Waterford SFC Team of Round 3 & Top Scorers

1. Paul Holohan (St Saviours)
2. Brian Looby (Ballinacourty)
3. Padraig Larkin (Rathgormack)
4. Thomas O’Gorman (The Nire)
5. Peter Crowley (St Saviours)
6. Sean O’Hare (Ballinacourty)
7. Kenny Murphy (Ardmore)
8. Tommy Prendergast (Kilrossanty)
9. Ian Cantwell (De La Salle)
10. Patrick Hurney (Ballinacourty)
11. Mark Ferncombe (Ballinacourty)
12. Shane Ryan (The Nire)
13. Paul O’Connor (Clashmore)
14. JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier)
15. Gavin Nugent (Rathgormack)

Top Scorers
Shane Ryan (The Nire) 4-12
JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier) 1-18
Gavin Nugent (Rathgormack) 0-18
Liam Lawlor (The Nire) 2-7
Robert Ahearne (Stradbally) 1-10
Bilí Breathnach (An Rinn) 2-5
Brian Power (St Saviours) 1-8
Ian Cantwell (De La Salle) 0-11
Joey Veale (Kilrossanty) 0-11

Patient clubs ready to restart – SFC Round 3 Predictions

It’s nearly been a hundred days since a ball was kicked in anger for football sides throughout the county. Ten of the twelve clubs have experienced a fourteen week gap between championship games. Kilrossanty and An Rinn finished off the second round all of eleven weeks ago. It’s now a case of cramming before the October deadlines for both county finals. Twelve football championship matches will be squeezed into six days before the hurling resumes on the second weekend of August. All six round three ties are well matched with quarter finals on the cards for some and relegation issues on the line for others.

Saturday July 26

Kilrossanty v Clashmore (Fraher Field at 6.30)
Two knockout regulars in recent years but both are under pressure to make it this time. Clashmore were laid low by injuries for their opener with An Rinn before an unfortunate ending against Rathgormack. The 2012 semi finalists are in a spot of bother with ground to make up. John Kiely’s side coasted through the second half against Ardmore but lost out to An Rinn in round two. There is slightly less uncertainty about Kilrossanty if their main men like the Prendergasts, Joey Veale and Paul Whyte are at full tilt.

Odds: Kilrossanty 1/2 Draw 7/1 Clashmore 15/8
Prediction: Kilrossanty

The Nire v Stradbally (Fraher Field at 8.00)
The first meeting of these rivals since the 2012 county final replay when David Grey kicked the winner under lights. Stradbally have fared better in knock out scenarios between the two. In six finals since the turn of the millennium, they claimed the Conway Cup five times. Both are unbeaten this season in contrasting circumstances. The Nire have blasted 5-32 in two games and merely allowed 1-6 past them. Ballinameela and St Saviours offered little resistance however. Stradbally had to roll up their sleeves in two Walsh Park battles with the Ahearnes to the fore. The Reds trailed by six against Gaultier before prevailing with three in hand. De La Salle scored four points in seven minutes but Robert Ahearne’s penalty brushed them aside. Always hard to split this pair and this is no different. The emergence of more attacking options in Shane Ryan (top scorer this season), Jamie Barron, Conor Gleeson and Keith Guiry to supplement the hardened core offers encouragement for The Nire.

Odds: The Nire 10/11 Draw 13/2 Stradbally 11/10
Prediction: The Nire

Rathgormack v Ardmore (Bushy Park at 7.30)
A youthful Rathgormack appear to have pushed away a dismal 2013 showing. In round one, they were level with Ballinacourty entering injury time before a costly turnover allowed the champions pounce for a three point win. They backed up that performance by beating Clashmore late in the day a week later. Gavin Nugent has scored eleven points in two games. Ardmore arrive pointless after two patchy performances. They failed to score for 42 minutes against Kilrossanty and conceded three goals in a matter of minutes as Ballinacourty burned them off by eleven points. Much depends on the accuracy of David Gartland and Seamus Keating to turn the situation around. They need the win to dig themselves out of relegation trouble but Rathgormack’s previous performances make a more convincing case.

Odds: Rathgormack 8/11 Draw 7/1 Ardmore 5/4
Prediction: Rathgormack

Ballinameela v St Saviours (Stradbally at 7.30)
Relegation play-off written all over this one with the winner well placed to move clear of danger. Saviours recorded 1-4 in both games thus far and never threatened to win either. Ballinameela should have closed the deal against Gaultier as they let a four point lead slip and settled for a draw in the end. Jim and Tom Curran combined for ten points between them. Similar to Saviours, they had a horrible experience with The Nire. Don’t expect a high scoring free for all here.

Odds: Ballinameela 8/15 Draw 7/1 St Saviours 7/4
Prediction: Ballinameela

Sunday July 27

Ballinacourty v An Rinn (7.00 at Fraher Field)
The two form teams collide in the headline tie of the round. The holders versus last year’s semi finalists and both want to play ball. An Rinn are ambitious and put away Clashmore and Kilrossanty to confirm their top four status. Taking down a high flyer would inspire them further and really shake up the championship. Rathgormack gave Courty a fright first time around before they blitzed Ardmore in Bushy Park. The spine of the defence is utterly dependable with an abundance of spark up front. Their strength in depth is also unrivalled. Shane Briggs may track down Liam Ó Lonáin as his runs provide that element of unpredictability. This game promises plenty if the big guns fire. Courty have created a host of chances in their first two games but must address the 28 wides shot so far. That superior forward power may be telling.

Odds: Ballinacourty 1/3 Draw 8/1 An Rinn 5/2
Prediction: Ballinacourty

Gaultier v De La Salle (7.00 at Walsh Park)
Newly promoted De La Salle have the forwards to trouble teams at senior level. They put up 1-14 to stun St Saviours and managed a respectable 1-6 against Stradbally. Ian Cantwell, Mitchell Casey and David Kennedy are among those to raise eyebrows so far. It’s hard to gauge where Gaultier lie. They lifted their game to test Stradbally but then escaped with a draw against Ballinameela. JJ Hutchinson scored nine points last time and Gaultier will look for another solo performance to boost their quarter final prospects.

Odds: De La Salle 4/7 Draw 7/1 Gaultier 13/8
Prediction: Gaultier

South East championship derbies - Waterford v Wexford

 

2003 All Ireland Qualifier 
Wexford 1-20 Waterford 0-18

Nowlan Park offered the ideal setting as 26,000 crammed in to generate an electric atmosphere. Both sides stood one step away from Croke Park and Waterford emerged quickest. Ken McGrath recovered from a bad day at the office against Cork with five points and John Mullane powered on from his Munster final hat trick also with five points. Rory Jacob’s goal before half time dragged Wexford back and Larry Murphy’s introduction as a first half substitute for the injured Adrian Fenlon also aided their recovery. Placed at full forward, he used his shrewdness to earn frees and clip over two points. Mullane departed with an eye injury as the Yellowbellies left Waterford in their wake for the final quarter. The Examiner headline on Monday morning read: “Wexford show grit as Waterford flop.”

Scorers for Wexford: P. Codd 0-8 (0-2 fs, 0-1 65’), R. Jacob 1-3, M. Jordan 0-3, L. Murphy, M. Jacob 0-2 each, D. Stamp, A. Fenlon 0-1 each.

Scorers for Waterford: J. Mullane, K. McGrath 0-5 each, P. Flynn 0-3 (0-2 fs), E. Murphy 0-2, D. Bennett, M. Walsh, D. Shanahan 0-1 each.

Wexford: D. Fitzhenry, D. Guiney, D. Ryan, D. O’Connor, D. Stamp, D. Ruth, L. Dunne, L. O'Gorman, R. McCarthy, B. Lambert, A. Fenlon, M. Jacob, C. McGrath, P. Codd (capt.), R. Jacob.

Subs: L. Murphy for Fenlon (24), M. Jordan for Lambert (H-T), T. Mahon for O'Gorman (58), M.J. Furlong for McGrath (71).

Waterford: S. Brenner, B. Greene, T Feeney, D. Prendergast, E. Murphy, F. Hartley, J. Murray, T. Browne (capt.), P. Queally, S. Prendergast, K. McGrath, D. Bennett, J. Mullane, S. Prendergast, P. Flynn.

Subs: A. Moloney for Queally (47), E. McGrath for Mullane (51), E. Kelly for S. Prendergast (56), M. Walsh for Browne (61).

Referee: W. Barrett (Tipperary).

 

2008 All Ireland Quarter Final
Waterford 2-19 Wexford 3-15

This was an awkward assignment on Waterford’s road to rehabilitation. After just six minutes, Rory Jacob’s crossfield pass picked out to Stephen Doyle to finish to the corner. Eoin Kelly hammered in an injury time free just before the break (1-10 to 1-6). An explosion of three goals in three minutes arrived early in the second half. Willie Doran and Stephen Doyle helped the Model men into a four point lead before the 2007 Hurler of the Year recaptured his goal scoring touch. Dan Shanahan fielded John Mullane’s point attempt and shot home with the help of the post. Eoin McGrath was named man of the match after a personal contribution of four points (three in the first half). Wexford won a penalty with eight minutes left but Damien Fitzhenry skied his shot over the top. After three backdoor wins, Waterford were semi final bound. “I said the last day we’d have to be better,” said Davy Fitzgerald afterwards. “We weren’t, and we were lucky to get away with it. We’ll have to improve, but having said that, we were under pressure, but these lads are battling hard. We’re in an All-Ireland semi-final. Would they have taken that in mid-May? And who’ll give us a chance against Tipperary, who haven’t lost a game all year?”

Scorers for Waterford: E. Kelly 1-8 (1-6 frees, 0-1 65); D. Shanahan 1-1; E. McGrath 0-4; J. Mullane 0-3; S. Prendergast, S. Molumphy, J. Nagle 0-1 each.

Scorers for Wexford: S. Doyle 2-1; D. Lyng 0-6 (all frees); W. Doran 1-1; R. Jacob 0-2; D. Redmond 0-2; E. Quigley, D. Fitzhenry (pen), S. Nolan, 0-1 each.

Waterford: C. Hennessey; E. Murphy, K. McGrath, D. Prendergast; S. O’Sullivan, T. Browne, B. Phelan; M. Walsh, J. Nagle; D. Shanahan, S. Prendergast, S. Molumphy; E. McGrath, E. Kelly, J. Mullane.

Subs: K. Moran for Phelan (45); J. Kennedy for O’Sullivan (46).

Wexford: D. Fitzhenry; M. Travers, P. Roche, B. O’Leary; M. Jacob, D. O’Connor, C. Farrell; E. Quigley, D. Redmond; PJ Nolan, W. Doran, D. Lyng; R. Jacob, S. Banville, S. Doyle.

Subs: S. Nolan for PJ Nolan (27); D. Stamp for Farrell (42); B. Lambert for Banville (44); K. Rossiter for S. Nolan (56).

Referee: J. Sexton (Cork).

Waterford v Cork - Munster Under 21 Rivalry

Waterford have only claimed a solitary win in 15 meetings with Cork at under 21 level. That came under the direction of Tony Mansfield in 1992 as Waterford held on for a famous two point success at Walsh Park. In their most recent collision, four years ago, Cork cruised to a 1-16 to 1-3 triumph at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Brian O’Sullivan’s consolation goal came in injury time. With ten seniors on board, Peter Queally’s side enter this latest battle as 4/11 favourites to bridge that 22 year gap. It is also five years since Waterford claimed any kind of provincial win (a ten point trouncing of Tipperary in 2009).

2010 Munster Quarter Final
Cork 1-16 Waterford 1-3

2007 Munster Final
Cork 1-20 Waterford 0-10

2006 Munster Semi Final
Cork 3-17 Waterford 2-12

2005 Munster Quarter Final
Cork 2-16 Waterford 0-11

2004 Munster Semi Final
Cork 0-17 Waterford 1-8

2000 Munster Semi Final
Cork 1-26 Waterford 1-15

1998 Munster Semi Final
Cork 6-15 Waterford 0-9

1992 Munster Semi Final
Waterford 1-10 Cork 0-11

1991 Munster Semi Final
Cork 3-12 Waterford 0-13

1986 Munster Quarter Final
Cork 0-14 Waterford 0-6

1983 Munster Quarter Final Replay
Cork 1-14 Waterford 1-10

1983 Munster Quarter Final
Waterford 1-11 Cork 1-11

1973 Munster Quarter Final
Cork 3-9 Waterford 2-8

1969 Munster Quarter Final
Cork 5-7 Waterford 2-2

1966 Munster Semi Final
Cork 4-9 Waterford 2-9

The art of hanging in there - Limerick 3-14 Waterford 2-17

The Waterford minors are making a habit of rising from the ashes in the most unlikely circumstances. Like last year’s team, drama follows them about at every turn.

Consider the high stack of evidence piled up through the three provincial games to date. In Ennis, they blitzed the hosts with 1-5 in the space of six minutes. Five points in the final quarter just about halted the fourteen man Clare charge at Fraher Field. They still needed Billy Nolan’s amazing reaction times to claim that close shave semi final.

The writing was on the wall several times against the All Ireland favourites on Sunday. Tom Morrissey’s scrambled goal placed Limerick 2-7 to 0-7 in the clear on 23 minutes. Waterford repaired the damage with five on the trot (three from Patrick Curran and two from Aaron O’Sullivan).

Waterford levelled eight minutes into the second half before Brian Ryan’s men got on their bike in the moving quarter. 1-4 over six minutes left their opponents clinging on for dear life. Nine second half wides spared them to some degree as Limerick’s shot selection deserted them. Barry Nash was responsible for four.

Tactical changes also helped most notably when Cormac Curran returned for a second stint at full forward. Late substitute Shane Ryan also made the most of his limited opportunity with a predatory finish as Waterford piled on the pressure. This means that in three games, Derek Lyons has managed to extract a total of 2-2 from his bench. A highly desirable impact at the right time.

The steel in this team to keep going was most admirable as Limerick appeared safe and sound during the second half. “They have been questioned two or three times now and they have come through every single time,” Derek Lyons pointed out. “They have dug down to the bottom of the well for the jersey. They have worn it today with distinction and honour. I don’t think there was another Waterford team that ever gave as much honesty or hard work and they fought to the bitter end. It’s an element of the Waterford game that has been criticised in the past that we haven’t the heart or we haven’t the bottle but by God these lads have it.”

Limerick attempted to pull the Déise out of shape initially by constant rotation. “It took us the bones of twenty minutes to get our bearings out there,” Colm Roche admitted freely. Number six Ronan Lynch was everywhere. He started out at midfield, spent time at full forward and ended up mopping up in front of the full back line. He hit five points (three from play and two frees) and was highly influential similar to last year’s finals.

Waterford settled on a zonal defence as using man markers could have caused untold carnage. They were under severe pressure when Limerick burst through the centre and the breakthrough goal was almost inevitable. Cian Lynch on the right wing was a constant source of danger and his pick up in front of the covered stand emerged as a highlight. He set up 1-2 for those around him. Tom Morrissey proved another nuisance and he combined well with Peter Casey for what appeared the decisive third goal. Centre forward Barry Nash scored 1-1 and loitered around midfield for the second half.

Waterford’s work rate was marvellous to watch. There were examples throughout the field. Conor Gleeson had to sacrifice personal gain to track back and clutter the middle. Patrick Curran intervened in an advanced area during the first half to force a turnover and set up an Aaron O’Sullivan point. Midfielder Andy Molumby embodied that fearless approach and dragged Waterford back into the picture during the first half. Through his piercing runs, he struck two points and forced the foul for the penalty. Shane Bennett ignored a nasty hand injury to produce a steady sixty minutes. He produced a couple of classy moments (including a sideline cut) and finished on four points. He is at his best with his head down and motoring towards goal.

While Billy Nolan was kept occupied at one end, Waterford created goal chances of their own. Shane Bennett saw two close range frees stopped by Eoghan McNamara (including an injury time penalty). Patrick Curran also had a chance that slipped out of his hand.

Limerick lost their composure in the second half. Instead of pushing on, they sat back on their sizeable lead. A final quarter meltdown allowed Waterford outgun them by 2-2 to 0-1. They grew visibly anxious when the comeback kings started pumping high ball on top of Cormac Curran. That cool finish on 50 minutes reopened the investigation. The Brickey Rangers man almost raised a second green flag when he whipped first time but the ball whizzed by the post. It soon became a containment job with Ronan Lynch in the sweeper role. The Déise nearly had to audacity to pinch the game at the death. Conor Gleeson’s late attempt was securely held by the Eoghan McNamara however.

Limerick will feel they should have shut the door. Derek Lyons insisted that Waterford won’t leak those goal chances again and still feels that this team have yet to reach peak performance in this championship. Stay tuned on Tuesday week for the next plot twist.

Waterford v Limerick Munster Minor Final Top Scorers

Waterford

Patrick Curran 1-14 (10fs)
Shane Bennett 1-3 (3fs)
Eddie Meaney 1-2
Conor Gleeson 0-2
Peter Hogan 0-1
Shane Ryan 0-1
Edmond O’Halloran 0-1
Darragh Lyons 0-1
Aaron O’Sullivan 0-1

Limerick

Colin Ryan 0-13 (7fs)
Barry Nash 2-2
Ronan Lynch 0-7 (6fs , 1 65’)
Cian Lynch 1-4
Tom Morrissey 0-5
Peter Casey 0-3
Seamus Flanagan 0-2
Conor Fitzgerald 0-2
Robbie Hanley 0-1
Lorcan Lyons 0-1

Waterford v Limerick Munster Minor Championship Meetings

These two counties have clashed on 27 occasions at provincial level. Limerick claim 17 wins compared to 7 for Waterford. Three draws have occurred including last year's final. The 2005 quarter final at Semple Stadium was abandoned by referee Johnny Ryan due to poor light.

2013 Munster Final Replay
Limerick 1-20 Waterford 4-8

2013 Munster Final
Waterford 2-19 Limerick 2-19

2011 Munster Semi Final
Waterford 4-17 Limerick 3-15 (AET)

2009 Munster Play-Off
Waterford 4-8 Limerick 1-14

2005 Munster Quarter Final Replay
Limerick 2-9 Waterford 2-8

2005 Munster Quarter Final
Waterford 2-8 Limerick 1-11

1999 Munster Quarter Final
Limerick 2-12 Waterford 1-12

1989 Munster Quarter Final
Limerick 2-11 Waterford 1-9

1987 Munster Quarter Final
Limerick 2-13 Waterford 2-5

1985 Munster Quarter Final
Limerick 3-16 Waterford 2-3

1982 Munster Semi Final
Limerick 2-12 Waterford 2-7

1979 Munster Quarter Final
Limerick 6-12 Waterford 1-5

1976 Munster Semi Final
Limerick 3-20 Waterford 2-3

1971 Munster Quarter Final
Limerick 4-5 Waterford 2-9

1965 Munster Quarter Final
Limerick 7-5 Waterford 6-5

1963 Munster Semi Final Replay
Waterford 1-9 Limerick 2-6

1963 Munster Semi Final
Limerick 2-9 Waterford 2-5

1961 Munster Quarter Final
Limerick 6-9 Waterford 2-1

1958 Munster Final
Limerick 8-9 Waterford 2-5

1957 Munster Quarter Final
Limerick 6-11 Waterford 3-2

1955 Munster Semi Final
Waterford 3-7 Limerick 3-4

1949 Munster Quarter Final
Waterford 5-3 Limerick 2-5

1940 Munster Quarter Final
Limerick 5-2 Waterford 3-1

1937 Munster Semi Final
Limerick 7-2 Waterford 3-2

1930 Munster Quarter Final
Waterford 4-2 Limerick 2-4

1929 Munster Semi Final
Waterford 8-3 Limerick 1-2

1928 Munster Quarter Final
Waterford 5-3 Limerick 4-2