As we close the page on the latest chapter of GAA action for the men and women from the South East, there is much to analyse in moving forward.
The weekend supplied a variety of performances and results, with a mixture of emotions across the region.
Players from @TipperaryGAA, @DubGAAOfficial, @Carlow_GAA, and @Offaly_GAA have made this week's #GAA Hurling Team of the Week. Agree or disagree with our selection? Let us know! #GAABelong
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 19, 2023
We begin with hurling and the Preliminary Quarter-Finals of the All-Ireland Senior Championship. Third place in Munster and Leinster met the finalists of the Joe McDonagh Cup, with many beforehand questioning the necessity for the meetings.
Tipperary faced Offaly in Glenisk O'Connor Park, in what many had labelled as a potential banana skin for the Premier side. Following a disappointing showing against Waterford in the final round-robin provincial game, Liam Cahill's men had the opportunity to make a statement.
What occurred was one of the most one-sided Championship games in recent history, with Tipp strolling home with a scoreline of 7-38 to 3-18. In truth, the game was over from a competitive angle after ten minutes of play, with a feel of a challenge match for the remainder.
Mark Kehoe is having an impressive season for @TipperaryGAA and his finishing was lethal again in their All-Ireland SHC Preliminary Quarter-Final as he scored 3-3 from play. Is he your https://t.co/gvXdqgP24y Hurler of the Week? Vote now on the GAA Instagram Stories! pic.twitter.com/U1U7XS80hi
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 19, 2023
Played out in poor conditions, with lightning illuminating the Tullamore sky, this game did nothing for Offaly hurling. They are a side who have worked tirelessly at the youth level in recent years, but the gulf in senior class was evident from the off.
Tipp scored at will, with several standout performers by the end of the day. None more so than Mark Kehoe, who bagged himself a hat-trick with 3-3 scored from play.
Next up for the Munster men is a far more compelling tie on Saturday, June 24, as they lock horns with Galway in the Quarter-Finals at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.
Chris Nolan led @Carlow_GAA's brave charge against Dublin in the Preliminary All-Ireland SHC Quarter-Final. He scored 3 classy points from play and always looked dangerous in possession! Is he your https://t.co/gvXdqgP24y Hurler of the Week? Vote now on the GAA Instagram Stories! pic.twitter.com/2qlCvCulu4
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 19, 2023
The second Preliminary Quarter-Final saw the victorious Joe McDonagh winning Carlow welcome Dublin to Netwatch Cullen Park.
Thankfully, for those who were critical of the integration of Joe into the Championship rounds, a far more competitive fixture played out.
Speaking to Beat Sport before the game, Carlow captain Paul Doyle was aware of the challenge that awaited. "We know ourselves that we have a massive task ahead of us - it is going to be a tough game," he said.
But there was no fear in this side, instead, a group of men who embraced the challenge and met it head-on. The home side led at half-time and were within a puck of a ball with 61 minutes played.
Ultimately, Dublin would prevail by a scoreline of 2-25 to 0-21, but it flattered the visitors, with a suggestion afterwards that the celebrations of Joe may have led to tired legs in the final ten minutes.
Chris Nolan was sublime once more, nailing three eye-catching scores from play and setting the tone for his side. It was crucial on the day as the crowd fed from his style and class.
In contrast to the meeting in Offaly, Cullen Park served as a reminder that quality does exist outside of the perennial heavyweights, and Carlow can hold their heads high after a battling performance.
🇲🇱All we can ask of any team is that they give their all & stay going till the end. If that brings victory, great. If not, there is no shame in defeat once you’ve done your best.
🥎On Saturday, our hurlers led at half-time & were still within 2pts of Dublin after 61 minutes. pic.twitter.com/yfutQzMN03
— Carlow GAA (@Carlow_GAA) June 19, 2023
Sticking with Carlow and moving to football, the Quarter-Final of the Tailteann Cup delivered an intriguing weekend across the Country.
Niall Carew's men made the long trip to Belfast to face Antrim at Corrigan Park. A mammoth task awaited, but a battling display was again the result.
The men from the South East were made to work hard from the opening minute and found themselves trailing for large portions of the game. To their credit, they never gave in and battled back from an eight-point deficit to a single score in the dying minutes.
Ultimately, it was too little too late, as Carew's side fell to a 1-19 to 1-15 defeat in Belfast. There is much to applaud in the performance and plenty to build on for this group of talented players.
Today's match stats, brought to you in association with @eset_ireland pic.twitter.com/7Go1LTo5bh
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 17, 2023
Wexford were also in Quarter-Final action and faced the task of a trip to Páirc Tailtenn for a clash with Meath.
In what would always be a difficult encounter for John Hegarty's men, their opponent's class oozed through from the offset. It was a learning experience for this group, and the players can take pride in their efforts throughout the campaign.
A scoreline of 2-23 to 0-12 does not accurately portray the talents of these players, and there is a feeling that there is more to come.
Despite their quarter-final loss at the weekend, @OfficialWexGAA had a notable Tailteann Cup campaign with Eoghan Nolan impressing throughout! Watch below to find out more about the Model County's forward with #GAANOW. pic.twitter.com/13lA2T9pDs
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 19, 2023
One result can not take away from a notable Tailteann Cup, with Eoghan Nolan gaining plaudits for his efforts throughout. 2023 will supply the necessary building blocks for this group of players.
An impressive win for Waterford in the second round of the Glen Dimplex All Ireland Championship:-
FINAL SCORE
Waterford 2-19
Limerick 0-11Super play from De La Salle’s Beth Carton who finished with a tally of 1-12 (4fs). @OfficialCamogie @stsgroupeurope @Dimplex_Ireland
— Waterford Camogie (@deisecamogie) June 18, 2023
Waterford Camogie continued its march toward Croke Park and enjoyed a dominant display in Round Two of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Championship.
Seán Power's side made the trip to Cappamore to face Limerick, having seen off Offaly comprehensively in the opening round. Power demanded more from his players in Round two, and they raced out of the blocks with a 1-05 to 0-02 lead after 11 minutes of play.
It ended in a comfortable victory for the Déise, with a final score of 2-19 to 0-11, with Beth Carton hitting her 100th point for the County in the process.
Our Senior All Star BETH CARTON today scored her 100th score for Waterford in 2023, bringing her personal tally to 4-96.
What an achievement! 💙
Beth is an amazing talent, aside from scoring, her skill & work rate is the best in the game.
Thank you Beth you’re a real star 🌟 pic.twitter.com/sBnkWUfVmh— Waterford Camogie (@deisecamogie) June 18, 2023
Next up is a home tie against Antrim on Saturday, July 1, at the SETU Arena, as Carton and co aim for three wins from three.
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