If Offaly are to have any chance on Saturay they will need to
1. Put Rory Haniffy Centre Back
2. Joe Bergin Full Forward along with Gary Haniffy and Derek Molloy beside him.
3. Play Barry Teehan on Jerry o' Connor and get him to man mark him.
4. Avoid placing puckouts on top of Cork half backline, to do this need to play quick fast puckouts to half backs and midfield.
If Teehan can hold o'Connor to no score from midfield and if we dont play the puckouts on top of their half backs then we might have a chance.
There is no point in putting Sean Ryan on Jerry O'Connor. In a game like this you need to dictate the game and not let Cork do so.
I would for Offaly puckouts play Seann Ryan on Pat Cronin.
The Cork Half Forward always go close to midfield for the opposition puckouts, if Ryan can receive the ball from mullins, then take on Cronin who lacks speed, what you are doing here is creating the overlap.
This would give us a much better chance of competing against Cork
Watch Cork this weekend their will be a method to their play and passes will be calculated, lets hope Offaly's will be too.
Offaly vs Cork
-
Offalys Future
- All Star
- Posts: 567
- Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:59 am
Offaly vs Cork
" In The Presence Of Confidence Doubt Cannot Exist "
-
Plain of the Herbs
- All Star
- Posts: 3506
- Joined: Sat Nov 27, 2004 4:47 pm
- Club: Lusmagh
I don’t really have the stomach for writing about Offaly’s visit to Pairc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday, but a few quick points.
1. Pairc Uí Chaoimh is a wet pitch. It could be particularly soft on Saturday after the week’s rain. This might force an adjustment to Cork’s handpassing gameplan.
2. I can’t see Offaly’s half forward line winning much ball off Gardiner, Curran and O hAilpín, especially after Thurles last week where Corcoran, O’Mahony and Moloney dominated. Hotheaded Offaly forwards will need to keep their cool especially with Gardiner and O’Sullivan in opposition.
3. Cork will attack on all fronts and will be much more mobile than Tipperary were. Their movement will be similar to Kilkenny’s. Man to man marking is vital. Man on man though, the Offaly backs should do okay – Hernon on Deane, Cleary on Murphy, Franks on Ronan, Brady on Cronin, Kenny on Murphy and Oakley on O’Connor.
4. The Offaly midfield will have their hands full with Kenny and Hartnett. Murphy and Ryan won a lot of ball on the deck in the ‘field of liginds’ but there won’t be much breaking ball here on account of Cork’s possession game.
5. It’s difficult not to see Cork running up something like twenty five points – and a few goals.
I think a shock is more likely in Parnell Park however. Tipperary’s attitude in the aftermath of their win last Saturday was – we’re in the quarter final now, bring on Cork. While I don’t really rate Dublin, if they can gain a decent amount of possession and run at Tipperary (which they’re good at) they could prosper. They were caught cold by Cork’s off the ball running last Saturday. Tipperary, meanwhile, didn’t do much running and didn’t attack down the wings. They preferred to bore down the middle and convert their frees. If Ronan Fallon can shore up the middle and not foul they’ve a chance.
1. Pairc Uí Chaoimh is a wet pitch. It could be particularly soft on Saturday after the week’s rain. This might force an adjustment to Cork’s handpassing gameplan.
2. I can’t see Offaly’s half forward line winning much ball off Gardiner, Curran and O hAilpín, especially after Thurles last week where Corcoran, O’Mahony and Moloney dominated. Hotheaded Offaly forwards will need to keep their cool especially with Gardiner and O’Sullivan in opposition.
3. Cork will attack on all fronts and will be much more mobile than Tipperary were. Their movement will be similar to Kilkenny’s. Man to man marking is vital. Man on man though, the Offaly backs should do okay – Hernon on Deane, Cleary on Murphy, Franks on Ronan, Brady on Cronin, Kenny on Murphy and Oakley on O’Connor.
4. The Offaly midfield will have their hands full with Kenny and Hartnett. Murphy and Ryan won a lot of ball on the deck in the ‘field of liginds’ but there won’t be much breaking ball here on account of Cork’s possession game.
5. It’s difficult not to see Cork running up something like twenty five points – and a few goals.
I think a shock is more likely in Parnell Park however. Tipperary’s attitude in the aftermath of their win last Saturday was – we’re in the quarter final now, bring on Cork. While I don’t really rate Dublin, if they can gain a decent amount of possession and run at Tipperary (which they’re good at) they could prosper. They were caught cold by Cork’s off the ball running last Saturday. Tipperary, meanwhile, didn’t do much running and didn’t attack down the wings. They preferred to bore down the middle and convert their frees. If Ronan Fallon can shore up the middle and not foul they’ve a chance.
-
Plain of the Herbs
- All Star
- Posts: 3506
- Joined: Sat Nov 27, 2004 4:47 pm
- Club: Lusmagh
The Corkies have announced their team:-
From gaa.ie
I doubt Ben will start at eleven. I'd say the Murphy from Little Island will start in the niddle of the half forward line and move around filling all spaces. As he did for Cork's second goal which followed a superb run by him into the full line after that line had moved out thirty yards followed by a beautiful delivery from Joe Deane which Murphy caught delightfully without breaking stride before tucking away clinically. A superb goal which looked alot simpler than it was.
From gaa.ie
Basically it's the team which played the middle two quarters of the Parnell Park match.Cork manager Gerald McCarthy has named Shane Murphy and Cian O'Connor in his side to face Offaly for Saturday's All-Ireland SHC qualifier at Pairc Ui Caoimh.
O'Connor and Murphy replace regular corner backs Brian Murphy and Shane O'Neill, both of whom picked up injuries in last weekend's defeat of Dublin.
Diarmuid O'Sullivan, an injury doubt, has been deemed to fit enough to take his regular role in the heart of the Cork defence.
However, Tom Kenny and Niall McCarthy have both been ruled out with long-term injuries.
CORK: D. Og Cusack; S. Murphy, D. O'Sullivan, C. O'Connor; J. Gardiner, R. Curran, S. Og O Halpin; K. Hartnett, J. O'Connor; K. Murphy (Erin's Own), B. O'Connor, P. Cronin; N. Ronan, K. Murphy (Sarsfields), J. Deane.
I doubt Ben will start at eleven. I'd say the Murphy from Little Island will start in the niddle of the half forward line and move around filling all spaces. As he did for Cork's second goal which followed a superb run by him into the full line after that line had moved out thirty yards followed by a beautiful delivery from Joe Deane which Murphy caught delightfully without breaking stride before tucking away clinically. A superb goal which looked alot simpler than it was.
-
kinnittyman
- All Star
- Posts: 416
- Joined: Sat Jul 08, 2006 8:41 am
-
Offalys Future
- All Star
- Posts: 567
- Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:59 am
Mullins
Hernon
Cleary
Franks
Brady
Kenny
Oakley
Ryan
Murphy
Haniffy
Cordial
Parlon
Haniffy
Carroll
Murray
An absolute joke is all i can say about the changes.
Makes me sick to be honest.
This management havent a clue and havent the balls to make the big changes that were needed.
They are treating lads like s**t.
Cordial centre forward a joke
As for Cathal Parlon last weekend he played a club game and was in a pub last sunday night. Doesnt deserve an Offaly jersey of any description with his attitude.
Today 4 of the Offaly team were not part of the panel 6 weeks ago.
The sooner this madness stops the better.
Hernon
Cleary
Franks
Brady
Kenny
Oakley
Ryan
Murphy
Haniffy
Cordial
Parlon
Haniffy
Carroll
Murray
An absolute joke is all i can say about the changes.
Makes me sick to be honest.
This management havent a clue and havent the balls to make the big changes that were needed.
They are treating lads like s**t.
Cordial centre forward a joke
As for Cathal Parlon last weekend he played a club game and was in a pub last sunday night. Doesnt deserve an Offaly jersey of any description with his attitude.
Today 4 of the Offaly team were not part of the panel 6 weeks ago.
The sooner this madness stops the better.
" In The Presence Of Confidence Doubt Cannot Exist "
-
Bord na Mona man
- All Star
- Posts: 4051
- Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2004 11:34 am
- Club: Clara
It was what I feared it would be. Sadly the gulf in class showed and Cork left Offaly behind right from the off. I had hoped for Offaly to stay in touch for most of the game with Cork pulling away when they needed to, but it didn't happen. The defeat in Thurles took its toll and this Offaly side.
No point in giving in depth analysis. Cork were just better than us in practically everything they did.
They hit points from all distances and angles, defended calmly, used the ball cleverly and made the game of hurling look easy.
The few bright Offaly performances:
Derek Molloy did well when he came on. He battled hard and put it up to John Gardiner.
David Kenny also made a valiant attempt at plugging the dam too.
Breeder made a couple of good saves and it wasn't his fault he had little to aim at for the puck outs.
Our midfield pair tried hard under an avalanche.
A few observations.
- Too many Offaly players didn't control the ball first time.
- Too much bad handpassing, especially in defence. Especially early on when cheap scores were conceded from balls that could have been cleared. Watching Cork weave handpassing webs made some of our players want to try the same.
- Hitting aimless dropping balls in on top of Diarmuid O'Sullivan instead of spreading them - Nuts to a monkey Ger! Or maybe these were shots dropping short, but the effect was the same.
Contrast with how Cork used every inch of the pitch. Some of the balls worked into their attack were nearly along the touchline.
When Cork met resistance, they worked the ball across the field, until they found the free man. I suppose class players always make time for themselves.
They had enough time to play lovely diagonal ball for Joe Deane and co. to have a feast on.
-There were no Offaly players who could score from medium to long distance.
Cork had players who could score these from the "weaker" side on the 45m touchline.
Another low scoring Offaly return from open play. How long we stay in games depends on our ability to win frees.
We do have a young team and there is plenty of potential, but the signs that it will take a while to get Offaly competitive again.
No point in giving in depth analysis. Cork were just better than us in practically everything they did.
They hit points from all distances and angles, defended calmly, used the ball cleverly and made the game of hurling look easy.
The few bright Offaly performances:
Derek Molloy did well when he came on. He battled hard and put it up to John Gardiner.
David Kenny also made a valiant attempt at plugging the dam too.
Breeder made a couple of good saves and it wasn't his fault he had little to aim at for the puck outs.
Our midfield pair tried hard under an avalanche.
A few observations.
- Too many Offaly players didn't control the ball first time.
- Too much bad handpassing, especially in defence. Especially early on when cheap scores were conceded from balls that could have been cleared. Watching Cork weave handpassing webs made some of our players want to try the same.
- Hitting aimless dropping balls in on top of Diarmuid O'Sullivan instead of spreading them - Nuts to a monkey Ger! Or maybe these were shots dropping short, but the effect was the same.
Contrast with how Cork used every inch of the pitch. Some of the balls worked into their attack were nearly along the touchline.
When Cork met resistance, they worked the ball across the field, until they found the free man. I suppose class players always make time for themselves.
They had enough time to play lovely diagonal ball for Joe Deane and co. to have a feast on.
-There were no Offaly players who could score from medium to long distance.
Cork had players who could score these from the "weaker" side on the 45m touchline.
Another low scoring Offaly return from open play. How long we stay in games depends on our ability to win frees.
We do have a young team and there is plenty of potential, but the signs that it will take a while to get Offaly competitive again.
-
Lone Shark
- All Star
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2004 5:21 pm
- Club: Ferbane
- Location: Roscommon
- Contact:
Cork 1-27 Offaly 0-11
“So what’s your poison?” - the greeting of many a barman across Ireland, or indeed a hospitable host when a guest calls upon the family home. If the last three years are anything to go by, the stewards and turnstile operators at Offaly hurling championship matches will soon start to use the phrase, because supporters have gotten used to swallowing various types of poison when they follow the team across Ireland.
The first type is the “one good half” poison. This is where the team is never really in with a chance of winning, but they put in one solid spell of hurling, enough to leave supporters slightly optimistic that things might be better in the future – think Waterford ’05, Limerick ’06 and Kilkenny ’07.
Next we have the “So near and yet so far” poison. These are the bitterest pills of all, the game where the finishing line was in sight, but the team falls agonisingly short. The trip to Tipperary last week was a clear and heartbreaking example of this, following on from games against Clare in 2005 and Wexford in 2006.
The third variety, the “unmerciful hammering” style match was the only box left unticked so far this year and sure enough, in the spirit of Kilkenny in 2005 and Clare last year, the Offaly hurlers travelled to Cork last Saturday and delivered an inept and pathetic display that left supporters appalled that their representatives could display so little interest in putting their best foot forward in a match that still offered the slenderest hope of progressing to the quarter finals.
Being realistic, it was always a huge ask to expect this panel of players to travel down to Páirc Uí Chaoimh and derail a Cork machine which is very quickly gathering momentum through these qualifiers, however the complete absence of any kind of fire or willingness to break some timber will be a poor legacy in what will surely prove to be John McIntyre’s last game in charge against an elite team. Cork have some question marks over their team and remain third favourites to lift the Liam McCarthy cup this year, but their pace and power are unsurpassed in the modern game, and even though Offaly offered scant resistance they still matched Kilkenny’s total of 1-27 and will no doubt be strong favourites to keep that winning run going in Thurles next weekend.
Cork took the lead through a Joe Deane free, and initially it looked as if Offaly were about to offer some resistance when a well worked move ended in Damien Murray splitting the posts from 40 metres out. We then began to get a glimpse of the 2007 Cork machine in motion and their new tactics under Gerald McCarthy. Their half backs gather possession and never clear in a hurry, instead handpassing among themselves until one of them have the time to deliver an inch perfect diagonal cross field ball looking to use the full width of the pitch. The naming of Ben O’Connor at centre forward should have alerted Offaly to the likelihood of this possibility as Pa Cronin and Kieran “Hero” Murphy on the flanks offered much more of a physical threat, but while Ger Oakley kept Murphy busy, Pat Cronin was doing a lot of damage down the left wing, and with Joe Deane looking very lively ahead of him and neither Kevin Brady nor David Franks making any impact against them, Cork attacked down this side time and again. The scores weren’t coming at great pace but they kept coming, and at 0-3 to 0-1 in front Cork got the goal opening that looked inevitable. Joe Deane once again created the overlap down the left corner beating David Franks, and he found Neil Ronan who evaded the tackle of Paul Cleary and finished from 10m out. Cork could have had a second soon after, but Offaly were offered a reprieve when Joe Deane’s goal while being fouled was disallowed and the free awarded instead, resulting in a white flag instead of a green.
Offaly were struggling to respond, with once again this year Damien Murray’s placed balls the only thing that was keeping them in the game. Brendan Murphy did register one excellent score from 60m out, but these were the only two players who raised a flag in the first half, though Seán Ryan was unlucky when he burst through the defence only to be cynically taken out by a frontal challenge from Diarmuid O’Sullivan.
By half time Cork had gone eight points in front, 1-11 to 0-6, and ominously for Offaly they were operating in third gear. The Offaly half forward line was making no inroads whatsoever, with Parlon anonymous and Cordial looking very busy finding space only to effectively concede countless easy clearances to his opposite number Ronan Curran. On the other wing we had a cameo just before half time which illustrated beautifully the different worlds that both teams occupy – a high ball was dropped on top of Gary Hanniffy and Seán Óg Ó’hAilpín, supposedly physical leaders both, and the Cork man not alone caught the ball but in the act of jumping knocked the Birr man aside without even flinching and cleared the ball down the line perfectly to Pat Cronin, resulting in another point for Cork.
Offaly did attempt to ring the changes by bringing on Joe Bergin and Derek Molloy, but only Molloy looked to take the fight to Cork, fielding well on a few occasions and winning a couple of frees in the process.
As the second half wore on Cork forwards got scores while the Offaly ones got substituted, four of the starting six being on the line by the time the final whistle sounded and the others only spared by the need to take off David Franks who was way off the pace. Cork by contrast used substitutions as an opportunity to rest their stars and allow the O’Connor twins and Deane to be applauded off the pitch by the large home crowd. This barely weakened them as three of their replacements, Timmy McCarthy, Cathal Naughton and Eoghan Murphy, all registered scores. Eddie Bevans did manage to do likewise at the other end, but with the exception of Derek Molloy none of the Offaly replacements managed to stir the team out of their lethargy.
With the under 21 Leinster final against Dublin looming, silver lining searchers will have been slightly encouraged by the fact that the three Offaly players who could hold their heads up high afterwards were Sean Ryan, Paul Cleary and above all David Kenny, but this in itself is a reflection of how so many of the senior players failed to step up and spare the county another day of humiliation, another day of “poison” for the supporters and no small dose of fear that with relegation still a possibility there could be a lot of work to do to avoid still more disaster this year.
Cork - Donal Óg Cusack; Shane Murphy, Diarmuid O'Sullivan, Cian O'Connor; John Gardiner, Ronan Curran, Seán Óg Ó'hAilpín; Kevin Hartnett, Jerry O'Connor; Kieran Murphy (Erins Own) (0-2), Ben O'Connor (0-7, 0-2f, 0-1 '65), Pat Cronin (0-2); Neil Ronan 1-5 (0-2f), Kieran Murphy (Sarsfields), Joe Deane (0-8, 0-5f).
Subs - Kevin Canty for Ben O'Connor (54 mins), Timmy McCarthy (0-1) for Jerry O'Connor (58 mins), Cathal Naughton (0-1) for Cronin (60 mins), Eoghan Murphy (0-1) for Deane (62 mins), Peter Kelly for Shane Murphy (66 mins).
Offaly - Brian Mullins; David Franks, Paul Cleary, Conor Hernon; Kevin Brady, David Kenny, Ger Oakley; Seán Ryan, Brendan Murphy (0-1); Rory Hanniffy, Michael Cordial (0-1, 0-1f), Cathal Parlon; Brian Carroll, Gary Hanniffy, Damien Murray (0-8, 0-6f, 0-1 '65).
Subs - Joe Bergin for Carroll (26 mins), Derek Molloy for Parlon (34 mins), Eddie Bevans (0-1) for Murray (51 mins), Barry Teehan for Franks (52 mins), Shane Dooley for Rory Hanniffy (61 mins).
Referee: Eamonn Morris (Dublin)
The first type is the “one good half” poison. This is where the team is never really in with a chance of winning, but they put in one solid spell of hurling, enough to leave supporters slightly optimistic that things might be better in the future – think Waterford ’05, Limerick ’06 and Kilkenny ’07.
Next we have the “So near and yet so far” poison. These are the bitterest pills of all, the game where the finishing line was in sight, but the team falls agonisingly short. The trip to Tipperary last week was a clear and heartbreaking example of this, following on from games against Clare in 2005 and Wexford in 2006.
The third variety, the “unmerciful hammering” style match was the only box left unticked so far this year and sure enough, in the spirit of Kilkenny in 2005 and Clare last year, the Offaly hurlers travelled to Cork last Saturday and delivered an inept and pathetic display that left supporters appalled that their representatives could display so little interest in putting their best foot forward in a match that still offered the slenderest hope of progressing to the quarter finals.
Being realistic, it was always a huge ask to expect this panel of players to travel down to Páirc Uí Chaoimh and derail a Cork machine which is very quickly gathering momentum through these qualifiers, however the complete absence of any kind of fire or willingness to break some timber will be a poor legacy in what will surely prove to be John McIntyre’s last game in charge against an elite team. Cork have some question marks over their team and remain third favourites to lift the Liam McCarthy cup this year, but their pace and power are unsurpassed in the modern game, and even though Offaly offered scant resistance they still matched Kilkenny’s total of 1-27 and will no doubt be strong favourites to keep that winning run going in Thurles next weekend.
Cork took the lead through a Joe Deane free, and initially it looked as if Offaly were about to offer some resistance when a well worked move ended in Damien Murray splitting the posts from 40 metres out. We then began to get a glimpse of the 2007 Cork machine in motion and their new tactics under Gerald McCarthy. Their half backs gather possession and never clear in a hurry, instead handpassing among themselves until one of them have the time to deliver an inch perfect diagonal cross field ball looking to use the full width of the pitch. The naming of Ben O’Connor at centre forward should have alerted Offaly to the likelihood of this possibility as Pa Cronin and Kieran “Hero” Murphy on the flanks offered much more of a physical threat, but while Ger Oakley kept Murphy busy, Pat Cronin was doing a lot of damage down the left wing, and with Joe Deane looking very lively ahead of him and neither Kevin Brady nor David Franks making any impact against them, Cork attacked down this side time and again. The scores weren’t coming at great pace but they kept coming, and at 0-3 to 0-1 in front Cork got the goal opening that looked inevitable. Joe Deane once again created the overlap down the left corner beating David Franks, and he found Neil Ronan who evaded the tackle of Paul Cleary and finished from 10m out. Cork could have had a second soon after, but Offaly were offered a reprieve when Joe Deane’s goal while being fouled was disallowed and the free awarded instead, resulting in a white flag instead of a green.
Offaly were struggling to respond, with once again this year Damien Murray’s placed balls the only thing that was keeping them in the game. Brendan Murphy did register one excellent score from 60m out, but these were the only two players who raised a flag in the first half, though Seán Ryan was unlucky when he burst through the defence only to be cynically taken out by a frontal challenge from Diarmuid O’Sullivan.
By half time Cork had gone eight points in front, 1-11 to 0-6, and ominously for Offaly they were operating in third gear. The Offaly half forward line was making no inroads whatsoever, with Parlon anonymous and Cordial looking very busy finding space only to effectively concede countless easy clearances to his opposite number Ronan Curran. On the other wing we had a cameo just before half time which illustrated beautifully the different worlds that both teams occupy – a high ball was dropped on top of Gary Hanniffy and Seán Óg Ó’hAilpín, supposedly physical leaders both, and the Cork man not alone caught the ball but in the act of jumping knocked the Birr man aside without even flinching and cleared the ball down the line perfectly to Pat Cronin, resulting in another point for Cork.
Offaly did attempt to ring the changes by bringing on Joe Bergin and Derek Molloy, but only Molloy looked to take the fight to Cork, fielding well on a few occasions and winning a couple of frees in the process.
As the second half wore on Cork forwards got scores while the Offaly ones got substituted, four of the starting six being on the line by the time the final whistle sounded and the others only spared by the need to take off David Franks who was way off the pace. Cork by contrast used substitutions as an opportunity to rest their stars and allow the O’Connor twins and Deane to be applauded off the pitch by the large home crowd. This barely weakened them as three of their replacements, Timmy McCarthy, Cathal Naughton and Eoghan Murphy, all registered scores. Eddie Bevans did manage to do likewise at the other end, but with the exception of Derek Molloy none of the Offaly replacements managed to stir the team out of their lethargy.
With the under 21 Leinster final against Dublin looming, silver lining searchers will have been slightly encouraged by the fact that the three Offaly players who could hold their heads up high afterwards were Sean Ryan, Paul Cleary and above all David Kenny, but this in itself is a reflection of how so many of the senior players failed to step up and spare the county another day of humiliation, another day of “poison” for the supporters and no small dose of fear that with relegation still a possibility there could be a lot of work to do to avoid still more disaster this year.
Cork - Donal Óg Cusack; Shane Murphy, Diarmuid O'Sullivan, Cian O'Connor; John Gardiner, Ronan Curran, Seán Óg Ó'hAilpín; Kevin Hartnett, Jerry O'Connor; Kieran Murphy (Erins Own) (0-2), Ben O'Connor (0-7, 0-2f, 0-1 '65), Pat Cronin (0-2); Neil Ronan 1-5 (0-2f), Kieran Murphy (Sarsfields), Joe Deane (0-8, 0-5f).
Subs - Kevin Canty for Ben O'Connor (54 mins), Timmy McCarthy (0-1) for Jerry O'Connor (58 mins), Cathal Naughton (0-1) for Cronin (60 mins), Eoghan Murphy (0-1) for Deane (62 mins), Peter Kelly for Shane Murphy (66 mins).
Offaly - Brian Mullins; David Franks, Paul Cleary, Conor Hernon; Kevin Brady, David Kenny, Ger Oakley; Seán Ryan, Brendan Murphy (0-1); Rory Hanniffy, Michael Cordial (0-1, 0-1f), Cathal Parlon; Brian Carroll, Gary Hanniffy, Damien Murray (0-8, 0-6f, 0-1 '65).
Subs - Joe Bergin for Carroll (26 mins), Derek Molloy for Parlon (34 mins), Eddie Bevans (0-1) for Murray (51 mins), Barry Teehan for Franks (52 mins), Shane Dooley for Rory Hanniffy (61 mins).
Referee: Eamonn Morris (Dublin)
-
Lone Shark
- All Star
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2004 5:21 pm
- Club: Ferbane
- Location: Roscommon
- Contact:
Bord na Mona man wrote: The few bright Offaly performances:
Derek Molloy did well when he came on. He battled hard and put it up to John Gardiner.
David Kenny also made a valiant attempt at plugging the dam too.
Breeder made a couple of good saves and it wasn't his fault he had little to aim at for the puck outs.
Our midfield pair tried hard under an avalanche.
A few observations.
- Too many Offaly players didn't control the ball first time.
- Too much bad handpassing, especially in defence. Especially early on when cheap scores were conceded from balls that could have been cleared. Watching Cork weave handpassing webs made some of our players want to try the same.
- Hitting aimless dropping balls in on top of Diarmuid O'Sullivan instead of spreading them - Nuts to a monkey Ger! Or maybe these were shots dropping short, but the effect was the same.
Contrast with how Cork used every inch of the pitch. Some of the balls worked into their attack were nearly along the touchline.
When Cork met resistance, they worked the ball across the field, until they found the free man. I suppose class players always make time for themselves.
They had enough time to play lovely diagonal ball for Joe Deane and co. to have a feast on.
-There were no Offaly players who could score from medium to long distance.
Cork had players who could score these from the "weaker" side on the 45m touchline.
Another low scoring Offaly return from open play. How long we stay in games depends on our ability to win frees.
We do have a young team and there is plenty of potential, but the signs that it will take a while to get Offaly competitive again.
I agree that the contrast in ability in terms of handpassing among the backs was stark, but if that's the way you have to play the game, then surely we are better trying to learn? It could be argued that there's a lot more hope for David Kenny, Paul Cleary and Conor Hernon learning how to handpass in tight spaces than there is suddenly hoping that Gary Hanniffy, Damien Murray and Brian Carroll will win slow high ball on top of them?
I agree though that we conceded a few very sloppy scores on account of it.
As to the Cork delivery from the half backs, I was very impressed with how disciplined the likes of Seán Óg are. In the middle of the second half there he had a run out of defence up to the half way line and he could easily have taken it on another ten yards and had a go, getting a score for himself and who'd care if he missed, it was going to be a hammering either way. Not at all, perfect low delivery down the line to Deane with no un-necessary delay, exactly as any manager would hope.
Compare that yesterday with the Munster Final when Limerick were more or less level and Peter Lawlor twice and Mark Foley both put 90 yard efforts wide at a time when Brian Begley was crying out for ball. What they wouldn't have done for a bit of Ó'hAilpín's discipline then.
Re: Cork 1-27 Offaly 0-11
[quote="Lone Shark"]“and no small dose of fear that with relegation still a possibility there could be a lot of work to do to avoid still more disaster this year.
LS,
There is no relegation from the McCarthy Cup in 2007, AFAIK.
LS,
There is no relegation from the McCarthy Cup in 2007, AFAIK.
Intensity Intensity Intensity! The three things we lacked against Cork. All too predictable on the back of the close run loss against Tipp. We looked like we were "going through the motions". Corks use of the ball was far superior but Sean Og had all the time in the world to pick out his passes for most of the game. I thought our full back line was heroic in the circumstances.
I went to see Waterford and Limerick on Sunday after spending the afternoon in Pairc Uí Caoímh on Saturday and the difference in the time players got on the ball was incredible. We did it for 40 mins against Kilkenny and in patches against Tipp. The way hurling has evolved into a "rise and run" game now requires 1 to 15 defending that we have not as yet made part and parcel of our game.
Our upper body strength is 30% below Cork and Kilkennys and sadly if we want to compete we have to bulk up in the gym for the winter months. Take a look at Sean Ryans conditioning and his ability to take the ball into contact and not loose it, that is the benchmark for the whole panel. Its a hard bouring slog in the winter months but we will continue to loose by twice what we deserve to until we get there and without that we will NEVER close the gap on teams that do this conditioning work.
I went to see Waterford and Limerick on Sunday after spending the afternoon in Pairc Uí Caoímh on Saturday and the difference in the time players got on the ball was incredible. We did it for 40 mins against Kilkenny and in patches against Tipp. The way hurling has evolved into a "rise and run" game now requires 1 to 15 defending that we have not as yet made part and parcel of our game.
Our upper body strength is 30% below Cork and Kilkennys and sadly if we want to compete we have to bulk up in the gym for the winter months. Take a look at Sean Ryans conditioning and his ability to take the ball into contact and not loose it, that is the benchmark for the whole panel. Its a hard bouring slog in the winter months but we will continue to loose by twice what we deserve to until we get there and without that we will NEVER close the gap on teams that do this conditioning work.
Efan 
-
Bord na Mona man
- All Star
- Posts: 4051
- Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2004 11:34 am
- Club: Clara
With the handpassing, you need to be very good at it for starters.
I'd say you'd need to spend months of practicing your passses and catches in training, while under severe pressure, before you'd be confident to use it as your default way of clearing ball.
The Offaly way has been the clearance on the back foot. The 50/50 ball that might make it to midfield. While not satisfactory and behind the times, there's no use trying to change on a given day.
For handpassing to work, your colleagues need to expect it and start getting free to support you.
Offaly defenders were trying to pass across the danger zone to players who were still minding their markers. Hacking it away would have the better option on Saturday.
We can start devising systems for working the ball out of defence over the Winter.
I'd say you'd need to spend months of practicing your passses and catches in training, while under severe pressure, before you'd be confident to use it as your default way of clearing ball.
The Offaly way has been the clearance on the back foot. The 50/50 ball that might make it to midfield. While not satisfactory and behind the times, there's no use trying to change on a given day.
For handpassing to work, your colleagues need to expect it and start getting free to support you.
Offaly defenders were trying to pass across the danger zone to players who were still minding their markers. Hacking it away would have the better option on Saturday.
We can start devising systems for working the ball out of defence over the Winter.
-
Offalyhurling07
- Junior B
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2007 12:47 pm
In three years Offaly have followed the same path out of the championship. I was at this game and I left with bitter disappointment. Such a promising start to the year, how did it all go so wrong?
Cork completely outclassed and over shadowed Offaly. Yes some of the players are young (as McIntyre continues to tell us), but that is no excuse for the lack of heart and enthusiasm that was shown.
With no support from the 'Faithful County' i was lucky to be in the company of some very friendly corkonians, in between the chants of 'Deano', their commentary of the hurling on display was very accurate! They were completely astonished at the lack of reaction from the sideline in making changes to the Back line. Forward after forward was cast ashore yet it took 55 mins for one change to the back line. Now all blame obviously can't be left to the backline, i suppose on the day there was cracks all over!
Just a few observations -
Gary Hanniffy is one of the longest serving players yet he does not seem willing, involved or even happy! This is a player that should be commanding the game and mentoring the younger fellas. He was granted 5 positional changes.
Pace and first touch was desperate. Where is the sense of playing a guy centre forward who has not trained all year. crazy.
R. Hanniffy, J Bergin, B Carroll, D. murray are our biggest assets, why have the management not got the best out of them.
There was no team playing.
There was no evidence of any tactical playing... what was the point of putting Carroll on O'Sullivan... Maddness!
The cork players arrived in there own private luxury coach, the Offaly team arrived in there own cars.... some of the starting team had to drive the 2.5 hr journey & there was no team meeting on the journey down, not for even a bite to eat. How can a guy get physically and mentally ready for a championhip game under these circumstances?
I am fed up with the same old spiel from the management - the team is young, Offaly is building. This is not acceptable. Three years is enough. It is obvious that there is psychological problems with this team and i hate to damn a man but McIntyre is the main contributor. A close second is the 2 selectors. The reason i say psychoogical problems is for this reason - How can a team beat Waterford one week and get disgraced by Limerick the next week. How can they play Valiantly against Tipperary and get hammered by Cork a week after. Can someone explain this? I am perplexed.
I don't agree that it will take 5 years for Offaly to contend with the greats. I think all they need is a good hurling trainer, separate physical trainer, outside selectors (not from Offaly), support from the county board and Offaly could contend within 2 years. If the same group of lads and maybe a few others stay together this could happen.
Point to remember lads and correct me if i am wrong but Offaly lost by 1 (unlucky) point in the Leinster Final against Wexford the year before McIntyre took over and they were unlucky because of the set up to be relegated and now we are a hell of a distance from a Leinster Final, back in division 2 and unless we beat Dublin Saturday heading for the Christy Ring next year.
Something has to change!
Cork completely outclassed and over shadowed Offaly. Yes some of the players are young (as McIntyre continues to tell us), but that is no excuse for the lack of heart and enthusiasm that was shown.
With no support from the 'Faithful County' i was lucky to be in the company of some very friendly corkonians, in between the chants of 'Deano', their commentary of the hurling on display was very accurate! They were completely astonished at the lack of reaction from the sideline in making changes to the Back line. Forward after forward was cast ashore yet it took 55 mins for one change to the back line. Now all blame obviously can't be left to the backline, i suppose on the day there was cracks all over!
Just a few observations -
Gary Hanniffy is one of the longest serving players yet he does not seem willing, involved or even happy! This is a player that should be commanding the game and mentoring the younger fellas. He was granted 5 positional changes.
Pace and first touch was desperate. Where is the sense of playing a guy centre forward who has not trained all year. crazy.
R. Hanniffy, J Bergin, B Carroll, D. murray are our biggest assets, why have the management not got the best out of them.
There was no team playing.
There was no evidence of any tactical playing... what was the point of putting Carroll on O'Sullivan... Maddness!
The cork players arrived in there own private luxury coach, the Offaly team arrived in there own cars.... some of the starting team had to drive the 2.5 hr journey & there was no team meeting on the journey down, not for even a bite to eat. How can a guy get physically and mentally ready for a championhip game under these circumstances?
I am fed up with the same old spiel from the management - the team is young, Offaly is building. This is not acceptable. Three years is enough. It is obvious that there is psychological problems with this team and i hate to damn a man but McIntyre is the main contributor. A close second is the 2 selectors. The reason i say psychoogical problems is for this reason - How can a team beat Waterford one week and get disgraced by Limerick the next week. How can they play Valiantly against Tipperary and get hammered by Cork a week after. Can someone explain this? I am perplexed.
I don't agree that it will take 5 years for Offaly to contend with the greats. I think all they need is a good hurling trainer, separate physical trainer, outside selectors (not from Offaly), support from the county board and Offaly could contend within 2 years. If the same group of lads and maybe a few others stay together this could happen.
Point to remember lads and correct me if i am wrong but Offaly lost by 1 (unlucky) point in the Leinster Final against Wexford the year before McIntyre took over and they were unlucky because of the set up to be relegated and now we are a hell of a distance from a Leinster Final, back in division 2 and unless we beat Dublin Saturday heading for the Christy Ring next year.
Something has to change!
-
Offalys Future
- All Star
- Posts: 567
- Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:59 am
You can blame the players for their performance on Saturday but i just want you to know a few things first.
On Friday night after training Offaly Intercounty Hurling Panel were given Burgers and Chips after training.
On Sunday There Was No Bus For The Players Organised - Players had to drive over 130 miles in their cars and then play the most important game of the year.
There was no meal organised for the players before the game, many of the team left between 10 and 11am last saturday morning.
The tactics by the management for the game was to get the ball into Brian Carroll and for him to run at Diarmuid O' Sullivan.
(Even though the only times O'Sullivan has been exposed was when Dan Shanahan caused him trouble with High ball and Martain Comeford brought him to the wings)
The panel was to meet in the dressing room at 1.30pm (an hour and half before game) to organise puckouts.
One Offaly selector was quoted outside pairc ui chaoimh saying that he will have the rest of the summer to practice his golf. - think we all know who that is.
The hurling management from the start this year has been a complete shambles. I have stressed this on so many occasions. They havent a clue how to train and prepare an intercounty team.
John McIntyre hasnt a clue, how to organise, prepare or manage a intercounty team and his three years have been a complete joke.
3 years he has been in the job and yet 7 weeks before last saturdays game he didnt have 4 of the starters on the panel.
There was teams at this years feile prepared better than the Offaly Hurlers.
And lets get something straight, peoples perception is that we are doing great things at underage and thats rubbish.
The underage structure is a complete shambles also.
We beat a poor kilkenny u-21 team in the pissing rain in Nowlan Park and people think everything is perfect. Far from it.
And just one thing Lone Shark if you think that David Kenny had a good game on Saturady - well then all i can say is that you must have been watching a complete different game than me.
On Friday night after training Offaly Intercounty Hurling Panel were given Burgers and Chips after training.
On Sunday There Was No Bus For The Players Organised - Players had to drive over 130 miles in their cars and then play the most important game of the year.
There was no meal organised for the players before the game, many of the team left between 10 and 11am last saturday morning.
The tactics by the management for the game was to get the ball into Brian Carroll and for him to run at Diarmuid O' Sullivan.
(Even though the only times O'Sullivan has been exposed was when Dan Shanahan caused him trouble with High ball and Martain Comeford brought him to the wings)
The panel was to meet in the dressing room at 1.30pm (an hour and half before game) to organise puckouts.
One Offaly selector was quoted outside pairc ui chaoimh saying that he will have the rest of the summer to practice his golf. - think we all know who that is.
The hurling management from the start this year has been a complete shambles. I have stressed this on so many occasions. They havent a clue how to train and prepare an intercounty team.
John McIntyre hasnt a clue, how to organise, prepare or manage a intercounty team and his three years have been a complete joke.
3 years he has been in the job and yet 7 weeks before last saturdays game he didnt have 4 of the starters on the panel.
There was teams at this years feile prepared better than the Offaly Hurlers.
And lets get something straight, peoples perception is that we are doing great things at underage and thats rubbish.
The underage structure is a complete shambles also.
We beat a poor kilkenny u-21 team in the pissing rain in Nowlan Park and people think everything is perfect. Far from it.
And just one thing Lone Shark if you think that David Kenny had a good game on Saturady - well then all i can say is that you must have been watching a complete different game than me.
Last edited by Offalys Future on Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
" In The Presence Of Confidence Doubt Cannot Exist "
-
Lone Shark
- All Star
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2004 5:21 pm
- Club: Ferbane
- Location: Roscommon
- Contact:
I think it's fair to say that there would have been widespread tuning out after the Tipp match - not forgiveable, but understandable.
All I'll say with regard to some of those events pre-match is that obviously that is anything but ideal, but let's not close our minds to the possibility that perhaps the pursestrings were tightened after the Tipp match as opposed to it being an issue of management deciding that burgers and chips were possessed of the requisite proteins, carbohydrates and nutrients. Again, in an ideal world for a game like that the team would have travelled down the night before, stayed overnight and got up for an early morning puckaround and then had a carb-intensive meal at around 11.30/Noon. We all know this, but it's possibly jumping the gun to say that it's all management's fault since I would imagine that if McIntyre was to go looking for the funds for this it might be a little bit less simple than the signing of a blank cheque.
I'm going to just come back on a few points here.....
I raised my eyebrows a little bit at your other two nominations - Damien Murray has been very good with the frees this year, but I've never known him to be a good scorer from play, or good at winning ball, or closing down corner backs clearances, or any of the things corner forwards should do. We need a freetaker, he gets picked - that's all there is to it.
As for Carroll, I remain to be convinced. The cupboard is fairly bare in terms of big championship performances. Unlike a lot of others I'd never question his fight or spirit (I consider it a testament to the man that his best performance in an Offaly shirt in the championship was possibly on meltdown day against Kilkenny) but I don't know why you would rate this guy a bigger asset than players like Murphy, or Franks who have had some great days playing for the county, even if they've had bad days too.
I hope you're right, but I don't see it. I think we have maybe a dozen players that are decent intercounty standard if on form, and two (Bergin and Rory H) that if on top of their game would get onto a Cork or Kilkenny team. We have a few more that have potential to improve, but that's it. On a good day we have the beating of Clare, Wexford, Galway, and maybe Tipp or Limerick in a championship setting, but we'd need a lot to go right for that to happen. In terms of "contention" we'd need to be able to beat one of the big three, even on an offday for them. I don't see it.
Again, I hope I'm wrong in that assessment.
I'm not saying things are good now, but let's not suddenly get all misty eyed about how good things were under Mike Mac or Fr. Tom. They were feck all better if at all.
All I'll say with regard to some of those events pre-match is that obviously that is anything but ideal, but let's not close our minds to the possibility that perhaps the pursestrings were tightened after the Tipp match as opposed to it being an issue of management deciding that burgers and chips were possessed of the requisite proteins, carbohydrates and nutrients. Again, in an ideal world for a game like that the team would have travelled down the night before, stayed overnight and got up for an early morning puckaround and then had a carb-intensive meal at around 11.30/Noon. We all know this, but it's possibly jumping the gun to say that it's all management's fault since I would imagine that if McIntyre was to go looking for the funds for this it might be a little bit less simple than the signing of a blank cheque.
I'm going to just come back on a few points here.....
In an ideal world, of course this is all true. My only point with this is that with our track record of winning dirty ball, perhaps the backs felt that if you have a 50% chance of getting away a good clearance that gives the forward an 80% chance of securing possession, that's a 40% chance of the ball ending up in the hand of an Offaly player in a double digit shirt. If you are guaranteed to make the clearance but the opposition will win 80% of poor misdirected high clearances as has been the case, the percentages favour the handpass, particularly if the opposition is as likely to score from 70 metres as they are from 50. It's a gross simplification with many holes, but if handpassing is the future of hurling, then we have to learn it. Obviously winter is the time, granted.Bord na Mona Man wrote:With the handpassing, you need to be very good at it for starters.
I'd say you'd need to spend months of practicing your passses and catches in training, while under severe pressure, before you'd be confident to use it as your default way of clearing ball.
The Offaly way has been the clearance on the back foot. The 50/50 ball that might make it to midfield. While not satisfactory and behind the times, there's no use trying to change on a given day.
For handpassing to work, your colleagues need to expect it and start getting free to support you.
Offaly defenders were trying to pass across the danger zone to players who were still minding their markers. Hacking it away would have the better option on Saturday.
We can start devising systems for working the ball out of defence over the Winter.
Complete agreement. Cordial drifts all over the place and is invariably standing on his own when the opposition have an extra man and an overlap. He reminds me of Matt le Tissier for Southampton vs playing for England - at club level his talent is special and his complete lack of any kind of defensive play is forgiveable - once you step up in grade that bread and butter deficiency kills you. He's capable of those spectacular points like he got in the second half against Kilkenny, but for every one of those his opposite number makes ten unchallenges deliveries into his forwards.Offalyhurling07 wrote:Pace and first touch was desperate. Where is the sense of playing a guy centre forward who has not trained all year. crazy.
I suspect we got the best out of Rory last year when he was in the half back line - that's the place to have him in my eyes. Joe is just on bad form, for club, county and underage. Hopefully he'll emerge from this slump soon enough, but I suspect it's just a degree of second season syndrome - it can happen. I don't see anyone blaming Brian Cody for Aidan Fogarty suffering from something similar in Kilkenny.Offalyhurling07 wrote:]R. Hanniffy, J Bergin, B Carroll, D. murray are our biggest assets, why have the management not got the best out of them.
I raised my eyebrows a little bit at your other two nominations - Damien Murray has been very good with the frees this year, but I've never known him to be a good scorer from play, or good at winning ball, or closing down corner backs clearances, or any of the things corner forwards should do. We need a freetaker, he gets picked - that's all there is to it.
As for Carroll, I remain to be convinced. The cupboard is fairly bare in terms of big championship performances. Unlike a lot of others I'd never question his fight or spirit (I consider it a testament to the man that his best performance in an Offaly shirt in the championship was possibly on meltdown day against Kilkenny) but I don't know why you would rate this guy a bigger asset than players like Murphy, or Franks who have had some great days playing for the county, even if they've had bad days too.
OffalyHurling07 wrote:I don't agree that it will take 5 years for Offaly to contend with the greats. I think all they need is a good hurling trainer, separate physical trainer, outside selectors (not from Offaly), support from the county board and Offaly could contend within 2 years. If the same group of lads and maybe a few others stay together this could happen.
I hope you're right, but I don't see it. I think we have maybe a dozen players that are decent intercounty standard if on form, and two (Bergin and Rory H) that if on top of their game would get onto a Cork or Kilkenny team. We have a few more that have potential to improve, but that's it. On a good day we have the beating of Clare, Wexford, Galway, and maybe Tipp or Limerick in a championship setting, but we'd need a lot to go right for that to happen. In terms of "contention" we'd need to be able to beat one of the big three, even on an offday for them. I don't see it.
Again, I hope I'm wrong in that assessment.
We lost by four, but the point stands. However don't forget we reached that Leinster final by beating Laois and then Dublin. Dublin have improved since then by a long way, but even now if we got that draw again we certainly could reach a Leinster final. You can say we were unlucky to be relegated but we still lost a must win game to Laois in our own back yard, arguably a result as catastrophic as anything in the McIntyre era.OffalyHurling07 wrote:Point to remember lads and correct me if i am wrong but Offaly lost by 1 (unlucky) point in the Leinster Final against Wexford the year before McIntyre took over and they were unlucky because of the set up to be relegated and now we are a hell of a distance from a Leinster Final, back in division 2 and unless we beat Dublin Saturday heading for the Christy Ring next year.
I'm not saying things are good now, but let's not suddenly get all misty eyed about how good things were under Mike Mac or Fr. Tom. They were feck all better if at all.
Two things there. Yes, playing Carroll on O'Sullivan was utter lunacy. Straight up, that was a dumb tactic that was doomed to failure from the outset, I'm not disagreeing with that. However it's not as if we have a Martin Comerford or Dan Shanahan in our team. Right now those two players are around 90% likely each to win All stars - we just don't have those kind of weapons. It's not like Hanniffy or Bergin did anything on him when they went in either.Offaly's Future wrote:The tactics by the management for the game was to get the ball into Brian Carroll and for him to run at Diarmuid O' Sullivan.
(Even though the only times O'Sullivan has been exposed was when Dan Shanahan caused him trouble with High ball and Martin Comeford brought him to the wings)
This is the kind of gross overstatement that ruins your point. If you had said that this Offaly team took the field unprepared, badly selected and with poor tactics no-one could disagree with you. That kind of "not fit to run a junior team" stuff is only designed to put people's backs up. That was like people on KKcats suggesting that Wexford would be better off in the Christy Ring after the Leinster championship - look what Antrim did to everyone in the Christy Ring last year - what would Wexford do? Likewise McIntyre has won enough to prove that he is well capable at club level, however while I am sympathetic to him last weekend was an abomination.Offaly's Future wrote:The hurling management from the start this year has been a complete shambles. I have stressed this on so many occasions. They havent a clue how to run a junior team never mind an intercounty team.
I'll challenge you to find anyone on this site who thinks we are doing even half well at underage in general. We have one good vintage at under 21 hurling who may or may not win a Leinster - that's not exactly stellar. There are steps being taken, and the likes of Rynagh's performance in the féile losing narrowly to Castleknock is encouraging, but there is a long way to go, we all know this.Offaly's Future wrote:And lets get something straight, peoples perception is that we are doing great things at underage and thats rubbish.
The underage structure is a complete shambles also.
We beat a poor kilkenny u-21 team in the pissing rain in Nowlan Park and people think everything is perfect. Far from it.
He gave away a few handpasses and he struggled to live with Ben O'Connor's pace when he ran at him with a head of steam. However he also won some fine aerial ball and got a lot of clearances away, as well as spending half his time covering across for Kevin Brady who was getting eaten alive by Pa Cronin. I honestly can't see who on the Offaly team you think had a better game than him. Seán Ryan maybe, but even he messed up a good few deliveries forward.Offaly's Future wrote:And just one thing Lone Shark if you think that David Kenny had a good game on Saturady - well then all i can say is that you must have been watching a complete different game than me.