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
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