Waterford SHC Team of the Weekend & Top Scorers

1. Ian O’Regan (Mount Sion)
2. Mark Hoban (Mount Sion)
3. Christopher Ryan (Mount Sion)
4. Barry Coughlan (Ballygunner)
5. Richie Foley (Abbeyside)
6. Austin Gleeson (Mount Sion)
7. Owen Whelan (Mount Sion)
8. Martin O’Neill (Mount Sion)
9. Shane O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
10. Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner)
11. Eoin McGrath (Mount Sion)
12. Maurice Shanahan (Lismore)
13. JJ Hutchinson (Ballygunner)
14. Brian O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
15. Richard Roche (Mount Sion)

Top Scorers
Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater) 1-60
Seamus Prendergast (Ardmore) 4-47
Michael Kearney (Ballyduff Upper) 3-47
Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner) 0-48
Maurice Shanahan (Lismore) 4-35
Owen Connors (Passage) 1-38

Gunners dodge danger with scoring spree - SHC Quarter Finals

 

Fourteen man Ballygunner encountered some turbulence against old rivals Lismore at a sunny Walsh Park but a polished second half showing of 2-14 guaranteed a semi final spot. They ran out 3-20 to 2-12 victors and will clash with Dungarvan in the final four next Sunday at Fraher Field.

Manager Fergal Hartley believes that there is more in reserve. “There’s a hell of a lot of areas for us to improve on. Overall as a performance, I wouldn’t be overly happy. There’s a lot of things we could do better. That performance wouldn’t be good enough to win a county semi final.” Pauric Mahony (ten points) and JJ Hutchinson (1-3) reacted quickest to the danger for the Gunners when Paul Coughlan saw red early in the second period.

The sides departed on level terms at halfway (1-6 apiece). The game started in cagey fashion but exploded into life during the second quarter. On 21 minutes, Brian O’Sullivan played a delightful crossfield pass to Stephen Power and he located the top corner. Lismore rebounded from that blow three minutes later. Paudie Coleman crossed and Dan Shanahan scrambled home when the ball fell to the deck.

Ballygunner re-emerged quickly in the second period. Shane O’Sullivan charged through the centre on 32 minutes and laid off for half time substitute JJ Hutchinson to double in the air and give Seanie Barry no chance (2-7 to 1-6). That early exuberance was punctured somewhat when another substitute Paul Coughlan received his marching orders for an off the ball offence.

Shane O’Sullivan got a handle at midfield for the fourteen men and they put together four points on the trot. Harley Barnes clinched the contest when he stroked to the far corner with eight minutes left. Brian Bennett whipped in a Lismore consolation goal.

In the opener, Martin O’Neill rattled off twelve points as a second half flurry from Mount Sion overpowered Abbeyside (1-21 to 0-15). The Waterford panellist suffered an injury interrupted 2013 but Anthony Kirwan was thrilled to see the dead ball specialist back in full flight. “We always knew that Martin has that. It’s been a tough year for him and he’s gradually coming back and getting better and better. Fair dues to him.”

After conceding four goals to Dungarvan in their last group game, moving Austin Gleeson to number six shored up the defensive unit. “Together as a group, in terms of the team and the management, we had to sit down and look at ourselves and see exactly what had to be done. In fairness to the lads, they reacted.”

Against the breeze at first, an early net finder settled Sion into proceedings. On two minutes, Martin O’Neill’s delivery broke favourably for Richie Roche to rustle the rigging. Mark Ferncombe earned a penalty on ten minutes but his tame effort was stopped and Mount Sion went up the other end for Gavin Carroll to put them five points up. Richie Foley rebooted Abbeyside from centre back and he popped up with four first half points, including three huge frees. Eoin McGrath snuck Sion 1-7 to 0-9 ahead at half time.

Anthony Kirwan’s side stepped on the gas after the break. They picked off three snappy points and then Ian O’Regan made a point blank save from substitute Mark Fives. O’Neill took over at midfield and piled on nine second half singles. Austin Gleeson and Owen Whelan also made their presence felt in a dominant half back division. Gary Hurney was dismissed in injury time for a second bookable offence. The Monastery men tackle De La Salle next Saturday at the city venue.

SHC Semi Finals

Saturday 20 September

De La Salle v Mount Sion (5.30 at Walsh Park)

Sunday 21 September

Dungarvan v Ballygunner (6.15 at Fraher Field)

Intriguing double bill in store – SHC Quarter Final Predictions

All four hurling semi finalists should be known by approximately 5 o’clock on Sunday. The first encounter is a toss of the coin between two teams seeking a breakthrough. Ballygunner arrive as clear cut favourites to eliminate Lismore from the title race once more. The last four looks set to take place next weekend.

Sunday 14 September

Mount Sion v Abbeyside (2.00 at Walsh Park)
The club with 35 titles against the club craving to win just once. More questions linger about Mount Sion here. Two troubling defeats against Ballygunner and Dungarvan raised doubts about their defence and they may take corrective action. Austin Gleeson may move to number six but will that stifle their scoring threat as a result? Abbeyside have struck form at the right time with three wins on the spin. Sean O’Hare and Richie Foley are settled in the central defensive positions and at the other end, the Hurneys along with Mark Ferncombe can slot into various attacking slots as required. They broke the twenty point barrier in each of those victories over Passage, Lismore and Roanmore. There will be a kick in Mount Sion after those recent setbacks. If Gleeson retreats, they will rely on Martin O’Neill, Ian Galgey, Stephen Roche and Tony Browne to compile a winning tally. They are still putting the jigsaw together and that more settled appearance to the Abbeyside fifteen seems persuasive in a close opener.

Odds: Mount Sion 4/6 Draw 9/1 Abbeyside 11/8
Prediction: Abbeyside

Ballygunner v Lismore (3.30 at Walsh Park)
Lismore must exceed anything they have produced over the past two seasons to match the form team of this year’s championship. They pushed the Gunners hard over the last decade and that team deserved to the take baton from the 1993 winners. In two finals and seven finals, they failed each time to the men in red and black. It’s difficult to make a case on this occasion given the fact that they only won a single group game and depend so heavily on Maurice Shanahan magic. Ballygunner are moving towards their final destination and a shot at redemption. Five cosy group stage wins allowed them rekindle a pattern of play and take a look through their squad. They haven’t received a stern test just yet and any team lining one up will have to outgun a forward line that scored 10-109 in the group games. Their defence are slightly uncomfortable when taken on for pace and Stephen O’Keeffe spared them twice against Ballyduff Upper with close range stops. Minor faults in a well-oiled machine that should march on comfortably to the semis.

Odds: Ballygunner 2/7 Draw 11/1 Lismore 11/4
Prediction: Ballygunner

Knockout football under starter's orders - SFC Predictions

Saturday evening signals the start of the serious business in the senior football championship with plenty on the line in a Dungarvan double header. One last chance for Ballinameela and Ardmore to escape the senior shredder in the curtain raiser while The Nire are almost unbackable to continue their winning ways in a derby clash with Rathgormack.

Saturday September 13

Relegation Play-Off
Ballinameela v Ardmore (6.00 at Fraher Field)
Ten wides turned out to be expensive for Ballinameela in their concluding group game against De La Salle as they spurned their first opportunity at avoiding the drop. Despite these misses, 1-10 was their best return of the season so far and offers encouragement for this relegation decider. Their recognised shooters Tom Curran, Jim Curran and Jason Morrissey will be required here as Meela have only struck 1-34. The accomplished Brendan Phelan also provides drive and direction from centre back. The absence of experienced pair Brian Phelan and Eamonn Walsh hurt them in that showdown with De La Salle and left them with an extremely young side. Ardmore have yet to place themselves in a position to win any of their games. Similar to their opponents, their troubles lie up front with a return of just 2-42. Responsibility rests with David and John Gartland along with Seamus Keating to make more of an impression on the scoreboard. They have the edge in experience here but 11 defeats across both senior competitions takes a toll. It’s hard to stop a losing sequence and Ardmore’s 17 year stay in the senior ranks appears to be in danger.

Prediction: Ballinameela

Quarter Final
The Nire v Rathgormack (7.30 at Fraher Field)
If The Nire keep all of their key men fit, they look best placed to wrestle the title away from Ballinacourty. The group winners shot 20 points per game on average and conceded a mere eight points. Liam Lawlor provides the focal point at number fourteen that the rest feed off. Thirteen different players posted scores over the five group games. Shane Ryan has grown into a marquee forward and he tops the championship charts on 6-19 at the start of the knockout rounds. The only weakness to pick out is that they are possibly vulnerable under the high ball and Stradbally raided three goals in the group phase. Rathgormack will look to shut down the space for these forwards to operate in. They reduced Ballinacourty to 1-9 but that was way in April. They leaked 3-14 against Kilrossanty followed by 18 points against An Rinn. Restricting Gavin Nugent (provider of 19 points) seriously limits their scoring potential. The Nire will depend on their man markers to handle Nugent rather than install a screen in front of him. The green and red have only managed two goals compared to eleven for their opponents.

Odds: The Nire 1/10 Draw 14/1 Rathgormack 11/2
Prediction: The Nire

SHC Team of the Weekend & Top Scorers

1. Darren Duggan (Dungarvan)
2. Aaron Donnelly (Dungarvan)
3. Kevin Daly (Dungarvan)
4. Noel Connors (Passage)
5. Darragh Lyons (Dungarvan)
6. Jamie Nagle (Dungarvan)
7. Shane McNulty (De La Salle)
8. Dean Twomey (De La Salle)
9. Paul O’Brien (Tallow)
10. Owen Connors (Passage)
11. Gavin Crotty (Dungarvan)
12. Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater)
13. Thomas Ryan (Tallow)
14. John Keane (De La Salle)
15. Cathal Curran (Dungarvan)

Top Scorers
Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater) 1-60
Seamus Prendergast (Ardmore) 4-47
Michael Kearney (Ballyduff Upper) 3-47
Owen Connors (Passage) 1-38
Maurice Shanahan (Lismore) 4-28
Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner) 0-38

Peak hour for title hopefuls – SHC Quarter Final Predictions

30 group games provided precious few highlights but the shadow boxing is now over as the knock-out stuff starts this weekend. With the title race reduced to eight runners, it’s peak time for those challenging for ultimate honours. While the opening quarter final looks predictable on paper, Passage versus Dungarvan promises much given their recent form. The relegation battle will probably produce the most ferociously contested fixture of the weekend between two proud clubs.

Relegation Play-Off

Thursday 4 September

Ardmore v Fourmilewater (8.00 at Fraher Field)
Fourmile’s patchy form and unsettled line-up leaves them dangerously close to the trapdoor. In the previous four seasons, they made three quarter finals and a semi final. A second round slip-up against Roanmore cancelled out their good work to put away Abbeyside the previous week. Two goals across five games is also a worrying figure. Dermot Ryan and Stephen Ryan punched a few holes in their recent cameo appearances and may be pushed into starting roles here. 48 points for Jamie Barron shows how heavily Fourmile lean on him. Liam Lawlor started at full forward in the draw with Lismore but Benji Whelan may be tempted to restore him to number six and shut down Seamus Prendergast. Ardmore’s first round defeat to Ballyduff Upper put them under pressure immediately and an absentee list containing Clinton Hennessy, Richie Hennessy and Declan Prendergast hasn’t helped. They showed a determination to soldier on when they came within two points of Tallow. Over-exuberance may lead to plenty of frees which puts the spotlight on Barron and Seamus Prendergast. Fourmilewater earned promotion back in 2001 and they will depend on their inter county quality to emerge with their senior status intact.

Odds: Fourmilewater 1/10 Draw 16/1 Ardmore 5/1
Prediction: Fourmilewater

Quarter Finals

Friday 5 September

De La Salle v Tallow (8.00 at Fraher Field)
Tallow’s reward for taking the last seat on the plane is a head-on collision against the title favourites. They did defeat Salle in the group stages last year but under different circumstances where their opponents had already advanced. Two years ago, De La Salle delivered a 4-20 to 0-9 drubbing. Damage limitation must be on their minds from the outset and any lack of appetite will be severely punished. A no holds barred full back line gives them a degree of security but pressure must be applied out the field. At the other end, chief goal scorer Evan Sheehan (five in three games), Thomas Ryan and Robert O’Sullivan need to be ultra-efficient. De La Salle will be disappointed by how Passage picked their pocket at Walsh Park and this offers the ideal opportunity to get that performance out of their system. Their squad has been boosted by recent underage success. Stephen Dalton, Adam Farrell and Shane Ryan are among those settling into the side. Jack Kennedy has been moved into a half back line where Shane McNulty shone brightest during the group phase. They neatly distributed the scores in those five games with fourteen different players chipping in. It’s hard to make a case for Tallow (the lowest scorers among the last eight) matching De La Salle’s power and fluency up front.

Odds: De La Salle 1/20 Draw 33/1 Tallow 7/1
Prediction: De La Salle

Saturday 6 September

Passage v Dungarvan (7.30 at Fraher Field)
High scoring potential here from two teams moving in the right direction. This pair exceeded a hundred points during the group stages. They also tend to generate a pile of chances with Passage firing 20 wides against De La Salle and Dungarvan entering double figures in their last three outings. After an convincing start to their title defence, Passage came out fighting against Fourmilewater and Eoin Kelly returned to strike 3-9 in three games. Conor Carey is also showing strong form in a forward line that also has reliable performers in Owen Connors, Thomas Connors, Sean Hogan and Rory Walsh. Regular point taker Killian Fitzgerald and the industrious Pa Walsh at midfield seem to hold the upper hand over their direct opponents. Dungarvan have purred along nicely since a first half no-show in their opener with Ballygunner. They have blasted ten goals and are approaching 24 points every game. Each forward is contributing their share and dismissing Mount Sion in a ruthless manner will boost their confidence. It’s a choice between the exuberance and experience. Neither side will hold back given their ability to chalk up big totals but maybe the pace at James O’Connor’s disposal will rattle the champions.

Odds: Passage 10/11 Draw 9/1 Dungarvan Evens
Prediction: Dungarvan

 

SFC Team of Round 5 & Top Scorers

1. Paul Houlihan (St Saviours)
2. Michael Cronin (Ardmore)
3. Peter Crowley (St Saviours)
4. Jamie De Barún (An Rinn)
5. Shane Briggs (Ballinacourty)
6. Brendan Phelan (Ballinameela)
7. Brian Wall (The Nire)
8. Shane Ahearne (Stradbally)
9. Ian Cantwell (De La Salle)
10. Patrick Hurney (Ballinacourty)
11. Donie Breathnach (An Rinn)
12. Liam Ó Lonáin (An Rinn)
13. Brian O'Halloran (Clashmore)
14. Mitchell Casey (De La Salle)
15. JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier)

Top Scorers
Shane Ryan (The Nire) 6-19
JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier) 2-26
Patrick Hurney (Ballinacourty) 2-16
Mark Ferncombe (Ballinacourty) 3-11
Gavin Nugent (Rathgormack) 0-19