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.
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