Lehane dazzles as Waterford suffer injury crisis - Cork 3-17 Waterford 0-18

The buzz returned to Cork hurling on Saturday night. They flocked to Páirc Uí Rinn to worship their hero and by throw in the place was humming with the only surprise being that the game didn’t need to be delayed to accommodate the streams of supporters.

Even with a full strength team, Waterford would have struggled to contain a home side feeding off the carnival atmosphere. In the first half this Cork team played with a swagger that can create problems for anybody. From an early stage Conor Lehane looked ready to live up to his billing and deliver something special. His audacious point, where he controlled the sliotar while falling to the ground and then turning to shoot over the bar, was an obvious stand out moment. Apart from his point taking, he also made an incredible catch during the second half which deserved a score to come off it. Lehane stole the show but Pa Cronin, Cathal Naughton and Paudie O’Sullivan posed a constant threat with their pace, strength and above all clever link up play.

While that first half offered plenty of cause for concern from a Waterford perspective, the bigger issue remains a list of absentees well into double figures. Getting them back to full fitness for the concluding rounds of the league should be the priority in the short term. The four changes from the published team weakened Michael Ryan’s hand so severely that a win looked a very slim possibility even before the throw in. With Philip Mahony and Stephen Daniels forced to deputise in the full back line, Cork’s movement and intelligent use of possession opened gaping holes at will in that opening half. Up front Shane Walsh failed to win his battle for fitness and despite a bright start the Rebel defence got to grips with Waterford’s attacking threat thereafter. While the Cork forward line created confusion with their off the ball running and support play, the same unpredictability wasn’t evident in the Waterford ranks although things did pick up in the second period. Despite the best efforts of Pauric Mahony, Martin O’Neill and Gavin O’Brien off the bench, the spark that someone like John Mullane, Eoin Kelly or a fit Shane Walsh offers close to goal never materialised. The casualty list has hit all areas of the field and any county would struggle in those circumstances.

Of course a number of aspects continue to frustrate supporters and one of those was the lacklustre first half performance. Despite the fact that Waterford trailed by ten points at the interval, they actually bossed the puck out stats. Unfortunately they also turned over the ball on far too many occasions especially around the half forward line. This can be put down to a lack of sharpness which also manifested itself in a poor first touch and a wides tally of 12. Many of those misses were inexcusable and could have led to a more competitive finish. Defensive lapses also resulted in two of Cork’s goals while the ball broke kindly for Paudie O’Sullivan to rattle home the third. The Michael Walsh debate also lingers on with Christy O’Connor offering a sharp assessment in the Sunday Times. He noted that “Walsh was clearly struggling to adjust to his relocation to centre forward after a couple of outstanding seasons at centre back. That was evident in his striking at times when he had his back to goal.” Meanwhile, Donal O’Grady believes that Seamus Prendergast’s ball winning abilities should be utilised at number 11 which would allow Walsh to resume his centre back role. At this stage, the management team need to reassess if they are maximising the potential from both Walsh and Kevin Moran in their current positions. They obviously felt the need to move the Stradbally man into centre forward to give some presence and experience to that sector of the field but at the moment he appears uncomfortable.

On the flip side, the resilient second half showing supplied some cause for optimism. Staring down the barrel of a gun at twelve points in arrears, Waterford refused to wilt on the resumption to cut the lead to five at one stage. Ten different players found their way onto the score sheet in the process. Making their first league appearances, Martin O’Neill and Gavin O’Brien both showed enthusiastically for the ball and should be allowed to build on that form in the next couple of rounds. Pauric Mahony, despite his hectic schedule, created for others and picked off five points which kept John Gardiner on the back foot before he was substituted early in the second half. His form with UCC also indicates that he is not happy to sit back on the progress he made in 2011. Stephen Molumphy and Paul O’Brien grafted hard throughout at centre field and will probably be retained for the next outing.

With Kilkenny looking menacing against Tipperary, round two promises another searching test of Waterford’s limited resources. Noel Connors, Aidan Kearney and Shane O’Sullivan all seem poised to return for that one but it’s only Mullane that will bring the buzz into an unforgiving league campaign both on and off the field.

New regimes under the spotlight – Cork v Waterford preview

Cork and Waterford games of recent vintage always come with an element of unpredictability and Saturday night’s league opener is no different. With two new managers attempting to make their mark and plenty of emerging talent on show, predicting the result of this one becomes a tricky exercise.

Of most concern to Michael Ryan will be the lack of depth in the Waterford attack. With John Mullane, Eoin Kelly and Brian O’Sullivan already eliminated from the equation, the injuries picked up by Shane Walsh and Maurice Shanahan in recent weeks could leave the visitors shorn of the firepower needed to make a positive start. With that in mind Ryan will hope that someone like Martin O’Neill or Shane Casey can emerge with a big performance on the night. The suitability of Michael Walsh to the centre forward role will also receive another trial and the results watched with considerable interest. The switch has brought mixed returns to date on the pre season circuit but the early rounds of the league should give a more definitive verdict. On the evidence of last weekend the defensive combinations and midfield pairing appear well equipped even taking some injuries into consideration. Ian O’Regan may also feel that a series of dependable displays will force him into the reckoning for the number one shirt. Some lapses in concentration on Adrian Power’s last two outings against Clare and UCD have cast doubts over his suitability although it would be surprising to see the Ballyduff Upper man overlooked for Saturday’s game.

On Leeside, Jimmy Barry Murphy has started on a quiet note but already some small tweaks must be noted. The appointment of Donal Og Cusack as captain and the return of Sean Óg Ó hAilpín immediately brought some stability to the camp. His backroom team also contains former Olympic sprinter David Matthews to look after the physical preparation of the team which they hope to reap the benefits of as the year progresses. Denis Walsh’s reign failed to bring the necessary consistency but the raw materials exist to make Jimmy Barry Murphy’s rebuilding job a bit easier. It’s not too long ago that the Rebels dismantled the eventual All Ireland champions at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and with the under 21 side unlucky to lose a thrilling Munster final against Limerick last summer, Cork can move out of their transitional period if the right blend can be put together. Patrick Horgan, Luke O’Farrell, Conor Lehane and Paudie O’Sullivan offered a glimpse of their promise under the previous management but JBM will seek a more consistent level of performance from this attacking quartet with three of them starting this weekend. While Cork need their younger stars to step up, they can still call upon an experienced core of players to guide them. Ronan Curran and Jerry O’Connor have departed the scene but All Ireland winners Donal Og Cusack, John Gardiner, Sean Óg Ó hAilpín and Ben O’Connor all start on Saturday night. Like many teams Cork utilised the Waterford Crystal tournament to tinker but still troubled Tipperary in the semi final and only lost out after extra time. As a result, Ross Cashman and Darren Sweetnam receive their league debuts for this one.

Waterford have won six of the last eight league meetings between these teams but even a draw this time around would give them some breathing space in a cut throat Division 1A. With Kilkenny lying in wait for round two, a point at the very least would be a welcome cushion ahead of that fixture. Doubts persist over the strength of the attack however and pre season doesn’t appear to have made that situation any clearer. Cork’s form is also far from certain especially when Stephen McDonnell and Ross Cashman are unknown quantities in the central defensive positions. Jimmy Barry Murphy’s first selection does contain a significant punch up front to trouble Waterford however and this along with the obvious benefits of home advantage should nudge them over the line.

National Hurling League Division 1A
Cork v Waterford
Throw in 7.00 at Páirc Uí Rinn
Referee: Barry Kelly (Westmeath)

Betting:
Cork 4/9 Draw 10/1 Waterford 2/1

Waterford 1-15 Limerick 0-14 – Challenge Match At Fraher Field

A strong first half showing meant that Waterford always held the upper hand against Limerick on Saturday night as both sides had their last run out before the start of the league next weekend.

The standard never rose above mediocre on a piercing cold night for hurling but Waterford made better use of the stiff breeze in the opening half. Four points from Martin O’Neill and one courtesy of Michael Walsh left it 0-5 to 0-1 in favour of the home side after 20 minutes but it could have been so much more. Cathal McAllister awarded two penalties but neither resulted in a green flag. Martin O’Neill stepped up first to blaze his shot over the bar before Pauric Mahony’s effort produced a fine save from Nicky Quaid. Shane Casey made up for those misses when he drilled the sliotar to the bottom corner of the net on 23 minutes after shaking off a number of challenges to carve out the opportunity. Paul O’Brien’s industry at midfield was another notable feature of the first thirty five minutes as Waterford led 1-9 to 0-2 at the break.

The introduction of Shane Dowling and Kevin Downes brought much needed bite to the Limerick attack for the second half. With the two substitutes contributing eight points between them, the visitors reduced the arrears to two points. They couldn’t get any closer however as Waterford reignited in the last ten minutes. Substitute Gavin O’Brien struck over the last four points for Michael Ryan’s side to ensure victory.

On the winning side, Darragh Fives and Jamie Nagle stood out in defence while Paul O’Brien and Martin O’Neill impressed while on the field in the first half. Gavin O’Brien performed a neat cameo role for the last twenty minutes while Shane Casey will also be pleased with his endeavours. Richie McCarthy, Gavin O’Mahoney, Shane Dowling and Kevin Downes were best for Limerick.

Scorers:- Waterford: M O’Neill 0-5 (4f), G O’Brien 0-4 (2f), S Casey 1-1, Pauric Mahony 0-2 (1f), S Molumphy, M Walsh, T Ryan 0-1 each.
Limerick: S Dowling 0-6 (6f), K Downes, C Allis (1f), M Ryan 0-2 each, M Carmody, D O’Grady 0-1 each.

Waterford: I O’Regan, N Connors, D Fives, A Kearney, J Nagle, K Moran, S O’Sullivan, S Molumphy, P O’Brien, M Shanahan, M Walsh, Pauric Mahony, M O’Neill, S Prendergast, S Casey.

Subs: Philip Mahony for Connors, D Twomey for O’Brien, T Ryan for O’Neill, G O’Brien for Shanahan, E McGrath for Casey.

Limerick: N Quaid, S O’Neill, R McCarthy, T Condon, W McNamara, G O’Mahoney, P Browne, D O’Grady, J Ryan, T O’Brien, C Allis, G Mulcahy, M Carmody, N Moran, M Ryan.

Subs: K Downes for Mulcahy, S Dowling for O’Brien, S Walsh for O’Neill, N Maher for Moran.

Referee: Cathal McAllister

Clare eye opener leaves Waterford searching for answers

Michael Ryan offered no excuses as to how Waterford failed to build on an encouraging start in Sunday’s Crystal Cup semi final. “It was a very disappointing performance no doubt about it. We were five or six points up and hurling reasonably well and for some reason we fell out of the game.” In reality Clare’s five point winning margin could easily have been double such was their dominance although Davy Fitzgerald (who watched proceedings from the stand) argued that Waterford didn’t show their true colours on the day.

After 20 minutes the home crowd could find little to complain about. Shane Walsh had won six balls in a row out in front of Cian Dillon and Waterford profited handsomely as a result. Two points from the Fourmilewater man was followed by Seamus Prendergast’s goal after Walsh provided the killer pass. With Jamie Nagle, Eoin McGrath, Martin O’Neill along with Walsh performing well, a six point lead was established. From there however the performance levels dropped throughout the field. Clare began to dominate the midfield sector and pick off some quick fire points but Daire Keane’s goal was the spark they drew confidence from. Patrick Donnellan exerted a big influence at centre field and the Clare half back line also raised their game with Patrick O’Connor the pick of the lot. After fifteen barren minutes, in which the Banner struck 1-6 without reply, Martin O’Neill’s free left only two between the sides at the half time whistle.

The lethargy continued after the break as Clare outscored their hosts by 1-8 to 0-2 for the first thirty minutes of the half. Aaron Cunningham and Colm Galvin, two of last year’s minor crop, came to the fore with the more experienced Colin Ryan supplying another reliable source of scores. Their movement was much crisper in attack and this along with their superior fitness levels saw them move through the gears in the second half towards an inevitable victory. Three late goals papered over the cracks in many ways but Martin O’Neill’s eagerness and industry up front offered cause for optimism. Seamus Prendergast as always couldn’t be faulted in terms of effort and also drilled home a late consolation.

Apart from O’Neill and Prendergast, the attack lacked direction especially when Shane Walsh appeared to suffer a knock mid way through the first half. A telling statistic is that Waterford failed to score from play for all of 54 minutes as seven of their nine point total came from frees. The tactic of a two man full forward line was also surprising in the second half and Clare negated it by placing Patrick Donnellan to sweep in front of his full back line. Declan Prendergast was probably the best of a back line that had to contain a lively attack. Maurice Shanahan won plenty of possession but failed to utilise the best option available at times and will also be disappointed with his shooting. Alongside him in the half forward line, Michael Walsh also drifted in and out of the game. Much to ponder all told but this early eye opener should concentrate minds ahead of the league. The sodden state of the Walsh Park pitch, that cut up in all areas and resulted in many scrums for possession, also didn’t suit many of the Waterford players. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the afternoon was that too many failed to grasp the opportunity to impress the management team in a competitive game such as this.

Davy Fitzgerald meanwhile can take encouragement from the pool of young talent that appear determined to deliver on the senior stage. After a shaky opening, ten different players found the target in the final reckoning which makes Clare a serious proposition with June 17 in mind.

Hollywood return ahead of summer blockbuster - Waterford v Clare

When Davy Fitzgerald declined to put his name forward for another term in the Déise hot seat last September, one of the reasons he offered was the road from Clare to Waterford. “The thing that made up my mind was the thoughts of driving that road again. It’s about 100 miles each way, I’d leave at two in the afternoon and mightn’t land home again until one or two in the morning. That would take an awful lot out of anybody.” On Sunday he will travel that long and winding road to Walsh Park once more for a Crystal Cup semi final where both he and Michael Ryan will clash for the February bragging rights before the more important matter of a Munster semi final on June 17.

Much attention will centre on the battle off the field but new faces on both sides need games like these to make their mark as the league fast approaches. With this in mind, Michael Ryan may chop and change from last weekend as he takes stock of his options before reducing the size of the extended panel. Players like Gavin O’Brien, Paudie Nevin, Paul O’Brien and Aiden Kearney should all get a run this weekend to force themselves into the reckoning and create further headaches for the management. Brian O’Halloran, Dean Twomey and Martin O’Neill have already served notice that they have something to offer in an increasingly competitive environment. Those on the fringes for the last couple of years like Maurice Shanahan, Thomas Ryan, Jamie Nagle and Shane Casey should also look to use this competition to build up a head of steam that they can bring forward into the league.

Davy Fitzgerald has made a habit of talking down his young Clare team but privately he will be pleased with the response so far. He has used the Crystal campaign to survey the underage talent at his disposal and collected some notable scalps in the process. Although WIT fielded a weakened side in the first round, Clare took full advantage and posted a hefty total of 3-25. In two tough battles with Limerick they eventually came through on Tuesday night, despite selecting a different starting fifteen in the replay. The return of Tony Carmody to the set-up is also a notable development as his experience may boost a youthful attack come championship time.

Davy will pass through places like Oola, Bansha and Cahir on his journey to the match on Sunday but it won’t bother him too much on this occasion. He has learned a lot already in this competition about the players available to him for the bigger challenges ahead. The home side are likely to take the field with a more battle hardened selection than their visitors and also with a few on board determined to nail down a place. This should take them to a third Crystal final in a row but Davy still won’t fret as beating Waterford in spring would taste nothing like beating Waterford with a Munster final place at stake.

Waterford Crystal Cup Semi Final
Waterford v Clare
Throw in 2.00 at Walsh Park
Referee: Johnny Ryan (Tipperary)
Extra time if necessary
Odds: Waterford 4/6 Draw 9/1 Clare 11/8

Nothing left to prove, plenty left to give

Less than a half an hour after one of Waterford’s darkest hours in Páirc Uí Chaoimh last summer, John Mullane emerged to face the cameras. No one would have blamed him for drowning his sorrows in the privacy of the dressing room and slipping away from the scene of a harrowing defeat but he felt an obligation to apologise to the supporters. While Mullane rediscovered his form on the pitch thereafter to claim a fourth All Star that moment spoke volumes about an unshakeable pride in hurling for his county. That afternoon it took a hammer blow.

In an interview with Denis Walsh last August, Mullane revealed the doubts that seeped in after that game. “I won’t lie to you, giving up crossed my mind. I had a couple of conversations with my wife. I looked to my parents too and people I’d be close to. At the end of the day, I’m a winner. When I go on the field I’m trying to win, When you come off a defeat like that it’s nearly like a death in the family.”

The news this week that the 31 year old will rejoin Michael Ryan’s panel after a period of recuperation was greeted with a sense of relief around the county. It quelled speculation surrounding possible retirement and also the issue of the captaincy. While the new regime appear eager to catch a glimpse of every player on the panel in the first chapter of the season, Mullane has timed his runs to perfection since 2008 in order to peak for the climax. By the time he steps out in Croke Park, he is in optimum condition to perform at the level required. At this stage of his career, he knows what it takes to reach that level. Ryan accommodated Mullane by changing his training regime and while he will be away from the panel, he won’t be allowed to fall behind fitness wise.

Mullane’s return will also dampen the rumours of unrest between himself and Ryan which was fuelled further by the appointment of Michael Walsh as captain. As Paul Flynn articulated on Newstalk, these tales tend to grow legs in the county at present. At his first press conference Ryan rejected any rift between him and the De La Salle players saying that “there was no problem in the world we had a fantastic season, we came within one breaking ball of probably winning an All Ireland. I honestly don’t know where the rumours came from. I don’t think it’s even worth trying to guess it." And in Mullane’s interview with Diarmuid O’Flynn of the Irish Examiner, he denied that the captaincy played a part in his decision to withdraw from the panel for a short period. “It’s absolutely not an issue. It would have been a great honour to have been chosen but Brick was a fabulous captain in ’08 and ’09; he has my 100% backing and the same goes for the whole panel.”

Even if he does feel some disappointment with the decision, Mullane cares too much about Waterford’s fortunes to let it affect his contribution or his own leadership role on the field. At this time of his career he just doesn’t need the early season grind especially when other commitments also require attention. “Hurling is now number two – my number one priority is my family, Stephanie and my two daughters. I don’t have the luxury I used to have when I was single of having no worries outside of hurling.”

As many of the leading lights like McGrath, Shanahan and Flynn made their exits an increasing leadership burden has been placed on Mullane with each passing year but he has embraced the extra responsibility. This growing maturity mixed with his raw emotion has moulded a star of the game and an almost unmarkable score getter when on form. The rough edges on show when he entered the inter county arena have long since been smoothed out. He worked diligently to perfect his game and also cope with the attention he receives from opposing corner backs. Where a younger Mullane would rise to the bait or make rash decisions, he now knows how to walk away from heated situations and win vital frees from overenthusiastic markers. He has also succeeded in bringing his weaker right side on a par with his left over the years. And when Davy Fitzgerald looked to him to provide a greater goal scoring threat last season, Mullane responded with two green flags against Limerick.

The scoring statistics reflect how Waterford would miss his presence. He averages almost four points a game from play in championship hurling with the 2007 All Ireland semi final against Limerick marking the last time he was held scoreless. The De La Salle attacker not only scores on good days but puts up almost a one man resistance act in defeat. In the 2003 Munster final against Cork he posted 3-1, in the 2009 Munster decider he managed 1-5 against Tipperary to be named as man of the match and in last year’s All Ireland semi final he finished up with 1-6 but was somehow pipped to the Sunday Game award by Michael Fennelly.

If John Mullane did decide the time was right to call it a day, few could suggest that he left anything in the tank in pursuit of Liam McCarthy. But for now a county can ease their worst fears as they wait for its leading All Star recipient to re-emerge and light up the summer once again. Any chance of breaking the Kilkenny-Tipperary duopoly in 2012 requires a fit and focussed Mullane on the field and hungry for more.

John Mullane Stats
Championship debut: Munster championship 2001 v Limerick
Championship appearances: 46
Championship scores: 15-125
Munster titles: 4 (2002, 2004, 2007, 2010)
National League: 1 (2007)
All Stars: 4 (2003, 2009, 2010, 2011)
2003 – Wing Forward
2009 – Corner Forward
2010 – Corner Forward
2011 – Corner Forward
9 All Star nominations (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
1 Munster All Star (2004)
1 Railway Cups (2007)

Making sense of a hectic GAA weekend

Ryan continues winning habit
While question marks arise over how seriously the Fitzgibbon Cup contingent are taking this year’s pre season fare, Waterford maintained their early unbeaten run in convincing fashion on Sunday afternoon. The win was never in doubt after a one sided opening 35 minutes but a number of notable features emerged nonetheless. For one, we now have a plentiful supply of players to fill the number five and seven shirts for the foreseeable future. Jamie Nagle and Shane O’Sullivan put their hands up on Sunday to add to the growing list which includes Tony Browne, Richie Foley, Wayne Hutchinson, Kevin Moran, Declan Prendergast, David O’Sullivan and Philip Mahony that can all play a similar role. Management are also clearly taking the opportunity to assess their options while keeping a core of established players in place. Among those to emerge with credit from the weekend included Martin O’Neill. It’s hard to believe that it is nearly three years since the Mount Sion man spearheaded the 2009 Munster minor success against Tipperary in Semple Stadium. His form in challenge matches and at the weekend suggests he could be ready to deliver on that promise after a couple of years in the wilderness. The big debate however, will surround the positioning of Michael Walsh and Kevin Moran. The latter arguably produced his finest hour at midfield against Galway in last year’s All Ireland quarter final but he currently occupies the centre back spot where he compiled a string of impressive outings in De La Salle’s run to the All Ireland club semi final. Walsh meanwhile posted 1-3 against UCC at number 11, a position that Davy Fitzgerald tinkered with quite a lot during his tenure. Opinion is divided on whether the newly appointed captain offers more to the team further up the field but on the evidence of the past three seasons he has proved to be the most consistent centre back during that period of time. The versatility of both Walsh and Moran means they can excel in almost any area of the field but finding the ideal position to get best out of them will present a challenge. These experiments will receive a sterner examination next weekend against either Limerick or Clare.

Uphill struggle for footballers
A difficult trip to Ennis turned into mission impossible by three players seeing red as Waterford recommenced life in Division 4 in disappointing fashion. Considering the list of absentees and the defensive reshuffle that it has brought about, it will take time for Owens to settle on his preferred starting fifteen. Unfortunately generating early momentum is essential to stay in the promotion hunt and any more slips ups from this point forward will see that aspiration disappear from view. Next weekend’s procession against Kilkenny will put some points on the board before the win or bust trip to Wicklow in round three.

Favourites for the Harty?
You will struggle to find a better all round performance than the one Coláistí na nDéise served up in the first half of Saturday’s Harty Cup semi final. It included an exceptional goal from Michael Harney which was an almost carbon copy of Gavin O’Brien’s effort against Dublin last summer. Their work rate, support play and stick work demolished a misfiring De La Salle side who failed to emerge from the blocks. All over the pitch Coláistí na nDéise rose to the occasion. Tadhg Bourke held Darragh Flynn scoreless, Cormac Curran effortlessly slipped into Kieran Power’s shoes at midfield and up front Cathal Curran, Michael Kiely, Paddy Curran and Harney all enjoyed profitable afternoons. They now await the winners of the Ardscoil Ris and Nenagh replay and on last Saturday’s evidence they will take beating.

Familiar semi final heartbreak
Lismore’s dream of reaching Croke Park came crashing to earth as Ardrahan took the spoils with three late points at Fraher Field on Sunday. Despite the heroics of goalkeeper Aisling O’Brien and centre back Gráinne Kenneally in a backs to the wall performance, Ardrahan’s pressure told in the closing stages. Some dubious refereeing decisions did go against Lismore but they played second fiddle to the Galway champions for large parts of this contest.

Coláistí na nDéise 2-13 De La Salle 1-8 – Harty Cup Semi Final

Coláistí na nDéise will take their place in the Dr Harty Cup final at the end of the month after a sparkling first half performance blew away De La Salle at Fraher Field on Saturday afternoon.

The game opened in controversial circumstances as, for the second game in succession, Coláistí na nDéise had a man sent off before the throw in. Full forward Kevin Daly received his marching orders from Cathal McAllister after an off the ball incident with full back Paul Coughlan. Unfazed by their numerical disadvantage, the hard working Dungarvan outfit dismantled the two time champions. Michael Kiely whipped to the net on five minutes after Cathal Curran’s free dropped short and they ran riot thereafter. Cormac Curran lorded the midfield battle and landed two great strikes before a memorable second green flag arrived. From an awkward angle 25 metres out from goal, Michael Harney let rip with an unstoppable drive to the top corner to effectively end the tie with only 15 minutes on the clock. To compound De La Salle’s misery Paul Coughlan was sent off on two yellows after 22 minutes as they trailed by 2-9 to 0-0 at half time.

Boosted by a number of substitutions, De La Salle restored their battered pride in the second period. Austin Gleeson netted a consolation goal from a free on 48 minutes and substitute Jack McCarthy clipped over three points to give the scoreboard a semblance of respectability. Cathal Curran kept Coláistí na nDéise ticking over at the other end finishing with six points to his credit as they coasted home to a famous success.

Scorers:- Coláistí na nDéise: Cathal Curran 0-6 (2f), M Kiely 1-1, M Harney 1-0, Cormac Curran 0-3, P Curran 0-2, C Dunford 0-1.
De La Salle: A Gleeson 1-3 (1-3f), J McCarthy 0-3, B O’Sullivan, A Farrell 0-1 each.

Coláistí na nDéise: E Kearns, K Looby, T Tobin, T Bourke, E Collins, T Devine, S O’Donovan, C Dunford, Cormac Curran, Cathal Curran, M Harney, R Donnelly, P Curran, K Daly, M Kiely.
Subs: J Gartland for Kiely.

De La Salle: M Sheridan, B O’Keeffe, P Coughlan, C Fleming, A O’Sullivan, A Gleeson, S O’Neill, C Breheny, S McNulty, M O’Brien, B O’Sullivan, D Flynn, D Hutchinson, P Flynn, T Mullally.
Subs: J McCarthy for O’Brien, A Farrell for Hutchinson, E Power for Sheridan, C Sheehan for Flynn, R Hurley for Mullally.

Referee: Cathal McAllister

Bumper weekend ahead in Waterford GAA

Harty Cup Semi Final
Coláistí na nDéise v De La Salle
4/2/2012 Fraher Field 2.30

The muscle of De La Salle comes face to face with the flair of Coláistí na nDéise in an intriguing all Waterford semi final in Dungarvan on Saturday afternoon. The two time champions rely heavily on Darragh Flynn’s ability from frees and will need a greater return from the rest of the attack to prevail here. The most noticeable characteristic of the city side is their height and strength around the field. While they may lack an ace or two in attack they make up for it in defence and midfield. Goalkeeper Mark Sheridan performed superbly in the quarter final to keep a clean sheet and Paul Coughlan also provides solid cover in front of him. Adam O’Sullivan, Austin Gleeson and Sam O’Neill form their strongest sector in the half back line while Chris Breheny and Shane McNulty provide a skilful partnership at centre field. If Coláistí na nDéise are to continue on their remarkable journey, Cathal Curran, Michael Harney, Kevin Daly and Colin Dunford will all need to put their solider to the wheel after their heroics against Flannan’s. They will look to use their pace and stick work to expose any weaknesses in the opposition. Their attack is also better balanced than that of De La Salle and rarely waste opportunities in front of goal. In the last Harty meeting between the sides four years ago De La Salle came out on top by 5-11 to 0-6. On this occasion, Coláistí na nDéise come in with the greater momentum and are now regarded as favourites for the competition. They may find De La Salle’s teak tough defence, size around the field and uncompromising style as a bridge too far however.

Odds: Coláistí na nDéise 4/7 Draw 8/1 De La Salle 13/8

Waterford Crystal Quarter Final
Waterford v UCC
5/2/2012 Carriganore 2.00

The first opportunity for the vast bulk of the Waterford faithful to cast an eye over the progress of Michael Ryan’s charges comes on Sunday at the Carriganore complex. Davy Fitzgerald always held this competition in high regard and back to back titles in 2010 and 2011 serves as evidence of that. Ryan will also be eager to build up some early momentum while continuing to experiment. Soon the sizeable panel will be cut down to more manageable levels with Dean Twomey, Paudie Nevin and Gavin O’Brien looking most likely at this early stage to break onto the thirty man panel while the return of Brian O’Halloran also offers another viable attacking option.
The students commenced their Fitzgibbon Cup programme with a facile win against DCU on Wednesday evening and given the fact that they host the finals weekend in March, all attention will be focussed on making no mistake in the group stages. Darragh Fives, Philip Mahony, Pauric Mahony and Brian O’Sullivan could all feature here for the Cork college along with other inter county players like William Egan (Cork) and Shane Bourke (Tipperary). Home advantage and UCC’s Fitzgibbon commitments should tilt the balance towards a first competitive win for the Ryan regime.

NFL Division 4 Round 1
Clare v Waterford
5/2/2012 Cusack Park, Ennis 2.30

In a savagely competitive bottom tier there is little room for error and even in the month of February this fixture is arguably one of the most important of the year for John Owens and his squad. Even with eight absentees from last year’s panel and shorn of a third of the team that lined out against Cork in the Munster championship Owens has reason to feel optimistic. Newly appointed captain Gary Hurney is looking sharp in pre season along with Liam O’Lionain. Gavin Nugent has also made an early impression and could break into the starting fifteen. The defensive gaps left by the O’Gorman twins will prove more difficult to fill and in a tight game like this Clare can use this to their advantage. David Tubridy continues to carry the scoring burden for the Banner men but the likes of Gary Brennan and David Russell can also step up the mark and take the opening pair of league points.

Odds: Clare 4/5 Draw 7/1 Waterford 5/4

All Ireland Intermediate Camogie Semi Final
Lismore v Ardrahan
5/2/2012 Fraher Field 2.30

The carrot of a trip to Croke Park for the All Ireland final is on offer for the winners here as the Waterford champions enjoy the familiar surroundings of Fraher Field for this last four clash. Lismore slipped up against Eoghan Rua of Derry at this juncture last year and with a sizeable contingent of Waterford’s All Ireland winning side on board they can go a step further this time around.