Kingpins
Some things never change and today’s hurling was a perfect example of that. Last year’s All-Ireland finalists were expected to be given tough tests in their provincial semi-finals but both Kilkenny and Tipperary blitzed Wexford and Limerick respectively.
What was so striking about the two performances was how seamlessly the favourites pulled clear. One second there were a few scores between the teams and then all of sudden they were leading comfortably by double digits. It was the first display of the summer for both Kilkenny and Tipp but already it looks like we could be on for a repeat of last year’s decider.
Callanan
Tipp’s marquee forward was lethal in last year’s championship, scoring 9-50 and so far he looks to have carried his form over into 2015. Seamus Callanan bagged two goals for Tipperary against Limerick and they came at key times in the match when his side were on the ropes.
His change of direction in the build-up to the first rocket was a thing of beauty and he proved once again that he is one on the game’s most clinical forwards.
Saffrons
Ten points down on the road in the second half, Antrim could have easily started planning for next year’s championship. Instead, the Saffrons roared back and pipped Laois in a famous win.
Dermot McAleese’s late goal made sure Antrim would be advancing to the second round of the qualifiers and they will fancy their chances after giving such a committed performance against Laois.
Bleak
What a disasterous day for Laois GAA. First, their footballers laid a massive egg in the aforementioned tussle with Antrim and then later that day, their hurlers were annihilated by Galway. The hurling clash in Tullamore was every bit as low as the famous win over Offaly was a high, and Cheddar Plunkett has a tough task on his hands to get his side mentally ready for the qualifiers.
In football, Laois were talked about as possibly being one of the few teams in Leinster who might be able to challenge Dublin but we aren’t even into July and they are already out of the championship. Where can they go from here?
Joe
Joe Canning was very poor in the first game against Dublin, capping his display by missing a straightforward chance right in front of goal. Ever since, he has been superhuman. He scored two crackers in the replay win over the men from the capital and he was exceptional again against Laois, scoring 1-14.
Next up is Kilkenny, a team that Canning usually saves his best for. Galway look very dangerous all of a sudden but this will be a great test for Canning and his young forward colleagues.
