GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 17 – January 10, 2015 | Page 31

a comfortable lead with late goals grabbing an unexpected
draw. There were no further defensive slip-ups in the replay. Kilkenny were too good for Dublin in the Leinster
final.
QUALIFIERS
The Wexford v Clare games were the highlight of the
Qualifiers. Wexford with plenty of underage talent showed
they are on the comeback when edging out champions
Clare in two extra-time thrillers. Wexford were good
enough to win the first game in regulation but inexperience and lack of confidence were factors. Clare meanwhile,
after their great year of 2013, failed to win a game. A poor
return for the year by any standard. Wexford again showed
their upward curve when ousting Waterford in another
close match. Tipp had no trouble against Offaly and in
their game against Galway looked beaten midway through
the second half but a combination of Galway lethargy and
errors allowed them back in and they took full advantage
with late goals key. The All Ireland quarter finals saw Limerick impress against a tired looking, poor first touch and
lacking- in-confidence Wexford, while Tipp showing plenty of quality, polished off a disappointing Dublin.
Tipp then blasted past a porous Cork in the All Ireland
semi, while Kilkenny in the other semi-final, ground out
a victory against a passionate Limerick who did about
everything except score a goal. It’s not always the case, as
Dublin proved, but in order to win, a team must be able
to score goals. It’s really about taking opportunities when
presented around the 20 metre line and Kilkenny, Tipp
and Cork do this better than most.
RETIREMENTS
The flood of Kilkenny retirements at the end of 2014
means hurling will no longer see Tommy Walsh and JJ

Delaney grace the field. What players they were! Tipp’s
Eon Kelly, who for years, single-handily, was his sides
only scoring threat, has also retired and another loss for
the sport. Kilkenny also lose center back Brian Hogan
and forward Aidan Fogarty – the latter mostly deployed
from the bench of late but a loss nonetheless.
The big question as to who will replace Delaney at full
back and how well that player fits into the Kilkenny defense will be one factor in deciding how things mig