Salle steady down after Sixmile’ scare – De La Salle 1-10 Newmarket 0-10

 

That De La Salle performance won’t suffice in two week’s time but it was good enough on Sunday to chisel out the win. They almost left it behind them and Colin Ryan had the golden ticket for the Munster final when he hared down the right wing in the last minute of normal time. Salle’s first half dominance, defensive solidity and experience in these situations eventually kept Ryan and company at bay.

They started like an express train and threatened to leave Newmarket at the station. In spite of the four week lay off, their hurling was crisp from the throw in. They overpowered their opponents and in terms of winning the dirty ball, the man in the red and white shirt nearly always emerged with it. Just before the game started, all the De La Salle starters engaged in a mini game within a small space which focussed on winning possession in close quarters. Once again the half back trio held firm and the midfield pairing hoovered up possession. With all of these factors going in their favour, De La Salle’s lead still only soared to three points. Nine different players missed the target as the wides tally entered double figures by the short whistle. Newmarket were far more economical and only struck two wides with Colin Ryan dropping deep to pull the strings. They were really struggling in the full forward line however where Kevin Moran stood in well after picking up a dead leg early on. A one point cushion at half time didn’t reflect the fact that De La Salle were on top in almost all sectors.

The pendulum swung on the changeover and Newmarket awoke from their slumber. Their backs tightened up with the two corner men Eoin O’Brien and Sean O’Connor taking turns to shadow and suffocate John Mullane. They hit the front for the first time through Shane O’Brien senior and the crowd began to raise their voices in the packed stand. Whenever they felt under pressure in that second half, De La Salle responded with urgency. Jake Dillon’s clever sideline picked out Mullane to restore their lead. Then when Mike McInerney was awarded a controversial point, Dean Twomey went straight down the other end to raise a white flag. They rode their luck at times however. McInerney’s blistering effort hammered off the frame of the goal and out midway through the half. Colin Ryan also shot five wides of his own as Newmarket finished up with ten efforts off target. De La Salle also had to dip deep into their defensive resources as Oran Keevers and Chris Sheehan stepped into the breach during an anxious last quarter. With the sides on level terms for the fifth occasion, it turned into trench warfare. Openings were butchered at both ends. Stephen Daniels made some vital catches and clearances in that period. Then after Ryan fluffed his lines, Salle crafted a real team goal with the workhorse Barrett finding Paudie Nevin before John Keane scooped the sliotar home.

The Tipperary native enjoyed one of his finest hours in a De La Salle shirt on Sunday. He showed well for the ball in the first half at corner forward and when he wasn’t sniffing around for a score, he was looking for the man in the better position. He converted two of his three chances in the opening period before rounding off that patient move in injury time. His sharp hurling brain will be needed the next day. Another unsung hero Eddie Barrett again put in a busy performance alongside Dean Twomey who chipped in with two crucial points. Then you had the usual suspects of Kevin Moran, Stephen Daniels and John Mullane who showed flashes of leadership when it was necessary.

Thurles won’t be shaking in their boots after this performance especially when they scored 2-20 against Sarsfields. Derek McGrath will be pleased though to survive another away assignment and how the players rallied when Newmarket began to find their rhythm. A bit like the Lismore quarter final, they executed the winning score when all wasn’t going their own way. On a sticky pitch and in an unfamiliar surroundings they absorbed the knocks that came their way and banished some poor finishing with a slick winning score. “We are proud of the fact that although it might not have been a purists’ game, it was kind of dogged and we’ll take dogged all day as long as we win” is how McGrath put it afterwards and that’s as fair a summation as any. He also knows that some refinements will be required for November 25 down by the Lee. “I’m just thrilled to get out of here and obviously we would be hugely aware of the fact that we wouldn’t be near good enough to beat Sarsfields.”

Steely Stradbally grind it out – Stradbally 1-8 The Nire 0-10

Once more you scratch your head and wonder how they keep coming back for more. Even in the most unlikely of circumstances and with their backs to the wall, they find the winning formula. Maybe they were a bit below their best but when it comes to winning matches, nobody does it better. They have defied the pundits time after time when written off. You can talk about a big three in Waterford football but when a team wins eight titles in twelve years, this Stradbally bunch stand out on their own.

Cast your mind back twelve months to that mudbath and despite the fact that Ballinacourty deservedly came out on top, Stradbally nearly nicked it. Underestimate them at your peril. Although they lined out with eight players over the thirty mark, that experienced core pulled them out of mire. They showed resilience and a mental capacity to keep plugging away that has been accumulated over time. They are relentless in their pursuit of victory. Even in a pulsating, see saw battle like Saturday’s replay became, they held their nerve. When speaking with Michael Walsh after the game, it was striking how calm he was given the welter of excitement and the emotion of the occasion. They don’t lack in football ability either especially when you have Tony Grey, Walsh, Ger Power, John Coffey and Niall Curran on board. The Ahearnes bring a different dimension and Shane played a captain’s part in keeping them afloat during the first half. They did Sean Ahearne proud because he instilled many of those traits into them over his tenure. Pat Curran did a fine job in the bainsteoir’s bib to maintain this incredible winning streak in trademark Stradbally fashion.

They drew on all their traditional attributes to get them out a tight corner. Yet again, they lost their way in the opening quarter. They slipped four behind after fifteen minutes and they also lost two of their old warriors in Trevor Costelloe and John Hearne. It was bruising battle at times with three players being taken to hospital. Stradbally refused to yield and the direct ball to their inside forwards paved the way for scores. They remained patient even when The Nire cut out their deliveries and when they miscued in front of goal. They assessed the situation and worked out a solution. Ger Power’s goal gave them a boost as they surged two ahead. The Nire fought back yet David Grey had the last word. Left on the sidelines after making a big impression at the start of the championship, he proved a point with an ice cool finish.

Their defensive fortitude has also been a central plank to their success and for the second weekend running, they kept their goal intact. Manager Pat Curran highlighted that aspect of their game afterwards. “You must remember that we gave away no goal again. We worked very hard on that and only for Oliver Costelloe the last day we might not be standing here today.” They only conceded three goals all season with Clashmore and Ardmore the two teams to put the ball past Costelloe. Defending isn’t always a polished art and Stradbally make the hard hits when required. Opposition teams have scored an average of nine points against them in the championship which is a mean concession rate.

Like the drawn game, The Nire were left wondering how they didn’t finish the job. They led by four after the first quarter and still kept the margin at three going down the final furlong. Maurice O’Gorman, Shane Walsh and Liam Lawlor gave the direction and they appeared to have things under control. Lawlor’s departure undoubtedly contributed to their downfall. All through this championship, he led the line superbly and tucked away two points with aplomb in the first half. Shorn of his leadership and a focus up front, they took a couple of wrong options and hit five second half wides. Stradbally also forced some turnovers in The Nire’s end of the field. Their lead should have been greater at half time and when the Reds began to turn the screw, a few doubts crept in and the script became all too familiar. Over the course of ten games they probably played the best football and in Liam Lawlor they had the outstanding forward in the championship but Stradbally edged them out on final day. The winner takes it all.

It will rank as one of the more enjoyable and entertaining finals in recent memory. With conditions in their favour, these two teams played a more attractive brand of football. These games are always fraught with tension and nerves. For the third year running, the football decider was won by a single point. That slice of quality can be lacking in these types of encounters but on Saturday the score taking, the pace of the contest and the intensity in the challenges was of a high standard for club level. Finals are for winning however and Stradbally know how to win.

County final stats

Wides

Stradbally: 8 The Nire: 6

45s
Stradbally: 1 The Nire: 2

Frees
Stradbally: 15 The Nire: 22

Yellow cards
Stradbally: 4 (T Grey, A Doyle, S Lannon, S Cunningham) The Nire: 2 (D Guiry, J McGrath)

Subs used
Stradbally: 5 The Nire: 2

Scoring chances
Stradbally: 9/20 The Nire: 10/20

Old reliables can take Salle a step further – Munster semi final preview

Newmarket On Fergus v De La Salle

2.00 at Sixmilebridge
Referee: Johnny Ryan

Betting
Newmarket 7/4 Draw 9/1 De La Salle 8/15

While De La Salle can reflect on a proud one hundred per cent in two previous Munster missions, victories in this competition are hard earned and lapses in concentration are punished. Ballygunner didn’t see Na Piarsiagh coming last year in a provincial championship they were favourites to win. De La Salle’s recent history also shows that all four wins achieved in Munster came by two points or less.

Again they will rely on their half back and midfield to set the tone. The half backs offer an effective shield to a full back line that can be caught for pace at times. All three players are strong under the high ball and can drive forward. The work rate Dean Twomey and Eddie Barrett and their ability to join in the attack also make them a difficult combination to break down. Their ball winning ability all over the field was eye catching in the county final. It didn’t matter if the ball came in high or low to the forwards, they could always make something of it. John Mullane lifted his game for the final and it will be interesting to see whether he lines out at centre forward or closer to goal this weekend. Jake Dillon will also need to hold his nerve on the frees like he did throughout the county campaign. Overall, Newmarket will be need to deal with De La Salle’s physical power in order to put themselves in a winning position.

Clare have not produced a provincial winner in twelve years. Sixmilebridge were the last team to collect the Munster cup back in 2000 and despite the Clare champions reaching the final on three occasions since, they all came away empty handed. This time, Newmarket emerged from the pack after a 31 year famine and they enjoyed an unbeaten run in six games. Their only blip was a draw against 2011 provincial finalists Crusheen in round 3 of the group phase (2-13 apiece). They scored an average of 16 points and conceded an average of 12 in the Clare championship. Inter county representatives James McInerney and Enda Barrett command the central positions in defence but their talisman is undoubtedly Colin Ryan who racked up 1-8 on county final day. Like their opponents, Newmarket took the title with a degree of comfort as they got a grip early on against Cratloe.

Derek McGrath will urge his troops to maintain their discipline and not present Ryan with straightforward placed balls. Seven of Dungarvan’s twelve points in the county final came from frees. If the De La Salle defence can keep an eye on Ryan, it may knock Newmarket out of their stride. Another worry for the management team will be the toll  that last weekend’s Eastern under 21 semi final (which went to extra time) took on players like Jake Dillon, Eoin Madigan and Shane McNulty. The change of venue to Sixmilebridge also throws something different into the mix and Newmarket’s familiarity with the ground may be a worth a point or two.

All things considered, De La Salle’s composure at this level should see them through the sticky patches here and if their half back line and midfield perform to their best, they can supply the front men and reach their third Munster decider.

De La Salle’s Munster club record

2008 semi final
De La Salle 0-18 Sarsfields 0-16

2008 final
De La Salle 1-9 Adare 0-10

2010 semi final
De La Salle 0-22 Sarsfields 2-15 (AET)

2010 final
De La Salle 0-9 Thurles Sarsfields 0-8

Small tweaks can tip the scales - Football final replay preview

 

Stradbally v The Nire
7.00 at Fraher Field
Referee: Alan Kissane

Betting
Stradbally Evens Draw 11/2 The Nire 6/5

History in the making as the Waterford football final takes place under lights for the first time and follows the example of Donegal last weekend. The work is largely completed at this stage in both corners so it is all about rest and recovery over the past week. There is unlikely to be changes in personnel but will we see some tactical variations?

The Nire bolted from the blocks last Sunday and despite the fact that lightening may not strike twice, they will have recognised the need to keep the tempo high for a more sustained period this time around. Stradbally manager Pat Curran admitted afterwards that they managed to take the sting out of their opponents as the game wore on. “I thought the backs stifled well and when we stood in front of them for the quick frees and forced them to kick it long it suited us better.” They should look to keep Liam Lawlor close to goal as he scored three points and set up two from that position.  This made his move further out the field during the second half all the more perplexing. At the other end, The Nire will be pleased with how they marshalled the Ahearne brothers and will be hoping for a repeat of the dose on Saturday. Their savage work rate which forced several turnovers will also need to be replicated.

Will Stradbally pump direct ball into their forwards or work it in using more intricate means? They found it difficult to feed the Ahearnes and as a result they couldn’t put The Nire defence under significant pressure even with the aid of the breeze. Niall Curran also only flickered in and out of the action. David Grey has fallen down the pecking order up front but he could be a viable option to improve their scoring return. Stradbally also need to tidy up their distribution. In the slippery conditions the Reds dropped far too much ball for their liking and they gave away possession cheaply at times.

Whichever team brings that element of surprise or fresh approach can take the spoils. Stradbally are the replay specialists and won’t make as many basic errors in possession again. They will also feel that they gained the upper hand at midfield and will again rely heavily on Michael Walsh. In other areas however, they have more ground to make up than their opponents from the first day out and if you look at the six starting forwards on both sides, The Nire carry a greater scoring threat. If they can play with same zip that they displayed in the opening twenty minutes of the drawn game and take a couple of pointers from their subsequent dip in performance, they can finally end their replay jinx against the Reds.

Stradbally v The Nire The Replay Records

2002: Stradbally 3-8 The Nire 2-11
Replay: Stradbally 0-12 The Nire 0-10

2004: Stradbally 1-5 The Nire 0-8
Replay: Stradbally 2-8 The Nire 1-4

2005: The Nire 0-6 Stradbally 0-6
Replay: Stradbally 1-8 The Nire 1-4

Waterford v Clare Munster club hurling rivalry 1992-2012

1992 semi final
Sixmilebridge 3-12 Ballygunner 0-5

1993 semi final
Sixmilebridge 2-9 Lismore 1-4

1995 semi final
Sixmilebridge 5-11 Ballygunner 2-10

1996 final
Wolfe Tones 4-9 Ballygunner 4-8

1997 semi final
Clarecastle 1-16 Ballygunner 0-16

1998 semi final
St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield 1-13 Mount Sion 0-7

1999 final
St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield 4-9 Ballygunner 3-8

2000 final
Sixmilebridge 2-17 Mount Sion 3-8

2001 quarter final
Ballygunner 2-19 St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield 2-13

2002 final
Mount Sion 0-12 Sixmilebridge 0-10

2004 semi final
Mount Sion 4-13 Kilmaley 0-9

2005 semi final
Ballygunner 3-13 Clarecastle 2-9

2007 semi final
Tulla 2-13 Ballyduff Upper 0-14

2009 semi final
Ballygunner 1-14 Cratloe 0-15

It never rains but it pours – Stradbally 2-2 The Nire 0-8

Any hopes of a scoring feast went out the window as soon as you stepped out the door on Sunday afternoon. Even though Maurice Condon blew up a tad early, these two teams deserve the chance to put their best foot forward in more favourable circumstances. It was reminiscent of twelve months ago when Ballinacourty and Stradbally produced eleven scores over the hour. We only witnessed twelve on Sunday.

So, a fifth drawn football final in eleven years brings us back to Fraher Field on Saturday evening but The Nire may be wondering if they missed the boat. Once again, they couldn’t shake off Stradbally after pinning them back in the early exchanges. It could have been lights out for the Reds after that first quarter when The Nire battered the road goal. They could only muster four points in that period of dominance and paid a heavy price when they were pegged back 22 minutes in. Shane Walsh and Brian Wall miscued straightforward frees in front of the posts, one ball went into the goalkeepers’ arms and they had struck four wides by half time. They hit their main men in Shane Walsh and Liam Lawlor and that tactic posed questions of the Stradbally defence. Jamie Barron was also very prominent in the opening half as he picked off a brace of points and linked up effectively with those around him. They couldn’t maintain that fluency and cohesion up front for the full sixty however and a two point lead did scant justice for their first half display.

Stradbally stayed afloat by the skin of their teeth. Michael Walsh dug his heels in and kept his head when all around him were losing theirs. Uncharacteristically Stradbally made a plethora of handling errors early on but the Brick always stayed cool in possession and also helped out in defence. The fact that they didn’t concede a goal also helped them regain a foothold. Oliver Costelloe was alert to the danger at all times and swept up decisively behind his full back line. He was also called into action to deny Shane Ryan and Darren Guiry. The Nire had scored a goal in every championship game before Sunday and registered fourteen in all but they could find no way past the 37 year old. Manager Pat Curran also mentioned after the match that they got some lucky breaks in the form of the two goals. The first major gave them a lifeline when The Nire threatened to pull away and the second handed them something to hold onto.

A deluge at half time ensured that the scoring rate would drop considerably for the second period. The Nire seized control again as a sublime Liam Lawlor point (his third of the afternoon) gave them a three point cushion. A second Stradbally goal put the cat amongst the pigeons however and suddenly the Ballymac men had to reel in their opponents. Surprisingly Liam Lawlor drifted out the field and started picking up possession around the middle. Stradbally didn’t push on after receiving the tonic of that goal despite the continued best efforts of Michael Walsh. The Nire dealt with the threat of the two Ahearnes and Niall Curran with James McGrath shining alongside the experienced duo of Justin Walsh and Maurice O’Gorman. The Reds also held firm at the back and their full back line in particular tightened up. They began to frustrate The Nire but eventually they found the space to kick the equaliser. Seamus Lawlor is no stranger to pushing on into advanced areas and after a patient build up he squared up the contest for the first time. Eight substitutes entered the fray but they made little impact and it’s hard to see changes in either starting fifteen for the next day. Both sides knocked on the door in the closing stages without ever creating a genuine opening for a winner.

Not a classic contest by any means but in the driving November wind and rain nobody had any right to expect one. Stradbally will feel they have more room for improvement. They sprang to life in patches but they simply cannot afford another stuttering start. Their handling let them down far too often especially in the first half. They will also expect a greater return from their forward line next weekend than the four scores put up last Sunday. The Nire delivered a more consistent display over the hour but they didn’t make the most of their purple patches. They know that they had Stradbally’s measure and that will inspire confidence but they must also realise that you must deliver the knock out blow to see off a team of that experience. Plenty to chew over for players, managers and spectators in the next couple of days before the bell sounds for round two.

County final stats
Wides
Stradbally: 8 The Nire: 8

45s
Stradbally: 0 The Nire: 1

Frees
Stradbally: 17 The Nire: 18

Yellow cards
Stradbally: 3 (T Grey, J Coffey, P Kiely) The Nire: 1 (Ml O’Gorman)

Subs used
Stradbally: 4 The Nire: 4

Scoring chances
Stradbally: 4/13 The Nire: 8/18

Guide To The County Football Final 2012

Stradbally v The Nire

3.00 at Fraher Field

Betting
Stradbally 4/5 Draw 6/1 The Nire 11/8

Probable Teams
Stradbally: Oliver Costelloe, Tony Grey, Kevin Coffey, Trevor Costelloe, Shane Lannon, Eddie Rockett, Andy Doyle, Michael Walsh, Paddy Kiely, John Hearne, Ger Power, John Coffey, Niall Curran, Robert Ahearne, Shane Ahearne.

The Nire: Tom Wall, Justin Walsh, Thomas O’Gorman, Maurice O’Gorman, John Moore, Martin Walsh, James McGrath, Michael O’Gorman, Brian Wall, Seamus Lawlor, Shane Walsh, Jamie Barron, Darren Guiry, Liam Lawlor, Jamie Barron.

Story To Date
In game one of championship 2012, Stradbally lost out to Clashmore and their group form in general didn’t point towards title winning form. As a couple of their bigger names returned to fitness they picked up the pieces and peaked for the semi final to turn the tables on Ballinacourty. On the other hand, The Nire blazed a trail through the group stages and won their five games with something to spare. They managed to keep their head above water when Kilrossanty threatened an upset in the quarter finals before regaining their composure and running up a big score in the last four.

Leading Scorers
Both of Sunday’s finalists have shared the scoring burden among a wide range of players up to this point. While Niall Curran leads the way for Stradbally on 3-12, David Grey is a close second with 1-14 and Robert Ahearne currently occupies third place on 3-5. Shane Walsh is The Nire’s top scorer on twenty four points but Shane Ryan, Jamie Barron, Liam Lawlor and Brian Wall are all lurking close behind.

Key Battles
Stradbally opted for route one into Robert and Shane Ahearne to unsettle the Ballinacourty defence in the semi final but it remains to be seen whether they will try that again. No matter what plan they come up with, a full back line of Justin Walsh, Maurice O’Gorman and Thomas O’Gorman will line up against them. If they can get past that defensive wall, they will have one hand on the Conway Cup. The Nire lean heavily on Liam Lawlor at the other end and they will pin their hopes that he can get his hands on enough ball to control matters. The Reds will mull over who will keep tabs on the full forward for the afternoon.

Under The Radar
A number of Stradbally players can fit into a wide variety of positions and deliver a high level of performance. For example, Shane Lannon can switch seamlessly between defence and attack without getting the recognition he deserves. A couple of The Nire’s front men are also going about their business in a quiet but effective manner. Shane Ryan and Jamie Barron will look for their first senior medals on Sunday and they have played a major part on the road to the final. Ryan has fired 4-8 while Barron is not far behind on 3-10.

Off The Bench
Pat Curran can turn to a blend of the young and the old if he needs to freshen things up. Stephen Curran, David Grey, Tommy Connors and Trevor Curran all received game time during the semi final. His opposite number JJ Moore can call upon a couple of attacking options to change the course of the game. Connie Power, Craig Guiry and Diarmuid Wall are among the players at his disposal.

Prediction
Can a zebra really change its stripes? Stradbally appear to be taking a more offensive approach than in previous years. Their scores for column is a lot healthier with 10-76 already compiled over seven games. David Grey emerged from the shadows in the group stages but since the start of the knockout rounds, Niall Curran and the two Ahearnes have been their most prolific scorers. Robert and Shane Ahearne not only offer an aerial outlet but the ability to drive at defences and fire points from distance. Even at the age of 34, Curran still retains his cuteness around the goals and an eye for a score. He hit 1-5 from play last time out and he usually performs well in county finals. They can still keep things tight at the back however and they have only conceded an average of nine points per game.

The Nire also seem to be adopting a positive attitude this season and utilising the kick pass to feed their forwards. This is evidenced by a return of 14-105 in their eight championship games to date. Shane Walsh and Liam Lawlor lead the way and offer the leadership up front but players like Jamie Barron and Shane Ryan have also become indispensible members of the attack. They can make hay if provided with a decent supply and in the semi final they piled on the scores at will. Looking through county final meetings between these two over the last decade, they don’t usually turn out to be see saw shootouts. Will this latest episode deviate from this pattern? Conditions may ultimately decide whether these two teams go for broke or batten down the hatches.

Both teams have a couple of creases to iron out. Ballinacourty sliced through the Stradbally rearguard during the first half of the semi final and only a combination of some desperate last ditch defending and poor finishing let them off the hook. Michael Walsh has also not been as prominent as they would like around midfield but he may be saving a big one for final day. The fitness of Shane Walsh will be closely monitored by The Nire as he sat out the Clashmore game with a hamstring injury. Kilrossanty also dominated the middle third during their quarter final duels and that may an area of concern.

The Nire appear to have recovered from this blip against the green and gold however and struck a notable haul of 3-13 to get over Clashmore. They have displayed remarkable consistency since the start of the championship back in April and go into the final unbeaten. The only question hanging over them is whether they can shake off the baggage of a miserable knockout record when faced by those red jerseys. They tend to struggle against Stradbally when the heat comes on. Their last knockout win came back in the 2006 final. They will need to answer some searching questions in a convincing manner on Sunday again to get past the post. The Nire may start with a bit more youth in their fifteen but they are still well equipped to deal with the physical element that will be present in this final. Their solid full back line and a forward line capable of stretching the Stradbally rearguard and pouncing for a goal or two can make the difference on this occasion for the Ballymacarbry outfit.