The Hurling league returns

[Rebelred]

Cork kick off the NHL this weekend against the Biffos.I think John Allen and Co. will be on the look out for a couple of forwards to take the load off Ben and Jerry.It's a pity Cathal Naughton is ruled out at the moment as I think he's certainly a player who will be a cork senior within the next 2 to 3 years. Conway getting a run out on sunday,alongside Callinan.Will be interesting to see what Callinan can do on the 40,he's a very good hurler and unlucky that we have such a quality half back line at the moment.
"Hero" is on the edge of the square,can't see him staying there the whole game,he's better further out the field

Your thoughts people...

All-Ireland champions Cork introduce three newcomers and have also recalled Mickey O’Connell to their side for Sunday’s opening NHL game against Offaly in Birr.

Given their call-up papers are Bishopstown’s Shane O’Neill and Ronan Conway, together with Cloyne’s Killian Cronin.

Cronin has been selected at full-back, with his club colleague and Allstar Diarmuid O’Sullivan moving to right half-back. O’Neill is introduced at left half-back in place of the injured Seán Óg Ó hAilpín, while Conway makes his debut at left wing-forward.

O’Connell, out of the inter-county scene since 2004, makes his return as midfield partner to Kevin Hartnett of Russell Rovers.

Wayne Sherlock and Cian O’Connor hold down the corner-back positions, with Graham Callinan reintroduced at centre-forward. In another experiment, Erins Own’s Kieran Murphy is given the full-forward berth.

Offaly will be without the Whelahan brothers, Brian and Simon, both are recovering from knee operations, while three members of last season’s squad, Colm Cassidy, Paudge Mulhare and Niall Claffey, have retired.


CORK (SH v Offaly): D. Óg Cusack; W. Sherlock, K. Cronin, C. O’Connor; D. O’Sullivan, R. Curran, S. O’Neill; K. Hartnett, M. O’Connell; T. McCarthy, G. Callinan, R. Conway; K. Murphy (Sarsfields), K. Murphy (Erins Own), J. Deane.

[Johnnyc]

is Niall Fitz injured?

As usual we're looking for a few forwards, particularly on the 40. The team itself is a good mixture between experience and newcomers. Its an excellent chance for some of the new lads to shine. All in all I think we'll have a stronger panel than last year.

I think we'll defeat Biffo's army anyway.

that is all.

[Lamps]

haven't seen much of conway should be interesting. i'd give sully a run for 20 minutes at centre forward just for the laugh. don't think callinan has the composure for the forward line, we already have niall mac. forwards are gonna be a big problem again. agree on naughton, he looks like he could make the step up. don't rate hero at all, his speed of thought and long swing are not intercounty standard.

cork should win this pulling up

[MonTheHoops]

don't rate hero at all, his speed of thought and long swing are not intercounty standard.

And guaranteed a booking each game.

Anyone at the Limerick game last week. Poor enough

[PermanentMarker]

i'd give sully a run for 20 minutes at centre forward just for the laugh.

Maybe but he made no impact for Cloyne in the County Final when he went up there. I think he was possibly on Pat Mulcahy which might explain his lack of success but I don't think he's nippy enough to bang over points the way Niall "Fitz" did when he was on form the year before last. The Rock is what he is but I'd be delighted to be proved wrong.

Killian Cronin was particularly good that day down the park though so good luck to him. If we can find one ot two more decent options up front particular on the 40 as you say we'll do very well this year.

[Lamps]

And guaranteed a booking each game.

Anyone at the Limerick game last week. Poor enough

no, but the hurlers have different uses for challenges and the league to the footballers. they'll just use the league for trials. everything is geared towards the 3 in a row

[Lamps]

Maybe but he made no impact for Cloyne in the County Final when he went up there. I think he was possibly on Pat Mulcahy which might explain his lack of success but I don't think he's nippy enough to bang over points the way Niall "Fitz" did when he was on form the year before last. The Rock is what he is but I'd be delighted to be proved wrong.

Killian Cronin was particularly good that day down the park though so good luck to him. If we can find one ot two more decent options up front particular on the 40 as you say we'll do very well this year.

i've knocked sully plenty of times for his dirty play in club games but to be fair to him, newtown bypassed him that day. he played midfield for most of the game i'd say and didn't see that much ball. pat mul could be an option as well at CF, they tried it last year against clare before he got injured, apparently did very well

[MonTheHoops]

no, but the hurlers have different uses for challenges and the league to the footballers. they'll just use the league for trials. everything is geared towards the 3 in a row


Oh I know that. See Jonathon O Callaghan.

[Paddy Wagon]

haven't seen much of conway should be interesting.
He's a Very good player, I marked him a couple of times last year and He's a tough nut to crack altho he might want to bulk up a bit more if he wants to sustain a place on the panel..

[Rebelred]

i've knocked sully plenty of times for his dirty play in club games but to be fair to him, newtown bypassed him that day. he played midfield for most of the game i'd say and didn't see that much ball. pat mul could be an option as well at CF, they tried it last year against clare before he got injured, apparently did very well
Yeah in fairness,Sully was never allowed into the game by newtown that day.they kept the ball away from him all day.there were plenty holes in that cloyne side that they could exploit with their skill and speed of play. If Niall Mac(Fitz) hits form again this year then we'll be fine centre forward,but we do need an option on the wings and another in the corner.We're spoilt for choice with keepers and defenders,although I do worry should Tom Kenny or Jerry get injured,we might be in trouble.Hartnett is a fine player but lacks championship experience yet,then again,that can only come with practice.