Month: September 2021

WHEN STEPHEN O’HANLON jogged onto the Clones turf as a 43rd-minute substitute for his Monaghan debut last Sunday, an old basketball coach Joey Boylan sat up on his couch at home.

Conor McManus celebrates after the game with Stephen O’Hanlon.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

“I was actually watching it and when I saw Stephen coming on, it was a surprise,” admitted Boylan, who worked with O’Hanlon as coach with Ireland U18s and DCU Saints. “I didn’t actually realise he was on the senior panel.”

A huge cheer rolled down from the home crowd but all eyes were on the Farney’s star forward Conor McManus, who was entering the fray alongside the 21-year-old.

It took all of about 90 seconds for O’Hanlon to show the home crowd what he was all about. Wearing number 25, the youngster from Carrickmacross had an immediate impact.

Colin Walshe sent a searching ball towards McManus, but it was slightly overhit. From nowhere, O’Hanlon soared and fetched the ball as he was sandwiched in between McManus and Jonny Cooper.

Stephen O'Hanlon finds the net for Monaghan pic.twitter.com/z1tvoeISjM

— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 27, 2019

What was most impressive was when he landed, he was already on the half-turn. Leaving Cooper stumbling behind him, O’Hanlon soloed twice on his right foot, turned onto his left and placed a placed a low strike past the onrushing goalkeeper Evan Comerford.

His first touch in a Monaghan jersey resulted in a goal against the All-Ireland champions, leaving a two-time All-Star trailing in his wake.

If his appearance on the field surprised Boylan, nothing about that goal did.

“His first step took him away from everyone anyway,” he says. “That would have been one his main attributes in basketball.

“He was a point guard. He was very quick. His first step was very quick and you saw that with his goal against Dublin where he took off as soon as he caught it. He was gone.

“He was never afraid to go in against the big boys when he was going to the basket. The 6’6″ and 6’7″ lads, he wasn’t afraid to go up against them.”

Six minutes after his introduction, O’Hanlon laid a goal on a plate for Shane Carey after a devastating run from McManus.

Shane Carey Goal after getting on the end of a good Monaghan move pic.twitter.com/A7pVsVAaID

— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 27, 2019

That six-minute spell made the country sit up and take notice. All of a sudden, Monaghan may have an accomplice for McManus in the full-forward line, joining a formidable attack alongside Conor McCarthy and Jack McCarron.

O’Hanlon’s debut was a long time coming. He scored 2-11 in last year’s U21 county final for Carrickmacross and linked up with the Monaghan squad soon after. Malachy O’Rourke extended the offer for the past couple of years, but O’Hanlon’s interests in basketball meant the advances were knocked back.

The game took him on a scholarship to prep school Trinity-Pawling School in New York state. He was an electric point guard with the varsity basketball team, he also did athletics, running in the 200m and with the 4x400m relay team.

He remained involved with the Irish underage set-up, flying home to represent his country from U16 to U20 level. Boylan was his coach during their U18s FIBA European Championships where Ireland finished in a respectable 17th place.

DCU Saints coach Joey Boylan.

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

“He came home to train with us at Christmas for a couple of sessions and then the actual championships were in the summer after he had finished. He was back with the Irish team in May, June and July.”

Their two key players were O’Hanlon and 6’8″ forward Jordan Blount, who is now averaging 10.1 points per game for NCAA Division 1 side UIC Flames.

“The two of them would have been the best two players on the team. They were kind of opposites.”

Boylan believes O’Hanlon’s height (5’11″) worked against him in the race to get noticed by some US colleges. “There would have been a chance (of him getting offers) but it’s very hard for an Irish point guard. It’s the bigger players that make it in the States.”

Jordan Blount in action for Ireland.

Anyway, basketball’s loss became football’s gain.

After school, he came home and played with DCU Saints, where his brother Kevin was playing and Boylan was coach.

But O’Hanlon struggled with injury that year played in just six games of the Super League season.

“He only played few games,” explained Boylan. “It was his back, he was crippled with his it at the time.

“He played a game and then he was out, then he played a couple of others but he was never really fit.”

Click Here: New Zealand All Blacks Jerseys

He started studying in Maynooth and eventually, football started to take hold.

“He was back into the football then. Stephen was down in Maynooth in college and travel-wise he was going back to Monaghan to play football so he couldn’t play basketball at all last year.”

His spectacular debut last weekend means O’Hanlon is no longer an unknown quantity, but Boylan is confident he has the temperment to handle whatever comes his way.

“He’s a very nice kid, a very nice kid. Very good personality. There’s humour and a bit of messing in him, you know?

“He’s always up for it and he could growl after a game if we lose, but then would start getting up again and start geeing the other guys up. He’s a good guy to have in the dressing room.”

Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:

1. Brother against brother

Skill, Heart, and Respect: all learned in the garden!

Brothers Michael Carey of UL & Sean Carey of UCD – sons of Kilkenny great DJ Carey – were up against each other in tonight’s Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup match at Belfield.

📸 @sportsfilesteve https://t.co/RfFk393T7h pic.twitter.com/4bMCkxqEJt

Click Here: Geelong Cats Jersey— Sportsfile (@sportsfile) January 31, 2019

2. Max Holloway loves a bit of GAA

Croke Park seats 82,000 and they play Irish football, hurling, hand ball and rounders here. There is no pay even at highest levels so players have their own jobs. Teams are the counties… https://t.co/01WTBfDZgv

— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) January 27, 2019

3. Here’s to you, Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson would’ve been 100 today. Happy birthday to an all-time legend. pic.twitter.com/h7bDsNGvZ6

— Meredith Frost (@MeredithFrost) January 31, 2019

4. Once a red, always a red Rafa

Mood pic.twitter.com/6FOkkorNww

— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) January 29, 2019

5. Shades of Maurice Fitzgerald about this

The incredible sideline kick from Kerry’s Seanie O’Shea and the reaction from new manager Peter Keane 👌🏻 pic.twitter.com/nw336TBOfm

— Stephen McCarthy (@sportsfilesteve) January 28, 2019

6. He’s come a long way from Sligo Rovers

Amazing to think that 10 years ago today, Seamus Coleman (still at @sligorovers) could not get onto the Ireland u21 squad. pic.twitter.com/6wbvzDSPUi

— Aidan Fitzmaurice (@fitzmaidan) January 28, 2019

7. Captain fantastic

Sinead Aherne confirmed as 2019 Dublin Senior Captain!

Since making her debut back in 2003, Aherne has gone to win

3 SFC All Irelands
1 Div 1 NFL
2 Div 2 NFL
12 Leinster SFC titles
7 All Stars.

In 2018 she was named TG4 Snr Players’ Player of the Year!#COYGIB #LEGEND pic.twitter.com/hnysoRJaUk

— DublinLGFA (@dublinladiesg) January 31, 2019

8. Ah, Pro Evo

The Pro Evo version of Phil Jagielka is on the move pic.twitter.com/woZmiWFcYa

— Adam Hurrey (@FootballCliches) January 31, 2019

9. All together now

Warming down with the fans @LimerickCLG pic.twitter.com/v7y0OefDRO

— Liam Mulcahy (@LiamMulcahyTSM) February 2, 2019

10. And the Auld Triangle…

With statues going up to the great man, worth having a look again at the greatest Luke Kelly pic. pic.twitter.com/LwGOPQnSbe

— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) January 30, 2019

Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:

Click:numerical control machine

Kevin O’Brien report from Croke Park

WHEN KEVIN WALSH was asked about his aims for the league campaign after last night’s defeat to Dublin, his response said a lot.

“I suppose it’s our second year in Division 1. We definitely haven’t as much (fitness work) done as we would have done this time last year. There’s a few reasons for that: injuries, colleges and club maybe finishing a bit later.

Click Here: Hurricanes Rugby Jersey

“But either way, our priority would be to try and keep guys a bit fresher than they were last year, maybe coming into the summer.

“And to get the injuries right so we have everyone available and in proper knick and hopefully find two or three new players that might tip up. That’s probably our priorities – and to stay in Division 1.”

Galway’s priorities have certainly shifted since last year’s league, which was their first top-flight football campaign in seven years.

The Tribe’s starting team for yesterday’s 11-point loss to Dublin saw nine survivors retained from their All-Ireland semi-final defeat to the same opponents. Dublin similarly lined out with nine players who started that 1-24 to 2-12 victory last August.

But there has been a deliberate shift in Walsh’s approach to the league this time around. Last year, Galway went through the regulation stage unbeaten and lost by four points to Dublin in the Division 1 final.

But by the time the sides met in the last four of the All-Ireland series, 11 points separated them and a Dublin victory never looked under threat. A week earlier, Galway went down meekly to Monaghan at Pearse Stadium in the Super 8s.

For all the promise of Galway’s spring campaign and their subsequent run to the Connacht title, they fell flat when it really mattered in August.

The Tribe boss is a financial advisor and he tends to analyse football in a similar fashion. The 2018 “end of year accounts”, as he often puts it, would have highlighted the fact that Galway need to peak later in 2019.

Often times, sides who are promoted into Division 1 put in a heavy pre-season campaign in order to hit the league running. But after regaining their provincial title and reaching the last four of the championship, the priorities have shifted for Walsh’s men.

Rather than proving they belong with the big boys, Galway are more comfortable in their own skin. The aim now is to maintain their Division 1 status and try blood one or two youngsters for the year ahead.

Galway’s Padraig Cunningham with Liam Flatman of Dublin.

Source: Tommy Grealy/INPHO

In Cillian McDaid and Liam Silke, Walsh has a pair of top-class players to introduce into his team this season. It offsets the loss of the Sweeney twins, Patrick and Cathal, who opted out of the squad for 2019.

Silke played in the first round against Cavan, but is now focusing on Corofin’s upcoming All-Ireland semi-final against Gaoth Dobhair. McDaid featured for 35 minutes yesterday, before his withdrawal at the interval with a foot injury. He showed enough promise in the opening period to suggest he’ll be a key figure for the county in the coming year.

The Monivea-Abbey clubman, who returned from a one-year stint in the AFL, kicked two points off John Small in the first quarter, which is no mean feat.

“He was lively,” said Walsh. “He broke the line and certainly was missed in the second-half.”

The injury list includes star names like Damien Comer, who’ll “be another little while” before he returns to the field according to his manager, and Paul Conroy. The midfielder is on the comeback trail after his horror double-leg break during last year’s Super 8s win over Kerry.

Meanwhile, Corofin’s All-Star Ian Burke, Silke, Michael Farragher, Kieran Molloy, Dylan Wall and Bernard Power are all club-tied until 26 February at the earliest. Barring a disaster against the Ulster champions, they won’t be available to return before round 7 of the league.

Players like Padraic Cunningham and Gearoid Armstrong gained some important big-day experience at HQ. But the nature of the 11-point loss will be a little concerning for Walsh, even if he maintained they played well for the opening 50 minutes or so.

“We’ll take the learnings from this,” added Walsh.

“It’s important that we look and say, ‘What did we do well and what did we do poorly?’ When the goal went in I have to say we wouldn’t be happy that maybe defeat was accepted at that time.

“That’s probably our first league defeat when there’s points on offer in the last two years almost, so it’s not a bad consistency with the team.

“But there’s been times before where we’ve been down six or seven points and they fought to the end. Maybe fatigue kicked in a bit, as I said we haven’t as much work done and losing Cillian McDaid at half-time was a bit loss.

“We need that impetus to be breaking the line. It’s still only the second game from seven, but we’ll see what we’ll learn from it.

“Not a bad first-half, not a bad first 20 minutes of the second-half. We were still well in the game at 0-9 to 0-6. We had 12 kicked turnovers in the second-half which is just unacceptable. Five in the first-half, which is just about acceptable. Allowing Dublin counter-attack by kicking away so many stupid balls is going to put you under pressure.

“So I’d be very unhappy with that and also there was a stage when the goal went in, the reaction to that wouldn’t have been that pleasing. We allowed them fetch a lot of ball in the air as well without contesting properly.

“That’s something we have to work on. Overall, disappointed with the finish but there was a good 50 minutes there, particularly down a number of players it wasn’t too bad early on.”

Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:

Kildare 1-10
Cork 0-10

Fintan O’Toole reports from Páirc Uí Chaoimh

BY THE FINAL whistle Kildare were playing out with 13 men and Cork would close out with 14 but amidst the cards being brandished, it was the away team who would round out this Division 2 league encounter on a successful note.

Kildare’s Keith Cribbin goes up against Cork’s Mark Collins.

Source: Ken Sutton/INPHO

On an afternoon where the Páirc Uí Chaoimh surface proved troublesome for both sets of players, it was Kildare who snatched the spoils in a game where both teams were going in search of their first victory after opening day draws last Sunday.

Kildare were cut to 14 men in the 43rd minute, a black card brandished in the direction of Fergal Conway and allied to an earlier yellow card, it resulted in his dismissal. That came at a juncture when Cork had drawn level, Michael Hurley bringing his personal tally to 0-5 for the afternoon from open play.

But the experience and intelligence of Kildare’s seasoned operators Eoin Doyle and Kevin Feely proved crucial as they coped with that setback to forge ahead. Substitute Neil Flynn also made a vital contribution as he picked off 0-3 in the closing stages.

Keith Cribbin was sent to the sin bin in injury-time as Kildare fought to repel Cork’s attempts to salvage something from the game but the home side would also lose a player late on as Brian Hurley was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident.

Kildare had made a decisive burst in the 12th minute, Kevin Feely calmly rolling a penalty into the bottom corner after Jimmy Hyland was fouled by Cork midfielder Ronan O’Toole. It proved to be the solitary goal of the game and a crucial score that Kildare could fall back on.

Cork packed their defence with bodies early on but struggled with the transition element of their game to attack. Luke Connolly’s accuracy from frees proved costly as he missed four attempts in the first half with Hurley proving Cork’s brightest attacking spark as he picked off 0-3 from play in that opening period.

Kildare were in the ascendancy 1-4 to 0-5 at the interval but Cork quickly wiped out that deficit thanks to Hurley’s attacking interventions. The teams were locked together at 1-5 to 0-8 by the 48th minute but despite the personnel advantage, Cork could not translate it to the scoreboard.

Ruairi Deane saw one piledriver tipped onto the bar by Mark Donnellan and the Kildare netminder got down well on another occasion to divert a Matthew Taylor shot from a narrow angle. It was 1-7 to 0-9 in Kildare’s favour entering the final ten minutes when a trio of Flynn scores created a sizeable advantage.

Cork poured forward yet Kildare were resilient and a Mark Collins converted free was all the home side could muster.

Scorers for Kildare: Kevin Feely 1-1 (1-0 pen, 0-1f), Neil Flynn 0-3 (0-1 ’45), Adam Tyrrell (0-2f), Ben McCormack 0-2 each, Fionn Dowling, Jimmy Hyland (0-1 mark) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Cork: Michael Hurley 0-5, Luke Connolly 0-2 (0-1f, 0-1 mark), Mark Collins (0-1f), Ruairi Deane (0-1 mark), Sean White 0-1 each.

Kildare

1. Mark Donnellan (Maynooth)

Click Here: vans sk8 hi

2. Mark Dempsey (Moorefield)
3. Mick O’Grady (Celbridge)
4. David Hyland (Athy)

5. James Murray (Moorefield)
6. Eoin Doyle (Naas – captain)
7. Keith Cribbin (Johnstownbridge)

8. Kevin Feely (Athy)
9. Fergal Conway (Celbridge)

10. Conor Hartley (Sarsfields)
11. Fionn Dowling (Suncroft)
13. David Slattery (Confey)

12. Adam Tyrrell (Moorefield)
14. Ben McCormack (Sarsfields)
15. Jimmy Hyland (Ballyteague)

Subs

20. Aaron Masterson (Moorefield) for Hartley (half-time)
24. Neil Flynn (Maynooth) for Dowling (44)
19. Cian O’Donoghue (Clane) for Murray (54)
18. Eoghan O’Flaherty (Carbury) for Tyrrell (56)
21. Jason Gibbons (Kilcock) for Hyland (65)

Cork

1. Mark White (Clonakilty)

2. Kevin O’Donovan (Nemo Rangers)
3. Kevin Flahive (Douglas)
4. Conor Dennehy (St Finbarr’s)

5. James Loughrey (Mallow)
6. Stephen Cronin (Nemo Rangers)
7. Mattie Taylor (Mallow)

8. Ian Maguire (St Finbarr’s – captain)
9. Ronan O’Toole (Éire Óg)

10. Tomás Clancy (Fermoy)
11. Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree)
12. Mark Collins (Castlehaven)

13. Michael Hurley (Castlehaven)
14. Ruairi Deane (Bantry)
15. Luke Connolly (Nemo Rangers)

Subs

22. Paul Kerrigan (Nemo Rangers) for McSweeney (half-time)
23. Sean White (Clonakilty) for O’Toole (48)
19. Liam O’Donovan (Clonakilty) for Loughrey (54)
26. Brian Hurley (Castlehaven) for Connolly (56)
21. Killian O’Hanlon (Kilshannig) for Clancy (61)

Referee: Sean Lonergan (Tipperary)

Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:

Carlow 0-20
Galway 0-20

Conor McKenna reports from Dr Cullen Park

CARLOW AND GALWAY could not be separated after what was a fantastic game of hurling played out in Dr. Cullen Park.

Carlow were magnificent throughout and were full value for the draw which will be remembered for a long, long time in GAA circles.

Carlow lifted the Christy Ring trophy in 2017 and the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2018 and this result may finally give them the respect they deserve.

It was Galway who opened the scoring with a point from Thomas Monaghan and two place ball efforts from Joe Canning gave the visitors a three advantage in the early stages of the game.

One could have been forgiven for thinking this was going to be a one sided affair after the start Galway had but Carlow responded superbly with a free from Martin Kavanagh opening his sides account.

Galway replied with two points from Sean Kilduff and Thomas Monaghan but three successive Carlow scores reduced the deficit to a single point.

Galway hit ten wides in the opening half alone but the Tribesman still held a 0-11 to 0-7 lead at half time which was deserved.

A close range free from Joe Canning after the interval gave his side a 0-12 to 0-7 lead but it was all Carlow from this point onwards.

Four points in succession, three of which came from Martin Kavanagh, reduced the deficit to a single point and momentum was with Carlow at this stage.

Galway could never quite pull away from the home sides who never took the lead throughout the game.

An inspirational score from Aidan Harte looked to have won the game for Galway but Carlow were awarded a free in the last minute, which gave them a chance to level the game.

Martin Kavanagh showed serious guts to slot the free and give his side a historic draw which was fully deserved.

Scorers for Carlow: Martin Kavanagh 0-11 (10f), Seamus Murphy and Chris Nolan 0-2 each, Edward Byrne, Ted Joyce, David English (1f), James Doyle and Sean Whelan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Joe Canning 0-10 (8f), Sean Kilduff, Johnny Coen and Thomas Monaghan 0-2 each, Brian Concannon, Sean Loftus, Cathal Mannion and Aidan Harte 0-1 each.

Carlow

1. Brian Tracey (Naomh Eoin)

2. Alan Corcoran (Erins Own)
3. Paul Doyle (St. Mullins)
4. Michael Doyle (Mount Leinster Rangers)

5. Eoin Nolan (Naomh Eoin)
6. David English (Ballinkillen)
7. Richard Coady (Mount Leinster Rangers)

8. Jack Kavanagh (St. Mullins)
9. Sean Whelan (Ballinkillen)

10. John Michael Nolan (Naomh Eoin)
11. Martin Kavanagh (St. Mullins)
12. Seamus Murphy (St. Mullins)

13. Ted Joyce (Mount Leinster Rangers)
14. Edward Byrne (Mount Leinster Rangers)
23. James Doyle (St. Mullins)

Subs:

15. Chris Nolan (Mount Leinster Rangers) for Joyce (54)
24. Jon Nolan (Mount Leinster Rangers) for Byrne (59)

Galway

1. Colm Callanan (Kinvara)

2. Darren Morrissey (Sarsfields)
3. Jack Fitzpatrick (Killimordaly)
9. Sean Loftus (Turloughmore)

5. Greg Lally (Gort)
6. Padraig Mannion (Ahascragh-Fohenagh)
7. Aidan Harte (Gort)

8. Johnny Coen (Loughrea)
4. Sean Kilduff (Clarinbridge)

14. Brian Concannon (Killimordaly)
10. Cathal Mannion (Ahascragh-Fohenagh)
12. James Flynn (Tommy Larkins)

11. Joe Canning (Portumna)
13. Thomas Monaghan (Craughwell)
15. Davy Glennon (Mullagh).

Subs:

25. Sean Bleahene (Ahascragh-Fohenagh) for Glennon (10),
19. Sean Linnane (Turloughmore) for Lally (h-t)
22. Ronan O’Meara (Portumna) for Monaghan (65),

Referee: Cathal McAllister (Cork)

Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:

AFTER 19 CONSECUTIVE seasons lining out for Fermanagh, Ryan McCluskey has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The 37-year-old was the longest serving inter-county footballer having first joined the Fermanagh panel in 2000, making his National League debut later that year.

The Enniskillen Gaels full-back confirmed that he was hanging up his boots on Monday after a season in which Fermanagh qualified for a first Ulster SFC final since 2008.

“So after 19 years wearing the green and white, it’s time to call it a day,” McCluskey said.

It’s been a memorable journey… Thanks @FermanaghGAA 💚🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/LfQKhxJqhT

— Ryan Mc Cluskey (@clucker60) August 6, 2018

“To the numerous managers, back-room teams and teammates it’s been one hell of a pleasure. To all the fans of the green and white keep believing. We will get there. Thanks for your faithful support.

“Finally, to my family, friends and especially my mum. You have supported me through the good and bad times, I am forever grateful. I love you all. It’s been emotional.”

McCluskey made his championship debut in an Ulster preliminary round win over Donegal in May 2001.

Click Here: cheap puma shoes

He was an integral figure during the county’s journey to the All-Ireland semi-finals in 2004, while also an ever-present en route to provincial finals in both 2008 and 2018.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

THE FINAL ROUND of the Super 8s took place at the weekend as did the All-Ireland hurling semi-final replay between Galway and Clare.

There were some standout performances across the board as Galway advanced to the hurling decider, while Dublin, Monaghan, Kerry and Tyrone enjoyed victories in football.

Joe Canning took the top honour following Galway’s narrow All-Ireland SHC semi-final replay success against Clare. He posted eight points from wing-f0rward, including four frees and a stunning sideline cut to help Galway to a 1-17 to 2-13 win.

Joe Canning of @Galway_GAA is the Bord Gáis Energy Man of the Match! pic.twitter.com/rkVf3r1zby

— Sky Sports GAA (@SkySportsGAA) August 5, 2018

David Clifford landed 2-6 and man-of-the-match honours after their 3-25 to 2-16 win against Kildare in the Super 8s.

The 19-year-old’s big contribution wasn’t enough to prevent Kerry from crashing out in the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final series, while defender Dermot Malone scooped the award as Monaghan beat Galway by 0-16 to 0-8 to make it through at the Kingdom’s expense.

Eoghan O’Gara took advantage of a rare Dublin start by posting 2-2 as they beat Roscommon by 4-24 to 2-16. O’Gara was named man-of-the-match, as was Mattie Donnelly following Tyrone’s impressive win over Donegal.

Congratulations to Eoghan O’Gara @DubGAAOfficial who was the @eirGAA Man of the Match from the All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final Phase 3 clash against Roscommon. pic.twitter.com/j3Bjy6RYC1

— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 6, 2018

Click Here: sydney roosters jersey

Donnelly clipped over two points for Mickey Harte’s side and was a driving force in the middle third during the 2-17 to 1-13 win over Donegal.

Colm Cavanagh and Padraig Hampsey were also nominated on the Sunday Game last night, but Donnelly got the nod.

There could be trouble in the Cavanagh household as Tyrone’s Mattie Donnelly scoops the man of the match award against Donegal #SundayGame pic.twitter.com/nINlpZGRe0

— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 5, 2018

So do you agree with the man-of-the-match winners from the encounters on Saturday and Sunday? Let us know below.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

THIS WAS DEFINITELY a game of two halves.

With what started as a very cagey and nervous affair, ended in a dominant Tyrone second-half performance where they scored 2-11 to ensure their passage to the All Ireland semi-finals and a rematch with Monaghan.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Tyrone’s intensity and fitness

One area that Tyrone have upped massively since their defeat to Monaghan in the Ulster championship was their tackling and intensity levels.

Tyrone put together 34 tackles against Monaghan in the Ulster opener. Against Dublin they put 44 tackles on the board and yesterday in Donegal’s home ground they massed a total of 57 tackles. That is the highest that I have seen from any team in this year’s championship.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

The difference in Tyrone’s tackling now and in May is their ability to get not only a second man helping to box up the opposition – something they were not doing previously but they are now starting to get a third man in at times.

This is part and parcel of Tyrone’s game plan: two men closing a man in, turning him over and breaking. Their intensity level has also risen in each game. It was 48 against Monaghan, 74 versus Dublin and yesterday it reached 81. Tyrone’s tackling, especially in the final quarter, was at times ferocious, they were hunting their prey and were not going to relent for one moment.

Donegal were nowhere near Tyrone’s level in this regard contributing 35 tackles and an intensity level of 53.

Along with Mickey Harte, credit must go to Tyrone’s strength and conditioning coach Peter Donnelly for his work. The fitness and conditioning levels of this Tyrone team are of the highest level possible.

This is shown by their ability to finish games so strongly continuing to get up and down the pitch fluently. They dismantled Donegal in the final 20 minutes, outscoring them by 2-7 to 0-2 in this period. It was also displayed in the performance they put up against Dublin late on.

Tyrone subs

Yet again, the Tyrone subs came up trumps for Mickey Harte’s men with a return of 2-5 from the bench.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

In the second half, Tyrone changed tact and went more direct in their attack. They ran at the Donegal defence in greater numbers and were not allowing themselves to get smothered up by the blanket like they had in the first half.

Mattie Donnelly had it off to a fine art by the end of the game, running at angles taking or giving a quick pop pass or drawing a free or taking a shot on.

Click Here: cheap bulldogs jersey

Lee Brennan was the other man that epitomised this, causing the Donegal backs nightmares. He scored four points in total, one from a placed kick and three from play.

Kieran McGeary who also had a great game driving forward, while Harry Loughran contributed a goal at a crucial time.

A goal for Tyrone from Harry Loughran. pic.twitter.com/hwOR8VClKV

— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 5, 2018

And Declan McLure put the icing on the cake in the 67th minute.

Declan McClure with a late Tyrone goal. pic.twitter.com/LqGMJJf4Hr

— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 5, 2018

The stand-off

Tyrone started this game brightly going three points clear early on however this game then became very edgy and also very safe. Both teams were very concerned about protecting their “D” area than going for the game.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Donegal went away from their normal game plan yesterday and instead they decided to bring everyone back when Tyrone had the ball, they had not done this before yesterday.

This is an extremely tiring game to play with massive energy and fitness levels needed in reserve to continue to keep going over the 70 minutes. It was shown late on that they did not have the levels required to do this.

Tyrone will probably have to play a similar game when they come up against Monaghan who showed on Saturday evening against Monaghan that they are hard to play against when they get a lead on you, they got out of the traps early and put Galway on the back foot.

Kick-outs

Probably the biggest area in the game of Gaelic football now is definitely the kick-out strategy of teams and yesterday was no different, both teams adopted different approaches.

Tyrone decided to allow Shaun Patton go short within the Donegal 45 metre area and dropped their forwards out. From the 45 metre line out becoming their tackling engagement line where they continued to press up from there and get their pressure on Declan Bonner’s men.

This may have to be the tactic that they go with against Monaghan as Rory Beggan again showed on Saturday that even when Galway pressed his kick-outs, he put the ball in the eye of the needle.

Donegal however opted to go with a different approach and decided to press up on Niall Morgans kick-outs throughout. This did pay dividends for the Donegal outfit as they got a goal directly from this by everybody being pushed up.

Niall Morgan tried a short kick-out and Ryan McHugh intercepted and played a quick pass to Michael Murphy who was at hand to bury the ball to the net.

Niall Morgan was not all to blame for that short kick-out however, Padraig Hampsey did not attack this ball and should have had the ball collected by the time Ryan McHugh intercepted.

Declan Bonner’s men returned with 24% of the Tyrone kick-out.

Goal for Donegal. Michael Murphy with an emphatic finish. pic.twitter.com/AgUyF0BGWj

— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 5, 2018

Whats next?

For Donegal, its the end of 2018. They will be happy with their Ulster title. They did however get relegated to Division 2. The key for Declan Bonner is to get promotion back to the top division in the spring. The return of Patrick McBrearty will be a massive addition.

Tyrone now face Monaghan in an all-Ulster semi-final. They will be very happy to get the chance of a rematch with Malachy O Rourke’s men. They are on a great run of momentum at the moment and will be hard stopped by any side.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

KERRY ARE ON the hunt for a new senior manager for the first time since 2012 following Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s decision to step down on Saturday night.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Just four men have managed Kerry since 1995 – Paidi Ó Sé, Jack O’Connor (twice), Pat O’Shea and Fitzmaurice. After delivering one league crown, six Munsters and an All-Ireland over six years, Fitzmaurice decided to end his tenure in charge.

He confirmed his resignation in the wake of the Super 8s win over Kildare in Killarney, which wasn’t enough to see them advance to the All-Ireland semi-finals.

In his final post-game press conference, Fitzmaurice said he hoped his departure would remove some of the negativity surrounding the team, particularly that directed towards the younger players.

“I think part of that was down to the fact that I was there for so long and that, maybe, I was a lightning rod for that negativity and criticism,” he stated.

It’s a very attractive position for prospective managers with a talented young core emerging and several All-Ireland winners from 2014 still relatively young. The Kingdom are in need of a better defensive structure but they will be expected to heavily challenge Dublin for All-Irelands over the next five years.

So who’s in line to replace Fitzmaurice?

Pat O’Shea, Liam Kearns, Jack O’Connor and Peter Keane

Favourites

It’s long been speculated that Jack O’Connor fancies a third crack at the job. His last stint in the hot-seat ended in 2012 – with Fitzmaurice his replacement. O’Connor went back to work on Kerry’s underage system and struck gold with All-Ireland minor wins in 2014 and 2015.

He then led the U21s and U20s to Munster glory in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Both sides were beaten at the All-Ireland semi-final stage.

The other frontrunner is current minor boss Peter Keane, who oversaw the All-Ireland wins of 2016 and 2017. As club manager, he led his native St. Mary’s Cahirciveen to the All-Ireland junior title in 2011. The Kerry minors won a third Munster crown under Keane this season and are currently preparing for an All-Ireland semi-final against Monaghan this weekend.

Former Limerick and Laois manager Liam Kearns has been in charge of Tipperary for the past three seasons. He masterminded their run to the All-Ireland semi-finals in 2016, while Armagh and Mayo have eliminated them in the qualifiers in the past two years.

Kearns is a native of Tralee and the attractive brand of football he likes to play would be viewed favourably.

Another former manager Pat O’Shea could throw his hat in the ring. He managed Kerry in 2007 and 2008, winning the All-Ireland in his first season and losing the final to Tyrone the following year. On St Patrick’s Day in 2017 he led Dr Crokes to the All-Ireland senior club title and remains in charge of the Killarney side.

Laois boss John Sugrue could be a contender for the role

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Outsiders

Renard club man John Sugrue led Laois to promotion from Division 4 this year and to their first Leinster final since 2007, all the while playing good attacking football.

He showed his tactical nous with their more possession-based running game against the extremely defensive Carlow, and with the way Laois tried to expose the lack of height in the Dublin full-back line.

Sugrue was Kerry’s physical trainer during the O’Shea reign, worked as a physio with the Kingdom in 2011 and with Laois in 2012 and 2013. More recently, he led South Kerry to the county senior football championship title in 2015.

Donie Buckley celebrates Mayo’s 2017 All-Ireland semi-final replay win over Kerry with Donal Vaughan

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

Castleisland native Donie Buckley is a vastly experienced coach who recently departed the Mayo set-up, having been an ever-present in their dressing room since 2013 when he was recruited by James Horan.

Prior to that, he worked as a coach with Kerry and Limerick and was manager for Galway side Moycullen’s run to the All-Ireland intermediate club crown in 2008. It’s unclear whether Buckley fancies stepping up into a managerial role.

Former players

There are a host of former players who would be interested in the role but Kerry would only consider a handful with credible coaching experience.

Former goalkeeper Diarmuid Murphy leads this group given he served as a selector under both Fitzmaurice and O’Connor. His expertise on the sideline is highly-rated in the county.

Click Here: Chiefs Rugby Jersey

Diarmuid Murphy was selector under Fitzmaurice

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Legendary forward Maurice Fitzgerald was part of Fitzmaurice’s backroom team over the past couple of years and led St Mary’s top the All-Ireland intermediate title in 2016. He has been heavily involved as a coach with Coláiste na Sceilge school teams.

Former midfielder Mike Quirke is currently in charge of his native Kerins O’Rahillys, having served as co-manager for two seasons before that. He also has a masters in performance coaching.

Ex-captain Liam Hassett served as a selector under Fitzmaurice and is another name being linked with the top job.

Long shot

Current Wicklow boss John Evans didn’t rule himself out of the running during an appearance on Off The Ball at the weekend but is unlikely to be considered.

**************

Who do you think should get the job?

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

TIPPERARY HAVE NAMED their team for Wednesday’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling Championship semi-final.

Liam Cahill’s side take on Galway in two days’ time in the Gaelic Grounds, making just one change to the side which was beaten 2-23 to 1-13 by Cork in the Munster decider at Páirc Uí Chaoimh a month ago.

Cahill has named a largely unchanged team from that final defeat on 4 July, with Holycross-Ballycahill corner forward Darragh Woods replaced by Lyndon Fairbrother.

Click Here: cheap nike air jordan shoes
Tipperary XV versus Galway

1. Ciarán Barrett (Clonmel Óg)

2. Podge Campion (Drom & Inch)
3. Brian McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney)
4. Killian O’Dwyer (Killenaule)

5. Cian Flanagan (Newport)
6. Paddy Cadell (JK Bracken’s)
7. Dillon Quirke (Clonoulty-Rossmore)

8. Ger Browne (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams)
9. Colin English (Fr Sheehy’s, captain)

10. Jerome Cahill (Kilruane MacDonaghs)
11. Paudie Feehan (Killenaule)
12. Mark Kehoe (Kilsheelan-Kilcash)

13. David Gleeson (Ballinahinch)
14. Jake Morris (Nenagh Éire Óg)
15. Lyndon Fairbrother (JK Brackens)

Subs

16. Barry Hogan (Kiladangan)
17. Conor Stakelum (Thurles Sarsfields)
18. Cian Darcy (Kilruane MacDonaghs)
19. Eoghan Connolly (Cashel King Cormacs)
20. Robert Byrne (Portroe)
21. Stephen Nolan (Drom-Inch)
22. Craig Morgan (Kilruane MacDonaghs)
23. Dylan Walsh (Ballingarry)
24. Ray McCormack (Borris-Ileigh)

In the Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling Championship Semi-Final, Tipperary will play Galway this Wednesday night, August 8th at 7.30pm. Manager Liam Cahill has announced his match day squad ahead of this fixture in the Gaelic Grounds. pic.twitter.com/dSCtnCelLC

— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) August 6, 2018

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!