GAA Betting: Looking for Liam McCarthy
With the exception of Kerry, the All-Ireland Football Championship offers a complex conundrum that requires deciphering in order to find provincial winners and possible challengers to the Kingdom’s crown. In contrast, the All-Ireland Hurling Championship is far less bewildering. The chasm between the levels of the sport is of Grand Canyon proportions.
At the top, we have Kilkenny, a county with a seemingly never-ending conveyor belt of talent. Some have suggested that without Henry Shefflin, they may not be as threatening, I beg to differ. Climbing their way up are Cork, Waterford, Tipperary, Galway and Limerick - just about. Even last year’s runners-up are beginning to slip into a quandary despite their consistent underage success. Offaly, Wexford and Clare have descended in recent years and much work is needed to get them back up. The rest, Dublin, Antrim and Laois are beginning a climb from the bottom, but it’ll take years to reach the top – though the middle is the best they can hope for. Despite optimism among Dublin ranks, none of it has come to fruition. The rest might as well ditch the climbing equipment and play tiddlywinks; little do they seem to improve through the Christy Ring and Nicky Rackard competitions.
In analysing the Championship, you begin to realise that it is unbelievably and disappointingly predictable. Having said that, as we all know, on any given Sunday, things don’t always go according to the script. However, this year, it’s hard to find evidence to the contrary. With their off-field wrangling, Cork’s participation in the league was pointless and although we can’t gauge this as a pointer to their potential credentials, we know it has had a negative effect on the county. An aging side, somewhat struggling will do well to reach the semi-finals. Similarly, Waterford’s day in the sun may have passed them by. Justin McCarthy openly admitted the League would be nothing more than an instrument to blood new players. Mentally fragile, the impact of losing to Limerick in the semi-final after beating fierce rivals Cork may have been a detrimental blow. Tipperary were consistent throughout their league campaign, beating Kilkenny at Nowland Park in the semi-final and disposing of a hotly tipped Galway team in the final. They are building a team, but it could be too early for them. Time will tell. The Tribesman on the other hand, despite the aforementioned loss, may be the only team that can challenge the Cats. With the return of the experienced Ollie Canning, the belated introduction of his phenomenally talented brother Joe and manager Ger Loughnane finally getting the right mix of players to gel, they’ll push all the way. Though, inevitably, The Cats will get the cream.
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May 14th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Kilkenny unless they get caught cold in the semifinal are Champions elect Tipperary are dark horses Cork could be anything Galway are handicapped by the system Waterfords time has passed Limerick havent improved from last years all Ireland .Two surprises would be Clare beating Waterford and Tipperary beating Cork other then that its looking fairly predictable still the greatest field game in the world
May 14th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
galway should come close
May 14th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
They should but weve been saying that bought Galway for a decade or more.Loughnane put the pressure on himself by saying if he didnt win the All Ireland in two years he would be a failure.The fact that Galway arent in a provincial Championship means they will be always hindered.The sooner they and Antrim go into Leinster the better twill be for the game.The Munster championship is too wonderful to scrap for an open draw no matter what the likes of Michael Duignan think
May 15th, 2008 at 10:08 am
The Liam Mc Carthy is now only a secoundry compition to the munster chanpionship. For any Munster team the are after playing very big games one after another with 5 decient teams that could win, the are nackered by the time they reach the all Ireland final. Kilkenny have it so easy having to only beat Wexfort and offaly before they start actually training for the all Ireland. This compition is soon becoming a joke. Cheers to who ever wins munster
May 15th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I agree Galway and Antrim should definately join the Leinster championship, the gaa have proposed this for years and just wont let it pass, surely it will strengthen the game by creating two tough provinces, while encouraging hurling in ulster and connaght
May 15th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
So more nb is there any chance of odds on the 2 minor hurling competitions????
May 31st, 2008 at 11:14 pm
I definitely agree with Galway having it…
June 4th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
One word CORK. Everyone outside da county always loves to see us do bad. The GAA always seem to be against us also and this year weve had our own internal problems but all thats under the carpet now. CORK are a great bet like. And a certainty to beat Tipp on sunday. Up da REBELS.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:56 pm
dont think galway are physical enough to win an all ireland
July 13th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
League form means something this year with Tipp and Galway both desperate for glory and setting intent early. In heat of battle this will matter. Same semi finalists in league Tipp, Galway Kilkenny Cork to contest semis and either Tipp or Galway to prevail depending on draw.
July 15th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Little to choose between Galway and Tip the latter showing a very confident mood in a fine display against Clare. Joe Canning might provide the spark to set Galway on Fire. Obviously the Cats are favs with Cork unpredictable
Cmon the Tribesmen
July 15th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Galway to spank Cork