Courty’s steely side wins midfield war - Ballinacourty 0-12 Stradbally 0-5

A third title since 2007 for Ballinacourty and the seven point winning margin crowned their most fulfilling triumph. This was a thorough team performance as Stradbally were left grasping for air. The sending off tested their resolve but they continued to suffocate their rivals in fiery affair and eight different players posted a score.

 

Gary Hurney emphasised the collective effort afterwards. "We knew that sometimes we weren’t getting the best out of everyone but this time we got the absolute best out of everyone and we needed that to drive on and win today."

 

Even with fourteen, Ballinacourty remained in total control of their own destiny. Selector Neil Moore felt that the half time breather allowed them the opportunity to reconfigure their forces. “We were lucky with the timing of it in that it gave us a chance to regroup and reorganise. Maybe if it happened in the second half, it wouldn’t have given us the chance to get them together in the dressing room.”

They crossed the bridge in determined mood to tear up the pre match predictions. “The lads were determined that we weren’t coming over here and losing today. A lot of the talk around was that we were coming over to make up the numbers but we showed a few people that we can play football too.”

Ballinacourty showed a real willingness to scavenge. They pressurised from the front, forcing uncharacteristic errors from their opponents and didn’t allow Stradbally build patiently from the back. A true sign of their hunger however was their monopoly on breaking ball. During their second quarter purple patch, Mark Fives got his paws on three breaks in a row. The underrated captain, really rose to the occasion and polished off sixty minutes of sweat with two points from play.

On and off the field they outmanoeuvred an out of sorts Stradbally. Switching Sean O’Hare to full back and Shane Briggs to six allowed the latter to relax his defensive duties and move into advanced areas. The management resisted the temptation to place Gary Hurney at fourteen and instead used his aerial prowess to gain the upper hand at midfield. He also minimised the impact of the Ahearne brothers. Man of the match Hurney also came up with the crucial scores when they needed to enlarge their lead. In the second half, he produced two points and one assist. That point into the country end was something spectacular as he held off two Stradbally defenders to curl the ball inside the left hand post.

The Reds were seriously hindered from the moment that Michael Walsh hit the deck in the top right hand corner of the field. The Brick hobbled into the full forward line but was never able to run off the injury. Up to that point, he was probing for openings and proved almost impossible to dispossess as he surveyed each situation. His sumptuous pass played in Paddy Kiely for a point that was close to perfection. Stradbally didn’t seem the same without their link man pulling the strings. The supply line was completely cut off and amazingly, they only registered two points in 54 minutes of football after Kiely’s white flag on 11 minutes. The Ahearnes were also held scoreless from play.

They weathered the early Courty storm of singles from Patrick Hurney and Michael O’Halloran. David Grey, Shane Ahearne (smashing free from forty metres) and Kiely left them 0-3 to 0-2 in front. Normal order restored but there was a The Stradbally kick out collapsed for the second quarter of the contest. Gary Hurney competed strongly and Mark Fives swept up the crumbs coming his way. The industrious Fives levelled on eighteen minutes. James O’Mahoney nudged them ahead before Richie Foley sauntered forward from wing back for a brace of points. Cruising at 0-6 to 0-3 in front, they could have kicked on further but they sent six shots astray. Even John Hurney’s moment of madness didn’t deter them. The fitness programme implemented by James Keoghan was singled out for high praise afterwards as they maintained their intensity levels in the tackle and held their own in terms of the collisions. After the restart, Mark Fives added his second single and Gary Hurney screwed in that screamer off his left boot. No way back for the Reds.

The scoring statistics beforehand hinted at a looser final but familiarity tightened things up. The top three now meet so regularly that they know each other inside out. Space was at a premium and none of the forwards went on a scoring spree. The sides shared 27 goals beforehand but Courty only carved two openings and Stradbally mustered a half chance in the first half. There was needle in this one throughout and the free count rose above forty. Man in black John Condon controlled matters and flashed the colours when required (two reds and four yellows). The dismissals of John Hurney and Paddy Kiely were clear cut calls.

This is a revamped version of the Villagers. Five changes in personnel have been made from the victorious 2011 side. Under 21 medallists turned into senior starters this season. When hounding down Stradbally, you need a little extra. Sunday’s dominant march suggests that the green and white will be sticking around. For the pool of talent at their disposal and their consistency (five finals in seven seasons), they needed more silverware to show and a third Conway Cup for this group is a healthier return. The motivation now must be to build a long term reputation and that starts by putting together back to back titles.

Plenty of potential in familiar pairing - Stradbally v Ballinacourty preview

 

The Waterford football final frequently goes right to the wire. The last three deciders have been settled by the bare minimum. Since 2002, the teams have required a second day out on five occassions. The odds of a draw on Sunday? 7/1.  

On the semi final evidence, these two rivals are hitting peak performance at just the right moment. Stradbally’s dissection of An Rinn set an intimidating benchmark. The Reds appear to moving better than ever before. Michael Walsh and Paddy Kiely form a balanced partnership at midfield. The Brick can drop deep to start attacks while Kiely is given licence to attack. The Ahearnes are combining in perfect symphony. 2-22 posted between them in the last two knockout games. Stephen Cunningham integrated a number of new combination during the group stages and they are gelling with the old guard. Nearly a third of the team didn’t start last year’s final. Paddy Doyle, Kevin Lawlor, Tommy Connors and David Grey are now permanent parts. Jack Mullaney is also a regular replacement.

A week later, Ballinacourty swept The Nire aside with an explosive start. They led by 3-6 to 0-2 approaching half time. The most striking aspect of their seven successes has been their creation and conversion of goal scoring opportunities. Fifteen green flags raised thus far and only one blank fired (in the quarter final versus St Saviours). Mark Ferncombe’s flair is bringing out the best from those around him. His razor sharp finishing (5-15 banked in this year’s championship) and eye for a pass has increased their output. Patrick Hurney is taking on a greater leadership role in both codes and has outshone Gary to start Sunday’s final as the ace marksman in the Courty ranks (2-26). They too have added a different dimension to their playing pool. Shane Briggs and Sean O’Hare now start at three and six respectively. David Collins and Brian Looby provide freshness in defence while Jason O’Brien and Michael O’Halloran are regular contributors to the scoreboard.

In the scoring stakes, they are matching each other stride for stride. Ballinacourty tend to hit 21 points per game while the holders are running at rate of 20 per game. The spread of scorers is also encouraging for both sides. Not for the first time the weather may stop the landslide of scores. The 2011 mudslide should never have been staged. Courty got first use of the gale to score six points and Stradbally’s second half return fell a single short (0-6 to 0-5). Nobody wants to see a rerun.

Courty will look to dictate the tempo straight from the throw in. In a similar fashion to the semi final, they may chase an early goal to lure their opponents into an open contest. Positioning Gary Hurney close to the target may form part of that plan. Will they earn enough possession at midfield to ask those searching questions of Stradbally’s last line? Walsh and Kiely are supported by hard working half backs and half forwards that soak up the breaks. The Ahearnes can also put in a shift around the centre. The match ups also pose problems from a Ballinacourty perspective. Will Sean O’Hare shadow Shane Ahearne after his semi final masterclass? Will Shane Briggs follow Robert Ahearne or stay back and mind the house? Even if the twin towers are limited in their influence, David Grey and Ger Power need close surveillance. The Stradbally defenders are more versatile and flexible. They are no fazed by unfamiliar surroundings if they are dragged out of position.

Despite their congested mantelpiece, the Reds still harbour a hunger to top the pile. Nine titles in thirteen attempts is the latest piece of history in their sights. They start each season with a clean slate and their workrate remains as fierce as ever. Ballinacourty will feel that they should have more to show for the footballers at their disposal than two titles (2007 and 2011). Last year’s semi final loss offers further motivation.

The third time in four years for these two to wind up in the final but what kind of contest will emerge from this familiarity? If it turns into an arm wrestle or a more expansive spectacle, Stradbally can adapt. The accumulation of finals means that few situations surprise them and they adjust to their surroundings swiftly. The Brick acts as their sat nav to get them safely to their desired destination. The combination of the Ahearnes up front can steer them to the slimmest of wins. The recent tradition of football finals almost guarantees a tight squeeze. The average winning total from the last ten deciders is eleven points. The 2013 edition may prove an exception in that particular area.

Betting: Stradbally 4/5 Draw 7/1 Ballinacourty 5/4
Prediction: Stradbally

Paths to the summit – Stradbally v Ballinacourty

Stradbally

For: 12-106

Against: 6-43
Scorers: 16
Top Scorer: Robert Ahearne 4-17
Average winning margin: 12 points

Round 1: Stradbally 2-16 Gaultier 1-2
Round 2: Stradbally 3-17 St Saviours 1-10
Round 3: Stradbally 1-8 Clashmore 0-8
Round 4: Stradbally 0-19 Ardmore 1-7
Round 5: Stradbally 2-15 Kilrossanty 1-7
Quarter Final: Stradbally 1-13 Ballinameela 1-3
Semi Final: Stradbally 3-18 An Rinn 1-3

Robert Ahearne 4-17
Shane Ahearne 1-25
David Grey 1-13
John Coffey 1-11
Ger Power 2-5
Chris Casey 0-9
Paddy Kiely 1-5
Tony Grey 0-7
Tommy Connors 0-4
Michael Walsh 0-4
Own goal 1-0
Luke Casey 1-0
Eddie Rockett 0-2
Shane Lannon 0-2
Paddy Doyle 0-1
Kevin Lawlor 0-1

Ballinacourty

For: 15-101

Against: 3-54
Scorers: 15
Top Scorer: Patrick Hurney 2-26
Average winning margin: 12 points

Round 1: Ballinacourty 1-9 An Rinn 0-9
Round 2: Ballinacourty 2-15 Rathgormack 0-7
Round 3: Ballinacourty 1-15 The Nire 0-12
Round 4: Ballinacourty 6-17 Ballinameela 1-4
Round 5: Ballinacourty 1-20 Brickey Rangers 0-6
Quarter Final: Ballinacourty 0-14 St Saviours 1-5
Semi Final: Ballinacourty 4-11 The Nire 1-11

Patrick Hurney 2-26

Mark Ferncombe 5-15
Mark Gorman 2-8
Jason O’Brien 3-4
Michael O’Halloran 0-13
Gary Hurney 0-10
Mark Fives 1-4
Shane Donovan 0-7
John Hurney 1-2
Shane Briggs 1-1
Conor Maloney 0-4
Ross Dunford 0-4
John Power 0-1
Martin Lavan 0-1
Jason O’Mahony 0-1

Passage paradise – Passage 3-16 Ballygunner 3-13

 

A finish to give you goosebumps. You had to scrub your eyes to verify it. A sudden injection of 2-4 numbed the pain for Passage. The craziest climax to a county hurling final was beyond belief.

Passage rolled the dice all season long. They scored 17 goals and conceded 13 on the journey. They emerged as the great entertainers. With the attacking resources at their disposal, that approach was understandable. There was also a consistency to the manner they concluded all of their knock out matches. Five unanswered points in the quarter final and two goals in the third quarter of the semi indicated that they would last the pace.

Still, a uprising seemed unthinkable considering the opposition. Ballygunner simply don’t surrender these situations. Up to that point, they had done more than enough. The red and black ribbons were ready. They took decisive action in the third quarter. A seven point gain (2-3 to 0-2) during moving quarter. Their full forward line was working as well as it had done all season as they accumulated 2-3. Stephen Power’s aerial ability and 1-2 contribution came as a welcome bonus to Ballygunner. Since his De La Salle college days, he has struggled to pin down a regular position but he reminded everyone of his gifts on Sunday. David O’Sullivan provided a towering presence at wing forward and his defensive splitting run allowed Power to scramble the opening goal.

Their backs appeared impenetrable. Wayne Hutchinson picked the apples off a tree and shielded the inner line. Stephen O’Keeffe asserted himself around the goalmouth and dictated the pattern and pace of Ballygunner play. He directed the ball out from the back and they pinged it around precisely during the second half. They even hosed down the first flames of a fightback. Eoin Kelly hit two points, Owen Connors converted a free and John Whitty tested Stephen O’Keeffe in a five minute spell. Yet, points from Harley Barnes, Brian O’Sullivan and Power kept them seven up with seven to play.

The villagers still trusted their fitness. Fergal O’Brien had them running up and down Passage hill. Peter Queally moulded them as a group and put an end to the individualism that held them back. Very few had tasted any sort of club success. Four years ago in an Eastern Under 21 final, Ballygunner trounced them by 4-17 to 2-7. Ten survivors started for Gunners on Sunday and eight from Passage. This team, with an average age of 24.7, had matured throughout this campaign however. In those final five minutes, they learned how to win. A bit of risk taking was involved as Jason Roche wandered all the way up from the full back line to leave two goals in it. They kept plugging away and none showed more perseverance than man of the match Owen Connors. A reliable club performer since their promotion at senior level, he didn’t panic and chipped away with the frees. His first half goal recovered their balance and he spurred them on again following that damaging third quarter.

The take off was sudden and unexpected. It crept up on the Gunners and almost everyone else in Walsh Park. The rocket fuel came in the form of Sean Hogan’s goal. The seventeen year old substitute saw little action before the sliotar came his way right on the stroke of sixty minutes. From an acute angle and with Stephen O’Keeffe close to unbeatable, he scorched the ceiling of the net before the number one had time to raise a stick at it. Ballygunner were wobbly on their legs now. Passage had to push them to the canvas. They sensed and grasped the opportunity. They needed every last one of the 17 goals to get their mitts on the News and Star silver. The long serving Conor Carey lifted the roof off the net when he collected from Owen Connors. Cue commotion.

The next couple of minutes were a red and white blur. County final woes and an inferiority complex to the Gunners utterly dismissed. They lost three times (1993, 1994 and 1997) in different circumstances. The first two hurt the most while they were clinging on by the time the third came around. Names likes Barry, Cullinane and Connors were all prominent. Conor Carey and Rory Walsh were also knocking around. They spiralled out of senior in 2003 and only resurfaced in 2008. Hard knocks came their way initially. An Abbeyside annilihation in the group stages of 2009 (7-16 to 3-10) was followed by a semi final shellacking from De La Salle (2-21 to 2-5) a year later. They settled in senior helped by an underage crop that contained Noel Connors, Owen Connors, Thomas Connors, Eddie Lynch, Mark Wyse and Killian Fitzgerald amongst others. Peter Queally put the pieces together. Carey recalled their first encounter with Ballydurn man. “We were out and we were playing as individuals and we were shouting and roaring. He stopped the game and he said ‘lads if I don’t win a game with ye this year I’m going to make ye believe in each other and be positive to each other’.”

Life, death and hurling became tangled up in this tale. The memory of the Bolger brothers never left them. “It was always there in the background and it was always silently there,” stated Peter Queally on the pitch afterwards. “We spoke about it after our first night back training and it was a very emotional night. We said that we wouldn’t mention it again but every time we came into a huddle and there was silence, we think about the three brothers that lost their lives at sea. We wanted to honour their passing.” Eoin Kelly added: “It’s great to have some bit of joy in the village. The people of Passage need this and they will get some lift of this.”

They won’t feel the winter now in Passage East. The Munster championship can go on the backburner. As Conor Carey exclaimed: “Let’s go have a session!”

Gunners’ defence presents barrier to Passage breakthrough

 

Never mind the nineties. It’s time for Passage to grasp the nettle. In the here and now, they possess the forwards, the fitness and the strength in depth to hoist the News & Star cup just before five on Sunday.

To take the next step, they will have to answer the following queries. Will Noel Connors shadow Gunners’ director Pauric Mahony around all afternoon? Will Owen Connors or Eoin Kelly stand over the placed balls? Should Sean Hogan or Thomas Connors start after making a lasting impression last time around? Can they sustain their effort over the full hour after enduring barren patches in both the quarter final and semi final? All of these issues will have occupied the mind of Peter Queally in preparation.

The Gunners played within themselves during the semi final. They shot eleven wides and couldn’t kill off their opponents conclusively. They lean heavily on Pauric Mahony as creator and scorer. He is responsible for almost half of their scores in this year’s championship (47 per cent). Their full forward line can produce more and if either Brian O’Sullivan or JJ Hutchinson catch fire, Passage will seek shelter. The inside line only threw in 1-6 in the last two games. The two corner men are the most likely candidates for first goalscorer. The quality of their defending in the knock out rounds meant that they didn’t have to overextend themselves up front. They conceded 15 points to De La Salle over eighty minutes and just eleven to Abbeyside in the semis. Stephen O’Keeffe has also kept back to back clean sheets. He stops attacks and starts attacks. His distribution and puck out strategy are crucial elements to Ballygunner’s success. Barry Coughlan suffocated Patrick Hurney and held him scoreless. Another steady sixty will alert the next inter county manager. The half back line offer both protection and a launch pad. Only four goals have gone by this Ballygunner sextet. Numbers eight to twelve (Philip Mahony, Harley Barnes, Shane O’Sullivan, Pauric Mahony and David O’Sullivan) are all crisp in keeping possession and orchestrating scores. They hold the upper hand in terms of astuteness in this sector.

Passage hold the guns to blast through the bullet proof vest. 14 goals from eight different sources suggests that they carry an array of threats. Eights different players raised a flag in the quarter final and that rose to nine on semi final Sunday. Owen Connors, Killian Fitzgerald and Conor Carey contribute a couple of scores from play and they may keep recently returned Thomas Connors and county minor Sean Hogan in reserve. Incredibly, Eoin Kelly has only mustered one point from play in the last two games and Owen Connors assumed the free taking duties in the second half of the semi final. He retreated to midfield that afternoon but his goal scent must be used at number fourteen. Kelly can rise to the enormity of the challenge. The pacy Mark Wyse and the composed Noel Connors glue together the defence. Their attacking approach does result in some spaces appearing at the other end however and at times, the forwards can neglect to muck in defensively. Passage concede an average of nineteen points per game. They do tend to hold their discipline however. They conceded five from frees against Mount Sion and six in the previous encounter against Ballyduff Upper and those figures are acceptable at this stage of the season. John Whitty offers the engine around the middle and he keeps plugging away no matter what way the cards fall for him.

The start should be frantic and fascinating. Passage settled against Sion with 1-3 after just six minutes. Ballygunner will want to set the seed of doubt in their minds that this final will prolong the famine. Either way, the stamina of the underdogs (attributed to the work of Fergal O’Brien) will keep their supporters shouting in the last ten minutes. After tossing and turning, a mean looking Ballygunner defence backed by one of the best goalkeepers in the land can decide this neighbourly dispute.

Betting: Ballygunner 1/2 Draw 9/1 Passage 15/8

Prediction: Ballygunner

Umpires on their toes - Ballinacourty v The Nire preview

 

The Nire and Kilrossanty proved three weeks ago that the standard of club football in the county can soar to dizzy heights. The pace was fast and furious from throw in and never relented. Another evening of positive play should be in store during this second semi final.

The Nire survived a rigorous examination of their credentials in that quarter final. Following a humiliating hurling exit and starting minus Shane Lawlor, Jamie Barron and Shane Walsh, their younger lights showed conviction. Darren Guiry, Shane Ryan and Conor Gleeson kicked 1-8 between them. In defence, nobody knows this road better than Justin Walsh and John Moore but this pair continue to push for another Conway Cup and defy Father Time. The overall performance levels dipped during the group stages after driving Stradbally to the cliff edge in 2012. That was emphasised by a 1-15 to 0-12 humbling to Saturday’s opponents Only a late revival made the match appear somewhat competitive. At half time, they trailed by 1-11 to 0-3. They sourced the necessary hunger, work rate and precise shooting when the chips were down in the quarter final. Tipperary All Star Declan Browne is also lending a helping hand. Liam Lawlor retreated into a deeper position as that game wore on but his shrewdness in possession may be required closer to the target on this occasion. Five goals in six games reflects that need. An extra week of healing is also no harm.

On their group stage form, Ballinacourty looked like Stradbally’s biggest threat. Their forward fluency saw them sweep to five convincing wins. They sailed into choppy seas against St Saviours in Carraiganore however before they navigated to calm waters by the last quarter. They have realigned their forces this season with Shane Briggs falling back to number three and Sean O’Hare also dropping to number six. The fruits of their underage success are also starting to sprout with names like Collins, Looby and Maloney set to become more familiar in the future. Up front, the spike in Mark Ferncombe’s form has rubbed off on the rest. Patrick Hurney’s big numbers are not restricted to the small ball, Gary Hurney will hope to profit from the Nire’s difficulty under the skyscrapers and Michael O’Halloran is striking the leather with assuredness. 11 goals in six outings is an intimidating amount and the Saviour’s game was their only one without a green flag. They will relish a shootout should the game develop in that fashion.

There is clear motivation for both. Ballinacourty never put forward a strong case for retention of their title last term as they surrendered to Stradbally in the semi final. They have rediscovered the appetite that saw them escape from the monsoon with the silver in 2011. It’s all about unfinished business for The Nire. The Reds rarely give you two shots at a county title but the Ballymacarbry side couldn’t complete their mission on either occasion. Five years is a long gap without a trophy for a team with class dotted throughout the field. On the evidence of 2013, Ballinacourty score around twenty points per game and The Nire shoot around fifteen. Courty can justify their favouritism on a busy evening for the men in white coats.

Betting: Ballinacourty 10/11 Draw 13/2 The Nire 6/5

Prediction: Ballinacourty

Reeling in the finals – SHC Deciders 2000-2012

Runaway train - Mount Sion 1-20 Ballygunner 0-9, 2000
Sion avenged the defeat from the previous year in some style. Playing in a loosely defined wing forward role, Tony Browne scored 1-7 (1-3 from play). Eight up at halfway, Sion were well on their way. Anthony Kirwan also threw in five points as they steamed ahead.

Gunners goal rush - Ballygunner 4-12 Lismore 1-16, 2001
A near miss for the Cathedral town. Lismore sprung from the traps to lead by five early doors and entering the final quarter, they clung to a three point advantage. Paul Flynn didn’t start due to a hand injury but was called into action during the first half and posted 1-2. Billy O’Sullivan, Darragh O’Sullivan and Andy Moloney supplied the other goals. The start of a mazy run to Munster glory for the Gunners.

Greene’s gamble – Mount Sion 1-19 Ballygunner 2-14, 2002
Mount Sion manager Jim Greene dropped long serving net minder Philly Flynn for the 2002 county final and plumped for nineteen year old Ian O’Regan instead. The team was named ten days in advance to give the new number one a chance to prepare. The debutant duly obliged and Ken McGrath pocketed eleven points.

Leave it to Flynner – Mount Sion 1-14 Ballygunner 2-11, 2003
With the last act, Paul Flynn’s 21 metre piledriver cut through the eight man Mount Sion wall and it was time to take two. He scored 2-6 and shouldered the burden of responsibility all afternoon. A nine point showing from Eoin Kelly seemed sufficient for Sion before Flynn’s intervention.

Browne brilliance - Mount Sion 1-14 Ballygunner 1-10, 2003
In those almost annual showdowns at the city venue, Tony Browne and Fergal Hartley brought a sense of style to their defensive work. This replay belonged to Browne. “Time and time again he broke the hearts of the Ballygunner forwards with his huge clearances,” said Jim Greene in the aftermath. Despite leading by two at half time, Ballygunner collapsed on the restart and Eoin McGrath nabbed a vital goal.

Browne weathers the storm - Mount Sion 4-14 Ballygunner 4-7, 2004
A cloud hung over the contest as a controversial semi final between Ballygunner and Lismore saw Paul Flynn suspended for the showpiece. The Gunners still shook the cage of their rivals through goals from Paul Foley, Andy Moloney, Colin Kehoe and Tommy Power. Their hopes perished on Tony Browne at centre back who pulled Sion into shape. Green flags from Ken McGrath, Eoin Kelly, Sean Ryan along with a speculative  Browne effort evaded an unlikely slip-up.

Last gasp Gunners - Ballygunner 2-10 De La Salle 1-12, 2005
On the backfoot in the closing minutes, Paul Flynn swung a glorious winner over his shoulder to dampen De La Salle’s dreams. Salle were well in the running despite shipping first half blows to Tommy Power and Gearoid O’Connor. The more experienced side survived in unpleasant conditions.

Cast adrift – Mount Sion 2-13 Ballygunner 0-12, 2006
The unusual surroundings of Fraher Field for this latest renewal led to an unusual atmosphere. Michael White and Sean Ryan grabbed the goals for Sion while Ken and Eoin McGrath took care of nine points between them. A fifth title in six years ain’t bad.

Red alert – Ballyduff Upper 1-18 Ballygunner 1-14, 2007
“We were relegated three years ago and now here we are as county champions. Every club in the county will take encouragement from that.” A jubilant Ballyduff  Maurice Geary summed up succinctly an emotional afternoon for the underdogs. They took up the early running and six points from stick of Jamie Kearney allowed the Red army to scale the mountain for the first time in twenty years.

Splashworld – De La Salle 0-11 Abbeyside 0-9, 2008
With muck and dirt flying, De La Salle dug out a breakthrough triumph. They made better use of the elements and stormed six in front by the break. Brian Phelan was brilliant with their backs to the wall as Abbeyside attempted to cut their own slice of history.

Maurice magic not sufficient - Ballygunner 4-12 Lismore 2-18, 2009
A topsy turvy thriller. Lismore simply couldn’t shake their opponents despite going ten clear at one point. Stephen O’Keeffe and Paudie Prendergast bagged first half goals as they retired 2-9 to 1-6 in front at the short whistle. Maurice Shanahan sparkled with eleven points. Three second half majors from Gearoid O’Connor, Pauric Mahony and Shane O’Sullivan recovered a replay.

Moloney out on his own – Ballygunner 1-17 Lismore 0-19, 2009
Andy Moloney emerged out of the blue to clear up the replay. He received oceans of space at wing forward and popped over five points from play. Maurice Shanahan ended on the losing side despite scoring 21 points over two weekends.

 

Salle turn the tables – De La Salle 3-13 Ballygunner 1-11, 2010
“I think we’ve finally got the respect we deserve,” stated a satisfied John Mullane afterwards. After suffering a 15 point embarrassment to the same opponents in the group stages, Michael Ryan’s side turned their season upside down. A Paudi Nevin brace, one from Dean Twomey and a man of the match display from Stephen Daniels wiped out Ballygunner well before the end.

Boys are back in town – Ballygunner 1-19 Tallow 0-6, 2011
As soon as Harley Barnes shook the net, Tallow’s fairytale story was flung into the fire. The Bridesiders emerged from the Western section as they defeated Lismore and Ballyduff Upper in the knockout rounds. A new look Gunners outfit shaded an ill tempered semi final with De La Salle  however and capitalised on county final day. Pauric Mahony’s rhythmic free taking and a colossal show of number six play from Wayne Hutchinson led a rout.

Three is the magic number – De La Salle 1-21 Dungarvan 0-12, 2012
Salle’s third title in five years was on the cards as early as the third minute when John Mullane crafted a goal chance which Jake Dillon slotted. A few words of wisdom from Liam Sheedy in the week preceding the final also sharpened the minds. Winning manager Derek McGrath felt the weight of arriving as resounding favourites. “I’m absolutely thrilled, relieved really. I suppose to be installed as huge favourites at the start of the championship and then to kind of live with that tag and deliver on it.

Paths to the summit – Ballygunner v Passage

 

Ballygunner

For: 10-113
Against: 4-100
Scorers: 13
Top Scorer: Pauric Mahony 0-67

Round 1: Mount Sion 0-20 Ballygunner 0-17
Round 2: Ballygunner 1-20 Roanmore 0-11
Round 3: Abbeyside 1-21 Ballygunner 4-6
Round 4: Ballygunner 1-19 Dungarvan 2-13
Round 5: Ballygunner 2-17 Passage 1-9
Quarter Final: Ballygunner 1-21 De La Salle 0-15 (AET)
Semi Final: Ballygunner 1-13 Abbeyside 0-11

Pauric Mahony 0-67
JJ Hutchinson 2-12
Brian O’Sullivan 3-9
Shane O’Sullivan 1-9
Stephen Power 2-2
Barry O’Sullivan 1-2
David O’Sullivan 0-5
Barry Coughlan 1-0
Harley Barnes 0-2
Johnny McCarthy 0-2
Conor Power 0-1
Paul Coughlan 0-1
Shane Walsh 0-1

Passage

For: 14-104
Against: 10-100
Scorers: 13
Top Scorer: Eoin Kelly 6-36

Round 1: Passage 4-15 Abbeyside 1-14
Round 2: Passage 3-13 Roanmore 3-9
Round 3: Passage 0-18 Dungarvan 0-18
Round 4: Passage 2-15 Mount Sion 2-12
Round 5: Ballygunner 2-17 Passage 1-9
Quarter Final: Passage 1-19 Ballyduff Upper 0-17
Semi Final: Passage 3-15 Mount Sion 2-13

Eoin Kelly 6-36

Owen Connors 1-19
John Whitty 2-11
Killian Fitzgerald 1-14
Conor Carey 1-7
Sean Hogan 1-6
Richard Hurley 1-1
Stephen Mason 0-4
Rory Walsh 1-0
Pa Walsh 0-3
Liam Flynn 0-1
Mitchell Baldwin 0-1
Jason Roche 0-1

Stradbally simply sublime - Stradbally 3-18 An Rinn 1-3

 

Stradbally created 31 scoring opportunities last Saturday night. That’s a whopping total in slightly over sixty minutes of fare. They generated 29 in the quarter final.

On another night, Shane Ahearne could have finished with fifteen or sixteen points alongside his name. He settled for twelve, including nine from play. Several assists came from brother Robert as the two dovetailed effortlessly in the central attacking positions. On kickouts, An Rinn got crucified. If Michael Walsh or Paddy Kiely failed to catch the leather cleanly, one of the half forwards (John Coffey, Shane Ahearne or Tommy Connors) soaked it up. Brick again moved to his own beat. He started moves from far flung places like the full back line and he pushed them gently forward.

After a shockwave just seventy seconds in from Bilí Breathnach, Stradbally moved like a well oiled machine. This cold blooded destruction was based around clinical execution, support play and work ethic. They were far too slick in their movement for An Rinn. And when they monopolised midfield, Aonghus Ó hEochaigh didn’t know where to kick it. Led by the Ahearnes, the Stradbally scoring machine continues to purr. 12 goals and 105 points in the space of seven games. That’s around 2-14 per game. The second and third goals came courtesy of careful construction. Tony Grey slalomed through three tackles before placing Robert Ahearne inside and he curled his shot to the corner. A patient build-up set up substitute Luke Casey who trashed the ball in off the crossbar.

An Rinn were hit by an express train. Donie Breathnach succumbed to injury and failed to feature. An Rinn craved his calmness in possession and creativity from centre forward. They needed to field with their strongest fifteen to stand any chance. The positioning of Liam Ó Lonáin at midfield left their ace attacker too far away from the target. Any ground gained was in areas of the field that the Stradbally defence were comfortable with. They were shaken off the ball in the tackle far too easily at times and didn’t show the patience or persistence to chip away at the Red wall. A couple of forward finds will aid their development in 2014.

Any stopping the 8/13 title favourites? They look hungrier than ever even with all the medals making their pockets rather heavy. The sense lingers that they will enter a battle before the Conway Cup is claimed but they are braced for it.

An Rinn railing against Red tide - Stradbally v An Rinn Preview

An overdue semi final appearance for An Rinn after knocking around the knockout stages for a couple of years. They must attack this rare opportunity rather than curl up into a ball. Other breakthrough teams haven’t fared well when faced with one of the top three at this stage of the competition. In 2011, Kilrossanty shipped a heavy defeat to Ballinacourty (0-14 to 1-2) and last year, Clashmore suffered at the hands of The Nire (3-13 to 0-15). How can An Rinn close the gap?

Stradbally slip-ups are rare. In 2007, Ardmore prevailed by 2-5 to 0-6 as they claimed early goals in each half to seize control. Three years later, Ballinameela pulled a rabbit out of a hat with a late goal but Andy Doyle had just enough time to level. Ten final appearances in twelve years shows that their routine is rarely disrupted.

They may reach this year’s decider by avoiding their fiercest foes. Aided by Oliver Costelloe’s shot stopping, they made light work of Ballinameela in the last eight. The Ahearnes struck 1-7 between them and only the 15 wides could be identified as some sort of homework for Stephen Cunningham’s side. The forward line are now in the habit of running up big scores. 9-86 in six championship games so far. They broke through the twenty point barrier on three occasions in the group stages. Even last year’s county final matchwinner David Grey is not a guaranteed starter. They pick apart their prey with customary patience and cruel precision. Possession is rarely wasted as all players are so comfortable with ball in hand. In that environment, opponents must be economical when openings develop.

An Rinn are unbeaten since an opening round defeat to Ballinacourty in April. Three wins and two draws finally pushed them past the quarter finals. An appearance in the final of Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta also aided their growth. They can play to a quick tempo and Liam Ó Lonáin’s searching raids earn a profit. He cut through on two occasions in the quarter finals and after fluffing his first effort, he rippled the net at the second time of asking. A doubt hangs over the fitness of top scorer Donie Breathnach after he left fray with a recurrence of a hamstring strain against Clashmore. It’s almost impossible to see them winning without him. He brings imagination and vision to centre forward. He can pop points off left and right along with a reliable return from frees. A call-up from Niall Carew cannot be far away. In defence, Aonghus Ó hEochaigh has only conceded four times, Noel Ó Murchu and Tadhg Ó hUallacháin provide cool heads while Cillian Ó Murchu and Darach Breathnach are already on the scoresheet in this year’s championship.

The issue for An Rinn lies in their low scoring average of twelve points per game compared with nineteen for Stradbally. One goal in six outings is another worrying statistic. A good start is essential to make the champions sweat and knock them off balance. They will find it hard to match the Reds in the collisions however and unlock their defence with regularity. Stradbally adapt to all situations thrown at them and there is a bank of knowledge stored within the group. With the Shane and Robert Ahearne flying up front, their quest for a fourth title in five seasons should survive An Rinn’s enthusiasm by four or five points.

Betting: Stradbally 1/3 Draw 15/2 An Rinn 3/1

Prediction: Stradbally

Local rivals on collision course - Waterford SHC Semi Finals

Ballygunner will start as 4/7 favourites against near neighbours Passage in the county final on October 13 after a mixed double header of semi finals at Walsh Park last Sunday.

Passage boss Peter Queally realises how other surprise packages have suffered in recent finals. Immediately after the whistle sounded, his focus turned to producing a performance on judgement day. “When the excitement does die down we know that we have nothing won. It’s great to be in a county final but county finals are for winning. You ask Tallow, Dungarvan and these teams that have made the breakthrough in the last couple of years. They just didn’t get to perform on the day so we know that we have to tone things down now and focus on two week’s time and try to bring the county title back to Passage.”

Sixteen years after their last final appearance, they are not prepared to let this chance slide. The hurt of the nineties remains raw. “This club still feel the hurt of reaching three finals in the nineties and that still rankles a lot of these proud, hurling men. They want nothing more than to atone for those defeats and eventually get over the line.”

An extra edge in attack and strength in reserve saw the red and white outstay Mount Sion. They erased a first half meltdown to push clear in the final quarter. Peter Queally’s determined side knuckled down to the task and powered 1-8 to 0-4 ahead after 25 minutes. Conor Carey’s fifth minute goal settled the nerves and the industrious midfield duo of Pa Walsh and John Whitty scored four points between them. A couple of flashpoints then developed and Passage lost their focus. Sion struck for a stunning 2-4 without response. This included goals from Richie Roche and Michael Gaffney but Austin Gleeson’s shift further afield was the most significant factor in a ten point turnaround.

Sion maintained their three point advantage after the third quarter. Queally had realigned however and introduced Thomas Connors and Sean Hogan. The latter fired 1-1 and lofted in the delivery for Rory Walsh to flick home. Eoin Kelly was held scoreless from play yet nine different players got the numbers moving. 14 goals in seven games reflects their attacking menace.

In a rather mundane second semi final, JJ Hutchinson’s goal granted Ballygunner breathing space. Abbeyside never reached the levels shown during their five game unbeaten march as the Gunners restricted their threat to just six points from play. They couldn’t cash in on a strong start and their early momentum ground to a halt as the wides mounted up to eight. The game changing goal was crafted by Shane O’Sullivan and Philip Mahony for Hutchinson to apply the gloss. It nudged them in front and they never let that grip slip. Pauric Mahony kept them ticking with eight points overall as the Gunners controlled the contest without overextending themselves. They nearly left the door open with errant shooting but Abbeyside only narrowed to as close as three.

Manager Andy Moloney demanded more from his charges afterwards. “I don’t think that we played exceptionally well. We know that we have got a lot of work to do, we are up against our near neighbours now for the county final and there will be a lot at stake.” Eleven wides, including eight in the second period, bothered him. “Abbeyside had a lot of wides in the first half and if they hit half of them, they would have went in well in front. It was a funny kind of a day really because when we had the wind in the second half, we were hitting a lot more wides as well. Having said that, we are not striking the ball with conviction. We were kind of tipping them and hoping the wind would do the business. We crawled over the line."

The Gunners have creases to iron out but this occasion is familiar to them and they face opposition that they are accustomed to beating. None of the Passage players know what to expect and that presents the challenge for Peter Queally in the coming fortnight.

Waterford SHC Team of the Semi Finals

 

1. Stephen O’Keeffe (Ballygunner)
2. Shane O’Donovan (Abbeyside)
3. Barry Coughlan (Ballygunner)
4. Paul Coughlan (Ballygunner)
5. Wayne Hutchinson (Ballygunner)
6. Noel Connors (Passage)
7. Stephen Mason (Passage)
8. Philip Mahony (Ballygunner)
9. John Whitty (Passage)
10. Shane O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
11. Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner)
12. Owen Connors (Passage)
13. Brian O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
14. Stephen Roche (Mount Sion)
15. Sean Hogan (Passage)