Waterford SHC Team of Round 1 & Top Scorers

1. Shaun O'Sullivan (Tallow)
2. Conor O'Shea (Ardmore)
3. Liam Lawlor (Fourmilewater)
4. David O'Brien (Tallow)
5. Shane McNulty (De La Salle)
6. Owen Whelan (Mount Sion)
7. Jamie Nagle (Dungarvan)
8. Eddie Barrett (De La Salle)
9. Eamonn Power (Roanmore)
10. Owen Connors (Passage)
11. Seamus Prendergast (Ardmore)
12. Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater)
13. Maurice Shanahan (Lismore)
14. John Mullane (De La Salle)
15. Michael Kearney (Ballyduff Upper)

Top Scorers

Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater) 0-17
Michael Kearney (Ballyduff Upper) 2-9
Owen Connors (Passage) 1-10
Seamus Prendergast (Ardmore) 1-9
Maurice Shanahan (Lismore) 1-8

Connors spares Passage blushes - SHC Round 1

Passage learned the virtue of patience last year and they launched another improbable retrieval from five back at Walsh Park on Sunday night. Owen Connors cracked 1-10, including an equalising goal from a 21 metre free in the second added minute, as the county champions earned a draw with Roanmore after an exciting conclusion (1-13 each).

 The Sky Blues, who only escaped the drop in 2013 after a relegation play-off, almost caused a seismic shock through a tactical ploy of funnelling players back (thirteen at times) and breaking at speed. Super sub Stephen Grant flicked a Gavin O’Brien free past Eddie Lynch with six minutes left to make a breakaway of 1-13 to 0-11. Despite the intervention of Connors, Roanmore could have squeaked victory with the last puck but O’Brien’s free sailed right and wide.

This Eastern duo were level seven times. Passage began without Eoin Kelly, John Whitty and Rory Walsh but still fielded eleven of last year’s winners. A spread of seven different scorers and a strong defensive emphasis earned Roanmore a 0-7 to 0-5 half time lead. Driven on by Eamonn Power, O’Brien and Daniel Murphy in the second half, they seemed destined for victory.

17 points off the stick of Jamie Barron (ten frees, six from play and a single 65’) dazzled Abbeyside yesterday at Fraher Field as Fourmilewater avenged a 19 point loss to the same opposition in last year’s quarter final (0-21 to 0-14).

Barron shot seven (five in general business) in a withdrawn wing forward role as Fourmile’ recovered from a shaky start to reach the dressing room 0-10 to 0-6 ahead. Abbeyside introduced Richie Foley for a long awaited competitive return but despite his three point input and five from Michael O’Halloran, they couldn’t deal with Barron’s extravagant accuracy. He posted all bar one of Fourmile’s second half total. Shane Lawlor and Liam Lawlor dominated in defence.

2013 runners-up Ballygunner soaked up a second half reprisal by Dungarvan to clinch a six point win (2-21 to 2-15). Fergal Hartley’s troops blitzed the Blues by 2-12 to 0-7 in the opening thirty as Barry O’Sullivan swept home on ten minutes and Stephen Power followed up from a 21 metre free a minute later. Dungarvan clawed their way back to within four through two Cathal Curran goals in the third quarter. Pauric Mahony quelled the comeback with four late placed balls to end with nine to his name.

Michael Kearney and Tony Browne graced the Saturday night stage at Fraher Field. Last year’s All Ireland minor medallist scored 2-9 in Ballyduff Upper’s narrow win over Ardmore while the wily veteran supplied seven as Sion sidestepped Tallow.

Despite the heavy downpours, Ballyduff Upper and Ardmore produced an absorbing and keenly contested encounter. The 2007 champions departed 1-8 to 0-4 on top after the first thirty. Kearney engineered a goal on 22 minutes after Shane Hannon played a pass into the corner and he burned his marker for pace before placing to the far corner. Seamus Prendergast roused Ardmore with 1-9 as they closed to within two points. Tom Power struck the post at a critical juncture however and Kearney booted along the floor with six minutes left to ultimately divide the sides (2-13 to 1-13).

In the curtain raiser, Browne performed an active role (14 plays during the hour) as Sion trudged beyond Tallow (0-15 to 1-7). The Monastery men had six to spare by halfway (0-10 to 0-4). Substitute Jordan Henley burst through on 47 minutes to rustle the net and leave Tallow four points down. Six Browne frees and one from play always kept Sion in command and Austin Gleeson also starred with a six point contribution.

Top Ten Tony Browne Hits - White and Blue Treasures

 

1. Going to town on the Tribe (1998)

Battered and bruised by Clare seven days earlier, Galway felt the full force of the Waterford rebellion. In a year of stunning works, Browne painted a spectacular portrait. Four 65s, two frees and a sideline ball amounted to seven. Browne also supplied Sean Daly’s goal when the Growler doubled on his ninth minute 65’. He treasured that day. When interviewed before the semi final, he said: “Beating Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-final was the best thing to happen to me in hurling. Winning in the championship in Croke Park after 35 years will always be a something to savour.” He scored 1-17 in all to be crowned Hurler of the Year and join Ollie Baker in the All Star midfield. The pen of Vincent Hogan best described his influence on that long, hot summer. “When he is good, it is like he is moving the earth without waking up the house.”

2. Changing lanes (1992)

Browne started out the under 21 campaign as a front man. Cork were taken down for the very first time at Walsh Park before defeating Clare in the Munster final. He was injured for the semi final cruise against Antrim. Before the All Ireland decider, the captain was identified to undertake a specific task. The late Tony Mansfield, manager of that team, remembered how the decision was made. “Peter Power came up with the idea of playing Tony Browne at wing back; he had been playing wing forward up to then. He slotted in there and did a great job.” Waterford recovered a five point deficit with four goals to tie up Offaly by full time (4-4 to 0-16). 28,000 crammed into Nowlan Park for the replay as Waterford relied on their point power to send Tony up the steps. “Captaining the Waterford under 21 All-Ireland winning side of 1992 was a very sweet experience”, he later reflected.

3. Timely goals end provincial search (2002)

Tony scored four championship goals and two arrived like the buses in 2002. A squally Semple Sunday greeted the Munster semi final. Mistakes were in store. Early in the second half, the number seven delivered a dipping drive, from around 60 metres, towards the full forward line. It zoomed just over their heads. Donal Óg Cusack allowed the ball to hop and it skipped beyond his outstretched hurley towards the bottom corner. A rare slip by the Cloyne custodian boosted Waterford towards a 1-16 to 1-15 success. Midway through the second half of the final, the teams were on equal terms. Stephen Brenner launched one of his trademark long pucks over Seamus Prendergast and Philip Maher who reached up to fetch. Browne anticipated the flight. Fergal Hartley recalls the play. “As the ball broke through, Noel Morris was on Tony but Tony made the move a couple of steps ahead of Noel Morris. What made Tony great is that he saw that ages before anybody else.” He whipped first time off his right and through the legs of Brendan Cummins.

4. Munster final man of the match (1998)

Whatever about the dark clouds that gathered afterwards, Browne starred in his first senior provincial final appearance. He hurled up a second half storm with the gale at his back. Waterford trailed the All Ireland champions by 1-10 to 1-2 at the break. He snapped up three points, including a line ball. Gerald McCarthy and Shane Ahearne strongly contested one of those points and won their case as the umpire waved the white flag. His sideline on 65 minutes trimmed the gap to three and then Paul Flynn crashed home a 21 metre free. He was also in possession when PJ O’Connell put in a reckless high challenge that handed Flynn a shot at a Munster title.

5. Centre of attention (1994)

One player’s defiance can flip the face of a game and Browne commanded number six in the Munster under 21 final in Fermoy to turn water into wine. Clare called on Frank Lohan, Seanie McMahon, Ollie Baker, Fergal Hegarty and Eamonn Taaffe for that occasion. Manager Jim Greene raved about that one man show. “We were eight points down at half time and Tony’s performance at centre back in the second half was the best hurling I ever saw Tony playing.” Waterford prevailed by 1-12 to 0-12.

6. Body on the line (2010)

One final fling at a reprieve as Eoin Kelly placed the sliotar four minutes into injury time of the 2010 Munster final. Flying in for the rebound from the right arrived Browne and he pulled beyond seven red shirts. During extra time of the replay, the 37 year old was offering more than most. With the game poised at 1-12 to 0-15 nearing the end of the first period, he stood over a free outside the 65 metre line. He scored and Waterford never let go of that lead. Then, thirty seconds of injury time left and Cathal Naughton exchanged passes with Niall McCarthy. Browne dived down as Naughton loaded his shot and the ball rebounded off his black helmet and away for a sideline ball. He thrived on that endurance filled environment. “There was just such an atmosphere there that we were never going to lose it. It was another Cork/Waterford classic, and I’m shattered.”

7. Individual acclaim in competitive arena (2006)

All Stars were hard earned in Browne’s line of work during the mid-noughties. Consider the half back lines let loose by Kilkenny and Cork and chuck in names like Eamonn Corcoran and Conor O’Mahony from Tipperary. The new number five earned a nomination in 2005 but progressed to the podium a year later. Waterford veered towards the first exit and drove the long way to Croker in 2006. Browne scored points in the qualifier victories over Westmeath and Galway. Five times that year, his direct opponent was substituted. With time racing down and rain teeming down against Cork, Browne forced a foul from Ben O’Connor. Ken McGrath got every ounce out of it but Donal Óg Cusack raised a stick to leave Waterford devastated. All Ireland silver denied, he joined Ronan Curran and Tommy Walsh in the chosen half back line.

8. Third All Star in close call (2007)

2007 signalled a third All Star season. The classics with Cork dominated that campaign, particularly the 41-score chaos that unfolded in Munster. They scored five goals but an understrength Cork proved plucky. With two minutes left, a crossfield ball by Eoin McGrath released Browne bounding down the right wing. Ben O’Connor scampered back but to no avail. Up against the sideline on the Old Stand, he turned in a crowd pleasing score to send them three points up. Shane Murphy shook the crossbar but Waterford survived. In the ill-fated All Ireland semi final against Limerick, he lashed one from midfield to narrow to one with six minutes remaining and gave a fleeting sense that the green waves were subsiding.

9. Breaking the pain barrier (1999)

A week before Waterford’s first round with Limerick, Browne sustained an ankle injury during training at Fraher Field that ruled him out. He consulted Tadhg O’Sullivan. “He told me ligaments in the ankle are damaged and that was worse than I anticipated. One minute I was flying and seconds later I was on the ground in agony.” He passed a late fitness test and lasted the seventy. Brian Greene received his marching orders on 49 minutes but Browne took up the baton. Waterford got there by one. “People will probably say it was some kind of scam now,” Gerald McCarthy remarked afterwards. “Hand on heart, I travelled in to our team meeting in St Finbarrs this morning 99.9% certain that, not alone would Tony not be playing, he wouldn’t even be togging out.”

10. Standing ovation (2013)

With ten minutes to play in Mullingar, Tony Browne stepped in for Ray Barry for his first involvement of 2013 but this was no ordinary substitution. The noise was so deafening that the PA announcer took time to compose himself. “Now that ye have all quietened down, I can go ahead and announce the substitution.” The day took another twist when his hurley was declared missing after posing for a photo. He was later reunited with his weapon of choice. In an unfamiliar number 22 jersey, he made it 65 appearances and didn’t look out of place when Waterford unsettled the Cats in Semple Stadium. “A lot of people would probably question you and think you’re a bit crazy and what have you. But the way I see it is that the day I do retire I can look at myself in the mirror and say ‘listen, I went until I could go’.”

JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford SHC Round 1 Predictions

Friday 25 April

De La Salle v Lismore (Fraher Field at 7.00)
This tie under the Friday night lights has the most potential for fireworks. Injury concerns to deal with on both sides most notably Jake Dillon and Maurice Shanahan. Salle’s strength traditionally lies around the central area but they will be looking for another forward to step up as a regular scoring threat to supplement Dillon and John Mullane. Lismore will be concerned that they were unable to pin down tight games in 2013. They will go close again but the bookies’ favourites can turn to their emerging talent programme from minor and under 21 successes.

Odds: De La Salle 1/4 Draw 11/1 Lismore 3/1
Prediction: De La Salle

Saturday April 26

Mount Sion v Tallow (Fraher Field at 6.30)
Mount Sion won the quarter final meeting by 2-22 to 1-7 in 2013. Tallow relied on their defensive solidity to reach the 2011 decider but they have been opened up with worrying ease in the last couple of campaigns. Austin Gleeson and Stephen Roche plotted their downfall last year. If Thomas Ryan can get himself involved often enough, Tallow should be able to keep up but ultimately fall short of surprising Sion.

Odds: Mount Sion 1/8 Draw 14/1 Tallow 9/2
Prediction: Mount Sion

Ballyduff Upper v Ardmore (Fraher Field at 8.00)
Restored to the top flight, Ardmore face a seasoned Ballyduff Upper outfit. With Ballygunner waiting in the wings the following weekend, this presents a possibility to ease early pressure. If Stephen Molumphy misses out, they will see an opening. Little to choose between them but the proven performers in the Ballyduff ranks and the speed of their inside line containing Michael Kearney and Kevin Casey may prove the difference.

Odds: Ballyduff Upper 3/10 Draw 11/1 Ardmore 5/2
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper

Sunday April 27

Abbeyside v Fourmilewater (2.00 at Fraher Field)
Fourmile have 19 points to make up from last September’s lop-sided quarter final. With Richie Foley a likely non-starter, the gap narrows immediately. Abbeyside arrived with all of the momentum and steam rolled their opponents. It gave a misleading impression. These two teams are among a selected few beneath the title favourites that could put together a string of results and reach the semi finals. Abbeyside will go direct to seek out Patrick and Gary Hurney and expose frailties in the full back line. Fourmile were surprisingly outmuscled by their opponents last time but there is unlikely to be a repeat. If they win the collisions, they may offer more firepower to exact immediate retribution.

Odds: Abbeyside 10/11 Draw 8/1 Fourmilewater Evens
Prediction: Fourmilewater

Ballygunner v Dungarvan (Fraher Field at 3.30)
Ballygunner rediscovered their touch in this fixture last year. Dungarvan only got motoring when the game had entered garbage time but they did manage to get the better of the Gunners in Walsh Park two years ago. Pauric Mahony and Jamie Nagle are likely to engage in combat again. If the Blues raise their game from the start, there could be a treat in store.

Odds: Ballygunner 1/2 Draw 9/1 Dungarvan 7/4
Prediction: Ballygunner

Passage v Roanmore (Walsh Park at 7.00)
Passage knuckle down to this fresh challenge without John Whitty and a doubt hanging over the availability of Eoin Kelly. It will be interesting to observe where Gavin O’Brien operates for Roanmore to inflict maximum pain. A 26 minute Eoin Kelly hat trick still wasn’t enough to shake off the Sky Blues last year as they only emerged four point winners. Even minus Kelly in attack, Owen Connors and company can nail the scores required.

Odds: Passage 1/4 Draw 11/1 Roanmore 3/1
Prediction: Passage

Gunning for immediate rehabilitation in open chase - JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford SHC Preview

The race for the News & Star cup has rarely been so open for debate. Like the Grand National at Aintree, you could make an argument for almost half of the field. Passage set off as a 20/1 shout last year.

Clubs have emerged from nowhere to contest county deciders in recent renewals. Tallow in 2011, Dungarvan in 2012 and Passage in 2013. A sea of red and a flood of emotion swept over Walsh Park last October. “You only have to look around, there’s nothing but people in red tops with tears in their eyes,” said Peter Queally in the immediate aftermath.

It wasn’t always as democratic. Mount Sion and Ballygunner enjoyed a sustained period of dominance during the nineties. De La Salle then announced their arrival by making the 2005 final before making the breakthrough three years later. Lismore and Ballyduff Upper provided brief interruptions before others opened their minds to the possibility of making a title charge.

Retaining News & Star cup is no mean feat. Mount Sion were the last side to do so back in 2004. Nine teams have tried and failed since. Passage became the great entertainers during their maiden win but also grasped the nettle when the window of opportunity presented itself. Their versatility shone through especially in the key knockout ties. All six backs could move around and the forwards also had that adaptability with the subs, most notably Sean Hogan, strengthening their hand for the final furlong. Their scores came through 13 different sources.

Retrieving lost causes also became a trait. They overturned deficits of nine, four and seven in consecutive knockout matches to take home the silver. The trial facing Peter Queally is attempting to recapture that spirit and whiff of magic. Furthermore, can they continue to become embroiled in free for alls? They laced 17 goals and 120 points in the space of eight games but also allowed 13 goals and 113 points slip through. That amounts to a concession rate of 19 points per game. To stand a chance of doing back to back, they must examine those leaks.

Seven minutes of madness allowed Ballygunner’s autumn progress to unravel. They absorbed everything thrown at them up to then. Wayne Hutchinson shut off the Passage attacking threat with Pauric Mahony, David O’Sullivan and Stephen Power all making inroads at the opposite end. They had done enough to deserve an early glimpse at the prize. Pauric Mahony rebooted from the Dungarvan game onwards and caused discomfort to Jamie Nagle and Kevin Moran amongst others. Along with Stephen O’Keeffe, he called the shots.

The Gunners have now lost eight finals from twelve appearances since 2000. Fergal Hartley knows the recent ups and downs associated with the club so few are better positioned than the former captain to motivate and direct the recovery operation. They could almost field a senior inter county representative in every line. Very few clubs can make the same boast. Hartley may look to deepen his pool of possible starters as they relied on a largely settled bunch towards the tail end of last season. The Gunners only used 17 players in the knockout rounds.

Despite losing their county crown, De La Salle stored minor and under 21 silverware to compensate. Adam Farrell and Shane Ryan in particular appear ready to attack this season and make up for their shortfalls up front. By the time they hit Ballygunner in the quarters, most of their key men were below full fitness and Brian Phelan started at full forward. Jake Dillon became their top forward in 2013 by shooting 5-38. If they can stay injury-free, the favourites can reach a fourth final in seven years.

Mount Sion start as serious contenders. Passage were the only team to get the better of them in championship 2013. By the end of that semi final, they simply ran out of bodies and lacked the squad strength to match the back-up options that Peter Queally turned to. They should welcome back Martin O’Neill and Ian Galgey as the season wears on. Austin Gleeson and Stephen Roche grew into the marquee men up top. Ian O’Regan is pushing Stephen O’Keeffe to the pin of his collar and Eoin McGrath distributed possession sharply from midfield last term. Tony Browne struck 16 points over two games in the St Mollerans tournament and is clearly enjoying a return to the number twelve shirt.

The likely chasing pack, capable of causing of stir, consists of four. Abbeyside submitted a progressive piece of work in 2013. They embarked on a four game winning streak led by the goalscoring spree of Patrick Hurney (10-11 in total). They couldn’t capitalise on a positive start against Ballygunner in the last four and ended up shooting 11 wides. They are maybe one forward short of adding to that 2008 final appearance and they also must sort out a position that allows Richie Foley to bloom. In a sticky group, getting two points on the board by Sunday evening will be important.

Out of the dozen, Lismore have the most scope for improvement. One point losses to Fourmilewater and Ballyduff Upper counted against them when passes to the last eight party were handed out. New boss Sean Prendergast needs to add a layer of steel. An overemphasis on Maurice Shanahan continues to hold them back. Moving Ray Barry into the forwards may alleviate that issue.

Fourmilewater suffered a horrendous fall at the quarter final hurdle with 3-16 to 0-6 shellacking at the hands of Abbeyside. Under new management, they will enter this year as a different animal and carrying less expectation. Liam Lawlor and Shane Walsh start determined to move up the pecking order after only playing a peripheral part for Waterford thus far. Fourmile have made three quarter finals and semi final since 2010. They have the material (especially with fledgling talents like Jamie Barron, Shane Ryan, Conor Gleeson and Dermot Ryan on board) to make that a fifth straight knockout appearance.

Dungarvan didn’t qualify for the quarter finals in 2013 but they are likely to remedy that situation considering their base of young stars. Darren Duggan, Kevin Daly, Ryan Donnelly and the Currans are soaking up knowledge since they arrived ahead of schedule to the county final in 2012. Michael Kiely transfers in to improve their attacking options. Add in the authority of Jamie Nagle, Shane Kearney and Gavin Crotty and the Blues can be considered as dark horses.

Which teams will be walking the tightrope between qualification and relegation? Ballyduff Upper soldiered on without Adrian Power and Stephen Molumphy for the vast part of 2013 and narrowly missed out on the semis. Michael Kearney filled in 1-45 on his scorecard. Remember that they led by 0-11 to 0-2 with only two minutes left in the first period of the quarter final with Passage. The goal that Owen Connors snatched, against the run of play, just before half time changed the course of events. The Reds will be on the borderline when it comes to deciding who advances to the latter stages.

Tallow suffer from unpredictable mood swings. 2013 followed that trend.Wins over An Rinn and De La Salle far outweighed by harsh hidings from Lismore and Mount Sion. With none of their players tied up with the county, they may be able to work on stabilising their condition. Settling on a free taker is one obvious first step. Thomas Ryan carries the role of captaincy and his form will largely dictate their progress. Few forwards in the county could match the brace he pulled off against An Rinn last year.

The evidence collected from the intermediate finals and Munster expedition last year suggests that Ardmore can cope with the step up to senior. Seamus Keating and Michael Cronin are among those that have added pace and power since their last excursion in the deep end. The support acts for Seamus Prendergast will determine whether they can avoid the drop. To chalk up wins, he may need to post double digits on a regular basis. They will target Ballyduff Upper first up as Ballygunner are their opponents in round two.

Roanmore have slipped into the relegation play-off in two of the last three campaigns. The Sky Blues will have their work cut out to avoid that scenario again. With their optimum fifteen they can prove a tricky opponent but that has seldom been the case. The grit shown by Daniel Murphy and David Barrett to ensure survival last time will be necessary once again.

Ballygunner begin eager to amend October’s outcome. Considering the high quality candidates that are able to fill every department and the newness of the management structure, that pain can be washed away.


JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford SHC Odds

De La Salle 13/8
Ballygunner 11/4
Mount Sion 15/2
Passage 8/1
Lismore 8/1
Dungarvan 9/1
Fourmilewater 12/1
Abbeyside 14/1
Ballyduff Upper 16/1
Tallow 50/1
Ardmore 66/1
Roanmore 66/1

Waterford SFC Team of Round 2 & Top Scorers

1. Brendan Crotty (Rathgormack)
2. Luke Casey (Stradbally)
3. Thomas O’Gorman (The Nire)
4. Mark Wyse (Gaultier)
5. David Phelan (Ballinameela)
6. Sean O’Hare (Ballinacourty)
7. Conor Maloney (Ballinacourty)
8. Shane Ahearne (Stradbally)
9. John Coffey (Stradbally)
10. Tom Curran (Ballinameela)
11. Robert Ahearne (Stradbally)
12. Shane Ryan (The Nire)
13. Jim Curran (Ballinameela)
14. Mark Gorman (Ballinacourty)
15. JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier)

Top Scorers
Shane Ryan (The Nire) 3-8
JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier) 0-13
Gavin Nugent (Rathgormack) 0-11
Robert Ahearne (Stradbally) 1-8
Brian Wall (The Nire) 1-6

Rathgormack make a move - SFC Round 2

A few spices mixed into the second weekend of action but nothing too overpowering. Rathgormack were the main movers in a close run thing with Clashmore.

Unsurprisingly, the top three enter the break (until June 15) with full points. Ballinameela and Gaultier put on a decent show of 24 points on Sunday despite the regular interference of the referee’s whistle. St Saviours, Clashmore and Ardmore will feel a little anxious at this juncture with nothing to show after two games. All three have come up short so far in the scoring department. Meanwhile, De La Salle continued their seamless integration into top flight football. Again, supporters opted out as the trend of diminishing attendances continues.

Rathgormack pinched a 1-9 to 0-10 victory in dramatic style against Clashmore on Saturday night. Substitute Jamie Kirwan grabbed the decisive goal in the third minute of injury time at Fraher Field to secure their first win of 2014 and inflict a second defeat on Clashmore.

John Prendergast kicked five points as Clashmore entered the dying embers with a slender advantage (0-10 to 0-9). Gavin Nugent, who claimed three points, spurned the opportunity of an equaliser from a free in the second added minute. Their chance had disappeared or so it seemed. They won the resultant kickout and two substitutes combined as Ciaran Fogarty supplied Kirwan.

Steered by Shane and Robert Ahearne, Stradbally overcame early turbulence to deny De La Salle and stay unbeaten at a damp Walsh Park on Sunday night (1-12 to 1-6). De La Salle’s lightening start of four points in seven minutes caught the Reds unawares. Stradbally steadied through three points each from David Grey and Robert Ahearne to reach the interval with two in hand (0-8 to 0-6). A Robert Ahearne penalty nailed down the win although Stephen Dalton scored at the opposite end for Salle.

Three goals in three first half minutes allowed Ballinacourty comfortably account for Ardmore at Bushy Park (4-10 to 1-8). Shane O’Donovan, Gary Hurney and Mark Gorman all shook Sean Barron’s net to send them away at half time 3-7 to 0-4 in command. David Gartland briefly roused Ardmore on 41 minutes but substitute Jason O’Brien unleashed a powerful blast with eight minutes left.

On Saturday night, The Nire strolled away from St Saviours by 2-10 to 1-3. Shane Ryan helped himself to 2-3. His first came from the penalty spot before Conor Gleeson passed for number two. St Saviours didn’t trouble the scoreboard for 43 minutes before Brian Power broke their duck. Joey Phelan missed a penalty on 20 minutes but made amends with an injury time spot kick.

Ballinameela and Gaultier drew 12 points apiece at Fraher Field on Sunday. The game was spoiled by 46 frees as JJ Hutchinson equalised from a dead ball in the third minute of added time. Tom and Jim Curran combined for ten points on the Ballinameela side but Hutchinson, accountable for nine, clawed them back.

Waterford SFC Round 2 Predictions

Saturday April 19

Ballinacourty v Ardmore (Bushy Park at 7.00)
The champions emerged with the right result from round one but aspects of their performance will have irritated them. The 13 wides in particular points to an early work on. They also fell out of the game for long periods. They endured scoreless spells of 21 minutes and 19 minutes in either half. Ardmore started in promising fashion last Friday night but ran out of ideas in attack. Moving Seamus Keating closer to the posts may improve their output. James Salmon emerged with credit by posting two points from number eleven. With Gary Hurney likely to see more minutes, a composed Courty should show up this time.

Odds: Ballinacourty 1/12 Draw 8/1 Ardmore 9/4
Prediction: Ballinacourty

Clashmore v Rathgormack (Fraher Field at 6.30)
Clashmore’s cause wasn’t helped by a spate of injuries last Sunday evening. With and that was a sign of things to come.Brian O’Halloran entered the field on 40 minutes and showed a flavour of skills we have become accustomed to. An injury time spillage in defence prevented Rathgormack from taking something away on opening weekend. Ronan Cahill is in a possible starter this time after driving them forward during the second half with Ballinacourty. Gavin Nugent, the star forward of round one, can nudge them in the right direction.

Odds: Clashmore 5/4 Draw 13/2 Rathgormack 4/5
Prediction: Rathgormack

The Nire v St Saviours (Fraher Field at 8.00)
It was plain sailing for The Nire last Sunday. 3-22 chalked up, nine different scorers and three rookies settled into senior football. Stung by the scale of their first round defeat, St Saviours will hope to offer some discomfort. For starters, they must amend that troublesome free count that benefitted De La Salle in the first half last Sunday. Containing Shane Ryan, Liam Lawlor and Brian Wall, who bagged 3-12 between them against Ballinameela, is a huge ask however.

Odds: The Nire 1/50 Draw 33/1 St Saviours 8/1
Prediction: The Nire

Sunday April 20

Gaultier v Ballinameela (Fraher Field at 3.30)
Ballinameela are a resilient bunch and it’s a matter of putting The Nire experience out of their heads for a defining game in their season. Last year, they buried the memories of a 6-17 to 1-4 loss versus Ballinacourty to make the quarter finals by virtue of a round five draw against An Rinn. With an exceptionally fresh faced line-up, they look to the Phelans and the Currans for clear guidance. Their deep rooted problems lie in attack. They only achieved two points and four wides last weekend. On the other side, Gaultier ran Stradbally right to the line. The straight red dismissal of Wayne Hutchinson clouds the picture here as his strength around the middle will be sorely missed. At the same time, JJ Hutchinson is the forward most capable of doing damage from play.

Odds: Gaultier 2/5 Draw 15/2 Ballinameela 9/4
Prediction: Gaultier

Stradbally v De La Salle (Walsh Park at 7.00)

Stradbally’s resources may have been stretched by Gaultier (especially by receiving two black cards) but their spirit can never be questioned. The Ahearnes pulled the result out of the fire. Shane got a hold of midfield and Robert slotted four dead balls. County minor Jack Mullaney is one to watch. Unlike some previous intermediate champions, De La Salle can hit teams with a variety of forward weapons. Seven different players weighed in against St Saviours. They should be competitive but Stradbally favoured to grind out another win.

Odds: Stradbally 1/7 Draw 14/1 De La Salle 4/1
Prediction: Stradbally

Waterford SFC Team of Round 1 & Top Scorers

1. Declan Hickey (Clashmore)
2. Killian Whelan (Kilrossanty)
3. Tadhg Ó hUallacháin (An Rinn)
4. Brian Looby (Ballinacourty)
5. David Kennedy (De La Salle)
6. Sean O’Hare (Ballinacourty)
7. Cathal Crowch (Rathgormack)
8. Shane Walsh (The Nire)
9. Shane Ahearne (Stradbally)
10. Liam Ó Lonáin (An Rinn)
11. Joey Veale (Kilrossanty)
12. Shane Ryan (The Nire)
13. Gavin Nugent (Rathgormack)
14. Liam Lawlor (The Nire)
15. Ian Cantwell (De La Salle)

Top Scorers
Gavin Nugent (Rathgormack) 0-8
Shane Ryan (The Nire) 1-5
Liam Ó Lonáin (An Rinn) 1-4
Liam Lawlor (The Nire) 1-4
Joey Veale (Kilrossanty) 0-7
Ian Cantwell (De La Salle) 0-6
Brian Wall (The Nire) 1-3

Salle surprise but big guns avoid ambush - SFC Round 1

 A few minor tremors but no earthquakes to report after round one of the SFC. Ballinacourty and Stradbally both avoided early mishaps as they summoned second half recoveries on Sunday. De La Salle sprung the first surprise in taking out St Saviours by ten at Walsh Park. An Rinn offered up the performance of the weekend by coldly dissecting Clashmore on Sunday night. Even without Donie Breathnach, nine different players scored for the well prepared 2013 semi finalists.

The measly numbers that turned out reflected a growing indifference towards these group games. Scarcely sixty fans took their seats for the curtain raiser in Fraher Field on Sunday. It was easy to nab a parking space close to gate.

The fare could be best described as moderate overall. Eight goals and 119 points arrived over the six games. The quality of the shooting fell short too often. The closeness of the contests involving last year’s county finalists kept interest levels up. On the other hand, three of the six games were decided by double digit margins. The 29 point drubbing doled out by The Nire to Ballinameela shone a light on the widening gap between the contenders and those scrapping for survival. Twelve teams may be too many.

Holders Courty required three injury time points to halt Rathgormack. Patrick Hurney punched two and Mark Gorman added another in a patchy 1-9 to 0-9 win. With the breeze at the backs, Rathgormack departed 0-5 to 0-3 in front at halfway. Gavin Nugent annoyed Shane Briggs for the full sixty. The champions battered them in the third quarter however. A Mark Ferncombe close range finish on 41 minutes secured a four point advantage (1-6 to 0-5). Nugent slotted eight points in all for the green and red and four in a row brought them level entering stoppage time. Courty heaped on four subs at this point, including Gary Hurney. An untidy turnover in defence handed Patrick Hurney the chance to regain the lead.

13/2 long shots Gaultier clutched a 1-5 to 0-3 half time lead against Stradbally at Walsh Park. Ian Power claimed the goal on 19 minutes with JJ Hutchinson posting two points from play. Four placed kicks from Robert Ahearne in the second half spared Stradbally. The Reds equalised with three minutes left and they closed out the contest from there (0-13 to 1-7).

In the curtain raiser, De La Salle made a significant splash into senior football with a conclusive ten point dismissal of St Saviours (0-14 to 0-4). They marched 0-8 to 0-3 clear by the break. Seven different players pinned down points for Seamus Quirke’s side. Top scorer Ian Cantwell ended on six points as Colm Morris and Mitchell Casey snatched two apiece.

The Nire inflicted a 29 point torture of Ballinameela in the opener at Fraher Field (3-22 to 0-2). The six time winners backed up their billing of 1/33 favourites by blasting 2-12 in the first half. Shane Ryan is starting to assume a leadership role up front and kicked 1-5. Liam Lawlor (1-4) and Brian Wall (1-3) accounted for the other green flags. A sign of further lop-sided contests to come in the group stages.

On Friday night, Joey Veale supplied seven singles (three from play) as Kilrossanty emerged four point winners against Ardmore (0-11 to 1-4). The green and gold led by one following a low key opening half (0-4 to 0-3). Kilrossanty cruised eight clear during the second period. Ardmore endured a scoreless spell of 42 minutes but they did manage a consolation goal in injury time through Seamus Keating.

An Rinn crushed an injury hit Clashmore on Sunday night by 2-17 to 0-7. After seven minutes, Bilí Breathnach’s 45 metre free sailed into the net past Declan Hickey who was deceived by the sun. Liam Ó Lonáin shook the top corner on 49 minutes. Oozing with confidence, he scored 1-4. Lorcan Ó Corraoin, pushing for inter county inclusion, collected three points.

Waterford SFC Round 1 Predictions

Friday April 11

Kilrossanty v Ardmore (Fraher Field at 8.00)
In the corresponding fixture last July, Kilrossanty shaded a lacklustre affair by eight points to seven. Ardmore escaped the relegation play-off by the skin of their teeth but they are promoting players like Seamus Keating to add to the established core of Hennessys and Prendergasts. The absence of Paul Whyte leaves the door ajar here. As a consequence, Joey Veale takes most of the scoring responsibility for the green and gold. Expect a slow drip of scores with Kilrossanty slightly favoured to squeak a win on opening night.
Odds: Kilrossanty 4/11 Draw 8/1 Ardmore 9/4
Prediction: Kilrossanty

Sunday April 13

St Saviours v De La Salle (Walsh Park at 2.00)
Welcome to the big bad world of senior football for De La Salle as they tangle with an Eastern opponent that has been around the block. Saviours reached the last eight in 2013 after taking evasive action in three successive relegation play-offs. They gave Ballinacourty a scare in Carraiganore and only lost out by six  at full time. They will fancy their chances of another knock out appearance in this company. Survival is priority number one for De La Salle as they depend on Lee Hayes, Mitchell Casey and Ian Cantwell up front.
Odds: St Saviours 1/2 Draw 7/1 De La Salle 7/4
Prediction: St Saviours


Gaultier v Stradbally (Walsh Park at 3.30)
Stradbally cooked up a 2-15 to 1-2 roasting to the same opponents at this venue in the first round of last year’s championship. The form of Wayne and JJ Hutchinson of late offers a hint that Gaultier can narrow the gap this time around. The Reds have removed the label of slow burners however and try to attack the group games from the very start. Michael Walsh remains the midfield general but Robert and Shane Ahearne announced themselves as pack leaders in recent seasons.
Odds: Gaultier 13/2 Draw 16/1 Stradbally 1/16
Prediction: Stradbally

The Nire v Ballinameela (Fraher Field at 2.00)
Ballinameela will hope to hold on for as long as possible as they did against Stradbally in the quarter final. They only averaged eight points per championship game during 2013 and if that figure persists, they run the risk of a relegation scrap. The Nire may begin without a few in defence and attack but they have plenty in reserve as they look towards Jamie Barron, Shane Ryan and others in that age bracket to progress. 

Odds: The Nire 1/20 Draw 20/1 Ballinameela 7/1
Prediction: The Nire

Rathgormack v Ballinacourty (Fraher Field at 3.30)
A midweek win over Brickey Rangers got Rathgormack out of danger last year. It papered over the cracks really as they lost their other four group games. They require the under 21 winners to step forward with Billy Power, Michael Curry and Gavin Nugent the pick of the crop. Ballinacourty coasted past Rathgormack by 14 points twelve months ago. Provided they remove the rust, they should get to grips with this initial test early in the second half.

Odds: Ballinacourty 1/8 Draw 14/1 Rathgormack 9/2
Prediction: Ballinacourty

An Rinn v Clashmore (Fraher Field at 7.00)
The last act is a contender for game of the opening weekend. It is a repeat of last year’s quarter final where An Rinn came good in the home straight. Clashmore didn’t score in the last 28 minutes as Liam Ó Lonáin sliced through for a smashing goal. Both teams can be considered as regulars in the knockout stages but will either push on and seriously threaten a county final? Clashmore to make amends first up.

Odds: An Rinn Evens Draw 13/2 Clashmore Evens
Prediction: Clashmore

Courty head the field as SFC splutters into life

2014 title favourites and reigning champions Ballinacourty are top of grid in another three legged race for the Conway Cup. They have collected silverware three times from five final appearances since 2007. The main motivation this time is to claim back to back crowns for only the second occasion in the history of the club. The team of 1979 were the first to achieve that feat.

Ballinacourty’s average winning margin in 2013 stood at eleven points. With the style of true champions, they won all nine matches. Only An Rinn came within a kick of the ball in the first round. They cracked home 15 goals in the process. That’s the ground that the chasing pack have to make up.

Their hunger all over the final ultimately overwhelmed Stradbally in the county final. Hunger can be measured in terms of the breaking ball they scavenged during the first half. Retaining that appetite for more work and more silverware is key to their challenge. In 2012, their title defence floundered with an opening round loss to Rathgormack and spluttered along until the semi final when Stradbally put them out of their misery. With only Stephen Enright and Shane Briggs tied up with inter county commitments, it frees up the Hurneys and Mark Ferncombe to focus fully on the retention task.

The Reds will rise again. They won all seven games before Ballinacourty devoured them at midfield and pounced on the knock suffered by Michael Walsh. Until the county final, they were putting up twenty points per game. Shane Ahearne gave the number one individual performance of last year’s championship by kicking 12 points including nine from play. He moves in and out from full forward for Waterford and like the team in general, really pushed on in the latter rounds of the league. Niall Carew revealed that he is dropping hints to Paul Earley about a call-up to the International Rules.

Injuries caught up with The Nire in last season’s semi final. By half time, they trailed by eleven points as Ballinacourty laid siege to Tom Wall’s goal. They will hope to reach the knock out rounds with all of their marquee men intact.

Ardmore broke the mould in 2007 by making a county final. You need to go back as far as Rathgormack’s win in 1999 for the last time a club from outside the big three took home the Conway Cup. Kilrossanty, Clashmore and An Rinn comprise the hunters this year. Kilrossanty struggled to field at full strength for majority of the 2013 campaign. When they assembled their forces, they played an end to end game of ball with The Nire. It was easily the highlight of last year's championship. The green and gold start this season minus star striker Paul Whyte. He plastered 1-6 in that memorable quarter final fixture.

After falling at the quarter final fence for three years in a row, An Rinn reached the semi final stages last year. It may be an experience they would rather forget. Minus a number of key men, including creative influence Donie Breathnach, Stradbally inflicted a painful 3-18 to 1-3 loss. They only scored two goals in championship 2013.

Clashmore’s challenge petered out against An Rinn last September. They won four out of their five group games beforehand. The injury suffered by Brian O’Halloran hindered them in the last eight. Their forward figures from 2013 also reveal a disappointing average of around ten points per game. Despite this, they can be regarded as consistent championship performers at this stage and reached the semis in 2012.

Ardmore and Rathgormack are undertaking renovation work but will push hard for the quarter finals after finishing fifth in their respective groups last time around. The three Eastern challengers have been drawn in Group 2 with these derby clashes likely to make all the difference between Ballinameela join them and aim for another season of stability after making the last eight in their first year back in the top flight.

Group 1 looks evenly balanced with Ballinacourty the only cast iron quarter final certainties. Rathgormack and Ardmore were left out last time but will surely improve on disappointing campaigns. Stradbally and The Nire will emerge from Group 2. Any two from the other four teams could make the cut in a race that is likely to come down to the final round.

What sort of appetite is out there for these group games? “It is very noticeable that interest in the league section games of the senior football championship is at an all time low,” county secretary Timmy O’Keeffe wrote in his report to the 2013 convention. “As can be seen in the analysis of the senior football championship gate receipts further on in this booklet, of the 23 games shown at 8 different venues, 19 of them recorded a gate receipt of €520 or less. These games, played at neutral venues, not alone are not attracting the neutral supporter, they are not even attracting supporters from either club!”

With four from six moving forward to the quarter finals, the top teams can time their run for the back end of the championship. Often the business of qualification is settled before the concluding rounds. On last year’s evidence, the gap between top and bottom is widening. 9 of the 30 group games resulted in double digit wins. The average margin of victory stood at almost seven points. The numbers in the stand this weekend will clearly show the interest levels.

With the county final provisionally pencilled in for October 19, it will take another six months before this dozen are sorted out. The quarter finals will be held in late August and by that stage, the contenders will be jostling for position. Providing that they stay injury-free and maintain their 2013 levels of work ethic, Ballinacourty tick all the boxes from back to front to emulate that seventies show.

Conway Cup Odds
Ballinacourty 13/8
Stradbally 5/2
The Nire 5/2
Kilrossanty 13/2
An Rinn 14/1
Clashmore 14/1
De La Salle 33/1
Rathgormack 40/1
Ardmore 40/1
Gaultier 66/1
St Saviours 66/1
Ballinameela 80/1

Winning breeds expectation - Clare v Waterford preview

 

In the wildly unpredictable minor chase, Waterford grew comfortable with the role of All Ireland contenders as last summer advanced. The two losses grounded them and increased the hunger levels. Most satisfying of all, they did it with style. Patrick Curran’s golden goal, number 21 of the campaign, unlocked the gates and they roamed free for the remainder.

The team tasked with defending the crown carry their own heady reputation. Four years ago, Curran captained the Tony Forristal team to the top prize against Kilkenny. They progressed to win the All Ireland under 16 shield in 2012. New Déise boss Derek Lyons argues that even without the All Ireland under their belt, this group would carry high hopes into 2014. “I would have said to anyone starting out this year that if Waterford never won a game last year, there would be enormous pressure on us as a management team to deliver something with this particular squad because they have been regarded as a particularly talented squad over the years anyway.” They have warmed up for their first defence with challenge games against Cork, Wexford, Laois and Dublin. They are yet to field at full strength however with a couple of niggles clouding over.

On Sunday evening, Lyons selected five of the panellists listed on September 8. Shane Bennett steps across to centre back and full forward Patrick Curran (3-56 banked in the 2013 championship) shoulders the weight of primary score getter. Conor Gleeson and Cormac Curran were introduced as substitutes on that occasion with Edmond O’Halloran also named on the bench. Shane Ryan, man of the match in the county minor final for De La Salle, captains the team at number twelve. MJ Sutton of Ferrybank and Colm Roche from Shamrocks (contributor of 1-9 last summer) are notable absentees.

In the rearranged play-off game last year, Waterford wiped Clare in surprising fashion by 4-18 to 1-10. Since 2009, the two counties have collided seven times. Waterford narrowly edge the head to head by four to three. Waterford won on their last two visits to Ennis in 2009 and 2012. Clare have claimed two high profile provincial final triumphs however.

In 2010, Davy O’Halloran’s second half goal made the difference at Semple Stadium just four days after Waterford overcame Cork in a replay at Walsh Park. The following year in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cathal O’Connell rattled over ten points with Tony Kelly and Colm Galvin prompting from midfield to win far more emphatically than the scoreboard suggested (1-20 to 3-9).

A win helps both hurling and study. The semi finals are pencilled in for the last week of June. Defeat results in a two play-off matches starting in a fortnight to make it back to the last four. They may get Kerry in the first of those play-offs but the losers of Limerick and Tipperary would be waiting in the next phase.

The injuries make this less clear cut. From midfield upwards, Waterford are laden with players capable of scoring even if Clare increase the temperature. Conor Gleeson, Cormac Curran, Shane Ryan and Patrick Curran can all take turns to carry the baton on Wednesday night.

Odds: Clare 7/4 Draw 10/1 Waterford 4/9

Waterford minor hurling team to face Clare

1. Billy Nolan (Roanmore)
2. David Prendergast (Lismore)
3. Eddie Hayden (Ballygunner)
4. Darragh Lyons (Dungarvan)
5. Conor Prunty (Abbeyside)
6. Shane Bennett (Ballysaggart)
7. Shane Murray (Cappoquin)
8. Conor Gleeson (Fourmilewater)
9. Edmond O’Halloran (Clashmore)
10. Joe Allen (Dungarvan)
11. Cormac Curran (Brickey Rangers)
12. Shane Ryan (De La Salle)
13. Peter Hogan (Ballygunner)
14. Patrick Curran (Dungarvan)
15. Andy Molumby (Cappoquin)

Substitutes
16. Jordan Henley (Tallow)
17. Sean Hogan (Passage)
18. Jack Mullaney (Stradbally)
19. Michael Cronin (Ardmore)
20. Eddie Meaney (De La Salle)
21. Mark Shanahan (Erins Own)
22. John Kennedy (Ballyduff Upper)
23. Tony O’Brien (Roanmore)
24. Aaron O’Sullivan (Cappoquin)

Extended Panel
Colm Roche (Shamrocks)
Sean Daly (Abbeyside)
Shane Nugent (Brickey Rangers)
Brian Cunningham (De La Salle)
Sean Tracey (Passage)
Evan Curran (Mount Sion)
Ryan Coady (Roanmore)

Footballers search for championship momentum

 

The Waterford footballers crave a win of any description over Carlow to gain a respectable finishing position in Division 4 and move towards a season defining Munster quarter final against Clare with a sense of purpose.

 Promotion prospects evaporated pretty quickly. Clare hit the ground running at Fraher Field and despite digging out a draw (that so nearly became an injury time win) away to Tipperary, Niall Carew accepted that they never appeared up in Antrim. That Creggan no show lingered for the home tie with London that followed. The Exiles arrived fully tuned for another ambush. Playing a half hour versus 14 men, Waterford huffed and puffed. They wasted 13 opportunities in all. London soaked up the pressure and caught them on the counter. Their winning margin could have been bigger only for a late penalty stop by Stephen Enright. By round five, they pulled themselves together at both ends as their behind the scenes work gained a first win over high flying Leitrim. For 55 minutes last Sunday, they pushed Wicklow (without the services of Paul Whyte and Tony Grey) before Seanie Furlong banged in two goals to flatter the hosts.

Plotting a way around the defensive blockades has proved difficult from day one. With 3-58 posted in six games, they rank as the lowest scorers across all four divisions. It works out as an average of around eleven points per game. Goals in particular are hard to come by especially as one of the three already accounted for arrived from the penalty spot. They appear to be sorting out this glaring issue as the league progresses however with Shane Ahearne (1-11) and JJ Hutchinson (0-9) carrying more responsibility. How they survive without top scorer Paul Whyte on Sunday will be instructive.

Keeping a tighter panel this term, Niall Carew has looked at 26 players so far. The two real finds of the spring come in the form of defensive pair Dean Crowley and Oran Keevers. Kieran Connery is back on form at number four with another newbie in Wayne Hutchinson also seeing significant game time.

Opponents Carlow also start round seven on only three points with plenty of pain thrown into their campaign. They lost star midfielder Brendan Murphy for the entire year through his army commitments in Lebanon. Their defence is by far the leakiest in the country. 11 goals and 111 points have flew in the backdoor. On their home patch, Tipperary kicked 2-24 in the first round. “We looked to be stuck to the ground,” manager Anthony Rainbow remarked afterwards. It was a sign of what was to follow. Wicklow hammered in 1-25 and Clare helped themselves to 3-21 last weekend. In the middle of this defensive madness, they did achieve a high scoring win over Antrim and a share of the spoils away to London. Rainbow’s men look forward to welcoming Meath in the Leinster championship.

Avoiding the ignominy of drop dead last is among the many motivations to wrap up with a win in this dead rubber. With the goal of promotion erased from the list, a second competitive success of the season will make Waterford believe that they have left a laboured start behind them as a Banner revenge mission now becomes the number one target. It makes nine weeks of waiting easier to digest.

Waterford Hurling League Stats 2014

 

Results:
Tipperary 2-13 Waterford 0-16 @ Semple Stadium
Waterford 0-22 Galway 1-13 @ Walsh Park
Waterford 1-13 Dublin 1-10 @ Walsh Park
Clare 5-18 Waterford 0-20 @ Cusack Park
Kilkenny 4-22 Waterford 0-14 @ Nowlan Park
Dublin 4-13 Waterford 1-17 @ Walsh Park

Players Used: 28
Scores For: 2-102 (108) Average: 18 points per game
Scores Against: 17-89 (140) Average: 23 points per game
Top Scorer: Pauric Mahony (1-53)
Most Game Time: Noel Connors, Kevin Moran (420 minutes)
Yellow Cards: 12
Red Cards: 2

Scorers:
Pauric Mahony 1-53 (40fs, 1 65’)
Brian O’Sullivan 0-9
Ray Barry 0-9
Ryan Donnelly 0-5
Seamus Prendergast 0-4
Kevin Moran 0-4
Maurice Shanahan 0-4 (2fs)
Darragh Fives 1-0
Stephen Molumphy 0-3
Philip Mahony 0-2
Stephen Roche 0-2
Jake Dillon 0-2
Jamie Nagle 0-1
Jamie Barron 0-1
Shane Walsh 0-1
Shane O’Sullivan 0-1
Austin Gleeson 0-1 (1 sideline)