Waterford begin National Football League campaign with a win

Tom McGlinchey’s Waterford Senior Football side have made it five wins from five competitive games in 2015 as they followed last weeks McGrath Cup Final win over UCC at Fraher Field with a victory over Wicklow at the same venue in the opening round of games in this years National Football League.

Waterford knew going into last weekends McGrath Cup that they had to follow their semi final win over Cork up with win in the final, and going into this weekends game with Wicklow they knew it was important to follow that win up with another win at Fraher Field.

Five wins from five games means that confidence at this point is high within the camp. But the side knows that tougher games lie in store, and none more so than next weekends game with Offaly, which is Waterford’s first away game of the years.

Despite Wicklow coming into this game on a poor run of results, winning just one of their three O’Byrne Cup games, and needed two own goals to be scored for them in that game to get past the challenge of Carlow IT, Waterford always knew that they faced a tough battle against Wicklow.

At the break, just two points separated the sides, in Waterford’s favour, late in the second half the home side held a seven point advantage on the score board, but Wicklow finished the game the stronger of the sides, kicking three points in a row, but the goal they needed failed to come their way.

Playing with the wind in the first half, playing a direct style of game into Conor McGraynor who was playing on the edge of the Waterford square, the visitors started well with points from John McGrath and Thomas Kelly inside the first five minutes of the game to open up an advantage on the score board.

Waterford however soon settled and kicked the next three points through Liam Lawlor, Michael O’Halloran and Patrick Hurney to take the lead with eleven minutes played.

The first half proved to be an even affair and in a game where the sides were tied five times in the opening half it was no surprise to see Wicklow hit back with a score from Dean Odlum.

As the half progressed Waterford proved to be marginally the better of the two sides, retiring at the break with a 0-9 to 0-7 advantage on the score board with points from the Ballinacourty Club pair of Michael O’Halloran and Patrick Hurney, with Shane Ahearne and Gavin Nugent also hitting scores for the home side, while John McGrath landed three further points for the visitors with Dean Odlum kicking the final score of the first half in stoppage time for visitors.

Waterford were dealt a blow eight minutes from the break when Liam Lawlor retired with an injury and with big games coming up, in the coming weeks, Tom McGlinchey and his selectors will be hoping that the injury will not keep the Nire man out of the side.

After the restart Tadhg Ó hUallacháin stretched Waterford’s lead to three and that could well have gone to six soon afterwards but Rathgormack’s Michael Curry saw his effort hit the frame.

Waterford hit the next four points through Michael O’Halloran, Mark Ferncombe who had come on for Liam Lawlor in the first half, Shane Ahearne with his fourth on the evening from a free and Michael O’Halloran who has established himself in the team rounded off a good evenings work with his fourth of the evening to give Waterford a 0-14 to 0-7 lead with seven minutes to play.

Wicklow hit their first score of the second half five minutes from time when Conor McGraynor hit his first of the evening from a free and followed it up with another again from a free two minutes later to cut Waterford’s lead to five.

Dean Odlum hit his third of the game late in the game for Wicklow, but it proved to be but a mere consolation score for the visitors, as it was a goal that his side needed.

Wicklow in added time did put pressure on the Waterford defence, but they could not break down a resolute Waterford defence that held out for a 0-14 to 0-10 win.

Next up for Waterford is a tough away game against Offaly in Tullamore followed with a home game in Fraher Field against Carlow, while for Wicklow it is Leitrim at home next weekend in Aughrim followed by a game against Offaly again in Aughrim.

Waterford: Stephen Enright; Dean Crowley, Ray Ó Ceallaigh, Thomas O'Gorman; Tadhg Ó hUallacháin, Maurice O'Gorman, Conor Phelan; Shane Ahearne, Tommy Prendergast; Michael Curry, Michael O'Halloran, Patrick Hurney; Liam Lawlor, Joey Veale, Gavin Nugent. Subs: Mark Ferncombe for Liam Lawlor (27), Lorcan Ó Corraoin for Joey Veale (43), Paul Whyte for Gavin Nugent (50), Stephen Prendergast for Conor Phelan (58), Oran Keevers for Michael Curry (62), David Grey for Thomas O'Gorman (73).

Scorers: Michael O'Halloran, Shane Ahearne (4fs) 0-4 each, Patrick Hurney 0-2, Tadhg Ó hUallacháin, Mark Ferncombe, Liam Lawlor, Gavin Nugent 0-1 each.

Wicklow: Robert Lambert; Aaron Murphy, Paul Cunningham, Alan Byrne; Dean Healy, Stephen Kelly, Ross O'Brien; Paul McLoughlin, Anthony McLoughlin; Daniel Woods, John McGrath, Darren Hayden; Dean Odlum, Conor McGraynor, Tommy Kelly. Subs: Seanie Furlong for Tommy Kelly (H-T); Michael McLoughlin for Daniel Woods (43); Mark Kenny for John McGrath (48); Chris Murphy for Alan Byrne (52), Pat McWalter for Ross O'Brien (58).

Scorers: John McGrath 0-4 (3f), Dean Odlum 0-3, Conor McGraynor 0-2 (2f), Tommy Kelly 0-1.

Referee: Michael Collins (Cork)

Waterford begin league for second year in a row against All-Ireland Junior Champions.

Some will tell us that Spring starts this weekend. Others tell us that we have to wait another month. There will never be unanimous agreement as to who is right, so lets not worry about it.

One thing we can agree upon however about the weekend ahead, it is that the G.A.A. Calendar well and truly gets under way.

Already previewed elsewhere on this blog is Lismore’s All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Semi Final with Galway side Oranmore Maree. So to is the National Football League opener between McGrath Cup winners Waterford and Wicklow.

But these are not the only big games that are on this weekend involving sides from the county.

The Waterford Intermediate Ladies Football team are also in action.

With the past few weeks they have prepared quietly under for the league and championship later in the year under new Manager Pat Sullivan and his newly assembled management team.

They played in the Pre-Season Jim Kennedy Cup, where on Wednesday last at Fraher Field they lost a play off with University of Limerick to see who advances to this years final. Waterford may have lost that game 0-11 to 0-7, but the good news for Waterford is that they have a plate final to come, a competition they won last year. Who won the competition will not be remembered for too long after it, but the game will be vital for Waterford as it will help bring up the players match fitness levels for the remainder of the league and championship.

First up for Waterford in the league is a game against Wexford. When the sides met early in the 2014 league at Grantstown, Waterford ran out convincing 5-15 to 1-9 winners.

Heading into this weekends game, little if anything should be looked into that result.

Last year the Model County Ladies could not have wished for a worse start to the league, playing Tipperary, Waterford and Armagh in the first three rounds of games.

With all three playing at a higher standard in the championship it was no surprise that all three games were lost, and after playing the ‘big three’ Wexford began to put a run of results together which saw them going into their last game with Sligo knowing that if they won and other results were to go their way, they could have taken the last semi final spot available in the group.

Although Wexford put five goals past the Yates County Ladies, it was not enough as Sligo ran out 4-14 to 5-9 winners.

The run of results in the latter stages of the league continued into the championship and it was no real surprise to see the side end up in Croke Park at the end of September playing New York in an All-Ireland Final, winning the game 1-12 to 1-10.

From the game with Waterford for the All-Ireland Final, only ten players started both games, six of whom started in the same positions in both games.

Wexford will no doubt will want to build on that All-Ireland win. To win the Leinster Intermediate Championship is a possibility for them. To win the All-Ireland is a much tougher task. Wexford’s best way of showing progress might be to have a good run in the league. Waterford, Leitrim and Tipperary, three of the sides that contested the semi finals last year will be expected to reach that stage of the competition again this year. With Armagh having moved up a division as a result of winning last years competition, Wexford will feel as will a number of other sides, that they could well take a semi final spot and if achieve, in a knockout game, anything is possible.

They have the players to help them achieve just that. Chantelle Martin and Katie Redmond are players that know where the posts are. They hit four points each in last years All-Ireland Final. Maria Byrne is another player to keep an eye on. She hit a goal against New York last year.

Others that could well stand out for Wexford include Fiona Rochford, Marguerite Doyle, Marcia Cullen, Catriona McCabe, Roisin Murphy as well as Mary Rose Kelly between the uprights.

Waterford over the past few years have proven to be hugely consistent. Six Munster Intermediate Finals in a row show this. Outside the province while Silverware has not come the way of Waterford at this level, the side is consistent.

In recent years, two All-Ireland finals have been reached, two quarter finals have been reached as has a league final.

Success has also come Waterford’s way in underage levels in recent years and some of the players involved in these successes in the last few years are expected to a big part with Waterford in the year ahead, while others are expected to get some further experience coming on as subs as game progress, a bit like some of the younger members did last year in the league, some of whom when the championship came along were able to stake a place for themselves in the starting team.

New manager Pat Sullivan will no doubt bring with him to the team many of the players that he has worked with at underage level in the last few years, to work with the more experienced players in the set up who have served Waterford well over the past few years.

The experience of the likes of the Wall and McGrath sisters, Nora Dunphy, Hannah Landers, Elaine Power, Michelle Ryan and Margaret Revins is going to prove to be important. So too will the likes of Liz Devine one of a number of exciting young prospects within the county that were given a chance last year, while younger players like Mary Kate Morrissey, Maria Delahunty (returning after a number of years away), Emer Fennell Katie Hannon and Aoife Murray is going to prove to be crucial.

This year’s game between Waterford and Wexford will surely be much closer than last years encounter. Many of the Waterford panel will be anxious to impress the new management team now that the year gets underway in earnest.

The team no doubt will know the old saying that a good start is half the work. Winning games from early in the year only builds confidence for the year as the year goes on.

It may be a coincidence, but in the last two years Waterford have started the league against the Junior All-Ireland Champions from the previous year, both games were home games for Waterford.

Last year Waterford started with a huge win over Offaly at the Gold Coast Complex. A win for Waterford at Fraher Field this Sunday against Wexford, is surely what the doctor orders. Waterford has a nice blend of youth and experience in the panel this year. The experience of the side has to count for something you have to feel. It’s Waterford to win for me here. The winning margin will not matter.

Waterford look for good start against Wicklow

Waterford footballers over the past two weekends made all the head lines, first beating Cork in the semi finals of the McGrath Cup at Clashmore and then winning the cup for the first time since 1981 in beating UCC in the Final at Fraher Field.

While winning the pre-season competition is nice and all involved with the panel and management team have to be congratulated, all will be aware that who won the competition will soon be forgotten and that the real business is about to begin.

Waterford lets face it, are always going to find it tough to win the Munster Senior Football Championship. That does not mean that major silverware cannot be won.

The league each year should be Waterford’s main priority when it comes to senior football. Waterford’s aim has to be to get out of the bottom division of the league and if achieved over the following years it main priority should be to retain their place in division three for a year or three and then push for a place in the second division.

Some years back Waterford began to make progress under John Kiely. The team pushed hard for one of the available places in the league final, meaning promotion for the two sides to make it to Croke Park regardless of who took the silverware.

Waterford for a number of years were well in with a chance of promotion going into the penultimate round of games but one or two results in the last two rounds of games went against Waterford meaning no promotion was achieved.

Former Tipperary Footballer John Owens was brought in to manage the team after John Kiely’s time in charge of the team came to an end and under the guidance of the Tipperary man, promotion was achieved at the first time of asking. The league final against Limerick was lost in Croke Park, but it was an achievement to get there.

Playing in division three, Waterford played well and going into the final two rounds of games Waterford could either win promotion or get relegated depending on results. Unfortunately for Waterford, results did not go the way of the team and the team were relegated after just one year.

Since going back down to division four, results for Waterford have proven to be mixed lot. Results were got from games where little was expected, a draw with Tipperary last year in Clonmel and a win against Leitrim at Fraher Field last year spring to mind. But games where Waterford were expected to get something from went against Waterford, loosing to the likes of a London side that have grown stronger in recent years.

After a promising start to the year, Waterford now head into the league this year on a high and will look to start with two points against Wicklow at Fraher Field on Saturday evening.

Last year Wicklow finished in third place, behind Tipperary and Clare and will be looking to go a step further this year. (Wicklow finished one point behind both, who finished on eleven points each from fourteen).

When Waterford travelled to Aughrim last year they were on the wrong end of a 2-14 to 0-12 result.

Wicklow started brightest, racing into a four point lead through Glynn, McGraynor, Furlong and Hayden. Waterford rattled the upright with their first main attack after which Shane Ahern landed a free. A Paul Whyte effort reduced the gap to 2 but Pat McWalter tapped over for Wicklow soon afterwards.

Wicklow’s first goal chance came mid-way through the first half, when Paul Earls found himself in space, but rattled the crossbar with a rising shot. Waterford broke free and countered well as Tony Grey slotted over and added another shortly after.

Two white flags from Seanie Furlong, one from a placed ball, gave Wicklow a little space. Soon after, Wicklow were presented with a golden chance to put some solid distance between the teams when Conor McGraynor was dragged down by Grey and his side were awarded a penalty. It wasn’t to be however, as Glynn put the effort wide of the goal and Wicklow went in at the break with an 8 point to 4 lead.

On the restart, Hayden and Finn extended Wicklow’s lead but Waterford then launched into a phase where they started to chip away at the lead.  Shane Ahern with a free, J.J. Hutchinson and Liam Ó Lonáin brought the gap down and only for some heroics in the Wicklow back line the An Rinn man would have had a goal.

Seanie Furlong used his strength to break away and burst the net with a massive effort for Wicklow, widening the gap to 4. Two more scores from the dangerous Kevin Murphy gave Wicklow some real breathing space for the first time and when Furlong raised his second green flag of the day, the result was never going to be in doubt. Wicklow closed out the game to win.

Heading into this weekends game, Wicklow have played three games in the O’Byrne Cup winning just one of them, that coming the first weekend of the year when they beat Carlow IT on a 2-14 to 2-8 score line but they had a certain degree of luck on the day as the Students scored both of Wicklow’s goals, Conor Lawlor the misfortunate player to be the last player to touch the ball twice before it crossed the line.

In Wicklow’s remaining games the Students from DIT proved too strong in the second round of games in a round robin competition winning 3-10 to 1-12 and in their final game they again went under this time to Wexford on a 2-15 to 2-11 score line.

In their three games in the competition, Johnny McGee has used 30 players, with just two players starting all three games and in the three games used three different goal keepers.

Some familiar names are likely to be named in the Wicklow team to play Waterford including James Stafford, Darren Hayden, Brendan McGrea, Dean Healy, Dean Odlum, Pat McWalter and Robert Lambert.

In their games in the O’Byrne Cup John McGrath has proven to be effective in front of goal hitting 1-13 for his side and is expected to feature in Fraher Field as well, where he could well punish any indiscipline shown within kicking reach of the Waterford goal.

From the time he was appointed Tom McGlinchey has set his goal for 2015 as getting out of the bottom division of the National League.

If Waterford can get off to a good start against Wicklow then the points are there for the taking. To beat Wicklow will not be easy, but Waterford are on a fine run of form recently and playing at Fraher Field which often can be a sixteenth man for Waterford, two points from this game is a reality.

Lismore must overcome the challenge of Oranmore Maree to set up another Croke Final appearance

Eleven months ago, Lismore Camogie Club at the fourth time of asking created a little but of history when they won a first All-Ireland Intermediate Semi Final.

The side went on to beat Ballyhale Shamrocks in Clonmel over Saint Patrick’s Weekend but not before the sides could not be separated at Croke Park.

For a club the first time you do something is memorable. To repeat it would be even more memorable. But if Lismore are to retain the All-Ireland Title won at Clonmel, they will first have to overcome the challenge of Galway side Oranmore Maree in the semi finals this Sunday.

Many will be making Lismore favourite’s to retain the title won for the first time last March, but for that to happen they know that they face a stern test this weekend.

The Galway side was formed in 1977, fielding a minor and junior team in their first year. The club got off to a great start, winning the Minor Championship in their first year and retaining it in 1978 and 1979.

These successes spurred on the club and in 1980 and 1981 they won Junior County Finals.

Like many other clubs in recent year’s great time and effort has been put into what happens at underage level and this work is not beginning to pay off just as it did in the early years of the clubs history.

In recent years titles have been won under 10, 12, 14 and 16 titles. At Adult level, County, League and Connacht Junior B titles were won in the last decade. In 2013 the club won Junior ‘A’ County and Connacht Champions and last year having won promotion to the Intermediate grade, they won the Galway Championship and lost the Connacht final.

In the Galway Championship this year, they came through a group that included Ahascragh/Caltra, Eyrecourt, Turloghmore and Cappataggle.

In the County Quarter Final they proved too strong for Carnmore, winning 3-8 to 0-14. A brace of Niamh Hanniffy goals in the first half of that game helped her side to a 2-6 to 0-6 lead at the break. In the second half they were again main to work hard and needed a goal from Ailish O’Reilly, the sides regular free taker to win the game, her crucial score coming with ten minutes to go from a long range free which fell into the Carnmore net.

The semi final was a little clearer cut for Oranmore Maree as they had three clear goals to spare when beating Mountbellew Moylough 3-10 to 0-10 at Loughrea.

The winners lost the toss in this game and were told that they would have first use of the strong wind and they made full use of it, turning around with an eleven point advantage, thanks in no small part to scoring three first half goals, Niamh Hanniffy hitting a brace on 12 and 26 minutes while Ailish O’Reilly struck in between.

Mountbellew Moylough in the second half worked hard, but Eimear O’Donovan and Ailish O’Reilly worked extremely hard for Oranmore Maree to help them to what was a comfortable win.

Two attempts were needed to find a winner in the County Final.

On October 18, the game ended in a Oranmore 2-11 Eyrecourt 4-5 draw at Loughrea.

Oranmore Maree led for the whole game until the last minute as Eyrecourt grabbed the equalising score in the seventh minute of added time.

First half scores from Ailish O'Reilly (2-5) and points from Eimear O'Donovan and Aisling Finn gave Oranmore Maree a 10 point lead at the break (2-7 to 1-0).

Playing with a strong wind in the second half, Eyrecourt but were still 2-11 to 3-1 behind with 10 minutes remaining.

Almost seven minutes of added time at the end of the game and it was in this time that Eyrecourt 1-1 to force a replay

The replay a week later at the same venue proved to be an equally as close game, with Oranmore Maree running out 0-11 to 0-8 winners.

Right from the throw-in Oranmore Maree proved to be the slightly stronger of the two teams and took an early 3-point lead playing into a stiff breeze.

By half-time, Eyrecourt had clawed Oranmore Maree's lead back to just a single point 0-5 to 0-4 and in the second half continued to be the better side.

Oranmore Maree’s only game in the Connacht Championship was the final against Four Roads from Roscommon.

Heading into this game, the Galway side win or lose they were in the All-Ireland semi finals this weekend against Lismore as the Roscommon club were also involved in the Junior Championship and could not play at two levels in the All-Ireland series.

Played at their own grounds in Oranmore, the Galway side needed extra time to be played before the provincial title made its way to Roscommon.

Four Roads took the lead from a placed ball before Oranmore hit 1-3 before half-time. Ailish O'Reilly hit 1-1 and Emer O'Donovan hitting the other two scores to give them a 5-point lead at the break.

Four Roads hit an early goal in the second half to reduce the deficit to one point within 10 minutes of the restart. Another goal for the visiting side gave them a 2-2 to 1-3 with 5 minutes remaining.

A point from Ailish O'Reilly left the minimum between the sides and with the last action of the game, same player had to stand over a free and she made no mistake driving the ball between the posts to force the game into extra time.

No score was struck by either side in the first half of injury time but a third Four Roads goal put them 3 ahead in the second added period. Ailish O’ Reilly pointed from a free to cut the visiting sides lead and they had a chance to win the game late on when they won a 20 metre free but it was saved by the Four Roads wall on their goal line to help them to a 3-2 to 1-6 win.

Throughout the campaign for Oranmore Maree Ailish O’Reilly and Niamh Hanniffy have stood out for the Galway side and the Lismore backs will have to pay a lot of attention to them or they could punish the reigning champions. However they are not just depending on these two as Emer O’Donovan, Aisling Finn as well as joint captains Christina Brennan and Sorcha Hanniffy could also inflict damage on Lismore.

The past two year’s have been hectic for Lismore. In 2013, the side won the Denny Buckley Cup (Senior Camogie League), County Championship and Munster Championship. They began 2014 winning the All-Ireland Final after a replay. They reached the final of the League Cup but lost out to Saint Anne’s in the final at Lemybrien on a 2-8 to 1-10 score line.

The sides met in the County Final at Fraher Field and in what proved to be a very tight game won out 1-7 to 0-9.

In the Munster semi final they travelled to Borrisoleigh to play the home side and had to fight hard on the day to ensure that they won 2-12 to 2-9.

The Munster Final against a fancied Sarsfields side from Cork was played at Fermoy. On the day Lismore had first use of a strong wind and build up a good lead at the break.

In the second half the Cork side put it up to Lismore but they were not able to get through for the goal that they needed to get back into the game. A goal midway through the half from Ruth Geoghegan proved to be crucial in a game won by Lismore 2-7 to 0-5.

Lismore on any given day can be a match for anyone. Within their ranks they have a number of players that could be the difference between the sides.

Over the past number of months, Caithriona McGlone has hit many important scores. But if for what ever reason she is not hitting the big scores others including the likes of Aoife Hannon, Ruth Geoghegan, Shona Curran, Nicola Morrissey and Johanna Houlihan has hit bit scores while at the back, the likes of Sarah Coughlan, Shauna Prendergast, Marie Russell, Shauna Kiernan etc. have proved to be very effective.

There can be no disputing that over the past two years these two sides have really impressed and what ever side does advance they will be fancying their chances in next months Croke Park decider.

Both sides have a number of players that know where the posts are and if given the chance at Charleville on Sunday, they will again put up some big scores.

Usually the side that proves to be most effective in attack often wins. In this game it could well be the side that are strongest at the back that wins out.

Many in Waterford will know that in the past Lismore have been tested and stood up to the mark. The strength of the Oranmore Maree defence will not be known as much to those of us living in Waterford. Can they stand up to the threat the Lismore forwards can offer. If they can, they have a chance of progressing.

Experience has to count for something heading into this game you have to feel. Lismore players certainly experience and therefore get the nod to advance to next months All-Ireland Final from this game.  

Lismore Panel: Tanya Morrissey, Sarah Coughlan, Shauna Prendergast, Marie Russell, Aoife Houlihan, Shauna Kiernan, Sarah Fenton, Sharon Williams, Shona Curran ( Captain ), Nicola Morrissey, Grainne Kenneally, Aoife Hannon, Ruth Geoghegan, Caithriona McGlone, Aisling O’Brien, Johanna Houlihan, Niamh Molumphy, Sarah Geoghegan, Ellen Curran, Alice Russell, Laura Buckley, Kate Heneghan.

Oranmore Maree Panel: Aisling Harte, Christina Brennan (Captain), Eilis Hogan, Aoife Bannon, Aoife Harte, Ciara Hanniffy, Roisin Black, Ailish O'Reilly, Eimear O'Donovan, Tara Costello and Danielle Clear, Aoife Geraghty, Roisin McInerney, Fiona Whelan, Kelley Malone, Shannon Costello, Niamh Hanniffy, Lorraine Reynolds, Elaine Hanniffy, Aishling Finn, Sorcha Hanniffy (Captain), Sacra Mannion, Aisling Nolan, Jenny Joyce, Emily Gill, Avril Shaugnessy, Aoife Carr.

Brave Cappoquin bid fall’s short against O’Donovan Rossa

Cappoquin’s bid to become the first Waterford GAA Club to win an All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship came to an end on Sunday afternoon last when they went under to a strong O’Donovan Rossa side from Belfast at the semi final stages of the competition.

Heading into the game the Cornerstone Men even though they were fancied by many to win knew that they always were going to face a Titanic battle with the Belfast Club as they played Senior hurling in Antrim until relatively recently.

Cusack Park in Mullingar was also a ground that has not proven to be kind to Waterford Club sides in the past.

Mount Sion lost to Dunloy from Antrim in the past and just under twelve months ago Ballysaggart lost out to another side from Antrim – Creggan Kickhams in an All-Ireland Junior Club final replay at the ground.

The Corner-stone men could not have dreamt a worst start to the game than they actually had.

With just 11 seconds on the clock, O’Donovan Rossa were a goal up. A long ball from Michael Armstrong and was diverted by Michael Turley to Thomas Morgan who whipped past Donal O’Rourke in the Cappoquin goal.

Cappoquin would respond with a point from Andy Molumby but the Ulster side would tag on the next two score, a point from a Thomas Morgan free and then the same player played in by Deaglain Murphy netted his second major score of the game on eight minutes to give O’Donovan Rossa a 2-1 to 0-1 lead.

Shane O’Rourke pulled a point back for Cappoquin from a free but it was to be their last score of the half as wind assisted O’Donovan Rossa tagged on the next four scores through Stephen Shanahan, Thomas Morgan, both from placed balls as well as Colm McVeigh and Deaglain Murphy to give them a 2-5 to 0-2 lead at the break.

Things in fact could have been much worse for the Corner-Stone men at the break.

On 15 minutes, the Antrim Club side were awarded a penalty when Colm McVeigh was brought to the ground and facing a three man wall on the Cappoquin goal line Gerard Walsh saw his effort saved by Donal O’Rourke who put the ball out for a ’65 which Stephen Shanahan made no mistake from in splitting the Cappoquin posts. Had the competition been played along the experimental rule used in the early past of the year O’Rourke would have been standing on the line on his own and his job would have been much tougher. (On a personal point of view, I am hoping that delegates to the Annual Convention stick to three on the line when it comes to penalties in hurling).

Cappoquin’s task in the second half in the second half, even if the wind was going to be at their backs was made all the more difficult when Andy Molumby was ordered off by the Carlow referee after he issued him with a second yellow for a pull on Christopher McGuinness.

Although playing with a numerical disadvantage in the second half, Cappoquin began the half the better of the two sides.

Shane O’Rourke and Thomas Morgan traded early second half scores to keep nine between the sides, but points from Shane O’Rourke and Finnan Murray cut that lead to seven.

Stephen Shannon from a ’65 extended the Ulster sides lead before Aaron O’Sullivan having been introduced as a sub just before the break for Shane Coughlan hammered to the net on 45 minutes to leave his side trailing by five (2-7 to 1-5).

Cappoquin failed to get any closer to the Antrim and Ulster Champions in the time that remained.

Stephen Shannon and Paul Murray swapped points before Johnny McGuinness and Killian O’Sullivan did likewise. Cappoquin however were unlucky not to have been closer at this stage as a Shane O’Rourke 20 metre free was saved, but after the ball was worked out the field, Paul Murray did split the posts.

It was O’Donovan Rossa that finished the game the stronger of the two sides as they landed points from Michael Armstrong, Johnny McGuinness who impressed having come on for Colm McVeigh towards the end of the third quarter and Stephen Shannon.

Cappoquin to their credit continued to work hard but the scores that they needed to get them back into the game failed to come their way. They did hit a point with the last puck of the game from a Keith Landers free but it proved to be a mere consolation score.

For the winners, they now look forward to an All-Ireland final appearance against Kilburn Gaels from London at Croke Park next month while Cappoquin are back playing senior hurling for the first time since the mid 1990’s, and will be hoping for a favourable draw when the championship draws are made later this evening at a county board meeting.

O’DONOVAN ROSSA: C McDonnell; C Orchin, E O’Neill, K McDonnell; G Walsh, C McClelland, S Shannon; C McElhatton, D Murphy; C McVeigh, M Armstrong, C McGuiness; M Turley, T Morgan, A Orchin. Subs: C Rocks for McElhatton (38); J McGuinness for McVeigh (42); M Kettle for Turley (48); G Bell for K McDonnell (59); J Quinn for A Orchin (61).

Scorers: T Morgan 2-3 (2fs); S Shannon 0-4 (2 65s); J McGuinness 0-2; M Armstrong, D Murphy, C McVeigh 0-1 each.

CAPPOQUIN: D O’Rourke; K Looby, C Looby, T Looby; P Morrissey, C Murray, D Cahillane; S Murray, P Murray; S O’Rourke, K Landers, A Molumby; S Coughlan, F Murray, K O’Sullivan. Subs: A O’Sullivan for Coughlan (30); PJ Curran for K Looby (38).

Scorers: A O’Sullivan 1-0; S O’Rourke 0-3 (3fs); A Molumby, P Murray, F Murray, K O’Sullivan, K Landers (f) 0-1 each.

Referee: P O’Dwyer (Carlow).

Transfer deadline day 2015 has passed

Transfer deadline day when it comes to transfers in soccer has another seven days to go, but for those transferring within the GAA in Waterford, the deadline has passed and those agreed to by the transfer committee within the county board are set to be sanctioned this evening at a county board meeting.

As has become the norm in recent years, the greatest number of transfers come involving clubs in the east of the county.

In the East Waterford this year, it should be noted that Kill only play Football, Fenor only play hurling, Kilmacthomas only play football as do Newtown. Ballydurn, Ballyduff Lower and Butlerstown only play hurling. As is normal for many years now Rathgormack and John Mitchell’s only play Football and Clonea only play hurling.

With Naomh Pol deciding to not to field teams this year, thirteen players have decided to move clubs for 2015. 3 players have decided to move to Erin’s Own, 5 have moved to Saint Saviours, while Ferrybank, Portlaw, Roanmore, Dunhill and Mount Sion have all gained one player each from the Lisduggan club.

Two members of the Ballyduff Lower Club who are not fielding football teams in 2015 have decided to throw their lot in with Newtown. 12 members of the same club will be playing their football with Kilmacthomas, while 10 members of the Kilmacthomas club who are not fielding hurling teams in 2015 will be playing their hurling with Ballyduff Lower.

8 members of the Fenor Club have decided to throw their lot in with the Kill Footballers in the year ahead.

The Tramore Club have suffered a number of losses for the year ahead with players moving to Saint Saviours, Mount Sion, Butlerstown, Kill and Fenor.

The John Mitchell’s Club have had four players move to them which could well strengthen their challenge to get out of the Intermediate Football Championship at the end of the year.

With Butlerstown not fielding football teams in 2015, three club members will be playing their football with Newtown in the year ahead. 1 further player from Butlerstown will be moving from Butlerstown to Dunhill.

Bunmahon will have three new faces within their ranks in 2015, two from eastern clubs and one from the west.

Ballydurn (in hurling) and Newtown (in football) will have players moving to them from Kilrossanty and De La Salle.

Other transfers see players move from Fenor to Erin’s Own, Saint Saviours to Mount Sion, St. Molleran’s to Clonea, while the stand out transfer sees John Dee move from Portlaw to Mount Sion for the second time.

In the west, movement between clubs was not as widespread.

The biggest gain in the West sees former minor inter county player Kieran Power move from John Mitchell’s and Clonea to Dungarvan.

Old Parish who were beaten in last years Junior Football County Final after a replay against Kill sees four players move to the club for 2015, three of which move from An Rinn and one from Ardmore.

Melleray/Glen Rovers will have three new faces in the year ahead, as two players move from Cappoquin/Affane and one from Lismore.

Cappoquin who are playing senior hurling in 2015 sees one player move to them from neighbours Tourin.

Two juvenile transfers were granted to players in the east of the county involving players moving from Kill to De La Salle and Ferrybank to Mount Sion.

1 adult transfer from Tramore to Saint Saviours was turned down as was 1 juvenile transfer in the east from Butlerstown to Mount Sion. The latter was turned down as there was not a change of address, something that is required with a number of years in Waterford when it comes to juvenile transfers.

In the west two juvenile transfers were granted involving players moving from Abbeyside/Ballinacourty and Dungarvan to Naomh Brid, one of which will play adult hurling and football for Sliabh gCua/St Mary’s the other for Modeligo.

Four juvenile transfers were turned down in the east of the county involving players moving from Ballyduff Lower to Kilrossanty and Kilmacthomas to Stradbally because of a no change of address as is required.

Transfers in 2015.

Kevin Cheasty, Liam Flynn and Mathew Creed – Naomh Pól to Erin’s Own.

Pat Buckley, Wayne Shorthall, Pat Halpin, Stephen Butler, Stephen O Donohue – Naomh Pól to Saint Saviours.

Anthony Heffernan – Naomh Pól to Ferrybank

Joe O’Brien – Naomh Pól to Portlaw

Pat Foran – Naomh Pól to Roanmore

Anthony O’Brien – Naomh Pól to Dunhill

Anthony Fitzpatrick – Naomh Pól to Mount Sion

Raymond Ryan and Paul Kennedy – Ballyduff Lower to Newtown

John Carey, Craig Tyrell, Eoin Cummins, Cillian Harris, Coleman Power, Marcus Millea, Emmett Power, Darragh Larkin, Declan Cheasty, Bryan Power, Brian O’Leary and John O’Leary - Ballyduff Lower to Kilmacthomas

Martin Sutton, Adam Walsh, Evan Joy, Patrick Mulhearne, Caolan Kiersey, David Hugh, Moyles Walsh, Ryan Gallagher, Arron Walsh Davis, Sean Dee – Kilmacthomas to Ballyduff Lower  

Anthony Whelan, Walter O’Neill, David O’Brien, Sean O’Keeffe, Oisin Queally, Robert Tyrell as well as Peter and Donal Kelly – Fenor to Kill

David Hayes – Tramore to Saint Saviours

Sean Colfer, Damien Frisby Nicholas Cannell – Tramore to Mount Sion

Sean Hicks – Tramore to Butlerstown

David O’Connor – Tramore to John Mitchell’s

Oliver St. John, Eoin Farrell, William Cullinane, Eric Lonergan – Tramore to Kill

Oliver St. John, William Cullinane, Eric Lonergan – Tramore to Fenor

Cian Butler and Jason Browne – Rathgormack to John Mitchell’s

Jason Wall and Barry Frayne – De La Salle to John Mitchell’s

Pat Matthews, Richard Barron and Shane Kavanagh – Butlerstown to Newtown

Ryan Butler – Butlerstown to Dunhill

Stephen Power – John Mitchell’s to Bunmahon.

Ross Kiely – Newtown/Ballydurn to Bunmahon

Stephen Curran – Kilrossanty to Ballydurn

Ronan O’Sullivan – De La Salle to Newtown (football), Ballydurn (Hurling).

David Bennett – Fenor to Erin’s Own

Lee Douglas – Saint Saviours to Mount Sion

Thomas O’Connell – Saint Molleran’s to Clonea

John Dee – Portlaw to Mount Sion.

Paddy Kiely – Kilrossanty to Stradbally

Kevin Dineen – Stradbally to Bunmahon.

Colm Ryan – Kilgobinet to Abbeyside/Ballinacourty

Craig Dunne – Tourin to Cappoquin/Affane

Cathal Fitzgerald – Ballysaggart to Lismore

Ed Molumphy – Ballyduff Upper to Tourin

Nicholas Condon, Adam O’Riordan, Seamus Ó Lonáin – An Rinn to Old Parish

Richard Stillwill – Ardmore to Old Parish

Pat Whyte – Kilrossanty to Clonea

Ricky Power – Bunmahon to Stradbally

Sean and Martin Ormonde – Cappoquin/Affane to Melleray/Glen Rovers

Shane Hickey – Dungarvan to Colligan

Kieran Power – John Mitchell’s (Football) Clonea (Hurling) to Dungarvan

Sean Cunningham – Ballyduff Upper to Ballysaggart

Pat Carey – Sliabh gCua/St Mary’s to Ballysaggart

Mark Montayne – Lismore to Melleray/Glen Rovers

The following are expected to be allowed to assist other clubs in 2015.

Corey Kennedy, Cillian Kirwan and Michael Mooney (all Kill and assisting Fenor)

Danny Sutton, Shane Fanning, Dan Cusack, Jonathan Long, Alan Fitzsimmons, Michael Mears (all Ballyduff Lower to Kilmacthomas)

Dylan Reed, Ross O’Shea, Jake Power, Colm Dempsey, Kieran Cheasty, Cormac Dunphy, Luke Gahan O’Brien, John Kennedy, Calum Lyons, Ryan Murray Eoin O’Brien (all Kilmacthomas to Ballyduff Lower)

Michael Galvin, Donal Fitzgerald (Kilrossanty to Ballydurn)

Juvenile Transfers:

Gearoid Hallinan – Abbeyside/Ballinacourty to Sliabh gCua/St Mary’s

Darragh Reddy – Dungarvan to Modeligo

Evan Hayes – Kill to De La Salle

John Martin – Ferrybank to Mount Sion