A twist in the tale - Waterford SFC Quarter finals in brief

Kilrossanty almost pulled off the surprise of the season when they led by a point entering injury time of extra time in a most enjoyable quarter final on Saturday night. The Nire salvaged a draw and their hopes of a double remain intact. It adds some unexpected spice to the championship given The Nire’s smooth passage before facing up to John Kiely’s men. The other quarter finals went as predicted although Ardmore and An Rinn gave the favourites some nervy moments.

Semi finals
Stradbally v Ballinacourty
Clashmore v The Nire/Kilrossanty

Clashmore 2-11 Rathgormack 2-3
Clashmore took care of 13 man Rathgormack with a degree of comfort on Friday night. They led by 1-8 to 2-1 at the break with Cillian O’Keeffe firing home on seven minutes. Michael Curry and John C Kirwan brought Rathgormack back into contention with goals in rapid succession mid way through the half. John Prendergast’s second half penalty pushed Clashmore six points clear and they never looked back.

Stradbally 1-10 Ardmore 2-4
Ardmore’s late scoring burst couldn’t stop Stradbally from reaching the last four on Saturday afternoon. The Reds led by 1-6 to 1-1 at the break with Robert Ahearne and Clinton Hennessy successful from the penalty spot. They held a seven point advantage early in the second period but the concession of 1-2 without reply (the goal courtesy of Tony Galway) gave them some anxious moments. They amassed 20 wides before Niall Curran fired a late point.

The Nire 1-17 Kilrossanty 2-14
Shane Walsh’s late leveller from a free in extra time sent this gripping quarter final to a replay. Kilrossanty trailed by four points with two minutes remaining in normal time but a Paul Keating goal and a superb Paul Whyte effort brought the game into extra time. Tommy Prendergast inspired Kilrossanty during those two periods of ten minutes and Paul Whyte edged them ahead and brought his tally to ten points in the process. Shane Walsh denied them a famous win with his eighth white flag of the night.

Ballinacourty 1-13 An Rinn 2-7
Donie Breathnach’s early penalty got An Rinn off to a flyer but Ballinacourty reeled them in and Mark Ferncombe’s goal put them 1-5 to 1-3 in front by half time. Gary and Patrick Hurney led the way up front for the county champions but they couldn’t put the game to bed and kicked 13 wides. Lorcan O’Cuirrin’s well taken goal brought An Rinn back into contention and Donie Breathnach (who finished with 1-7) levelled up the game with two minutes to go. Three late Courty points saw them get over the line.