With Ballyhale out of contention it opens up the club all Ireland a lot more. I think Ballygunner and Thomas's probably the happiest to see Ballyhale who've very much had the upper hand on both. I don't see too much between Na Piarsaigh, Ballygunner, Thomas's, O'Loughlins. Leinster looks a lot more open for a team like Na Fianna or even a team like Nass, Kilcormac to make push, Naomh Eanna have the firepower to pull off a win too, maybe not beat all those teams but definitely take 1 of them along the way. O'Loughlins should justifiably be favorites and probably have the best set of backs in the whole all Ireland club series but might lack some star quality up front especially if Bergin is held. Slaughtneil and Loughiel no doubt look at the chance of playing any of those teams as a great chance too as opposed to Ballyhale, meant as no disrespect to any of those clubs but more to do with the standing of Ballyhale, the real Madrid of club hurling and probably the greatest club team I've ever seen the last 5 years. Munster looks very much like Na Piarsaigh v Ballygunner collison course to decide the winner as two stand out teams in Munster. Two very very strong teams but Ballygunner probably just edge it. I'd facy Kiladangan to beat Clonlara but can't see them really troubling either of those big two in the Munster final. Once again no disrespect to them but more the standing of how good Nap and Ballygunner are. Fancy Ballygunner to come through all the same. Not forgetting Sarsfields but it would be very hard to see them beating Ballygunner. Thomas's on top again in the West and probably have the smallest panel of all the main teams left in the all Ireland series and has probably cost them in the hunt for a 2nd all Ireland loosing too many big players at crunch times. Their starting 15 is equal to the big teams but don't have much panel depth. A great club team but probably being judged in comparison to Portumna, Athenry and Sarsfields having only one all Ireland will always been thrown against them. No doubt a second one is what driving them atm and if staying injury free they've as good a shout as any big team. I fancy Ballygunner to win it out and add a second all Ireland. Shows how good and dominant Ballyhale have been that so many great teams will look back on this period as underachieving with Na Piarsaigh, Ballygunner and Thomas's only getting 1 all Ireland a piece. With Ballyhale gone its a great chance for some team to add to history, no disrespect to every team in it but Ballyhale are Ballyhale. Some team like Clarinbridge who took advantage with Portumna and Ballyhale gone or Cuala, a great team, who harvested two between Ballyhales lull for a few years. There's never been as many top quality club teams but Ballyhale are the masters and when they get on a run nigh on impossible to stop so it's great to see some other teams try take their chance. Love the club all Ireland series, such a unique and great competition.
Throughthemidfieldhewasstormin (Wexford) - Posts: 274 - 31/10/2023 13:46:00
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Replying To Throughthemidfieldhewasstormin: "With Ballyhale out of contention it opens up the club all Ireland a lot more. I think Ballygunner and Thomas's probably the happiest to see Ballyhale who've very much had the upper hand on both. I don't see too much between Na Piarsaigh, Ballygunner, Thomas's, O'Loughlins. Leinster looks a lot more open for a team like Na Fianna or even a team like Nass, Kilcormac to make push, Naomh Eanna have the firepower to pull off a win too, maybe not beat all those teams but definitely take 1 of them along the way. O'Loughlins should justifiably be favorites and probably have the best set of backs in the whole all Ireland club series but might lack some star quality up front especially if Bergin is held. Slaughtneil and Loughiel no doubt look at the chance of playing any of those teams as a great chance too as opposed to Ballyhale, meant as no disrespect to any of those clubs but more to do with the standing of Ballyhale, the real Madrid of club hurling and probably the greatest club team I've ever seen the last 5 years. Munster looks very much like Na Piarsaigh v Ballygunner collison course to decide the winner as two stand out teams in Munster. Two very very strong teams but Ballygunner probably just edge it. I'd facy Kiladangan to beat Clonlara but can't see them really troubling either of those big two in the Munster final. Once again no disrespect to them but more the standing of how good Nap and Ballygunner are. Fancy Ballygunner to come through all the same. Not forgetting Sarsfields but it would be very hard to see them beating Ballygunner. Thomas's on top again in the West and probably have the smallest panel of all the main teams left in the all Ireland series and has probably cost them in the hunt for a 2nd all Ireland loosing too many big players at crunch times. Their starting 15 is equal to the big teams but don't have much panel depth. A great club team but probably being judged in comparison to Portumna, Athenry and Sarsfields having only one all Ireland will always been thrown against them. No doubt a second one is what driving them atm and if staying injury free they've as good a shout as any big team. I fancy Ballygunner to win it out and add a second all Ireland. Shows how good and dominant Ballyhale have been that so many great teams will look back on this period as underachieving with Na Piarsaigh, Ballygunner and Thomas's only getting 1 all Ireland a piece. With Ballyhale gone its a great chance for some team to add to history, no disrespect to every team in it but Ballyhale are Ballyhale. Some team like Clarinbridge who took advantage with Portumna and Ballyhale gone or Cuala, a great team, who harvested two between Ballyhales lull for a few years. There's never been as many top quality club teams but Ballyhale are the masters and when they get on a run nigh on impossible to stop so it's great to see some other teams try take their chance. Love the club all Ireland series, such a unique and great competition." I think Clonlara might beat Kiladangan. Ballygunner are obviously Favourites but aren't unbeatable. Might be a while before Ballyhale are back in the AI series tbh. Think the long gap might stand against Gorey and MLR in Leinster.
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 13543 - 31/10/2023 14:11:54
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Replying To Throughthemidfieldhewasstormin: "With Ballyhale out of contention it opens up the club all Ireland a lot more. I think Ballygunner and Thomas's probably the happiest to see Ballyhale who've very much had the upper hand on both. I don't see too much between Na Piarsaigh, Ballygunner, Thomas's, O'Loughlins. Leinster looks a lot more open for a team like Na Fianna or even a team like Nass, Kilcormac to make push, Naomh Eanna have the firepower to pull off a win too, maybe not beat all those teams but definitely take 1 of them along the way. O'Loughlins should justifiably be favorites and probably have the best set of backs in the whole all Ireland club series but might lack some star quality up front especially if Bergin is held. Slaughtneil and Loughiel no doubt look at the chance of playing any of those teams as a great chance too as opposed to Ballyhale, meant as no disrespect to any of those clubs but more to do with the standing of Ballyhale, the real Madrid of club hurling and probably the greatest club team I've ever seen the last 5 years. Munster looks very much like Na Piarsaigh v Ballygunner collison course to decide the winner as two stand out teams in Munster. Two very very strong teams but Ballygunner probably just edge it. I'd facy Kiladangan to beat Clonlara but can't see them really troubling either of those big two in the Munster final. Once again no disrespect to them but more the standing of how good Nap and Ballygunner are. Fancy Ballygunner to come through all the same. Not forgetting Sarsfields but it would be very hard to see them beating Ballygunner. Thomas's on top again in the West and probably have the smallest panel of all the main teams left in the all Ireland series and has probably cost them in the hunt for a 2nd all Ireland loosing too many big players at crunch times. Their starting 15 is equal to the big teams but don't have much panel depth. A great club team but probably being judged in comparison to Portumna, Athenry and Sarsfields having only one all Ireland will always been thrown against them. No doubt a second one is what driving them atm and if staying injury free they've as good a shout as any big team. I fancy Ballygunner to win it out and add a second all Ireland. Shows how good and dominant Ballyhale have been that so many great teams will look back on this period as underachieving with Na Piarsaigh, Ballygunner and Thomas's only getting 1 all Ireland a piece. With Ballyhale gone its a great chance for some team to add to history, no disrespect to every team in it but Ballyhale are Ballyhale. Some team like Clarinbridge who took advantage with Portumna and Ballyhale gone or Cuala, a great team, who harvested two between Ballyhales lull for a few years. There's never been as many top quality club teams but Ballyhale are the masters and when they get on a run nigh on impossible to stop so it's great to see some other teams try take their chance. Love the club all Ireland series, such a unique and great competition." Leinster looks wide open at the moment, interesting to see if O'Louglins or Na Fianna will grow in belief after dethroning a big hitter in each county, I think Naas could be a dark horse, I'd fancy Ballygunner for the AI at the moment with Na Pairsaigh 2nd in the pecking order.
TerribleFootwork (Wexford) - Posts: 1760 - 31/10/2023 15:18:01
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Replying To Viking66: "I think Clonlara might beat Kiladangan. Ballygunner are obviously Favourites but aren't unbeatable. Might be a while before Ballyhale are back in the AI series tbh. Think the long gap might stand against Gorey and MLR in Leinster." If the lads travelling are back I wouldn't back against Ballyhale winning another AI in a year or 2, of the core 20 or so players if you count the lads away majority are mid 20s or younger, only older I think are TJ, Colin Fennelly, Joey Holden and Richie Reid who is only 30 too.
TerribleFootwork (Wexford) - Posts: 1760 - 31/10/2023 15:42:30
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Replying To TerribleFootwork: "If the lads travelling are back I wouldn't back against Ballyhale winning another AI in a year or 2, of the core 20 or so players if you count the lads away majority are mid 20s or younger, only older I think are TJ, Colin Fennelly, Joey Holden and Richie Reid who is only 30 too." Those older players are some of their best. And might not be back. I wouldn't back against Ballyhale winning another AI if they get there. But getting out of Kilkenny is always tough.
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 13543 - 31/10/2023 16:05:01
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Replying To Throughthemidfieldhewasstormin: "With Ballyhale out of contention it opens up the club all Ireland a lot more. I think Ballygunner and Thomas's probably the happiest to see Ballyhale who've very much had the upper hand on both. I don't see too much between Na Piarsaigh, Ballygunner, Thomas's, O'Loughlins. Leinster looks a lot more open for a team like Na Fianna or even a team like Nass, Kilcormac to make push, Naomh Eanna have the firepower to pull off a win too, maybe not beat all those teams but definitely take 1 of them along the way. O'Loughlins should justifiably be favorites and probably have the best set of backs in the whole all Ireland club series but might lack some star quality up front especially if Bergin is held. Slaughtneil and Loughiel no doubt look at the chance of playing any of those teams as a great chance too as opposed to Ballyhale, meant as no disrespect to any of those clubs but more to do with the standing of Ballyhale, the real Madrid of club hurling and probably the greatest club team I've ever seen the last 5 years. Munster looks very much like Na Piarsaigh v Ballygunner collison course to decide the winner as two stand out teams in Munster. Two very very strong teams but Ballygunner probably just edge it. I'd facy Kiladangan to beat Clonlara but can't see them really troubling either of those big two in the Munster final. Once again no disrespect to them but more the standing of how good Nap and Ballygunner are. Fancy Ballygunner to come through all the same. Not forgetting Sarsfields but it would be very hard to see them beating Ballygunner. Thomas's on top again in the West and probably have the smallest panel of all the main teams left in the all Ireland series and has probably cost them in the hunt for a 2nd all Ireland loosing too many big players at crunch times. Their starting 15 is equal to the big teams but don't have much panel depth. A great club team but probably being judged in comparison to Portumna, Athenry and Sarsfields having only one all Ireland will always been thrown against them. No doubt a second one is what driving them atm and if staying injury free they've as good a shout as any big team. I fancy Ballygunner to win it out and add a second all Ireland. Shows how good and dominant Ballyhale have been that so many great teams will look back on this period as underachieving with Na Piarsaigh, Ballygunner and Thomas's only getting 1 all Ireland a piece. With Ballyhale gone its a great chance for some team to add to history, no disrespect to every team in it but Ballyhale are Ballyhale. Some team like Clarinbridge who took advantage with Portumna and Ballyhale gone or Cuala, a great team, who harvested two between Ballyhales lull for a few years. There's never been as many top quality club teams but Ballyhale are the masters and when they get on a run nigh on impossible to stop so it's great to see some other teams try take their chance. Love the club all Ireland series, such a unique and great competition." If Loughuile had not been beaten in the Antrim county final, they might have fancied their chances. Never mind, sure 'youse are doing a great job up there'
Glensboy (Antrim) - Posts: 303 - 31/10/2023 16:09:53
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Replying To TerribleFootwork: "Leinster looks wide open at the moment, interesting to see if O'Louglins or Na Fianna will grow in belief after dethroning a big hitter in each county, I think Naas could be a dark horse, I'd fancy Ballygunner for the AI at the moment with Na Pairsaigh 2nd in the pecking order." Naas lost to Ballyhale by 12pts last year, not a hope would they beat O Loughlin Gaels if they meet.
Wexford senior club hurling is pretty rubbish too.
Na Fianna or O Loughlin Gaels will win Leinster.
Past hurler (None) - Posts: 794 - 31/10/2023 16:51:18
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Replying To TerribleFootwork: "Leinster looks wide open at the moment, interesting to see if O'Louglins or Na Fianna will grow in belief after dethroning a big hitter in each county, I think Naas could be a dark horse, I'd fancy Ballygunner for the AI at the moment with Na Pairsaigh 2nd in the pecking order." If Na Fianna do not do the dog on winning county and if Donal gets back they be serious contender. Them and Loughlins final methinks/
BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 3019 - 31/10/2023 17:31:16
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Replying To Glensboy: "If Loughuile had not been beaten in the Antrim county final, they might have fancied their chances. Never mind, sure 'youse are doing a great job up there'" Mistake on my part, slip of the mind about mixing them and Cushendall up. Tbh only for I remembered it I almost forgot who the Cork champions were too so nothing patronizing. Didn't mention anything about ye doing great job and all that lip service. Don't think anyone takes Antrim clubs or latly Slaughtneil lightly. Antrim clubs have a better record than Waterford, Wexford, Limerick clubs for example and record of all Ulster Winners isn't far off the Munster record over the last 20 or so years.
Throughthemidfieldhewasstormin (Wexford) - Posts: 274 - 31/10/2023 18:42:23
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The only reason Thomas's are 2nd favourites on current betting is because they are through to the All Ireland semi final. I hate to say it (and I hope I'm wrong) but I think they would struggle to beat 3 or 4 of the teams still alive in Munster, not to mind whatever eventually wins Munster. When the other provincial champions are known they'll be back as 3rd favourites behind the Leinster and Munster champions.
PoolSturgeon (Galway) - Posts: 1950 - 31/10/2023 21:25:13
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Replying To Glensboy: "If Loughuile had not been beaten in the Antrim county final, they might have fancied their chances. Never mind, sure 'youse are doing a great job up there'" Lads forget the Shamrocks from Loughgiel are the only other club side apart from Ballyhale that has won AI club titles with 2 different teams.
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 13543 - 01/11/2023 09:31:06
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Replying To Past hurler: "Naas lost to Ballyhale by 12pts last year, not a hope would they beat O Loughlin Gaels if they meet.
Wexford senior club hurling is pretty rubbish too.
Na Fianna or O Loughlin Gaels will win Leinster." Naas were competitive for 45 mins in that game before Ballyhale pulled away, O'Loughlins could win Leinster but must be remembered they beat a Ballyhale team short 5 starters, the fact they used no sub in that game shows the lack of depth Ballyhale had this year lads away. Leinster looks very open at the moment, KK from Offaly could contend in the new few years ( i expect them to dominate Offaly with their underage success) but might be a bit early for them at provincial level.
TerribleFootwork (Wexford) - Posts: 1760 - 01/11/2023 10:05:49
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Replying To PoolSturgeon: "The only reason Thomas's are 2nd favourites on current betting is because they are through to the All Ireland semi final. I hate to say it (and I hope I'm wrong) but I think they would struggle to beat 3 or 4 of the teams still alive in Munster, not to mind whatever eventually wins Munster. When the other provincial champions are known they'll be back as 3rd favourites behind the Leinster and Munster champions." Was thinking that last night, in St Thomas run since 2018 the only good performance i remember outside of Galway is 2022 semi final vs Ballyhale.
TerribleFootwork (Wexford) - Posts: 1760 - 01/11/2023 10:07:56
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Replying To PoolSturgeon: "The only reason Thomas's are 2nd favourites on current betting is because they are through to the All Ireland semi final. I hate to say it (and I hope I'm wrong) but I think they would struggle to beat 3 or 4 of the teams still alive in Munster, not to mind whatever eventually wins Munster. When the other provincial champions are known they'll be back as 3rd favourites behind the Leinster and Munster champions." The only reason, but that's still reason enough. Thomas's will be in the competition, when there's only one Munster side left. No need in the world for Thomas's to be fretting about struggling to beat teams they won't have to play.
Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 3843 - 01/11/2023 10:50:18
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Understandable that Tomas,s are fancied,only team in last 4 of all Ireland series for definite..with ballyhale gone it opens up the all Ireland series for all the teams left..na piarsaigh and ballygunner on same side of draw so another decent team gone before Munster final..the Leinster championship looks wide open..kilcormac might be a dark horse in that..o loghlins and Wexford boys will surely fancy their chances and na fianna might fancy a long run..I'm wondering who has to travel to mt Leinster,they were in an all Ireland final a few years back..let's not forget ulster winners who in the last 10 years especially have always caused trouble for teams they played..it's a wide open all Ireland from what I see..
CTGAA10 (Limerick) - Posts: 2344 - 01/11/2023 14:55:38
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Replying To TerribleFootwork: "Naas were competitive for 45 mins in that game before Ballyhale pulled away, O'Loughlins could win Leinster but must be remembered they beat a Ballyhale team short 5 starters, the fact they used no sub in that game shows the lack of depth Ballyhale had this year lads away. Leinster looks very open at the moment, KK from Offaly could contend in the new few years ( i expect them to dominate Offaly with their underage success) but might be a bit early for them at provincial level." Ballyhale were arguably fortunate to beat Dicksboro. Fantastic team but like all great teams they were bound to run out of road eventually. Be a few retirements there I think.
No seen O'Loughlin's but Kilkenny champions are always good. They are away to Mount Leinster in quarter final and that won't be easy. I'd fancy Na Fianna to reach the final if they put big effort in. Winning county though might be them for the year. Crokes almost done it last year and I reckon Na Fianna on their day are a better side.
Be good, and rare boost for Dublin hurling if they were to have a bit of a run. There's a few lads definitely be getting a call from MD.
BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 3019 - 01/11/2023 15:51:12
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Replying To Viking66: "Lads forget the Shamrocks from Loughgiel are the only other club side apart from Ballyhale that has won AI club titles with 2 different teams." What do you mean by 'with 2 different teams'?
Cockney_Cat (UK) - Posts: 2644 - 01/11/2023 16:37:16
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Replying To Cockney_Cat: "What do you mean by 'with 2 different teams'?" Won it with 2 different groups of players, for example the Ballyhale team from 2019 onwards bar TJ and maybe Colin Fennelly are a new team from when they won in 2007 & 2010.
TerribleFootwork (Wexford) - Posts: 1760 - 01/11/2023 16:51:46
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Replying To Cockney_Cat: "What do you mean by 'with 2 different teams'?" I assume he meant enough years apart to be completely different groups, no overlap of players etc., talking of the cluster of titles Ballyhale won in the 80s versus the 21st century wins, and Loughgiel winning 30 years apart. Other clubs manage one 'golden generation' and win one or more titles (Glen Rovers in the 70s, Birr and Athenry around the turn of the century etc), but really only those two have evolved a squad to do it twice.
Londonish (UK) - Posts: 33 - 01/11/2023 17:03:13
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Replying To CTGAA10: "Understandable that Tomas,s are fancied,only team in last 4 of all Ireland series for definite..with ballyhale gone it opens up the all Ireland series for all the teams left..na piarsaigh and ballygunner on same side of draw so another decent team gone before Munster final..the Leinster championship looks wide open..kilcormac might be a dark horse in that..o loghlins and Wexford boys will surely fancy their chances and na fianna might fancy a long run..I'm wondering who has to travel to mt Leinster,they were in an all Ireland final a few years back..let's not forget ulster winners who in the last 10 years especially have always caused trouble for teams they played..it's a wide open all Ireland from what I see.." Mount Leintster are home to O'Loughlins
TerribleFootwork (Wexford) - Posts: 1760 - 01/11/2023 17:23:38
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