Hurlers on the ditch have their say

By Pierce O’Reilly

Monty Moloney, New York GAA president:

"I’m very confident that we can win this game. The lads have trained extremely hard over the past three months, and with home advantage, a huge home support, and, hopefully, a scorcher of a day, we should be good enough to get our first championship success. We’ve no excuses this year. The half-back line of John Madden, Owen Cummins and Brian Greene is as good as any intercounty team at home and I expect them to get on top early. If we break even around the middle we should be good enough to take control up front. It’s going to be a great game and I just can’t wait for it to arrive. The New York board is delighted to be associated with such a dedicated and committed group."

Tom Nugent, (Westmeath):

"This team has learned a lot from the defeat last year. We made a lot of simple mistakes in that game and to be honest the lads were very nervous. That won’t happen this year at Gaelic Park. We’re much more balanced also this year and the team really picked itself from early on. I’m very impressed with the full forward line of Kevin Kennedy, Tom Moylan and Bonny Kennedy. If we can get the sliotar to them often enough, we’ll win. Down the middle this year we’ve lots of experience, with Brian McCabe, Owen Cummins and John Madden. It should be a great battle."

Teresa Crowe (Tipperary):

"I’ve watched these lads train and play over the past few weeks and I’m very impressed with them. The entire panel is very spirited and enthusiastic this year and I’m just hoping that it goes well for them all on Sunday. To be honest, I think New York deserves some success soon. The county teams both hurling and football has really improved the standard of the game here in New York and that’s very evident every Sunday. It’s going to be a huge task to win, but I think we can do it. I’m even saying a few prayers every morning now for the lads. Best of luck to all involved."

John Phelan (Waterford):

"It’s very difficult to call. Down were very impressive last year at Casement Park when they beat New York but they’ve gone back a lot since. Their full forward Paul Braniff is very dangerous, while all-star Gerard McGrattan will take some watching. I’m a bit worried about our mid field and half-forward line. Fintan O’Shea, Brian McCabe and Vinny Nortan are probably better facing the ball farther down the field. There is no doubt about their hurling ability, but they need to get on the score sheet more often. Tom Simms and Mark Comerford at middle will have to hurl the game of their lives if we’re to win. That said, if they get enough good accurate ball into the full forward line, I think we’re good enough to pip Down on our own pitch."