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2021 National Hurling League

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Replying To gatha:  "I think what you are saying makes no sense. The ball is accepted as being lighter. Everyone knows that and that is why the ball is going so far now. You can definitely have a better low scoring game then a high scoring game. I can't tell you howmany games I have turned off at half time from complete boredom only to see the following day the score was 30 pts to 25. I often couldn't turn a match off and the final score would be something like 2-15 to 1-15. Diffrent strokes for different folks but watching a point scoring contest from 100m to me is a terrible watch."
The game has changed and evolved. Why go backwards it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. If you decide to switch off the TV because a game is high scoring so be it you'll be switching off regularly from now on. The game has changed someone said recently hurling was better in the 90s absolute nonsense. I saw a recent game on GAA gold recently and Daithí Regan was playing in an all Ireland semi final. He wouldn't last 3 minutes in today's game. His fitness, touch and striking was absolutely dreadful. Times have changed and hurling has changed and for the better.

Richardkimble (Laois) - Posts: 39 - 08/06/2021 11:41:02    2348942

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Replying To Fulgrim:  "This argument was happening in the club group chat the other day and I had to laugh at some of the old boys pining for ground hurling and other things we saw in the 90s. So I said to them sure all we need is a bunch of new rules; hurls can only be shaped like slash hooks, you are awarded points when you pull on the ground and it goes to an opposing player, tie lads to poles at each position so they can't roam, make sure lads can't go to the ball wall/field and practice their striking for more than a couple of hours a week, ban using gyms, force lads to have pints at least once every couple of weeks, etc. The point was to highlight how ridiculous it is.

Can't get over dinosaurs looking for the game to regress because it doesn't resemble what they had growing up."
I think in your negative undertones you are touching the point. Players were just as skilful if not more so in the past it's just what is coached and valued has changed. The way to play in the past was to move the ball as quickly as possible into space, to allow your forwards to attack it. Ground hurling was a part of that, especially with heavier sliotars.
The sharp Conor forward is less used now than before, but is still used. It's just the option of a longer range score is an easier one with lighter sliotars.
The reason I say perhaps players were more skilful in yesteryear is that today's player, with the possession based approach is all about making the game easier. Handpass up the field until you have a clear shooting chance. No overhead pulling so if you're 6ft plus, stick your hand up without fear of the smaller man using his hurl to compete. Defenders had to defend one on one, without having extra men funnel back. Huge rucks until you can rise it to hand instead of pulling on it. All of this leads to an advantage if you're 6ft plus and spend 3 hrs a day in the gym.
I'm not saying today's players aren't skilful. They surely are. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that the skill level has improved beyond previous years. The skills are different, that's all.
The blood and thunder has gone from hurling now. It's more cold, with over coached, over drilled and over simplified tactics. I think a tactical game is fine and entertaining, but make scoring more difficult. A 65 is a tap over now. Used to be a very good strike. Anyway, that's my two pence worth.

BaldyBadger (Cork) - Posts: 311 - 08/06/2021 12:31:26    2348955

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Replying To zinny:  "In all the talk about what's good for the game etc etc, the one question I would ask is, would the way the game is played today attract more kids into it than say 30 years ago? In addition what would parents of kids who didn't come from Hurling backgrounds say about it now or 30years ago - would they be more likely to allow their kids to play it now than before?
I believe that the path that the game is on now is the only one that has any hope of long term saving the game."
The wild pulling in years gone by, be it aerial striking or pulling low on a ball on the ground, would have put many a mother off their kids taking up the sport I'd imagine!!

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 11730 - 08/06/2021 12:32:44    2348957

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I don't know why so many are referring to the past, talk about today and tomorrow , yesterday is gone.

In my opinion the game is far too simple for highly skilled players, scores are too easy to take, just make the sliotar a bit heavier and let lads actually display their skills and work for their scores.

For all those denigrating the past, and telling us how much more skillful the players are, if that's the case then why are so many frees being coughed up ?

Would be interesting to see the average breakdown of scores from frees compared to scores from play.

AfricanGael (UK) - Posts: 1947 - 08/06/2021 13:50:25    2348978

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Replying To BaldyBadger:  "I think in your negative undertones you are touching the point. Players were just as skilful if not more so in the past it's just what is coached and valued has changed. The way to play in the past was to move the ball as quickly as possible into space, to allow your forwards to attack it. Ground hurling was a part of that, especially with heavier sliotars.
The sharp Conor forward is less used now than before, but is still used. It's just the option of a longer range score is an easier one with lighter sliotars.
The reason I say perhaps players were more skilful in yesteryear is that today's player, with the possession based approach is all about making the game easier. Handpass up the field until you have a clear shooting chance. No overhead pulling so if you're 6ft plus, stick your hand up without fear of the smaller man using his hurl to compete. Defenders had to defend one on one, without having extra men funnel back. Huge rucks until you can rise it to hand instead of pulling on it. All of this leads to an advantage if you're 6ft plus and spend 3 hrs a day in the gym.
I'm not saying today's players aren't skilful. They surely are. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that the skill level has improved beyond previous years. The skills are different, that's all.
The blood and thunder has gone from hurling now. It's more cold, with over coached, over drilled and over simplified tactics. I think a tactical game is fine and entertaining, but make scoring more difficult. A 65 is a tap over now. Used to be a very good strike. Anyway, that's my two pence worth."
Cork broke my heart more than once but I felt it a privilege to witness 'live' one of the greatest pieces of skills I've ever seen when Jimmy Barry-Murphy goaled against Galway in 83. TV footage doesn't do it justice. That's at least one skill seldom attempted now & one I'd hate to see disappear
By the way your user name alone deserves a thumbs up

Maroonatic (Galway) - Posts: 1060 - 08/06/2021 14:05:31    2348989

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Replying To Viking66:  "The wild pulling in years gone by, be it aerial striking or pulling low on a ball on the ground, would have put many a mother off their kids taking up the sport I'd imagine!!"
Ya the next thing is stop that dangerous blocking down and hooking like the tackling. O and also you got to penalize hitting that ball too hard in case it hits the goalie. If a player bats down a ball over his head send him off because he could have accidentally hit another player on the helmet. It is dangerous pulling on the ball on the ground crossing the square two feet out from the goal as you might hit someone on the shin guards. You must bend down and pick it up and if the opposition swings you around by the neck while trying to execute that it is okay. You people are sad really. Like I said ludo, tidily winks or checkers are real safe to play. Maybe someone could make a big board, put it out in a stadium and get 50,000 to watch. You think?

Canuck (Waterford) - Posts: 2655 - 08/06/2021 15:40:19    2349021

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Replying To Canuck:  "Ya the next thing is stop that dangerous blocking down and hooking like the tackling. O and also you got to penalize hitting that ball too hard in case it hits the goalie. If a player bats down a ball over his head send him off because he could have accidentally hit another player on the helmet. It is dangerous pulling on the ball on the ground crossing the square two feet out from the goal as you might hit someone on the shin guards. You must bend down and pick it up and if the opposition swings you around by the neck while trying to execute that it is okay. You people are sad really. Like I said ludo, tidily winks or checkers are real safe to play. Maybe someone could make a big board, put it out in a stadium and get 50,000 to watch. You think?"
You were arguing with me earlier in the thread when I said that head hits and chest hits should be the only fouls blew up for. I reckon there are too many fouls given for insignificant contact. Other posters were saying Jesus wept. You were thinking spare hand fouls were terrible but it's ok to take a fellas head off with a hurl and he bending down to get the ball up or frontal shoulder charge a fella and break all his ribs. You are a strange fish Canuck! I like hurling as it is. It's different to the hurling I started going and watching 30 something years ago for sure. And no doubt will be different again in 10 or 20 years if I'm still around to go see a game. But I'll still enjoy it! I liked it full contact with no helmets. But the wife didnt want our eldest to take up Camogie because of it. The chaps she doesnt mind so much. I never played ludo or watched a game of it nor would want to!

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 11730 - 08/06/2021 16:38:41    2349038

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The game has evolved, like us humans, just look at the average height of most Inter-county hurling (and Football) teams. There can be no issue with sliothar, some players have perfected the sideline cut and can score from 60/70m's, similarly with frees. The problem with free's is the rules, or the way players are abusing the rules or Ref's interpreting whatever its the rules. Another issue is the ridiculous sizes of the bas, surely someone can devise a standard shape? That is a printed template of sizes and shapes so no matter what material you make it from, ash, bamboo, composite resin or carbon fibre at least the shape is the same, they can be weighted to suit players and handles modified but at least a standard. In terms of tackling, the way the world of sport is going heavy contact will eventually be outlawed on whiplash/concussive grounds, GAA sports is no different. The Sunday Game was bemoaning the amount of free's yet all where free's - change the rules then! Look at the rules if you want changes, watched Sunday Game re use of the free hand and interesting if used right in the tackle, maybe we will see more of this fantastic skill.

arock (Dublin) - Posts: 4895 - 08/06/2021 16:50:12    2349041

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Replying To Richardkimble:  "The game has changed and evolved. Why go backwards it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. If you decide to switch off the TV because a game is high scoring so be it you'll be switching off regularly from now on. The game has changed someone said recently hurling was better in the 90s absolute nonsense. I saw a recent game on GAA gold recently and Daithí Regan was playing in an all Ireland semi final. He wouldn't last 3 minutes in today's game. His fitness, touch and striking was absolutely dreadful. Times have changed and hurling has changed and for the better."
He was playing junior hurling a few years back!!!

Bon (Kildare) - Posts: 1898 - 08/06/2021 17:10:26    2349048

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Replying To Canuck:  "Ya the next thing is stop that dangerous blocking down and hooking like the tackling. O and also you got to penalize hitting that ball too hard in case it hits the goalie. If a player bats down a ball over his head send him off because he could have accidentally hit another player on the helmet. It is dangerous pulling on the ball on the ground crossing the square two feet out from the goal as you might hit someone on the shin guards. You must bend down and pick it up and if the opposition swings you around by the neck while trying to execute that it is okay. You people are sad really. Like I said ludo, tidily winks or checkers are real safe to play. Maybe someone could make a big board, put it out in a stadium and get 50,000 to watch. You think?"
I would say you are the same person who was against the introduction of helmets and then faceguards. If the game was to go the way you are thinking then the game will go backwards and we will end up with only a few counties playing the game. What some people are trying to do is figure out a way of talking the game forward such that we can involved and keep involved more kids in the game - people like you not recognising the reality of what the world is today is what will ruin the game, there is a balance that needs to be struck and harking back to the old days will destroy the game. The amount of kids that I have seen give up the game because basically they couldn't deal with the onfield and sometimes sideline violence, is a travesty. Hopefully kids watching today will realise that its not that way any more and there is no going back to it and that the payer that gets praised is not the lad that wallops another player but the lad who can take the ball on the run and put it over the bar.

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zinny (Wexford) - Posts: 1800 - 08/06/2021 17:20:53    2349051

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Replying To zinny:  "I would say you are the same person who was against the introduction of helmets and then faceguards. If the game was to go the way you are thinking then the game will go backwards and we will end up with only a few counties playing the game. What some people are trying to do is figure out a way of talking the game forward such that we can involved and keep involved more kids in the game - people like you not recognising the reality of what the world is today is what will ruin the game, there is a balance that needs to be struck and harking back to the old days will destroy the game. The amount of kids that I have seen give up the game because basically they couldn't deal with the onfield and sometimes sideline violence, is a travesty. Hopefully kids watching today will realise that its not that way any more and there is no going back to it and that the payer that gets praised is not the lad that wallops another player but the lad who can take the ball on the run and put it over the bar.

,"
Number one you have obviously not read what I have said about helmets and the rules to protect the goal keepers. I have also said the game has evolved and continues to evolve. Who are the people like me ? People who have followed the game 50 or 60 years and watched it change. Some for the better some for worse. Who are people like you ? People who see the game just as today and a short time viewing lens with bad t.v. coverage from the past. If you find a spot where I said the game or players of the past were better show me. If you find a place where I said it is okay to wallop any player or kid with hurley show me. It is or should be a physical game and if it is not for you find something more gentle. When you talk about parents. Are the same ones that bring the kids in to my hospital with broken arms, legs and concussions from falls off of skate boards.
I wonder what the Rachards, Nick O Donnell, Jacobs, Storey, Quigleys, Dorans etc. would think of their county men on here. I know I would have liked to play again some of you because I would have you running home to mamma and it would not be a dirty or illegal play.

Canuck (Waterford) - Posts: 2655 - 08/06/2021 18:23:36    2349063

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Replying To BaldyBadger:  "I think in your negative undertones you are touching the point. Players were just as skilful if not more so in the past it's just what is coached and valued has changed. The way to play in the past was to move the ball as quickly as possible into space, to allow your forwards to attack it. Ground hurling was a part of that, especially with heavier sliotars.
The sharp Conor forward is less used now than before, but is still used. It's just the option of a longer range score is an easier one with lighter sliotars.
The reason I say perhaps players were more skilful in yesteryear is that today's player, with the possession based approach is all about making the game easier. Handpass up the field until you have a clear shooting chance. No overhead pulling so if you're 6ft plus, stick your hand up without fear of the smaller man using his hurl to compete. Defenders had to defend one on one, without having extra men funnel back. Huge rucks until you can rise it to hand instead of pulling on it. All of this leads to an advantage if you're 6ft plus and spend 3 hrs a day in the gym.
I'm not saying today's players aren't skilful. They surely are. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that the skill level has improved beyond previous years. The skills are different, that's all.
The blood and thunder has gone from hurling now. It's more cold, with over coached, over drilled and over simplified tactics. I think a tactical game is fine and entertaining, but make scoring more difficult. A 65 is a tap over now. Used to be a very good strike. Anyway, that's my two pence worth."
Thats the best post I've read on this site in quite a while.100% correct in all you say and certainly worth more than two pence.

UtahBlaine (Galway) - Posts: 145 - 08/06/2021 19:41:26    2349070

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Replying To BaldyBadger:  "I think in your negative undertones you are touching the point. Players were just as skilful if not more so in the past it's just what is coached and valued has changed. The way to play in the past was to move the ball as quickly as possible into space, to allow your forwards to attack it. Ground hurling was a part of that, especially with heavier sliotars.
The sharp Conor forward is less used now than before, but is still used. It's just the option of a longer range score is an easier one with lighter sliotars.
The reason I say perhaps players were more skilful in yesteryear is that today's player, with the possession based approach is all about making the game easier. Handpass up the field until you have a clear shooting chance. No overhead pulling so if you're 6ft plus, stick your hand up without fear of the smaller man using his hurl to compete. Defenders had to defend one on one, without having extra men funnel back. Huge rucks until you can rise it to hand instead of pulling on it. All of this leads to an advantage if you're 6ft plus and spend 3 hrs a day in the gym.
I'm not saying today's players aren't skilful. They surely are. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that the skill level has improved beyond previous years. The skills are different, that's all.
The blood and thunder has gone from hurling now. It's more cold, with over coached, over drilled and over simplified tactics. I think a tactical game is fine and entertaining, but make scoring more difficult. A 65 is a tap over now. Used to be a very good strike. Anyway, that's my two pence worth."
Excellent. You have seen posts on here that refers to players of the past as dinosaurs and accusing those past players of having zero skills. Only able to punt the ball away. If you express an opinion on aspects of the game today you are putting down todays players. I have watched and supported the game from the 50's and will continue until the day I die. The skills are for sure different so comparison are futile. The game is different some aspects for the better and some for the worse.

Canuck (Waterford) - Posts: 2655 - 08/06/2021 20:10:27    2349074

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Replying To BaldyBadger:  "I think in your negative undertones you are touching the point. Players were just as skilful if not more so in the past it's just what is coached and valued has changed. The way to play in the past was to move the ball as quickly as possible into space, to allow your forwards to attack it. Ground hurling was a part of that, especially with heavier sliotars.
The sharp Conor forward is less used now than before, but is still used. It's just the option of a longer range score is an easier one with lighter sliotars.
The reason I say perhaps players were more skilful in yesteryear is that today's player, with the possession based approach is all about making the game easier. Handpass up the field until you have a clear shooting chance. No overhead pulling so if you're 6ft plus, stick your hand up without fear of the smaller man using his hurl to compete. Defenders had to defend one on one, without having extra men funnel back. Huge rucks until you can rise it to hand instead of pulling on it. All of this leads to an advantage if you're 6ft plus and spend 3 hrs a day in the gym.
I'm not saying today's players aren't skilful. They surely are. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that the skill level has improved beyond previous years. The skills are different, that's all.
The blood and thunder has gone from hurling now. It's more cold, with over coached, over drilled and over simplified tactics. I think a tactical game is fine and entertaining, but make scoring more difficult. A 65 is a tap over now. Used to be a very good strike. Anyway, that's my two pence worth."
I'll just pick out a few Limerick but I am sure it could apply to several players from other counties. I have seen Cian Lynch, Darragh O'Donavan, Sean Finn, Mulcahy and two Caseys come out of several rucks with possesion and hold their own in every other facet of the game as well and they all less than 6 feet.

Oldtourman (Limerick) - Posts: 4316 - 08/06/2021 20:12:38    2349075

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Guys the fact of the matter is Lacrosse is a much more physical game than hurling and I think we should allow a more physical tackle.. Its not long since Willie Barratt said he was happy to see the 'body collide' almost gone from the game.. and he thinks that is good. I know in Limerick we have lost lots of good players because it wasn't physical enough of a game. I can name at least 5 who went on to be good rugby players..before they would have played both but now you've to choose much younger. Is that what we want...a lesser game .

3 things.. a new more physical Tackle and Liberal reffing of the shoulder
2 a ball that travels about 20% less...however they do it I don't care.
Finally the most radical.. ban the handpass. Its not needed. Its a stick pass or nothing...and it might encourage more creative ground hurling ..

bloodyban (Limerick) - Posts: 1710 - 08/06/2021 21:12:42    2349094

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Replying To Oldtourman:  "I'll just pick out a few Limerick but I am sure it could apply to several players from other counties. I have seen Cian Lynch, Darragh O'Donavan, Sean Finn, Mulcahy and two Caseys come out of several rucks with possesion and hold their own in every other facet of the game as well and they all less than 6 feet."
Oldtourman in my opinion the top players of today, the ones you mentioned, T.J. Reid, Tony Kelly, Pat Horgan, Barron, DeBurca, Canning. Maher, Callinan, etc. etc. would be top players in the past. Also Mackey, Ring, Keane, Doyle. Barry Murphy, Bennis, Hartigan etc.etc. would be top players today.
Some things have changed but the best comes to the top except in the weaker county the top players don't get to play at the top. As regards the evolving changes. It is not too long ago that a certain manager had players running up and down hills with someone on their back. Then it was eating only pasta. Now it is pumping iron in the gym. What next rocket fuel up their butt. The great John Sutton was in Irish's pub the night before an All-Ireland. One of my neighbours picked him up in the ditch the next morning after he missed the Kilkenny team. Took him to Croke Park and the dressing room. The heading on the Irish Press the next day. Sutton plays a blinder. Not advocating that either but you have to judge it all in the era it existed.

Canuck (Waterford) - Posts: 2655 - 08/06/2021 21:26:47    2349099

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Replying To Canuck:  "Number one you have obviously not read what I have said about helmets and the rules to protect the goal keepers. I have also said the game has evolved and continues to evolve. Who are the people like me ? People who have followed the game 50 or 60 years and watched it change. Some for the better some for worse. Who are people like you ? People who see the game just as today and a short time viewing lens with bad t.v. coverage from the past. If you find a spot where I said the game or players of the past were better show me. If you find a place where I said it is okay to wallop any player or kid with hurley show me. It is or should be a physical game and if it is not for you find something more gentle. When you talk about parents. Are the same ones that bring the kids in to my hospital with broken arms, legs and concussions from falls off of skate boards.
I wonder what the Rachards, Nick O Donnell, Jacobs, Storey, Quigleys, Dorans etc. would think of their county men on here. I know I would have liked to play again some of you because I would have you running home to mamma and it would not be a dirty or illegal play."
No problem with hardness in the game Canuck. Dirtyness, like pulling across someone's head or deliberately chopping down on someone's hand or arm or running full tilt straight head on into someone's chest would've got you sent off in the 90s never mind now. The most annoying dirtyness that wasnt as obvious in years gone by is the player throwing themselves on the ground to win a free or waving at their helmet to get a fellow player sent off. You have proposed on this that frontal charges shoulder to chest or head are ok. That was always against the rules of hurling in my lifetime. Noone is saying ground hurling or aerial striking should be banned. They have gradually been disappearing because they arent the best way to maximise your own score or minimize your opponents. If that wasnt the case all the managers would be encouraging their players to pull on the ball on the ground instead of getting it up into their hand or try striking it overhead instead of catching it. Odd that you are saying what it was like hurling back in your day when in another post last year you said you were a footballer not a hurler. As regards playing hurling against any us you are more than welcome anytime you are passing to give it a go at my place and we will see who goes crying home to mamma;)

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 11730 - 08/06/2021 21:53:39    2349104

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Replying To bloodyban:  "Guys the fact of the matter is Lacrosse is a much more physical game than hurling and I think we should allow a more physical tackle.. Its not long since Willie Barratt said he was happy to see the 'body collide' almost gone from the game.. and he thinks that is good. I know in Limerick we have lost lots of good players because it wasn't physical enough of a game. I can name at least 5 who went on to be good rugby players..before they would have played both but now you've to choose much younger. Is that what we want...a lesser game .

3 things.. a new more physical Tackle and Liberal reffing of the shoulder
2 a ball that travels about 20% less...however they do it I don't care.
Finally the most radical.. ban the handpass. Its not needed. Its a stick pass or nothing...and it might encourage more creative ground hurling .."
Shoulder to shoulder is allowed in hurling and if executed properly can knock the wind out of any player-its banned in rugby so I think rugby players might not be as physical as you think. The games of rugby and hurling require different physical tools and just like a prop in rugby wouldn't survive the pace of Intercounty hurling a small corner forward woul9 find a place on a rugby team.
As for banning the hand pass it will just lead to more bunching and rucks. As you say adjust the sliothar with bigger rims and that will take distance of the strike. Maybe ban pkayers from pointing frees from inside their own 65 and that would keep the ball in play for longer.

updwell (Limerick) - Posts: 816 - 08/06/2021 21:53:58    2349105

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Replying To Canuck:  "Number one you have obviously not read what I have said about helmets and the rules to protect the goal keepers. I have also said the game has evolved and continues to evolve. Who are the people like me ? People who have followed the game 50 or 60 years and watched it change. Some for the better some for worse. Who are people like you ? People who see the game just as today and a short time viewing lens with bad t.v. coverage from the past. If you find a spot where I said the game or players of the past were better show me. If you find a place where I said it is okay to wallop any player or kid with hurley show me. It is or should be a physical game and if it is not for you find something more gentle. When you talk about parents. Are the same ones that bring the kids in to my hospital with broken arms, legs and concussions from falls off of skate boards.
I wonder what the Rachards, Nick O Donnell, Jacobs, Storey, Quigleys, Dorans etc. would think of their county men on here. I know I would have liked to play again some of you because I would have you running home to mamma and it would not be a dirty or illegal play."
No problem with hardness in the game Canuck. Dirtyness, like pulling across someone's head or deliberately chopping down on someone's hand or arm or running full tilt straight head on into someone's chest would've got you sent off in the 90s never mind now. The most annoying dirtyness that wasnt as obvious in years gone by is the player throwing themselves on the ground to win a free or waving at their helmet to get a fellow player sent off. You have proposed on this that frontal charges shoulder to chest or head are ok. That was always against the rules of hurling in my lifetime. Noone is saying ground hurling or aerial striking should be banned. They have gradually been disappearing because they arent the best way to maximise your own score or minimize your opponents. If that wasnt the case all the managers would be encouraging their players to pull on the ball on the ground instead of getting it up into their hand or try striking it overhead instead of catching it. Odd that you are saying what it was like hurling back in your day when in another post last year you said you were a footballer not a hurler. As regards playing hurling against any us you are more than welcome anytime you are passing to give it a go at my place and we will see who goes crying home to mamma;)

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 11730 - 08/06/2021 21:54:05    2349106

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Replying To Canuck:  "Oldtourman in my opinion the top players of today, the ones you mentioned, T.J. Reid, Tony Kelly, Pat Horgan, Barron, DeBurca, Canning. Maher, Callinan, etc. etc. would be top players in the past. Also Mackey, Ring, Keane, Doyle. Barry Murphy, Bennis, Hartigan etc.etc. would be top players today.
Some things have changed but the best comes to the top except in the weaker county the top players don't get to play at the top. As regards the evolving changes. It is not too long ago that a certain manager had players running up and down hills with someone on their back. Then it was eating only pasta. Now it is pumping iron in the gym. What next rocket fuel up their butt. The great John Sutton was in Irish's pub the night before an All-Ireland. One of my neighbours picked him up in the ditch the next morning after he missed the Kilkenny team. Took him to Croke Park and the dressing room. The heading on the Irish Press the next day. Sutton plays a blinder. Not advocating that either but you have to judge it all in the era it existed."
Agree about top players in weaker counties. That's why I have always thought the railway cup should be brought back with proper sponsorship so it can be well promoted. Such a shame it fizzled out.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 11730 - 08/06/2021 22:15:36    2349111

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