Senior Hurling Reflections

Key fixtures on tap this weekend

After the opening round of provincial championship games, early trends have emerged. This weekend is backs against the walls for some, for others the prize of a much coveted home win will be crucial in their championship ambitions. Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on the fixtures on tap.

Munster SHC: Cork and Waterford in must win territory

The mission statement is simple for Cork and Waterford this weekend; it is a must win game. A loss this weekend and their championship ambitions will be given a fatal blow.

Cork travel to Limerick whose performance will be keenly observed. The squad looks well equipped to go deep in the championship but for that to happen John Kiely’s charges must deliver from the first minute tomorrow.

Cork have taken stock of their loss to Tipperary at home last weekend; the lack of defensive and middle third dominance was glaring. Cooper comes back to the starting lineup, a massive boost as his experience was sorely missed.

Limerick have named a strong first fifteen with fourteen of those featuring in the All Ireland final last year. Peter Casey in the corner forward position potentially could be a pivotal player for Limerick as Cork focus their attention on the likes of Hayes and Gillane.

If Limerick can produce the work rate, tempo and slick passing game which they showed in the NHL final, then the Cork middle third are in for a long afternoon. Cork need more from Harnedy, Lehane to support Pa Horgan who was outstanding last weekend.

The opening exchanges in this contest will be pivotal. If Limerick can start in good fashion, then this game is theirs. Cork will travel to Limerick with no fear; they did a job on Limerick in the NHL earlier this year. Limerick have been warned and will want to send out a massive statement of intent. Limerick for me by five points after a testing opening period.

Waterford were very disappointing last weekend. Their performance was off from minute one. The skill set and first touch was off. Was it due to the long awaited Walsh Park cameo? Some players let the occasion get to them and the free taking situation was a source of concern throughout.

When you consider Padraic O’Mahony is one of the standout free takers in the country, how is he not on the frees? A question for Waterford management to reflect on. Points went a begging last weekend and it was crucial when it came down to the wire.

The inside full forward line needs bolstering. Maurice Shanahan for me is the perfect full forward target man alongside Patrick Curran. Both players could contribute if given space in a two man full forward line.

Tipperary on the other hand will look to consolidate their performance last weekend. O’Dwyer was majestic in the half forward line but will he and the Tipp forward line unit be afforded the same space and time as last weekend?

The Tipperary half back line were standout. The Maher’s last weekend dominated everything in the air and they setup a massive attacking platform with quality scores and distribution from long range. It was great to see Brendan Maher back to his prime after a horrific knee injury last year.

The outcome of this game is the performance of Austin Gleeson. If the Waterford talisman continues to be a minimal game change influencer in the half forward line, the game is up for Waterford. Gleeson needs to be either half-back or roving in the middle third to make things happen.

Tipperary for me were very impressive last weekend. The pace and speed of Waterford will test them defensively but their scoring power looks awesome again. Tipperary for me by five points.

Leinster SHC: Wexford enter the fold

I am looking forward to the fixture of Carlow and Kilkenny. It will be a good barometer to see Carlow’s form in this championship; their promising cameo against Galway last weekend was full of energy and work rate. Kavanagh and Doyle shone for Carlow.

Kilkenny showed why they will go deep in the championship later in the year; their ability to adjust at half time against Dublin was managerial masterclass 101. The tactic switches worked perfectly and with the Ballyhale contingent playing superb hurling in the attack, this win was the impressive performance last weekend.

What to expect in Netwatch Park? Carlow to provide stiff resistance in a local derby contest. Kilkenny to make the adjustments to secure a road trip win but the hope is that Colm Bonnar’s side will be competitive for the whole contest. The discipline issue was highlighted last weekend in Galway and has to improve this weekend and for the rest of the championship.

Kilkenny for me with TJ Reid providing inspiration and creativity in a six points win.

Dublin like Cork and Waterford are in a backs against the wall situation. A home fixture to focus the minds after a demoralizing second half loss to Kilkenny. The defensive setup from Dublin was exposed in the second half as TJ Reid and Colin Fennelly tore into the Dublin rearguard creating player overlaps.

The sight of Greg Kennedy catching a Kilkenny free was an embarrassment to anyone associated with Dublin hurling. The four week ban was soft; should have a couple of months to act as a deterrent. Mattie Kenny and selectors need to focus on hurling and not this stupid stuff.

Wexford. What an enigma in the championship last season, potential and promised evaporated and a meek All Ireland quarter final exit was a disappointing end to the season.

This fixture is going to be huge for Wexford. The hope is that the team’s key stars will come to the party. Ryan, O’Connor, Chin, McDonald need to provide leadership and set the tone for others to follow.

The fixture with Dublin could be a cagey affair; middle third stalemate as both teams flood the area. The Dublin attacking threat needs to improve; precious little from Rushe in the second half and inside full forward line.

A slight hesitant nod to Dublin by a point or two but Wexford should be competitive and dare I say would not be surprised to see them win on the road. Dublin need to deliver here or Mattie Kenny will put under the microscope.