LET BATTLES BEGIN!
Players hell-bent on return to action
AN OLD mentor of mine used to complete his pre-match dressing-room pep talk by saying ‘the only decision now lads is whether we open that door now or go through it’.
I would venture to bet that, despite the more calculated motivational tactics employed in the modern era, some dressing-room doors will be in danger given the appetite of players to get back to what they love most, and that is playing matches.
I will accept that the scenario faced is not perfect with spectator issues, very short lead-in time, and the prospect for some clubs of having very quick exits if they do not hit the ground running.
Attendance at games will cause problems, and I don’t envy the County Board in trying to sort this issue. Hopefully TG4 and live streaming will help in some way and things will get easier as we go along, but there are no guarantees here.
I prefer just now to look forward however, and have no doubt that the 2020 hurling championship is one of the most anticipated and welcome ever.
Intensity levels will be high, and I feel the recent access to all the star players will do wonders for standards. The outside influence this year will be fascinating, with many high-profile additions to backroom teams.
John Meyler, Derek McGrath, Jason Ryan, Pat Bennett, Brian Hogan and Anthony McCormack will play roles, and it will be intriguing to see the effect on styles and performance, with every aspect of tactic deployed. We might even see an odd sweeper scenario which I am sure will have tongues wagging and ensure conversations become heated.
We will start with a televised meeting of the old and the new on Friday evening when John Meyler and Liam Dunne will lock horns. Most of the GAA talk in the county is about the Lady’s Island native’s arrival to the home of the champions.
There is no doubt that the most potential lies within the boundaries of the maroon and white, and for me the biggest challenge will be to fit the right pieces into the jigsaw.
They are outright favourites and rightly so as holders, but let there be no doubt that there are no prouder men than those in the black and red. They will be keen to make a battle and no better men to do so, however as in most games the Martin’s will have to get used to the favourite’s tag, and I feel they will secure the two points on Friday.
As an aside, for me Gorey (despite last year’s blip) are best placed to cause problems for Meyler’s men this season.
St. Anne’s versus Rathnure is, in my view, hardest to call over the weekend in what (since Liam Ryan’s injury) has now become the toughest group.
The Blackstairs men have a clean bill of health and will be hard to upset, but the momentum generated by Joe Kearns’ men last year, inspired by the three musketeers McGovern, O’Keeffe and Rochford, could see them edge this game.
I agree here with Anthony McCormack, the Rathnure manager, that this is a group that could easily see three teams on two points each, so watch your wide count lads.
Ferns are a little ahead of Sack’s men who have a few players unavailable, but I would reckon that this is the game that will generate most interest given the McGrath influence and what structure will be deployed by the Harriers.
Ferns themselves have utilised Gavin Bailey as sweeper last year and have a lot of young talent so I would see them coming through, but anything could happen here.
The much-discussed loss of Liam Ryan will be a key determining factor in the Rapparees’ game against the Over The Water men. Word has it that Martin Byrne has the Shels moving nicely, so I give them the nod here.
Finally, we need to draw a line under Liam’s injury and focus on what is most important here, and that is that the young full-back recovers fully. Get yourself right young Liam, and we hope to see you back in full flight soon.
I still replay that Tipp point in my mind and look forward to seeing you fit and on the field soon. That for me at this stage is the only thing that matters.
Let the battles begin.
ONE OF the most heartfelt tributes paid to the late Jack Charlton over the weekend came from Monageer resident Paul McGrath, arguably the best-ever player during the popular Geordie’s memorable reign.
‘Today, I am truly heartbroken at Jack’s passing,’ he said.
‘It is difficult for me to articulate what Jack meant to me both on and off the football field.
‘Throughout his ten years as manager of our international team, Jack backed me as a footballer and as a person - he became a father figure to me.
‘He gave me his full support when I needed it most and for which I am forever grateful. He has been a hugely important person in my life.
‘The Irish people warmed to him because of his big character and he gave us the belief in ourselves to compete in the big tournaments. I am very honoured to have been a part of Jack’s journey.
‘Today is a sad day for the
Irish football community and we all owe him a huge gratitude for the joy and memories he has given us.
‘He is a man I genuinely loved. My thoughts today are with Pat and the Charlton family.
‘Thank you Jack – sleep well.’