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Re: 2017 Walsh Cup

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2017 3:46 pm
by Bord na Mona man
In recent years, Offaly have managed to pull off a shock win or two in the league.
The ability to this lessons each year as we fall further behind the rest. But don't rule out a one off somewhere along the line.
However you'd wonder are these one off performances a good thing. They probably keep the delusion going amongst the head-in-the-sand brigade that we're not far off turning the corner. Or that a couple of tweaks will see us right.
Would a complete wipe out be the tonic, given that 20 years of gentle warnings didn't work?

I'm sure this comes across harsh to the players involved right now. They are making the sacrifices trying to do their best for the county and we wish them well. It's easy to sign up to play for a county that's on a successful run. It takes a lot more guts to stay involved with a struggling one.

Re: 2017 Walsh Cup

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2017 8:51 pm
by Plain of the Herbs
In all fairness, it’s the league; not a knockout. A series of six matches, some of which Offaly will target for a win, some which they probably won’t.

Sunday is one Offaly probably wouldn’t be targeting. Indeed, when you look at NHL’s Division 1B, there are two distinct leagues within a league. One where Galway, Limerick and Wexford contest promotion, the other where Offaly, Leix and Kerry contest for the fourth quarter-final spot.

So, whatever about Sunday, it is vital that Leix are beaten in Portlaoise on Saturday evening week. There is no good beating Galway but letting Leix off the hook a week later. Sunday can be used as a stepping stone to preparation for Leix.

Re: 2017 Walsh Cup

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2017 8:53 pm
by Plain of the Herbs
I was reading Paul O’Connell’s book during the Christmas break. It contains some very interesting comments on motivation and psychology, some of which relate to Offaly.

On page 169, PC relates being struck by a comment in a book written by a top basketball coach named John Wooden. Wooden argued that emotion is your enemy in sport, as it leads to inconsistent performances.

(Sound familiar?)

I relate this to Offaly’s preference (need, is probably more correct) to be underdogs, to be written off by media, outsiders. That was fine when playing Kilkenny or Wexford, all offended and fired up. But the wheels came off when playing Antrim or Dublin, when Offaly were expected to win but were unable to rise to the requirement of the occasion without the motivation that sustained them three weeks earlier.

It still continues - follow a first league win in Wexford with a flat performance and a defeat by Kerry.
Bord na Mona man wrote:In recent years, Offaly have managed to pull off a shock win or two in the league.
The ability to this lessons each year as we fall further behind the rest. But don't rule out a one off somewhere along the line.
However you'd wonder are these one off performances a good thing. They probably keep the delusion going amongst the head-in-the-sand brigade that we're not far off turning the corner. Or that a couple of tweaks will see us right.
Would a complete wipe out be the tonic, given that 20 years of gentle warnings didn't work?

I'm sure this comes across harsh to the players involved right now. They are making the sacrifices trying to do their best for the county and we wish them well. It's easy to sign up to play for a county that's on a successful run. It takes a lot more guts to stay involved with a struggling one.

Re: 2017 Walsh Cup

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2017 11:54 pm
by sam88885a
jimbob17 wrote:Yes - a Polish lad with good rep. Would be S&C coach with various teams for last few years....Lukasz Kirszenstein. http://www.the42.ie/galway-s-c-fitness- ... 7-Oct2016/.

There are plenty of lads like him around. The S&C piece of training, while important, is not the reason Offaly are behind - in fact Offaly would have highly regarded S&C coach this year and had last few years also - its the hurling coaching (and lack of best players) is the issue. They might only run one or two strength sessions per week.

You can't turn ducks into swans no matter who is training the team. The fact is that Offaly are short of ten of their best 20 hurlers and this will prove costly this year.
Thanks Jimbob
i agree we are short some of our best hurlers but that has been the case for years .WHY?? No one seems to care to ask these guys why did the walk.
I hope S Ryan does join C Egan and D Currams in retirement next year after been captain .There is something wrong ,a lot of work is wasted when guys like that walk at their peak .Imagine if O Kelly and B Connelly walk away in 4 year time.
ITS fine to produce underage hurlers but if we can keep guys hurling they can only improve.