All Ireland Club Semi Final Replay 2001 Graigue Ballycallan v Sixmilebridge, Semple Stadium, Thurles

Name: All Ireland Club Semi Final Replay 2001 Graigue Ballycallan v Sixmilebridge, Semple Stadium, Thurles
Uploaded: 2026-02-17T08:27:41.000Z
Duration: 3 h 24 min 46 s

Introduction to the Match Context

Overview of Expectations and Challenges

The speaker reflects on entering the match without prior knowledge of the opponent's capabilities, emphasizing that it was a thrilling experience for neutral spectators.

There is concern about revealing team strengths and weaknesses after an initial match, which could impact future performance.

The speaker expresses confidence in their team's potential for improvement despite having played well previously.

Emotional Impact of Match Postponement

The abrupt cancellation of a highly anticipated match led to a significant emotional shift within the community, transitioning from excitement to uncertainty regarding rescheduling.

Preparations have been notably affected by external factors like the foot-and-mouth crisis, impacting ideal game scheduling.

Team Strategy Adjustments

Changes in Team Composition

A notable change in midfield positions has been made with John Redden stepping in, highlighting his previous experience at high-stakes matches.

Concerns are raised about maintaining ball possession to avoid putting defensive players under pressure during gameplay.

Player Mentions and Game Dynamics

Key Players Highlighted

Various players are mentioned throughout the discussion, indicating their roles and contributions to team dynamics.

Call for Team Spirit

Encouragement is given for players to maintain focus and intensity as they prepare for upcoming challenges.

Conclusion Remarks on Preparation

Final Thoughts on Readiness

The speaker emphasizes ongoing preparations while acknowledging past disappointments, aiming for improved performance moving forward.

Match Highlights and Reactions

Key Player Mentions

Christy Chap, Johnny Butler, Brian Colulbert are highlighted as key players in the match.

Thompson, John Kevin Merch, and Adrien Ron also mentioned among significant contributors.

Match Dynamics

Gilligan and Brian Colulbert's performance noted; references to John Kennedy's involvement.

Dennis Germany and Burton Fitzgerald recognized for their roles in the game.

Game Analysis

Discussion on John Butler’s performance; mentions of strategic plays involving Ste Patrick James Royal Y.

Alan Malihine and Carter Brown acknowledged for their contributions alongside Dicky Murphy.

Post-Match Reflections

Immediate Reactions

Tomas expresses thrill over the match outcome, reflecting on missed opportunities but overall satisfaction with the win.

Penalty Incident

Discussion about a crucial penalty miss by Davy Fitz; initial fears of losing were prevalent among players.

Team Performance Insights

Acknowledgment that despite some mistakes, they managed to convert chances effectively compared to previous matches.

Praise for coach Jim Neri’s influence on team strategy and discipline during training sessions.

Looking Ahead: Future Matches

Upcoming Challenges

Players discuss preparations for an upcoming match against Greg Bell on Easter Monday; focus remains on celebrating current victory first.

Final Thoughts from Players

James emphasizes respect for Six Mile Bridge as tough competitors; highlights the intensity of the match.

Tactical Adjustments Needed

Mention of halftime adjustments made by Jim regarding maintaining focus throughout the game.

Final Reflections on Season Progress

Historical Context

Players reflect on their journey this season, noting it as uncharted territory with significant achievements like reaching an All-Ireland semi-final.

All Ireland Final: Underdogs' Perspective

Insights from the Underdog Team

The team acknowledges their status as underdogs going into the All Ireland final, indicating a sense of humility and recognition of their opponents' experience.

There is an expectation that the experience of Athenry may provide them with a slight advantage, potentially giving them a one or two-point lead on the big day.

The speaker expresses hope for a competitive match, emphasizing their desire to "give it a real good lash" and stay close to their opponents throughout the game.

The mention of "James Young big lawn mower" suggests either an inside joke or reference within the context, possibly highlighting camaraderie or light-heartedness amidst serious competition.

Video description

Graigue-Ballycallan 1–13 Sixmilebridge 1–12 Graigue-Ballycallan escaped to victory in this intoxicating AIB All-Ireland club senior hurling semi-final replay at sun-kissed Semple Stadium, Thurles on Saturday. It all came down to the second-last stroke of the game, when Clare star Davy Fitzgerald stepped up to a 62nd-minute penalty for Sixmilebridge after Robert Conlon was upended in the large square. Two points divided the teams; Fitzgerald had converted a similar penalty to draw the 1999 Munster final against Tipperary, but this time his effort went high and over. Only time for the puck-out remained before the whistle blew. In the end, victory went where it was deserved, though Graigue have no reason to feel down after what amounted to an escape. When in the mood, they have the hurling to match anyone, probably even defending champions Athenry (Galway) in the Easter Monday Croke Park final. The Kilkenny side were inconsistent, but with Eddie O’Dwyer and James Young in powerful form at midfield, they smothered the opposition during the opening period. Their play was well-planned, crisp, direct and skilful; the Bridge hardly got a look in. Towering, mobile full-forward Tomás Dermody caused the Bridge all sorts of problems through his bravery and prowess in the air. The losers just couldn’t handle him, and his mischief-making opened up possibilities for deadly strikers like Denis Byrne, Micheál Hoyne and Eddie Brennan. Sixmilebridge shipped heavy damage early on. Denis Byrne landed a line cut, then Eddie Brennan snapped up a ball broken on the 14 by Dermody before planting it in the net – less than four minutes gone. Byrne and Micheál Hoyne added points before Martin Conlon opened the losers’ account in the ninth minute (1–3 to 0–1). The Bridge struggled to get the ball beyond midfield, highlighted by the fact their next two scores per Niall Gilligan and Martin Conlon were from long-range frees. Graigue, with players flying all over offering support and options, eased 1–8 to 0–4 clear with seconds left in the half. Very much against the run of play, the Bridge grabbed a goal through Culbert in the 30th minute, making a mockery of the exchanges and leaving the interval gap at 1–8 to 1–4. The Clare champions chased a bit of inspiration and, in the 34th minute, were awarded a 21-yard free when keeper Johnny Ronan was judged to have fouled the ball after saving from Culbert. Davy Fitzgerald came the length of the field to take it; his effort sailed over (1–9 to 1–5). After Eddie Brennan replied, sweet-moving Graigue added a beautiful point through John Hoyne, worked from their own 14 through Johnny Butler, Eddie O’Dwyer and Denis Byrne before reaching the scorer – lovely hurling (1–11 to 1–5). Even beyond the 50th minute (1–12 to 1–7), no great threat appeared to Graigue, though chances weren’t being turned into scores. On 53 minutes they looked sure to goal, but keeper Fitzgerald prevented them: Eddie Brennan broke the Clare cover on the left, his pass leaving Dermody space for a powerful strike. Their defence was very tight, particularly up the middle where Paddy O’Dwyer and Tomás Comerford were equal to all demands, in the air and on the ground. Johnny Butler, who comes to life every time he gains possession, looks more and more inter-county class. The best defender, though, was close-marking Alan Hoyne – he was great, winning everything in the second period with superb use of the ball. Of course, it’s Graigue’s attack that could blast them to All-Ireland glory; they can hurt teams from so many positions, unusual for a club side. Despite fine hurling from Cathal Walsh, Kevin McInerney, a fitful Christy Chaplin and Niall Gilligan (ever 1–2 from play, allowed to creep back), the Bridge have no strong argument over the outcome. In the 60th minute Gilligan pointed a free to cut the deficit to 1–11 to 1–13 as the game slipped into injury-time, but the losers went for broke too late. The scorers Graigue-Ballycallan: D. Byrne, M. Hoyne (0–3 each), A. Ronan (0–3, frees), E. Brennan (1–0), T. Dermody (0–2), J. Hoyne, J. Young (0–1 each). Sixmilebridge: N. Gilligan (0–7, frees), B. Culbert (1–0), D. Fitzgerald (0–2, one free, one penalty), M. Conlon (0–2, one free), J. Chaplin (0–1). The teams Graigue-Ballycallan: J. Ronan, J. Butler, P. O’Dwyer, J. Ryall, P. McCluskey, T. Comerford, A. Hoyne, E. O’Dwyer, J. Young, D. Byrne, J. Hoyne, M. Hoyne, A. Ronan, T. Dermody, E. Brennan. Sub: Joe Young for E. O’Dwyer 48th min. Sixmilebridge: D. Fitzgerald, K. McInerney, J. O’Connell, C. Walsh, A. Mulready, P. Hayes, A. Chaplin, M. Conlon, C. Chaplin, S. Fitzpatrick, J. Reddan, B. Kennedy, B. Culbert, N. Gilligan, J. O’Meara. Subs: J. Chaplin for O’Meara 43rd min, R. Conlon for B. Kennedy 45th min, P. Fitzpatrick for P. Hayes 53rd min. Referee: D. Murphy (Wexford). Attendance: 5,100.