A rainy and gloomy Saturday afternoon in Rathkeale was the setting to get a first glimpse of the Waterford senior hurlers in action. No shelter to shield the elements at the secluded Limerick ground as these two teams commenced the experimentation for the 2015 season.
It’s hard to wrap your head around challenge matches when Christmas songs are on the radio. This game felt too far away from any of the competitive stuff to make any concrete judgements on new players or fresh combinations. Very early to judge if Gavin O'Brien will stake a claim in the half back line, if Martin O'Neill will become first choice free taker or if the three All Ireland minor medallists (Shane Bennett, Cormac Curran and Michael Kearney) will make the cut. Curiosity is the main attraction of these affairs with observers searching for clues rather than results. The odd socks and shorts in evidence also gave the impression that everyone was only waking up to the idea that the inter county campaign has started all over again. Referee Fergal Horgan only interfered when absolutely necessary.
The Tribesmen fared better facing into the breeze and only for six late wides, they would have won by a more comfortable margin. Ten different maroon sources chipped in with scores. Established names like Conor Cooney, James Regan and David Collins made their presence felt and we may hear more from bolters Dean Higgins, Brian Molloy and Eanna Burke.
20 players togged out for Derek McGrath’s side. Martin O’Neill was the standout performer with eleven points (seven frees and four from play). He operated along the half forward line and stroked over a few massive singles. Wing back Pa Walsh from Passage picked out his passes and looked comfortable in possession. Shane Bennett and Mikey Kearney were enthusiastic in the corners and kept trying things even if some didn’t come off. Ian O’Regan could be pleased with his clean sheet and denied Brian Molloy and James Regan at the start of the second half. His puckouts were faultless throughout. Cappoquin’s Munster final hero Conor Murray made a difference around the middle as a second half sub and finished off a lengthy solo run. Colligan duo John Morrissey and Mark Flynn did a tidy job in the full back line when introduced. Eamonn Power and Eoin Madigan also got game time. Thomas Connors (three points) and Brian O’Halloran (two points) did their best work during the first half.
With wind assistance, Waterford led by 0-14 to 0-12 at half time. The scores came at a typical challenge game speed initially. Ten over the first ten minutes and 18 by the twentieth minute. Waterford zipped 0-7 to 0-3 ahead. Shane Bennett sent over an absolute beauty from 60 metres tight to the sideline. Martin O’Neill and Thomas Connors grabbed two each with Brian O’Halloran and Cormac Curran also accurate. Galway’s early efforts held up in the breeze but they quickly acclimatised. Conor Cooney’s free taking along with fine points by Dean Higgins, Brian Molloy and Jason Flynn narrowed to two. Substitute Molloy (who featured in the 2013 minor All Ireland) accounted for three sharp scores before the break and wing back Colm Flynn struck from distance. O’Neill ended the half with his first from play out on the left flank.
Galway centre back David Collins charged forward for the opening point of the second half as Anthony Cunningham’s side took control. Ian O’Regan stopped certain goals from Brian Molloy and James Regan. The second of those was a spectacular flick away for a 65. The scores arrived at a slower pace with both sides lacking that touch of precision with the shot or final pass at times.
A rapid double from Regan regained the lead for Galway (0-15 to 0-14). All Ireland medallist with the St Thomas club Eanna Burke and wing back Gearoid McInerney stretched that out to three as Waterford introduced five substitutes at the same time. After sixteen minutes without a score, O’Neill judged a huge point from 65 metres. He was striking the ball with confidence and added two more to level the match. He maintained Waterford’s interest as he answered points from Eanna Burke and Cathal Mannion to leave it 19 points each entering the final ten minutes.
Galway had plenty of opportunities to gallop towards the winning post. After Mannion edged them in front, they amassed six wides in a row. Eventually, Dean Higgins gave them some comfort and Conor Cooney settled the outcome. Eoin Madigan was unfortunate with a goal chance for Waterford on 65 minutes and Conor Murray got a cracking score after a rapid dash from midfield.
On this blustery day, in an unglamorous venue, those on the fringes gave a good account of themselves and several rookies also left a positive first impression. Not much more to learn from these odd challenge matches in December. It's not the most wonderful time of the year for inter county hurling but those few hints make it worthwhile nonetheless.
Scorers for Galway: C Cooney 0-6 (2fs), D Higgins, B Molloy 0-3 each, C Mannion, E Burke, J Regan 0-2 each, D Collins, C Flynn, G McInerney, J Flynn 0-1 each.
Scorers for Waterford: M O’Neill 0-11 (7fs), T Connors 0-3, B O’Halloran, S Bennett 0-2 each, C Curran, C Murray 0-1 each.
Galway: C Callanan; D O’Donoghue, J Hanbury, S Morrissey; G McInerney, D Collins, C Flynn; K Hynes, J Cooney; D Higgins, C Cooney, C Mannion; J Regan, P Mannion, J Flynn.
Subs used: B Molloy, E Burke, J Kennedy, G Kelly.
Waterford: I O’Regan; S McNulty, B Coughlan, P Prendergast; G O’Brien, T De Burca, P Walsh; K Moran, S Fives; M O’Neill, T Connors, B O’Halloran; S Bennett, C Curran, M Kearney.
Subs used: J Morrissey, M Flynn, E Madigan, E Power, C Murray.
Referee: F Horgan
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