GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 31 – August 8, 2015 | Page 41

where due to retirement and injury, the
penultimate rear-guard may not be as
tight as other years. It is said that goals
win games and non-more so than in
Croker Park is this a truism. But are
Waterford capable of exploiting any perceived weakness in that defensive zone is
another question?
Corner forward Colin Dunford has the
wrists as does Bennett to strike a close
range goal but a less skilful Shanahan is
capable of missing. Shanahan is a physical presence but is not a speed merchant
and his one sidedness is a disadvantage particularly when
you have Kilkenny players especially in the half backs
breathing down ones neck. Shanahan has done well so far
this season but he can be hot and cold in games. His freetaking has been good but taking frees in Croke Park is
another story as there is more at stake. His temperament
may also be an issue. Ditto for the very young and skilful
Austin Gleeson. His assignment further up the field paid
dividends with scores against Dublin but he has a tendency to lose himself in heroics shooting from lost distance
and also getting into unnecessary squabbles.
TO WIN
To date Waterford have played a sweeper system to their
advantage and will surely employ that against a Kilkenny
side packed with goal threats in attack. But doing so can
leave their own attack less effective. This can play into the
hands of a Kilkenny full back line that might need help.
Waterford also employ a short passing game and if there
is one team that know how to combat this is Kilkenny.
The Cats put paid to the Cork short passing and running
game in 2006. The Cats intensity forces turnovers when
this short system is employed and they will be eager to
stamp their authority on any Waterford efforts in this
vain. To win Waterford will need to create turnovers, mix

the long and the short and take advantage in attack. But
will there be enough potency in attack to get scores maybe
not. Faced with a very strong Kilkenny half back line of
Padraig Walsh, Kieran Joyce and Cillian Buckley it will be
tough going on the ground and in the air. Up front the
Cats, Richie Hogan, TJ Reid, and Eoin Larkin will take
stopping while livewire Ger Aylward will be a big threat.
The overall Kilkenny package puts them in the stronge