Search Results for 'Damian Hayes'

There were only two parties rubbing their hands with pleasure after last weekend’s strange round of league action. Those were the Tipperary management team and the GAA authorities. Tipperary sent out a statement of intent with an emphatic victory over Galway at Salthill. As for the GAA they will be delighted that at least four teams are still in the hunt for a league final spot when the last round is played in a fortnight’s time.

The Galway hurlers have often been referred to as one of the great underachievers. The fact that they have not brought the Liam McCarthy back across the Shannon since 1988 probably has something to do with this tag. Judging by the way they disposed of the Cork challenge in the National Hurling League final at Thurles last Sunday evening they highlighted the fact they mean business this year. The first half of this game was as good as I've seen for some time, it was as close a championship pace as you're likely to see.

The game between Kilkenny and Cork will get a quick analysing next week due to the clash of Ballyhale Shamrocks and Portumna, the two best club teams in recent years. If Kilkenny and Tipperary were the two teams most neutrals wanted to see in last year’s All-Ireland final, these are the two that everyone wanted for a club final appearance.

If Kilkenny and Tipperary were the two teams most neutrals wanted to see in last year’s All-Ireland final, Ballyhale Shamrocks and Portumna are the two everyone wanted for a club final appearance.

County champions Portumna will face Gort in this year’s Stone Crushing & Recycling Senior Hurling Championship semi-final.