Balance of Power shifts in race for number one

On Friday evening at Fraher Field a thrilling championship battle between Ballyduff Upper and Ballygunner developed into an exhibition of shot stopping at both ends. The two best goalkeepers in the county took turns to display their abilities and keep their side in the hunt for the victory.

Gunners’ keeper Stephen O’Keeffe was called into action early to stop Brendan Hannon’s close range effort. Late in the first half Stephen Power went for goal from a 21 metre free but Adrian Power was equal to it. Into the second half and leading by 0-16 to 0-12, Ballyduff looked to kill off contest. Shane Kearney let rip from 21 metres out and instead of nestling in the bottom corner, O’Keeffe dived full length to flick the sliotar away. With a minute remaining, Wayne Hutchinson was through one on one with Power but somehow the Ballyduff netminder swatted it away for a 65. Power was clearly psyched up after that and savoured his latest save a little bit too much. A shemozzle broke out and Power received a yellow for his trouble. Philip Mahony converted the 65 and the Gunners could still salvage a point. Barry Coughlan surged forward from corner back in the fourth minute of injury time to unleash a fierce shot that Power batted away overhead and out to safety. The final whistle sounded and while both goalkeepers kept clean sheets, Ballyduff claimed the two points. In inter county terms however, the tables have been turned. Unfortunately the club circuit will be the only place to see the Ballyduff Upper number one in action this summer as Power’s departure from the Waterford senior panel for 2012 was confirmed during the week.

After holding a firm grip on the goalkeeping jersey since 2005, Clinton Hennessy’s decision to step aside after the conclusion of last year’s championship left the door open for a new candidate to fill the vacant slot in 2012. Power was regarded as the clear front runner to step into the breach after serving as understudy to Hennessy since 2008. 2012 was supposed to be the year when his patience would finally be rewarded but cracks appeared early in the campaign to scupper those plans.

At the beginning of the year, the new management team cast their net wide and surprisingly Ian O’Regan and John Coady joined the extended panel. As Power and O’Keeffe focussed on their Fitzgibbon duties with WIT, the Mount Sion man received game time to impress. O’Regan started four competitive games on the bounce including the league games against Cork and Kilkenny. Rumours began to circulate that Power had walked away. After the league defeat to the Cats, Michael Ryan set the record straight on the matter. “Adrian Power never left the panel, I don’t know where that story came from” maintained the Déise boss. “That’s the biggest joke of all time. Adrian Power had a thesis to hand in last Friday so he took a few days off. He’ll be back in full training on Tuesday night. He had a bit of a hand problem as well, he had an injury with his hand but he will be back in training on Tuesday night like everybody else and he will be fighting for his place.”

O’Keeffe replaced O’Regan for the Tipperary and Galway games and managed to keep clean sheets on both occasions. Power reappeared for the final round against Dublin at Fraher Field, kept his goal intact and put himself back in the frame for permanent selection. Seventy minutes of competitive action didn’t satisfy Power’s appetite however. Just when he was beginning to build up a head of steam the league was over and opportunities to impress became limited ahead of the big day against Clare. An eleven week build up to the championship leaves a lot of time for players to kick their heels, even with the distraction of club activity. Then when two challenge matches did arrive against Dublin and Wexford, Power again found himself frozen out. He played the second half against the Dubs but when he failed once again to make the first fifteen against Wexford his patience ran out. He envisaged yet another summer on the sidelines and it didn’t sit well. Five seasons of hard work spent at the top level but still no championship appearance to show for it.

He first came to prominence after he made a miraculous save for WIT in the 2008 Fitzgibbon Cup final against Davy Fitzgerald’s LIT. In extra time, with substitute Blaine Early bearing down on goal, Power flung himself to his left to save from point blank range. In a game of 55 scores this save proved equally as important in this classic tussle. That stop charted at number 15 in TG4’s list of the Top 25 hurling saves in the television age. On the back of those heroics, Power was elevated to the Waterford senior panel that reached the All Ireland final.

He has also performed consistently well for Ballyduff Upper in the county championship since their breakthrough success in 2007. He kept three clean sheets in last year’s championship and only conceded six goals in seven games. He also produced an array of dazzling saves against Abbeyside in the first round at Fraher Field. With Hennessy maintaining his high standards Power was limited to three league appearances against Dublin, Tipperary and Cork in 2011. Apart from his shot stopping ability he also possesses a booming puck out. He won the Waterford long puck competition three years on the trot from 2006 to 2008 and claimed Munster success in 2008. At club level his ability to score points from long distance is well known. In the 2007 county final against Ballygunner, Power scored two points from frees on the way to the club’s first title in 20 years. His ability to sweep up behind the full back line has also improved recently. The question marks rest with his temperament and also a tendency to over elaborate at times when in possession.

In 2005 The Sunday Tribune identified Power as one of the emerging stars for the future. He joined household names like Michael Fennelly, Joe Canning, Cathal Naughton and Brendan Maher on that list. While all of those players have made huge strides in the last seven years, Power is yet to make his championship debut. After serving his apprenticeship for four seasons under Davy Fitzgerald, Power looked to be in pole position to make that long overdue debut this summer but the wait continues after this latest setback.

Power’s withdrawal leaves Stephen O’Keeffe in the driving seat. The Ballygunner stopper played a key part in Waterford’s minor hurling success in 2009 when they toppled Tipperary in the Munster final at Semple Stadium. At club level he has graduated seamlessly into the number one shirt to succeed Pat Haran and collect two county medals. During last year’s run to the title he only conceded five goals in eight games. While time is on his side, he already possesses all the elements to develop into a goalkeeper of the highest calibre. Under a high ball he is neat and tidy and can also pull out a top drawer save when required. The only imperfections in his game lies with his delivery of the ball in open play which may need to be sharper as displayed against Na Piarsaigh last November. The young netminder has been a member of the panel for the last two seasons and received two league appearances in 2011 against Wexford and Kilkenny.

On Friday night, Ryan was offered a reminder of the talent lost to this year’s panel but he also would have been reassured by the performance of the man in red and black who will start against Clare on June 17.

Waterford SHC Round 3 in brief

Ballyduff 0-16 Ballygunner 0-13

A hungrier Ballyduff outfit consigned the champions to their second successive defeat on Friday night. The sides were level eight times in the opening half but the Reds edged ahead by 0-9 to 0-8 by the break. The accuracy of Brendan Hannon and Stephen Molumphy saw Ballyduff surge four points clear early in the second half.  Brian O’Sullivan struck five points for the Gunners on the night and an extraordinary save from Stephen O’Keeffe also kept them in the hunt. Shane and Brian Kearney maintained Ballyduff’s lead but Philip Mahony converted a late 65 to leave only a goal between the sides. Adrian Power then needed to save in injury time from Barry Coughlan to secure their first win.  

Dungarvan 0-18 Abbeyside 1-15

Michael O’Halloran held his nerve in the fifth minute of stoppage time for Abbeyside to tie up this gripping local derby on a sweltering Saturday evening at Fraher Field. The Villagers led by 1-9 to 0-8 at half time as Patrick Hurney flicked to the net. Dungarvan battled back with the aid of the breeze as the likes of Jamie Nagle and Gavin Crotty came to the fore in a free flowing second half. Points from Karl Duggan and Crotty saw them take a two point lead entering injury time. Abbeyside weren’t finished however as Mark Ferncombe landed his fourth point before O’Halloran nailed a late, late 65.

Roanmore 1-15 Dunhill 2-11
Roanmore made it three points from three games with this narrow victory at Walsh Park. Goals from Thomas Casey and Eamonn Murphy gave Dunhill a 2-6 to 0-6 advantage at half time. Daniel Murphy raised a green flag for the Sky Blues after the interval however and, spurred on by Gavin O’Brien, they came out on the right side.

Fourmilewater 2-15 Mount Sion 1-12
Shane Walsh racked up 2-5 as Fourmilewater preserved their one hundred per cent record against a Mount Sion outfit yet to get off the mark in this year’s championship. A tenth minute strike from Walsh left them 1-10 to 0-7 clear at the break. Martin O’Neill’s free taking kept Sion in contention but Walsh’s second goal five minutes from time sealed Fourmile’s quarter final spot.

Lismore 2-18 Passage 4-12
A last gasp free from Maurice Shanahan left it honours even after an exciting second half at Fraher Field. Eoin Kelly’s goal gave Passage a narrow 1-7 to 0-9 lead at half time. Paudie Prendergast caught fire on the resumption for Lismore and two goals in six minutes opened up a nine point lead. Passage then staged an unbelievable comeback as Kelly, Liam Flynn and John Whitty all found the net in a six minute period to put them a point ahead entering injury time. Shanahan’s late intervention from distance salvaged a draw.

De La Salle 4-20 Tallow 0-9
De La Salle demolished their Western opponents here in a one sided encounter on Sunday evening. A Dean Twomey brace and one from Jake Dillon eased them into a 3-11 to 0-5 half time lead. Jack Kennedy added a fourth green flag mid way through the second period.

Waterford SHC Round 3 Previews

25 May

Ballygunner v Ballyduff Upper (8.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1      
Two teams who could do with the boost of a win but for different reasons. Ballyduff can sense a relegation battle while Ballygunner would like to reaffirm their status as champions after a lacklustre second half against Dungarvan. Both sides depend largely on their free takers for scores but who can improve on their return from play?
Odds: Ballygunner 4/9 Draw 10/1 Ballyduff Upper 15/8
Prediction: Ballygunner

26 May
Dunhill v Roanmore (7.30 at Walsh Park) Group 2
A keenly fought encounter will be expected here from two teams that are determined to stay afloat in the senior ranks. The result could be determined by the battle between Eamonn Murphy and Gavin O’Brien but in an overall sense Dunhill come into this one with the steadier form line.
Odds: Dunhill 8/11 Draw 9/1 Roanmore 6/5
Prediction: Dunhill

Abbeyside v Dungarvan (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1
The most eagerly anticipated clash of the championship so far and one which should attract a bumper crowd. Both sides recorded their first wins of the campaign last time out which also sets it up nicely. Abbeyside continue without the services of Gary Hurney in attack but can still count on an experienced core throughout the field. The youthful Blues stick to a short game plan and given the performances they have put in against high calibre opposition to date, they get the nod to record a famous win.
Odds: Abbeyside 8/11 Draw 9/1 Dungarvan 6/5
Prediction: Dungarvan

27 May
Fourmilewater v Mount Sion (2.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
The mantle of favouritism rests with Fourmilewater this time around and it will be interesting to see how they cope with it. Two defeats in a row is unfamiliar territory for Mount Sion and players like Ken McGrath, Tony Browne and Martin O’Neill will desperately try to stop the rot. If Fourmile’ replicate the application and accuracy that they displayed against De La Salle however they will remain unbeaten.
Odds: Fourmilewater 8/15 Draw 9/1 Mount Sion 13/8
Prediction: Fourmilewater

Lismore v Passage (3.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1

Noel Connors could make an appearance here for Passage but doubts linger over Eoin Kelly which would seriously blunt their attacking edge. Lismore are looking confident early doors and using possession intelligently under Paul Prendergast. With the emergence of John Prendergast at midfield and the persistent threat of the Shanahans, they can make it three wins from three.
Odds: Lismore 1/4 Draw 11/1 Passage 3/1
Prediction: Lismore

De La Salle v Tallow (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2

Were it not for some extraordinary shooting from Thomas Ryan and the efforts of William Henley and Kieran Geary, Tallow could have suffered a shock defeat to Roanmore. They are still unbeaten but not for long. After hitting a brick wall in the form of Fourmilewater in round two, John Mullane and company will look to improve their shot selection and raise their intensity levels here and should win with something to spare.
Odds: De La Salle 1/7 Draw 14/1 Tallow 4/1
Prediction: De La Salle

Championship Rewind 2002 - Clare 1-16 Waterford 1-13

After hitting cloud nine in the Munster final at the end of June, Waterford came crashing back down the earth against a resurgent Clare side at Croke Park. Boosted by a late win against Galway and the return to form of Brian Lohan, the Banner recovered from a sluggish start to take control just before the interval and book their place in the All Ireland final.

This was the day when Eoin Kelly rubberstamped his first All Star but his immaculate shooting offered one of the few highlights from a Waterford perspective. They burst from the traps to lead 1-7 to 0-5 after 22 minutes as Paul Flynn blasted home a trademark free and Kelly reeled off a hat trick of early points. Instead of pushing on however, Clare bounced back. A defensive slip down at the Canal End, a minute before the half time, allowed David Forde to pick out Alan Markham who buried a low shot to the corner of the net. Cyril Lyons’ side led 1-10 to 1-9 at the break and never looked back.

The game petered out as a spectacle in the second half but it suited a battle hardened Clare outfit down to the ground. Waterford tried in vain to break down the defensive wall but all too often found the man in the red helmet back to his best. They also racked up a total of 17 wides on the day. Gerry Quinn suffered a serious hand injury late on but remarkably he lined out in the All Ireland final against Kilkenny. The six week lay off didn’t help matters but in the year that Waterford made the breakthrough in Munster they found a steely Clare side stand in their way at the last four stage and they exited with a whimper in the end.

Scorers - Clare: A Markham 1-1, J O'Connor (1f) and S McMahon (3 '65') 0-3 each, N Gilligan (2f), T Carmody and D Forde 0-2 each, T Griffin, C Lynch and O Baker 0-1 each.
Waterford: P Flynn 1-4 (1-3f), E Kelly 0-4, E McGrath, J Mullane, K McGrath, A Moloney and T Browne (s-l) 0-1 each.

Clare: D Fitzgerald; B Quinn, B Lohan, F Lohan; D Hoey, S McMahon, G Quinn; J Reddan, C Lynch; T Griffin, J O'Connor, N Gilligan; D Forde, T Carmody, A Markham.
Subs: O Baker for Reddan (50), A Quinn for G Quinn (72).

Waterford: S Brenner; B Greene, T Feeney, B Flannery; P Queally, F Hartley, E Murphy; T Browne, A Moloney; E Kelly, K McGrath, P Flynn; J Mullane, S Prendergast, E McGrath.
Subs: D Shanahan for S Prendergast (55), D Bennett for E McGrath (55), J Murray for Browne (66), M White for Mullane (70).

Referee: P O’Connor (Limerick).

Lack of precision sees Waterford’s challenge fizzle out - Limerick 2-12 Waterford 0-7

For once you can disregard the final score. For an hour of this below par Munster quarter final Waterford more than held their own but just couldn’t deliver the finishing touches to countless forays into enemy territory. Even after the penalty miss the visitors continued to pile on the pressure against a Limerick side that also struggled to put the pieces together up front. As the wides count soared into double figures (eventually coming in at 14), the vibrancy seeped away from the Déise and Ian Ryan led a late flurry at the other end.

The fact that John Owens’ men failed to register in the second half left the majority of the 2,341 attendance scratching their heads. It was all the more surprising given the long range shooting that they displayed in the opening thirty five minutes. From a tactical point of view, it was Waterford that set out the terms of engagement. Despite starting at full forward, Wayne Hennessy drifted out the field to shield his full back line and performed the role capably by cutting off the supply to the inside men. Limerick also adopted the sweeper system but Waterford coped better in an attacking sense. Tony Grey made some telling bursts forward that resulted in two points with JJ Hutchinson and Mark Ferncombe also looking sharp.

They trailed by a point at half time and while Owens would have been satisfied to be in that position, a greater return may have accrued from the volume of attacks. Tommy Prendergast and Shane Ahearne took turns to act as the big man at the edge of the square but all too often the deliveries inside went astray. Those turnovers and that overall absence of a clinical edge would come back to bite later on. At the other end Limerick proved far more economical but also received a large dollop of good fortune in the manner that their green flag arrived. A speculative Paul Kinnerk point attempt, that wouldn’t have looked out of place up the road at Thomond Park, lingered in the air for an age and the break fell to Eoghan O’Connor who supplied Seamus O’Carroll.

The game remained in the balance right up to the last ten minutes as only four points separated the teams. Ian Ryan tapped over some simple frees and displayed a swagger that was lacking in the Waterford ranks. Four of the starting sextet departed before full time but it did little to alter the trend. After all their huff and puff led to nought, Limerick put the foot to the floor. Ryan finished emphatically to the roof of the net before Ger Collins arose from his slumber to kick two points. By close of play Limerick had converted 14 of their 22 scoring chances while Waterford took only seven of their 22 chances. First impressions suggest however that Maurice Horan’s side may have regressed from last year and Clare could well thwart their Munster final ambitions next month if they don’t pick up their performance levels.

Waterford now enter the unknown as they await the first round of the qualifiers at the end of June. Another two weeks of club action leaves only a short window to arrange training sessions or challenge matches in the interim. The injury situation also remains unclear and a number of key figures may still be out of action by the time the next game comes into view. Eamonn Walsh, Conor McGrath and Gary Hurney were all sorely missed on Sunday. A home draw against beatable opposition would also energise a camp down on their luck.

Footballers left in a tight corner – Limerick v Waterford preview

Waterford’s push for a quick return to Division 3 fizzled out at an early stage of the spring but there was no sign of panic. After all this was the year when Cork and Kerry came out on the one side of the draw and it opened the door for either Limerick, Clare or Waterford to make a provincial final. Recent events however have seriously dented the prospects of John Owens’ side taking advantage of this rare opportunity.

A combination of bad luck on the injury front and a lack of preparation time now leave the team on the back foot in the build up to Sunday’s quarter final. Owens may have to plan without three of his regular front six as Gary Hurney, Mark Ferncombe and Conor McGrath all look set to miss out. The absence of John Galvin also takes away a quality operator from the home side but undeniably Waterford’s loss is greater. Limerick coped admirably in Galvin’s absence last summer and went all the way to Croke Park and the last eight of the All Ireland series. A county like Waterford cannot afford to be without their captain, their top goalscorer in the league and their first choice centre forward.

The inadequate time to get the team in order also hinders the prospects of advancing to a semi final. After Waterford concluded their league programme against London at Fraher Field, the players were whisked away to their clubs for four successive weekends of championship fare. This left the management team with no free weekend to fine tune preparations or to organise a challenge match. The first fifteen minutes should demonstrate if they have managed to overcome this obstacle.

Much like Waterford, Maurice Horan’s men never took off during the league but they tend to peak for championship. Ian Ryan and Ger Collins pose the obvious danger in attack but the reliable Seanie Buckley and the emerging Eoghan O’Connor can also threaten. Even without John Galvin, Tom Lee and Paul Kinnerk form a steely midfield pairing. In defence they can count on the vast experience of Johnny McCarthy and Stephen Lavin and also the free taking talents of Brian Scanlon in the number one shirt.

So how can Waterford put themselves in the frame for an unlikely result? Despite missing out the entire league campaign, Paul Whyte’s accuracy from frees and from play simply cannot be left in reserve. Liam Ó Lonáin showed signs of returning to his best form with An Rinn especially in the game against Kilrossanty and Waterford need him to assume a leadership role on Sunday. As always the O’Gorman twins are left responsible for keeping the concession rate to a minimum. On this occasion their job will be to contain Ryan and Collins and are well capable of performing that task.

Waterford’s league success against the Shannonsiders in March pales into the insignificance given how circumstances have gone against them in recent weeks. Only a low scoring contest will keep them in the hunt for victory entering the home straight. The attacking flair of their hosts should prove the deciding factor and ensure a four or five point win.

Munster SFC Quarter Final

Limerick v Waterford
Throw in 3.30 at The Gaelic Grounds

MoReferee: Conor Lane (Cork)

Betting:

Limerick 1/3 Draw 8/1 Waterford 10/3

Waterford SHC Round 2 in brief

On a weekend where big guns like Ballygunner, De La Salle and Mount Sion all fell one after another it leaves Fourmilewater and Lismore on top of their respective groups.

Fourmilewater 0-18 De La Salle 1-10
A strong second half showing saw Fourmilewater pull away from their fancied opponents on Saturday evening. Craig Guiry and Diarmuid Wall combined to score seven points from play while Jamie Barron chalked up five frees. Jack Kennedy responded with a goal for De La Salle but Shane Walsh cut loose in the last ten minutes to secure a well deserved win.

Tallow 1-13 Roanmore 0-16
An injury time effort from Tommy Aldridge earned the city side their first point of the 2012 championship. Despite Thomas Ryan’s opportunistic goal, Roanmore went in 0-11 to 1-6 ahead at the break. Gavin O’Brien finished with 12 points on the night and kept his side ticking over in the second half. Tallow finished on the front foot however and Ryan nudged them in front before Aldridge left it all square.

Abbeyside 2-17 Passage 2-13
Despite trailing by 1-9 to 1-7 at half time, Abbeyside posted their first win of the campaign at Walsh Park. Patrick Hurney and John Gorman chipped in with the vital goals for the Villagers.

Dunhill 1-18 Mount Sion 1-16
An eleven point haul from Eamonn Murphy and a Paul Doyle goal set up a surprise success for Dunhill on Sunday afternoon. Robert Bresnan’s green flag left Mount Sion with a 1-9 to 0-8 cushion at the break but last year’s intermediate champions battled back and consigned Jimmy Meaney’s side to their second defeat.

Dungarvan 2-10 Ballygunner 0-9  
Cathal Curran and Ryan Donnelly struck second half goals to topple the champions at a blustery Walsh Park. The Gunners held a 0-6 to 0-0 half time lead which their youthful opponents reeled in on the resumption to record a famous win.

Lismore 2-13 Ballyduff Upper 0-13
Goals from John and Paudie Prendergast either end of the break saw Lismore prevail in a disappointing derby clash. Brendan Hannon kept the Reds in contention but a late flurry from Maurice Shanahan copper fastened victory.

Waterford SHC Round 2 Previews

12 May
Fourmilewater v De La Salle (6.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
The championship will be decided in the autumn but these two sides already look primed for knock out hurling. Fourmilewater’s need is greater as they seek to announce themselves as true title challengers and they will look to an inside line of Shane Ryan, Shane Walsh and Jamie Barron to break down the De La Salle rearguard. On the other side, Jake Dillon and Jack Kennedy terrorised Mount Sion last Friday night as they took a firm grip early on. They will seek to do the same here and wipe away any lofty ambitions that Fourmilewater hold. John Mullane is also unlikely to be kept under wraps for a second week running.
Odds: Fourmilewater 9/4 Draw 10/1 De La Salle 4/11
Prediction: De La Salle

Tallow v Roanmore (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 2
Evan Sheehan and Robert O’Sullivan rose to the challenge for Tallow last time out as the likes of Thomas Ryan and Paul O’Brien enjoyed quieter outings. Roanmore meanwhile, looked way off the pace on day one and if Tallow can get everyone firing they should collect their second win.
Odds: Tallow 2/9 Draw 12/1 Roanmore 10/3
Prediction: Tallow

Abbeyside v Passage (7.30 at Walsh Park) Group 1
Possibly the most difficult game to predict of the weekend. Passage come into it on the back of a positive start and the advantage of playing in Walsh Park but can they eradicate their inconsistent form of recent years? Their opponents lacked the firepower to defeat Ballygunner but still showed signs of progression from the last two seasons.
Odds: Abbeyside 11/10 Draw 8/1 Passage 5/6
Prediction: Passage

13 May
Dunhill v Mount Sion (2.00 at Walsh Park) Group 2
Dunhill showed the necessary appetite for the senior grade last weekend and that sort of attitude will be required once more against opponents looking to bounce back. Martin O’Neill carried the scoring burden for Sion against De La Salle and more of their younger players need to step up in a similar manner to contend at the tail end of the year.
Odds: Dunhill 5/1 Draw 14/1 Mount Sion 1/8
Prediction: Mount Sion

Ballygunner v Dungarvan (3.30 at Walsh Park) Group 1
An up and coming Dungarvan side will want to build on the fright they gave to Lismore last weekend. While the Gunners never hit top form against Abbeyside, they always appeared in control especially with Stephen Power’s accuracy. This clash may prove close for large parts but expect the champions to navigate a safe passage by the final quarter.
Odds: Ballygunner 1/4 Draw 11/1 Dungarvan 3/1
Prediction: Ballygunner

Lismore v Ballyduff Upper (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1
Lismore answered every question posed against Dungarvan especially when it counted in injury time. Another defeat for Ballyduff will leave them contemplating the “R” word so they should come here with all guns blazing but how can they contain Maurice Shanahan?
Odds: Lismore 4/7 Draw 8/1 Ballyduff Upper 13/8
Prediction: Lismore

Waterford SHC Round 1 in brief

De La Salle 3-16 Mount Sion 1-13
De La Salle began their championship campaign in style on Friday evening as they took control of this game from an early stage. Paudie Nevin and Jake Dillon billowed the net to establish a 2-8 to 0-6 half time lead with Jack Kennedy also prominent. Dillon’s second green flag after the interval wrapped up the tie. Martin O’Neill and Ken McGrath battled valiantly in attack for Mount Sion with the current county selector netting a late consolation goal.

Passage 1-13 Ballyduff Upper 0-15

A strong first half performance was enough for Passage to withstand a late Ballyduff rally on Friday evening. Eoin Kelly’s goal and some good point taking from Owen Connors and Conor Carey left them 1-11 to 0-8 ahead by half time. A succession of Brendan Hannon frees brought Ballyduff back into contention but they fell narrowly short.

Fourmilewater 3-12 Roanmore 0-7
This game was done and dusted only 20 minutes in as Fourmile raced into a double digit lead after Shane Ryan and Jamie Barron both found the net. Shane Walsh added a third early in second period to see off a disappointing Roanmore challenge.

Ballygunner 0-17 Abbeyside 0-12
In the absence of Pauric Mahony, Stephen Power stepped up to the plate on Saturday evening to strike over twelve points against a battling Abbeyside. The holders led by 0-10 to 0-7 at the break with Mark Gorman keeping the Villagers in touch. Abbeyside were awarded a penalty in the opening minute of the second half but Richie Foley’s effort was blocked on the line.

Lismore 1-20 Dungarvan 1-17

The Shanahan brothers finished with a total of 1-16 between them to keep 14 man Dungarvan at bay in an entertaining clash at Fraher Field. Lismore looked comfortable until Gavin Crotty rifled home a low shot with a minute remaining. Maurice Shanahan responded with a glorious ground stroke in injury time to seal the win.

Tallow 2-16 Dunhill 1-13
First half goals from Thomas Ryan and Evan Sheehan helped to get last year’s runners-up off the mark on Sunday evening. Eamonn Murphy and Shane Casey impressed for newly promoted Dunhill but they ran out of steam in the final quarter.

Top two continue to set the benchmark – Waterford SHC Preview

The News and Star trophy has exchanged hands between De La Salle and Ballygunner over the last four years and it comes as no surprise that they head the betting for the 2012 edition.

The fascinating duels between these two in recent seasons have determined the eventual outcome of the championship. In 2009 the Gunners needed an Andy Moloney goal to pull through in a quarter final replay at Fraher Field. The following year De La Salle recorded a comprehensive win on county final day, reversing the outcome of an earlier group game. Last year’s semi final was marred by an ugly brawl in the opening minutes before Ballygunner eventually came out on top.

If any team can break up the duopoly and also count on the experience of winning titles Mount Sion would be top of the list. Six years is the longest gap between county titles for Sion so they will be determined not to extend that wait. Their form in the league to date looks promising as Roanmore and Lismore found out. The talent exists to mount a strong challenge but most of all they need to eradicate the inconsistency which saw them fall to Ballyduff Upper in last year’s quarter final after going through the group stages unbeaten.

Fourmilewater and Lismore can also make justifiable claims that they can upset any of the top teams in the county. Lismore can beat the big guns on their day but can also lose to any opponent on an off day. A county title is long overdue but they will need to offer more support to Maurice Shanahan and hope that their talented young crop can move up another level. Under Fintan O’Connor, Fourmilewater have picked up in all aspects of their play and can target a place in last four. To take that next step however they must claim a notable scalp in the group stages to gain the belief that they belong in the top bracket.

In a competitive Group One Ballyduff Upper, Abbeyside, Passage and Dungarvan look set to battle it out for two places in the quarter finals. Ballyduff still rely on a tight group of players to produce the goods but have a knack of reaching the latter stages in much the same way as Passage do. The clash of Abbeyside and Dungarvan will be eagerly anticipated and it appears that the gap has narrowed between the two since Abbeyside lost the 2008 county final by a point. Tallow showed plenty of mettle to dismiss Lismore and Ballyduff in 2011 and while they should advance to the last eight this time around, it’s hard to see them progress beyond that point. Roanmore and Dunhill will both aim to maintain their senior status but one of them look likely to enter the relegation play off.

So which of the top two will take ultimate honours on this occasion? Both clubs will need to deal with key issues over the campaign. Ballygunner may be without Brian O’Sullivan for the knock out stages and, despite the rich pool of underage talent at their disposal, his loss would be significant. Meanwhile, De La Salle need to find a consistent a free taker that can deliver under pressure. The acquisition of Jack Kennedy and the hunger to avenge last year’s controversial exit should give De La Salle the impetus to regain their crown.

First round previews

4 May
De La Salle v Mount Sion (7.15 at Walsh Park) Group 2
High expectations of a cracker here to get the championship underway. Sion appear to be motoring well in league fare but still depend largely on Tony Browne, Ken McGrath and Eoin McGrath on days like this. De La Salle have built up a wealth of experience over the last couple of years especially in tight contests and that should stand to them.
Odds: De La Salle 1/2 Draw 9/1 Mount Sion 7/4
Prediction: De La Salle

Ballyduff Upper v Passage (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1

The performance of Eoin Kelly will be worth noting as Passage can fluctuate from game to game. Ballyduff prefer Fraher Field as a venue and can rely on an established core of players to get off the mark.
Odds: Ballyduff Upper 4/9 Draw 10/1 Passage 7/4
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper

5 May

Fourmilewater v Roanmore (6.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
As always Roanmore’s fortunes rest on the shoulders on Gavin O’Brien and his ability to rack up big totals. They will struggle however to keep Shane Walsh and Jamie Barron under wraps as Fourmilewater aim to signal their intentions early.
Odds: Fourmilewater 1/8 Draw 14/1 Roanmore 9/2
Prediction: Fourmilewater

Abbeyside v Ballygunner (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1
Even before the injury to Gary Hurney, this was going to be an uphill task for Abbeyside. After missing out on the quarter finals for two years running they will seek to make amends this time around but need their full compliment. Ballygunner may also line out with a few notable absentees but possess greater strength in depth.
Odds: Abbeyside 7/2 Draw 11/1 Ballygunner 1/5
Prediction: Ballygunner

6 May
Lismore v Dungarvan (6.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1
There’s potential for an upset here if Lismore take their eye off the ball. Dungarvan tend to play the short game and in the Currans, Shane Kearney, Gavin Crotty and Jamie Nagle they possess the talent to threaten. Maurice Shanahan usually runs riot at his favourite ground however and this should keep the favourites out of trouble.
Odds: Lismore 1/5 Draw 11/1 Dungarvan 7/2
Prediction: Lismore

Dunhill v Tallow (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 2
First day back in the senior ranks for the intermediate champions as they face up to a battle hardened side that reached the decider in 2011. The scoring duel between Thomas Ryan and Shane Casey should determine the victors here.
Odds: Dunhill 5/2 Draw 11/1 Tallow 3/10
Prediction: Tallow

Another minor win to savour – Waterford 1-20 Clare 3-13

On an almost annual basis the underage championships produce exciting clashes like this that take on a life of their own. Last year Waterford emerged on the right side against Limerick at Walsh Park after extra time and once again on Wednesday night they were in the middle of a pulsating clash at Cusack Park.

After almost a hundred minutes of hurling it took Cathal Curran’s injury time in extra time strike from a tight angle on the stand side to separate the teams. Momentum swung to and fro throughout the contest but in the end Waterford could count on more leaders to keep their heads under pressure. They were dead and buried entering injury time in normal time when Shane O’Donnell cracked home a stunning goal after expertly controlling a sideline ball. Heads could have dropped even further when Stephen Bennett saw his 21 metre free blocked on the line and then he was subsequently booked. Bennett recovered his composure however to find the two points required to force extra time. Despite leading by three after the first period, Clare pegged it back and, with the home crowd behind them, looked most likely to land the killer blow. Tadhg Burke and Shane Bennett stood up and repelled further attacks to keep their side in the hunt. Bennett made a great catch as the seconds ticked down in extra time before he received a heavy knock which resulted in the stretcher being called. Thankfully the news emanating from the Waterford camp post match suggested that Shane’s neck injury wasn’t as serious as first feared. From the resultant free, Curran split the posts and justified his reintroduction after he was substituted in the second half. Other elements like Waterford’s aerial ability, strength and fitness levels also stood to them when the chips were down.

Clare depended on Shane O’Donnell and Bobby Duggan for scores and they caused plenty of problems all evening. O’Donnell’s power and pace almost resulted in a goal only seconds into the game before he found the top corner after three minutes. In the other corner Duggan consistently punished Waterford indiscretions especially in the first half. Apart from O’Donnell and Duggan, Clare blew hot and cold up front. At the start of second half both teams squandered straightforward chances but over the course of the game the home side finished with 15 wides compared to 12 for the visitors.

John ‘Doxer’ Burns could look to a greater spread of scores on the night and that also made a difference in a close call. By half time all six starting forwards were on the board from play. By the final whistle they had hit 1-17 from play with nine different players on target. Stephen Bennett will take most of the plaudits for his seven point haul and from the first ball he looked ready to live up to his billing. Whenever Waterford badly needed a point, Bennett was on a hand but he wasn’t alone. Michael Harney always looked threatening and hit two vital points from full forward in the first period of extra time. Darren Foran offered a good puck out target throughout while Darragh Flynn tucked away his goal well in an overall contribution of 1-2.

A great one to win and it should send confidence levels soaring ahead of the semi final against Tipperary at the end of June. The injured trio of Colin Dunford, Barry O’Sullivan and David O’Brien also come back into the picture ahead of that game. Another difficult away assignment but on last night’s evidence they won’t fear the challenge.