Clear focus for two form teams - Abbeyside v Ballygunner Preview

1-21 to 4-6. A hat trick of Ballygunner goals in garbage time masked the scale of the devastation that Abbeyside inflicted. They routed their opponents in the air and outmuscled them on the ground. John Gorman anchored the defence and they only conceded five scores from play. Three and half months on, Ballygunner are unrecognisable but Abbeyside have also grown in stature. These two are hitting peak performance.

The removal of the safety net brought a sense of clarity for both. Abbeyside fell at the first two obstacles and Ballygunner lost two in three. After that, there was no room to veer off track. They stayed on the straight and narrow. Abbeyside won five on the bounce and the Gunners stitched together four victories.

Following from that statement of intent on June 9, the Villagers walloped Roanmore, rose from the ashes against Dungarvan and blew away Fourmilewater in the first half. They are growing in stature with each step. Having spent five years away from the semi finals, their touch and drive is restored. Ten of the 2008 team remain and they only fell two points short that year. They failed to push on and missed out on the knockout stages in 2010 and 2011. Erratic form and slackness in the basic skills (first touch and striking) counted against them in ferociously competitive groups. They are stacked with size and strength.  The towering Stephen Enright stays solid under a dropping ball and can pull off extraordinary saves. From numbers five to nine, they do the ground work. They generate an avalanche of chances (28 scoring opportunities against both Dungarvan and Fourmilewater). Up front, Gary and Patrick Hurney along with Mark Fives are hard to brush off the ball. This trio drive direct and hunt down goals. Fourteen so far. Again they are much neater than in previous seasons. Mark Gorman has stepped up as a reliable taker of placed balls. And that’s before we approach the subject of Patrick Hurney’s scoring streak. He took the team on his back in the make or break local derby and his quarter final brace put the knife into Fourmilewater. With 10-11 from play banked, can the Gunners hold him to something respectable?

After trumping De La Salle, Andy Moloney revealed that some harsh truths were spoken before facing into two must win group games in August. “The players came together five weeks ago and we weren’t happy with the first three games of the championship. We needed to lift it a bit.” The central figure to that turnaround resides at centre forward. Pauric Mahony loiters out from his designated position which allows him to either shoot from distance or measure the perfect pass. His relentless accuracy from frees has returned also. 15 points against the champions saw his 2013 total rise to 59. Every positive forward play inevitably flows through him so will Abbeyside let him roam freely like Dungarvan and De La Salle did to their cost?

In Stephen O’Keeffe, they possess a keeper that takes great care over every single possession. Derek McGrath emphasised his contribution to De La Salle’s downfall. He has kept three clean sheets and only conceded four times. The half back line of Shane Walsh, Wayne Hutchinson and Alan Kirwan also fronted up a fortnight ago. Moloney must hope for more output from his inside line. Only two points arrived from the front three in the quarter final. They cannot depend on Mahony to the same degree this time around.

The defensive strategy adopted to curb the two key men will be worth watching. Abbeyside can survive if Podge is silenced but can Ballygunner keep ticking over with Mahony’s influence reduced? They will hardly bully Ballygunner like they did during the summer and Moloney will seek to stretch them more than did on that Saturday and use their speedy strikers. Both bring momentum in here. Ballygunner have chopped down the champions but at the same Abbeyside have done very little wrong since taking the scalp of Sunday’s opponents.

Semi Final Stats

Abbeyside
County titles: 0
For: 14-97
Against: 9-74
Number of scorers: 15
Top scorer: Mark Gorman 0-43

Ballygunner
County titles: 12
For: 9-100
Against: 4-89
Number of scorers: 13
Top scorer: Pauric Mahony 0-59

Betting:
Ballygunner 1/2 Draw 9/1 Abbeyside 15/8

Prediction: Abbeyside

Old reliable or progressive novice? - Mount Sion v Passage Preview

The weight of tradition sides with Sion. Although without a final appearance in seven seasons, they carry 35 titles behind them into Sunday’s semi final. Passage wait to win just once.

Tradition counts but so does recent performance. Passage have only blinked once all year and that was in a dead rubber against Ballygunner. While Eoin Kelly remains their marquee man (6-33 in this year’s edition), they can turn to five other scoring forwards. Owen Connors, Killian Fitzgerald and Conor Carey contributed 1-7 between them in the quarter final. Connors is a consistent championship performer, Fitzgerald presents a shooting threat from long range and Carey offers an aerial option. They score plenty (11-89) but also concede plenty (8-89). John Whitty proved the match winner when the sides last met and he likes to pile forward whenever the opportunity opens up. He has registered 2-9 thus far. They bring an expansive style but also a dogged determination against Peter Queally. They came from nine points behind against Ballyduff Upper last time around when playing below their best.

Sion looked to be back in business after three straight wins. They have been struck by an injury crisis since. Ian Galgey, Peter Penkert and Martin O’Neill all out with season long injuries. Not that their absence has derailed their challenge one iota. They went about their business early against Tallow. In attack, they look to youth to supply the scores. Stephen Roche has been buzzing from the championship throw in against Ballygunner and the supremely gifted Austin Gleeson looks at ease in most departments. Roche leads the Sion scoring charts (1-31 to Gleeson's 0-26). They combined for 17 points against Tallow. The other sectors are rich in experience. Ian O’Regan is enjoying a renaissance year between the sticks (only four goals put past him), Tony Browne improves with each outing, Owen Whelan provides a sturdy appearance at six and Eoin McGrath darts around the middle and sprays low ball inside.

Sion know the lie of the land here. Passage experienced a chastening defeat to De La Salle on their semi final visit (2-21 to 2-5). They need to start far smarter than in the quarter final. Tiny fractions separate these sides as evidenced by their meeting in the group stages. Six in six games suggests a shortfall for Sion but Sean Ryan has a nose for goal (three in this year’s championship) and he can aid the efforts of Gleeson and Roche. One team does possess the spark of unpredictability at the edge of the square however. Passage don’t depend on him completely but if Eoin Kelly can recreate his heroics from the early rounds, a first final since 1997 is on the horizon.
 

Semi Final Stats

Mount Sion
County titles: 35
For: 6-105
Against: 4-80
Number of scorers: 17
Top scorer: Stephen Roche 1-31

Passage
County titles: 0
For: 11-89
Against: 8-87
Number of scorers: 12
Top scorer: Eoin Kelly 6-33

Betting:
Mount Sion 4/6 Draw 8/1 Passage 6/4

Prediction: Passage

A splash of colour - Waterford SFC Quarter Finals

At last, a football game to feast upon. The Nire and Kilrossanty energised this year’s championship with an action packed shootout that was settled in style by substitute Shane Walsh in injury time.

Two goals, 31 points, two contested points and 11 times level. Both sides approached the game in positive fashion and the outcome hung delightfully up in the air for the hour. Paul Whyte emerged with the outstanding individual performance as he raided 1-6 from midfield (1-4 in general play). In the absence of key figures from the start (Walsh, Jamie Barron and Shane Lawlor), The Nire’s collective determination pulled them out of a tight scrape. Nine different players chalked up a score and they didn’t buckle when Whyte stroked home a goal to put Kilrossanty two up with minutes to play.

The sides couldn’t be split at half time (eight points each) and both enjoyed periods of supremacy in an action packed second period. Darren Guiry’s thunderous blast on 36 minutes helped The Nire into a four point lead but John Kiely’s charges bounced off the ropes. Whyte and Joey Veale retaliated and the former slammed to the net with nine minutes remaining to send them two points clear (1-14 to 1-12). The Nire held their nerve and summoned Walsh from the bench with three minutes left to plot an escape route.

On a smouldering Saturday afternoon, An Rinn celebrated a slice of history. They defeated Clashmore (1-10 to 0-8) to reach the semi finals for the very first time. After losing three quarter finals in a row, they cut loose in the final furlong. Ten minutes from time, Liam Ó Lonáin burst through the Clashmore rearguard and whipped a scorching shot to the top corner. They were tied at eight points all (level seven times) at the close of the third quarter until that moment of magic from Ó Lonáin. Donie Breathnach also shot four points before leaving the field with a hamstring injury late on that leaves him doubtful for the semis. Clashmore’s cause wasn’t helped by Brian O’Halloran’s withdrawal just five minutes in through injury. They failed to score for the last 28 minutes of the contest.

Holders Stradbally sailed smoothly through the semis for the fifteenth year in succession. Robert and Shane Ahearne combined for 1-7 to beat Ballinameela by 1-13 to 1-3. Jim Curran netted a consolation penalty for the losing side. The only homework for Stephen Cunningham’s side is the 15 wides that they racked up.  Ballinacourty dodged a stubborn St Saviours challenge at Carraiganore (0-14 to 1-5) on Saturday night. An early Stephen Whelan strike sent shockwaves and the sides departed on an equal footing at the interval (0-5 to 1-2). Courty eventually wrestled control in the last quarter.

Gaultier preserved their senior status as they came from four points back to banish Brickey Rangers by 2-13 to 2-9 in a vibrant relegation play-off at Stradbally. JJ Hutchinson scored 2-5 and Wayne Hutchinson also made a key contribution from centre forward.

Semi Finals
To be played October 6
Ballinacourty v The Nire
An Rinn v Stradbally

Waterford SFC Team of the Quarter Finals

 

1. Oliver Costelloe (Stradbally)

2. Justin Walsh (The Nire)

3. Darach Breathnach (An Rinn)

4. Eddie Rockett (Stradbally)

5. Niall Walsh (Kilrossanty)

6. Thomas O’Gorman (The Nire)

7. John Moore (The Nire)

8. Paul Whyte (Kilrossanty)

9. Darren Foley (Clashmore)

10. Darren Guiry (The Nire)

11. Shane Ahearne (Stradbally)

12. Liam Ó Lonáin (An Rinn)

13. Joey Veale (Kilrossanty)

14. Robert Ahearne (Stradbally)

15. JJ Hutchinson (Gaultier)

Waiting for football fireworks – SFC Quarter Final Previews

Back to square one. When the flag was raised for the start of the 2013 championship, Stradbally were the team to catch with Ballinacourty and The Nire not far behind with a gap then to a clutch of three or four teams. After 30 group games, we are none the wiser about the destination of the Conway Cup. At the close of Saturday’s foursome, we could end up with same semi finalists as last year. The quality of football is set to step up a notch however with The Nire versus Kilrossanty the headline act on a Fraher Field treble helping. Time to sit up and start paying attention.

21 September

Stradbally v Ballinameela (3.00 at Fraher Field)

Three years ago, Ballinameela almost stunned Stradbally in a county semi final. A late, late Andy Doyle point snatched a draw after Eoghan Walsh’s goal had Ballinameela in dreamland. The Meela have dropped down to intermediate and bounced straight back up in the meantime. They chiselled out a creditable draw against An Rinn to sneak through in fourth spot. It was the tonic they needed following a 28 point battering from Ballinacourty. To compete in these shark infested waters, they must find a footing around the middle through Brian Phelan and Eamonn Walsh. They will also hope for a low scoring game to develop because 1-9 was the highest total they managed in the group stages. Sourcing scores is no such trouble for Stradbally; they smashed 8-74 in five matches. The Reds glided through Group 1 with only Clashmore causing them any sort of discomfort. The usual suspects still carry them forward and their appetite shows little sign of diminishing. It is encouraging for them to see the likes of David Grey staking strong claims. Stephen Cunningham’s side should arrive safely in the semi finals for the fifteenth consecutive year.
Betting: Stradbally 1/33 Draw 20/1 Ballinameela 8/1
Prediction: Stradbally

Clashmore v An Rinn (4.45 at Fraher Field)
Both of these sides have auditioned in knock out football before and are waiting for their big break. Clashmore reached last year’s semis. The absence of key forward threatened to derail that progress this term but they secured four wins from five. Brian O’Halloran is now back to boost an area of the field where John Prendergast flourished in the group stages. The front six tend to share the load with Tadhg Bourke, Paul O’Connor, Cillian O’Keeffe and the emerging Aidan Trihy also likely to be present. An Rinn are quarter final regulars. Three defeats in three years (to Ballinameela, The Nire and Ballinacourty) is a record they want to address however. Their most productive forward play flows through Donie Breathnach who can dazzle on his own or allow others to shine. In an open contest, Clashmore’s steadiness over sixty minutes can get them there by a wafer thin margin.
Betting: Clashmore 8/11 Draw 13/2 An Rinn 11/8
Prediction: Clashmore

The Nire v Kilrossanty (6.30 at Fraher Field)
These two produced the game of the championship in 2012 (1-17 for The Nire against 2-14 for Kilrossanty after extra time) and this renewal promises scores aplenty. The Ballymacarbry side must shake off the hurling disappointment and assess the casualty count before engaging in battle. They held something in reserve during the group stages and they will hope that Liam Lawlor can direct the forward unit in the same manner as last year’s championship. Seamus Lawlor is also delivering a big year in both games. Their backs are teak tough although slightly vulnerable to the high ball. Kilrossanty should welcome back Paul Whyte on the plus side but losing Stephen Prendergast is a significant minus. John Kiely will target at midfield as an area where they can win if Tommy Prendergast continues to produce all action displays. They will only be the kick of the leather in this one.
Betting: The Nire 4/11 Draw 7/1 Kilrossanty 11/4
Prediction: The Nire

Ballinacourty v St Saviours (7.00 at Carraiganore)
Instead of one code taking precedence over another, the winning habit seems to be transferable for Ballinacourty so far. Five wins from five in the football group stages and through to the hurling semis for the first time since 2008. With Mark Ferncombe in upbeat mood amongst a fresh looking outfit, Courty scored 11-76 and only conceded 1-38. Saviours are finally showing what they are capable of when they can field at full strength. They have relied on the relegation play-off to stave off intermediate for three years on the spin but they are now showing their true colours. Brian Power kicked them clear last time around against Ardmore and with a familiar venue in their favour they can make Courty sweat for their semi final spot.
Betting: Ballinacourty 1/25 Draw 20/1 St Saviours 8/1
Prediction: Ballinacourty

Coughlan cracker floors the champions on moderate weekend - Waterford SHC Quarter Finals

The champions crashed out on quarter finals weekend as the adventurous Barry Coughlan and the accurate Pauric Mahony took care of business. There were some notable casualties yet the four matches lacked the zip and intensity that you come to expect from knockout hurling.

That untidiness reared its head on Saturday evening. The firm surface didn't help matters but there was an edginess to how both sides approached this one. The Gunners opened slightly sharper. Mahony escaped the clutches of Kevin Moran and was instrumental as they took a three point lead on three seperate occasions in the first half. Salle stuck in there stubbornly however and a flurry of four unanswered points left matters level (eight points apiece) at half time. It remained tight and tense in the second period. Salle switched Kevin Moran into a more advanced role and that appeared to pay off when he put them a point clear with an inspirational effort. They spurned two chances to push on which Mahony to equalise for the seventh time from an injury time 65' (14 points each).

The Gunners won the first period of extra time by 1-4 to 0-0. Seven minutes in, Coughlan went on a maruading run from deep, looped the sliotar over Ian Flynn and then dispatched it to the bottom corner. A moment of magic from an unexpected source. Salle's chances went up in smoke when Jake Dillon saw his penalty stopped by Shane O'Sullivan. At the other end, Mahony pocketed fifteen points. Stephen O'Keeffe gave a polished display of distribution and defeated manager Derek McGrath singled out his influence afterwards. By the finish, the red hot favourites resembled the walking wounded. Kevin Moran, John Mullane and Jake Dillon all carried knocks in extra time. Eoin Madigan couldn't make it through the eighty minutes and Paudi Nevin wasn't deemed fit enough to start. A mixture of bad luck and bad timing for the three time champions but no one could deny the Gunners their place in the last four. They are finding their rhythm at peak season.

An authorative opening from Mount Sion saw Tallow's championship hopes dissolve. Sean Ryan added another goal to his growing collection after four minutes to help them on their way. They led by 1-6 to 0-0 with only thirteen on the watch. Thomas Ryan offered a brief sign of encouragement for the Bridesiders when his speed and vision teed up a goal for William Henley. They were cast adrift at half time however as Sion went seven clear playing into the breeze. Martin 'F' O'Neill supplied their second goal in a lifeless second period. Austin Gleeson starred with nine points followed closely by Stephen Roche with eight as ease across the line (2-22 to 1-7)

The inbetween game at Fraher Field offered a keen edge. The forward flair of Passage eventually won out against a battling Ballyduff Upper side shorn of Adrian Power and Stephen Molumphy. Ballyduff coasted nine points ahead in the first half through the efforts of a hard nosed defence and the lively minor pair of Cian Leamy and Michael Kearney. Owen Connors nabbed a goal just before the break however and a shaft of light came in for Passage. Momentum swayed towards Peter Queally's side as they hit eight points in a row with the wind. Kearney didn't lie down and accept defeat however as the Reds drapped themselves on terms with One of the bright lights in this year's championship shot eleven points but he finished on the losing side. Five unaswered Passage points through Liam Flynn, Conor Carey, Owen Connors, Killian Fitzgerald and John Whitty propelled them to the semis for the first time since 2010 (1-19 to 0-17).

Abbeyside continued their winning momentum by steamrolling Fourmilewater in surprising fashion (3-16 to 0-6). Seamus Lawlor hit two early points for Fourmile' but they never recovered from Patrick Hurney's strike in the twelfth minute. A sideline from David Collins then slipped in to leave them 13 points down at the interval (2-9 to 0-2). Hurney drove home another nail within 30 seconds of the resumption. His six game championship total rose to 10-11 after Sunday's return of 2-2. Mark Gorman gave an exhibition of free taking and contribution eleven white flags in all.

On Saturday afternoon, Roanmore retained their senior status for 2014 with a 3-15 to 3-9 triumph over An Rinn in Kill. The 2012 intermediate winners had a short stay in the top flight and mirrored a similar winless run in the 2009 edition.

Waterford SHC Team of the Quarter Finals

1. Stephen O'Keeffe (Ballygunner)

2. Mark Wyse (Passage)

3. John O'Leary (Mount Sion)

4. Barry Coughlan (Ballygunner)

5. Tony Browne (Mount Sion)

6. Wayne Hutchinson (Ballygunner)

7. Eoin Madigan (De La Salle)

8. Eoin McGrath (Mount Sion)

9. David Collins (Abbeyside)

10. Austin Gleeson (Mount Sion)

11. Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner)

12. Killian Fitzgerald (Passage)

13. Mark Gorman (Abbeyside)

14. Patrick Hurney (Abbeyside)

15. Michael Kearney (Ballyduff Upper)