Stradbally and Kilrossanty out to impress – SFC Quarter Final Predictions

 

The pick of the quarter final ties in the football championship goes ahead on Sunday evening as neighbours Stradbally and Kilrossanty have plenty to prove. The Reds only lost one group game but didn’t appear as intimidating like previous seasons. Gaultier, De La Salle and St Saviours all made them sweat for the points. An erratic green and gold outfit are difficult to assess but they have saved their best displays for the quarter finals in recent times. In Friday’s quarter final, An Rinn are strongly fancied to halt a season of progress for newcomers De La Salle. The same quartet from 2013 look poised to progress. The final quarter final between Ballinacourty and St Saviours is pencilled in for next Sunday.

Friday September 26

An Rinn v De La Salle (8.00 at Fraher Field)
An Rinn are targeting a second successive semi final to cement their status as a top four club. They won four out of five in the group games and emerged as the only team yet to concede a goal. When they play at a high tempo, their movement and pace are hard for any opposition to cope with. Donie Breathnach, Lorcan Ó Corraoin and Liam Ó Lonáin carry danger in a forward line exceeding twenty points per game. They may be a little vulnerable around midfield. De La Salle won their first game against St Saviours and their last game against Ballinameela to squeeze through. They scored 4-46 and let in 6-50. Ian Cantwell is one to watch. He moved to full forward early in that crucial fifth round tie and scored five from play. Given the one month lay-off, it is the ideal time to take on An Rinn but this is a step up in class. The intermediate holders are in bonus territory here. The Gaeltacht side should get over this obstacle but can they trouble the big three?

Odds: An Rinn 4/9 Draw 15/2 De La Salle 21/10
Prediction: An Rinn

Sunday September 28

Stradbally v Kilrossanty (7.00 at Fraher Field)
Kilrossanty did enough to qualify for the quarters but for the third year running they crash straight into a monster truck. They rattled The Nire in 2012 and 2013 but came out at the wrong end of the result. During the group games, John Kiely’s side only caught fire against Rathgormack when they blazed 3-14. Apart from that scoring splurge, the biggest total they put up was 1-9 in the draw with Clashmore. The pressure for points rests again on Paul Whyte and Joey Veale. Stradbally have tweaked things but the starting fifteen remains along familiar lines. Jack Mullaney and Michael Sweeney are the two fresh faces with David Grey and Christopher Casey trying to muscle their way into contention. During the earlier rounds, Ger Power and Michael Walsh formed the spine of the defence but the ‘Brick’ may move further forward. Both sides will improve on their group stage showings as they gave the impression of holding something in reserve. In an important duel, Tommy Prendergast and Shane Ahearne will wrestle for the right to rule midfield. Despite the high mileage, Stradbally are not ready to let go just yet.

Odds: Stradbally 1/3 Draw 8/1 Kilrossanty 11/4
Prediction: Stradbally

No certainties in four horse race – SHC Semi Final Predictions

If you attempted to pick a winner back in April, more than likely your horse is still running. De La Salle and Ballygunner are slightly favoured for this weekend's semis but by no means are they bolting clear of the field. An all blue county final wouldn't be regarded as a seismic shock. The fourth semi final meeting of the noughties between Salle and Sion will verify their title credentials. There is a freshness about the Ballygunner and Dungarvan pairing that brings the possibility of more fireworks after the conclusion of the All Ireland football final on Sunday.

Saturday 20 September

De La Salle v Mount Sion (5.30 at Walsh Park)
Mount Sion hit their third semi final on the trot in better shape than last season and boosted by a strong team effort against Abbeyside.

Anthony Kirwan had some hard calls to make in the aftermath of the Dungarvan game. The reworked defence restricted their opponents to just seven points from play. Austin Gleeson settled into the number six shirt and Owen Whelan benefitted from the move to wing back. Man of the match Martin O’Neill bossed the middle for the second half and struck over three from play. Five of the starting six forwards scored. Eoin McGrath was by far the most effective at eleven. Richie Foley played a prominent role for Abbeyside last Sunday yet still conceded four points to McGrath. He is buzzing at present and maximising every possession.

The next question for Kirwan is whether he sticks with the short puckouts used most noticeably during the first half. The absence of obvious targets from high deliveries suggest that they may look to free up their corner backs again. De La Salle should be on their toes and force Ian O’Regan to go long.

Allen Dillon's side remain the favourites to land ultimate honours but their quarter final display raised a few alarm bells. They hit 1-16 but accumulated 18 wides (nine in each half). They cannot be slow out of the blocks again as they found themselves five points down to Tallow after the first quarter. A fortnight of hard work should get that flat performance out of their system.

John Keane spared them embarrassment with a stunning goal and an assuredness in possession that appeared absent from the other front men. Their marquee forwards certainly didn’t deliver to their expected levels last time. Jake Dillon is unlikely to strike five wides again and John Mullane will make more plays.

Free taking will be an important element to a game unlikely to overwork the scoreboard operator. De La Salle experienced difficulty in that department last time and had to try out three different players. Will Shane Ryan earn a starting berth here after sitting out the entire sixty two weeks ago? By comparison, Martin O’Neill slotted nine out of ten chances last Sunday and any fouls from midfield upwards will be dispatched.

The central area is set to be extremely congested on Saturday evening. Salle will pin their hopes on ruling this territory. Shane McNulty has proven his worth going in both directions and Dean Twomey is returning to something approaching 2012 form. Kevin Moran can also offer more from centre back. The impact of the bench will also influence the final outcome and De La Salle hold more in reserve here with their injury troubles clearing up. In a one-score game, Salle’s star quality in attack and deeper squad may just secure a fourth final appearance in seven attempts.

Odds: De La Salle 8/15 Draw 9/1 Mount Sion 17/10
Prediction: De La Salle

Sunday 21 September

Ballygunner v Dungarvan (6.15 at Fraher Field)
This has the makings of a shootout and shouldn’t disappoint in that regard. Two of the liveliest forward divisions left in the competition and both are likely to go for broke and go for goal. Dungarvan have raised 14 green flags just one more than their opponents.

Ballygunner have done very little wrong in their bid to amend the events of 2013. 2-14 was the right response to an underwhelming first half showing against Lismore. Eight different players contributed. Pauric Mahony and JJ Hutchinson did the heavy lifting but Brian O’Sullivan and Conor Power also shot five points between them. Hutchinson stated his case to management through a second half injection of 1-3 and will surely make the chosen fifteen.

Lismore did expose some deficiencies in the last line of defence with Dan Shanahan and David Prendergast making inroads during the second quarter last Sunday. Barry Coughlan has been operating at wing back in recent games but Fergal Hartley may be tempted to restore him to number three.

Pace and youth are two lethal commodities that the Blues are in possession of. The distribution of scores between the six forwards looks impressive on paper. They don’t entirely depend on one member because each are chipping in evenly. Patrick Curran (3-21) leads the way but Cathal Curran (5-13), Cormac Curran (2-21) and Gavin Crotty (3-17) are close behind. Ryan Donnelly on 1-13 has scored in every game and Michael Kiely has grabbed six points.

James O’Connor trusted his young full back line to take on Passage and they frustrated their markers. Kevin Daly will probably take on Brian O’Sullivan who has hit a tidy 2-24 from play this season. How to deal with Pauric Mahony is arguably a bigger tactical call. Ballygunner have defeated Dungarvan in the last two meetings at Fraher Field and Mahony masterminded both by drifting into open space unhindered. Mahony scored eleven points in the group game last August and posted three points from play during the first half five months ago. Will Jamie Nagle perform the man marking role or will O’Connor assign a midfielder to mind Mahony and free up Nagle? The workrate of the two forward lines will also be worth watching as both teams will be eager to interfere with the quality of ball.

A ruthless streak is still missing in the Dungarvan ranks when they get on top. Significant wide tallies remain bothersome. Nine second half misses nearly allowed Passage complete an audacious comeback. Ballygunner usually take full advantage of any sign of weakness.

The group game can be dismissed slightly but Dungarvan cannot allow Ballygunner stride clear again. With an eleven point half time lead they had the game sewn up in April. A more composed Ballygunner get the vote.

Odds: Ballygunner 8/15 Draw 9/1 Dungarvan 17/10
Prediction: Ballygunner

Quick Guide to Waterford SHC Final Four

 

Manager: Anthony Kirwan
Captain: Michael Gaffney
County Titles: 35
Scores For: 8-109
Scores Against: 7-79
Top Scorer: Martin O’Neill (0-38)
Key Man: Austin Gleeson
Probable Fifteen: I O’Regan; M Hoban, C Ryan, S O’Neill; M Gaffney, A Gleeson, O Whelan; Martin O’Neill, S Roche; T Browne, E McGrath, Martin ‘F’ O’Neill; R Roche, S Ryan, G Carroll.
Odds: 9/2

Manager: Allen Dillon
Captain: Jack Kennedy
County Titles: 3
Scores For: 9-93
Scores Against: 7-66
Top Scorer: Jake Dillon (1-22)
Key Man: Kevin Moran
Probable Fifteen: J Coady; O Keevers, I Flynn, S Dalton; J Kennedy, K Moran, S McNulty; A Farrell, D Twomey; P Nevin, J Mullane, J Dillon; D Greene, J Keane, S Ryan.
Odds: 5/4

Manager: James O’Connor
Captain: Jamie Nagle
County Titles: 6
Scores For: 14-100
Scores Against: 8-87
Top Scorer: Patrick Curran (3-21)
Key Man: Jamie Nagle
Probable Fifteen: D Duggan; A Donnelly, K Daly, C Sheridan; D Lyons, J Nagle, S Ryan; E Healy, K Moore; G Crotty, Cormac Curran, M Kiely; P Curran, R Donnelly, Cathal Curran.
Odds: 11/2

Manager: Fergal Hartley
Captain: Harley Barnes
County Titles: 12
Scores For: 13-129
Scores Against: 8-72
Top Scorer: Pauric Mahony (0-48)
Key Man: Pauric Mahony
Probable Fifteen: S O’Keeffe; R Cunningham, S O’Keeffe, A Kirwan; S Walsh, W Hutchinson, B Coughlan; S O’Sullivan, H Barnes; Barry O’Sullivan, P Mahony, D O’Sullivan; C Power, Brian O’Sullivan, JJ Hutchinson.
Odds: 7/4



Waterford SHC Team of the Weekend & Top Scorers

1. Ian O’Regan (Mount Sion)
2. Mark Hoban (Mount Sion)
3. Christopher Ryan (Mount Sion)
4. Barry Coughlan (Ballygunner)
5. Richie Foley (Abbeyside)
6. Austin Gleeson (Mount Sion)
7. Owen Whelan (Mount Sion)
8. Martin O’Neill (Mount Sion)
9. Shane O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
10. Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner)
11. Eoin McGrath (Mount Sion)
12. Maurice Shanahan (Lismore)
13. JJ Hutchinson (Ballygunner)
14. Brian O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
15. Richard Roche (Mount Sion)

Top Scorers
Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater) 1-60
Seamus Prendergast (Ardmore) 4-47
Michael Kearney (Ballyduff Upper) 3-47
Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner) 0-48
Maurice Shanahan (Lismore) 4-35
Owen Connors (Passage) 1-38

Gunners dodge danger with scoring spree - SHC Quarter Finals

 

Fourteen man Ballygunner encountered some turbulence against old rivals Lismore at a sunny Walsh Park but a polished second half showing of 2-14 guaranteed a semi final spot. They ran out 3-20 to 2-12 victors and will clash with Dungarvan in the final four next Sunday at Fraher Field.

Manager Fergal Hartley believes that there is more in reserve. “There’s a hell of a lot of areas for us to improve on. Overall as a performance, I wouldn’t be overly happy. There’s a lot of things we could do better. That performance wouldn’t be good enough to win a county semi final.” Pauric Mahony (ten points) and JJ Hutchinson (1-3) reacted quickest to the danger for the Gunners when Paul Coughlan saw red early in the second period.

The sides departed on level terms at halfway (1-6 apiece). The game started in cagey fashion but exploded into life during the second quarter. On 21 minutes, Brian O’Sullivan played a delightful crossfield pass to Stephen Power and he located the top corner. Lismore rebounded from that blow three minutes later. Paudie Coleman crossed and Dan Shanahan scrambled home when the ball fell to the deck.

Ballygunner re-emerged quickly in the second period. Shane O’Sullivan charged through the centre on 32 minutes and laid off for half time substitute JJ Hutchinson to double in the air and give Seanie Barry no chance (2-7 to 1-6). That early exuberance was punctured somewhat when another substitute Paul Coughlan received his marching orders for an off the ball offence.

Shane O’Sullivan got a handle at midfield for the fourteen men and they put together four points on the trot. Harley Barnes clinched the contest when he stroked to the far corner with eight minutes left. Brian Bennett whipped in a Lismore consolation goal.

In the opener, Martin O’Neill rattled off twelve points as a second half flurry from Mount Sion overpowered Abbeyside (1-21 to 0-15). The Waterford panellist suffered an injury interrupted 2013 but Anthony Kirwan was thrilled to see the dead ball specialist back in full flight. “We always knew that Martin has that. It’s been a tough year for him and he’s gradually coming back and getting better and better. Fair dues to him.”

After conceding four goals to Dungarvan in their last group game, moving Austin Gleeson to number six shored up the defensive unit. “Together as a group, in terms of the team and the management, we had to sit down and look at ourselves and see exactly what had to be done. In fairness to the lads, they reacted.”

Against the breeze at first, an early net finder settled Sion into proceedings. On two minutes, Martin O’Neill’s delivery broke favourably for Richie Roche to rustle the rigging. Mark Ferncombe earned a penalty on ten minutes but his tame effort was stopped and Mount Sion went up the other end for Gavin Carroll to put them five points up. Richie Foley rebooted Abbeyside from centre back and he popped up with four first half points, including three huge frees. Eoin McGrath snuck Sion 1-7 to 0-9 ahead at half time.

Anthony Kirwan’s side stepped on the gas after the break. They picked off three snappy points and then Ian O’Regan made a point blank save from substitute Mark Fives. O’Neill took over at midfield and piled on nine second half singles. Austin Gleeson and Owen Whelan also made their presence felt in a dominant half back division. Gary Hurney was dismissed in injury time for a second bookable offence. The Monastery men tackle De La Salle next Saturday at the city venue.

SHC Semi Finals

Saturday 20 September

De La Salle v Mount Sion (5.30 at Walsh Park)

Sunday 21 September

Dungarvan v Ballygunner (6.15 at Fraher Field)

Intriguing double bill in store – SHC Quarter Final Predictions

All four hurling semi finalists should be known by approximately 5 o’clock on Sunday. The first encounter is a toss of the coin between two teams seeking a breakthrough. Ballygunner arrive as clear cut favourites to eliminate Lismore from the title race once more. The last four looks set to take place next weekend.

Sunday 14 September

Mount Sion v Abbeyside (2.00 at Walsh Park)
The club with 35 titles against the club craving to win just once. More questions linger about Mount Sion here. Two troubling defeats against Ballygunner and Dungarvan raised doubts about their defence and they may take corrective action. Austin Gleeson may move to number six but will that stifle their scoring threat as a result? Abbeyside have struck form at the right time with three wins on the spin. Sean O’Hare and Richie Foley are settled in the central defensive positions and at the other end, the Hurneys along with Mark Ferncombe can slot into various attacking slots as required. They broke the twenty point barrier in each of those victories over Passage, Lismore and Roanmore. There will be a kick in Mount Sion after those recent setbacks. If Gleeson retreats, they will rely on Martin O’Neill, Ian Galgey, Stephen Roche and Tony Browne to compile a winning tally. They are still putting the jigsaw together and that more settled appearance to the Abbeyside fifteen seems persuasive in a close opener.

Odds: Mount Sion 4/6 Draw 9/1 Abbeyside 11/8
Prediction: Abbeyside

Ballygunner v Lismore (3.30 at Walsh Park)
Lismore must exceed anything they have produced over the past two seasons to match the form team of this year’s championship. They pushed the Gunners hard over the last decade and that team deserved to the take baton from the 1993 winners. In two finals and seven finals, they failed each time to the men in red and black. It’s difficult to make a case on this occasion given the fact that they only won a single group game and depend so heavily on Maurice Shanahan magic. Ballygunner are moving towards their final destination and a shot at redemption. Five cosy group stage wins allowed them rekindle a pattern of play and take a look through their squad. They haven’t received a stern test just yet and any team lining one up will have to outgun a forward line that scored 10-109 in the group games. Their defence are slightly uncomfortable when taken on for pace and Stephen O’Keeffe spared them twice against Ballyduff Upper with close range stops. Minor faults in a well-oiled machine that should march on comfortably to the semis.

Odds: Ballygunner 2/7 Draw 11/1 Lismore 11/4
Prediction: Ballygunner

Knockout football under starter's orders - SFC Predictions

Saturday evening signals the start of the serious business in the senior football championship with plenty on the line in a Dungarvan double header. One last chance for Ballinameela and Ardmore to escape the senior shredder in the curtain raiser while The Nire are almost unbackable to continue their winning ways in a derby clash with Rathgormack.

Saturday September 13

Relegation Play-Off
Ballinameela v Ardmore (6.00 at Fraher Field)
Ten wides turned out to be expensive for Ballinameela in their concluding group game against De La Salle as they spurned their first opportunity at avoiding the drop. Despite these misses, 1-10 was their best return of the season so far and offers encouragement for this relegation decider. Their recognised shooters Tom Curran, Jim Curran and Jason Morrissey will be required here as Meela have only struck 1-34. The accomplished Brendan Phelan also provides drive and direction from centre back. The absence of experienced pair Brian Phelan and Eamonn Walsh hurt them in that showdown with De La Salle and left them with an extremely young side. Ardmore have yet to place themselves in a position to win any of their games. Similar to their opponents, their troubles lie up front with a return of just 2-42. Responsibility rests with David and John Gartland along with Seamus Keating to make more of an impression on the scoreboard. They have the edge in experience here but 11 defeats across both senior competitions takes a toll. It’s hard to stop a losing sequence and Ardmore’s 17 year stay in the senior ranks appears to be in danger.

Prediction: Ballinameela

Quarter Final
The Nire v Rathgormack (7.30 at Fraher Field)
If The Nire keep all of their key men fit, they look best placed to wrestle the title away from Ballinacourty. The group winners shot 20 points per game on average and conceded a mere eight points. Liam Lawlor provides the focal point at number fourteen that the rest feed off. Thirteen different players posted scores over the five group games. Shane Ryan has grown into a marquee forward and he tops the championship charts on 6-19 at the start of the knockout rounds. The only weakness to pick out is that they are possibly vulnerable under the high ball and Stradbally raided three goals in the group phase. Rathgormack will look to shut down the space for these forwards to operate in. They reduced Ballinacourty to 1-9 but that was way in April. They leaked 3-14 against Kilrossanty followed by 18 points against An Rinn. Restricting Gavin Nugent (provider of 19 points) seriously limits their scoring potential. The Nire will depend on their man markers to handle Nugent rather than install a screen in front of him. The green and red have only managed two goals compared to eleven for their opponents.

Odds: The Nire 1/10 Draw 14/1 Rathgormack 11/2
Prediction: The Nire

SHC Team of the Weekend & Top Scorers

1. Darren Duggan (Dungarvan)
2. Aaron Donnelly (Dungarvan)
3. Kevin Daly (Dungarvan)
4. Noel Connors (Passage)
5. Darragh Lyons (Dungarvan)
6. Jamie Nagle (Dungarvan)
7. Shane McNulty (De La Salle)
8. Dean Twomey (De La Salle)
9. Paul O’Brien (Tallow)
10. Owen Connors (Passage)
11. Gavin Crotty (Dungarvan)
12. Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater)
13. Thomas Ryan (Tallow)
14. John Keane (De La Salle)
15. Cathal Curran (Dungarvan)

Top Scorers
Jamie Barron (Fourmilewater) 1-60
Seamus Prendergast (Ardmore) 4-47
Michael Kearney (Ballyduff Upper) 3-47
Owen Connors (Passage) 1-38
Maurice Shanahan (Lismore) 4-28
Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner) 0-38

Peak hour for title hopefuls – SHC Quarter Final Predictions

30 group games provided precious few highlights but the shadow boxing is now over as the knock-out stuff starts this weekend. With the title race reduced to eight runners, it’s peak time for those challenging for ultimate honours. While the opening quarter final looks predictable on paper, Passage versus Dungarvan promises much given their recent form. The relegation battle will probably produce the most ferociously contested fixture of the weekend between two proud clubs.

Relegation Play-Off

Thursday 4 September

Ardmore v Fourmilewater (8.00 at Fraher Field)
Fourmile’s patchy form and unsettled line-up leaves them dangerously close to the trapdoor. In the previous four seasons, they made three quarter finals and a semi final. A second round slip-up against Roanmore cancelled out their good work to put away Abbeyside the previous week. Two goals across five games is also a worrying figure. Dermot Ryan and Stephen Ryan punched a few holes in their recent cameo appearances and may be pushed into starting roles here. 48 points for Jamie Barron shows how heavily Fourmile lean on him. Liam Lawlor started at full forward in the draw with Lismore but Benji Whelan may be tempted to restore him to number six and shut down Seamus Prendergast. Ardmore’s first round defeat to Ballyduff Upper put them under pressure immediately and an absentee list containing Clinton Hennessy, Richie Hennessy and Declan Prendergast hasn’t helped. They showed a determination to soldier on when they came within two points of Tallow. Over-exuberance may lead to plenty of frees which puts the spotlight on Barron and Seamus Prendergast. Fourmilewater earned promotion back in 2001 and they will depend on their inter county quality to emerge with their senior status intact.

Odds: Fourmilewater 1/10 Draw 16/1 Ardmore 5/1
Prediction: Fourmilewater

Quarter Finals

Friday 5 September

De La Salle v Tallow (8.00 at Fraher Field)
Tallow’s reward for taking the last seat on the plane is a head-on collision against the title favourites. They did defeat Salle in the group stages last year but under different circumstances where their opponents had already advanced. Two years ago, De La Salle delivered a 4-20 to 0-9 drubbing. Damage limitation must be on their minds from the outset and any lack of appetite will be severely punished. A no holds barred full back line gives them a degree of security but pressure must be applied out the field. At the other end, chief goal scorer Evan Sheehan (five in three games), Thomas Ryan and Robert O’Sullivan need to be ultra-efficient. De La Salle will be disappointed by how Passage picked their pocket at Walsh Park and this offers the ideal opportunity to get that performance out of their system. Their squad has been boosted by recent underage success. Stephen Dalton, Adam Farrell and Shane Ryan are among those settling into the side. Jack Kennedy has been moved into a half back line where Shane McNulty shone brightest during the group phase. They neatly distributed the scores in those five games with fourteen different players chipping in. It’s hard to make a case for Tallow (the lowest scorers among the last eight) matching De La Salle’s power and fluency up front.

Odds: De La Salle 1/20 Draw 33/1 Tallow 7/1
Prediction: De La Salle

Saturday 6 September

Passage v Dungarvan (7.30 at Fraher Field)
High scoring potential here from two teams moving in the right direction. This pair exceeded a hundred points during the group stages. They also tend to generate a pile of chances with Passage firing 20 wides against De La Salle and Dungarvan entering double figures in their last three outings. After an convincing start to their title defence, Passage came out fighting against Fourmilewater and Eoin Kelly returned to strike 3-9 in three games. Conor Carey is also showing strong form in a forward line that also has reliable performers in Owen Connors, Thomas Connors, Sean Hogan and Rory Walsh. Regular point taker Killian Fitzgerald and the industrious Pa Walsh at midfield seem to hold the upper hand over their direct opponents. Dungarvan have purred along nicely since a first half no-show in their opener with Ballygunner. They have blasted ten goals and are approaching 24 points every game. Each forward is contributing their share and dismissing Mount Sion in a ruthless manner will boost their confidence. It’s a choice between the exuberance and experience. Neither side will hold back given their ability to chalk up big totals but maybe the pace at James O’Connor’s disposal will rattle the champions.

Odds: Passage 10/11 Draw 9/1 Dungarvan Evens
Prediction: Dungarvan

 

SFC Team of Round 5 & Top Scorers

1. Paul Houlihan (St Saviours)
2. Michael Cronin (Ardmore)
3. Peter Crowley (St Saviours)
4. Jamie De Barún (An Rinn)
5. Shane Briggs (Ballinacourty)
6. Brendan Phelan (Ballinameela)
7. Brian Wall (The Nire)
8. Shane Ahearne (Stradbally)
9. Ian Cantwell (De La Salle)
10. Patrick Hurney (Ballinacourty)
11. Donie Breathnach (An Rinn)
12. Liam Ó Lonáin (An Rinn)
13. Brian O'Halloran (Clashmore)
14. Mitchell Casey (De La Salle)
15. JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier)

Top Scorers
Shane Ryan (The Nire) 6-19
JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier) 2-26
Patrick Hurney (Ballinacourty) 2-16
Mark Ferncombe (Ballinacourty) 3-11
Gavin Nugent (Rathgormack) 0-19

Salle and Saviours squeak through – SFC Round 5

There was an exciting climax to Group 2 of the SFC on Sunday night as all three games went down to the wire. De La Salle and St Saviours did enough as Gaultier narrowly missed out. Ballinameela stare down a relegation play-off with Ardmore. The clash of Stradbally and Kilrossanty sticks out from the quarter final pairings. The dates, times and venues for those ties are yet to be confirmed.

Intermediate champions De La Salle reached the quarters at the first attempt after a tense 2-8 to 1-10 win over Ballinameela in Fraher Field. The sides were level seven times before points from Mitchell Casey and Ian Cantwell put Seamus Quirke’s side in the driving seat. Casey and Cantwell combined for seven points between them on the night.

The Eastern side held a 2-3 to 0-7 half time advantage. Paddy Kennedy tidied up the crumbs on 23 minutes after Paul Curran palmed away a Conan Watt delivery. A minute before the break, Lee Hayes thumped home from close range. Rob Shine secured Ballinameela’s first goal of the championship sixteen seconds after the restart but ten wides saw their survival push unravel.

St Saviours progressed for the second successive year despite losing to Stradbally at Walsh Park (0-14 to 1-7). The Reds led proceedings at half time by a slender margin (0-6 to 0-5). Joey Phelan converted a penalty with seven minutes left to tie the contest but Stradbally powered home with four unanswered singles.

Gaultier missed the cut after Group 2 winners The Nire staged a dramatic late surge at the Kill venue to sneak past them by 1-9 to 1-7. Brad Carroll’s wonder goal to the top corner early in the second period gave Gaultier a three point cushion. Shane Ryan kept his cool from the penalty spot however to level matters on 56 minutes and injury time points by Conor Gleeson and Brian Wall maintained their winning streak and denied Gaultier knockout football.

Ardmore’s 17 year stay in senior football is under threat after local rivals Clashmore dumped them into a relegation play-off on Saturday night (2-13 to 0-10). The green and red sprinted out of the blocks at Bushy Park. Paul O’Connor’s goal on 14 minutes helped them into an eleven point lead. Niall Hennessy secured Ardmore’s long awaited first point after 17 minutes. Clashmore were out of sight when Noel Smyth managed a second three pointer three minutes before the interval. The 2007 county finalists put in a spirited second half effort but their neighbours celebrated survival at full time.

Ballinacourty were always in control against a weakened Kilrossanty (1-16 to 0-4). The champions reached the dressing room 0-5 to 0-1 on top following a dull first half hour. An early exchange between John Power and Joey Veale were the only points recorded during the opening quarter. Courty kicked on and Mark Ferncombe laid on a goal for Patrick Hurney with nine minutes left to open up a fifteen point gap. The six time winners now hold an intimidating thirteen match unbeaten record in championship fare.

An Rinn secured second place in Group 1 as their attacking flair and pace overcame Rathgormack (0-18 to 0-7) at Stradbally. Donie Breathnach, Liam Ó Lonáin and Lorcán Ó Corraoin all lit up the scoreboard as the Gaeltacht men made it four wins from five. They held a six point cushion by the break (0-11 to 0-5). Jason Curry threatened for Rathgormack but blasted his penalty kick over the bar just before half time. An Rinn ended as resounding victors with sixteen points arriving from play.

Waterford SFC Quarter Finals

The Nire v Rathgormack
Stradbally v Kilrossanty
Ballinacourty v St Saviours
An Rinn v De La Salle

Relegation Play-Off 

Ardmore v Ballinameela