Month: September 2021

THIS TIME THERE was to be no captivating comeback, no demonstration of Limerick’s powers of hurling recovery.

Last June Kyle Hayes launched over the point that ensured they bagged a draw against Cork in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Then when the sides crossed paths again last July in Croke Park, Limerick trailed by six points in the 61st minute but chiselled out a draw and got the job done in extra-time.

By August they were celebrating a long-awaited Liam MacCarthy Cup breakthrough and yesterday, exactly nine months on from Limerick’s day of hurling deliverance, they gathered in hope and in anticipation as a new championship adventure began. 

There were 31,274 fans gathered at the Gaelic Grounds, the bulk of the crowd of a Limerick persuasion as they eagerly awaited a first summer sighting of their team.

Cork were familiar opponents but they were not in a mood for squandering another second-half advantage. Daniel Kearney floated over a 47th minute point that pushed Cork ahead 0-17 to 1-13 and Limerick would never draw level again or look like staging a comeback. They were outscored for the remainder of the game 1-9 to 0-6 and by the final whistle there was no rise to acclaim the title holders. On the first day out, Limerick fell flat.

They haven’t missed a step in their conduct on or off the pitch since that All-Ireland final win over Galway, the winter celebrations cherished around their county and the spring witnessing a continuation of their powerful form as they ended a 22-year wait for league glory.

But yesterday Limerick hit a roadblock. They were defeated by Cork in the league in February yet this felt and looked different, their most lethargic display since the 11-point loss to Clare in Ennis last June.

Limerick’s case for favouritism was hardened by the fact that Cork had been severely wounded by their reversal last Sunday against Tipperary. They seemed set on penning the tale of a strong start to summer 2019 when Graeme Mulcahy, one of their brightest sparks last year, crashed home the opening goal of the game in the 27th minute and while Limerick were in front by two at the interval, they never kicked on thereafter.

Graeme Mulcahy gets a super goal for @LimerickCLG from a tight angle! pic.twitter.com/EPqonuFFMA

— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 19, 2019

Limerick’s overall scoring return was striking. They only managed 1-7 from play and just 0-2 of that tally arrived in the second half. It spoke to Cork’s aggressive style of defending, there was a clear intent to halt the surging runs of Cian Lynch for instance. Cork seemed happy to cough up frees in order to protect Anthony Nash’s goal yet their defending also frustrated a Limerick team who could not unlock that rearguard in open play. 

Four of Limerick’s forwards were withdrawn before the end, Graeme Mulcahy bagged 1-4 and was the exception to a trend of their attackers enduring quiet afternoons. When Limerick took down Cork in the extra-time epic last July, the 2-6 supplied by their substitutes was rightly held up as a central component of their victory. Shane Dowling, 0-2 from placed balls, was their only substitute to score yesterday. John Kiely shuffled his pack but it could not alter the flow of the game. 

It’s also salient to look at the period after the break. Limerick emerged and created early second-half scoring chances but Peter Casey and Tom Morrissey hit uncharacteristic wides. In comparison Cork reeled off six points between the 38th and 48th minutes, Limerick only grabbed 0-2 in that time frame and a gap was created that they could never bridge.

The perception was that Cork would be hampered by that loss to Tipperary but John Meyler argued afterwards that the game served them well in highlighting the flaws they needed to correct. He made a bunch of personnel changes to achieve that and clearly Cork were able to zone in on areas to improve. Their cause was also greater, another Munster defeat would have left their season in jeopardy as they entered a three-week hiatus before facing Waterford on 8 June.

Did those elements affect Limerick’s preparation? It was seven weeks since their last encounter and they ultimately coasted to victory that day in the league decider against Waterford. They did enter the game cold unlike Cork and with three games left to play, perhaps the provision of a greater safety net did influence their desire.

Cork’s Aidan Walsh and Shane Kingston with Limerick’s Richie English and Dan Morrissey.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

It’s the first genuine setback in the defence of their national crown, not that such scenarios facing champions are a rare occurrence. In 2016 Kilkenny (against Waterford) and in 2018 Galway (against Kilkenny and Clare) underwent huge tests in matches that finished in draws before they prevailed in replays. On both occasions they fell short on All-Ireland final day but they had found a route back  to that showpiece.

Clare (2014) and Tipperary (2017) were both taken down in their opening assignments after the euphoria they had experienced the previous September. Clare’s season would unravel further as they exited in mid-July, Tipperary managed to get it together sufficiently to reach the last four where they bowed out. 

The round-robin structure does provide Limerick with a chance to make amends in Munster unlike the high stakes knockout system of old. Three games in 15 days in June may sound gruelling but a two-week break before that schedule kicks in seems likely to be of great value.

It’s now a test of their setup – players and management – to rebound from their ‘dip in performance’ as John Kiely described it.

Limerick are the latest to discover how much of a target teams become after they have climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand at the close of a season.

And it’s not like they don’t have form in recovering from lacklustre showings. Yesterday was redolent of that Clare game last June and consider their output thereafter. Wins over Carlow, Kilkenny, Cork and Galway saw them top of the pile at the end of 2018. 

Walsh Park on the June Bank Holiday weekend will be targeted as the beginning of the recovery mission.

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MATTIE KENNY WAS unequivocal after the game: Dublin will need to beat Carlow and Galway in their final two Leinster SHC ties to seal progression to the All-Ireland series. 

Yesterday’s draw with Wexford – where they forfeited a five-point lead on 55 minutes and needed Sean Moran’s 75th minute goal to force a share of the spoils – meant Dublin still have their faith in their own hands.

They’ll be expected to account for Carlow on 2 June but nothing will come easy away to Colm Bonnar’s side, who have targetted this game from the outset as their best chance of staying up in Leinster. 

Win in Netwatch Cullen Park and Dublin will have a weekend off before hosting Kenny’s native Galway in Parnell Park with their season on the line.

Wexford took third place in the province with four points in 2018 after wins over Dublin and Offaly, but Kenny believes five points will be required this time around. 

“We’ll definitely need two wins,” he said. “At least it’s in our own hands but nothing less than two wins will get us through.

“We’d have preferred to have gotten the two points there today. But it’s still in our hands. We have a difficult away trip to Carlow in two weeks time. So we’ve got to go down there and work hard for a result down there.

“And if we manage to get a result there, it will come down to the last result here in Parnell Park at home. Look, we’re still in the championship. It’s still in our own hands. And with 39 minutes gone (in the second-half), we’d have taken that.”

Kilkenny and Galway are expected to contest the Leinster final, but Davy Fitzgerald’s side will fancy their chances of upsetting the applecart and making their first decider since 2017.

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Brian Cody’s team have started the campaign well with two victories despite being without a number of injured players, but they still have a tricky home tie against Galway and an away clash with Wexford to come.

One victory from their final two games would be enough for Kilkenny to secure a place in the provincial final, while a draw should guarantee third.

It’s been difficult to make a read on Micheal Donoghue’s outfit so far this season, with a six-point win over Carlow achieved in their only outing of the championship so far.

Reintegrating Joseph Cooney and Johnny Glynn should add considerable firepower to the 2017 All-Ireland champions’ attack, but their form has been patchy this year. 

If Wexford were to beat Galway in Salthill next weekend, they’d move into the hunt for a top-two place, with the Tribesmen and Dublin most likely left fighting it out for the third spot.

Should the Joe Canning-less Galway win as expected, it will leave themselves and Kilkenny in control of the top two positions.

The Wexford team stand for the National Anthem in Parnell Park.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

The battle for third would then come down to the final day where Wexford host the Cats and Dublin are at home to Galway. That’s presuming both Dublin and Wexford account for Carlow, who will be battling to avoid fatigue.

The Barrowsiders gave reasonably strong performances in the opening two rounds against Galway and Kilkenny, but their smaller panel means it will be harder to maintain that form as the summer goes on.

In 2018, Offaly’s best two displays arrived in their opening games where they lost to Galway by 12 and Kilkenny by nine. They then imploded with a 24-point pummeling to Wexford and a 17-point beating to the Dubs in the final two rounds when bodies were weary and their chance of progression was already over.

A win and a draw for Dublin could potentially leave them in the running for third, provided Wexford lose to both Galway and Kilkenny.

Rather than dealing in permutations, Kenny’s side will go into the last two round-robin games in knock-out mode. Only victories will guarantee their summer carries on past the middle of June. 

One thing they must address is their habit of letting second-half leads slip in the championship. They shipped defeats to Kilkenny, Galway and Wexford last summer after leading late in all three games, and saw a five-point advantage turn to dust in Nowlan Park the weekend before last and again on Sunday.

But Kenny believes Moran’s late equalising goal against Wexford will lift the spirits of his team as they stared down the barrel of another heart-breaking defeat.

“I think it was hugely important. Because rightly or wrongly, the character of the side has been questioned a number of times. So to come out of today with something, I think will bring on this group a lot.

“We showed below in Nowlan Park for 40 minutes the quality of hurling this side can play. They showed again today the quality of hurling they can play. But we’ve just got to work on getting that consistency for 75, 76 minutes.

“But I think today’s result will stand to us going forward.”

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THE TAG OF defensive football is one that Ulster football has always found hard to shake.

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In the absence of competitive football in Leinster and Munster, silverware is still up for grabs in Ulster every year with Donegal, Monaghan and Tyrone sharing supremacy up north over the last decade.

And yet, the label of defensive football has persisted. Those regular contests among the top teams has done very little to steer viewers away from the stereotype.

But the opening games in the 2019 Ulster SFC have showcased several examples of exciting, attacking football.

It would be premature to suggest that this indicates an overall shift in the province, but the displays so far could certainly serve as an antidote to the infection of defensive football. 

Martin Reilly’s crisp passing 

Cool finish from the penalty by Martin Reilly of @CavanCoBoardGaa pic.twitter.com/h7rbYnJDIG

— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 18, 2019

Cavan forward Martin Reilly was deservedly praised for his contribution to Cavan’s shock win over All-Ireland semi-finalists Monaghan.

His precise kick-passing illuminated the contest and it was his vision that ultimately landed a penalty for Cavan in the fouth minute of the tie.

After gathering the ball out near the sideline, he spotted the run of Conor Madden before delivering a perfect pass into the small square. Drew Wylie’s challenge on Madden resulted in the penalty that Reilly tucked away to give Cavan the early edge.

Reilly and Madden linked up again towards the end of the first half. After rounding Monaghan’s Karl O’Connell, Reilly charged up the field before slicing the ball into Madden’s hands for a simple tap-over point.

The Killygarry man was previously on the books at Burnley FC and it’s clear that he still has those football skills in his locker.

Long-ball tactics for Down and Armagh goals

Pat Havern’s goal was the outcome of a long-ball tactic.

Source: Philip Magowan/INPHO

Down and Armagh’s thrilling quarter-final produced five goals in all, with both sides employing long-ball tactics to get the ball in the net.

The hosts were the first to profit from that approach in the first half, after Pat Havern connected with a long delivery from Gerard Collins to punch the ball in the net. It was a textbook example of long-ball football in action.

Donal O’Hare’s goal late in the second half was also the product of a similar tactic, with Corey Quinn providing assistance after gathering possession from the break.

Armagh benefited the most from this type of game in extra-time and they struck the decisive blow through a goal from substitute Andrew Murnin.

Rian O’Neill drilled the ball in towards the Down goal where Murnin applied a deft flick to finish the move to the net.

Derry and Tyrone’s direct play

In @UlsterGAA SFC; @TyroneGAALive proved too strong as they overcame @Doiregaa! GAANOW has the best of the action here. pic.twitter.com/A7IUkXbniK

— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 14, 2019

Derry almost produced a huge shock in the Ulster SFC last weekend against All-Ireland finalists Tyrone. 

The newly promoted outfit brought a huge challenge to Mickey Harte’s side and Shane McGuigan’s goal in the 55th minute offered a strong indication that an unlikely win was on the cards.

The score was the outcome of an impressive attacking move.

Enda Lynn was instrumental as he carried possession up through the middle of the field. Tyrone defenders began converging on the centre-forward but Lynn’s nimble footwork allowed him to slip through and race into space.

He offloaded the ball to McGuigan who ran in behind the Tyrone cover to crash his shot into the roof of the net.

Darren McCurry’s goal was crucial in quashing Derry’s momentum and it was similar example of direct, attacking football. 

Frank Burns sent a cross-field pass over to the substitute who drilled the ball low and into the Derry net to quash their momentum, and kill off their chance of springing a surprise.

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WHEN CORK’S STARTING fifteen was unveiled on Friday night for yesterday’s clash with Limerick, the extent of the surgery performed by John Meyler was revealed.

In an attempt to improve on a display that saw them leak 2-28, including a staggering 2-24 from play, against Tipperary, the Cork boss brought in four new faces to indicate a fresh approach was being taken.

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Six minutes after throw-in Meyler’s hand was forced and another alteration was required. Conor Lehane limped off with an ankle problem and Alan Cadogan was pushed into the action. Suddenly Cork were operating with a third of their starting side changed from the previous Sunday.

For Cadogan it was a significant moment. He was sampling game time on 19 May 2019, over 21 months since his previous championship appearance on 13 August 2017 when Cork lost out to Waterford in Croke Park. 

An addition to the 26-man squad for yesterday’s game, Cadogan hardly expected to get such an extensive run out. Lehane had just swivelled to fire over Cork’s second point of the day and when his withdrawal materialised, it was reasonable to feel that Cork would spring Shane Kingston, the contributor of 0-3 against Tipperary and seemingly unlucky to drop out of the starting side.

Instead Meyler entrusted Cadogan with the opportunity, irrespective of his long-term absence from the heat of championship exchanges.

And the 26-year-old seized his chance in style.

By the final whistle Cork were seven-point victors and had resurrected their 2019 hopes. Cadogan had struck 0-3 from play, provided the assist for another brace of points, was fouled for a converted free and was central to another passage of play that yielded a Seamus Harnedy score before the break. 

That’s a direct role in seven of the points that Cork notched. Last Sunday Cork had looked hamstrung by the level of reliance they placed on Patrick Horgan for attacking leadership. The difference in the showing of their forwards was striking yesterday.

The availability of Cadogan and the shift he put in was crucial in order to achieve that.

Alan Cadogan in action for Cork against Waterford in the 2017 All-Ireland hurling semi-final.

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

It’s five years since a precocious young Douglas forward exploded onto the scene for Cork. He weighed in with 0-4 from play in that 2014 Munster opener against Waterford. Cork drew that day but won the replay and at the end of his debut season, Cadogan had a Munster medal and was an All-Star nominee.

What happened after that? Keeping the direction of that form going in an upward curve wasn’t easy in 2015 and 2016 as Cork hurling experienced a downturn. Cadogan ransacked the Dublin defence for 1-5 in a July qualifier in 2016 but those seasons ended in miserable fashion for the county in Thurles at the hands of Galway and Wexford.

It switched back in Cadogan’s favour two years ago as he thrived in a Cork team who began to soar again in Munster. He shot 0-3 against Tipperary, notched a single point against Waterford and was crowned man-of-the-match when taking the Clare defence for 1-4 on Munster final day. 

Their All-Ireland hopes were extinguished by a goal rush from Waterford, a game where it was notable that Noel Connors was detailed to police Cadogan, evidence of the threat that it was felt he posed. He still managed to shoot a brace of points yet those avenues in attack never opened up.

And until yesterday’s showing, that game was his most recent memories of championship combat. After the 2018 league, Cadogan missed the Munster opener against Clare with a knee injury. It looked at first a short-term ailment but the gravity of the problem soon emerged and he underwent surgery in May.

A long rehabilitation period ensued and he was absent in Cork colours until February. He got on with ten minutes to go on a Saturday night league tie against Clare, then started against Tipperary in March before hobbling off with injury before half-time in Páirc Uí Rinn.

Alan Cadogan with Christopher Joyce celebrating after Cork’s league tie against Clare.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

The concern was obvious after that game but the prognosis transpired to be more promising regarding his prospects of playing in 2019.

If there still seemed a sense of risk in bringing him on at such an early juncture yesterday, Cadogan quickly shredded any notions that he would be off the pace. Two minutes after his introduction he had claimed an angled delivery from Mark Coleman and swung over a Cork point.

That set the tone. A feature of Cork’s Munster winning campaign in 2017, particularly in the final against Clare, was the manner in which Cadogan and Horgan dovetailed in a two-man full-forward line. Yesterday Horgan roamed out on occasion but there was still glimpses of that strategy. 

Cork sought to send diagonal clearances from the middle third. Both Cadogan and Horgan frequently raced in the same direction, successfully reading the breaks or winning primary possession to feed the other. In the 24th minute Cadogan won a break, slipped a short handpass to Horgan who pointed. Nine minutes later the same move took place but under pressure Horgan then found Harnedy who rifled over a score.

Cadogan was fouled for a free that Horgan snapped over in the opening period and then stamped his mark on the game after the break. In the wake of Limerick spurning two clearcut point opportunities, Cork attacked the heart of the champions.

Anthony Nash bombed out two puckouts in quick succession that cleared Limerick’s powerful half-back line. On each occasion Cadogan slipped onto possession ahead of Sean Finn, firstly releasing Luke Meade for a point and secondly clipping over a neat score himself. Then the pick of his points arrived in the 54th minute, a lobbed shot over his shoulder from the right wing.

Cadogan’s enthusiastic and relentless movement unsettled the Limerick rearguard as he raced from wing to wing. He had one first-half attempt for a point blocked out for a sideline by Finn and saw another tail wide in the second half.

But overall Cadogan’s efficient usage of possession tended to yield a score for Cork. In his 17th senior hurling championship outing for the county and in a venue he last graced in a championship setting back in 2013 in an All-Ireland U21 football final, Cadogan illustrated the qualities he can offer Cork upon his return.

A forgotten man as Cork’s 2018 journey unfolded, he made his championship mark for Cork as their 2019 season kicked into gear.

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OFFALY GAA HAVE announced that hurling boss Kevin Martin and his management team have been replaced with immediate effect after back-to-back opening defeats in the Joe McDonagh Cup.

After suffering relegation from the Liam MacCarthy Cup last year and from Division 1 in the Allianz League in 2019, the Faithful are in danger of dropping again — this time to the hurling championship’s third tier — after defeats to Laois and Westmeath.

Another two-time All-Ireland winning Offaly player replaces Martin, with Joachim Kelly coming in on an interim basis.

Kelly formerly guided the county’s camogie side to All-Ireland success and led Coolderry to the Leinster SHC semi-final last year.

Offaly GAA confirmed the changes this evening:

“Following on from an Offaly GAA Management Committee meeting tonight, Kevin Martin & his Management Team have been replaced as the current Senior Hurling Management with immediate effect,” a statement reads.

“The committee would like to thank Kevin and his team for their commitment and effort over the last 2 years.

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“Survival in the Joe McDonagh Cup competition in 2019 is essential for the long term development of hurling in the county.

“To this end Joachim Kelly has been appointed by the management committee as interim manager to the end of this year’s Joe McDonagh Cup competition. We wish Joachim and his team the best of luck in the upcoming games.”

Source: Offaly GAA Twitter.

There were 13 points in the difference as Westmeath beat Offaly on Saturday and from there, Martin really came under fire. 

Kelly now takes the reins and with two games to save their McDonagh Cup status and avoid another major setback, they welcome Antrim to Tullamore on Saturday in a must-win fixture.

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ARMAGH STAR FORWARD Jamie Clarke is not playing for Crossmaglen this season, according to club team-mate Aaron Kernan.

Clarke returned to the inter-county team earlier this year after spending the majority of 2018 in New York and hit two points from play in his side’s extra-time win over Down at the weekend.

Crossmaglen are one of the most successful club teams of all time, but the six-time All-Ireland club winners will have to plan without Clark’s services in their campaign this season.

“It’s unfortunate,” the former Armagh defender told Off The Ball when confirming the loss of Clarke.

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Jamie has just said he’s not committed to playing for Crossmaglen. It’s obviously very disappointing to hear from our club’s perspective.

“From a county [perspective] he’s committed to stay around. I haven’t spoken with him so I don’t know what his plans are but I just know he doesn’t see himself being part of our group.

We’ve moved on, we’ll progress with what we have in the club.”

Crossmaglen reached the Ulster semi-final last year where they lost out to Donegal side Gaoth Dobhair.

They previously ended a three-year wait for an Armagh SFC title with a victory over Ballymacnab in the county decider which delivered their 44th senior championship crown in all.

WATCH | Serial Ulster Champion @AaronKernan joins @MolloyJoe to recap a memorable weekend for @Armagh_GAA & @CavanCoBoardGaa 🏐📺 https://t.co/15dbBczCI6

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 20, 2019

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AND JUST LIKE that, the number of Irish players confirmed for the 2020 AFLW season is in double figures. 

Louth’s Kate Flood (left) and Leitrim’s Áine Tighe (right) with CrossCoders co-founder and Western Bulldogs star Lauren Spark.

Source: CrossCoders Instagram.

10 have put pen to paper for the league’s fourth year, with eight of those CrossCoders graduates. The programme brought three top ladies footballers Down Under last year, and have already helped five more officially cross codes on a professional level ahead of the new season. 

With their weekend-long trial camp coming to a close in Athlone on Sunday, the news broke early Monday morning that Louth and Leitrim star forwards Kate Flood and Áine Tighe had officially signed for Fremantle.

The42 reported last week that the deal was nearly done, but with Freo head coach Trent Cooper in attendance at the camp, the finishing touches were made to get it over the line. 

The expansion of the league, and the limited talent pool at the minute as the wait continues for underage stars to filter through means that innovation is needed in the AFLW. Cooper, for one, witnessed the success stories of the Irish players closely last year, and knew he had to explore that option down the line.

“We’d seen the success of the five Irish girls that had played last year,” he told The42, “and now in WA [Western Australia], we have a new team coming in. We’ve gone from 30 players to 60 needed so we thought we’d better have a good look.

“Jason [Hill] and Lauren [Spark] and the team from CrossCoders sent through all the vision so we poured over that which left 30 of the girls.

“We came up with a list of about four that we were really interested in, we spoke to them over the phone and different things and then arrived here to make our final decisions.”

It was a thorough process from the club’s end, but one the players jumped at when the opportunity came about. Well, Flood did anyway. 

The Louth captain had a roller coaster year in 2018 as she steered he county to the All-Ireland junior final in Croke Park, battling the highs and lows including the sudden passing of their manager Míchéal McKeown along the way.

Flood was exceptional throughout, an admirable leader both on and off the field and capped the season with the LGFA’s Junior Player of the Year accolade. It was as a result of that that this entire opportunity sparked to life. 

Ahead of last year’s All-Ireland final.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

“It was just… I dunno, a spur of the moment thing,” the 27-year-old smiles mid-kicking drill at the camp, still finding it hard to come to terms with everything.

“When I got the award last year, Jason from CrossCoders sent me a wee message on Instagram, just saying well done or whatever. He was like, ‘Did you ever think of going playing AFL?’ I was like, ‘No, never,’” she grins.

“He sent me an application form, I filled it out. Then he told me that a few clubs were interested in me. I was like, ‘Well, that’s an opportunity I can’t really say no to’.

“It’s all a bit mad at the minute but yeah, I can’t wait. I’m very excited for it.”

Towering forward Tighe echoes her words from the first question: “I’m really excited.

“I suppose it’s an opportunity of a lifetime really, getting a chance to head down and test yourself against some of the best in a professional environment. I think that’s the big draw.

“I had to think about it, but I suppose it’s a dream for any athlete to be able to play in a professional environment and train in a professional environment, and have the level of support that the clubs are showing: the training facilities, the strength and conditioning, the recovery.

“It’s every athlete’s dream. When the opportunity does pop up, I think you’d be mad to say no.”

Both Tighe and Flood can vouch for the fact that they felt a special draw to Fremantle after chatting to Cooper and AFLW manager Wade Spilcker, as well as several of the players.

“Easy going” and “genuine” are some of the words used to describe them and how helpful and supportive they’ve been through the entire signing experience. 

Tighe kicking at the camp.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

“They’ll be making sure that we’re getting everything that we need more so than just what they want for the club,” Flood adds. “They’re really focusing on us as players, which is a really good thing. 

“I’ve never been over there before, so it really is a huge step. You do need that reassurance that you’re going to be well looked after. The lads definitely do give you that feeling.”

While she’s never been to Australia, she had also never played Aussie Rules.

Also a talented soccer player having lined out for Raheny United (now Shelbourne) and Newry City through the years, the St Patrick’s star impressed at the weekend’s camp with her practice with the oval ball paying dividends already.

“I got one of the balls off the internet and I’ve just been up in the field kicking it around,” she laughs.

“It’s mental like. But I suppose you will pick it up. We’ve picked up Gaelic… I know we’ve been playing all our lives but the skills are transferable. It’s going to take practice and that’s what the lads are there for.

“They said if you’ve to focus on your kicking, there’ll be someone there to go kicking with you for two or three hours a day. We don’t have that at home as such. We’ve to go out and do it among ourselves whereas they have professional trainers there showing you the proper technique and making sure that you pick it up.

“It’s a massive opportunity for anyone going that none of us can really turn down. It still hasn’t really sunk in but yeah, I’m really excited now.”

Tighe, 27, likewise has been putting in the practice with the Sherrin. She’s not involved in the Leitrim set-up this year, having recently made a full recovery from an ACL injury but she’s easing herself back in with the club and looking forward to the next challenge.

Speaking with Cooper in Athlone.

“Cramming in the last few weeks practice,” she laughs. “I got a ball a few months ago so I’m just trying to get out and get used to the kicking and the catching.

“I’ve been watching the girls over there for the last couple of years, I’d know a good few of them through different contacts and being in college, and I’ve been able to follow them and see how they’re getting on; the challenges and what they’re finding difficult.

“They’ve all had such positive experiences out there. They were great in terms of answering questions and bouncing things back and forward. I have the height of time for all of them and they were really generous with their time.”

While the duo can’t give enough glowing reports about the club and their new team-mates, a special word goes to the work CrossCoders have done through the entire process.

Their support and guidance has been something else, they say, and that’s set to continue between the pair as they set off on this adventure together.

“I was kind of hesitant to say that I’d travel on my own,” Flood concedes, “but now that I know of another Irish girl in the same boat as me going over, not knowing who’s over there and having to do the same thing… it’s going to be good. It’ll be interesting.”

“I think that’s going to be a massive help even in terms of practicing the skills and honing the skills,” Tighe adds on having a team-mate from these shores in Perth with her.

“Having someone to be able to go out and have a kick with and practice and to answer questions about rules and whatever, I’m sure we’ll be able to bounce some things off each other. It’ll be good.”

Flood practicing her kicking skills last Friday.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

While Tighe’s thoughts are probably a little more distracted by the AFLW dream down the line, Flood has to ensure her entire focus is on Louth and the summer of championship football ahead.

She’s spoken to — and cleared it all with — the Wee county’s management team and some players but at the time of our conversation, there had been no official announcement. It’s all out in the open now, but of course nothing has changed regarding her stance.

“I’m trying to keep it as low-key as possible just because we do have so much with Louth coming up, and the same with club,” she says. “I’m trying to keep myself grounded, and play out the year with Gaelic here first.

“When it’s all over I suppose I can get psyched for that! It’s going to be good. Everyone I’ve been talking to has said that I’ll absolutely love it over there so…”

Both evidently enjoying their time at the camp as they learned more and more about the game, Cooper was also clearly pleased to see them in the flesh.

Happy out with his newest signings, the fact that he could see their progress first-hand made this leap of faith a little less scary, for sure.

He delves a little deeper into the pre-signing and communication processes, explaining that the player-to-player interviews Tighe and Flood referred to were for two reasons: so his players could talk to them, find out more and judge them, and for the Irish girls to gain further information and most importantly, feel more comfortable.

Glittering reviews followed, of course, and the Fremantle boss was delighted to see his new additions in real life rather that through video footage. They’ll most definitely fit in at the Dockers, he says.

With AFL Ireland’s Mike Currane.

Source: AFL Ireland Twitter.

“Aine was a specific need,” he explains. “We haven’t performed too well in the rook because we’ve been undersized the last two years. Then, we lost both our rooks. We’ve got the shortest list in the AFLW so we needed some height.

“We couldn’t believe it when we saw Aine’s vision; her height, but then how athletic she is and how good she is around the ground. We’re really keen on that. To see her today, and to see her test, we’re very excited about her. 

“Kate looks like a really powerful forward, she’s high-scoring, and we think the way she plays the game, she’ll really fit in with our game style.

“She’ll have to learn the skills of the oval ball but as far as the game style, I think we play a game pretty similar that’ll suit her. That was the attraction with her for sure.”

He was pleased to see plenty of potential at the camp overall, emphasising that the Gaelic football crossover has been proven time and time again in the past — and will continue that way.

“It’s the most transferable game there is,” he grins. “Definitely. As I look here now, I can see some other players who hopefully will get on other AFLW lists. I’m sure they can make impact. If they don’t, I think we’ll be back next year looking for a couple more.”

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AIDAN WALSH MAY have finished Sunday in the Gaelic Grounds without a score to his name, the only starting Cork forward not to raise a flag.

But that statistic did not diminish his contribution to a victory over the All-Ireland champions that revived Cork’s Munster campaign.

The 29-year-old departed in the 68th minute after a wholehearted shift that helped clinch a seven-point success for Cork. Parachuted into the starting side in one of four changes from the loss to Tipperary, he’s happy to fill a grafting role for the team.

“I know I don’t have the skill of Hoggy (Patrick Horgan) or Lehane or Cadogan, but I know when they do get the ball they’ll do the damage,” he said.

“I’m happy enough to work hard, run as much as I can, run myself into the ground and make space for the boys, get the ball and give it to the shooters.

“Most teams have someone like that and I’m happy, if I’m given the opportunity, to do it.”

Criticism rained down on Cork in the wake of their loss to Tipperary and Walsh could understand where it was rooted in.

“Last week was very disappointing, we know that we can play better than that, but it was probably the perfect preparation.

“A seven-day turnaround and fellas were hurting but they were looking forward to it, a chance to play the All-Ireland champions in their home ground, everything was going against us.

“People were writing us off all week and it was hard to blame them, really. When you lose a home game as convincingly as we did last week, it didn’t bode well.

“But we knew ourselves that if everyone worked hard and did their job, we’d be there or thereabouts.”

Walsh was one of four changes to the Cork starting fifteen but the series of brave calls by management paid off.

“The boys made some big calls – myself, Rob Downey making his championship debut, Mark Ellis didn’t play any league, they were big calls and I’m delighted.

“Rob Downey was excellent, Mark Ellis was outstanding, Deccie Dalton came on and got two points, Niall O’Leary, second championship game. We’ve a 39-man panel and we’ve shown that fellas can come in.

“Mark Ellis wasn’t even on the panel last week and he comes in and plays like that, that just shows the character of the group.

“Alan Cadogan was on the bench and he hadn’t played, it was his first championship game in two years. He showed he’s an outstanding player and we’re lucky to have players of that calibre to come off the bench.

“Conor [Lehane] was a huge loss, but we were delighted for Cadogan, he’s had a tough year but he came in and did that today.”

Cork’s goal is now to replicate that level of work ethic against Waterford, a game pencilled in on 8 June after a three-week break for John Meyler’s side.

“We know ourselves that if we work hard and do our job, we’ll be there or thereabouts. At the end of the day, any fella can have an off-day but nobody stops you from working hard, nobody stops you from running.

“You mightn’t get the first ball, you mightn’t get the second ball, but if you keep showing, keep working, the breaks will go for you.

“We’re just looking forward to training for the next few weeks and our next game is a home game, which is a great incentive as well. We love playing in front of our own fans, they travelled in numbers to Limerick and we’re delighted to get the win for them.”

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MICHAEL DUIGNAN HAS questioned the Offaly county board’s decision to remove hurling manager Kevin Martin from his role just two games into the Joe McDonagh Cup campaign. 

The Faithful, who dropped out of the Leinster SHC last season, lost to Laois by four points on the opening day and suffered a 14-point defeat to Westmeath on Saturday night.

The county board met last night and announced that two-time All-Star Martin and his management team would be departing, with Joachim Kelly coming in as interim boss. 

“To me, it’s another short-term, reactionary move,” Duignan told RTE Radio 1 this morning.

“We have to have an acceptance here in Offaly that Westmeath, Laois and Carlow – counties like this – have better players than us now. They’ve moved ahead of us. They’ve been beating us at minor and senior for a number of years now. 

“And why is that? I think the county board, our clubs, our coaching staff and our players have to take responsibility. Along with Kevin. He’s been manager and of course, some of it rests at his feet.”

Duignan, who won two All-Ireland titles alongside Martin in the 1990s, said the decision to dispense with the Tullamore native didn’t take into account Offaly’s current standing in the game. 

“Three years ago, Westmeath beat us by 14 points. What has been done differently between then and now? Very little. Put in a different manager and expect different results. 

“I know these people. In many cases, they’re decent, well-meaning people. But we’re not grasping it. Until we devise a plan that suits our demographics then we’re not going to improve. The people in power need to listen to the people who are willing to do that.

“I feel personally very sorry for Kevin Martin. One of the greatest Offaly players. A great teammate, a great friend. When he played for Offaly, he prepared diligently, he took responsibility for his performances and he didn’t look for scapegoats. And he has been treated badly in this instance.”

Joachim Kelly celebrates after winning the Offaly county title last October.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

Kelly, who managed Wexford in 2000, won two All-Irelands as a player with Offaly and led Coolderry to the Leinster club final last November.

“He has 10 days trying to save Offaly hurling from dropping another tier which would be disastrous,” said Duignan

“He’s great charisma, he’s great passion for the game. We keep going back 20 years looking for this Offaly pride but we have to do something. Every player – and we have some good young players – has to get behind Joachim Kelly for the future of Offaly hurling.  

“When this season is over, the county board need to take a strong, hard look at themselves.”

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ALL BLACKS LEGEND Doug Howlett will remain part of the Cork hurling backroom team for the rest of the championship despite departing his position with Munster Rugby.

It was announced yesterday that Howlett was finishing up as the province’s head of commercial and marketing, ending an 11-year association with Munster.

He intends on returning to New Zealand in the autumn and Cork boss John Meyler confirmed that Howlett will remain in his high-performance role with the Rebels for the rest of their season.

“The guy is a legend,” said Meyler. “He had a calmness about him, he’s humble. He’s been there with the All Blacks and he’s bringing that to us. He’s contributed enormously to the team meetings, to the players, to the overall sense of performance.

“He’s a very humble guy, that’s what I would say about him. He talks about the performance and he gives us a sense of calmness. He spoke the last day about ourselves and repeating the performance, trying to get the culture of what the All Blacks do.

Cork’s John Meyler is pictured at Centra’s launch of the GAA All Ireland Hurling Championship.

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

“They’re always looking for more, they’re looking for a better level of performance even if they win matches and it’s maintaining that. He’s contributed enormously and he’ll be still with us.”

Former director of the Irish Institute of Sport Gary Keegan was involved with Cork in a similar position in 2017 and 2018 but left at the end of last year. Meyler opted to bring New Zealand’s record try-scorer on board in his place and was full of praise for his impact on the players.

“He’s fantastic around the place but he’s calm, he’s humble, he talks to all the players individually and collectively,” said the Cork boss.

“He is experienced and I would imagine that if you played South Africa in Eden Park or played those matches against France in Paris as an All Black, you would understand about performance.

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“He spoke to them about the Haka, what the Haka means, what it means to a team and your own culture, your own identity. He brings all of that to the table.

“As a management team, you’re trying to build a culture, you’re trying to build an environment. You’re building the culture within the team and the management but you’re trying then to provide the environment in which that culture will develop and flourish.

“The training, the administration, the medical, the support, all of those have to be right so we’re creating that environment in which the players will develop and flourish. Then it’s driving that performance culture within the set-up which is critical.”

Cork’s win over Limerick on Sunday propelled them back into the hunt to advance from Munster. After losing in the opening round to Tipperary, the Rebels looked a different animal against the reigning All-Ireland champions.

Graeme Mulcahy shoots under pressure from Mark Ellis.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Mark Ellis’s performance from centre-back was notable, considering he didn’t even make the matchday squad against Tipperary a week earlier.

After taking in the round 1 game from the in Pairc Ui Chaoimh stands, Ellis lined out with his club Millstreet in the Cork football league earlier that day.

“There’s a squad of 37 players there. Mark had an operation a few months ago, he had been struggling with injury last year so that needed to be looked at, his injury, to get him right and back up to fitness.

“If you know Mark Ellis he’s a super fit guy, really keeps himself in shape and in condition. He wasn’t really ready to go for the Tipperary match but then looking at the Tipperary match and at the defence, he was an option. So he put his hand up and he gave that performance.

“But everybody within the 37 must be ready to give a performance, must be ready to step up. Certainly, Ellis played well, as well as Aidan Walsh who had a very successful league campaign and he stepped up. As a manager, that’s what you want.”

Colm Spillane is in contention to feature against Waterford after completing 30 minutes of a league game for Castlelyons at the weekend.

A calf strain forced Conor Lehane off after six minutes on Sunday, but Meyler is hopeful he’ll be recovered for the third round.

“The medical team will assess that. Calf injuries are problematic, they’re going to take time. It’s up to the medical team really to get him back and get him ready for selection for two weeks’ time. I just hope he is because he’s a fantastic hurler.” 

Cork’s Patrick Horgan celebrates scoring his side’s goal on Sunday.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

While Patrick Horgan missed a couple of scoreable frees against the Treaty, he stood tallest when Cork needed him most and fired in a superb second-half goal, finishing with 1-9.

“He’s our marquee player just as Joe Canning is for Galway or TJ Reid is for Kilkenny,” Meyler said of the Glen Rovers ace.

“They’re three of the best forwards without a shadow of a doubt. Hoggy has proved that for Cork over the last ten years. It’s just unfortunate that he doesn’t have an All-Ireland medal, and we need to rectify that for him.

“His contribution to Cork hurling over the last ten years has been incredible. The scores he got last Sunday, the goal he took really, really drove us on.

“Hoggy deserves great credit and great praise for what he has done for Cork hurling over the last ten years. He’s always first at training, he’s always practising.

“He leads by example. It’s no wonder he’s a superb talent. He deserves the height of respect, the height of praise for what he’s done.”

*******

Over the course of this championship, Centra will seek to get beneath the helmet of their GAA ambassadors who are some of Ireland’s best-known hurlers and their support teams to unearth what it is that not only drives their passion for the sport, but what it means to them to represent their communities on hurling’s biggest stage.

In doing so, Centra will explore the emotion generated by the GAA All Ireland Hurling Championships beyond just the players and the teams, but into communities right around Ireland – and the unique connection felt by many to the GAA no matter the extent or type of their involvement. For exclusive content and to see how Centra will champion the hurling community across Ireland, follow #WeAreHurling, @CentraIRL on Twitter, @centra_irl on Instagram and www.facebook.com/CentraIreland

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