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The Rise Of Offaly Hurling - 2 Like(s)
Replying To legendzxix: "Offaly are on the cusp of qualifying for their first ever McDonagh Cup final. They last played in Leinster in 2018. Their minors got to the All-Ireland final last year. Their U20 hurlers are going well this year.
Offaly won Division 2A and have a 100% record after 3 rounds of the McDonagh. Offaly incredibly played for 7 weekends in a row between league R4, R5, semi-final, final, McDonagh R1, R2 and R3. Offaly appear to be on the way back. 3rd in Munster or Leinster will be travelling to Tullamore for a preliminary quarter-final this year." A Kerry supporter stating how great Offaly hurling is .... you wouldn't guess Kerry are playing Offaly this Weekend!
Firceall (National) - 03/05/2023 17:52:40
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New York Hurling - 2 Like(s)
Replying To legendzxix: "New York can't travel for a full round robin series. My understanding was the onus was on New York to bring forward a format to Congress.
Again, where was any motion for New York to start off in the McDonagh instead?
New York could be playing Laois in a semi final instead." Congratulations to New York. Not New York's fault but was ompletey unfair on Monaghan and other Teams in tge championship. Has denied them or other team who put effort in to get to a semi final, the opportunity to play in Croke Park. Of course the format was agreed and known in advance, but doesn't mean it is fair.
As NY only get a max of 2 matches, how about the winners of the Rackard and Ring cups are invited over to New York to compete in a three way competition instead. The incentive would help promote hurling in the counties in those competitions and also in NY.
Firceall (National) - 24/05/2025 18:56:29
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How Do We Take Hurling On From Here - 2 Like(s)
Replying To Tadhg2020: "How has that worked out for Laois and Antrim or westmeath? It has worked out ok so far for Offaly and Wexford." The Leinster Championship went to 6 in 2021. Offaly were un the Christy Ring then, so not sure how you think the change helped Offaly.
If you follow your logic of creating more 'jeopardy', how about bringing relegation in for Munster?
Firceall (National) - 23/03/2026 18:46:47
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Hurling Championship 2026 - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Tadhg2020: "If Kerry ever win the Joe McDonagh cup they will play in Munster. That has already been decided.
As for Galway and Antrim, that's a matter for the Leinster Council and the counties concerned.
Why cant each county be responsible for the development of the game within their own boundaries. Protecting Offaly in Leinster didnt help them. Relegation awoke their county board and the hurling people in the county. They put in the work and got back to where they belong. They still have a lot of work to do but they can build on what they have currently. Protectionism doesnt help anyone. It actually hurts the very thing its supposed to help. There is no substitute for putting in the work. No shortcuts." How were Offaly protected? I think any Leinster county could enter the Leinster championship if they thought they were good enough. For the 'weaker' counties, and this included Offaly in the 2010s, a preliminary round robin wss played with a path to the Leinster Quarter finals.
On the assertion that Offaly got thir act together after they where relegated, this isnt really true or only partially true. Offaly had just started to show signs of competitiveness at underage ahian just when they were relegated to the Joe McDonagh cup. In fact not being in the Senior Leinster makes it harder to keep young lads and supporters interested. And this is the main issue with current structure; that is, if we believe in developing hurling. In general Leinster counties have smaller playing populations, as noted previously, so are much more likely to have periods when they are not competitive. If they are not given the opportunity to compete in their own championship it is much more difficult to progress when that county has another crop of talented youngsters. There is no substitute for playing teams at Provincial championship level. So, if Offaly Kildare, Wexford or Dublin are relegated or Joe Mc teams continue yo-yoing, they will find it more difficult to progress. Its not just a case of say Waterford spending a few years getting there act together but still having exposure to championship level games and having a free shot to give it a go with no jeopardy. When there is relegation the support drops, interest drops - players will choose football, soccer, rugby over hurling. The next generation of players will not get the opportunity to develop by playing the best regularly.
Firceall (National) - 29/04/2026 13:47:35
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