Ballygunner and Dungarvan provided the defining game of the 2014 championship. Fergal Hartley’s side were three points down and pinned to the ropes entering the final quarter before Pauric Mahony turned it around. They also benefitted from a dollop of good fortune in injury time when Liam Ryan’s shot whistled past the post. “That’s where we won it, in that semi final,” acknowledged Gunners selector Padraig Connolly in the aftermath of their county triumph. “When it was put up to us, that’s when we had to answer the questions.”
James O’Connor’s Dungarvan totalled 15-112 over seven games in last year’s edition (an average of 22 points per game). They only gave away eight goals at the opposite end of the field. Injuries to Kevin Daly and Ryan Donnelly may hinder them in the short term but they are bursting with talented hurlers. Kieran Power joins their ranks this season and the Harty Cup winner can fit in around midfield or the half back line. A forward division featuring the Currans, Michael Kiely and Gavin Crotty is well-stocked to compete for a prize that has eluded the club since 1941. Lismore and Passage greet them in the opening two rounds which will offer an early indicator of their title credentials.
Three of last year’s semi finalists have changed managers for the new season including the county champions. The 2004 Mount Sion team were the last to keep hold of the News and Star trophy for more than one season. New Ballygunner boss Denis Walsh will tap into their pool of under 21 winners to refresh the side. Defensive anchor Wayne Hutchinson will be missed and this may allow Philip Mahony slip into the number six shirt. The Gunners' snappy passing style and precise deliveries into the forward line yielded 15 goals last term. Will Walsh look to deviate from that style?
De La Salle embark as second favourites behind the holders. The return to full fitness of Stephen Daniels and Eddie Barrett enhances their prospects. They will hope that some of their minor and under 21 double winners from 2013 can kick on this year and push the established names for a spot on the starting fifteen. Adam Farrell, Tom Moran, Eddie Meaney, Shane Ryan and Dylan Foley may stake a claim for permanency.
Mount Sion turn to Ken McGrath to bring back the good times. Anthony Kirwan guided the Monastery men to their first county final in eight years but they lacked the firepower to match a highly motivated Ballygunner. The arrival of Bill Walsh from Carrick Swans should help to solve those issues. The former Tipperary under 21 player may start at the edge of square and offer a direct option. Martin O’Neill hit 52 points for Sion in 2014 and has been unlucky not to receive more game time with Waterford given his Fitzgibbon Cup exploits.
2013 winners Passage remain a danger due to the goalscoring threat of Eoin Kelly and Sean Hogan and the ultra-reliable free taking of Owen Connors. Doubts hang over their defence as they tend to leak too many scores. Lismore possess one of the in-form forwards at present in Maurice Shanahan but they also have defensive issues to sort out. They will rattle Dungarvan on Sunday evening and should progress to the quarters.
The only way is up for Fourmilewater after beating the drop with a play-off win over Ardmore last year. The role of Liam Lawlor will be worth watching as he has been used as a roving centre forward in recent challenge matches. Abbeyside should have enough to make the quarter finals out of a competitive Group 1. The round two meeting of Tallow and Ballyduff Upper will also carry significant weight in that section. Tallow manager Terence McSweeney has integrated players like Robert O’Sullivan, Jordan Henley and Ryan Grey to replenish the team that reached the 2011 decider. He also welcomes back Paul Kearney to the forward line. Michael Kearney’s extravagant scoring totals spared Ballyduff Upper from a relegation battle in 2014. The Waterford panellist shot a whopping 3-47 in five championship games.
The last three intermediate champions (Dunhill, An Rinn and Ardmore) have all taken the plunge with Dunhill the only side to rustle up a win. This doesn’t bode well for Cappoquin’s survival hopes. The Cornerstone boys start without key pieces of their Munster intermediate winning configuration and their squad strength will be fully tested in this environment. They face Roanmore next month in a crucial game for both teams. The Sky Blues want to build on a progressive season that produced a draw against Passage and a shock win over Fourmilewater. Paul O’Toole and Eamonn Power are two emerging players to look out for.
The hurling championship no longer restricts access to breakthrough teams. Since 2007, Ballyduff Upper, De La Salle and Passage have all changed the landscape with memorable triumphs. Abbeyside, Tallow and Dungarvan have also experienced the thrill of county final day. Dungarvan are edging closer to the winning post. They brought Ballygunner to the edge of the cliff in 2014, achieved their second minor title in three seasons and also reached the under 21 final. If they can escape from their group in good shape, James O’Connor can lead the Blues to the promised land in year two of his term.
Waterford SHC 2015
Ballygunner 9/4
De La Salle 11/4
Dungarvan 9/2
Mount Sion 11/2
Passage 9/1
Lismore 9/1
Abbeyside 14/1
Fourmilewater 14/1
Roanmore 33/1
Ballyduff Upper 40/1
Tallow 66/1
Cappoquin 66/1
Tallow 66/1
Cappoquin 66/1
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