Championship Corner With Colin Ryan

In the lead up to the Limerick game six weeks ago, I have to say my overriding feeling was more of trepidation than hope for the year ahead.

I would not have thought I would be disappointed we did not make it to the last four, and massive credit must go to the players and management for this. The joy, distraction and entertainment they supplied was more than welcomed at a difficult time. We are extremely thankful as supporters to everybody who made this championship happen, and to be able to see Tony Kelly in full flow was an added bonus to the hurling folk throughout Ireland.

The game last week had more of a lightweight flow to it with speed, agility, movement and transition from defence to attack at speed, all on show. This was in contrast to the heavyweight clash that preceded it, between Galway and Tipp. It is safe to say we are not at the level physically to match these two sides, or even Limerick, but that is not to say we can’t get there.

We have a number of issues that came to the fore last week, when we were put under the utmost pressure by a very well trained and energetic Waterford outfit. The naivety for the goals conceded was clear to see and this is something Brian will be losing sleep over, until the league commences again, which won’t be long. Two defenders going up for the one ball and ball watching is unforgivable at this level. The lack of a specialised full back and centre back is causing us a lot of trouble at present and the dark arts of defending leave a lot to be desired. We seem too nice in defence and are often not close enough to lay a glove physically on opponents. Brian’s first job must be to develop a defensive unit that stands up to the pressure that the likes of Limerick will put you under. I stress the word unit, because backs nearly need to have a telepathic relationship under extreme pressure and know when to dig each other out, without leaving gaping holes or unmarked opposition close to goal. It is all about risk analysis and sacrificing a point maybe for a goal, at times.

After working so hard to claw back the two early goals, I think the third goal was such a sucker punch and allowed Waterford go into half time with added confidence. The manner in which we conceded it was even more of a confidence drainer. As I warned last week, we seemed to become devoid of ideas in the second half and ran out of energy. This resulted in aimless long deliveries, which Tadgh De Burca cut out and with that, we allowed one of the best playmakers in the game to start attack after attack. We seemed to lack a real game plan. I am probably being harsh here but, going into the game it might have been a case that other players were expecting Tony to work his magic and just play their minor role. The injury to Tony blunted our attacking threat but, in fairness to Cathal and Aron, they stood up to be counted. Most teams at this level seem to have scoring threats from 5 to 15. We are lacking this strength in depth in our attack, and we have to work so hard for scores which as a result uses so much excess energy.

On a positive note, Brian now knows what he is up against. We have come up against some very good opposition and there will be a clearer picture of the blueprints needed to beat the best. In Tony we have one of the best, if not the best hurler in Ireland, at present. The All-Star is sown up but unfortunately, Hurler of the Year is probably just out of reach, I for one, know how these things work.

The forward unit can improve and you would hope with the addition of a hungry John Conlon, this will only improve. A serious strength and conditioning programme must be developed for the likes of Ryan Taylor, Diarmuid Ryan, Colin Guilfoyle, Cian Galvin and Shane Meehan so that these players have the confidence and physicality to compete and make a big impact at this level. Are we doing everything possible and employing the right expertise to enable this? This is a big worry for me. Have we the facilities to enable and give the feel of a professional setup? All the top teams are ahead of us in this regard and we need to get our house in order.

Two people stepped away from their current roles this week as Eddie Brennan departed from Laois while one of our own Brendan Bugler, left his role in Wexford. Brian and the young team could massively benefit from people of the caliber and passion of these two characters. We need to be ambitious and forward thinking as a county or the others will leave us in their dust.

In saying that, any team with Tony has a real chance.