Hurling season hits boiling point – SHC Quarter Final Previews

The serious business starts here and serious contenders may tumble out of the championship arising from these quarter final dealings. So far, we have witnessed gripping local derbies and sparkling individual displays from the likes of Jake Dillon, Michael Kearney, Patrick Hurney and Eoin Kelly. Knock out hurling reveals deeper layers however.

14 September

De La Salle v Ballygunner (5.30 at Walsh Park)
Since 2008, the News and Star Cup has been passed back and forth between these two although they may have expected to meet each other at a more advanced stage of this year’s championship. Due to injuries, De La Salle have yet to field their strongest fifteen in any of the group games but they will need all of their first choice starters here. Ballygunner bring more momentum into this knockout clash after their fighting their way out of a tight corner to make the last eight. On the other side, De La Salle were already assured of their spot after winning their first three games. The key area where the Gunners must break even at the very least is the De La Salle half back line. Pauric Mahony has steered the ship from centre forward in their last two triumphs and a crucial confrontation with Kevin Moran may materialise. He tends to drop deep and either shoot from distance or pick out the lively pair of Brian O’Sullivan and JJ Hutchinson in the corners. It’s a matter of maintaining a brisk tempo for Andy Moloney’s side and stretching the Salle rearguard. They may struggle to deal with the power and strength of the holders all over the field. Derek McGrath can look to Abbeyside’s win over Ballygunner as a blueprint. They have also planned meticulously and always aim to hit their peak at this time of year. Jake Dillon has also taken over the mantle from John Mullane in the leadership stakes up front. Salle to survive in a tight squeeze.
Betting: De La Salle 2/5 Draw 10/1 Ballygunner 9/4
Prediction: De La Salle

15 September
Mount Sion v Tallow (1.30 at Fraher Field)
The numbers of injury setbacks leaves Sion vulnerable here. The Bridesiders’ hopes hinge heavily on another goalscoring return from Thomas Ryan. Tallow struggled badly when Ryan was watched closely against Lismore and Fourmilewater. Anthony Kirwan must ponder whether Chris Ryan, John O’Leary or Stephen O’Neill will take up that duty. In the scoring stakes, Austin Gleeson and Stephen Roche carry the burden. The 2011 runners-up will rely on their battle hardened defence where James Murray is holding firm but Sion can cope with their absentee list for now.
Betting: Mount Sion 1/5 Draw 12/1 Tallow 4/1
Prediction: Mount Sion

Passage v Ballyduff Upper (3.00 at Fraher Field)
Peter Queally’s side have progressed steadily through the group stages. They hold a variety of weapons in attack and tend to leave things open at both ends of the field. They managed ten goals in five matches with two time All\ Star Eoin Kelly accountable for six of those. Midfielder John Whitty also bursts forward at regular intervals. Their opponents have been boosted by an injection of youth led by All Ireland medallists Cian Leamy and Michael Kearney. They are reliable championship performers and this year tend to adopt a sweeper in defence. Despite these persuasive arguments for the Reds, the forward flair in the Passage ranks may prove significant.
Betting: Passage 4/7 Draw 8/1 Ballyduff Upper 13/8
Prediction: Passage

Fourmilewater v Abbeyside (4.30 at Fraher Field)
The toughest one of the quarters to make a conclusive call. Fourmile’ arrive at this stage with less fanfare that last year but they still won four out of five in a tough group. The availability of Shane Walsh boosts them further. Abbeyside are brimming with confidence since unsettling Ballygunner at Walsh Park. They present a physical obstacle for their opponents and build their attacks from the half back line. They need to find greater consistency in their shooting as they shot 15 wides against Dungarvan. Patrick Hurney has scored 8-9 so far and may unearth some weakness in the last line of the Fourmile’ defence. To make those gains however, they will have to find a way past Liam Lawlor at number six. A major collision in store here.
Betting: Fourmilewater 1/2 Draw 10/1 Abbeyside 7/4
Prediction: Abbeyside

Waterford v Galway Previous Minor Meetings

1948 All Ireland Semi Final
Waterford 8-12 Galway 3-2

1960 Munster Quarter Final
Galway 3-7 Waterford 3-4

1966 Munster Quarter Final

Waterford 7-6 Galway 7-6

1966 Munster Quarter Final Replay
Galway 2-12 Waterford 4-5

1992 All Ireland Final
Galway 1-13 Waterford 2-4

2009 All Ireland Semi Final
Galway 2-22 Waterford 1-18

2010 All Ireland Quarter Final

Galway 1-15 Waterford 2-8

Minors made of style and substance - Waterford v Galway preview

 

Seven games and 440 minutes to get this far. Seán Power knows that composure at both ends of the field and a sixty minute showing will take them a long way. The raw material exists in an unchanged fifteen and in an attack minded substitutes bench to seize the day.

At the media night almost two weeks ago, there was a sense of purpose and inner belief. The Hawkeye saga didn’t cloud their focus. Playing on the All Ireland undercard shouldn’t rattle them for two reasons. The college campaigns mean that these players are accustomed to gearing up for big occasions and more importantly emerging on the right side of the verdict. The All Ireland semi final also gave them a sample of what to expect on Sunday. They hit the field an hour early as selector Kieran O’Gorman explained. “They had a few shots at goal, had a walk around, see what studs would they wear and things like that. I don’t think that the place got to them on the day. I think they handled it well and they showed a lot of maturity for eighteen year olds.”

They will draw on all of these experiences on Sunday, both positive and negative. At times, Waterford have appeared vulnerable. Take the nine point deficit they faced 18 minutes in at Pairc Ui Rinn. Or letting an eight point advantage go down the drain in the drawn Munster final. O’Gorman also revealed that the swell of Limerick support on that afternoon overwhelmed some of the players. “The day of the Munster final in Limerick a few of them did say that with the double Limerick support there that when Limerick started to come back into it the noise was unbelievable. They never witnessed anything like it before but that was a lesson that they learnt. It was a harsh lesson but I don’t think it will affect them.” A middling performance followed in the replay, Stephen Bennett apart, as Limerick made the necessary adjustments. No provincial silverware to show for their efforts but it steeled Waterford for the All Ireland series. A couple of tweaks in selection around the half back line and midfield paid off against Kilkenny and the forwards now have a settled feel.

The backbone in this team has been tested but they have displayed remarkable powers of recovery to retrieve each sticky situation. Leaders emerged at different junctures. Austin Gleeson repelled the Rebel waves, Stephen Bennett stuck a hat trick when others wilted in Semple Stadium, DJ Foran put his hand up to catch and score at a vital time against Kilkenny and the list goes on. O’Gorman saw a defiant attitude in how they closed out the semi final. “I think when we went down to 14 men, they really galvanised and they really came together as a group. I could sense that these guys did not want to be beaten again.”

Waterford will hardly abandon their expansive strategy this late. Management have placed their faith in the forwards to take the right option. Stephen Bennett’s philosophy is simple. “If you are straight through on goal, any time with myself and all of the other forwards, if you are one on one with the keeper you have only got goal on your mind.” 20 goals so far supports that theory but Galway don’t concede easily. They have kept two clean slates in 140 minutes of action. Apart from the searing speed of Cian Lynch down the wing, Limerick carved very few openings. They were reliant on their long distance accuracy as midfielder Darragh O’Donovan grabbed three points. Towering full forward Tom Morrissey barely got a sniff and all three members of the inside line watched the closing stages from the dugout.

The conundrum that Mattie Murphy faces is that Waterford’s threat is not totally reliant on Bennett. Kilkenny held him to a point from play and they still prevailed. Patrick Curran converted a difficult shot in front of the Cusack last time around and showed a dependability over the frees yet he can lift his game another notch. When he cuts loose, he can pile on the points and reach double figures. Then you have the likes of DJ Foran hitting a hot streak and Michael Keaney looking to reproduce his club form. The starting six forwards have claimed 17  majors between them. Furthermore, fifteen different players head in to Sunday with a score of some description to their credit.

In defence, it is a case of keeping cools head and not diving into challenges. Power put his finger on it at the media briefing. “A lot of it can be put down to a lot of over exuberance by players as well so there is that bit of control needed. We have demonstrated control in other games so we have it in us. It’s a just matter of not being overzealous or overeager for the ball and putting your hand or your leg in where you shouldn’t.” A couple of those hair raising darts from defence out of Austin Gleeson will fill them with confidence. The Mount Sion number six has been man of the match in three of the seven matches. He carries a weight of expectation but there is no suggestion so far that it seeps into his performance.

Mattie Murphy also relies on a gem of a centre back to manage the game. Shane Cooney exerted control against Limerick and this is one match-up that Sean Power must examine carefully. Cooney started for St Thomas’ back in March when they took All Ireland club honours so he knows the terrain.

Brian Molloy will adminster punishment from frees and while he heads their list of scorers, he doesn't operate alone. This is another slick bunch of forwards assembled under Murphy's watch. Apart from Molloy's excellence, Conor Whelan and Adrian Morrissey contributed seven points between them in the extra time triumph over Limerick.

Of course, the variables of any minor hurling match come into play. Who will settle down quickest? Which marquee names will live up to their billing? Who will emerge from the pack and hit an unexpected peak? And we haven't even mentioned Cathal McAllister yet. Based on the evidence to hand, Waterford possess plenty of talent and mettle to implement the pointers picked up on a twisty journey to September.

Waterford SFC Team of Round 5

 

1. Joe Grant (Brickey Rangers)
2. Cillian O Murchadha (An Rinn)
3. Shane Briggs (Ballinacourty)
4. Maurice O'Gorman (The Nire)
5. Kieran Connery (Clashmore)
6. Niall Walsh (Kilrossanty)
7. Mark Wyse (Gaultier)
8. Declan Allen (Clashmore)
9. Michael Walsh (Stradbally)
10. Patrick Hurney (Ballinacourty)
11. Michael O'Halloran (Ballinacourty)
12. Brian Power (St Saviours)
13. Jim Curran (Ballinameela)
14. JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier)
15. David Grey (Stradbally)

Saviours and Ballinameela make the cut - Waterford SFC Round 5

 

Two years ago, St Saviours and Ballinameela faced off in a battle to avoid the drop from senior football but this weekend both booked their places in the quarter finals of the Waterford SFC.

On Saturday night, St Saviours snatched the final quarter final place in Group 1 with a conclusive 1-16 to 2-5 win over Ardmore in Carraiganore. Both sides knew that a positive result would guarantee their passage to the next stage but Saviours grasped the initiative. They built up a four point advantage after the first quarter. Clinton Hennessy’s penalty however on the stroke of half time left Ardmore just one point adrift (0-7 to 1-3). A John Gartland goal early in the second half levelled matters before Ardmore goalkeeper Sean Barron prevented Adam Brophy’s penalty and two subsequent attempts were also blocked. Brian Power finally found a way past Barron with 15 minutes remaining to settle the contest. The city side have stayed afloat in the top flight via a relegation play-off for the last three seasons but took a giant leap forward with this result.

Gaultier were plunged into the relegation decider on scoring difference after losing out to Clashmore in Kill (1-11 to 2-7). JJ Hutchinson stole the show with 1-4 for the Eastern side but he missed a free in second minute of injury time that would have guaranteed their survival. Hutchinson’s first half penalty handed Gaultier a 1-2 to 0-4 lead after an error ridden thirty minutes. Clashmore showed more invention on the turnover and John Prendergast planted a corker in the top corner on 37 minutes. Gaultier regained the lead when Ian Power palmed to the net after 44 minutes but a composed Clashmore seized control and three second half points from Aidan Trihy guided them home.

Title favourites Stradbally completed their unbeaten march through the group phase as a dominant second half display dismissed Kilrossanty at Fraher Field (2-15 to 1-7). Stradbally shaded a lively opening half by 2-4 to 1-6. Their first major came in bizarre fashion after four minutes as Mark Prendergast was credited with an own goal. Kilrossanty scored a strange goal of their own on 27 minutes when Patrick Cunningham’s lofted ball deceived Stradbally stopper Oliver Costelloe. Paddy Kiely swiftly mended the damage for the Reds before the break and they pressed on after the interval.

On Sunday afternoon in Group 2, 2012 intermediate champions Ballinameela chiselled out a draw against An Rinn in Bushy Park to pin down a place in the next phase (0-11 to 1-8). Jim Curran kicked the vital leveller into the wind with eight minutes left to push them through. A goal from John Stack put them two points up at half time (1-6 to 0-7) and in a tense finish, Curran pinched the draw required. The Nire fended off a late burst from Rathgormack to prevail by 0-12 to 1-5 at Stradbally. Shane Walsh came off the bench to strike three points to keep their rivals at bay after Jason Gleeson’s major gave Rathgormack a glimmer of light. Ballinacourty blew away Brickey Rangers by 1-20 to 0-6 to finish with maximum points from five games and consign their opponents to the relegation play-off. In the sweltering sunshine at Fraher Field, Brickeys galloped into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after eleven minutes. They failed to register for the next 33 minutes however as Ballinacourty started to slice through at will and Jason O’Brien swatted the ball to the net on 21 minutes following a sideline from Michael O’Hallloran. Patrick Hurney steered a rout thereafter with five points.

Quarter Finals
To be played 21/22 September
Stradbally v Ballinameela
Clashmore v An Rinn
Ballinacourty v St Saviours
The Nire v Kilrossanty

Relegation Play-Off
Gaultier v Brickey Rangers

Waterford SFC Round 5 Previews

 

The senior football championship commenced back in April and nearly five months on, we are still waiting for an edge of the seat encounter or an unexpected result to truly ignite the chase for the Conway Cup. In Group 1, Stradbally, Kilrossanty and Clashmore are safely through. The final quarter final spot will be decided on Saturday night as Ardmore and St Saviours go head to head while Gaultier stand an outside chance of making the cut. In Group 2, Ballinacourty, The Nire and An Rinn can prepare for knock out football but there is one more place available. There is the live possibility that it could go to a team that has lost four matches which exposes a flaw in the current format. Ballinameela, Brickey Rangers and Rathgormack are tied on two points and if all three lose on Sunday afternoon, fourth spot will be determined on score difference. Maybe when the curtain closes on the group stages the sparks will start to fly.

 

31 August
Stradbally v Kilrossanty (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1
In recent seasons, Stradbally seem to be becoming far more prolific up front which spells bad news for those trying to confront them. 6-59 in four outings makes the second highest scorers in the championship so far behind Ballinacourty. They are backboned by a ring of steel that means they never panic in tight corners. To stand any chance against the champions, Kilrossanty must put over a couple of early scores and sustain a high tempo over sixty minutes. The absence of key forwards Paul Whyte and David Power however offers another argument against a surprise outcome.
Prediction: Stradbally

Ardmore v St Saviours (7.00 at Carraiganore) Group 1
The winners here will march on but the losers could get sucked into the relegation tangle. Ardmore only have a single points to their name but they haven’t been far away from that elusive win. They suffered single point defeats to both Clashmore and Kilrossanty and gave a decent account of themselves against Stradbally. At full strength, St Saviours can prove awkward opponents and they secured a precious win against Gaultier in round three. Although Seamus Prendergast is an injury doubt and didn’t line out in the intermediate championship last weekend, Ardmore may scrape a low scoring game.
Prediction: Ardmore

Clashmore v Gaultier (7.00 at Kill) Group 1
Gaultier know that a result here can save them from a relegation play-off and they will be encouraged by the big displays they put in against Ardmore and Kilrossanty. Clashmore managed to qualify without a number of their key strikers but their scoring rate did suffer (3-32 in four games). The availability of Brian O’Halloran boosts their attacking options and John Prendergast is also a reliable shooter from placed balls.
Prediction: Clashmore

1 September
An Rinn v Ballinameela (2.00 at Bushy Park) Group 2
Ballinameela’s need is greater for this tie and despite the battering by Ballinacourty, they hold no fear of the Gaeltacht men. Their opponents are missing several regulars but have been operating at a higher level and got a commendable draw against The Nire.
Prediction: An Rinn

The Nire v Rathgormack (2.00 at Stradbally) Group 2
A couple of late goals against Brickey Rangers in the fourth round gave Rathgormack’s championship hopes a shot in the arm. Gavin Nugent may be available here after his travels and his leadership in attack is important. The Nire won’t offer their rivals anything soft however and their motivation is to remain in second spot.
Prediction: The Nire

Ballinacourty v Brickey Rangers (2.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
The Brickeys are meeting Ballinacourty at a bad time with confidence sky high in the opposition camp from strong runs in both senior championships. Courty are also the leading scorers with Mark Ferncombe recapturing his form. Meanwhile, the Brickeys are averaging around eight points per game and that shortfall continues to hold them back.
Prediction: Ballinacourty

Tight squeeze sees Lismore and Dungarvan lose out - Waterford SHC Round 5

In a tight and tense final round last weekend, Lismore and Dungarvan were squeezed out and left to count the cost of earlier defeats. Lismore lost control of their own destiny with narrow losses to Fourmilewater and Ballyduff Upper while the Blues let a lead slip against Mount Sion and also didn't have the necessary strength in depth. With these two eliminated, Tallow, Ballygunner and Abbeyside all pressed on to the quarter finals. As the action unfolded on Saturday and Sunday evening, the texts, the tweets and the phone calls flowed freely from venue to venue. The combination of results tees up a heavyweight bout between De La Salle and Ballygunner in the quarters and three other close calls.

In Group 1, Lismore bowed out despite dishing out a 25 point walloping to An Rinn. They needed Tallow to slip up against De La Salle but their next door neighbours claimed a 2-10 to 0-13 win at Fraher Field. The county champions were depleted due to the absence of All Stars John Mullane and Kevin Moran along with Waterford minor Adam Farrell. The Bridesiders took full advantage. They did the heavy lifting in the first half with a pair of goals from the stick of Thomas Ryan. He fired his first in the sixth minute and Shane Feeney supplied his second on 17 minutes. Shaun O’Sullivan’s super penalty save from Jake Dillon was sandwiched in between and that preserved their two goal advantage until half time (2-5 to 0-5). Although De La Salle inched their way back, the experience of Mark O’Brien and James Murray in defence along with a seven point showing from Paul Kearney chiselled out a three point win. Lismore kept up their end of the bargain with a merciless 7-23 to 0-19 mauling of An Rinn in Clashmore. A double from Dan Shanahan and a Chris O’Gorman strike allowed them to cruise 3-14 to 0-9 clear by the interval. Further green flags followed courtesy of Paudie Prendergast, John Heneghan, David Howard and Jordan Shanahan but their efforts proved to be in vain. Fourmilewater sealed second spot as they came good after the break to prevail by 1-21 to 1-9 against a weakened Ballyduff Upper. The sides were tied at 0-8 to 1-5 at half time with Kevin Casey netting for the Reds. Fourmile’ strode out with greater purpose at the start of the second period and a burst of 1-5 without reply in the opening ten minutes, including a Jamie Barron goal, clinched the contest.

In Group 2, the Gunners took care of business at Walsh Park with a comfortable 2-17 to 1-9 success over Passage. Brian O’Sullivan’s third minute blast established early supremacy and despite the best efforts of Killian Fitzgerald and Owen Connors, Ballygunner held a 1-7 to 0-6 half time cushion. Passage were hindered by the loss of Eoin Kelly to injury at the break and their opponents kicked on. JJ Hutchinson cracked home a second goal to see Andy Moloney’s men home. Sean Hogan tucked away a consolation for Passage. That left a local squabble between Abbeyside and Dungarvan to decide the remaining quarter final contestant. For so long it looked like Dungarvan would be ones to the progress. With 40 minutes on the watch, they led by 0-13 to 0-6 with Patrick Curran striking sweetly from frees. Meanwhile, Abbeyside shot a heap of draining wides to spoil the good work of their half back line. Patrick Hurney shook them up however and another hefty personal total of 1-4, including a belter of a goal on 42 minutes, swung the contest. Goalkeeper Stephen Enright lashed home a penalty with ten minutes to go and while that put them in front, Dungarvan restored parity entering injury time with a peach from Cormac Curran. Mark Gorman showed steadiness over a late free on the sideline to edge them over the line (2-11 to 0-16). Eight points courtesy of Stephen Roche allowed Mount Sion to pull clear of Roanmore at the Kill grounds and nab top spot in the table (0-17 to 0-10).

Waterford SHC Quarter Finals
To be played September 14/15
De La Salle v Ballygunner
Fourmilewater v Abbeyside
Mount Sion v Tallow
Passage v Ballyduff Upper

Relegation Play-Off
An Rinn v Roanmore