Mahony and Hutchinson light up instantly forgettable county final

When you read the full time score from Sunday’s county final it’s hard to believe that after 25 minutes Ballygunner only held a 0-4 to 0-2 lead. While the end result hardly requires in depth analysis, a number of factors fell into place before the break for the Gunners to take full advantage.

The injury that Tallow midfielder Paul O’Brien picked up mid way through the first half certainly counts as one. As a result the former inter county man moved to the edge of the square with Thomas Ryan heading in the opposite direction. With one of their talisman limping into the full forward line any lingering hopes of a shock disappeared. The goal from Harley Barnes provided an obvious tonic for the favourites five minutes before the interval. After keeping themselves in contention up to that point Tallow fell asleep as David O’Sullivan weaved through the defence to play the killer pass for Barnes to sweep home. Indiscipline from the Western side also proved costly. The final free count of 17 to 7 tells the tale and Pauric Mahony punished them on each occasion when within scoring range. The All Star nominee converted three frees on the bounce in first half stoppage time to dent any remaining spirit left in the Bridesiders. In the five minutes of normal time and three minutes of injury time before the half time whistle Ballygunner outscored their opponents 1-5 to 0-1.

Ballygunner struggled before that point primarily due to a resilient Tallow defence, the fact that the outsiders opted to play with the aid of the elements and also missed opportunities like Brian O’Sullivan’s goal chance that he blazed across goal and wide. The relentless nature of their half back line however squeezed the life out of the Tallow attack and ensured that the floodgates would open at the other end sooner rather than later. Wayne Hutchinson gave a masterclass in centre back play over that opening period and one spectacular catch on the stroke of half time a particular highlight. Since his move to number six earlier this season he has experienced one of his best club campaigns.

He narrowly missed out on the man of the match honours to another consistent performer in Pauric Mahony. His striking from frees and from open play bordered on perfection at times as he helped himself to eleven points. He also showed some deft touches and crafted a point for Andy Maloney in the second half with a clever overhead ball.

Another notable feature of Sunday’s game was the performance of Maloney. Two years ago Maloney almost beat Lismore on his own in a county final replay and now at 34 he produced another powerhouse display at wing forward. After spending the majority of the season in the intermediate ranks, Niall O’Donnell’s decision to recall the former Tipperary and Waterford hurler was fully vindicated when you take into account his contributions throughout the knock out stages.

Tallow will rather forget their first appearance since 1985 but they can reflect on a season of progress. Some raised questions in the aftermath over their whether they deserved to reach a county final but that argument falls down. Lismore, Ballyduff Upper and Mount Sion all fell on Tallow’s side of the draw and they displayed sufficient character and defensive stability to emerge and reach a decider. In terms of resources and attacking options however they fell short of the levels required to take the next step. Brian Henley’s inclusion at 40 years of age in the corner forward berth reflected their lack of strength in depth.

All in all an utterly lacklustre affair that will quickly be erased from the memory banks of those who witnessed it. The muted atmosphere throughout the sixty minutes around the ground summed up the overall mood. The challenge of first time Tipperary champions Drom & Inch now comes into view for the new title holders. With only one Munster title collected in 2001 and after watching De La Salle collect two in quick succession there should be no shortage of motivation. A Munster minefield of Seamus Callinan’s Drom & Inch, a youthful Na Piarsaigh and one of Carrigtwohill/Sixmilebridge/Crusheen will all have to be negotiated however before that goal can be realised.

Guide to the County Hurling Final 2011

Ballygunner v Tallow
3.30 at Walsh Park
Referee: Michael O’Brien (Portlaw)

Betting
Ballygunner 1/4 Draw 11/1 Tallow 10/3

Probable Teams
Ballygunner: Stephen O’Keeffe, Alan Kirwan, Willie Kiely, Barry Coughlan, Philip Mahony, Wayne Hutchinson, Stephen O’Keeffe, Shane Walsh, David O’Sullivan, Stephen Power, Shane O’Sullivan, Pauric Mahony, Brian O’Sullivan, J.J. Hutchinson, Harley Barnes.

Tallow: Shaun O’Sullivan, Aidan Kearney, David O’Brien, Ken Kearney, James Murray, Mark O’Brien, William Henley, Kieran Geary, Paul O’Brien, Evan Sheehan, Eoin Condon, Aaron Pratt, Kevin Curley, Shane McCarthy, Thomas Ryan.

Story To Date
With four wins from five games Ballygunner eased their way to the quarter finals from Group 2 while Tallow required a win against Roanmore in the final round to qualify as the third placed team from the same group. In round 3 Ballygunner hammered Sunday’s opponents by 2-17 to 0-6. The Gunners overcame a strong second half comeback from Fourmilewater in the quarters before toppling champions De La Salle in a controversial last four clash. On the other side of the draw Tallow surprised Lismore with a last minute Shane McCarthy goal at the quarter final stages and then went on to defeat Ballyduff Upper in atrocious conditions on semi final day.

Leading Scorers
Thomas Ryan, by a considerable distance, leads the Tallow scoring charts with a total of 4-43 from seven games. Evan Sheehan counts as the next best with 2-9. A better spread can be seen in the Ballygunner attack with Pauric Mahony heading the field on 0-47 from his six outings so far. JJ Hutchinson (5-15) commands second spot with Brian O’Sullivan (5-12) close behind.

Key Battles
Whichever half back line gains a strangle hold will most likely dictate the shape of this final. James Murray, Mark O’Brien and William Henley make up this line for Tallow with Philip Mahony, Wayne Hutchinson and Shane Walsh or David O’Sullivan at the other end. Tallow’s inner line will also need to be on high alert as they face a skilful full forward line and a record of 19 goals under their belt in this championship. Meanwhile Paul O’Brien’s influential role at midfield is one for the Gunners to keep tabs on.

Under The Radar
Tallow’s half forward line of Evan Sheehan, Eoin Condon and Aaron Pratt don’t stand out like other marquee names on the field but their contribution in the run to the county final cannot be denied. In terms of work ethic and ball winning ability they can cause disruption to opposition half back lines. As well as all that they contributed four points to the scoreboard in the semi final against Ballyduff Upper. If this line can produce four or five points between them again on Sunday the signs will be positive for the Bridesiders. On the Gunners side Alan Kirwan appears likely to return to their full back line after missing the semi final. As one of the tightest markers on the club circuit he could be detailed to police Thomas Ryan for the afternoon. An underrated but consistent performer Kirwan never fully received the recognition he deserved at inter county level.

Off The Bench
Veteran Andy Maloney has proven a valuable impact sub for the Gunners since his return from the intermediate ranks. Last time out he contributed a late point when introduced and brings his experience and composure to bear. Barry Mullane, Barry O’Sullivan and Naoise Waldron also provide sufficient cover in attack. Tallow’s replacements don’t offer the same depth of options but Tommy Daly impressed up front in the semi final against Ballyduff Upper.

Prediction
To put it simply; Tallow desperately need to keep things tight early on and avoid the concession of a first half goal. Their defence have kept three clean sheets on the bounce and the experience of the O’Briens, James Murray and Aidan Kearney must be brought to bear if they are to stand a chance. They will also require Thomas Ryan to convert every placed ball opportunity that comes his way. The firepower and all round quality of Ballygunner is hard to ignore however. Every sector of the field gleams with inter county men and apart from a blip against Mount Sion they have displayed relentless consistency in 2011. The potential for goals, the reliability of Pauric Mahony from frees and a stable defence led by Alan Kirwan, Philip Mahony and Wayne Hutchinson offer only some of the reasons for the favourites to prevail. Even if Tallow cling on early doors and make matters uncomfortable, a six point winning margin looks on the cards allowing Shane O’Sullivan to lift the News and Star cup.

Waterford SFC Semi Finals In Brief

Stradbally 0-11 The Nire 0-9
Five second half points from the boot of Shane Ahearne and a powerhouse display from Michael Walsh saw the reigning champions edge another tight finish against their great rivals on Saturday evening. The Nire bossed proceedings in the opening half but only held a 0-4 to 0-2 cushion at the break. It took 23 minutes for Stradbally to register their opening score through Michael Walsh and Andy Doyle registered another before half time. The Reds picked up the pace in the second period with Shane Ahearne leading the charge. The sides entered injury time tied at eight points apiece. Ahearne, Paddy Doyle and Niall Curran all landed points in the three additional minutes with Shane Walsh firing the only response for the Nire.

Ballinacourty 0-14 Kilrossanty 1-2
Last year’s beaten finalists chalked up a facile nine point win against Kilrossanty in the second semi final played under lights at Fraher Field on Sunday evening. By half time the writing was on the wall for John Kiely’s men as they trailed by 0-8 to 0-1. Mark Fives contributed three of Ballinacourty’s total with Gary, John and Patrick Hurney along with Mark Ferncombe also getting on the score sheet. Kilrossanty only point came courtesy of Paul Whyte’s fourth minute free. A goal from substitute Kieran Power on 40 minutes revived the hopes of the underdogs as the gap narrowed to four points. Ballinacourty dealt clinically with this mini revival to strike the last five points of the contest. Mark Fives finished with four points in all with Patrick Hurney scoring three from play and Gary Hurney converting three frees. The only negative that emerged for the victors was a tally of 15 wides over the sixty minutes.

Waterford SFC Semi Final Previews

8 October
The Nire v Stradbally (7.30 at Fraher Field)
The Old Firm of Waterford football go head to head once more on Saturday evening. As always the margins will be narrow, the tackles ferocious and the commitment total. Stradbally are eyeing three titles in a row after only completing five in a row in 2005. That drive for five so often came at the Nire’s expense and last year again the Reds edged their quarter final meeting after extra time. The Nire won the group game this year but it provides little relevance for this latest battle. Both sides overcame tricky quarter final opponents in An Rinn and Ardmore with Stradbally the more impressive of the two winners. Players like Shane Aherne, Robert Aherne and Tommy Connors are now taking up the mantle with the old guard of Michael Walsh, the Costelloes and Niall Curran still playing key roles. The big question for the Nire is their attack which lost their shape and direction in the quarter final and Shane Walsh may be moved from his midfield berth to aid the attacking efforts. Their defence containing the O’Gormans, Liam Lawlor and Justin Walsh to name a few is as formidable as they come however and they have been itching for this contest since last year. In a low scoring war of attrition, the Nire’s hunger to avenge past failures may be decisive.
Odds: The Nire 5/6 Draw 13/2 Stradbally 5/4
Prediction: The Nire

9 October
Ballinacourty v Kilrossanty (7.00 at Fraher Field)
Avoiding the big two will give both of these teams reason to be optimistic ahead of this one. Ballinacourty come into it as undeniable favourites and with their deep pool of inter county talent dotted throughout the field that’s understandable. But John Kiely’s men have built up a head of steam after three successive wins and will view this game as a golden opportunity. A goalscoring threat is missing from Kilrossanty’s armour however and Tommy Prendergast remains an absentee. With momentum in their sails they should keep it competitive but Ballinacourty should be able to pull clear in the closing stretch with Gary Hurney, Patrick Hurney and Mark Ferncombe leading a potent forward division.
Odds: Ballinacourty 1/4 Draw 9/1 Kilrossanty 7/2
Prediction: Ballinacourty

Waterford SHC Semi Finals In Brief

Tallow 0-13 Ballyduff Upper 0-10
After a 26 year wait Tallow reached the county senior hurling final after edging a tough battle in deplorable conditions against local rivals Ballyduff Upper at Fraher Field on Saturday afternoon. Despite the driving rain the teams served up an entertaining opening period. Four points from Ballyduff wing forward Jamie Kearney provided the highlight as the 2007 champions held a 0-8 to 0-7 lead at the break. The sides were level six times and the stalemate continued into the second half. Four points in the final quarter ultimately tilted the balance in Tallow’s favour. Substitute Tommy Daly levelled matters for a ninth time at ten points apiece before Aaron Pratt and two placed balls from Thomas Ryan sealed victory. Ballyduff’s only second half scores came courtesy of two Brendan Hannon frees. Aidan Kearney, David O’Brien and James Murray impressed in a stout Tallow back line while the industrious Paul O’Brien at midfield and Thomas Ryan in attack also made key contributions.

Ballygunner 2-10 De La Salle 0-11
De La Salle’s reign as county champions ended in controversial circumstances on Sunday afternoon at Walsh Park. In the early minutes a mass brawl broke out involving almost every player from both sides which resulted in referee Michael Wadding issuing a straight red card to De La Salle forward Paudi Nevin. An incident also occurred in the tunnel as the teams left the field at half time. The Gunners held a 1-3 to 0-4 half time lead with David O’Sullivan bagging the crucial goal. JJ Hutchinson added a second green flag shortly after the break to build up a five point cushion. De La Salle rallied with Eoin Madigan and Dean Twomey to the forefront. Both players struck over three points from play over the hour. Pauric Mahony’s seven frees proved pivotal however as the holders encountered difficulties in this department. Late points from Andy Maloney and Brian O’Sullivan wrapped it up for Ballygunner as their numerical advantage eventually reaped dividends.