National Forum

Offaly V Laois L.S.H.C 1/4 Final

(Oldest Posts First)

Big game this weekend for us, laois are looking for the Championship double over us after last year's disaster. Hard to know what to expect really, I fancy a tight affair, Offaly by 4 I reckon given home advantage. A big incentive to both teams here is to avoid the Leinster round Robin next year.

What do yee think lads?

Biffo2013 (Offaly) - Posts: 23 - 02/06/2016 10:02:03    1860779

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Hard to know what to expect from us to be honest.
I think the round robin definately helped us last year as it allowed us to get some good competitive games under our belt. It seemed from the match that made the difference, Laois got into their stride that bit quicker while Offaly seemed sluggish.
I would expect the same to apply to Offaly now, and that they will be much sharper than us. That coupled with the game being in Tullamore and our poorish enough form in league leaves us with an uphill battle.
Would take any sort of result but the head says that Offaly might hold out for the win.

Andy (Laois) - Posts: 371 - 02/06/2016 11:14:12    1860819

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Replying To Andy:  "Hard to know what to expect from us to be honest.
I think the round robin definately helped us last year as it allowed us to get some good competitive games under our belt. It seemed from the match that made the difference, Laois got into their stride that bit quicker while Offaly seemed sluggish.
I would expect the same to apply to Offaly now, and that they will be much sharper than us. That coupled with the game being in Tullamore and our poorish enough form in league leaves us with an uphill battle.
Would take any sort of result but the head says that Offaly might hold out for the win."
A day out from the game and I'm feeling confident of beating Laois, after seen the teams named I'm confident we have the forwards to won primary possession and bang in a goal or two for the winning of the game. However I feel our defenders are weak enough too and Laois have very good forwards to also pick out the back of the net. The difference on the day could be Shane dooleys and Joseph Bergin who on their day are exceptional Hurlers.

Expecting a big crowd, good weather and a six pack of Bulmers on the terrace.

Hon the Faithful

Biffo2013 (Offaly) - Posts: 23 - 04/06/2016 18:18:12    1861516

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The cider will flow well tonight, great display by offaly. Really stood up when it counted in the second half. Fast direct hurling.

Sean ryan was the man of the match had a stormer in midfield.

Very tight at half time, I honestly though Laois would push on at start of second half due to the wind factor.

I think anyone at the match would say James Dempseys save before to half time was one of the best saves in years.

Offaly hit the ground running in second half, delighted to see, bring on Galway.

Biffo2013 (Offaly) - Posts: 23 - 05/06/2016 19:51:52    1861922

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Good win for Offaly today. Laois lost a lot of players since last year. It showed in the league and it showed again today. Offaly will be happy after a number of good performances around the field and also sharing the burden that Shane Dooley and Joe Bergin normally carries.

Sean Ryan, Shane Kinsella, Kevin Connolly and David King were excellent.

Galway will most definitely be a huge step up and judging by what they did to Westmeath today they look like they are in no form for upsets. Westmeath put up a decent score of 19 points all the same........So maybe there is weaknesses here to exploit.

As much as supporters enjoy today and the recent victories of the various faithful teams, Serious questions still remain to be answered by our County Board and their silence is deafening. Days like this won't paper over the cracks that exist.

We'll enjoy our victory tonight though. Hopefully the Sunday Game will show James Dempsey's save of the decade in the 1st half today. Best Shot stopper in the country bar none.

Small steps Offaly. Keep the faith.

Esto Fidelis

wing back (Offaly) - Posts: 115 - 05/06/2016 20:04:27    1861928

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Replying To wing back:  "Good win for Offaly today. Laois lost a lot of players since last year. It showed in the league and it showed again today. Offaly will be happy after a number of good performances around the field and also sharing the burden that Shane Dooley and Joe Bergin normally carries.

Sean Ryan, Shane Kinsella, Kevin Connolly and David King were excellent.

Galway will most definitely be a huge step up and judging by what they did to Westmeath today they look like they are in no form for upsets. Westmeath put up a decent score of 19 points all the same........So maybe there is weaknesses here to exploit.

As much as supporters enjoy today and the recent victories of the various faithful teams, Serious questions still remain to be answered by our County Board and their silence is deafening. Days like this won't paper over the cracks that exist.

We'll enjoy our victory tonight though. Hopefully the Sunday Game will show James Dempsey's save of the decade in the 1st half today. Best Shot stopper in the country bar none.

Small steps Offaly. Keep the faith.

Esto Fidelis"
Was at the game today , demsey for me is the best goal keeper in Ireland , outrageous saves today

ke40 (Kildare) - Posts: 209 - 05/06/2016 21:52:16    1862000

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I don't think Zane Keenan was on the panel yesterday. Big loss for Laois.

crikey (Australia) - Posts: 355 - 06/06/2016 09:10:10    1862042

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Think Zane hung up the hurl.

Laois missing leaders on the field yesterday when under pressure in second half.

Biffo2013 (Offaly) - Posts: 23 - 06/06/2016 10:08:24    1862056

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I think less lads would hang up the hurl if the season wasn't so long.

crikey (Australia) - Posts: 355 - 06/06/2016 11:27:48    1862098

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