Top Ten Championship Moments - Waterford v Cork Countdown

 

1. Only Paul Flynn could think of it (2004)

 

Moments after John Mullane walked the plank, Paul Flynn rifled over a point. He made a statement that he would now take up the responsibility in attack. When Dan Shanahan won that free about 45 metres out and slightly to the right of the posts, Diarmuid O’Sullivan joined his goalkeeper on the line. Did they know what was coming next? “Flynn goes for the goal!” He put top spin on the ball and it glided through the air and underneath the crossbar past the despairing dive of O’Sullivan. Disbelief all round but we all knew that he meant it. A moment of genius and imagination that will go down in the annals of Munster final history.

 

2. Ken soars into the clouds (2004)

Two magical moments from Ken McGrath will be forever engraved in recollections of the 2004 Munster final. Mid way through a first half of unrelenting pace, he launched a ball down towards the square. He gave it everything. It kept travelling and looped over the backpedalling Dónal Óg Cusack and between the posts. “Wow, you won’t see any better. Oh he was a hundred yards out” marvelled Ger Canning in commentary. Then in injury time, Diarmuid O’Sullivan joined the attack in one last ditch effort. McGrath leaped skyward to fetch the sliotar and when he returned to planet Earth, a white and blue wall of noise greeted him.

 

 

3. Rebels left empty handed (1948 & 1959)

Cork could call upon the likes of Christy Ring and Jack Lynch in their line-up for the 1948 decider but they ended up on the losing side. Johnny O’Connor, Christy Moylan, Tom Curran and Willie Galvin all flashed to the net to bring back Waterford’s second Munster crown and their first provincial final win over the Rebels. Further history was created when Jim Ware got his hands on Liam McCarthy later that year. They repeated the dose against Cork in 1957 and two years after that they took the scalp of the red and white once again in front of over 55,000 on their way to a second All Ireland.

 

4. Eight goal Thurles thriller (2007)

Eight goals and 33 points over the course of seventy breathless minutes. Hit with a raft of suspensions, Anthony Nash made his debut in goals for Cork and by half time four goals had flew past him. Dan Shanahan with two, John Mullane and Paul Flynn all billowed the net but Kieran Murphy inflicted damage at the other end with a brace. Eoin Kelly’s green flag settled the issue but there was still enough time for corner back Shane O’Neill to smash his shot off the crossbar. More entertaining than 2004 perhaps?

 

5. Dan’s last stand (2010)

In extra time of the first ever Munster final under floodlights, an impatient Dan finally got the call and he delivered. Maurice Shanahan and Eoin McGrath combined in the build up to play him in with only his old adversary to beat. He hit it low and early, too early perhaps. The sliotar skipped off the greasy surface however and slid under Cusack’s hurley. “I was a bit pissed off that I didn’t get on near the end of normal time but I did my bit when I came on. I know where the net is — when I get my chance, I take it.”

 

6. Shemozzle at the Canal End (2007)

One point down with time running out, Eoin McGrath went for broke. Dónal Óg parried it away but Paul Flynn followed up and a ruck ensued as the Cork defenders shielded the sliotar. From Dan Shanahan’s viewpoint; “O’Sullivan had his fat arse on it!” Brian Gavin assessed the situation and instead of a throw ball, he gave a free in. He implemented a rule supporters barely knew existed. Eoin Kelly converted and Dan took care of the replay.

 

7. Hat trick hero (2003)

The king of lost causes replicated the feat of Tallow’s Pat Murphy of 1989 by netting three of the best against the Rebels. No tap-ins either just three unstoppable shots. He rocketed home the first, collected a Paul Flynn free to bury to the bottom corner for number two and rounded it all off with one that nestled sweetly in the top corner. “This guy is gone wild today” remarked Cyril Farrell in the commentary box. He certainly had but amazingly Mullane’s heroics didn’t even merit the man of the match award that afternoon.

8. Take a bow Flynner (2005)

An exquisite piece of skill and opportunism from Paul Flynn illuminated the first half of another mile a minute Munster clash between the two counties. Tony Browne drove down a clearance and after the ball slipped out of Diarmuid O’Sullivan’s grasp, Flynn raced into the clear. He whipped on it first time and the connection was crisp. It caught Cusack by surprise and whizzed over his head to the roof of the rigging. The Ballygunner attacker took off his helmet to take in the acclaim. Cork exacted revenge that day but Flynn’s netbuster stays in the memory.

 

9. Dónal Óg denies the Déise (2006)

On a damp day in Dublin, Ken McGrath stood over an injury time free into Hill 16 as Waterford trailed by the minimum. Cathal Naughton’s introduction had cancelled out an Eoin Kelly goal at the start of the second period. From inside his own half, Ken coaxed it towards the posts. On first viewing it appeared to strike off the post but on closer inspection Dónal Óg Cusack angled his stick to divert it away towards the sideline. It flew out towards the Cusack Stand side and Brian Gavin sounded the whistle soon after. Another bid for All Ireland glory denied in cruel circumstances.

 

10. Munster final massacres (1982 & 1983)

Waterford fans waited so long for a taste of Munster final day but it all went pear shaped when one finally arrived after 16 years in the wilderness. Seanie O’Leary weighed in with four of the five goals in a 31 point walloping. The game is best remembered for Ray Cummins showing some mercy with his weary opponents by hand passing the ball over the bar when a goal looked certain. A significantly reduced crowd witnessed another hiding a year later. This time, Cork settled on a 19 point margin of victory.

 

 

Waterford v Armagh Division 3 Final - Route to Parnell Park

Round 1
Waterford 3-14 Offaly 1-5

Round 2
Waterford 5-15 Wexford 1-9

Round 3
Waterford 2-8 Tipperary 1-10

Round 4
Waterford 6-15 Longford 0-5

Round 5
Sligo 1-15 Waterford 1-9

Round 6
Waterford 6-8 Leitrim 3-8

Round 7
Armagh 6-11 Waterford 1-5

Semi Final
Waterford 3-14 Leitrim 1-13

Scorers
Michelle Ryan 5-31
Margaret Revins 7-8
Linda Wall 3-16
Hannah Landers 5-9
Aileen Wall 3-10
Shauna Dunphy 2-1
Liz Devine 1-1
Mairead Wall 0-4
Aimee Jordan 1-0
Elaine Power 0-3
Michelle McGrath 0-2
Roisin Tobin 0-1
Shona Curran 0-1
Louise Ryan 0-1

Rebels race clear of defiant Déise - Cork 1-14 Waterford 1-8

Cork progressed to the Munster minor football final at a gloomy Fraher Field after a spell of seven points in a row during the second half held off a persistent Waterford.

A lethal inside forward line of Shane Kingston, Michael Hurley and Damien Buckley posted nine points between them. Goalkeeper Colm O’Driscoll put in an eye catching hour with three important saves, including a diving denial of Conor Gleeson from the penalty spot in the first half. Gleeson and Jack Mullaney kept plugging away for Oran Curran’s hosts right to the finish.

Cork galloped 1-2 to 0-0 away inside seven minutes. Maidhc Ó Duinnín started with a pair of points before goalkeeper Colm O’Driscoll stopped Conor Gleeson. Michael Hurley pounced on a slip by marker Jack Guiry and fed Sean O’Donoghue. He skipped the ball along the surface to the far corner beyond Colm O’Driscoll.

Waterford gathered themselves after that uncertain start. The elusive Conor Gleeson led the improvement. He opened their account on 12 minutes and provided Conor Murray for a second. The Cork inside trio also carried a threat as Damien Buckley and Michael Hurley got off the mark.

Aaron Donnelly was fouled for a Waterford penalty on 22 minutes. Conor Gleeson stepped forward but Colm O’Driscoll dived to his right to push away the attempt. The full forward made amends with a free and a superb solo score as he ducked and dived between defenders (1-4 to 0-4). Cork finished the half with points from Kingston and Buckley (free).

Waterford shortened to three on the resumption. Joe Allen struck a free and Jack Mullaney polished off a team move. Seven unanswered points from the visitors dampened home enthusiasm. Shane Kingston scored three including a glorious curling effort. Michael Hurley added two with Sean O’Donoghue and Seamus Ronanyne also involved in a point scoring exhibition. It proved to be a decisive purple patch.

Conor Gleeson persisted until the finish but his efforts were in vain. Allen and Gleeson slotted late points before a superb consolation three pointer. Jack Mullaney smashed a goal to the roof of the rigging with a minute remaining after an incisive burst from substitute Michael Sweeney. Too little too late however as Gary Murphy rounded off the Rebels’ win.

Scorers for Cork: S O’Donoghue 1-1, S Kingston 0-4, M Hurley 0-3 (1f), D Buckley (1f), M Ó Duinnín 0-2 each , S Ronayne, G Murphy 0-1 each.

Scorers for Waterford: J Mullaney 1-1, C Gleeson 0-4 (2fs), J Allen 0-2 (2fs), C Murray 0-1. 

Cork: C O’Driscoll; S Powter, K Flahive, T Bushe; C O’Donovan, D Meaney, C Kiely; S O’Leary, B Coakley; S O’Donoghue, M Ó Duinnín, S Ronayne; S Kingston, M Hurley, D Buckley.

Subs: M Collins for Coakley (36), D O’Neill for O’Donoghue (45), M Cottrell for Ó Duinnín (55), M Lordan for O’Donovan (57), G Murphy for Buckley (60), A Hassett for Lordan (60).

Waterford: C Brown; C O’Neill, J Guiry, M Cronin; D Lyons, E O’Halloran, M Shine; C Curran, C Prunty; J Mullaney, C Murray, D Guiry; J Allen, C Gleeson, A Donnelly.

Subs: J Elstead for Shine (47), M Sweeney for D Guiry (47), P Whyte for O’Halloran (62), P Tobin for Sweeney (62).

Referee: E Walsh (Kerry)

More minor madness? – Waterford v Cork semi final preview

 

Cork travel to Fraher Field this evening with the record books firmly on their side. 29 provincial crowns compared to none for starters. Waterford’s last final appearance was as far back as 1958. They also hold an intimidating unbeaten run against their opponents at this grade. Draws in 1960 (0-8 to 1-5 in Lismore) and 2002 (0-12 to 3-3 in Carrigtwohill) are the only crumbs for the Déise. Donal O’Sullivan’s visitors are rated as 1/20 favourites to reach their ninth provincial decider since the turn of the millennium.

The form guide suggests that Waterford are making up ground however. Backed up by two bubbly attacking performances and eight dual stars, they are eager to perform on the main stage. 8-16 in two games, provided by eight different contributors, demonstrates the positive manner they go about their business. The 6-23 shipped at the other end is another by-product. They generated eight goal chances against Clare and nailed six. Manager Oran Curran sees no reason to deviate for the arrival of the Rebels. “We have no reason to fear Cork. They can play football like that and bang in six goals. I’m sure that Cork were here as well tonight and they will be wondering how to stop a couple of them lads.”

The hosts will again look to the headliners of Conor Gleeson and Joe Allen as the outlet for kick passes inside. Midfielder Conor Prunty also likes to bomb forward into the red zone. Darragh Lyons will drift away from number fifteen and the half forwards may step back slightly to afford the top two room to manoeuvre.

They sustained a high tempo for sixty minutes to survive the Clare challenge. Their comfort in possession and fluency up front moved the Banner backs around. Even after Clare hunted down a nine point deficit, they worked the ball patiently for Joe Allen to calmly put the game to sleep. The Dungarvan striker started the shootout when he trashed a dipping shot to the roof of the net only 12 seconds in. The Conor Gleeson and Joe Allen partnership has combined for 4-11 in two outings. Despite plenty of advance warning for opposing defences to heed, Waterford have managed to open up space and get in regular contact with their front two. They display an unselfish side too. Allen was involved in the build-up to two green flags, including the killer kick pass for Prunty’s second. Gleeson played the final ball for three goals. A wide count of four last time around (none in the second half) shows that they are attempting to find the best placed shooter.

An improved training programme along with communication between the hurling and football camps laid the foundations. Curran wasn’t prepared to oversee another undercooked minor side take to the field. Gary Hurney’s arrival as coach also boosted the sessions and his words are clearly sinking in. Even after letting the momentum slip against Tipperary through a late concession, positive energy continued to surge through the camp. This Déise team aim to entertain. Curran wants them to maintain that stance. “They don’t know anything better. Leave them play football." They are liberated to let their gifts shine but play as a unit at the same time. Curran hopes for a more vocal turnout than the dismal 277 last Tuesday.

Cork savaged Limerick (6-15 to 1-7) three weeks ago on home soil. The full forward trio of Damien Buckley, Michael Hurley and Shane Kingston collated 4-11. Middle man Hurley sticks out as the star attraction. “He’s an exceptional player, he has the potential to play at the highest level,” manager Donal O’Sullivan told the Irish Examiner following the lop-sided quarter final. The midfield pairing of Sean O’Leary and Brian Coakley means another step up in class for Cormac Curran and Conor Prunty to cope with. After missing out in Munster for the last three seasons, O’Sullivan set out his aims at the start of the campaign. “At the end of the day, this Cork team want to leave their own mark, they want to impress, they want to achieve. Cork football needs to be successful at this age group. Our ambition is to try and get to the latter stages of the competition.”

Both managements vote for unchanged line-ups to show their confidence and satisfaction in the displays to date. History and tradition points against an upset but Waterford have ignored these impositions so far. In this rare opening to a Munster final, they are unlikely to break with routine and lock the backdoor. The Clare inside line managed 1-7 with centre forward Keelan Sexton poaching 2-5 in addition and still lost out. On that basis, Waterford’s brave call to play ball may be about their best shot to make an exception to the rule of the Reds.

Munster Minor Football Semi Final
Waterford v Cork (7.30 at Fraher Field)

Referee: Eddie Walsh (Kerry)

Waterford: C Brown; C O’Neill, J Guiry, M Cronin; M Shine, E O’Halloran, J Mullaney; C Curran, C Prunty; D Guiry, C Murray, A Donnelly; J Allen, C Gleeson, D Lyons

Cork: C O’Driscoll; C O’Donovan, K Flahive, S Powter ; T Bushe, D Meaney, C Kiely; S O’Leary, B Coakley; S O’Donoghue, M Ó Duinnín, S Ronayne; S Kingston, M Hurley, D Buckley

Odds: Waterford 15/2 Draw 16/1 Cork 1/20

Story So Far

Quarter Final
Tipperary 2-11 Waterford 2-7

Semi Final Play-Off
Waterford 6-9 Clare 4-12

Scorers
Conor Gleeson 2-6 (3fs)
Joe Allen 2-5 (2fs)
Conor Prunty 2-0
Aaron Donnelly 1-0
Dylan Guiry 1-0
Jack Mullaney 0-2
Michael Sweeney 0-2
Cormac Curran 0-1

Quarter Final
Cork 6-15 Limerick 1-7

Scorers
Michael Hurley 2-4 (1f)
Damien Buckley 2-2 (2fs)
Shane Kingston 0-5
Sean O’Donoghue 1-1
Christopher Moynihan 1-0
Brian Coakley 0-1
Maidc Ó Duinnín 0-1
Seamus Ronayne 0-1

Waterford SHC Team of Round 2 & Top Scorers

1. Ian O’Regan (Mount Sion)
2. Shane Kearney (Dungarvan)
3. Sean O’Hare (Abbeyside)
4. Stephen O’Neill (Mount Sion)
5. Jamie Nagle (Dungarvan)
6. Owen Whelan (Mount Sion)
7. Kevin Moran (De La Salle)
8. Shane O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
9. Gavin O’Brien (Roanmore)
10. Owen Connors (Passage)
11. Patrick Hurney (Abbeyside)
12. Shane Ryan (De La Salle)
13. Richard Roche (Mount Sion)
14. Brian O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
15. Patrick Curran (Dungarvan)

Top Scorers
Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater) 0-26
Michael Kearney (Ballyduff Upper) 2-17
Owen Connors (Passage) 1-19
Seamus Prendergast (Ardmore) 1-16
Shane Ryan (De La Salle) 2-12

Sky Blues shock Fourmilewater - SHC Round 2

 

Roanmore rocked Fourmilewater with a show of hunger and hard work at an overcast Fraher Field to claim a surprise two point win on Sunday (1-9 to 0-10).

After gaining a draw against county champions Passage the previous Sunday, the Eastern side replicated their tactical plan of tracking back in numbers and breaking with purpose. Gavin O'Brien prospered in a loose midfield role and covered in front of his full back line for the second half.

Shane Nolan robbed Shane Lawlor on 15 minutes after an ill-fated short puckout and he struck home to push Roanmore in the direction of the interval with a 1-7 to 0-3 lead. Jamie Barron shot nine points for Fourmile but they could only post two points from play over the hour. The jubilant Sky Blues are now in second spot in Group 1 with three points banked.

De La Salle top the standings after passing a stern physical examination from Abbeyside at Walsh Park (2-11 to 1-12). County minor captain Shane Ryan bagged a brace. The Villagers snuck ahead by 0-9 to 1-4 at the change of sides with Patrick Hurney on song with four singles. Ryan's second green flag steadied Salle although Mark Ferncombe closed to one with a late goal. Kevin Moran lofted the insurance score.

Elsewhere in the group, Maurice Shanahan landed a last minute equaliser as Lismore drew with Passage (2-12 to 0-18). David Prendergast scored a goal in either half but Peter Queally's side persisted. After a sluggish opening, nine points through Owen Connors and three from Killian Fitzgerald nudged them clear. Lismore ended on 14 wides but Shanahan managed to tie the contest for the sixth time.

A second half hat trick by Richard Roche in the space of fourteen fantasy minutes wore down Ballyduff Upper on Friday night and opened clear daylight after the teams were tied twice on the restart. Sion splurged 3-10 to demoralise their opponents and confirm their second win on the spin. Stephen Roche scrambled home in the third minute to earn a 1-8 to 0-7 half time advantage.

Ballygunner joined Sion at the summit of Group 2 after they walloped winless Ardmore by 21 points (4-21 to 1-9). Brian O'Sullivan, Stephen Power (free) and Barry O'Sullivan blazed first half goals for the Gunners to depart 3-11 to 1-4 on top at halfway. Former inter county number one Clinton Hennessy responded with a penalty for Ardmore. Stephen Power secured his second goal on 36 minutes for Fergal Hartley's rampant winners. Brian O'Sullivan popped 1-6 overall.

A Jamie Nagle driven Dungarvan rectified their first round loss by pulling away from Tallow in Lismore (2-20 to 2-12). The youthful Blues, using their pace and playing measured ball into the forwards, sprinted 2-12 to 1-7 in front at half time. Patrick Curran set up Cathal Curran to bury from close range on 16 minutes. Cormac Curran, responsible for 1-4, unleashed a thunder bolt over Shaun O'Sullivan on the stroke of half time. A pair of Bob McCarthy goals couldn't derail James O'Connor's charges as the classy Patrick Curran finished on seven points.

JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford SHC Round 2 Predictions

Friday May 2

Mount Sion v Ballyduff Upper (Fraher Field at 7.00)
The first meeting between this pair since the Reds shocked Sion in the 2011 quarter final after extra time. Michael Kearney carried Ballyduff to victory over Ardmore with 2-9. He will be difficult to tie down and he doesn't shirk the rough and tumble. Sion also conceded frees in the red zone last Saturday. Kevin Casey shipped a bad knock just a minute in and his pace and eye for goal will be missing. Sion only dug out four points from play in a dull encounter with Tallow. They encountered difficulty in finding front men Stephen Roche and Martin O'Neill. Eoin McGrath put in a busy shift at midfield as Tony Browne and Austin Gleeson shared the scoring load. Provided that Sion find more fluency, they can gain a hard earned win.

Odds: Mount Sion 2/5 Draw 10/1 Ballyduff Upper 2/1
Prediction: Mount Sion

Sunday May 4

Fourmilewater v Roanmore (Fraher Field at 2.00)
The Sky Blues packed their defence with thirteen bodies at times against Passage but they countered with a host of different attacking threats and didn't depend on Gavin O'Brien. For once, they got their top fifteen on the field and this is important for their survival prospects. They may regret loosening their grip on that game as time pushes on in this championship. Jamie Barron will punish any indiscipline from 70 metres onwards and they will look at detailing a tracker because he was afforded far too much freedom from Abbeyside. Fourmile's threat is not completely absorbed in Barron's form. Conor Gleeson showed trickery in the corner and Shane Walsh also gave a glimpse of his old self in the first half. If they remain patient and spread out the Roanmore backs, a second win is in store for Benji Whelan's side.

Odds: Fourmilewater 2/9 Draw 12/1 Roanmore 10/3
Prediction: Fourmilewater

Passage v Lismore (Fraher Field at 3.30)
Despite fighting from five points down, Peter Queally expressed his dismay at their opening title defence to WLR FM. "Overall, we would be very disappointed with the performance and the flatness of the lads. We looked very tired and very leggy." Bringing Killian Fitzgerald into the play, perhaps from midfield, will assist the overworked Owen Connors. They struggled to break down a massed Roanmore defence but are likely to fare better in looser conditions here. Lismore must find a position to bring the most out of Ray Barry who stayed almost anonymous against De La Salle. Dan Shanahan should also start at fourteen after spending the first half of last Friday's opener on the wing. Question marks over Maurice Shanahan's participation also persist. Sean Prendergast's side will struggle for inspiration without him based on the first round evidence.

Odds: Passage Evens Draw 8/1 Lismore 10/11
Prediction: Passage

Ballygunner v Ardmore (Walsh Park at 2.00)
Ballygunner regained their rhythm quickly by putting up 2-12 in a first half dismantling of Dungarvan. The second half dip will keep them focussed during the week. Barry O'Sullivan's emergence with 1-2 was welcome as he has been on the verge of a big breakthrough. Ardmore rose from eight points back to almost pip Ballyduff Upper in a Seamus Prendergast driven second half but a scruffy Michael Kearney goal proved the difference. John and David Gartland dropped a hint that they can support Seamus in his endeavours. They cannot afford another sluggish start on Sunday.

Odds: Ballygunner 1/16 Draw 16/1 Ardmore 15/2
Prediction: Ballygunner

De La Salle v Abbeyside (Walsh Park at 3.30)
De La Salle used a sensible possession-style approach to negotiate the storm and Maurice Shanahan first up. John Mullane worked ferociously and scored heavily at full forward. Debutants Stephen Dalton (tidy at number four) and Shane Ryan (eight frees) settled instantly into senior hurling. Eddie Barrett made a robust case at midfield to the Waterford selectors perched in the stand. All in all, a firm opening statement. Abbeyside only settled on their preferred fifteen by the end of their loss to Fourmilewater. Expect to see Richie Foley and Gary Hurney on their teamsheet this time. Fourmile' negated their goal threat as the full forward line finished without a single score from play. A week may be too soon to see a sufficient recovery but they will trouble De La Salle in terms of physicality.

Odds: De La Salle 1/5 Draw 12/1 Abbeyside 7/2
Prediction: De La Salle

Dungarvan v Tallow (Lismore at 7.00)
Dungarvan only woke up when they trailed by twelve last Sunday. Jamie Nagle stirred a mini-comeback from the half back line. Gavin Crotty and Cathal Curran fired up top while Ryan Donnelly was surprisingly called ashore on 46 minutes. Tallow's defence really stumped Mount Sion as David O'Brien, Mark O'Brien and Aidan Kearney played from the front. Their problems rested with an attack that only came up with 1-2 from play. Robert O'Sullivan's reliability on frees will be required once again along with more regular moments of Thomas Ryan magic. With these two desperate for points, a one-score game is probable with Dungarvan's firepower favoured.

Odds: Dungarvan 1/5 Draw 12/1 Tallow 7/2
Prediction: Dungarvan