Wondering why the Christy ring is finished so early in the season? Seems like they just want to get it out of the way. I think a proper intermediate all Ireland championship would be very healthy for hurling. With the final played before all hurling semi final would be crucial for success of the competition.

Enda_Bag (Kerry) - Posts: 14 - 11/03/2014 08:22:12    1558060

There's a play-off this year between the Christy Ring winner and the team 4th in the qualifier group. That'll be around mid-June. For that reason it needs to be over around then.
From next year, when the qualifier group is 4 teams, if interest was there from the counties, they could start an All-Ireland B championship at a quarter-final stage with 4 qualifier counties drawn against 4 Christy Ring semi-finalists. All just to give these counties more game time in the summer. Qualifier counties are already essentially McCarthy B level.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 7853 - 11/03/2014 10:23:18    1558105

I was at Christy Ring final and that was only because I happened to be in Dublin at a loose end. Dont claim to be a die hard supporter or anything. Was thinking it was a shame that the teams were finished just as summer was beginning. Also the players probably deserved more of an occasion and bigger attendance.

Enda_Bag (Kerry) - Posts: 14 - 12/03/2014 08:46:12    1558582

Very good idea, Legendz.

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 12/03/2014 13:34:47    1558713

16 Mar 2014 2pm Kerry v Carlow... Draw

The media might be unaware of it but Kerry and Carlow are home and hosed, can't be caught, have the 2A final all sewn up! As someone was saying, this game is likely to be no more than a bit of shadow boxing. Still, it's a game to be won. Both will possibly run the rule over more players as they begin preparations for the 2A final.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 7853 - 13/03/2014 19:33:54    1559384

The whole of Carlow hurling (all 6 clubs of it) is waiting for Monday in Croker. The fact that the co team have a meaningless game on Sunday is a pity. If there was something to be gained by winning the Kerry match then things would be different. As things stand and the fact it's Kerry again in the final, it will be Numbers 16-30 on the panel getting a run, and when u take 10/12 MLR guys off that too, it's gonna be a weak side. Kerry this Sunday to win is bet of the weekend. Can't find odds tho :(

The Real 1944 (Carlow) - Posts: 1114 - 14/03/2014 18:31:07    1559786

How many will MLR/Carlow bring to Croke Monday?

saulgael (Down) - Posts: 553 - 14/03/2014 20:15:19    1559817

Most Carlow people I've spoke to are going, every football club in the county is running a bus or 2. Borris, Rathanna & Ballymurphy will be ghost villages. I'd say Carlow will bring 6-7,000 which for a county of 56,000 is massive.

The Real 1944 (Carlow) - Posts: 1114 - 14/03/2014 21:15:06    1559842

Kerry lead 2-8 to 0-8 at half-time of this shadow boxing contest. Carlow will probably raise the level in the 2nd half.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 7853 - 16/03/2014 13:51:35    1560170

Kerry won this shadow boxing contest 3-14 to 0-17. They'll finish top of the league table. April 6th will be the real deal, with the MLR contingent to return.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 7853 - 16/03/2014 17:11:43    1560342

Carlow v Westmeath, Dr Cullen Park
London v Kerry, Ruislip

Kerry and Carlow, after a bit of shadow-boxing last week, continue their preparations for the 2A final. The 2A final will take place on Saturday April 5th, Venue TBC!

Kerry will top the regular season table regardless of Sunday's results. When many would have expected them 4th behind the McCarthy teams of Carlow, Westmeath and London, it's some achievement. It has to be taken with a pinch of salt as well however, last week's win was as we've said - shadow-boxing stuff ahead of the real deal.

On the weekend itself, hard to predict results. Derry, Westmeath and London will possibly play for a higher league finish for what it's worth. I have sympathy for the 3 that they'll only get 5 league games and that's it ahead of their respective championships. The GAA make all efforts to guarantee 1A and 1B teams an extra game and then fail completely to provide adequate game time for teams in the lower divisions. Clearly not right and something to be addressed.

Anyways back on topic, Kerry and Carlow to continue preparations ahead of the final on Saturday April 5th!

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 7853 - 21/03/2014 18:58:28    1563213

I reckon Westmeath will beat the Carlow reserves, as Wmth seem to be on a roll now and out to get behind Hanley.
London could well beat Kerrys 2nd team too, as this weekend is all about avoiding injuries.

2A final is Kerry v Carlow so this wkend for finalists means nothing. 2A Final is where it matters and Carlow will have 7/8 MLR guys involved.

The Real 1944 (Carlow) - Posts: 1114 - 21/03/2014 19:59:43    1563242

Meyler will probably have to play some of the MLR lads this weekend "to bed them in" with the rest of the team, I'd say.

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 21/03/2014 21:58:07    1563304

Carlow 2-21 Westmeath 0-13
London 1-18 Kerry 2-17

Massive win by 2A favourites Carlow. Kerry completed the regular season topping the table with a 100% record. Last week's win obviously taken with a pinch of salt.

Christy Ring holders Down, and favourites to retain their title, topped 2B with a 100% record as well. A gentle reminder of the challenge that lies ahead there.

The venue for the 2A final is to be announced tomorrow. I'd imagine Limerick will be the venue?

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 7853 - 23/03/2014 16:49:57    1563786

I was totally wrong with my prediction as I honestly expected the reserves to be given a start today.

Meyler played most of the regulars, and they were very impressive. For a 15 minute spell just after half time, we just played some real quality hurling and Westmeath couldn't live with it. Then subs were made and a lot of the main players were taken off. A great win and a nice confidence boost before the final.

None of the MLR guys were involved today, but I would expect they will be back in training this week & should be available for the final.

Decent win by Kerry too, as 5 wins from 5 is serious form. The final is 50/50 in my eyes, will be a close game either way.

The Real 1944 (Carlow) - Posts: 1114 - 23/03/2014 17:35:41    1563813

Hugh paddy O Byrne was playing today from MLR. Strange he makes county team and can't get starting place with club !!!!

TopFan (Carlow) - Posts: 166 - 23/03/2014 20:35:24    1563913

True TopFan, with MLR he is usually a sub as a forward. Today he started corner back. Strange that he was only 1 back already.

The Real 1944 (Carlow) - Posts: 1114 - 23/03/2014 20:58:35    1563926

The Real 1944
County: Carlow
Decent win by Kerry too, as 5 wins from 5 is serious form. The final is 50/50 in my eyes, will be a close game either way.
More 75-25 at least. We're under no illusions. It should be a good game. I've enjoyed these clashes numerous times, despite the unfortunate results on our side. Both team's respective championship ambitions says a lot. Carlow are aiming for top 12. Kerry are aiming for top 14. As I briefly mentioned in another thread, the 1B play-off could be to Carlow's advantage. It's hard to tell right now how ye'll get on in the qualifier group. The play-off should give ye a better idea and have ye better prepared in ye're bid to qualify for a Leinster quarter-final. I still don't agree with the 1B play-off thing but I guess ye've got to make the most of a bad situation.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 7853 - 23/03/2014 21:39:50    1563951

2A Final will be played on: Sunday April 6th @ 3:45pm in Semple Stadium.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 7853 - 25/03/2014 15:40:01    1564854

Will that be as part of a double-header?

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 25/03/2014 15:53:32    1564863