Last Saturday was glorious. No one doubts that. The media attention will bring an additional pressure. But it’s a welcome pressure. Better have that pressure than have the pressure that negativity brings. The freshness and the positivity of the hurling was, for me, the most pleasing.
Limerick will be a step up in standard and it will be interesting to see how Offaly cope. Limerick certainly are forearmed now. But that’s okay. That’s hurling. Still, you'd like to see Offaly break the habit of old by adding consistency to their armour.
Limerick will have had quite a few hurling Fitzgibbon during the week. Offaly really only had Oisín Kelly and Eoghan Cahill. And the latter hurled in goal for Mary I yesterday. Which, with the league now played at this time of year, is a plus for Offaly. Albeit a short term one.
You’d expect Offaly to start the same team. A few things need to be tidied up. A few Offaly lads were beaten for pace, got turned and burned too easily. Dublin’s goal should have been cut out much further out the field. And the space afforded to Offaly around the middle third will not be afforded by Limerick. But that’s okay too. That’s part of the challenge.
Offaly will have to be just as competitive in the rucks, scrums and contests as they were in Croke Park. And if they are, well, anything is possible.
Sunday is promised dry. A day for the terrace. And remember you can get your ticket on tickets.ie, or in a Centra or SuperValu for €12 if you buy before midnight Saturday night. Otherwise, it will cost you €15 at the venue.
Best wishes to all involved.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.
Do we expect many changes to the team for Sunday? I’d start the same that started against Dublin barring injuries of course. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Shane Dooley start instead of Bergin but can’t imagine much more than that. Aaron Gillane is a lovely hurler and is a massive threat from play and places balls. I think Paddy Delaney must track him, Paddy is a very sticky hurler who is an out and out corner back and perhaps that’s the way it may go. Maybe paddy won’t even get a start. The team will be announced tonight or in the morning so let’s see!!
Kevin Martin, Damien Fox, Aidan Hanrahan and Cathal Murphy have selected their Offaly Panel to play Limerick in the 2nd Round of the Allianz National Hurling League on Sunday 4th Feb at 2pm in Bord na Mona O'Connor Park.
1. Conor Slevin (Kilcormac/Killoughey)
2. Tom Spain (Brosna Gaels)
3. Sean Gardiner (Lusmagh)
4. Ben Conneely (St Rynagh's)
5. David O'Toole (Shamrocks)
6. Pat Camon (St Rynagh's)
7. Dermot Shortt (St Rynagh's)
8. David King (Coolderry)
9. Shane Kinsella (Kinnitty)
10. Damien Egan (Belmont)
11. Colin Egan (Belmont)
12. Dan Currams (Kilcormac/Killoughey)
13. Joe Bergin (Seir Kieran)
14. Conor Mahon (Kilcormac/Killoughey)
15. Oisin Kelly (Belmont)
This is the summer for Offaly. if they are to win games it in the next few weeks. Come championshiop , Offaly will not be in the top 4 in Leinster of KK, Galway, Wexford or Dublin.
greenairfield wrote:Disappointed with the team selection it's early in the year....We need our best team out in June he should be using these games to see more lads.
The only reason you’re disappointed with it is because there’s no-one from Birr on it.
No frank Eoghan Cahill is the only one available while I would like to see him the goals there is a host of other players I would like to see given a chance you eejet.
It's the league we should be looking at more players!!
What are you on about greenairfield. Don't know why I got the special mention.
I agree with frankthetank.. not the best team cause no birr on the 15. Wonder what's your best team
For me this is the best team available to Martin for this game. Based purely on the list of players available and the game against Dublin.
Would like to see Cahill get some time in the sticks during the league but it looks like Slevin will be the number one.
I like that Martin made a change at wing back. Taught Paddy Delaney was poor against Dublin and out of his depth. Taught he would have went with Dooley over Bergin.
Greenairfield i hope you make it over to the other side safely tomorrow or are ya still on the hurling back to birr protest..
Looking forward to the game tomorro. Expect conditions and referee to be poor. Hopefully we get a good start, with a full hearted performance.