1. Seamus Callanan excels for Tipperary
They may have suffered defeat in Nowlan Park but Tipperary could take consolation from another excellent attacking showing by Seamus Callanan. Last weekend the Drom-Inch man hit 1-4 against Waterford and he bettered that by raiding for 3-6 with some breathtaking scores.
Manager Eamonn O’Shea remarked afterwards that he was not surprised by Callanan’s showing after observing his recent contributions in training. Tipperary will want him to maintain that level of form entering a series of crucial games in March.
2. And Colin Fennelly on fire for Kilkenny
One Ballyhale Shamrocks attacker may command the focus in the Kilkenny side but it was another who dazzled yesterday. Henry Shefflin shot 0-12 in the opening day loss to Clare but yesterday he was overshadowed by clubmate Colin Fennelly.
Tipperary couldn’t handle Fennelly as he shot 3-5 in a magnificent performance. To put that in context, Fennelly captained Kilkenny last summer and compiled 0-7 from his six championship appearances. Four of those points came against Waterford alone but yesterday hinted at a player in the mood to do business this year.
3. The unpredictable nature of Division 1A
Davy Fitzgerald mentioned in Parnell Park yesterday that he had a feeling all six teams in Division 1A would be on two points at the end of the weekend’s action. It’s certainly an unusual scenario to develop that all six teams have experienced victory and defeat after two rounds of games while every victory to date has been achieved on home soil.
It was interesting yesterday to see teams bounce back. Dublin were poor against Galway but sharp and competitive against Clare. Kilkenny went from failing to hit the net against Clare to putting five goals past Tipperary. While Waterford corrected their inaccurate shooting from the Tipperary match to post 22 points against Galway.
Waterford’s Seamus Prendergast in action against Galway’s Ronan Burke
Pic: INPHO/Ken Sutton
4. Waterford’s underage talent blossom in Walsh Park
With three All-Ireland U21 titles in the last five years, Clare have dominated underage hurling. Yet the Banner’s management teams have argued that it is Waterford who have given them their most searching examinations and that the Deise have just as much underage talent coming through.
Yesterday those players stepped up to help Waterford land the senior spoils against Galway. Pauric Mahony and Ray Barry chalked up 0-15 between them to showcase their attacking threat. While it was also notable to see two members of the 2013 Dungarvan Colleges Croke Cup winning side – Tadhg Bourke and Ryan Donnelly – also making the step up to the senior stage.
5. Daly gets the response he wanted
Under Anthony Daly’s tutelage, Dublin have developed a curious habit of a good season being followed by a bad one. There was progression in 2009, 2011 and 2013 while 2010 and 2012 generated regrets. There is a strong desire to develop some consistency and ride high in 2014.
They got off to an inauspicious start though with that hammering against Galway and desperately needed a result yesterday against Clare considering they have tricky trips to come against Waterford and Tipperary and a battle at home to Kilkenny on St Patrick’s weekend. Daly got what he wanted though as Dublin were feisty and competitive while Dotsy O’Callaghan, Alan McCrabbe and Conal Keaney offered the necessary attacking class.
Dublin manager Anthony Daly
Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
6. Wexford looking likely to challenge Cork and Limerick
The form in 2013 points to Munster champions Limerick and All-Ireland finalists Cork as the frontrunners in Division 1B this spring. Yet by drawing with each other on the opening night in Páirc Uí Rinn, there has been extra pressure created.
Meanwhile Wexford have been going about their business efficiently. Winning in Ballycastle by a single point against Antrim was a testament to determination while yesterday was more comfortable as a powerful finish paved the way for a six point victory against Offaly. They still have tough upcoming tests with trips to Limerick and Cork on the cards but Liam Dunne must be pleased with their start.
