SHC Team of Round 3 & Top Scorers

1. Shaun O’Sullivan (Tallow)
2. Mark O’Brien (Tallow)
3. David O’Brien (Tallow)
4. Sean O’Hare (Abbeyside)
5. David O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
6. Jamie Nagle (Dungarvan)
7. Cian Leamy (Ballyduff Upper)
8. Shane McNulty (De La Salle)
9. Richie Foley (Abbeyside)
10. David Greene (De La Salle)
11. Seamus Prendergast (Ardmore)
12. Patrick Hurney (Abbeyside)
13. Cathal Curran (Dungarvan)
14. Maurice Shanahan (Lismore)
15. Conor Power (Ballygunner)

Top Scorers
Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater) 0-34
Michael Kearney (Ballyduff Upper) 2-26
Seamus Prendergast (Ardmore) 1-25
Owen Connors (Passage) 1-23
Maurice Shanahan (Lismore) 3-13  

Champions Passage in spot of bother - SHC Round 3

Title holders Passage are under severe pressure to reach the knockout stages of the Waterford SHC as Abbeyside blew Group 1 wide open at a gloomy Walsh Park on Saturday night.

The Villagers posted their first win of the campaign after an exciting encounter (1-21 to 2-15). Last year’s semi-finalists dictated the opening quarter and dashed into a worthy seven point lead (0-9 to 0-2). Passage produced an amazing turnaround to depart a single point ahead at halfway. Eoin Kelly touched in a Pa Walsh delivery on 28 minutes to level the match and Killian Fitzgerald nudged them in front (1-9 to 0-11).

Abbeyside regained control on the resumption and with seven minutes remaining John Hurney’s dropping ball travelled all the way to the net. That green flag sent them seven clear again (1-20 to 1-13). Gary and Patrick Hurney along with Mark Ferncombe inflicted the damage up front. As darkness rolled in, Conor Carey snatched an injury time goal but Abbeyside withstood the late pressure. With just two draws to show from three games, Passage face a crunch fourth round tie with Fourmilewater next Friday night to save their fading title hopes.

 Table toppers De La Salle qualified for the quarter finals with a comprehensive eight point dismissal of Fourmilewater at a rain swept Bunmahon (1-16 to 0-11). David Greene’s ninth minute goal allowed Salle stroll ten points to the good by the break (1-11 to 0-4). Six different sources troubled the umpires as their direct running and use of the diagonal ball flummoxed Fourmilewater. Jake Dillon snapped up seven points, David Greene delivered 1-3 and Shane McNulty burst forward from midfield for two singles. Their weakened opponents started without Liam Lawlor, Shane Walsh and Conor Gleeson. Jamie Barron battled for the Fourmile cause and amassed eight points in all.

In the curtain raiser at Walsh Park, Lismore needed injury time points from Maurice and Dan Shanahan to squeeze past Roanmore (2-15 to 2-13) and reboot their quarter final prospects. A Maurice Shanahan double blast put Lismore in a commanding position at halfway (2-8 to 0-6). The Sky Blues re-emerged a different animal and Eamonn Power kick started the comeback with a goal three minutes into the second period. Shane Nolan then teed up Brian Nolan for a second major after 42 minutes. A Gavin O’Brien free edged them one up (2-11 to 2-10). It was score for score entering the closing stages and the game seemed destined for a draw when Shane Nolan equalised in the final minute of normal time. A disputed injury time free allowed Maurice Shanahan to shoot his side into a narrow lead and Dan followed up with the insurance score from open play. Both of these teams sit on three points with two rounds remaining.

Tallow nosed a ferociously contested local dispute against Ballyduff Upper in the Lismore sunshine on Friday evening to earn their first win of the season (1-13 to 0-15). They shot to the front on the stroke of half time when Evan Sheehan whipped a blistering first time pull past John Twomey. The Bridesiders never relinquished control thereafter. The teams were tied with five minutes remaining as full forward Mikey Kearney put over nine points. Ten wides proved expensive for the Reds however. Tallow struck for home when Ryan angled a shot between the posts from close to the sideline and O’Sullivan nailed a difficult free from 65 metres out.

 Ballygunner became the first team to qualify for the quarter finals of the Waterford SHC following a low key Group 2 tussle with Mount Sion at Walsh Park on Thursday night (0-20 to 1-9). Pauric Mahony posted seven points to lead the way in the scoring stakes and the sharpest forward on show Conor Power grabbed six from open play.

After losing the last three championship encounters to their fiercest rivals, last year’s runners-up were eager to repair that record from the gun. Fergal Hartley’s charges had six points in hand at half time (0-9 to 0-3). The Gunners stretched the gap to ten by the third quarter. The Monastery men rallied briefly through a Eoin McGrath goal on 51 minutes but the leaders were never seriously troubled.

In the Western affair at Fraher Field, a slick-looking Dungarvan outfit finished 14 points in front of an understrength Ardmore (1-22 to 0-11) and their second win of the campaign leaves them in a good position to reach the knockout rounds. Cormac Curran (eight points) and Cathal Curran (1-4) flowed freely throughout with Jamie Nagle in charge at centre back. All six forwards scored for James O’Connor’s side before half time as the Blues held a commanding 1-11 to 0-6 lead. Six points from Cormac Curran was central to that early progress and Cathal Curran’s deft flick to the roof of the net on the quarter hour mark opened clear daylight.

Ardmore started minus the services of Clinton Hennessy, Declan Prendergast and Michael Cronin. Seamus Prendergast did all in his power to retrieve the situation and struck over nine points. With no points to show from three outings, Ardmore are scrapping for senior survival.

Hurling matters back on the agenda – SHC Round 3 Predictions

After fourteen weeks away, the time has arrived to begin again for the dozen senior sides. There is plenty at stake for all involved over the next three weekends of action. Round three will be instructive for county champions Passage, Abbeyside and Lismore who are all under pressure for points. Bookies favourites De La Salle can qualify for the quarters on Saturday evening while chasers Ballygunner and Mount Sion will dispute the spoils on Thursday. Can unbeaten Roanmore continue to spoil the party in Group 1?

Thursday August 7

Ballygunner v Mount Sion (Walsh Park at 7.30) Group 2
These two heavyweights carry maximum points ahead of a tasty renewal. Mount Sion have won the previous three meetings between these sides. Ballygunner’s last triumph over their rivals came back in the quarter final of 2010. Midfield will be crowded with Eoin McGrath and Shane O'Sullivan looking to make their presence felt. The potential clash between Pauric Mahony and Owen Whelan  around this sector may steer the outcome. The positioning of Austin Gleeson will also be worth noting. They are ranked second and third in the pecking order for the county crown with the Gunners slightly favoured due to the forwards at their disposal.

Odds: Ballygunner 4/7 Draw 9/1 Mount Sion 6/4
Prediction: Ballygunner

Dungarvan v Ardmore (Fraher Field at 7.30) Group 2
These two neighbours last crossed swords in the Western Intermediate Final of 2009 which Dungarvan won by the bare minimum (1-11 to 1-10). Two defeats leave Ardmore rooted to the bottom despite the continued brilliance of Seamus Prendergast (1-16 in two games). Jamie Nagle may be designated to pick up Prendergast on this occasion. The Blues will start without Patrick Curran which leaves it up to Gavin Crotty, Cormac Curran and Cathal Curran to direct the attack. James O’Connor’s troops used their pace and skill to strike 2-20 against Tallow in round two and can shake off the rust of the long break.

Odds: Dungarvan 1/6 Draw 12/1 Ardmore 4/1
Prediction: Dungarvan

Friday August 8

Ballyduff Upper v Tallow (Lismore at 7.30) Group 2
Ballyduff rely mainly on Michael Kearney and he has produced 2-17 to date. They folded to Mount Sion in the second half of their second round match after chiselling out an important opening win against Ardmore. Tallow are fielding a youthful looking team this year although the defence that brought them as far as the 2010 decider remains largely intact. Keeping Thomas Ryan involved is central to improve their output. The 2013 version of this fixture finished all square at the same venue (nineteen points apiece) but the Reds can squeak this one.

Odds: Ballyduff Upper 1/3 Draw 10/1 Tallow 12/5
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper

Saturday August 9

Lismore v Roanmore (6.00 at Walsh Park) Group 1
If Saturday evening turns sour, Lismore face the gloomy prospect of group stage elimination for the second year running. They again turn to Maurice Shanahan for inspiration. Although curtailed by a back problem, he put up a remarkable 1-8 against De La Salle and sent over the equaliser against Passage. Upstarts Roanmore need one more win to almost guarantee a quarter final place. Few would have predicted such a rosy scenario for the Sky Blues. They don’t tend to shoot massive totals but make it very difficult for opponents to break through at the other end. With their backs to the wall, it’s time for Lismore to deliver in a tight situation and help out their star striker. A positive start will help them ease the pressure.

Odds: Roanmore 7/4 Draw 9/1 Lismore 1/2
Prediction: Lismore

Passage v Abbeyside (7.30 at Walsh Park) Group 1
This could have easily been the county final pairing last October but these two are now in danger of missing out on the business end. Owen Connors has kept Passage afloat so far with 1-19 in two shows of leadership. Eoin Kelly’s likely return should lift a certain amount of weight off his shoulders. Abbeyside lost out by two points to De La Salle and will present a physical challenge to their opponents. Placing either Gary or Patrick Hurney close to goal could pay off as the champions tend to give up goal chances. Mark Gorman must also be able to match the accuracy of Connors on frees. Passage prove hard to beat with only one defeat over their last ten championship games and that stubborn streak should serve them well here.

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

De La Salle v Fourmilewater (7.30 at Bunmahon) Group 1
De La Salle blitzed their opponents last June by 1-16 to 0-5 on a horrible Tuesday night in Dungarvan. Plenty of fuel for Fourmilewater to run on. Jamie Barron is enjoying the freedom of a deeper role and he starts the second round as leading marksman in this year’s championship on 26 points. They forgot their lines against Roanmore after racing away from Abbeyside and that loss may prove costly down the road. Salle will miss the presence of top scorer and minor captain Shane Ryan (2-12 amassed over two games) but Jake Dillon and John Mullane can make up for his absence.

Odds: De La Salle 1/4 Draw 11/1 Fourmilewater 3/1
Prediction: De La Salle

Six step up to last eight - SFC Round 4

 

After a mundane fourth round of action, six of the eight quarter finalists are known in the SFC. In Group 1, unbeaten Ballinacourty secured top spot and they will be joined by An Rinn, Kilrossanty and Rathgormack. In Group 2, The Nire lead the standings and Stradbally also made the cut.

Five of the six midweek games were settled by double digit margins with little excitement generated. On Wednesday evening, An Rinn collected their third win in convincing style against Ardmore at a bright Bushy Park (1-17 to 0-9). Last year’s semi finalists held a handsome 1-7 to 0-2 lead at half time. Fergal Ó Cuirrín slotted a goal in the second minute of injury time. Sean Barron saved twice in the build-up but was powerless to stop Ó Cuirrín who eventually found the bottom corner. Donie Breathnach finished up with eight points as Bilí Breathnach and Liam Ó Lonáin contributed three apiece. Ardmore were severely hampered by nasty injuries sustained to Kenny Murphy and Declan Prendergast and they stare into a relegation scrap after four straight losses.

Kilrossanty emerged comfortable 15 point winners (3-14 to 1-5) over Rathgormack at Fraher Field. Paul Whyte landed 1-7 in a prolific performance. His penalty and a David Power goal allowed the green and gold move 2-5 to 0-3 clear at halfway. Rathgormack retaliated through a Jason Curry penalty but they badly missed top scorer Gavin Nugent. Pa Whyte struck a third to put Kilrossanty out of sight. David Power (1-4) and Joey Veale (three points) were other prominent figures for John Kiely’s men.

The Nire kept up their unbeaten run by defeating De La Salle at Stradbally (2-15 to 0-8). Aided by the wind and a Shane Ryan goal on 18 minutes, they departed 1-8 to 0-4 in front by the break. Kevin Moran and John Mullane were sent on for Salle but there was no stopping The Nire. Alan Lawlor raised a second green flag in the last quarter to confirm an emphatic outcome.

In the all Eastern battle at Walsh Park on Thursday, St Saviours prevailed by 3-6 to 1-4 against Gaultier. Saviours led by 2-2 to 0-3 after a fiesty first half. Joey Phelan set up Brian Power for the opener on 15 minutes and then Phelan collected from Peter Crowley to billow the net eight minutes later. Substitute Shaun Corcoran made an instant impact when he sealed success with a goal after 49 minutes. JJ Hutchinson struck from the penalty spot for Gaultier with nine minutes remaining. Saviours' second win leaves them well placed to take a quarter final berth.

Ballinacourty made it four wins from four with an awesome 24 point destruction of Clashmore at Fraher Field (4-18 to 0-6). Courty motored seven ahead (1-7 to 0-3) at half time despite shooting ten wides. Patrick Hurney smashed the ball to the bottom corner on 24 minutes. A cheap Clashmore turnover in defence fell to Jason O'Brien who fed Hurney. The Villagers bagged three goals in the closing six minutes. Mark Ferncombe finished after receiving a Patrick Hurney pass on 54 minutes and Shane O'Donovan netted again a minute later. Ferncombe signed off for his second with a cheeky lob over Declan Hickey.

Stradbally bossed Ballinameela (2-15 to 0-4) at a showery Fraher Field on Friday night. Shane Ahearne shot 1-4 and county minor Michael Sweeney also caught the eye with a tidy contribution of 1-3 from play. Last year’s runners-up were awarded a penalty after 14 minutes as Keelan Looby made a foot block on David Grey. Shane Ahearne stood up for the spot kick and sent a rising shot past the outstretched glove of Paul Curran. Jason Morrissey kicked two points for Ballinameela but seven wides spoilt their positive approach play. The Reds reached the dressing room seven points on top (1-6 to 0-2). Sweeney blasted a second goal on 46 minutes after Shane Ahearne laid on the killer pass.

SFC Team of Round 4 & Top Scorers

 

1. Sean Barron (Ardmore)
2. Ray Ó Ceallaigh (An Rinn)
3. Peter Crowley (St Saviours)
4. Shane Ó Cuirrín (An Rinn)
5. Niall Walsh (Kilrossanty)
6. Michael Walsh (Stradbally)
7. Conor Maloney (Ballinacourty)
8. Tommy Prendergast (Kilrossanty)
9. Paul Whyte (Kilrossanty)
10. Patrick Hurney (Ballinacourty)
11. Donie Breathnach (An Rinn)
12. David Power (Kilrossanty)
13. Michael Sweeney (Stradbally)
14. Mark Ferncombe (Ballinacourty)
15. Shane Ryan (The Nire)

Top Scorers
Shane Ryan (The Nire) 5-19
JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier) 2-21
Gavin Nugent (Rathgormack) 0-18
Patrick Hurney (Ballinacourty) 1-14
Mark Ferncombe (Ballinacourty) 3-7
Liam Lawlor (The Nire) 2-10
Ian Cantwell (De La Salle) 0-15
Robert Ahearne (Stradbally) 1-12
Bilí Breathnach (An Rinn) 2-8
Brian Power (St Saviours) 2-8
Joey Veale (Kilrossanty) 0-14

Midweek madness – SFC Round 4 Predictions

The Nire and Ballinacourty booked their quarter final spots last weekend and over the coming days further places will be filled as the county board experiments with midweek fixtures. This championship desperately searches for a shot in the arm. The crowds are clearly staying away until the knockout pairings are determined. In 2013, only three fixtures (two double headers and Stradbally v Kilrossanty) exceeded €1,000 in gate receipts during the group stages. Just €110 was collected at Stradbally for the meeting of Gaultier and Ardmore. It’s hard to disagree with Timmy O’Keeffe’s assessment that interest in the league section is at “an all-time low.” Will midweek football see a spike in numbers? The jury is dubious.

On the field, An Rinn, Rathgormack and Kilrossanty are among those capable of disrupting the sense of inevitability. All three are within touching distance of the quarters. Ballinacourty and The Nire are bulldozing their way through the group stages with Stradbally yet to fire on all cylinders. In the relegation situation, the fifth round game between Ardmore and Clashmore already appears central to their fortunes. In Group 2, take your pick from Gauliter, St Saviours, De La Salle and Ballinameela. The Western side look most vulnerable at this point.

Wednesday July 30

An Rinn v Ardmore (7.30 at Bushy Park)
An Rinn know that a win will ensure progression to the next stage. Liam Ó Lonáin is likely to start following a flat team performance on Sunday evening against the champions. Their free taking lacked conviction and they fluffed seven scoring chances during the second half. Ardmore are shooting less than ten points per game and face a dogfight to avoid the drop. They moved Seamus Keating to full forward during the second half against Rathgormack and that may prove the best position to maximise his potential.

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

The Nire v De La Salle (7.30 at Stradbally)
The Nire made light work of the Stradbally assignment despite the late goal flurry to make the quarters. They stand as the highest scorers so far with 8-43 posted in three games. Shane Ryan and Liam Lawlor combined for 2-7 between them on Saturday. They have also integrated Jack Guiry and Keith Guiry into this year’s model. The high ball caused difficulty for the defence in the last ten minutes on Saturday as Stradbally struck for three goals. De La Salle could feel unlucky to lose out against Gaultier as they surrendered control just before the finish line. They can also score heavily but their fate may be determined by the final round fixture with Ballinameela.

Odds: The Nire 1/16 Draw 16/1 De La Salle 13/2
Prediction: The Nire

Kilrossanty v Rathgormack (7.30 at Fraher Field)
Kilrossanty clung on for a point against Clashmore although Tommy Prendergast played a towering role with three white flags. Despite the three point margin of victory, Rathgormack were in total control against Ardmore. Gavin Nugent provides the flair up front but they are well organised defensively. Momentum may lie with the green and red.

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

Thursday July 31

Gaultier v St Saviours (7.30 at Walsh Park)
Victory for either side here would rid them of relegation troubles and propel them close to the knockout phase. Both arrive in good form after narrow weekend wins. JJ Hutchinson has fired 1-18 out of Gaultier’s 3-28 total so far. Brian Power leads an improving Saviours attack on 1-8. With plenty to play for, this could be spicy.

Odds: Gaultier 4/6 Draw 7/1 St Saviours 11/8
Prediction: Gaultier

Ballinacourty v Clashmore (7.30 at Fraher Field)
Clashmore reached the semis two years ago but they would accept survival at this stage. They could have closed out the Kilrossanty game on Saturday. They possess an exciting young forward in Paul O’Connor who accounted for eight points. Although Courty are qualified already, they will hardly take the foot off the gas. Despite the absence of Shane Briggs, Richie Foley and Mark Fives from the first fifteen, they cut through An Rinn from the throw in. Patrick Hurney and Mark Ferncombe are again delivering big time in a forward division scoring 17 points per game.

Odds: Ballinacourty 1/6 Draw 12/1 Clashmore 4/1
Prediction: Ballinacourty

Friday 1 August

Stradbally v Ballinameela (7.30 at Fraher Field)
The lowest scorers in the championship (twenty points over three games) have a battle on their hands to stay away from the relegation play-off. Ballinameela are yet to rattle the net and failed to capitalise fully on wind advantage in the first half versus Saviours. Stradbally are yet to show their true colours. They grinded out wins against Gaultier and De La Salle and only sprang to life late on last weekend. The concession of five goals so far is a worry for the Reds. Despite this sluggishness, they should confirm qualification in comfortable fashion on Friday.

Odds: Stradbally 1/20 Draw 20/1 Ballinameela 7/1
Prediction: Stradbally

The Nire earn early bragging rights - SFC Round 3

Although this latest renewal lacked the usual bite, The Nire and Stradbally still served up a six goal spectacle at Fraher Field on Saturday evening. The Nire prevailed by five (3-11 to 3-6) to rubberstamp their place in the quarter finals from Group 2.

Shane Ryan fisted home a Jamie Barron cross from close range after 13 minutes and that allowed The Nire establish a 1-7 to 0-4 half time advantage. When Diarmuid Wall flashed in a straightforward chance on 40 minutes, the Ballymacarbry men had moved 12 points away (2-10 to 0-4). A chaotic finish was in store however with four goals crammed into the final eight minutes. Michael Sweeney rippled the roof of the net and Chris Casey punched to the corner as the damage suddenly narrowed to five. The Nire reacted as Liam Lawlor located the top corner on 58 minutes. Stradbally flew up the other end and John Coffey sidestepped Tom Wall for an ice cool finish. The Nire survived the late turbulence.

Group 1 leaders Ballinacourty also cemented their spot in the last eight as they gathered their third triumph against An Rinn (0-18 to 1-6). Seven different scorers saw the champions surge nine points up at midway (0-12 to 0-3). Patrick Hurney emerged as leading marksman with five from play. Donie Breathnach netted a consolation goal three minutes from time.

Kilrossanty and Clashmore played out a gripping draw (1-9 to 0-12) in Saturday's curtain raiser at Dungarvan. Three points through Tommy Prendergast and a Barry Prendergast goal on 49 minutes put Kilrossanty in the driving seat. Clashmore improved on earlier showings however and Paul O’Connor scored eight precious points, including the leveller. Tadhg De Burca and Cillian O’Keeffe fluffed late chances for Clashmore. Both teams finished with fourteen as Paudie O’Rourke and Michael Kirwan received red.

Rathgormack claimed their second win as Gavin Nugent casually shot seven points against Ardmore at Bushy Park (0-14 to 0-11). The corner forward nailed five in the opening half as they eased seven points clear (0-10 to 0-3). Winless Ardmore rustled up a mini revival as Seamus Keating kicked four frees but Jason Curry quenched any comeback with a late clincher.

Gaultier edged an entertaining Eastern derby against De La Salle at Walsh Park (2-9 to 1-11). They were a point to the good at the break helped by a first minute penalty from JJ Hutchinson. De La Salle took charge of the third quarter to lead by 1-9 to 1-6. A Sean White strike on 49 minutes and crucial points by Ian Hatton and Hutchinson guided Gaultier to victory. They move up to fourth position in Group 2.

St Saviours eased their relegation fears with a gritty 1-8 to 0-6 win over Ballinameela in Stradbally. Wind assisted Ballinameela led by 0-4 to 0-0 at half time. Saviours gobbled up the ground and tied the game entering the last quarter. Paul Holohan produced a vital stop and the Eastern side kicked on. Brian Power flicked the ball to the net with seven minutes remaining after a Mickey Merrigan delivery.