Waterford SFC Quarter Final Previews

24 September
The Nire v An Rinn (6.30 at Fraher Field)
After three straight wins to boast from the group stages, The Nire appear to have avoided a sticky last eight opponent. An Rinn, with only one win from three before this weekend’s clash, qualified as the best third place team from the three groups. Their two losses came by a single point however and when they put it together they can challenge the big teams especially with Liam O’Lionain in attack. Expect some rustiness early on from the favourites after their hurling exploits but their experience, power and accuracy should see off An Rinn by a five point margin.
Odds: The Nire 1/4 Draw 9/1 An Rinn 10/3
Prediction: The Nire

Brickey Rangers v Kilrossanty (8.00 at Fraher Field)
Saturday night’s clash under lights proves the most difficult one to predict. The Brickeys maintained an unbeaten record in the group stages while Kilrossanty came good in the quarter final play off against Clashmore last weekend. Brickeys include Conor Phelan and Conor McGrath in their line up and can also claim a superior scoring rate to their opponents. Despite the continued absence of Tommy Prendergast, the quality that Joey Veale and Paul Whyte provide in the forward division makes Kilrossanty the preferred choice here.
Odds: Brickeys 11/10 Draw 6/1 Kilrossanty 10/11
Prediction: Kilrossanty

25 September
Gaultier v Ballinacourty (5.00 at Fraher Field)
For the third year in a row these teams are pitted together in the knock out stages. Ballinacourty pulled through on the two previous occasions and this time the venue also falls in their favour. It is up to the city side to raise their game on Sunday evening like they did in last year’s semi final. Considering that Ballinacourty haven’t hit top form so far they may encounter some difficulties before securing victory.
Odds: Gaultier 4/1 Draw 9/1 Ballinacourty 1/5
Prediction: Ballinacourty

Ardmore v Stradbally (6.30 at Fraher Field)
While Stradbally will be hotly fancied to advance, a number of injuries cast a shadow of doubt. John Coffey and Shane Aherne are the two most prominent concerns along with other little niggles that threaten to derail their bid for three in a row. They also only scored four points last time out against the Nire. Ardmore possess enough physicality all over the field with the Hennessys and the Prendergasts to trouble the holders and this could turn out to be the highlight of the weekend’s action.
Odds: Ardmore 5/1 Draw 14/1 Stradbally 1/9
Prediction: Stradbally