1. Davy Fitzgerald’s first year in Wexford
DAVY FITZGERALD never going to stay away for long, but few could have predicted how quickly he’d be back in inter-county management. Fitzgerald is dropping down the ladder at Wexford, with a talented bunch of players who’ve achieved little at senior level.
The All-Ireland winning manager will expect to bring a sharp rise in the fortunes of the Yellowbellies, particularly in the first season. Much will go down to his ability of getting the best out of stars Lee Chin, Conor McDonald and Jack Guiney.
2. New men at the helm in Clare
Gerry O’Connor and Donal Moloney are now in charge in the Banner county. The All-Ireland winning U21 duo enjoyed a remarkable spell in charge of underage Clare teams, winning five straight Munster underage hurling titles — minor in 2010 and 2011 before the U21 wins in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
O’Connor and Moloney helped mold many of Clare’s current stars and they’ll be aiming to steer the county back to the heady heights of 2013. Tony Kelly looked back to his 2013 form with Ballyea, while Podge Collins will be focusing only on the small ball next year.
This is a huge year for the Banner.
3. The rebuilding of Cody’s empire
There’s talk of “transition” and “rebuilding” in Kilkenny this winter. Brian Cody signed on for an 19th year in charge of the Cats with plenty of question marks hanging over a team that was ravaged in the All-Ireland final.
Experienced veterans Eoin Larkin and Jackie Tyrrell have waved goodbye to the inter-county scene, as Cody must once again look to the future.
The hallmark of Brian Cody’s genius has been his ability to rebuild his teams while consistently contending for All-Ireland honours. This winter, he’s facing into one of his biggest challenges as Kilkenny boss.
4. Tipperary’s attempt to defend their crown
Tipperary’s last bid to retain the All-Ireland in 2011 ended in failure. They lost to Kilkenny by four points in the final, but that was a great Cats team coming to their end.
This time around Kilkenny are in a period of transition, and less of a threat for the Liam McCarthy. The problem is Waterford and Galway must feel their All-Ireland ambitions are in the “now or never” phase. Derek McGrath is potentially facing into his last year as Deise boss, while Galway star Joe Canning recently turned 28 and may have only a couple of prime years left in him.
Tipperary have the continuity provided by Michael Ryan staying on as manager, plus a younger squad than their previous win in 2010.
5. The future of the ‘new-era’
Tipperary’s All-Ireland win was undoubtedly a victory for the purists. A fast, direct game plan eschewed any need for a sweeper as their prolific forwards were devastating at the far end.
Tactically, hurling has evolved quite drastically in the past few years, with the use of an extra defender becoming common place. But Tipperary’s victory, allied to poor years for Cork, Clare and Limerick (each of whom used a spare defender), might see another shift towards attacking play.
One thing’s for sure: Tipperary, Galway and Kilkenny will go man-on-man next year. But it’ll to interesting to see who follows suit, and who opts for damage limitation.
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Something about positive from the FAI for a change.
He has been absolutely brilliant since arriving at the club. We are much improved defensively because of him alone. Turned down the chance to manage Fleetwood a month ago to learn under Tuchel. Hopefully, he has a similar impact for Ireland.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: who’s we?
@Tosh Moher: Ah you’re one of those fans. I say “we” as in Chelsea. Or am I not allowed to say that? I watch every game, I get to say “we”. I hope that’s ok with you Tosh.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: transformed our set pieces. Duffy will thrive
@Hugh: if only he could defend
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: a Flaming sword likes football….they’ll be raging on ailesbury road
@Danger: rugby, football, golf, GAA, you name it, I’ll watch it
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: darts, horse racing….
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: of course your allowed say that Noel, I just find it a contradiction that you as a Republic of lrl supporter would be also be a supporter of Chelsea FC a club and supporters that have a history of racism, and an owner of dubious wealth, and also a club with strong links to the British Army, not a “we” many Irish people would want to be.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: that is grand and all but I have met few English supporters of their native home town football clubs like Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal in Australia over 18 yrs and they all seem to have a less then favourable opinion of Irish people supporting their club, spending their hard earned cash on supporting their local club in Manchester, Leeds or London etc. Irish support for their club is about as relevant as a supporter from Hong Kong. I was actually quite surprised tbh.
@Patrick Lawlor: Why were you surprised? We’re not British, we have our own league. Irish fans filling out the Aviva for Liverpool v League of Ireland XI is no different to Hong Kongers filling out Hong Kong stadium for Liverpool v Kitchee FC. I think a lot of Irish fans like to think it is different for them. They deserve some special status as supporters of English football clubs. ‘Real fans’ etc etc For whatever reason, a lot of PL fans hate the idea of football tourists. It is okay for them to have a squad packed full of players from all over the world, but international fans are not welcome. Morons. Irish fans might as well be tourists too. But, as I said, they like to think they deserve some special status with English clubs.
An appointment based on merit and not a jobs-for-the-boys scheme. It’s a start.
Now that’s a good appointment. A glimmer of hope.
Great appointment..under the radar.. no leaks..hopefully like our defense..
Kenny has really freshened things up with Barry and Dean Kiely on board. Hopefully the way forward, need to improve quickly after a dreadful start. Good luck to them all.
Great news..under the radar appointment..
Boys we’re winning the World Cup
Hopefully will start the end of a parochial finish to International Irish football, go Stephen Kenny,
Did anyone get the date for the stoning of JD.. these bag of boulders I have are raring to flung… nothing like a good Saturday morning stoning, Stephen’s green would suffice as the venue, John only loved hanging around the green.
No chance they could have given Robbie Keane a gig. Considering he is being paid still anyway!