GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 17 – January 10, 2015 | Page 29

REPLAYS, GOALS AND
ALL IRELAND FEVER
2014 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW
– DENIS O’BRIEN
JANUARY 9, 2015

We focus on the hurling championship because the publication came into existence after the national hurling
league.
The 2014 Hurling Championship was an exciting one
with replays very much at the heart of things.
The opening of the Munster Hurling Championship saw
the first replay, two more followed during the course of
the summer and of course the fourth one arrived at the
All Ireland stage that had everyone breathless at the final
whistle. So excitement a plenty entertainment-wise.
GETTING GOALS
Kilkenny crowned champions once again after two epic
games with Tipperary in Croke Park. The Black and Amber continue to have a slight edge over Tipp. Why? Cast
one’s mind back to the All Ireland replay second half and
John Power’s crucial goal for Kilkenny to put his side five
points ahead with seven minutes left on the clock. The

build-up to the goal points to why KK have the edge
over Tipp, in that Kilkenny were bent on scoring a goal.
Power’s first attempt was blocked; ball came back out
to about the 20 metre line where Michael Fennelly took
possession and he went for goal, his shot was blocked
but Power was there for the rebound to bat into the net.

“Kilkenny around the 20 metre
line are the most dangerous
team in hurling - it’s goals
and goals only on their mind.”
Tipp, of course are capable of getting their own goals
but that desire, that will, to goal at all costs is pure Kilkenny and it’s one of the reasons they are 2014 champions.
MUNSTER
After an entertaining Munster hurling quarter final
between Waterford and Cork, the replay was more, dis-

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