Yes they have a chance ,they have the levels of intensity needed so far and if they bring this and tighten up at the back of course they can compete right too the end. That's when the test will come.

Dubh_linn (Dublin) - Posts: 2312 - 25/08/2015 20:43:48    1776245

What I do think is that whoever wins will win by 6 points or more. One classic rarely follows another and this could a dour affair. The semi was one of the most enjoyable matches I was at since we beat the Cats in the semi of 2005. I remember the classic '87 semi match with Tipp followed by a dour final with the Cats. If the same happens this time we won't mind once the result is the same.

kiloughter (Galway) - Posts: 1947 - 25/08/2015 20:55:11    1776252

Galway most certainly have a chance here, a strong one at that. I think they're now performing at a higher level than at the same stage in 2012, and Kilkenny are probably at the same level but are they getting any better? I would say no. Throw in the fact that Galway are improving with every game this year and they now have real momentum and very little pressure on them so i would say they are exactly 'where they want to be'. Hon de Tribesmen!

emmett (Longford) - Posts: 15 - 26/08/2015 13:19:00    1776509

Play like they did for with the last 15 minutes intensity of the Tipp game, then yes. Come back after a suckerpunch of a goal and score 3 pints to cancel out the goal, then yes. Lets not forget, one man caused havoc the last day, there will be more than one forward for Kilkenny casuing us havoc the next day, acres of space cannot afford to be given. All that said, Galway are playing great this year, it this is not the year God only knows when it will be!

sliotharfan (Galway) - Posts: 87 - 26/08/2015 13:32:25    1776516

Yes they can!

jkiamasnake (Galway) - Posts: 81 - 26/08/2015 14:29:05    1776579

Yes. Cats don't have anyone as good as callanan

flack (Dublin) - Posts: 1054 - 26/08/2015 14:38:27    1776586

I think hurling needs Brian Cody to win an 11th All-Ireland title as manager. I can't believe so many people are shouting for Galway to win. Galway won an All-Ireland as recently as 27 years ago and here they are looking for another one so soon after - I can't believe Galway fans could be so greedy and selfish but I guess that's the way the modern GAA fan has gone. Cody might only win another 5 or 6 All-Irelands before he retires and you would all deny him another one - that's pretty low, lads.

ballydalane (Kilkenny) - Posts: 1246 - 26/08/2015 14:39:22    1776587

ballydalane I feel your pain. If ye are beaten future generations in Kilkenny will go back to...ummm...what else is it you guys do down there?

Maroonatic (Galway) - Posts: 1060 - 26/08/2015 15:03:14    1776608

Great post Ballydalane. I don't know what I was thinking hoping for a Galway win. I feel so greedy and selfish now. You've changed my mind and come the day I'll be casting off the maroon jersey and I'll search the house for something amber and black to wear. I know the daughter dressed as a bumble bee for a school play last year, so maybe I can find that. I'll have to leave the wings on, or run the risk of a balling 5 year old.

Come on the Cats!

festinog (Galway) - Posts: 3097 - 26/08/2015 18:08:56    1776759

Galway can win but need to get the matchups and plans right in several places E.g.

They were annihilated in the 1/2 back line in the Leinster final especially Iarla Tannian who had a nightmare. They were OK against Tipp. Richie Hogan will require proper marking this time though.
Galway dominated midfeild and most of the pitch the last day against Tipp. can't see that happening against Kilkenny though. Kilkenny also will have Michael Fennelly there as well which will make it much harder for that Galway midfield though.
They need Joe C to step it up for the final. He has been average enough by his high standards this year.
On the line AC was very poor in the semi-final with his choice of marking for Callanan. Kilkenny will surely have noted this and I wouldn't doubt a big fella in there for the final - e.g. Walter Walsh. AC needs to be better.

Overall KK are there for the taking. But they ain't going to give up the title softly.

MaigheoAbu (Mayo) - Posts: 343 - 26/08/2015 21:07:47    1776847

Flack
Yes. Cats don't have anyone as good as callanan
_______________________

Get out of it Flack, Reid and Hogan are both better than Callanan.

Callanan is talented and is good against loose full backs but in my opinion he's gone missing in too many matches to be rated as higher than two proven performers like Hogan and Reid.

ballydalane (Kilkenny) - Posts: 1246 - 26/08/2015 21:56:48    1776874

flack
County: Dublin
Posts: 765

1776586
Yes. Cats don't have anyone as good as callanan

Ever heard of TJ Reid or Richie Hogan flack?!!!!

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13718 - 27/08/2015 08:11:05    1776876

Two great hurlers, but not in callanans league, imo, and I'm neutral. No one can take the scores he can, running at full speed away from goal, I think the days where he went missing are in the past. Sure he roasted the great jj Delaney in the first final last year, maybe the only time it's been done. Mannion isn't a loose marker either, if you watch closely he was right on top on callanan for all the scores, he even broke a hurl off him in the first minute, it's just that he is unmarkable some days

flack (Dublin) - Posts: 1054 - 27/08/2015 18:25:33    1777248

No chance, sure we are privileged to get this far and will be happy to be part of the big day.

Barnowl94 (Galway) - Posts: 3150 - 27/08/2015 20:42:08    1777292

Flack. Are you for real?

dubarra (Wicklow) - Posts: 541 - 28/08/2015 09:51:43    1777352

Maybe I overstated it dubarra, on reflection, 'great' might be a bit of an exaggeration. Reid and Hogan are two GOOD hurlers, so :-)

flack (Dublin) - Posts: 1054 - 28/08/2015 10:27:42    1777363

Yes they've a chance.

Sure their fullback line will get a bit of an aerial bombardment and they need to do better than what they managed on Callanan in the semi, but I think the KK fullback is also a bit weak in the air and if the right pass goes to the right man in there, then Galway can also get goals.

This is still a very good KK team, but haven't really been put to the pin of their collar this year as yet!

Hoping for a hum dinger with no sweepers in sight!

bricktop (Down) - Posts: 2503 - 28/08/2015 10:57:25    1777384

Should be a great game. If Big Joe hits form (he's due to!) could be fairytale stuff for the Tribesmen!

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 28/08/2015 13:03:55    1777457

Cliché Time here goes , on their day Galway can beat anyone , however would you bet against the Cats ?
I honestly fear for Galway as they struggled with SC , how are they going to handle TJ Reid and R Hogan , they under 21 result was a blow also .
I love an underdog I hope Galway do it .

Damothedub (Dublin) - Posts: 5193 - 28/08/2015 13:16:32    1777465

The bonfires will be burning west of the Shannon,in giddy anticipation of their returning heroes.Twenty seven years of hurt will be banished to the past.Codys men of steel will suffer to the tribesmen once again.Im predicting a Galway victory.Will post more next week in lead up to game.

cuederocket (Dublin) - Posts: 5084 - 28/08/2015 13:21:29    1777467