Early season hurling silverware was on offer tonight but who would take it?
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Hello and welcome along to Croke Park, we’re moments away from throw-in for the Walsh Cup final between Kilkenny and Dublin.
Not too many supporters in for this game yet with Carlow’s David Hughes the referee.
Here’s the Dublin team:
Alan Nolan; Cian O’Callaghan, Peter Kelly, Jack Dougan; Stephen Hiney, Conor McCormack, Joseph Boland; Shane Durkin, John McCaffrey; Conal Keaney, Ryan O’Dwyer, Colm Cronin; Paul Ryan, David O’Callaghan, Mark Schutte.
And here’s the Kilkenny team:
David Herity; Tomas Keogh, Michael Walsh, Jackie Tyrrell; Brian Kennedy, Tommy Walsh, David Langton; Conor Fogarty, Padraig Walsh; Joe Brennan, Colin Fennelly, Eoin Larkin; John Jo Farrell, Mark Kelly, Thomas Breen.
Dublin 0-2 Kilkenny 0-0: 2 mins – First blood to Dublin with Mark Schutte firing over a brace of neat points.
Dublin 0-2 Kilkenny 0-1: 4 mins – Eoin Larkin hits back with a pointed free for Kilkenny.
Plenty newcomers in the Kilkenny team to keep an eye on. David Herity, Jackie Tyrrell, Tommy Walsh, Colin Fennelly and Eoin Larkin the only really established figures in the Cats side.
Dublin 0-2 Kilkenny 0-2: 6 mins – Eoin Larkin sweeps over a ’65 but it could have easily been a goal for Kilkenny. John Jo Farrell unleashed a stinging drive that was superbly tipped away by Dublin goalkeeper Alan Nolan.
Kilkenny 0-3 Dublin 0-2: 9 mins – Joe Brennan edges Kilkenny into a narrow one-point lead.
Dublin’s Peter Kelly is back in the game after being attended to by the medical staff. Simon Timlin returns to the bench.
Kilkenny 0-5 Dublin 0-2: 14 mins – Great work by Padraig Walsh, younger brother of Tommy, to gather the ball and offload to Joe Brennan before he clipped over a neat point.
Kilkenny 0-6 Dublin 0-2: 16 mins – Padraig Walsh grabs a point of his own on this occasion to stretch Kilkenny’s advantage.
Kilkenny 0-7 Dublin 0-3: 17 mins – Mark Kelly stretched Kilkenny’s lead with a lovely point before Paul Ryan responded for Dublin by converting a free.
Kilkenny 0-8 Dublin 0-3: 21 mins – Another one of Kilkenny’s young forwards on the mark. Thomas Breen from the St Martin’s club hits his first point of the game.
Kilkenny 0-8 Dublin 0-4: 24 mins – Not much for Dublin fans to cheer about so far but they can on this occasion as David O’Callaghan swings over a point off his left from the Cusack Stand sideline.
Kilkenny 0-8 Dublin 0-5: 25 mins – Now it’s back to a three-point game as Paul Ryan nails a free for Dublin after Conal Keaney was hauled down.
David Herity denies Dublin from scoring a brilliant goal. Mark Schutte makes the initial break, hand passes it cleverly in reverse to David O’Callaghan who switches the play across to Paul Ryan. The ball is controlled well by Ryan but Herity is equal to his shot as he bravely blocks it.
Kilkenny 0-9 Dublin 0-6: 28 mins – Mark Schutte strikes over another stylish point for Dublin, he’s been really impressive so far. But Kilkenny cancel that out as Colin Fennelly lashes the ball over the bar from close range.
Kilkenny 0-9 Dublin 0-7: 33 mins – Schutte strikes his fourth point from play in this game. He’s now being marked by Michael Walsh in the Kilkenny defence.
Kilkenny 0-11 Dublin 0-7: 34 mins – Eoin Larkin snaps over another free for Kilkenny and then Thomas Breen wriggles clear of Cian O’Callaghan to land another point.
Kilkenny 0-11 Dublin 0-8: 35 mins – Paul Ryan lobs over another Dublin point as we approach half-time.
Kilkenny 0-12 Dublin 0-8: 36 mins – Eoin Larkin restores Kilkenny’s four-point advantage from a free.
Half-Time: Kilkenny 0-12 Dublin 0-8: It’s Kilkenny who lead the way at the interval with four points to spare.
We’re back underway here for the second-half. Dublin have brought on Danny Sutcliffe and Simon Timlin for Johnny McCaffrey and Jack Dougan.
Kilkenny 0-13 Dublin 0-8: 36 mins – Eoin Larkin knocks over his first point from play for Kilkenny tonight.
Kilkenny 0-15 Dublin 0-9: 40 mins – Bit of daylight now on the scoreboard. Eoin Larkin from a free and Colin Fennelly, after a surging run, from play both grab points for Kilkenny. But Schutte is doing his best to keep Dublin in touch and he fires over another point for Dublin.
Dublin back in this game now. Paul Ryan points a free and then he bangs a low drive from another placed ball, 20 yards out, into the bottom corner of the net. Colm Cronin had been fouled to win that free for Dublin.
Kilkenny 0-17 Dublin 1-10: 45 mins – Kilkenny’s response is impressive. Larkin converts a free and then Joe Brennan is on target from play.
Kilkenny sub – Aidan Fogarty comes onto the pitch with Padraig Walsh, who was the captain of the UL side that were in Fitzgibbon Cup action yesterday, coming off.
Kilkenny 0-20 Dublin 1-10: 50 mins – Another pair of frees converted by Larkin and then Colin Fennelly is on the mark from play.
Dublin subs – Martin Quilty on for Shane Durkin while Eamon Diloon replaces Paul Ryan.
Half a goal chance for Kilkenny when Joe Brennan’s point effort comes back down off the post but Dublin scramble the ball away and clear their lines.
Kilkenny 0-21 Dublin 1-11: 55 mins – Colin Fennelly and David O’Callaghan trade points.
Kilkenny 0-22 Dublin 1-12: 57 mins – Again the teams trade points. Superb effort for Dublin by Danny Sutcliffe is matched by Kilkenny substitute Aidan Fogarty striking over his first point of the day.
Kilkenny 0-22 Dublin 1-13: 58 mins – Eamon Dillon strikes over a free from the left wing for Dublin to cut the gap to six points.
Kilkenny 0-22 Dublin 1-14: 60 mins – Joey Boland hits over a ’65 for Dublin. They’ve ten minutes left to launch a revival.
Kilkenny 0-22 Dublin 1-15: 62 mins – That man Schutte on target again for Dublin but huge credit goes to Dotsy O’Callaghan after his mazy run forward created the chance.
Kilkenny 0-22 Dublin 1-16: 63 mins – Dublin on the mark again through Na Fianna’s Martin Quilty.
Kilkenny 0-22 Dublin 1-17: 66 mins – Dublin goalkeeper Alan Nolan comes upfield to strike a 20-yard free that yields a point.
Kilkenny 0-23 Dublin 1-17: 68 mins – Larkin gives Kilkenny some respite as he bangs over a free.
Kilkenny 0-24 Dublin 1-17: 69 mins – Aidan Fogarty with another point for Kilkenny.
Eamon Dillon sees his point effort from a free hit the post. Kilkenny look in control here.
Relax folks. He scored a brace of tries against a side missing 18 front liners. Was non existent against Glasgow. Scored one try in 2 games in SA but did very little else. Wasn’t great against Connacht either. Defence is poor also. Let’s see how he goes away to Cardiff and then home to Leinster before we decide to lose the run of ourselves altogether.
@Ray Ridge: obviously going to b Hansen lowe. If lowes injured Stockdale has a great chance
@Ray Ridge: give him credit, back in 2018 he was world class but injuries spoilt his form. Has been working hard these past few years to regain his best form
@Ray Ridge: More negativity from Ray the all knowing. Give it a rest will you?
@Ray Ridge: Goodnite debbie donwer
@Oliver Curley: Be some day before riddly ray gives anyone credit
@Shawn: Ray Rimjob
@Gary Galligan: Stockdale on the right wing? Very unlikely
@Shawn: I gave him credit in 2018. It’s now 2024. Move with the times baby.
@Patrick Kennedy: He is everywhere
@Ray Ridge: Spoofer trolling
@Shawn: a bit like yourself?
@Ray Ridge: Pretty right with everything there.
@brian o’leary: I dont troll are spoof are be 100 percent negitive and cringe
@Ray Ridge: quiet, steamer.
@Ray Ridge: yes and he is getting back there. How was it when you played ? I played 20 years, some years better than others for different reasons. How did you cope with it. Your comments/insights are always so negative, if you don’t enjoy sport with its ups and downs then why not just ignore it and perhaps focus on a gardening group
Think there is a lot of exaggeration here. Lowe is a better player and more suited to Ireland so hard to get ahead of him. Secondly, unfortunately Stockdale’s defensive issues remain so unless that changes overnight it’s hard to see him back being a regular starter for Ireland. Worth his place in the squad though sure.
@Carmine Lorenzo: considering both at their best, Stockdale has more out and out pace and better in air going forward. Lowe more powerful, lower center of gravity, quicker in short spaces. Attack at their best, it’s close. Both had big defensive issues in terms of positioning and even technically making tackles. In fairness to Lowe, he worked hard on his defensive game to the extent it’s a weakness that is rarely exposed. There is still big questions over stockdale in this area I would say. But as Lowe showed, it can be worked on, it’s not a question of talent, more concentration and hard work
@Michael Corkery: Don’t know if defensively is a weakness anymore, certainly not since Murphy has come in, think strategy under DMcF left wingers exposed, as each Ulster winger has been criticised defensively. Certainly with Kok coming in Stockdale has used his physically more and work rate, owned Hansen (albeit Hansen just returning from injury) V Connacht, so that Hansen had a very quiet game, there was a clear winner in that wing head to head.
@Kingshu: he is a defensive liability,hes had enough time to fix that part of his game,a pity cause going forward hes very good,id still have lowe miles ahead,and jimmy o brien
@Kingshu: it’s still a huge weakness , he falls off tackles and show no aggression
@Owen ODonoghue: you haven’t watched this season then? Hansen certainly isn’t saying he showed no aggression. Since Kok or Murphy came in, he is really using his physicality.
Stockdale is a massive liability defensively.
@Aidan Farrell: morning ray
@Shawn: Your awful cranky again this morning. You should have stayed in bed another while.
@Ray Ridge: You make me cranky baby
@Ray Ridge: How bad are west ham omg
If Stockdale made the defensive howlers that Lowe and Hansen make there’d be ructions here. Give him a break, he’s a cracking winger. And Farrell doesn’t favour defensive strengths over attack.
@Rab McCracken: thats just it though lowe doesnt make those mistakes anymore,he went away and worked hard on it,the guy pops up everywhere,hes a far better talent and if you took a poll,id say lowe would easily come out on top.until stockdale learns how to defend,he will not be starting any ireland games bar injury
Man of the match! Well done
Is it insane to think Mike Lowry might get a call up? He’s been playing so well, he looks sharp, he defends really well for a man his size and his footballing ability provides another creative player in the wide margins, which Farrell likes
@Farz S: …think it’s the old story of a good big one – over a very good-in this case – small one.
@Michael Murray: Yeah, I’m guessing that’s how it will work out; but it doesn’t hold him back that much. …. his ability in the air is actually better than most people. His defence is great, he always makes the right decision in the wide channels and stands up really well for a man his size; his hit on the Ospreys 6 last night was excellent.
Admittedly, he’s never going to physically dominate anyone and he probably won’t get a call up, but it wouldn’t be a total shock.
@Farz S: Great player, if he can stay on the pitch he could quickly become an excellent option, behind Keenan.
@Thesaltyurchin: Osborne and Haley Infront of mike I’m afraid
@Gary Galligan: I’d say Osborne is ahead after the SA tour, but not Haley. Haley is 30 and had one cap five years ago. Lowry has only one cap as well, but it was more recent and he played a blinder.
@Farz S: playing so well ? He barely started this season
@Rab McCracken: Osborne could actually put pressure on Keenan based on that performance?
@brian o’leary: nah
Following the retirement of Keith Earls, Stockdale was in the last 2 Irish squads (6N and SA). But I don’t think he played at all. All the alternative possibilities being talked about to back up Lowe at 11 are still just potential – Tommy O’Brien and Shayne Bolton getting injured before the EI tour lost their chances to impress. So I think Stockdale is a certainty for the November squad, will surely play in at least one game; and, with Lowe being 32, is the front runner to replace him in the short/medium term
@Kevin Ryan: Bolton looks a real find
@Gary Galligan: Bolton could be the bolter for sure. Very aggressive. Good tackler also. Still work in progress but keep an eye on this guy.
@Gary Galligan: Hopefully so, but he hasn’t got a big body work yet. Real shame he missed the EI tour. Anyways, he’s got a big opportunity tonight, and really should be expected to have a big game as Leinster’s wings are the weakest part of their selection (IMO)
@Gary Galligan: Why dont he want to play for SA?
@Shawn: why doesn’t van der merwe
@Gary Galligan: Dont know as well
I’d have Stockdale over Nash….and mebbe ‘flash in the pan??’ Hansen. He in fine form…. Hansen…no form except Stockdale same wing as Lowe
@Michael Murray: Michael, I normally agree with you, but not on this one. Nash and Hansen are more complete players with superior defence.
@Kenjo: …OK, get that. By no means a Stockdale fan, but form has to be recognised-not necessarily rewarded – and he is THE irish winger catching the eye on a regular basis.
@Michael Murray: can’t understand this. Hansen has been brilliant for Ireland. We are notably more dangerous when he plays. Nash has been very solid. Ceiling not as high as Hansen but very effective
@Michael Murray: Hansen is world class
@Michael Corkery:….I’m one of those voyeurs on/of this site so won’t get to see the finished article….buts it’s more about how the Irish Management Team actually manage form. If you are tearing up tree and not recognised at the top level….what’s the point in busting your butt. The is an opportunity to let the wider group of elite contending international players know that their efforts even though not in squad know they have a chance and in an opposite manner to let someone within the squad know that there us improvement expected. Stockdale is knocking on that door. …..also sends a good message to fans/ supporters.
Stockdale at his best is world class. You can add Lowe and Hansen to the list. And unfortunately there are no others in Irish rugby.
@Tom Reilly: lol dorris henshaw porter sheehan ryan joe ringrose kennan henshaw so so many
@Shawn: I’m talking about wingers obviously. Of course if Ireland is number 1 in the world then it stands to sense that it has many world class players.
@Shawn: Donnacha Ryan retired a long time ago
@Mistral: james ryan
@Tom Reilly: Were u ok
@Shawn: Not too bad, fairly fast and good in the air.
@Tom Reilly: You sure are
It’s now Ulstertainment! All because Richie Murphy is such an excellent coach! He knows how to bring out the best in players, young and seasoned! Stocks looks rejuvenated on the wing. Treders looking fierce in attack. Alan O’Connor was on the pitch the entire game and handled the ref superbly. Eric O’Sullivan’s slick pass to set up the try should have been the URC try of the season before it got taken off. The young players too many to list were absolutely brilliant! Ulster’s attack play reminds of how the All Blacks used to run with ball in hand from deep in their own half to score a try.
@Linda: Good lord. We should send Ulster to represent Ireland at the next World Cup.
@Ray Ridge: S U
@Linda: Agree
@Ray Ridge: might not get past the quarter finals if you did that Ray!
Stockdale is well down the pecking order , Lowe , Hanson , Nash, Osborne & JOB all ahead of him as a starting wing. AF may be tempted to include some bolsters instead of him too – Daly, Bolton, Russell even Zak Ward
Neither Lowe nor Hansen are World class, they’re not quick enough and they don’t strike fear into proper rugby teams
They look good in an all court game that is being dominated by the forwards but disappear when the pressure comes on.
Lowes defence and defensive reads are so bad that Ireland and Leinster put other players, Keenan and Gibson park on the wing when it’s getting dangerous and don’t bore me about Lowes left boot either
But it is his defence at the highest level that is worrying…
Stockdale is Ireland’s best winger when on form. No one has done what he has done on the international stage. He is now back on form