Forward thinking required with Clare in mind

Don’t push the panic button just yet but a number of familiar deficiencies came to surface during the Crystal Cup defeat to UL The persistence of Seamus Prendergast at the edge of the square and a promising looking midfield pairing were the two plus points to take from it but a lack of fluency in attack became evident once more.

Nine forwards sampled action at Carraiganore but only three troubled the umpires from open play. Waterford also registered thirteen wides and three openings for goals also went awry. Michael Ryan didn’t conceal his concern afterwards. “Overall it was a disappointing performance. We struggled up front all day long. We had some great chances and we didn’t take them. Only for Seamus Prendergast there in the second half it could have been much worse.”

With Maurice Shanahan and Pauric Mahony presently on the injured list, it opens the door for several candidates to make a case. Even Eoin Madigan returned to duty in the forwards for the last twelve minutes after spending the entire club campaign at number seven. Only Eamonn Murphy on the UL side really put his hand up with his four first half points and overall eagerness to make a nuisance of himself. The students were much sharper in terms of their first touch and they stuck rigidly to a short game that Waterford never really got to grips with. The hosts started brightly and established a three point lead but confidence ebbed away as the wides piled up. Some wild efforts and missed frees saw the total rise to nine by the break. The long distance shooting of Shane O’Sullivan and Richie Foley papered over the cracks. O’Sullivan in particular, seemed keen to make up for lost time after taking a break from inter county hurling in 2012.

By the finish, route one into Prendergast became the only likely source of scores. After a muted thirty five minutes at centre forward, the Ardmore man carried the fight to the students with his aerial ability and was most unfortunate not to billow the net. “Once he got into the game, he played very well,” Ryan observed. “He was a serious threat when he went in there.” He needed more support however from those around him.

With no competitive games before the start of the league on February 24, the selection process up front will prove difficult. The list is long with Jake Dillon, Gavin O’Brien, Brian O’Halloran, Brian O’Sullivan, Martin O’Neill, Donie Breathnach and Jamie Barron all vying for jerseys thirteen and fifteen. Many of those in contention are only finding their feet at this level. All of which makes this week’s opening round of Fitzgibbon games an ideal shop window for those looking to nail down a spot. Dillon, O’Brien and O’Neill could all get starts on Thursday for WIT along with O’Halloran for Mary I. Eamonn Murphy (UL) should also get another opportunity to make an impression.

Elsewhere, Dean Twomey appeared uncomfortable at wing forward and deserves an opportunity to play in his more favoured midfield role when Waterford return to the challenge circuit. On the other wing, Ray Barry was industrious but again prefers playing in a deeper role. UL’s style disrupted the defence at times but in an overall sense ,the goalkeeper and the six backs have a settled and experienced look about them. Once you go into double digits however, the choices become much more complicated for Michael Ryan and company. Another competitive outing would have made that picture much clearer but that luxury is no longer available. Shanahan won’t make his return until March and Pauric Mahony is still three or four weeks away from full fitness. It’s not an ideal scenario facing into a crucial away assignment at Cusack Park next month.

Top Ten John Mullane Moments – Sprinklings of magic dust

 

1. Three of the best (2003)
Mullane exploded from the blocks in the 2003 Munster final. He had pocketed 1-1 after eight minutes off Diarmuid O’Sullivan as the Cloyne defender only lasted a quarter of an hour. Goal number two arrived when a piece of quick thinking from Paul Flynn picked him out and he drilled it into the bottom corner. The third one capped it off. Eoin McGrath’s high ball broke off Seamus Prendergast into his path and he evaded the cover in a flash. He then swept the sliotar across Donal Óg Cusack into the top corner. The Cork keeper stood rooted to the spot. Precision. He left empty handed on all fronts however as Cork lifted the cup and Tom Kenny nicked the man of the match award. Not quite hat trick heaven but pretty sensational nonetheless.

2. Late late show (2009)

Mullane was buzzing in 2009. Before the quarter final, he had scored 1-15 in three Munster championship games. This was hurler of the year territory. Against the Tribesmen however, he had to bite his lip for the most of the afternoon and knuckle down to face Ollie Canning. He continued to make the runs and earn a couple of frees before his break came as Waterford drew level late on. He collected from Declan Prendergast and near the sideline 45 metres out he took aim and split the posts. “Any time you pop up with a winner in a quarter final; that always sticks out.”

3. Underdogs upset the odds (2002)
June 30, 2002 started well for the 21 year old as he had backed Brazil to win the World Cup and Ronaldo to finish as top scorer. A tidy earner but as throw in time neared, Waterford were long odds to trump the All Ireland champions. “Nobody gave us a hope in hell but we had the belief that we were going to do it.” Mullane announced his arrival on the championship circuit that day by trimming Donncha Fahey for four points. The livewire in the red helmet and Eoin McGrath always offered an outlet with their pace and energy. The pair climbed the wires behind the goals at the end as they savoured a taste of the big time.

4. Sweet semi final success (2008)

On the day that Waterford cast aside their semi final hoodoo, Mullane terrorised Eamonn Buckley. An early avalanche of scores saw the outsiders roar into a six point lead after only nine minutes. Mullane struck two of those and created another. Seven minutes in, he snatched Eoin Murphy’s line ball on the 65 and hared away from Buckley to take his point off his right side. He didn’t hide his emotions afterwards as he rolled around with Davy Fitzgerald on the Croke Park turf.

5. Fourth Munster medal (2010)

Mullane started the drawn game determined to add to his medal collection. Running away from the goals towards the sideline on the 45 metre line with John Gardiner in chase, he went for an ambitious one over his shoulder and found the target. He scored four points in all and added three in the replay. He produced another jaw dropping effort from a similar angle under the Saturday night lights, this time leaving Eoin Cadogan behind and executing another crisp strike off his left. He had to sit out the extra time and he prowled the sideline itching for another slice of the action. Dan Shanahan took his spot and we all know what happened next.

6. Magic amidst the madness (2007)

“It was a completely mad game. Goals and scores were flying in from everywhere it was just mad.” That’s how man of the match Mullane described a semi final white knuckle ride between Waterford and Cork. He renewed acquaintances with Brian Murphy but no defender could tame him in this mood. He had 1-3 banked by half time as they led by 4-8 to 2-9. The goal came from a Stephen Molumphy skyscraper that broke down off Eoin Kelly and he snapped up the sliotar and belted it first time off his right to the top corner. Michael Duignan was giddy with excitement. “Mullane is on fire today, his first touch is incredible” He added another vital point in the second half to swat Cork away.

7. Green flag takes down green and white (2011)

With the seconds ticking down, Limerick led by two and smelt victory. After Eoin Kelly’s free was blocked, Mullane was lurking on the opposite flank. He controlled Kelly’s crossfield ball but still five defenders stood between him and the goals. Through the despairing dives of the green shirts, the ball shook the roof of the rigging. After a two year goal famine in championship, he grabbed 2-2 to pull it out of the fire. “It was more instinct than anything else. I put myself in the position and I made nice room for myself. When you get an opening like that you have to take it. Davy put me under a bit of pressure before the game to get more goals.”

8. Defiant in defeat (2008)

Mullane sizzled in the sweltering sun at the Gaelic Grounds but Waterford ultimately wilted to Clare by 2-26 to 0-23. The Banner shuffled the deck to try and stem the flow of scores but to no avail. The man in the number 13 shirt railed against the dying of the light and scored eight points in the process from all angles to take the man of the match accolade in unlikely circumstances.

9. New lease of life (2011)

Waterford’s seven goal hiding in the Munster final cut like a dagger. The anguish was etched in Mullane’s face as he entered the press area to talk with RTÉ. “I’d like to personally apologise and on behalf of the team to all the people of Waterford who travelled to Cork today.” He didn’t excuse himself from blame afterwards either. Presented with a fresh challenge against Galway, which saw him stationed on the forty, Mullane got back on track. He put three points past the Tribesmen and then gallantly chased a lost cause when faced with Kilkenny. He cracked home a first half goal and David Herity deprived him of a second soon after. He persevered right to the death and finished with 1-6.

10. The highs and lows (2004)

Waterford had matched Cork stride for stride in a high octane first half and wanted to raise the stakes. Mullane resumed the scoring moments into the second half with a rousing point. A couple of minutes later, as Ken McGrath placed a free, an altercation with Brian Murphy saw Sean McMahon produce the red card and the distraught corner forward walked the plank. “He knows it himself; you can see by his expression” Michael Duignan observed in commentary. “It was a rush of blood to the head.” He handled the fallout with dignity. He gave an emotional interview to RTÉ after the final whistle and opted not to pursue the appeal route. “I let myself down. I did the crime and I had to serve the time” he said later that year. Kilkenny ended Waterford’s interest as he watched from the stands.

Waterford’s record in the McGrath Cup 2002-2012

 

2002 semi final

Waterford 2-9 Tipperary 0-9

2002 final
Clare 2-13 Waterford 2-11

2003 semi final
Tipperary 1-8 Waterford 2-4

2004 semi final
Limerick 1-9 Waterford 2-5

2005 quarter final
IT Tralee 2-8 Waterford 0-9

2006 quarter final
Kerry 2-10 Waterford 2-2

2007 preliminary round
UCC 0-12 Waterford 2-4

2008 preliminary round
UL 1-15 Waterford 2-9 (AET)

2009 preliminary round
Waterford 3-11 IT Tralee 3-9

2009 quarter final
Waterford 1-15 LIT 0-5

2009 semi final
UL 0-13 Waterford 0-8

2010 semi final
Kerry 2-12 Waterford 3-5

2011 quarter final
Waterford 0-11 Tipperary 0-9

2011 semi final
Clare 1-10 Waterford 0-10 

2012 preliminary round
IT Tralee 2-14 Waterford 0-14

Chart Toppers 2012

 

SFC Top Ten

1. Paul Whyte (Kilrossanty) 2-31

2. Donie Breathnach (An Rinn) 1-32

3. Gary Hurney (Ballinacourty) 1-29

4. J.J. Hutchinson (Gaultier) 2-22

4. Shane Walsh (The Nire) 0-28

6. Niall Curran (Stradbally) 3-16

7. Edmond Hogan (Rathgormack) 2-16

8. Joey Veale (Kilrossanty) 4-10

8. Shane Ryan (The Nire) 4-10

8. Liam Lawlor (The Nire) 0-22

 

SHC Top Ten

1. Martin O’Neill (Mount Sion) 3-56

2. Cormac Curran (Dungarvan) 1-58

3. Jake Dillon (De La Salle) 6-37

4. Eamonn Murphy (Dunhill) 2-46

5. Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater) 2-45

6. Brendan Hannon (Ballyduff Upper) 1-46

7. Maurice Shanahan (Lismore) 2-40

8. Gavin O’Brien (Roanmore) 0-40

9. Mark Gorman (Abbeyside) 2-34

10. Owen Connors (Passage) 0-33

 

Waterford football scorers (league & championship)

Gary Hurney 0-34 (16f)

Mark Ferncombe 4-17 (5f)

Patrick Hurney 0-19

Shane Ahearne 1-8 (5f)

Sean Fleming 0-8

Conor McGrath 0-8

Sean O’Hare 0-5 (2 45’)

JJ Hutchinson 0-5

Tony Grey 0-5

Paul Whyte 0-3

Joey Veale 0-3

Shane Briggs 0-3

Liam Ó’Lonáin 1-0

Kieran Connery 0-1

Wayne Hennessy 0-1

Eamonn Walsh 0-1

 

Waterford hurling scorers (league & championship)

Maurice Shanahan 2-36 (1-18f, 2 65’)

Pauric Mahony 0-22 (16f)

Martin O’Neill 0-15 (11f)

Shane Walsh 2-9

John Mullane 0-12

Gavin O’Brien 0-10

Stephen Molumphy 1-3

Eoin Kelly 1-2 (1-1f)

Seamus Prendergast 0-4

Tony Browne 0-4 (2f)

Kevin Moran 0-3

Jamie Nagle 0-2 (1f)

Shane O’Sullivan 0-2

Eoin McGrath 0-2

Thomas Ryan 0-1

Shane Casey 0-1

Paul O’Brien 0-1

Richie Foley 0-1f

Philip Mahony 0-1

Jake Dillon 0-1

Headline Makers - Waterford GAA 2012

January

Kelly steps out and steps in again

A couple of days into the New Year and the news broke that two time All Star Eoin Kelly was off the county panel for the league and championship. Manager Michael Ryan described the results of a fitness assessment as “disappointing”. Differences were resolved however and Kelly made his return as a substitute against Galway two months later.

Camogie stars collect Granville award
The Waterford camogie team were worthy winners of the WLR FM/Graville Hotel overall award for 2011 as they were recognised for their league and championship double.

February

Coláistí na nDéise dominate all Waterford semi final

Despite losing a player to a red card before the throw in for the second game in succession, Coláistí na nDéise raced 2-9 to 0-0 ahead by half time and left De La Salle in their slipstream. Goals from Michael Kiely and Michael Harney booked their spot in the final by 2-13 to 1-8.

Davy strikes first blood
Four months ahead of their championship clash, Clare served notice of their promise by running up 3-17 in a routine Crystal League win on a heavy sod at Walsh Park. Davy Fitzgerald watched the entire game from the stand but didn’t place too much emphasis on the result. “We are not reading a thing into that whatsoever. It was nearly like a challenge game, Waterford weren’t taking that seriously at all.”

WIT bow out of Fitzgibbon race
WIT were eliminated from the Fitzgibbon Cup at the group stage for the second year in a row after a Noel McGrath inspired UCD outfit chiselled out a three point win on a cold Valentines’ night at Carraiganore.

Four in a row for WIT camogie
The WIT camogie team kept their cool on home soil to collect their fourth Ashbourne Cup on the trot against UL. After a tense opening half, goals from Katrina Parrock and Marie Dargan along with a powerhouse display at wing back from Patricia Jackman paved the way for a ten point victory.

Lehane lights up Leeside
Cork and Conor Lehane in particular exploited a makeshift Waterford rearguard to get the Jimmy Barry Murphy era off to the perfect start at a jam packed Pairc Ui Rinn. With the injury list in double figures, keeping their heads above water in the top tier already looked like a tall order.

Harty Cup success
Nenagh CBS came into the final as favourites but Coláistí na nDéise outplayed their fancied opponents in Cashel and sprinted 11 points clear at the break. Cathal and Patrick Curran scored 2-11 between them in a complete team performance.

March

Strong Waterford influence as UCC take Fitzgibbon

For the third time in five seasons, the Fitzgibbon final went to extra time and several Waterford players were in the thick of it. Darragh Fives, Philip Mahony, Pauric Mahony and Brian O’Sullivan all started for UCC as they took the title on home soil against local rivals CIT.

Ferncombe bags hat trick
Aughrim is not the easiest place to visit at any time of year but Waterford achieved a notable 4-7 to 1-12 win in early March to revive their Division 4 campaign. Mark Ferncombe fired home a hat trick with Shane Ahearne also on target. Home defeats to Fermanagh and Carlow ultimately dented their promotion ambitions.

Backroom reshuffle
“We are just not up to the pace of the game, we don’t look sharp, we don’t look fit and we don’t look mentally focussed and that’s something the management must sort out.” That was Michael Ryan’s reaction after Tipperary inflicted a third league defeat at Semple Stadium. A turbulent time for the new management team and Nicky Cashin opted out before the trip to Galway with Ken McGrath filling the void after some persuasion.

Great escape starts in sunny Salthill
At a sun splashed Pearse Stadium, Waterford got back on track. Ken McGrath was now on the sideline with John Mullane and Eoin Kelly restored to the panel. Mullane provided the assist for the crucial goal with a searing run before Shane Walsh bravely got a touch ahead of James Skehill.

Cullinane steps into the breach
Further drama unfolded after the final whistle in Salthill as selector Brother Philip Ryan departed. Sean Cullinane was swiftly drafted in.

April

O’Brien swats the Dubs away

On April fools day at Fraher Field, there was no room for error and Waterford set about their task early on. Four crisply taken points from Gavin O’Brien sent the hosts into a commanding 0-12 to 0-4 lead at half time. Kilkenny steamrolled Galway at Nowlan Park to guarantee survival.

May

Curran settles a minor cliffhanger

A terrific contest on a Wednesday evening back in May as Waterford and Clare were separated by the odd score in 37 after 80 minutes of action. Stephen Bennett, Micheal Harney and Darragh Flynn all sparkled up front but Cathal Curran emerged as the hero. He was substituted earlier in the game but returned to the fray and grabbed the winner from a tight angle.

Footballers rue penalty miss
Trailing by a point at half time in this Munster quarter final, Waterford were awarded a penalty on the resumption. Mark Ferncombe’s effort was saved however and they paid a heavy price for it. Ian Ryan got Limerick motoring and they produced a powerful finish to run out winners on a flattering scoreline of 2-12 to 0-7.

June

Waterford hold their nerve

Experience once again gained the upper hand over youth as Waterford advanced to their fourth Munster final in a row. After a questionable penalty call, Eoin Kelly lashed the sliotar home and Shane Walsh then pounced on a defensive error.  They rode their luck in the second period as Clare sent a number of frees wide of the mark and Stephen O’Keeffe marked his championship debut with a spectacular save from Conor McGrath.

Tipp minors run riot
Tipperary amassed 2-25 in a one sided semi final in Semple Stadium and displayed their All Ireland credentials. Waterford were within four points at the interval but Tipp stepped on the gas with John McGrath and Tadhg Gallagher leading the rout. Only the heroics of Seanie Barry in goals prevented the Premier from adding to their hefty total.

Wicklow go the extra mile
Fourteen man Waterford were minutes away from repeating their league heroics at Aughrim in this All Ireland qualifier but the hosts snatched an equaliser and pushed on in extra time.

July

Owens bows out

After three years at the helm, John Owens left the Waterford football set-up in late July.The undoubted high point was achieving promotion to Division 3 and bringing the team to Croke Park for the league final in the process.

Tipp take their chances
Pride restored after 2011 but a lingering sense of regret all the same. Kevin Moran drove the team forward in the second half and Tipp were there for the taking before Shane Bourke took full advantage of a break around the goalmouth to ease their nerves. Missed frees and a couple of spurned goal chances left the Waterford faithful frustrated. Five points in the second half and sixteen overall was never going to be enough.

Under 21s fail to fire
From the opening minutes, Clare were exploiting alarming gaps in the Déise defence and only some miraculous goalkeeping from Stephen O’Keeffe kept the score respectable. The Banner men racked up 1-11 in each half to overwhelm a disorganised Waterford outfit at Cusack Park. Selector Michael Walsh couldn’t quite comprehend what he had just seen. “We were second from the word go, that’s the reality.”

Strength in depth stands to the Rebels
Cork outscored Waterford by seven points to one in the last ten minutes to advance to the All Ireland semi final. After an uncertain start, John Mullane took over at centre forward to drag his side back into contention and put them in a winning position. A combination of factors resulted in Waterford’s downfall. A couple of missed opportunities, Shane Walsh’s injury and most of all, Cork’s superior substitutes saw this game slip through the fingers. Michael Ryan said: “They had a very strong bench and they were playing with the wind. It’s about momentum really. They hit the front at exactly the right stage of the game.”

August

Queen of the Cooleys strikes again

On her seventh visit to the Cooley Mountains since that maiden voyage in 2006, Patricia Jackman took home her fourth All Ireland title in a row. It’s an event that flies under the radar but keeping hold of an All Ireland title and fending off the attentions of the chasing pack year after year is an outstanding achievement. This time around, Jackman completed the two and a half kilometre course in 29 pucks.

Intermediates fall short
A fortuitous Emma Kilkelly goal dashed Waterford’s dreams of achieving back to back promotions in the intermediate camogie championship after Galway emerged from their semi final clash by 1-14 to 0-13 at the Gaelic Grounds.

September

Kelly calls it a day

At the age of 29 with 46 championship appearances under his belt, Eoin Kelly felt his inter county days were over. He was left on the bench for the quarter final defeat to Cork. He reflected: “Looking back at the last couple of years, I have only been a bit player. It was time to call it a day. Maybe I’m taking a younger lad’s place on the panel that might have more to offer.” Declan Prendergast and Eoin McGrath also departed the inter county stage during 2012.

Croker calling for Waterford ladies
A well taken Michelle Ryan penalty and a slick Shona Curran goal gave Waterford the initiative in their All Ireland semi final clash with Fermanagh in Birr. They absorbed a second half revival to reach their second intermediate decider in three years.

Blues rewrite the history books
After 61 years spent in the wilderness, Dungarvan shook up the hurling championship by booking their spot in the county final. Fourmilewater were the only unbeaten team remaining and had previously taken the scalp of De La Salle but they couldn’t handle the youthful Blues in the second half. Jamie Nagle got a grip at midfield and Darren Duggan performed miracles between the posts in front of a raucous home support. 

October

Orchard county power to intermediate glory

The Armagh ladies displayed their strength and experience in the intermediate final to keep a battling Waterford outfit at bay. Only six years previous they had contested the senior decider and they were eager to regain their status after recent demotion. A goal from Hannah Landers and energetic displays from the likes of Elaine Power and Aileen Wall offered hope for the Deise ladies but they couldn’t get close enough.

Three is the magic number
De La Salle set out their stall for a third county title from the throw in. Jake Dillon’s early green flag quenched any faint hopes Dungarvan had of getting their hands on the News & Star trophy. De La Salle quickly established superiority in the half back line and midfield with Kevin Moran once again providing an assured presence at centre back. He got them out of the woods in a tight semi final and with John Mullane also upping his game for the knock out rounds, Derek McGrath’s men romped home.

An Rinn & Ballinameela back in the big time
After recently sampling the senior grade, An Rinn and Ballinameela will get a second shot after earning promotion in 2012. After a couple of narrow wins in the West, An Rinn blew Portlaw away in the county final. It was a closer affair in the football as Ballinameela got the better of De La Salle with only a point to spare.

De La Salle pair recognised
A mixed bag of a championship still produced some strong individual performances and two All Star awards. Kevin Moran received his first accolade while John Mullane collected his fourth in a row and a fifth in all.

November

Reds come good in replay

The Nire started the drawn game and the replay in purposeful fashion but couldn’t slam the door shut on Stradbally. Michael Walsh lifted the troops in both games when The Nire threatened to pull away. In a riveting replay, Ger Power’s goal gave Stradbally the impetus and David Grey stroked over an injury time winner.

Provincial losses for Waterford clubs
Stradbally could count themselves unlucky to lose out to Castlehaven in the Munster semi final but the overall provincial picture was bleak. Ballinameela and An Rinn lost out narrowly in the intermediate grade but Butlerstown and Kilmacthomas suffered horrendous hidings at junior level.

Sarsfields flourish in free flowing final
After slugging it out with Newmarket in the last four, De La Salle had to adapt to a more expansive affair against Thurles Sarsfields. The dismissal of John Keane hampered their cause although Eddie Barrett emerged with his reputation enhanced. Thurles will take beating with that lethal attack in the spring.

Carew answers the call
Over a hundred days passed and candidates appeared thin on the ground for the vacant Waterford football job. In November, some white smoke eventually appeared. After stepping down as selector with Kildare, Niall Carew jumped at the opportunity to take his first plunge into inter county management. The early signs are positive. “The lads, in fairness to them, have all bought into it so far. They are very eager and you couldn’t but be impressed with the response I’m getting from the players.”

December

Convention time

The Waterford county board recorded a loss of €212,271 in their 2012 accounts and secretary Timmy O’Keeffe outlined the situation in his report. “The management of the finances of the Board continue to be a serious challenge for the county. All costs have to be scrutinised carefully.” The coffers were badly hit in the area of fundraising as they incurred a loss of €16,662 for the year. The season ticket scheme, a pub quiz in February and a greyhound night in May are among the initiatives organised for 2013 to boost the finances.

Mullane weighs up his options
The Irish Examiner revealed over the Christmas that John Mullane is uncertain about his inter county future. He said: “I’m not the kind of fella who can go into something without being 100% committed. If I don’t feel 100% right within myself I won’t do it – it’s all or nothing.” A county holds its breath.

Farewell to Frankie
Captain of the 1959 All Ireland winning team Frankie Walsh was laid to rest on the last day of 2012 after a short illness. He was held in high esteem throughout the country as GAA followers from near and far came to pay their last respects to the Mount Sion man. He scored five points in the drawn final of 1959 against Kilkenny and followed that up with eight in the replay.