Salle survive a scare - Waterford SHC Round 1

County champions De La Salle were given a fright from Ballyduff in the opening round of the Waterford SHC before emerging as five point victors (1-18 to 1-13) on Saturday night at Fraher Field. The teams were tied on seven occasions before Jake Dillon slammed home the clinching goal with two minutes remaining.

They trailed by 1-9 to 0-9 at the midway point as the Reds struck the last five points of the first half. Shane Kearney raised a green flag on 12 minutes and Michael Kearney caused trouble in the corner. The county minor struck six points in all as the 2007 winners rattled their fancied opponents. Kevin Moran produced a strong second half performance however and Dillon, who amassed 1-8, landed the killer punch.

On Friday night, a sharp Mount Sion outfit defeated old adversaries Ballygunner at Walsh Park.  Their young guns stood tall in a 0-20 to 0-17 triumph as Austin Gleeson, Stephen Roche and Ian Galgey accounted for sixteen points between them. They sprinted seven points clear (0-14 to 0-7) at the interval with Pauric Mahony’s free taking leaving Ballygunner clinging on. Sion maintained their grip on the resumption and held off a late fightback from the Gunners to take the two points.

Jamie Barron snatched an injury time winner for Fourmilewater as they snuck past fourteen man Lismore by the minimum. The sides were level eight times before Barron’s eighth point ensured a 0-17 to 1-13 success. Lismore led by 1-7 to 0-7 at half time after the impressive Dan Shanahan set up Jordan Shanahan for a goal on eight minutes. Fourmile stuck to their task with Diarmuid Wall landing two vital points and Conor Gleeson entering the fray to mark his first senior start with a score. Stephen O’Keeffe saw the line for Lismore as they came up narrowly short.

Eoin Kelly bagged 2-5 as Passage overwhelmed Abbeyside in a lively affair (4-15 to 1-14). Their full forward line wreaked havoc as the Eastern side held a 3-8 to 0-9 interval cushion. Abbeyside had no answer to their combination play with John Whitty, Kelly and Killian Fitzgerald striking majors. Kelly poked home his second after the break and although a Patrick Hurney goal gave the Villagers hope, there was no way back.

2012 runners-up Dungarvan routed Roanmore by 5-15 to 1-9 as debutant Patrick Curran grabbed 2-1. The Blues stamped their authority early on and surged 2-6 to 0-0 ahead after just 15 minutes. Jamie Nagle and Gavin Crotty grabbed their first half goals. Patrick Curran was introduced at the interval and made an instant impact by scoring within 20 seconds. Cormac Curran lashed a shot to the top corner before Patrick bagged a brace.

On Sunday evening, Tallow gave An Rinn a rude awakening to life in the senior ranks with a comfortable 3-8 to 0-10 triumph. A stern half back line of Mark O’Brien, David O’Brien and James Murray snuffed out any threat as Thomas Ryan scored 2-4 at the other end. His second strike was out of the top drawer as he knifed through the heart of the defence before unleashing a rocket to the top left hand corner.

Searching for silverware - SHC Preview 2013

Club – Abbeyside

Co. Titles – None
2013 Manager – Packie Hurney
2013 Captain – John Hurney
Chances for 2013 – After losing out in agonising fashion to De La Salle in 2008, Abbeyside tumbled down the pecking order and they are currently trying to regain that lofty status. Their hurling must be sharper to compete at the tail end of the season. Richie Foley’s injury woes means that the onus will be on the Hurneys to offer the leadership and on Mark Gorman to get his eye in from frees. They will also have to plan without Shane Briggs, Gavin Breen and Maurice Power. Their opener against Passage could prove pivotal in the race for the knockout rounds.
Main man – Richie Foley
One to watch – Michael O’Halloran
Odds: 20/1

Club – Ballyduff Upper
Co. Titles - 3
2013 Manager – Maurice Geary
2013 Captain – Jamie Kearney
Chances for 2013 – They may have slipped from the dizzy heights of county champions in 2007 but Ballyduff remain a tough nut a crack. They came within a whisker of making the quarter finals in 2012 but in the end, they had to emerge from a relegation decider with Dunhill. They rely on a core of experienced heads but fresher faces are also making the breakthrough. The Reds are reliable performers at this level and always battle right to the finish. In Group 1, they will fight it out with Tallow and An Rinn for a spot in the last eight.
Main man – Stephen Molumphy
One to watch – Kevin Casey
Odds: 16/1

Club – Ballygunner
Co. Titles - 12
2013 Manager – Andy Moloney
2013 Captain - TBC
Chances for 2013 – Their title defence failed to gather momentum as they fell to their great rivals Mount Sion at the quarter final stages. Their ability to rattle the cobwebs deserted them as they could only muster six goals in six games and fired blanks on three occasions. Wayne Hutchinson should be restored to the half back line from where he policed matters back in 2011. Shane O’Sullivan directs operations from midfield and is hitting the high notes of late. Pauric Mahony, Brian O’Sullivan and JJ Hutchinson will also be eager to recover their goalscoring touch. With a strong inter county presence and a fourth consecutive under 21 title stored away, they pose the biggest threat to the champions.  
Main man – Shane O’Sullivan
One to watch – Barry O’Sullivan
Odds: 3/1

Club – De La Salle
Co. Titles - 3
2013 Manager – Derek McGrath
2013 Captain – Kevin Moran
Chances for 2013 - The main motivation for the holders is put together back to back titles. It is a feat that is rarely accomplished with Mount Sion the last club to do so ten years ago. Salle struggled to retain their title in previous years due to their involvement in the All Ireland series but no such hangover exists on this occasion. Their recent run of success has been powered by their dominant half back line and midfield. Jake Dillon showed tremendous leadership last year in an attack that rammed home 20 goals in ten outings. John Mullane is also raring for action after shelving his inter county commitments. Thurles Sarsfields stretched them in the Munster final but it was the only time over the campaign where they appeared uncomfortable. Their defensive resources will be tested as Stephen Daniels will miss the bulk of the campaign with a knee injury. Eoin Madigan and Conan Watt are also sidelined for rounds one and two. They could do with adding another scoring weapon to their forward division and with that acquisition, they can claim their fourth crown in six years.
Main man – Kevin Moran
One to watch – Shane McNulty
Odds: Evens

Club – Dungarvan
Co. Titles – 6
2013 Manager – Dermot Dee
2013 Captain - TBC
Chances for 2013 – The youthful Blues must learn the hard lessons from last October and come back as a stronger force. They managed to keep their performance levels on an even keel last year and grew in confidence as they progressed to the business end. Shane Kearney, Jamie Nagle and Gavin Crotty emerged as key figures and they came up with moments of inspiration when they were required. They will be without two thirds of their full back line from the county final as Derek Barry and Luke Egan are unavailable. They were sorely missing a predator close to goals last season and if one of their young recruits can plug that gap, they may continue to ruffle a few feathers.

Main man – Jamie Nagle
One to watch – Ryan Donnelly
Odds: 12/1

Club – Fourmilewater
Co. Titles – None
2013 Manager – Fintan O’Connor
2013 Captain – Michael O’Gorman
Chances for 2013 – Were it not for Darren Duggan’s spectacular saves, Fourmile’ would have qualifed for their first county final last year. They won all five group games and perhaps peaked before the knockout stages. They are backboned by astute campaigners who can mix it with the top teams in the county. Their striking, first touch and scoring rate has come on in leaps and bounds under Fintan O’Connor. Shane Ryan, Shane Walsh and Jamie Barron can all cut loose in attack and feeding them on a regular basis will be key to their success. Barron has adapted rapidly to the rough and tumble of senior hurling and silverware at minor and under 21 levels last year suggests that one or two more can push for places. They have a potent cocktail of strength and skill throughout the field which makes them serious championship contenders.
Main man – Jamie Barron
One to watch – Conor Gleeson
Odds: 7/1

Club - Lismore
Co. Titles – 3
2013 Manager – Brendan Landers
2013 Captain – Maurice Shanahan
Chances for 2013 – It’s twenty long years since Lismore last lifted the News and Star trophy. They have only known heartbreak since then with three unsuccessful final appearances and several near misses in the semi finals. In Maurice Shanahan, they possess a forward that has been amassing double digits routinely on the club circuit and older brother Dan continues to cause havoc at number fourteen. They have also brought through young players like Seanie Barry, Ray Barry, John Prendergast and Paudie Prendergast who are now regular fixtures. They rattled De La Salle in the quarters last time around but they crave consistency. Should they start to string together a run of performances, they will make a bold bid once more.
Main man – Maurice Shanahan
One to watch – Ray Barry
Odds: 7/1

Club – Mount Sion
Co. Titles - 35
2013 Manager – Anthony Kirwan
2013 Captain – Kenny Stafford
Chances for 2013 – Even in transition, Sion are a force to be reckoned with as evidenced by their run to the semis last season. The old guard can still roll back the years but the younger crop are beginning to step into the shoes of those that delivered five county titles in the last decade. Martin O’Neill was the leading scorer in the county last season and his accuracy is vital to building match winning totals. If a few more can chip in alongside him, they can make a strong challenge for honours and the last four looks like a realistic target once again.
Main man – Martin O’Neill
One to watch – Austin Gleeson
Odds: 7/1

Club – Passage
Co. Titles – None
2013 Manager – Peter Queally
2013 Captain - TBC
Chances for 2013 – Passage have more than held their own in the senior ranks since earning promotion in 2007. They reached the final four in 2010 and followed that up with a quarter final appearance a year later. With Eoin Kelly at the edge of the square, they carry a goal threat and they netted nine in five matches last season. Owen Connors is an effective operator and a regular source of scores in the half forward line. If they can tighten up at the other end, Peter Queally can lead his charges past the group phase once more.
Main man – Eoin Kelly
One to watch – Richard Hurley
Odds: 20/1

Club – An Rinn
Co. Titles - None
2013 Manager – Liam Curran
2013 Captain – TBC
Chances for 2013 - An Rinn’s splash into senior hurling was short lived in 2009 as they lost all six games but they are more prepared for their latest adventure. They displayed resilience in getting through the Western section and ran amok in the county final. A stern half back line and midfield formed the basis of their emphatic win over Portlaw in the intermediate decider and they also showed no shortage of skill. In attack, Donie Breathnach carries most of the scoring burden but Liam Ó Lonáin is also capable of raising a green flag with the small ball. They will aim for the knockout stages but settle for survival.
Main man – Donie Breathnach
One to watch – Christy Breathnach
Odds: 40/1

Club – Roanmore
Co. Titles - 2
2013 Manager – Liam Ryan
2013 Captain – Colm Burke
Chances for 2013 – A win over Dunhill and a draw with Tallow was sufficient for the Sky Blues to stay up in 2012 and they have another battle on their hands in 2013. They can compete with the big boys but are not sprinkled with the inter county talent that other clubs can count on. A couple of positive results in the Sargent Cup gives them much needed momentum ahead of their opener with Dungarvan. They lean on Gavin O’Brien for the bulk of their scores and unless he gets help in that department, they will fall through the trapdoor.
Main man – Gavin O’Brien
One to watch – Tim O’Byrne
Odds: 100/1

Club – Tallow
Co. Titles - 4
2013 Manager – Terence McSweeney
2013 Captain – TBC
Chances for 2013 – The surprise packets of 2011 experienced an underwhelming 2012. They collected three points from their first two games but lost the remaining four to exit at the quarters. Paul O’Brien provides the direction up front and if Thomas Ryan can recapture his form, it will give the Bridesiders a sharper edge. Their defensive solidity contributed greatly to their title charge two years ago and that battle hardened bunch needs to hold firm again. Their form can fluctuate from game to game and that inconsistency needs to be addressed if they are to progress from a competitive group.
Main man – Paul O’Brien
One to watch – Robert O’Sullivan
Odds: 40/1

Waterford SFC Team of Round 2

1. David Whitty (Gaultier)
2. Colin Walsh (Ballinameela)
3. Maurice O'Gorman (The Nire)
4. Cillian O Murchadha (An Rinn)
5. John Hurney (Ballinacourty)
6. Sean O'Hare (Ballinacourty)
7. Kieran Connery (Clashmore)
8. Michael Walsh (Stradbally)
9. Shane Walsh (The Nire)
10. Patrick Hurney (Ballinacourty)
11. Robert Ahearne (Stradbally)
12. Mark Ferncombe (Ballinacourty)
13. Joey Veale (Kilrossanty)
14. Liam Lawlor (The Nire)
15. Sean Fleming (Clashmore)

Title contenders claim routine wins - SFC Round 2 in brief

In the second round of the Waterford SFC, the main championship contenders Stradbally, The Nire and Ballinacourty all showed a strong hand as they recorded comfortable wins over the weekend. Once again, the fare lacked cut and thrust. Three games were settled by double figures and many of the contests were low on intensity and quality. The tie of round was at Fraher Field on Sunday afternoon where Clashmore earned a narrow win over Kilrossanty

Title favourites Stradbally, who are chasing their fourth championship crown in five years, gave a strong first half showing to see off St Saviours by 3-17 to 1-10 on Saturday night. Two goals from Robert Ahearne set them on their way and then Ahearne turned provider for Ger Power to fist to the net which put them 3-9 to 0-7 clear at the midway mark. Saviours gave a spirited display and Shaun Corcoran slotted a late penalty to give the scoreboard a measure of respectability.

Ballinacourty also collected their second win of the campaign as they easily accounted for Rathgormack by 2-15 to 0-7. Mark Ferncombe’s first half penalty gave them a 1-5 to 0-5 cushion at the break. Courty ran riot in the second period and Ferncombe bagged his second major ten minutes from time as he finished with 2-3 to his credit.

On Sunday afternoon at Fraher Field, The Nire dispatched Ballinameela by 1-16 to 0-6. Liam Lawlor stood out at full forward with five points and he set up Brian Wall for a goal with ten minutes remaining to make it two wins from two. In the second game of the double bill, Clashmore’s first half efforts swatted away Kilrossanty. Sean Fleming blasted home a brace of goals as they raced into a 2-5 to 0-3 interval lead. Joey Veale kicked seven points to keep Kilrossanty in contention and Paul Whyte walloped home an unstoppable shot on 55 minutes to leave them only two adrift. Clashmore clung on however to claim a 2-9 to 1-8 win.

It finished honours even between Gaultier and Ardmore in Stradbally. Gaultier slumped to a seventeen point defeat in round one but two goals from JJ Hutchinson and one from Rory Walsh propelled them into a four point lead with four minutes left. Ardmore reeled them in down the stretch and Seamus Keating snatched an equaliser with a brilliant free. In the concluding game of the weekend, An Rinn took care of Brickey Rangers by 0-11 to 1-6 in a dour struggle at Fraher Field. Conor McGrath’s goal gave the Brickeys hope late on but a Donie Breathnach inspired Gaeltacht side squirmed out of trouble.

Waterford SFC Round 2 Previews

 

20 April

Stradbally v St Saviours (7.00 at Kilmacthomas) Group 1
The Reds steamrolled Gaultier in round one and they will be eyeing up another demolition job. Despite the low level of resistance, 2-16 is still impressive shooting from Stradbally. Saviours didn’t raise the white flag despite being on the receiving end to Kilrossanty and they will have to take every opportunity on offer to stay in touch with the champions.
Odds: Stradbally 1/25 Draw 16/1 St Saviours 8/1                 
Prediction: Stradbally

Ardmore v Gaultier (7.00 at Stradbally) Group 1
Room for improvement from the opening round for these two but Ardmore look more likely to bounce back. In a spicy local derby against Clashmore, momentum turned against them in the second half as Seamus Prendergast saw the line. If they can feed Clinton Hennessy and Seamus Keating often enough they can shake off a Gaultier outfit that are sure to recover from their tame defeat to Stradbally.
Odds: Ardmore 1/4 Draw 8/1 Gaultier 10/3
Prediction: Ardmore

Ballinacourty v Rathgormack (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
With a game already under their belt, Ballinacourty hold in the edge in terms of sharpness here. They are throwing some of their rising stars into the fray and the blend worked well first time out. Rathgormack will also rely on their under 21 county champions to bolster their team. Gavin Nugent and Edmond Hogan can threaten up front but the Hurneys should keep them at bay.
Odds: Ballinacourty 1/4 Draw 15/2 Rathgormack 10/3
Prediction: Ballinacourty

21 April
The Nire v Ballinameela (2.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
The Nire took time to break down the Brickeys but in the end, they ran out convincing winners. Their attack pose a constant goal threat and Ballinameela must prevent the net rattling to stay in the hunt. The Blues could count themselves unfortunate to slip out of the senior ranks a couple of years ago and they should put in a respectable showing here.
Odds: The Nire 1/16 Draw 16/1 Ballinameela 15/2
Prediction: The Nire

Kilrossanty v Clashmore (3.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1

In the tie of the round, these two ambitious teams will get a better idea of where they stand after Sunday’s clash. Kilrossanty had an easy outing against St Saviours while Clashmore scraped over the line against Ardmore in atrocious conditions. Scores could be plentiful here with the form of Tommy Prendergast at midfield giving John Kiely’s charges a marginal advantage.
Odds: Kilrossanty 8/13  Draw 7/1 Clashmore 6/4
Prediction: Kilrossanty

An Rinn v Brickey Rangers (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
Both sides will be eager to get points on the board after opening round reversals. An Rinn were reliant on Donie Breathach last Friday night for scores and other players must chip in to get them over the line in round two. The Brickeys put in a resilient effort against The Nire and if they maintain that work ethic, they can make life uncomfortable for the favourites.
Odds: An Rinn 1/4 Draw 15/2 Brickey Rangers 10/3
Prediction: An Rinn

Brewing up a storm – Waterford v Clare Munster minor hurling

 

Waterford and Clare live to fight another day in the Munster minor championship as adverse weather forced the referee Anthony Sherlock to pull the plug on this semi final play-off. No quibbles with the decision, as player safety is paramount, just the timing of it. It took until twenty minutes before the throw in for the call to be made and that caused dissatisfaction all round.

A mixture of annoyance and bemusement manifested itself at the gate afterwards as people sought refunds and expressed their feelings on the matter. In the end there was no other option than walk away, turn the car around and head back home. It’s a long way from Clare to here and the Banner faithful will have to make another midweek trek in the near future.

For the second week running, a sticky situation was avoidable. The gusts almost swept people off their feet as they made their way to the ground but they still streamed in. Weather warnings had been issued and the wind showed no signs of easing. It makes the late, late decision all the more head scratching.

The delay can be seen as a positive for both camps. These two teams will now get a chance to fine tune their efforts and in kinder conditions (weather permitting) they can show off their true abilities rather than battling the elements. Fitness doubts hung over ace attacker Bobby Duggan for Clare so he will be a certain starter at the second time of asking. Stephen Bennett also gets the opportunity to get back up to speed and force his way into the reckoning. The gates will be wide open to all comers for the rerun with May 1 suggested as a possible date.

Waterford SFC Team of Round 1

1. Stephen Enright (Ballinacourty)
2. Sean Bourke (Clashmore)
3. Shane Briggs (Ballinacourty)
4. Maurice O'Gorman (The Nire)
5. Darren Foley (Clashmore)
6. Niall Walsh (Kilrossanty)
7. Tony Grey (Stradbally)
8. Gary Hurney (Ballinacourty)
9. Tommy Prendergast (Kilrossanty)
10. Patrick Hurney (Ballinacourty)
11. Donie Breathnach (An Rinn)
12. Shane Ahearne (Stradbally)
13. Joey Veale (Kilrossanty)
14. Liam Lawlor (The Nire)
15. Sean Fleming (Clashmore)