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Ireland Head Coach Joe Dooley Wary Of Scots Threat. | |
25 October 2011 Ireland Head Coach Joe Dooley was happy with his players’ commitment following their win over the Scots in the Shinty / Hurling international first test at Geraldine Park, Athy, Co. Kildare on Saturday 22 October 2011. Ireland’s 19-14 win gives them a 2-1 first test lead with the Scots earning a bonus point for goals scored by Keith MacRae and Gary Innes. Speaking to Irish television station TG4 after his side’s first test win, Dooley said, “I’m happy that we got 17 scores from open play when we couldn’t handle the ball and I couldn’t fault the players’ commitment. However we gave away too many frees early in the game and we were fortunate that the Scots didn’t convert more of them. We also lost concentration a bit in the second half although Keith MacRae took his goal brilliantly.” Dooley is a fan of the internationals and the benefits they bring the sport of hurling. “The beauty of the Shinty / Hurling game for us is that players from all levels get to play with the top players. It’s been a well-balanced fixture in recent years. I think it would be a bit of a mis-match if we included all the top hurlers and that’s the reason we just pick four top players each year. It’s a great opportunity for some of the other boys to play with the likes of Eoin Kelly and Brendan Maher.” Looking ahead to the second test, Dooley said, “We fly out to Inverness on Friday so it helps that we are together ahead of the game and you are all a little bit more relaxed. Today was a bit of a rush with players arriving from all over the country. However we will have to play for the full 80 minutes and if we do that, we will be there or there about. It will be a hot reception for us up in Inverness next week and they will probably have a little bit more to work on after today than we will. Five points is nothing and if they get an early goal, it is back to nearly level. It’s nice to have the five points but it means little.” The game was played in good spirit and the Irish boss said, “We said to the boys to play the ball and play it hard because Scotland do the same and there was no quarter given on either side. But we have a good laugh after the game and we’ll do the same in Scotland next week as we always do.” The second test between Scotland and Ireland takes place at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 29 October 2011. The match starts at 2pm and, if you are unable to make the game, it will be shown live on BBC2 Scotland starting at 1.45pm. The second test will be preceded by the meeting between the Scotland U21 and Ireland U21 sides who clash at 12 noon. The day’s sporting feast begins with a Challenge Shinty / Camogie match between Scotland and the British Universities side and this starts at 10.30am. Click on the following link to book your ticket for a full day’s action https://www.eden-court.co.uk/whats-on/shows/marine-harvest-shinty-hurling-international |