The hardest championship to win is your own county championship. De La Salle came within seconds of reaching an All Ireland final two months ago but now they must refocus and face down the rocky road of the group stages in Waterford.
Their strong challenge at provincial and All Ireland level was built by an impressive county campaign. After suffering a 15 point humiliation to Ballygunner in the group stages they proceeded to blow away all opposition on their way to their second title.
Getting back to the levels they reached last time around won’t be straightforward. For a start Michael Ryan won’t be at the helm after his brief one year stint. Also in 2010 they wanted to prove that their first title was no flash in the pan but this motivation may not be so strong in this campaign. There must be frustration however that John Mullane and Kevin Moran remain the only inter county representatives despite the strong claims of Ian Flynn, Stephen Daniels and Dean Twomey.
Even at this early stage, before this weekend’s opening round, the championship race can be narrowed down to four teams; De La Salle, Ballygunner, Mount Sion and Lismore. Ballygunner’s line of young talent is hard to ignore and despite a number of injuries they still made the county final last year. Wayne Hutchinson and Brian O’Sullivan will be big additions to that panel. Lismore constantly strive to bridge the gap since their 1993 success but even Tomás Mulcahy couldn’t guide them past their bogey team Ballygunner last autumn. In Maurice Shanahan however they possess the best forward in the club championship for the past two seasons. Jimmy Meaney takes the reins at Mount Sion and if he can gel the experience of the McGraths and Tony Browne with new blood like Chris Ryan, Ian Galgey and the two Martin O’Neills they could be dark horses.
Passage surprised many in last year’s championship by reaching the last four. Good work at underage is reaping dividends and with Noel Connors and Eoin Kelly also in their ranks they could impact on the knock out stages. Tallow and Ballyduff Upper impressed in the group stages in 2010 but lacked the cut and thrust in the forward line to progress beyond the quarter finals. A similar story lies in store in the 2011 edition. Dual clubs Fourmilewater and Abbeyside can upset the odds on their day but while they may make a quarter final any further progress is unlikely. Dungarvan, Roanmore and Stradbally will dispute the relegation spoils.
Making championship predictions is treacherous given the way the campaign is basically split in two separate parts. With four teams from six making it through from each group to the quarter finals, losing a couple of games doesn’t make or break a campaign. Timing your run for the quarter finals onwards is the key. Despite this Ballygunner are tipped to wrestle away De La Salle’s title possibly after a rematch in Walsh Park. At the other end Stradbally may not have enough to stave off relegation.
First round previews
23 April
Dungarvan v Ballygunner (2.00 at Carriganore)
Brian Flannery faces a daunting opening task as Dungarvan bainsteoir. Ballygunner can boast an exciting crop of young talent and eight members of the current Waterford senior panel. If Jamie Nagle and Gavin Crotty step up to the plate Dungarvan will keep in touch but last year’s runners up have sufficient quality to win comfortably.
Prediction: Ballygunner
Stradbally v De La Salle (4.00 at Walsh Park)
This fixture presents an ideal opportunity for De La Salle to get back on track after their All Ireland semi final disappointment. Stradbally need a big display from Michael Walsh to remain competitive here.
Prediction: De La Salle
Mount Sion v Roanmore (5.30 at Walsh Park)
Roanmore return to the senior ranks to face a tough city derby on Saturday. Scorer in chief Gavin O’Brien is a future star but his performances will prove crucial to their survival this year. The two Martin O’Neills and Chris Ryan are names to watch for Sion and with Ken McGrath fully focussed on club duties they should make a convincing start here.
Prediction: Mount Sion
Lismore v Fourmilewater (6.30 at Fraher Field)
Maurice Shanahan is an injury worry for Lismore but they should still have too much firepower for Fourmile’. Dan Shanahan’s performance will be worth monitoring as will bright prospects John Prendergast and Paudie Prendergast. Paul Horkan’s loss to emigration weakens Fourmilewater’s hand as they look to Shane Walsh and young star Jamie Barron to keep them in contention.
Prediction: Lismore
April 24
Passage v Tallow (2.00 at Fraher Field)
Passage emerged as surprise contenders for county honours last year as they racked up impressive tallies on their way to the semi finals. Tallow’s efforts depend on Thomas Ryan delivering on his promise with former inter county players James Murray and Paul O’Brien also central figures. The Eastern outfit should come through narrowly.
Prediction: Passage
Ballyduff Upper v Abbeyside (7.00 at Fraher Field)
The big story surrounding this game is the absence of Richie Foley from the Abbeyside ranks. Ballyduff present a formidable outfit built on their county title success of 2007 and the experience of Tom Feeney, Stephen Molumphy and Brendan Hannon.
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper
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