Flashback Friday - Five Great Goals Waterford v Cork

Hurling championship round two previews

April 29
Ballygunner v Roanmore (7.00 at Walsh Park)
Gavin O’Brien’s loss to injury is a huge blow to Roanmore’s prospects. They will struggle as a result to put up a big enough tally to challenge the Gunners on Friday evening. A daunting task for last year’s intermediate champions is made even more intimidating by Ballygunner’s demolition of Dungarvan in round one. After racking up 5-23 they will be full of confidence going into this clash.
Odds: Ballygunner 1/20 Draw 16/1 Roanmore 15/2
Prediction: Ballygunner

May 1
Mount Sion v Passage (2.00 at Walsh Park)
A spicy encounter to look forward to here between two teams who claimed victories in the opening round. An extra layer of interest is added by Eoin Kelly’s presence at full forward against his former club. Mount Sion’s form has been patchy in recent seasons and they were unconvincing against Roanmore last weekend. If Noel Connors is fit to return for Passage they may spring a small surprise by defeating Sion for the second year running.
Odds: Mt Sion 4/7 Draw 8/1 Passage 6/4
Prediction: Passage

De La Salle v Abbeyside (3.30 at Walsh Park)
A repeat of the 2008 county final that De La Salle edged by a point. Abbeyside haven’t reached those heights since while Salle have two Munster titles and another county crown banked. Abbeyside looked leaderless against Ballyduff Upper without Richie Foley and need bigger contributions from the Hurneys especially to prevent a second defeat. De La Salle, who will line out without any notable absentees from their county and Munster success last year, should still be able to deal with anything their opponents throw at them and make it two wins from two.
Odds: DLS 1/6 Draw 12/1 Abbeyside 4/1
Prediction: De La Salle

Stradbally v Fourmilewater (2.00 at Fraher Field)
Only a Shane Walsh goal separated these two teams in this fixture last year. Both will be targeting this game as winnable after tough openers. Fourmile’ will be pleased with their performance against Lismore and could feel hard done by not to take at least a share of the spoils. Stradbally should be able to lift themselves for this game after their collapse to De La Salle but Fourmile’ under new manager Fintan O’Connor look a more rounded outfit.
Odds: Stradbally 5/2 Draw 9/1 Fourmilewater 1/3
Prediction: Fourmilewater

Dungarvan v Tallow (3.30 at Fraher Field)
Both sides will fancy their chances here. Tallow put up a good fight against Passage last Sunday before narrowly falling short. If Thomas Ryan and Mark O’Brien continue to shine up front a first win of the campaign could be on the cards. Dungarvan will look to bounce back from the Ballygunner humiliation with Cormac Curran in accurate form. Brian Flannery however is presented with a more difficult task to raise the troops within a week than his Tallow counterpart.
Odds: Dungarvan 2/1 Draw 9/1 Tallow 2/5
Prediction: Tallow

May 8
Lismore v Ballyduff Upper (7.00 at Fraher Field)
Little is likely to separate these teams in this derby game. Ballyduff were the more impressive of the two on the first weekend of action with Lismore slow out of the blocks before eventually defeating Fourmilewater. Lismore won their quarter final clash last year on a day that the Reds failed to hit top form. They will look to correct that performance this time around. Led by Stephen Molumphy Ballyduff appeared a very cohesive unit against Abbeyside with a sharp edge up front. Lismore’s over reliance on Maurice Shanahan could prove their downfall as Ballyduff’s team ethic and greater scoring spread may win out in a difficult game to call.
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper

Waterford SHC Round 1 in brief

Ballygunner 5-23 Dungarvan 0-15
A sharp dose of reality for Brian Flannery and his young Dungarvan outfit as Ballygunner ran riot in the first ever championship match held at Carriganore. The hard work was done in the opening half with a hat trick by JJ Hutchinson giving Niall O’Donnell’s charges at 3-11 to 0-8 lead at the break. The Gunners piled on the misery in the second half with further green flags raised by Stephen Power and Naoise Waldron. JJ Hutchinson finished with a tally of 3-4 matched by Pauric Mahony who struck 0-13. Dungarvan’s Cormac Curran remarkably finished the game as top scorer with 0-14 to his name by close of play.

De La Salle 2-24 Stradbally 1-8
A stroll in the Walsh Park sunshine for the 2010 county champions here against a Stradbally side that struggled with the pace all afternoon. The tone was set early on with Jake Dillon’s goal helping De La Salle to a 1-13 to 0-3 interval advantage. Michael Walsh drilled home a second half penalty for Stradbally but it was only a temporary respite. John Mullane, who returned to action after his honeymoon, provided De La Salle’s second goal and put the icing on a facile win.

Mount Sion 3-12 Roanmore 1-7
Sion were given some nervy moments in this city clash before finally overcoming Roanmore in the second part of Saturday’s Walsh Park double header. The sides were level at 1-5 apiece as the first half closed but Jimmy Meaney’s side upped the ante in the second period to emerge 11 point victors. Sean Ryan, Stephen Roche and Tony Browne all found the net for Sion. Roanmore’s cause wasn’t helped by two red cards in the second half and the absence of Gavin O’Brien due to injury.

Lismore 3-13 Fourmilewater 2-11
The score line is no reflection of the battle Lismore endured to collect points at Fraher Field on Saturday evening. From the throw in Fourmile’ adopted a physical approach and piled the pressure on their fancied opponents. Rory Rice was positioned at full back to monitor Dan Shanahan and it proved a shrewd move. Fourmile’ held a 0-9 to 0-6 lead at half time with Shane Walsh and Seamus Lawlor firing two points each. The bookies favourites responded in the second half with Maurice Shanahan driving home two goals in two minutes. The first arrived from a 21 metre free but the second was a magnificent solo effort. Fourmile’ replied with a two goal burst of their own with Thomas O’Gorman and Craig Guiry netting on 51 and 53 minutes respectively.
As the game entered the closing stages and the sides level Brendan Landers somehow denied Shane Walsh a goal from point blank range. Lismore pushed on with Maurice Shanahan (who finished with 2-6), Paudie Prendergast and Dan Shanahan all landing points before a late goal from Terence Walsh.

Passage 3-13 Tallow 2-15
Passage were forced to line out without their All Star defender Noel Connors for this clash with Tallow minus the services of Paul O’Brien. In an entertaining game Passage edged it with Eoin Kelly’s contribution of 2-8 the crucial difference. The Eastern outfit raced into a 3-7 to 0-9 half time lead. Kelly struck for two goals, the first from a penalty, with Thomas Connors adding the other green flag. Tallow fought back with goals from a Thomas Ryan free and Mark O’Brien to reduce the arrears to a point. They couldn’t get their noses in front with Eoin Kelly’s frees guiding Passage to victory.

Ballyduff Upper 4-12 Abbeyside 0-13
In the final game of the weekend Ballyduff Upper got their campaign off to an ideal start at Fraher Field. Three first half goals from Shane Kearney between the tenth and 16th minute eased the Reds into a 3-7 to 0-5 interval lead. Stephen Molumphy created Kearney’s fourth goal on 34 minutes to end the tie as a contest. Adrian Power kept Abbeyside at bay with an exhibition of shot stopping in the second half. Abbeyside’s challenge was badly hindered by the absence of Richie Foley.

Flashback Friday - Shane Walsh goal v Kilkenny 2011

Familiar faces to contest De La Salle’s crown – Waterford SHC preview

The hardest championship to win is your own county championship. De La Salle came within seconds of reaching an All Ireland final two months ago but now they must refocus and face down the rocky road of the group stages in Waterford.

Their strong challenge at provincial and All Ireland level was built by an impressive county campaign. After suffering a 15 point humiliation to Ballygunner in the group stages they proceeded to blow away all opposition on their way to their second title.
Getting back to the levels they reached last time around won’t be straightforward. For a start Michael Ryan won’t be at the helm after his brief one year stint. Also in 2010 they wanted to prove that their first title was no flash in the pan but this motivation may not be so strong in this campaign. There must be frustration however that John Mullane and Kevin Moran remain the only inter county representatives despite the strong claims of Ian Flynn, Stephen Daniels and Dean Twomey.

Even at this early stage, before this weekend’s opening round, the championship race can be narrowed down to four teams; De La Salle, Ballygunner, Mount Sion and Lismore. Ballygunner’s line of young talent is hard to ignore and despite a number of injuries they still made the county final last year. Wayne Hutchinson and Brian O’Sullivan will be big additions to that panel. Lismore constantly strive to bridge the gap since their 1993 success but even Tomás Mulcahy couldn’t guide them past their bogey team Ballygunner last autumn. In Maurice Shanahan however they possess the best forward in the club championship for the past two seasons. Jimmy Meaney takes the reins at Mount Sion and if he can gel the experience of the McGraths and Tony Browne with new blood like Chris Ryan, Ian Galgey and the two Martin O’Neills they could be dark horses.

Passage surprised many in last year’s championship by reaching the last four. Good work at underage is reaping dividends and with Noel Connors and Eoin Kelly also in their ranks they could impact on the knock out stages. Tallow and Ballyduff Upper impressed in the group stages in 2010 but lacked the cut and thrust in the forward line to progress beyond the quarter finals. A similar story lies in store in the 2011 edition. Dual clubs Fourmilewater and Abbeyside can upset the odds on their day but while they may make a quarter final any further progress is unlikely. Dungarvan, Roanmore and Stradbally will dispute the relegation spoils.

Making championship predictions is treacherous given the way the campaign is basically split in two separate parts. With four teams from six making it through from each group to the quarter finals, losing a couple of games doesn’t make or break a campaign. Timing your run for the quarter finals onwards is the key. Despite this Ballygunner are tipped to wrestle away De La Salle’s title possibly after a rematch in Walsh Park. At the other end Stradbally may not have enough to stave off relegation.

First round previews

23 April
Dungarvan v Ballygunner (2.00 at Carriganore)
Brian Flannery faces a daunting opening task as Dungarvan bainsteoir. Ballygunner can boast an exciting crop of young talent and eight members of the current Waterford senior panel. If Jamie Nagle and Gavin Crotty step up to the plate Dungarvan will keep in touch but last year’s runners up have sufficient quality to win comfortably.
Prediction: Ballygunner

Stradbally v De La Salle (4.00 at Walsh Park)
This fixture presents an ideal opportunity for De La Salle to get back on track after their All Ireland semi final disappointment. Stradbally need a big display from Michael Walsh to remain competitive here.
Prediction: De La Salle

Mount Sion v Roanmore (5.30 at Walsh Park)
Roanmore return to the senior ranks to face a tough city derby on Saturday. Scorer in chief Gavin O’Brien is a future star but his performances will prove crucial to their survival this year. The two Martin O’Neills and Chris Ryan are names to watch for Sion and with Ken McGrath fully focussed on club duties they should make a convincing start here.
Prediction: Mount Sion

Lismore v Fourmilewater (6.30 at Fraher Field)
Maurice Shanahan is an injury worry for Lismore but they should still have too much firepower for Fourmile’. Dan Shanahan’s performance will be worth monitoring as will bright prospects John Prendergast and Paudie Prendergast. Paul Horkan’s loss to emigration weakens Fourmilewater’s hand as they look to Shane Walsh and young star Jamie Barron to keep them in contention.
Prediction: Lismore

April 24
Passage v Tallow (2.00 at Fraher Field)
Passage emerged as surprise contenders for county honours last year as they racked up impressive tallies on their way to the semi finals. Tallow’s efforts depend on Thomas Ryan delivering on his promise with former inter county players James Murray and Paul O’Brien also central figures. The Eastern outfit should come through narrowly.
Prediction: Passage

Ballyduff Upper v Abbeyside (7.00 at Fraher Field)
The big story surrounding this game is the absence of Richie Foley from the Abbeyside ranks. Ballyduff present a formidable outfit built on their county title success of 2007 and the experience of Tom Feeney, Stephen Molumphy and Brendan Hannon.
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper

Waterford’s hurling league stats

Players used: 32
Scores for: 8-112 (Average 19.4 points per game)
Scores against: 7-119 (Average 20 points per game)
Yellow cards: 12
Red cards: 2
Most appearances: Michael Walsh (7)

Results:
Waterford 3-16 Dublin 2-19 @ Walsh Park
Waterford 1-11 Wexford 0-12 @ Wexford Park
Tipperary 1-20 Waterford 0-18 @ Semple Stadium
Waterford 0-18 Cork 0-17 @ Fraher Field
Kilkenny 2-16 Waterford 1-13 @ Nowlan Park
Waterford 2-19 Offaly 1-19 @ O’Connor Park
Waterford 1-17 Galway 1-16 @ Walsh Park

Scorers:
Richie Foley 2-48
Shane Walsh 3-14
Pauric Mahony 0-13
Seamus Prendergast 2-5
Brian O’Sullivan 1-3
Kevin Moran 0-5
Maurice Shanahan 0-5
John Mullane 0-4
Thomas Ryan 0-4
Stephen Molumphy 0-3
Shane O’Sullivan 0-2
Shane Casey 0-2
Gavin Crotty 0-1
David O’Sullivan 0-1
Jamie Nagle 0-1
Eoin McGrath 0-1

Moving in the right direction against all odds

No one can question the character or resolve of this Waterford team after a rousing and thoroughly merited win over Galway on a glorious Sunday afternoon. Consistency can now be added to the mix also with only two games lost in ten competitive outings this year. The same cannot be said of the visitors who now must be asking familiar questions of themselves ahead of the championship.

Let’s put this gutsy display on Sunday in some context. The absentee list included All Stars Noel Connors, John Mullane and Stephen Molumphy along with Richie Foley and Maurice Shanahan. The Waterford forward line also didn’t carry any recognised free taker at senior level. John McIntyre’s side saw the return of Shane Kavanagh to full back and a potent full forward line of Eoin Forde, Joe Canning and Damien Hayes to call upon. It made sense to tip the Tribesmen despite the events of two weeks ago with the bookies installing them as 8/11 favourites.

So how did Waterford upset these odds? The simple answer is sheer hard graft all over the field and a hunger that Galway couldn’t match. The work rate of the home side put pressure on Galway from the first whistle. In terms of the physical exchanges and winning dirty ball Waterford almost always came out on top and in a tight match that ultimately decided the verdict. They also made better use of possession both from puck outs and delivering quality ball into the forwards. Clinton Hennessy picked out Shane O’Sullivan time and again and the Ballygunner man also won a decent amount of the breaking ball around the middle. Shane Walsh benefitted the most from the movement and supply of ball inside to the full forwards. Walsh was able to win the majority of possession delivered in front of him and fired a tally of 1-4. With no John Mullane, Eoin Kelly or Richie Foley his contribution proved significant.

If Galway lost the battles on the field, the men on the line also came off second best. John McIntyre was slow in taking off Shane Kavanagh after enduring a torrid afternoon on Shane Walsh. By the time the Kinvara full back was called ashore on 44 minutes the damage was done on the scoreboard. The positioning of Joe Canning at centre forward in the first half also didn’t work with his best work done in the second half at number 14. In truth Galway kept in touch mainly due to moments of Canning magic. His goal on 49 minutes was one of the goals of the year so far as he caught a great ball in the air before showing his strength against Tony Browne and finishing with a bullet to the corner of the net.

While Canning, Damien Hayes and Barry Daly were the only Galway players to do themselves justice, Davy Fitzgerald’s side provided no shortage of heroes. Michael Walsh along with his namesake Shane could both claim to be worthy man of the match contenders. The Brick proved again that despite Kevin Moran’s displays for De La Salle the centre back slot is his own. His interventions against Joe Canning and Aoghnus Callanan in the second period prevented two certain green flags. These highlights were only a small part of a powerful performance that included inspirational catches and the breaking up of countless Galway attacks. Darragh Fives once again put himself in the frame for the number two jersey by coping well with a strong Galway attack. Kevin Moran put in a tireless shift at midfield with Shane O’Sullivan also putting in an energetic display from centre forward. Pauric Mahony rose admirably to the free taking duties, nailing eight and only failing to convert two 65s. David O’Sullivan could also be pleased with his substitute appearance after replacing Eoin McGrath. On the negative side shooting 12 wides is a worrying aspect of the performance with the full back line and goalkeeper also experiencing nervy moments in the second half.

These are small concerns however in the overall picture. This performance puts a positive spin on a middle of the road campaign up to last weekend. Waterford have won four league games by no more than three points, drew once against Dublin and lost away games to Kilkenny and Tipperary. This habit of winning close games could count for a lot on the bigger occasions to come and with a number of star players to return the pieces are fitting into place. Waterford’s 18/1 championship odds still show that they will be underestimated by many despite the fact that along with Dublin they look the most settled of the chasing pack.

This is a different Waterford model to the swashbuckling outfit of 2002 to 2007. The personnel is obviously changing with an injection of youth and they are buying into Davy Fitzgerald’s hurling philosophy. While the style may not be as entertaining as some would wish for Waterford will be difficult to beat this summer if they maintain the intensity shown on Sunday.

Flashback Friday - Waterford v Galway minor final 1992

Points to prove in final round - Waterford v Galway preview

Unlike twelve months ago the final round of Division One is alive and well with every team bar Cork having something to play for. For Waterford to reach a league final they need to win this game on Sunday and also hope for Wexford to beat Tipperary and Cork to beat Dublin. For Galway the equation is simpler where a win in Walsh Park would guarantee a final spot against Kilkenny.

Galway hold a formidable league record against Sunday’s opponents. They are unbeaten in the last six meetings between the sides with Waterford’s last win arriving back in 2002. The Tribesmen hold no fear of travelling to Walsh Park either. On their last visit to the venue in 2004 they emerged 5-13 to 1-14 victors on a day that Eugene Cloonan fired 3-7. Overall in 29 meetings Galway are comfortably ahead by 20-9. In championship terms however the tables are turned completely with Waterford winning all nine of those games.

After the 4-23 to 1-14 slaughter in Salthill, John McIntyre will look for a response here. Tipperary exposed many frailties in defence but the old failing of inconsistent performances will have worried McIntyre the most in the last fortnight. That eighteen point collapse unravelled an encouraging league up to that point. High scoring wins were achieved early doors against Wexford and Offaly before a morale boosting comeback win against Kilkenny. The forwards also seemed to be coping well in the absence of Joe Canning with Iarla Tannian and Aoghnus Callanan taking up the responsibility. David Burke is also emerging as one of the best midfielders in the country beside top scorer Ger Farragher (0-44). A number of changes in selection can be expected after the wake up call of two weeks ago. Farragher and Andy Smyth are unlikely to be available but the return of high profile names will soften the blow. Joe Canning, Damien Hayes, Shane Kavanagh, Kevin Hynes and Aidan Harte are all in the frame for starting places. It will be interesting to see how Canning fits in to a forward unit that have hit 10-104 in the league so far.

Waterford’s campaign could be described a steady one with few highlights but few lowlights. Three wins over Wexford, Cork and Offaly have been achieved by no more than three points. One draw and two losses were also recorded with the heaviest of those by six points. Waterford are developing a way of competing well with top teams but not necessarily putting away teams that they are superior to. Although the prospects of a league final are slim Waterford will target this game to show that they are heading in the right direction. After their training camp in Reading last weekend, this game is viewed as another stepping stone towards championship. They will look to test themselves against what many regard as the closest challengers to Tipperary and Kilkenny.

John Mullane (honeymoon) and Richie Foley (hamstring injury) are likely to be marked absent on Sunday. Eoin Kelly is yet to make his first start of the year but with free takers Foley and Maurice Shanahan missing this could be his opportunity to do so. Liam Lawlor is back from injury and in contention for a trial at full back. Aiden Kearney and Declan Prendergast are also close to a return but this game may come too soon for them. The full forward line of Brian O’Sullivan, Shane Walsh and Gavin Crotty should get the vote of confidence after an encouraging showing against Offaly.

Fresh from the Tipperary experience, Galway could be seen as vulnerable here and a positive home start may seed some doubts in their mindset. The absence of Foley and Mullane will reduce Waterford’s scoring ability however with obvious replacements hard to identify. Galway will look to rally the troops and with a more reliable source of scores and the recall of some big names they should get the victory they need to advance to a league decider.

National Hurling League Division 1
Waterford v Galway
Throw in 2.30 at Walsh Park
Referee: Cathal McAllister (Cork)

Flashback Friday - John Mullane v Clare 2008

Offaly mission accomplished in unconvincing style

Waterford exited O’Connor Park Tullamore with two league points but finished the game in an unsatisfactory manner that leaves a few lingering doubts. After 57 minutes Waterford surged eight points clear and on their way to a comfortable win when Brian O’Sullivan pounced after Richie Foley’s free landed around the square. Instead of pushing on and sealing the win, Offaly grew in stature and made it a contest by the finish. The strong wind played its part in that late surge by Joe Dooley’s men but Waterford made life very difficult for themselves in that period despite many pleasing aspects in the performance up to that point.

Let’s concentrate on the positives first of all. 2-19 is an endorsement of an improved forward effort all round. 2-7 of that tally came from a full forward line where Shane Walsh again stood tall. He posted 1-4 from play, set up two other points and also won a free that Richie Foley converted. The supply of ball inside helped his cause and he was consistently first to the sliotar against David Kenny. His goal was all down to his own hard work. Offaly midfielder Dylan Hayden looked to clear his lines as he emerged from defence but Walsh dispossessed him and headed for goal. When a cool finish was required he provided it as he fired low under the body of the advancing goalkeeper James Dempsey. Gavin Crotty and Brian O’Sullivan complimented Walsh inside with the Ballygunner man likely to gain another chance against Galway after firing 1-2 on Sunday.

Kevin Moran and Richie Foley combined well in the middle with the Abbeyside man in particular showing some nice touches and his nine placed balls kept the scoreboard ticking over. Jamie Nagle followed up his good display against Kilkenny with another busy display at wing back beside the ever consistent Michael Walsh. Tony Browne looked a bit rusty at times but will be glad to have the first seventy minutes of 2011 under his belt.

On the minus side the sluggish way Waterford closed out the game is a concern. Only one point in the last 13 minutes to Offaly’s six is a reflection of that late turnaround. In his post match comments Joe Dooley felt disappointed that his team didn’t get more from the game. Waterford rested on the cushion built up by O’Sullivan’s goal and began to give away scoreable frees that Shane Dooley punished. If Offaly didn’t miss two decent goal chances it could have been far worse. Shane Dooley pulled his effort narrowly wide on 37 minutes and Joe Bergin was only denied by a great block from Tony Browne on 59 minutes.

Bergin was a constant thorn for Wayne Hutchinson all afternoon and contributed 1-2. In the second half a wind assisted home side boomed high balls on top of Bergin and one of those deliveries led to a clinical finish by the full forward. Hutchinson has held his own in the league to date but this was a reality check. Despite this setback he needs consistent exposure to the full back position. With Liam Lawlor back in harness Hutchinson could be dropped against Galway and that would be a blow to his confidence. Another frustrating aspect of Sunday’s display was the short puck out strategy adopted. On five occasions this was used with one puck out in the second half leading to an Offaly free and another resulting in Brian Carroll hitting a shot wide. A number of short hand passes also led to trouble for Waterford and Johnny Ryan also penalised for steps against several Deise players.

Despite a mixed performance Waterford maintain an interest in the league after Tipperary’s scoring spree in Salthill. They will have to plan without Richie Foley who was forced off with a hamstring injury late on that rules him out for up to a month. Davy Fitzgerald refused to comment to media after Sunday’s game and is perhaps choosing to adopt a low profile in light of his four week suspension. A steady if unspectacular league campaign continues with plenty to work on for Davy on the training ground but still something to play for.

Flashback Friday - Clinton Hennessy v Tipperary