The pre-match mind games reach new heights and why we should feel bad for four of Jim McGuinness’ charges.
Keep playing those mind games…
In the build-up to any big game, in any sport these days, both sides fall over themselves to talk up how good the opposition is.
Ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland final Galway’s Anthony Cunningham has been at it, Kilkenny’s Brian Cody has been at it, the current players have been at it and a raft of former players have also been trying to heap pressure on the other side by saying how excellent they are.
It’s all fairly harmless and part and parcel of any build-up. But on GAA.ie today, former Galway great Joe Connolly has taken it a step further. The 1980 All-Ireland winning captain took part in a quick Q & A on the site and when asked to pick a winner, Connolly said:
“I think it will need to be the greatest performance ever by a Galway team in an All-Ireland hurling final for Galway to win. It’s all stacked up in so many ways in Kilkenny’s favour. I would probably say they are the greatest team of all time in any sport.”
Kilkenny are great, almost certainly the best ever hurling team, but you could make a case for Kerry’s great football team of the 1970s and 1980s being even better, in a more competitive sport. Outside these shores countless teams, from basketball to soccer, would have a legitimate shot at the crown of greatest ever in any sport.
It’s a great one to debate over a few pints, but we are sure Cody’s men won’t be letting it go to their heads.
Donegal’s unlucky foursome
Any way you look at it, Donegal have been the cream of Ulster this past two years. Back-to-back Anglo Celts confirms it and the 2012 round of Ulster All-Star awards followed suit. Announced last night, 11 of Jim McGuinness’ men took home awards, with Colm McFadden winning Ulster Player of the Year.
So spare a thought today for Eamonn McGee, Neil Gallagher, Leo McLoone and Patrick McBrearty, who are the four Donegal men who missed out. There is sure to be some slagging at the next Donegal training session.
Joe Canning was only four…
Anyone looking for a bit of hurling nostalgia should cast an eye at RTE today, where they have put up the entire 1993 All-Ireland hurling final between Galway and Kilkenny for your viewing pleasure.
From Gerry McInerney’s spectacular haircut to a youthful DJ Carey, it is a snapshot of a different era, and a very different looking Croke Park. We’re sure Kilkenny would settle for a similar result on Sunday.
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