels secured their Senior status for 2013 with a narrow, but deserved, win over Lusmagh at Birr yesterday (Saturday) evening. Truth to tell, Gaels might have won this by eight points both on balance of play and on domination of territory and possession. Instead, with sides level in stoppage time Chris McDonald pointed a 20m free to win the game for the Leamonaghan Parish side.
Gaels opened well and with the aid of a goal following a passing move led 1-4 to 0-2 after 10 minutes. Adrian Lynch brought Lusmagh back into it with a goal, but a Gaels goal which seemed to go in direct from a lineball 50 metres outsaw them lead 2-4 to 1-3 after 18 minutes, a lead which was 2-9 to 1-6 by half-time. (I didn’t get the identity of either Gaels goalscorer, unfortunately). Dean Bracken hurled up a storm at 6, Chris McDonald dominated at midfield, Seán Hackett did well in the middle too while Fergal Daly and Éamonn McCabe were the pick of the forwards.
Lusmagh switched full-back Rory Quinlan and centre-back David Moran just before half-time, and though it took time, it was a move that brought both Lusmagh defenders into the game. Three exchanges of points kept the six point margin (2-12 to 1-9) at the 40 minute mark, and Alan Kelly’s long range freetaking brought the gap down to four points ten minutes later. Still Chris McDonald was dominant and though Gaels’ forward line was hurling well as a unit (fetching, pasing, moving) with Tom Spain more dominant, Gaels weren’t keeping the scoreboard ticking over as their possession suggested they should.
Lusmagh brought Austen Lynch to midfield, with Aidan Hanrahan going to full-forward. Fintan Kelly was introduced to midfield and instantly McDonald’s influence waned. Moments later Hanrahan’s good work resulted in a goal chance for Niall Duffy who buried the goal to reduce the gap to the minimum with eight minutes still to go. They were level with five to go, still deadlocked into stoppage time. Brosna Gaels might have been awarded a few frees but with Martin Walsh playing for a draw these were not awarded. Then came the foul Walsh simply couldn’t ignore, a hurl around the neck inside the 21 and McDonald slotted to claim Gaels’ first Senior win in Birr. Lusmagh and Drumcullen must meet in the relegation Final, with no clear favourite at this stage.
Scorers: Brosna Gaels (point scorers only, I’m afraid): Chris McDonald 5 (2 frees), Seán Hackett 3, Fergal Daly 2 (1 free), Jason Devery & Thomas Spain 1 each.
Lusmagh: Alan Kelly 0-7 (0-4 frees, 0-3 65s), Adrian Lynch & Niall Duffy 1-0 each, Seán Gardiner, Austen Lynch & Eoin Quinlan 0-2 each.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.
Jimbob, I have to pull you up there on a couple of things.
1) Banagher as you call them? St Rynaghs until a rebellion erupts, we all understand what you mean. But Camon & Rafferty are solid Cloghan men, along with a few more
2) Ferbane(in caps!)belmont(not in Caps?). Actually Ferbane is the amalgamated football club, and Belmont is the hurling club. I'm sure you are well aware of this, but just in case.
Identities to clubs are important and especially amalgamations, and this mis naming? of them does your usual high standard of analysis no favours imo.
Two Big game today and a Big wind.
Birr vs Rynaghs. Well. the two team came from the two poor 1/4 finals. Birr Forwards were very poor and Rynagh frist half against tullamore was shocking.
Its two week later and with this wind today who every plays aginist it in the frist half will be look to be within 6 or 7 points at half time.
This could well be a battle of the midfields. Pat Camon and Tracey vs Murphy and Ryan. which ever unit can win this battle could well win this match.
this could be a very close game. Birr were with a point of Kilcormac Killoughey last year. if Stephen Quirke is back and start he worth 5 points to Rynaghs.
it could well be down to free takers. Rynaghs by one point i think.
Kilcormac/Killoughey vs Clareen, Before the 1/4 finals Clareen look like a one man forward line. After i'll will have to be given a lot more respect to the other 5 forwards.
Clareen had a Half fit Tom Carroll the last day and if his Fitness has improved that will be a big plus. Brian Dunne has a great game the last day in midfield but he up against one of the best midfield in the country this week (imo) in Kilmartin. if he can make any inroads that would be a big plus for the young man.
But in all fairness the battle of Joe Bergin aginist the Healion should be worth the administration fee. 9 out of 10 Kilcormac Killoughey will have too much for Clareen.
But if Donal Coughlan can mark Geraghty. Murphy stop Mahon. Dunne get on top of Kilmartin and Tom Carroll get on top of his mark, all which could happen they have a great chance to win but Kilcormac/Killoughey to win by 4-5 point.
GreatDayForTheParish wrote:Storm force winds today. A pity.
Weather like this makes a complete lottery of proceedings. Any and all results are now possible.
Great previews here lads much appreciated.
Winds maybe not as bad as were forecast earlier in the week and hopefully won't disrupt what looks a mouth-watering couple of contest for those of you lucky enough able to attend.
A good weekend preview on Midlands Radio 3 and well worth another listen on a great local radio station if you have a spare half hour! Link here
For me today the two games lacked a bit of bite and in the end K/K and Birr were deserving winners. The wind made conditions very difficult for hurling , Paul Clearys long range frees in the second half with the wind were spot on and Birr played well as a team , Ryan, Watkins, Dwane all played well, St.Rynaghs struggled to get scores in the second half against the wind. In the second game K/K got it hard for a long time to put Seir Kieran away who seemed to play better against the wind. I feel sorry for big Joe Bergin who was outstanding today and really was a one man show upfront , he must have scored 1-8 or 1-9 and the pass he gave for the second goal was a peach. K/K full back line was found wanting today a bit conceding two penalties, Currams played very well in the first half and took his goal very well. The final should be a good game and Il go for Birr to shade it , Birr 1-16 K/K 2- 11.
