Usual suspects on the board – SFC Round 1 in brief

A low key opening weekend in the Waterford SFC as conditions kept the scores and the crowds down. The one sided results was a prominent feature as the gulf in class between top and bottom was exposed. The average winning margin in round 1 came to nine points with three teams claiming double digit victories.

Reigning champions Stradbally got up to speed as they strolled to a seventeen point success on Saturday night. Through the dense fog at Walsh Park, the Reds raced into a 1-7 to 0-1 lead at the break with Shane Ahearne finding the back of the net after 10 minutes. Stradbally kept their foot to the floor on the resumption and Ger Power raised their second green flag as they romped home by 2-16 to 1-2. Gary Molloy scored the goal of the game in the final minute but it served as mere consolation for Gaultier.

In wretched weather at Fraher Field, Clashmore edged out local rivals Ardmore by 0-7 to 1-3. Alan North’s scrappy goal on 14 minutes gave Ardmore a 1-1 to 0-2 interval advantage but they lost Seamus Prendergast to a second yellow card mid way through the second period. Their near neighbours capitalised as Sean Fleming scored three points from play and John Prendergast nailed three frees to nudge Clashmore over the line. Fleming’s persistence and dogged determination up front was the catalyst for them here.

Ballinacourty opened their campaign with a 1-9 to 0-9 win over An Rinn on Friday night. They led by 0-6 to 0-3 at half time and within 30 seconds of the restart, Patrick Hurney netted the decisive goal. Michael O’Halloran’s sublime diagonal ball picked out Hurney and he finished emphatically to the far corner. Donie Breathnach’s class shone in defeat as he landed five points but An Rinn’s late rally came up short.

Kilrossanty chalked up a 1-13 to 0-2 win against a depleted St Saviours on Sunday afternoon with Michael Walsh grabbing the crucial goal for John Kiely’s charges. Playing into the breeze during the first half at Walsh Park, they were 1-5 to 0-1 ahead and despite a spirited Saviours’ effort, they never looked in danger. Last year’s runners-up The Nire rounded off the weekend action with ten points to spare over Brickey Rangers. They had first use of a gale force wind but struggled to press home their advantage early on against a durable defence. Two goals within the space of a minute late in the first half from Liam Lawlor and Brian Wall saw them move them 2-5 to 0-1 clear by the break. In a slow paced second half, Shane Walsh popped over three points to make it 2-10 to 0-6 at full time. The game between Rathgormack and Ballinameela was called off due to fog and an unplayable surface at the Stradbally venue.

Lights out at Walsh Park

 

The light from the laptop was the only source of brightness after the last blast of the whistle on Thursday night. In the pitch dark, the kids finished up their puck around and decided to head for home. I was the sole survivor in the stand bashing away at a keyboard that was barely visible. A five minute warning was issued to head for the exit. The fear of being locked in was the spark required to type furiously, hit send and wrap things up. I got to the gate in the nick of time. The joys of journalism.

On the field, Josh Keane certainly wasn’t afraid of the dark as he raised a few eyebrows with a contribution of 2-9. The towering full forward was a thorn in Waterford’s side all night. He dragged them back from the brink when the hosts led by 0-9 to 0-5. A bit of indiscipline crept into their play and Keane was on hand to punish it. The Waterford half back line controlled the early stages but a couple of sloppy clearances handed the initiative back. It was a lively first half with Keane and Patrick Curran playing starring roles. Waterford lost their way but Michael Kearney’s rocket gave them comfort as they departed at half time.

Although Tipp stretched the gap to three, Curran converted either side of a Conor Gleeson point and with teams level at 1-12 apiece extra time loomed large. Then came a talking point and a turning point. As Sam O’Neill tried to shepherd the sliotar over the line, Josh Keane got in a legitimate nudge in the eyes of the referee to seize possession and cash in from close range. Other referees would have blown for a free out but the Premier pushed on from there.

Although Keane was outstanding, he had back up. Colin O’Riordan was effective at centre forward after Austin Gleeson dominated the early exchanges. Willie Connors advanced from midfield to strike three points and corner forward Conor Lanigan emerged late on with a double to close it out. At the opposite end, Curran ploughed a lone furrow. The other forwards only showed flashes. Eight other attackers saw action but they could only muster 1-2 between them. The players were getting increasingly harder to differentiate in an increasingly farcical situation as the full time whistle sounded.

The Fraher Field floodlights will illuminate an intriguing battle on Wednesday night. Both teams can take positives from their performances last week. In a similar fashion to Waterford, Clare put up stern resistance before going under to Cork. Bobby Duggan scored 2-8 and will make hay from frees if presented with the opportunities. Sean Power has reshuffled the deck and placed players in more natural positions. Stephen Bennett is only just back in the fold after hip surgery so he remains in reserve. The two teams served up an extra time cliff hanger in Cusack Park twelve months ago and although this is a knock out game, it could well turn into a high scoring affair. If the supply to Curran is plentiful and the full back line tightens up, Waterford can go a step further.

Will the Reds reign supreme once more? - SFC preview

 With very little fanfare or build-up, the start of the senior football championship has crept up on us all of a sudden. The same format remains with two groups of six teams and this can lead to a rather drawn out process before we reach the business end. A minor tweak would be to grant the table toppers a semi final spot with the teams finishing in second and third spot battling it out in the quarter finals. It would certainly give a keener edge to the round robin phase.

No matter what system or structure is put in place, Stradbally always seem to come to the fore. Eight titles in twelve seasons and three in the last four is rock solid evidence of their consistency. They routinely hit their peak for the knockout rounds and time their run to perfection. They are very hard to break down and held The Nire goalless over 120 minutes to claim the Conway Cup in 2012. Their experience sees them through tight squeezes and the Ahearnes can operate anywhere from midfield up to the full forward line to great effect. The Reds remain the team to beat.

The Nire played ten games in last year’s championship and if Liam Lawlor remained on the field during the replay, they may have had silverware to show for it. The spine of the team contains familiar faces like the O’Gormans, Brian Wall, Shane Walsh and Liam Lawlor with newcomers Jamie Barron, Shane Ryan and Darren Guiry establishing themselves as starters. They utilised the kick pass to devastating effect during last year’s championship and their lethal attack targeted goals. Their defence is also a strong sector but they looked vulnerable under the high ball in both the drawn and replayed county finals. To go one step further, they will have to put their miserable losing sequence against Stradbally to bed. In typical fashion, these two teams ended all square in their Phelan Cup clash last weekend!

Ballinacourty must rediscover the appetite that brought them success in 2011. Their title defence never gathered pace after a slow start so they will seek to hit the ground running on Friday night. With a formidable forward line, they will be there or thereabouts yet again.

What about the chasing pack? Ardmore were the last team outside of the big three to reach a decider back in 2007 and there are a couple of contenders capable of making the breakthrough. Kilrossanty are worth watching. Although they have been slow out of the blocks, they made the semis in 2011 and pushed The Nire all the way in the best game of the championship last term. Tommy Prendergast is also beginning to boss the middle like he used to and he finished the league strongly in county colours.

Clashmore reached the last four in 2012 but they were outgunned in a shootout with The Nire. They built up a head of steam through the group stages and they grew in stature as the championship progressed. With some talented young footballers on board like Tadhg Bourke and Paul O’Connor, they will target the latter stages once more.

The other team in green and red started strongly last year by beating Ballinacourty but their slow build-up play became predictable and they need to become more direct and give Gavin Nugent and Edmomd Hogan more supply. An Rinn are consistent senior performers and have troubled the top teams but without claiming a notable scalp. It will be interesting to see if they can push on this time around. Their dual senior status may also have an impact on their challenge. Ardmore also have a couple of bolters breaking through with Seamus Keating leading the way. They are unbeaten in the Phelan Cup after three rounds and will continue to make life difficult for the big guns. They should make the knockout stages.

Ballinameela are back in the big time after gaining promotion at the first time of asking. In 2010, they were only a matter of seconds away from a county final appearance but three years on they may have a battle on their hands to avoid a relegation scrap. Brickey Rangers are also in danger of getting sucked in and they need to find some firepower. Their battling qualities may be sufficient to survive. Gaultier and St Saviours also face an uphill task and the latter may not make another great escape.

Stradbally start as favourites and deservedly so given their remarkable record. The Nire will be hungry however to avenge last year’s loss and to end a five year wait for the Conway Cup. If they can avoid injuries to key players, they look the most likely to stop Stradbally in their tracks.

Conway Cup Odds: Stradbally 2/1, The Nire 5/2, Ballinacourty 11/4, Kilrossanty 9/2, Clashmore 12/1, An Rinn 12/1, Rathgormack 25/1, Ardmore 25/1, Gaultier 33/1, Ballinameela 40/1, Brickey Rangers 50/1, St Saviours 66/1.

Round 1 Previews

12 April

Ballinacourty v An Rinn (8.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2

The pick of the first round fixtures gets the ball rolling on Friday night. Ballinacourty started in sluggish fashion last season and their work rate and intensity levels never reached the same heights of 2011. They will need to be at their best because Liam O’Lonain is in top form at the moment and Donie Breathnach can kick points off both left and right.
Odds: Ballinacourty 2/5 Draw 7/1 An Rinn 9/4                    
Prediction: Ballinacourty

13 April

Stradbally v Gaultier (7.00 at Walsh Park) Group 1

Stradbally rarely step outside Fraher Field but they make a rare trip to the other county ground this weekend. They don’t usually burst from the traps so this gives Gaultier a glimmer of hope. The Eastern outfit rely heavily on JJ Hutchinson for scores however and the Reds rearguard will put the squeeze on even if it is only the first round.
Odds: Stradbally 1/10 Draw 11/1 Gaultier 6/1
Prediction: Stradbally

Clashmore v Ardmore (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1
These two teams will target a positive start to set them up for a spot in the knockout stages. Ardmore hold the physical edge here but Clashmore have youth and speed on their side. This could turn into a lively contest with Clashmore fancied to shade the verdict.
Odds: Clashmore 8/13 Draw 13/2 Ardmore 6/4
Prediction: Clashmore

Rathgormack v Ballinameela (7.00 at Stradbally) Group 2
A toss of the euro here between two evenly matched outfits. In what could prove to be a low scoring battle, Rathgormack hold a few more aces in attack.
Odds: Rathgormack 2/5 Draw 15/2 Ballinameela 9/4
Prediction: Rathgormack

14 April

Kilrossanty v St Saviours (3.30 at Walsh Park) Group 1

Although Kilrossanty are short odds, this could prove to be a tricky assignment. If Saviours can start well they will make life difficult for John Kiely’s side at the city venue. Paul Whyte was the top scorer in last year’s championship and his accuracy could prove the difference here.
Odds: Kilrossanty 1/7 Draw 10/1 St Saviours 5/1
Prediction: Kilrossanty

The Nire v Brickey Rangers (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
The Brickeys are full of fight but lacking in firepower and a goal threat. With experienced players throughout the field, The Nire should get up and running here with a comfortable win.
Odds: The Nire 1/20 Draw 12/1 Brickey Rangers 9/1
Prediction: The Nire

 

Shining stars set to light up the future – Dungarvan Colleges 1-12 Kilkenny CBS 1-7

Dungarvan Colleges won by five but it could have been ten or more. Their superiority in all sectors was evident from the opening exchanges and only some erratic shooting prevented them from landing a knockout blow. It got a bit edgy mid way through the second half but they had plenty in hand. They didn’t need to put on a fireworks display, the silverware was all that mattered. The Croke Cup offered confirmation that there is something stirring up West.

They came up with the ideal blend of style and substance. Moments of individual brilliance mixed with grit and determination. They didn’t give their opponents a chance to settle on Saturday as they hassled and harried. Their persistence paid off when Michael Harney forced the Kilkenny corner back into a mistake and Ryan Donnelly pounced with a poacher’s finish.

Tom Devine and Tadhg Bourke took no prisoners in defence as they dominated in the air. Harney dropped deep to bolster that rearguard action against the breeze and they monopolised possession. At midfield, Colin Dunford’s pierced holes all afternoon with his pace and he was well supported by Cormac Curran. Christy Breathnach and Seamus Keating offered a rugged presence on either wing and they put in the spade work for the inside forwards to profit. The leader of the line was undoubtedly Patrick Curran who didn’t let the weight of expectation ruffle his feathers. He had eight shots at the target in the first half and scored six points. He was also fouled for two frees which he converted. These are the mere facts and figures however. His determination to win possession, his willingness to roll up the sleeves and track back, his aerial ability and his composure all add up to a troublesome time for the corner back that stays by his side. Even at the age of 17, there is already reason to get excited about what may unfold.

With all of these factors in their favour, Dungarvan still couldn’t pop the champagne corks at half time. Despite holding a firm grip on proceedings, they shot eight wides and also fluffed their lines when a couple of goal chances opened up in front them. An uncharacteristic defensive slip gave Paddy Cahill the simple task of finding the net and cutting the deficit. Towards the tail end of the half, they also gave up a couple of cheap frees that gave the Cats a glimmer of hope.

Even with the extra man, the Waterford combination left the door ajar. Paddy Deegan got in the way of Curran’s penalty and that kept the contest alive. Kilkenny then put together a purple patch of three unanswered points. Dungarvan slackened during that period. They brought Darragh Lyons into defence to operate as the extra man but the intensity levels dropped. Laurence Power was called into action and he redeemed his earlier error by blocking Kevin Kenny’s shot from close range. The wides continued to accumulate at the other end and they hit fourteen by the final whistle.

The gap narrowed to three but they got back on track. Ten minutes from time, Lyons won a vital free which was subsequently brought forward and Curran obliged. Seamus Keating also soared high to make a couple of telling contributions and late points from Harney and Curran made matters comfortable.

The attitude and application that brought them this success will serve them well as they move up the ladder. They have no shortage of skill and strength but their team work came to the fore. Darragh Duggan, Shane McGrath and Peter Power moulded a cohesive unit over two seasons and they took home three titles (two Hartys and an All Ireland) in convincing fashion. Patrick Curran may be the headline act but the supporting cast are also ready for the big gigs in the not too distant future.

Familiar opponents stand in the way – Dungarvan Colleges v Kilkenny CBS preview

Back in March 2012, an untidy goal gave Kilkenny CBS a narrow extra time win at Walsh Park to leave Dungarvan CBS with a few lingering regrets as they exited the All Ireland series at the quarter final stage. A year older and wiser, this is a leaner and meaner outfit. They travel to Thurles on Saturday brimming with confidence and optimism for an All Ireland rematch.    

They have marched through the provincial and All Ireland series with a sense of purpose. The only blot on the copybook was a one point loss to St Flannan’s in the group stages. In the semi final, Dungarvan pinpointed the Kieran’s full back line as a weak link and went hunting for goals. Patrick Curran is the star attraction up front but others have also made major contributions along the All Ireland journey. Christy Breathnach has chipped in with vital scores, Ryan Donnelly netted a double in the Harty final and Darragh Lyons was the hat trick hero last time out. Seamus Keating brings a physical presence in the aerial exchanges and his touch has been much sharper in recent outings. Michael Harney also offers a scoring threat in a forward line with the potential to cut loose. They have netted 21 goals in eight games thus far.

If their attack looks menacing, their defence and midfield has a hard edge. Many of Dungarvan’s big wins over the last two seasons have been based on their strength in the half back line and midfield. Tadhg Bourke, Kevin Daly and captain Tom Devine in the half backs offer a solid shield and they can suck the life out of a forward line. Bourke is also capable of landing long distance frees. Colin Dunford’s recent return from injury boosts the midfield. His elusive running came to the fore in the Harty Cup final. Cormac Curran is also likely to join the attack and pop up with a score.

Kilkenny CBS are formidable foes and are seeking to bridge a 32 wait for the Croke Cup. They too got the better of St Kieran’s and prevented their close rivals from making it four in a row on the provincial stage. In the last four, they faced Mercy Colleges from Galway and prevailed by 1-12 to 0-10. They have previous experience of All Ireland final day as they were edged out by Nenagh CBS in Semple Stadium twelve months ago. Their attack is spear headed by Kevin Kenny who accounted for 1-4 in the semi final. Paddy Cahill and Shane Cuddihy are others to watch out for in attack with Paddy Deegan, Cathal McGrath and Robbie Fitzpatrick strong in defence.There are seven survivors from the team that lined out against Dungarvan last year.

It has taken a monumental effort from all involved in this Dungarvan Colleges set-up to reach the summit of colleges hurling. Second place is nowhere when the final whistle sounds on Saturday afternoon. The enormity of the occasion is sure to affect players on both teams but a shrewd management team should keep the Waterford youngsters on an even keel. And if things do go awry, they must remain patient like they did in the Harty Cup final where they put a patchy first half behind them. Sixty minutes stands between them and the history books. The red hot favourites can live up to their billing.

The Road To Semple

Dungarvan Colleges 3-13 Doon CBS 1-13

Dungarvan Colleges 3-12 St Caimin’s 0-11
St Flannan’s 0-16 Dungarvan Colleges 2-9
Dungarvan Colleges 5-18 Gaelcholaiste Mhuire 2-8
Dungarvan Colleges 0-14 Blackwater CS 0-10
Dungarvan Colleges 1-12 Thurles CBS 0-12
Dungarvan Colleges 2-21 Templemore 1-11
Dungarvan Colleges 5-8 St Kieran’s 1-10

Kilkenny CBS 2-13 Castlecomer CS 1-7

Kilkenny CBS 2-18 Good Counsel 0-10
Kilkenny CBS 1-20 Dublin South 0-10
Kilkenny CBS 0-14 Colaiste Eoin 2-6
Kilkenny CBS 1-14 Good Counsel 0-9
Kilkenny CBS 2-9 St Kieran’s 1-7
Kilkenny CBS 1-12 Mercy Colleges 0-10

All Ireland Colleges Senior A Hurling Final
Dungarvan Colleges v Kilkenny CBS

Throw in 3.15 at Semple Stadium

Referee: Shane Hourigan

 

Betting:

Dungarvan Colleges 1/2 Draw 8/1 Kilkenny CBS 2/1

Waterford’s hurling league stats 2013

Players used: 24

Scores for: 3-72 (Average 16.2 points per game)

Scores against: 4-75 (Average 17.4 points per game)

Scores from play: 3-39

Scores from frees: 0-33 (31f, 1 s-l, 1 65’)

Top scorer from play: Jake Dillon (1-6)/Brian O’Halloran (0-9)

No. of different scorers: 13

Results:

Waterford 2-15 Clare 1-17 @ Cusack Park

Waterford 0-15 Cork 1-12 @ Fraher Field

Kilkenny 2-15 Waterford 0-16 @ Nowlan Park

Waterford 1-14 Tipperary 0-16 @ Walsh Park

Galway 0-15 Waterford 0-12 @ Walsh Park

Scorers:

Pauric Mahony 0-18 (16f)

Jake Dillon 1-11 (4f, 1 s-l)

Brian O’Halloran 0-9

Maurice Shanahan 0-9 (5f, 1 65’)

Seamus Prendergast 1-5

Jamie Barron 1-2

Brian O’Sullivan 0-4

Martin O’Neill 0-4 (4f)

Shane O’Sullivan 0-4

Stephen O’Keeffe 0-2 (2f)

Kevin Moran 0-2

Darragh Fives 0-1

Shane Walsh 0-1

Slight shortcomings leave Waterford grounded - Galway 0-15 Waterford 0-12

The league’s most consistent side produced their worst half of hurling in the opening thirty five on Sunday and finished up in the no man’s land of fourth spot for the second year running. Although they battled bravely until the bitter end, Galway were in no mood to fold and goalkeeper Colm Callanan only had one save of substance to make. It leaves Waterford wondering as they will go without a competitive game throughout April and May.

Galway raised the temperature from the off. They imposed their physicality and were prepared to go right to the edge to achieve the right result. Their appetite was ferocious and Waterford went into damage limitation mode early on. That muscle was most evident in defence where they brushed aside their markers, shut down the space and forced turnovers. Iarla Tannian also imposed himself in a powerful first half that saw him burst through the tackles all over the field and also post two points.

Handling errors and a general lack of precision from the home side meant that attack after attack was swept clear. They held on for dear life in the first quarter as a couple of uncharacteristic wides from Joe Canning and that penalty miss kept Waterford within shouting distance. Maurice Shanahan’s fresh air on 17 minutes offered the clearest sight of goal all afternoon as the hosts went on a barren scoring run. Trailing 0-8 to 0-3 by the break, they were cast adrift and it could have been worse if Galway were more clinical.

They pegged it back to the three on the restart but that was as close as they came. If Tannian lorded the first half, Davy Glennon was the star of the second. His speed of thought and movement left defenders trailing in his wake as he registered three crucial points from play. At the other end, Shanahan went for broke a little bit prematurely when he took aim on 52 minutes. A point would have a made it a three point ball game but Callanan made the save and Galway stretched the gap to six soon after. The strong wind and icy cold conditions reduced the chances of a shootout but Waterford fell well below the required targets. Even on a day like last Sunday, five points from play is never sufficient at this level. Three goals in five games and three blanks in five games doesn’t help the scoring statistics.

What this game illustrated quite clearly is how greatly Waterford’s attacking fortunes hinge on Seamus Prendergast. He was the only forward to stand up to the firm challenge laid down by the Galway backs. In the second half, the hosts opted to put the towering man from Ardmore at number fourteen and loft direct ball on top of him. He made three clean catches, earned a free (was harshly denied another) and also blasted over a point. This ability to rattle off opponents at either centre forward or full forward and consistently pluck the ball from the clouds makes him indispensable at this moment in time. Prendergast started and finished all five league games which stresses his importance to a fresh forward line. Since making his championship debut back in 2001, he has been unperturbed by injury and Michael Ryan will be praying that he doesn’t pick up a knock before June 2.

So a promising league campaign ended on something of a downer. After making positive strides, Waterford just couldn’t finish the deal. They still exceeded expectations by taking two narrow wins, gaining an unlikely draw and pushing Kilkenny to the pin of their collar in their own backyard. Five players ( Jake Dillon, Brian O’Halloran, Jamie Barron, Paudie Prendergast and Ray Barry) made their first league starts and a new look squad gelled together. A savage work ethic was in evidence yet again on Sunday through the persistence of Jake Dillon and Jamie Barron to chase down lost causes. If you don’t show that level of labour, you won’t make the first fifteen. Young players like Dillon, Barron, Brian O’Halloran and Paudie Prendergast all shone but the more battle hardened like Jamie Nagle, Michael Walsh, Shane O’Sullivan and Seamus Prendergast also gave good reasons to be optimistic about a long summer. The jury remains out on the style of play that involves precise passes instead of direct deliveries. Certainly the short puck out strategy needs a rethink.

On the minus side, the lack of firepower is what may hold this team back on the big days. After Sunday’s defeat, Michael Ryan admitted that it was an area of concern. “It’s something that we will have to look at and something that we will have to address going forward. Normally you don’t win matches if you don’t get a goal or two and as the year goes on maybe we will tweak our game plan and see can we get more fellas closer to goal in dangerous positions.” There were also a couple of players who didn’t get the opportunity to show what they are capable of. The De La Salle duo of Dean Twomey and Eddie Barrett didn’t get an opportunity to audition for a place beside Shane O’Sullivan at midfield. Martin O’Neill and Gavin O’Brien also only got a limited window to perform in attack. The exclusion of Pauric Mahony and Stephen O’Keeffe towards the latter end of the league also raised eyebrows. The lack of match practice between now and the championship will concern them most of all however as the waiting game begins.