Hurling Power Rankings #5 — The Déise finally awaken
Waterford get the Cat off their backs, while Tipperary finally begin to find a bit of form.
6 Wexford
Wexford may have the biggest hill to climb as the year enfolds. With four tough, buzzy Munster teams and Galway, who cast them aside so handily, left to contend with, you’d wonder if Davy Fitzgerald’s men have the legs for more after a long and arduous season. (Down from 5)
5 Clare
A disappointing performance in the Munster final didn’t help Clare’s chances going forward. Their tactics were questionable, depriving the full forward line that relies on goal opportunities of any ball. Cork had plenty of space to do damage, much like their win against Tipperary the half forward line stretched the field, causing havoc in the Clare defence which led to frees and easy scores. It’s frustrating for the Bannermen, who clearly have the talent to do so much better — there’s too much structure and not enough fluidity to let their hurlers do what they do best. (Down from 4)
4 Waterford
They finally got the monkey — or Cat — off their backs with an extra time win over Kilkenny on Saturday night. They were by far the better team throughout, with heroic performances from Tadgh de Búrca, Jamie Barron and Austin Gleeson. Kilkenny didn’t die off easily though, making an incredible comeback to trigger extra time. But Waterford showed their steeliness in extra time, finding the net twice and beating them for the first since since 1959. There’s the talent to go all the way this year, but if they play as negatively as they did against Kilkenny they might get caught against a more potent side. (Up from 7)
3 Tipperary
Tipperary finally showed their real potential, pulverizing a dismal Dublin in Semple Stadium. Home advantage aside, Dublin didn’t look up to the pace and would probably have lost by poor in Croke Park. Seamus Callinan had his best game of the year, while John McGrath and John O’Dwyer were much better and as a trio were absolutely devastating. If these three can stay hot for the remainder of the season then Tipperary may have the biggest say of all.
2 Cork
They had to do it the hard way, beating Tipperary and then Waterford and then Clare on their way to a Munster title. The Rebels were clinical against the Banner, looking strong from front to back. They have an array of fantastic forwards and Patrick Horgan in the middle, coming into key form as they await the semi-finals. The find of Mark Coleman at wing back has shored up their backline and he looks a certainty to be Young Hurler of the Year. There’s talent throughout the field to take them all the way.
1 Galway
They’ve been number one all summer, and there’s no change as we await the All-Ireland quarter finals in two weeks’ time. The Tribesmen are in the driving seat as we head into the final six.
