Brilliant Beth Inspires Waterford To All-Ireland Quarter Finals For Third Year In A Row

 

Back to back wins in this year’s All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship means that Waterford will be involved in the knockout stages of the championship for the third year in a row after Fergal O’Brien’s side overcame the challenge of Westmeath today at Mullingar.

The draw made after today’s games for next Saturday’s All-Ireland Quarter Finals proved to be somewhat kind for Waterford as they will play group three winners Tipperary from the round robin section of the competition, the second time in three years that the two neighbouring sides have met at this stage of the competition and Waterford will go into this game confident that they can progress to an All-Ireland semi final against Cork or Kilkenny at the end of the month.

Waterford were full value for their 13 point win in this game and were on top for much of the game apart from a period in the third quarter when the home side enjoyed somewhat of a purple patch when they reduced Waterford’s half time seven point advantage on the score board to four.

Double All-Star winner Beth Carton had another massive game for the Déise County in this game finishing the game with a very impressive 1-14 behind her name on the score sheet while elsewhere on the field for Waterford Brianna O’Regan without doubt one of the best goalkeepers in the country within the game saved a second half Megan Dowdall penalty while in front of her the full back line of Sibheal Harney, Iona Heffernan and Claire Whyte had possibly their best game ever playing together (and they have had some good games over the past few years), Lorraine Bray and Kate Lynch also had big games while Orla Hickey and Shona Curran in the middle of the field worked hard. Such was the dominance of Waterford while defending they restricted their opponents to just two points from open play.

This was a difficult game for both sides to be at their very best over the course of the hour. County Derry referee Eamon Cassidy was in charge of this game and while he is regarded as one of the top referees within the game he is also known to be very whistle happy while officiating at games and it was no surprise therefore to see a huge amount of frees (I counted 25 in the first half and 19 in the second, including a penalty, and may have missed some).

Lorraine Bray who is once again having a very impressive year in the Waterford colours opened the scoring on three minutes with a delightful point. Three Beth Carton scores followed, two from frees before Pamela Greville opened the home sides account on 13 minutes with a free.

Three more Beth Carton scores all from placed balls followed for Fergal O’Brien’s side before Pamela Greville possibly in her last game at this stage for the home side hit her sides second score on 26 minutes.

Two further scores from the De La Salle Club player followed for Waterford before Megan Dowdall split the posts for the home side for their first score from open play, the last of the half two minutes from the break.

Annie Fitzgerald opened the second half scoring for Waterford inside sixty seconds of the restart, but the home side would soon enter it’s best patch of the game.

Pamela Greville cancelled out the Gailltir club players effort when she put over a free, and while Beth Carton would score next two points from Greville and one from Dowdall cut the Waterford lead to five and when Pamela Greville put over a difficult free on 45 minute there is bound to have been some questioning if the home side could pull off another major scalp this year. Confusion however surrounded this score as referee Eamon Cassidy clearly blew his whistle before the sliotar went between the uprights, possibly spotting an infringement within the square but then instructed the umpire at the Dunnes Stores end of the ground to wave his white flag.

However Waterford upped the tempo in the last quarter.

Fergal O’Brien’s side hit their first goal on 48 minutes when Abbey Flynn played Beth Carton into space and she fired past Fiona Keating putting Waterford 1-12 to 0-8 in front. The De La Salle player edged Waterford further in front before her Club mate put Waterford nine points up with ten minutes to play.

On 52 minutes a Beth Carton free fell short. As the ball dropped Fiona Keating fumbled but she managed to clear the danger before the advancing Niamh Rockett would get a touch.

Seconds later the home side were awarded a penalty. They can be no disputing that Megan Dowdall was fouled but it appeared to have happened just outside the box but her momentum took her inside it and she went to ground. Referee Eamon Cassidy indicated for a penalty. New rules in Camogie mean that such strikes are one on one just as in hurling, but Waterford’s Brianna O’Regan showed her class in brilliantly saving from the Clonkill Club player who struck from 21 metres.

Greville and Carton swapped scores from placed balls before Greville pointed again from a free on the hour mark, but Waterford were not finished yet and in added time Beth Carton shot over her shoulder from out near the sideline finding Niamh Rockett who despite the best efforts of Aoife Cully fired Waterford’s second goal of the game. Two more Beth Carton scores, one from play and one from a free ensured that Waterford would be in the hat for the quarter final draws.

Waterford: Brianna O’Regan, Sibheal Harney, Iona Heffernan, Claire Whyte; Lorraine Bray, Clodagh Carroll, Kate Lynch; Orla Hickey, Shona Curran; Niamh Rockett, Caoimhe McGrath, Jenny McCarthy; Beth Carton, Abby Flynn, Annie Fitzgerald.

Subs: Sarah Lacey for Jenny McCarthy, Aoife Landers for Caoimhe McGrath, Keeley Corbett Barry for Orla Hickey, Anne Corcoran for Annie Fitzgerald.

Scorers: Beth Carton 1-14 (0-10f), Niamh Rockett 1-0, Lorraine Bray, Annie Fitzgerald, Abby Flynn 0-1 each.

Westmeath: Fiona Keating; Emily McCabe, Meabh Scally, Aoife O’Mally; Laura Doherty, Fiona Leavy, Amy Cully; Sheila McGrath, Muireann Scally; Aoife Doherty, Ava Balfe, Caoimhe McRossan; Megan Dowdall, Pamela Greville, Denise McGrath.

Subs: Niamh Horan for Denise McGrath, Sarah King for Aoife Doherty, Caoimhe Scally for Ava Balfe, Róisín Scally for Emily McCabe, Aisling Eggerton for Amy Cully

Scorers: Pamela Greville 0-8 (8f), Megan Dowdall 0-2

Referee: Eamon Cassidy (Derry).

Waterford Moving In Right Direction Despite Defeat Against All-Ireland Champions

 

Three decades ago, the then Waterford Senior Football Manager and his assistant Bridget Grant were both putting together a football team that would light up the 90’s. In 1986 Waterford had won the All-Ireland Junior Football Final, beating Wexford in the decider, the first Ladies Football All-Ireland Final to be played at Croke Park and for a number of years that followed that win the pair began to bring in some brilliant young players to replace some of the older players that had helped Waterford create a piece of history at G.A.A. Headquarters.

At the time there was no Intermediate grade on the Ladies Football Inter County scene and when a county won the Junior championship you went straight to senior and all that was expected of you was that you retained your status for a few years as you found your way playing at a higher level.

For Waterford to make any major impact straight away would not be a big ask, it would be a massive ask as the championship was knockout at the time, played on a provincial level and at the time Kerry were the team to beat, winning a more than impressive nine Senior All-Ireland Finals between 1982 and 1990.

But with some brilliant young players coming through it was only going to be a matter of time before Michael Ryan’s side broke the dominance of Kerry in Munster and the question to be asked then would his side bring the Brendan Martin Cup to the Déise County.

Prior to Waterford winning the Munster Championship in 1991 and going on to beat Laois in the All-Ireland Final it was clear to see that the gap between the ladies from the Kingdom and the ladies from the Déise County was closing and once Waterford got on top the different sides put together by Michael Ryan were the top team in Munster and indeed all of Ireland for over a decade.

Thirty years on from Waterford’s big break through the standard of many counties is much higher. Dublin and Cork are the most successful sides in recent years on the Inter county level, but right behind them is a group of counties that very little separate, the likes of Kerry, Galway, Donegal, Mayo, Monaghan to name but a few and amongst them is Waterford.

The county have come a long way in recent years. Over a decade ago Waterford were relegated from Senior to Intermediate. At the same time Waterford began to drop down the divisions in the National League.

Waterford however were knocking at the door to get back up to where they wanted to be but Lady Luck was not always with the Waterford Ladies. Waterford in winning SEVEN Munster Intermediate Finals in a row lost out in the All-Ireland Finals of 2010 and 2012 against Donegal and Armagh before beating Kildare in 2015.

In the National League Waterford reached the final of Division Three 3 years in a row, losing the first two to Armagh and Sligo before beating Tipperary in a replay at Thurles in 2016. After a couple of seasons in Division two reaching the semi finals in 2018 beat Kerry in the 2019 final, Waterford were now where everyone wants to be, playing in the Senior Championship and playing in Division One of the National League.

Earlier this year because of the way things have happened the National League was suspended Waterford looked good to retain their status for the 2021 League with two games still to play.

The championship also had to be revised and got underway last weekend nearly two months later than the All-Ireland was originally scheduled for.

Waterford in the revised competition were drawn very much in a group of death containing All-Ireland Champions Dublin and Donegal, who met in the first series of games, a game that Dublin won by a small margin.

Today, Ciaran Curran and his panel and management team made the journey up the M9 and across the Carlow boundary to South Wicklow to the town of Baltinglass for a meeting with All-Ireland Champions Dublin.

Mick Bohan’s Dublin side had a fantastic start to this game as they went eight points to two up with only 19 minutes played, but credit must go to Ciaran Curran’s side who battled back and by the time that Wexford referee Barry Redmond blew his half time whistle just two points separated the sides on the scoreboard.

Waterford continued to mount the pressure on the Dublin defence in the second half and when Róisín Tobin netted mid way through the second half just one point separated the sides in favour of the side from the capital, but in the end Dublin’s greater experience on the big stage was the telling factor as they kicked three of the last four scores to win.

Dublin were quick out of the traps in this one. Sinead Ahearne and Caoimhe O’Connor pointed in the opening two minutes. Chloe Fennell hit Waterford’s first score on three minutes and when Sinead Ahearne from a free and Róisín Tobin swapped scores it started to show signs that this could be a game much closer than most anticipated.

Dublin however would enjoy a purple patch in the next ten minutes in which they would kick five points in a row.

Sarah McCaffrey put the ladies from the Capital two up, Carla Rowe extended the lead on twelve minutes and when Caoimhe O’Connor, Niamh McEvoy and Sinead Ahearne kicked scores in a seven minute spell it was starting to look as if it was going to be an extremely good day for the side in sky blue shirts.

Chloe Fennell who has taken over free taking duties for Waterford this year put over a brace of scores from frees and Aileen Wall hit one to leave just two between the sides with half an hour played. Carla Rowe put three between the sides when she pointed in the first added minute, but Stradbally’s Chloe Fennell who finished top scorer for the Déise County ended the half with her fourth of the game to leave just two between the sides at the interval.

The second half of this game when it came to scoring had the reigning All-Ireland Champions ever so slightly in front when it came to scoring until just before the end of the third quarter.

Wing back Orlagh Nolan opened the second half scoring mid way through the third quarter, but her score was cancelled out by another from Chloe Fennell. Carla Rowe and Lyndsey Davey followed up with points for the Sky Blues opening up a four point lead.

But Waterford would quickly respond with the only goal of the game. On 43 minutes Noelle Healy fouled Karen McGrath inside the Waterford half of the field. She took the free herself and sent a huge delivery into the Dublin half of the field which Aileen Wall raced onto. The Ballymacarbry player ran at the Dublin defence and spotted Róisín Tobin running inside her, laid off the ball and the Abbeyside player sent an unstoppable strike past Ciara Trant to leave just one between the sides.

Sinead Ahearne responded with a brace of points for Dublin within a minute of each other, but Chloe Fennell again split the Dublin uprights four minutes from time.

Dublin now had to call on all of their experience gained over the last decade in which time they contested seven All-Ireland Finals (winning four) to see them over the line and advance to this year’s semi final as group winners. Noelle McEvoy and substitute Lucy Collins hit scores at the Waterford end of the field before Chloe Fennell hit her seventh of the game.

Three points been a dangerous lead to hold in any game Dublin ensured that victory would be theirs deep in stoppage time when Sinead Ahearne put over her four free of the afternoon and sixth score overall to seal victory.

In the last few years since coming up from the Intermediate grade Waterford have made steady progress. We know for a fact that they are closing the gap that would have existed between them and the perceived stronger sides, the likes of Dublin and Cork.

We know that Waterford have some excellent young footballers coming up through the ranks and hopefully we will see them challenging for a place in the senior inter county side sooner rather than later.

It is fair to say that this Waterford side is not all very far from winning something big. As I have said the gap is closing. Can this present Waterford side be as good as the one which we saw three decades ago. There is no reason to suggest it can’t. Whether if this present Waterford side can win as much as the Waterford side put together by Michael Ryan in the 1990’s and early 00’s would be much more difficult to ask as the standard these days across the country is much higher. Back then Laois had a good side for a few years, Monaghan and Mayo also came along at different times with very good sides, but these days there is a lot more sides challenging for League, Provincial and All-Ireland Titles making it more difficult to win as much silver wear, but it certainly can be as good a team to watch going forward.

Ciaran Curran’s side have one game in the round robin section of the competition to play this coming weekend when they will take on Donegal in Mullingar at 1pm on Saturday.

Waterford: Rosie Landers; Megan Dunford, Rebecca Casey, Kelly Anne Hogan; Aisling Mullaney, Karen McGrath, Mairead Wall; Emma Murray, Liz Devine; Chloe Fennell, Katie Murray, Aoife Murray; Aileen Wall, Róisín Tobin, Lauren Mulcahy. 

Subs: Róisín Dunphy for Kelly Anne Hogan (9), Aoife Kennedy for Megan Dunford, Caragh McCarthy for Liz Devine (both 61).

Scorers: Chloe Fennell 0-7 (5f), Roisin Tobin 1-1, Katie Murray, Aileen Wall 0-1 each.

Dublin: Ciara Trant; Martha Byrne, Niamh Collins, Aoife Kane; Orlagh Nolan, Leah Caffrey, Lauren Magee; Jennifer Dunne, Lyndsey Davey; Noelle Healy, Sinead Aherne, Carla Rowe; Sarah McCaffrey, Niamh McEvoy, Caoimhe O’Connor.

Subs: Lucy Collins for Jennifer Dunne (38), Kate Sullivan for Sarah McCaffrey (45), Niamh Hetherton for Niamh McEvoy (58), Laura McGinley for Orlagh Nolan (61), Muireann Ni Scanaill for Lauren Magee (63).

Scorers: Sinead Aherne 0-6 (4f), Carla Rowe 0-3, Niamh McEvoy, Caoimhe O’Connor 0-2 each, Orlagh Nolan, Lyndsey Davey, Sarah McCaffrey, Lucy Collins 0-1 each. 

Referee: Barry Redmond (Wexford).

Brilliant Waterford Have One Step In All-Ireland Knockout Stages After Big Win Over Limerick

 

Regular readers of what appears on year will have read before me saying that Camogie in Waterford is on the rise. This is something no doubt I will say again many times in the coming years, and if you needed any proof of how much Camogie in Waterford has come on in recent years log onto the streaming of Waterford’s latest game in the All-Ireland Championship (today) where Fergal O’Brien’s charges beat Limerick with 12 points to spare.

I know Limerick may be missing some of the names that have served the county well in recent years, but even without them the Treaty County side still had a strong side out and came to Walsh Park today intent on getting the shock defeat to Westmeath last weekend out of their systems as quickly as possible and were that a good performance here and a win would set them up for their final round robin game with Kilkenny where score difference could well have decided which one of three teams would join the Queens (female cats) in the knockout stages of this year’s championship.

Having seen this game and reported on a number of other games which Waterford have played in recent years one question which I for one am not able to answer come to mind. How is it that Waterford Captain Niamh Rockett does not have an All-Star in her impressive collection of honours won over the past decade and a little longer?

The Saint Anne’s Club player in this game was once again brilliant. She was hugely impressive in this game but the same could well be said of her in many of the games that she has played in recent years. Is it because maybe Waterford in recent years has not had many games shown be it on the television or live streamed? Hopefully with a large amount of games to be shown one way or another this year the Saint Anne’s Club player will catch the eye of those selecting the overall best team of the year and include her in it this year.

The overall performance of the Waterford team in this game cannot be criticised. From Brianna O’Regan in goal to Annie Fitzgerald in the number 15 shirt none of the players that started this game could be criticised and to do so would be wrong, and we saw that when players are sprung from the stand and sent on to show that what they can do there is plenty of options available to the management team of Fergal O’Brien, Dan Shanahan and Pauline Cunningham and it’s fair to say that some of those that came on today will be thinking, certainly will be hoping that they done enough to be included from the start in Waterford’s next game away to Westmeath in two weeks time.

After a very close opening quarter of this game after the water break in the first half of this game whatever Fergal O’Brien, Dan Shanahan and Pauline Cunningham said to their charges in the two minute break worked and for the remainder of the game they were by far the better of the two sides.

The industrious Caoimhe Costello opened the scoring for the visitors on four minutes, but Waterford soon set out their stall hitting three points in a row, two from Beth Carton, the second from a free and one by Sarah Lacey after some good work by the impressive Kate Lynch to open up a 0-3 to 0-1 lead with 12 minutes played.

Limerick however would respond with points from Niamh Ryan and Caoimhe Costello in a three minute spell before the midway point of the opening half as the sides when to the water break locked at three points each.

Playing with a strong wind at their backs into the city end of the ground Waterford hit 1-6 in the next 17 minutes with Limericks sole response in this time coming with the last puck of the half.

Abbey Flynn following some good work from Kate Lynch edged Waterford in front on 20 minutes and seconds later Waterford hit the first of their goals.

Beth Carton and Niamh Rockett would cause problems for any side but when the two combine you are sure that double the trouble will ensure. When the De La Salle player picked out her team captain the Saint Anne’s player despite taking a heavy knock as she put a shot in at goal was strong enough to remain standing and fired past Laura O’Neill to give Waterford a four point lead.

At the other end Briana O’Regan was alert to save from Mary O’Callaghan and when the ball came back out to Orlaith Kelleher she batted wide of Brianna O’Regan’s right hand post.

Down the other end Shona Curran and Abbey Flynn split the posts and when Niamh Rockett and Beth Carton followed up with further scores it put Waterford in a good position going into the second half, even if Caoimhe Costello split the posts from a free with the last puck of the half.

Leading 1-9 to 0-4 at the break, Waterford began the second half with a Beth Carton crashing the sliotar of the posts. The game had to wait till the 40 minute for the first score of the second half when Caoimhe Costello pointed from play. The same player followed up with another score three minutes later, but Waterford would quickly cancel these scores out with efforts from Abbey Flynn and Annie Fitzgerald as they went to their second half water break leading 1-11 to 0-6.

Player of the Match Niamh Rockett and Beth Carton extended Waterford’s lead with ten minutes of the game still to play. Caoimhe Costello pointed again for the visitors but her score was cancelled out with another by Beth Carton from a free which gave Fergal O’Brien’s side a 1-14 to 0-7 lead.

Waterford however despite having this game won were not going to ease up as score difference could yet decide who goes forward from this group to the knockout stages of the competition.

Two minutes from time referee Liz Dempsey threw the ball in between two players outside the Limerick 20 metre line. Beth Carton with incredible skill won the clash, got the ball under control picked out Niamh Rockett for the second time with an inch perfect pass and the Saint Anne’s player rocketed a ball across the Limerick goal high into the top corner of the net at the Dressing rooms side of the ground to give Waterford an impressive 2-15 to 0-8 lead.

On the hour mark Beth Carton again split the posts from a free to extend Waterford’s lead. Limerick were now playing for pride and they went down the other end. A long ball in from the middle of the field was touched on by Caoimhe Costello who used her hand to get a touch on the ball to beat Brianna O’Regan. The De La Salle player however was quick to remember that under new rules a player is not allowed to score using their hand even if the umpire was adamant that a goal should stand, but referee Liz Dempsey went in to the umpires and deemed that if a player used their hand or any part of it to score it was not to be awarded.

Costello did manage to get a late consolation score for the visitors when she got her eight point of the game.

Waterford: Brianna O’Regan; Sibheal Harney, Iona Heffernan, Claire Whyte; Lorraine Bray, Clodagh Carroll, Kate Lynch, Orla Hickey, Shona Curran; Niamh Rockett, Sarah Lacey, Jenny McCarthy; Annie Fitzgerald, Beth Carton, Abbey Flynn.

Subs: Caoimhe McGrath for Jenny McCarthy (27), Aoife Landers for Niamh Rockett (B.S. 35-37), Aoife Landers for Sarah Lacey (42), Fiona Morrissey for Annie Fitzgerald (52), Shauna Fitzgerald for Shona Curran (56), Ciara O’Sullivan for Orla Hickey (60).

Scorers: Niamh Rockett 2-2, Beth Carton 0-7 (5f), Abbey Flynn 0-3, Sarah Lacey, Shona Curran, Annie Fitzgerald 0-1 each.

Limerick: Laura O’Neill; Noirin Lenihan, Muireann Creamer, Marian Quaid; Judith Mulcahy, Sinead McNamara, Neamh Curtin; Mairead Ryan, Dearbhla Egan; Sophie O’Callaghan, Mary O’Callaghan, Orlaith Kelleher; Caoimhe Costello, Caoimhe Lyons, Niamh Ryan.

Subs: Caroline Brenner for Mary O’Callaghan (H.T.), Katie Finn for Dearbhla Egan (37), Lorraine McCarthy for Orlaith Kelleher (53), Karen Mullane for Noirin Lenihan (63).

Scorers: Caoimhe Costello 0-8 (5f) Niamh Ryan 0-1.

Referee: Liz Dempsey (Kilkenny).

Defeat For Waterford In Last On-Off-On National League Game

 

It was on, then it was off and then it was back on again. Waterford’s last game in this year’s National Football League finished in a seven point lost at the Geraldines G.A.A. Grounds in Dundalk today as Antrim ran out 2-14 to 0-13 winners.

Waterford will genuinely have welcomed Antrim’s gesture of playing this game south of the border as it will have given Benji Whelan and his charges the opportunity to play in a competitive game ahead of next weekend’s Munster championship game against Limerick at Fraher Field.

Had this game not gone ahead, Waterford may well have got the chance of playing a challenge game tomorrow (Sunday) or even on Bank Holiday Monday to get any rustiness out of their system ahead of next Saturday’s big game with Limerick, but while the side will be disappointed with the final outcome in this game, they will not need any telling that there is nothing to beat a competitive game, even if for Waterford going into this game there was nothing to play for in terms of promotion.

Waterford were first to score in this game through Stephen Curry in the fourth minute, but Antrim proved to be slightly the better of the two sides in what was an even enough 35 minutes of football.

Points from Patrick McBride and Patrick Cunningham followed for Antrim before Odhrán Eastwood palmed to the net from a James McAuley effort that came crashing off the crossbar.

Cunningham pointed again for the Glensmen before Tony Grey and Conor Murray pointed for Waterford by the twelfth minute leaving Eastwood’s goal separating the sides.

Eastwood pointed on 22 minutes for Antrim after which Patrick Cunningham followed up with a brace of scores opening up a six point lead for Antrim by the 28 minutes. Waterford however would hit the next three scores from Michael and Stephen Curry hitting one each followed by Tony Grey’s second of the game on 33 minutes.

Dermot McAleese and Patrick Cunningham pointed for Antrim but just before the break Fergal Ó Cuirrín split the posts as Waterford trailed 1-8 to 0-7 at the break.

Waterford began the second half brightly as Jack Mullaney, Conor Murray and Jason Curry hit scores to leave just one between the sides with 13 minutes of the second half played.

Jason Curry pointed again moments later but points from Mick and Tomás McCann either side of the Rathgormack’s score kept Antrim in front.

The old adage that goals win games is often true and in this game it certainly proved true. Antrim hit the second of their goals on 55 minutes through centre back James McAuley, a score that killed off Waterford’s chances of recording a win ahead of this weekend’s Munster Championship game.

Mick McCann and Jack Mullaney swapped scores before Tony Grey and Patrick McBride did likewise. Antrim finished the slightly stronger of the two sides as Mick and Tomás McCann hit late scores.

ANTRIM: Oisin Kerr; Patrick Gallagher, Declan Lynch, Kevin O’Boyle; Dermot McAleese, James  McAuley, Niall Delargy; Colum Duffin, Marc Jordan; Kevin Quinn, Paddy Healy, Mark Sweeney; Patrick Cunningham, Odhrán Eastwood, Patrick McBride.

Subs: Mick McCann for Marc Jordan (29), Tomás McCann for Patrick Cunningham (50), Ruairi McCann for Mark Sweeney (54), Ryan Murray for Colum Duffin (65).

Scorers: Patrick Cunningham 0-5 (2f), Odhrán Eastwood 1-1, James McAuley 1-0, Tomas McCann 0-3 (2f), Patrick McBride, Mick McCann 0-2 each, Dermot McAleese 0-1.

WATERFORD: Aaron Beresford; Sean O’Donovan, Brian Looby, Aaron Jones; Robbie Flynn, Michael Curry, Tony Grey; Shane Ahearne, Jason Curry; Conor Murray, Darragh Corcoran, Brian Lynch; Fergal Ó Cuirrín, David Hallinan, Stephen Curry.

Subs: Dylan Guiry for David Hallinan (ht), Jack Mullaney for Shane Ahearne (ht), William Hahessy for Aaron Jones (ht), Dermot Ryan for R Flynn (55).

Scorers: Stephen Curry 0-4, Tony Grey 0-3, Conor Murray, Jack Mullaney 0-2 each, Michael Curry, Fergal Ó Cuirrín 0-1 each.

Referee: Paul Faloon (Down)

Kilkenny Edge Out Waterford In Championship Opener

 

Fielding eight of the starting team that lost out to Galway in last year’s All-Ireland Senior Final, Kilkenny got this year’s All-Ireland Camogie Championship off to a winning start at Walsh Park on Saturday afternoon last running out seven point winners over a spirited Waterford side.

The final result of this game does not give a true account of the difference there is between the two sides, as Waterford did create many chances, but Kilkenny who played with a two in the full forward line were able to close down the Waterford attacks which were created with the extra player that they had brought back the field.

Waterford will not be happy with the fact that they went nearly half an hour without scoring in this game between the time that Kate Lynch put over a huge score on 23 minutes into the first half and when Beth Carton put over a free seven minutes from the hour mark.

I saw nearly thirty minutes as referee Andy Larkin must have forgotten to stop his watch during the water break which lasted almost two minutes and did not appear to play the full thirty minutes, but may have corrected this in the second half when he found time to add almost seven minutes at the end of the hour for stoppages in the second half.

It was the visitors that opened the scoring in this game with a point just outside the D at the city end of the Walsh Park ground from the experienced Ann Dalton.

Lorraine Bray a winner of an All-Star last year pulled a point back for Waterford on six minutes but it was quickly cancelled out with a effort from player of the match Denise Gaule almost straight away.

The same player edged the visitors even further in front on seven minutes but Beth Carton would pull one back firing over a free on eight minutes.

When Kilkenny won a 20 metre free on 11 minutes Denise Gaule went for goal but her effort was smothered on the line and cleared to safety but Kilkenny had not long to wait before they opened a double score advantage as Mary O’Connell slotted over on 13 minutes.

Waterford however would end the quarter and head for the water break all square as Beth Carton put over two frees inside a minute of each other.

Waterford hit the first two scores of the second quarter. Annie Fitzgerald pointed on 21 minutes after she was picked out by Beth Carton and two minutes later Kate Lynch sent in a monster effort from out the field which needed Kilkenny goalkeeper Aoife Norris to touch over as the sliotar came in dangerously around the height of the crossbar.

Waterford however would not score for almost thirty minutes again. But at the other end Kilkenny began to mount huge amount of pressure on the Waterford backs. Ann Dalton and Denise Gaule from a free landed scores for Kilkenny before the break to send the sides to their respective half time huddles tied at six points each.

Kilkenny began the second half brightly. Denise Gaule put over two early frees to edge her side in front. Another of Kilkenny’s most experience players Ann Dalton pointed on 34 minutes before Denise Gaule got her third of the half on 39 minutes from a free, opening up a 0-10 to 0-6 lead playing with the wind at their backs. Katie Nolan would also get her name on the score sheet at the end of the third quarter to give her side a five point advantage at the second half water break.

Miriam Walsh pointed for Kilkenny on 50 minutes before her cousin Grace, a sister of All-Ireland hurling winners Tommy and Padraig got her name on the score sheet a minute later putting her side seven points in front.

Beth Carton hit Waterford’s first score of the second half on 53 minutes from a free and followed up with a similar score three minutes later, but at this stage with the clock ticking down it was goals that Waterford needed if they were to get something from this game. To the credit of the Waterford side they were trying for goals, leaving Beth Carton to linger around the goal if the ball made its way to her.

Denise Gaule at the other end got her seventh score of the afternoon when she pointed on 59 minutes and six minutes later substitute Danielle Morrissey closed the afternoon’s scoring.

Next up for Waterford is another home game against Limerick, one Waterford will have to win if they are to stand a chance of reaching the knockout stages of the competition, while Kilkenny have a game at home to Kilkenny, a game you would expect them to win with considerable ease.

Waterford: Brianna O'Regan; Sibheal Harney, Iona Heffernan, Claire Whyte; Katie Lynch, Clodagh Carroll, Lorraine Bray; Orla Hickey, Shona Curran; Beth Carton, Niamh Rockett, Jenny McCarthy; Sarah Lacey, Abby Flynn, Annie Fitzgerald.

Subs: Shauna Fitzgerald for Sarah Lacey (41), Aoife Landers for Jenny McCarthy (52), Keeley Corbett Barry for Orla Hickey (55), Anne Corcoran for Annie Fitzgerald (59).

Scorers: Beth Carton 0-5 (5f), Lorraine Bray, Kate Lynch Annie Fitzgerald 0-1 each,

Kilkenny: Aoife Norris; Davina Tobin, Collette Dormer, Grace Walsh; Meghan Farrell, Claire Phelan, Niamh Deely; Anna Farrell, Mary O'Connell; Laura Murphy, Lydia Fitzpatrick, Anne Dalton; Miriam Walsh, Denise Gaule, Katie Nolan.

Subs: Danielle Morrissey 0-1 for Mary O'Connell (h-t), Stephanie Fitzgerald for Katie Nolan (47), Edel Coonan for Laura Murphy (52), Aoife Doyle for Stephanie Fitzpatrick (60).

Scorers: Denise Gaule 0-7 (5f), Ann Dalton 0-3 Grace Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Miriam Walsh, Katie Nolan, Danielle Morrissey 0-1 each.

Referee: Andy Larkin (Cork)

Leagues and Championships should be scrapped – An Appeal To G.A.A. Chiefs

Baile na Golcaí

Beal na Molt

Co. Port Lairge

  16 Deireadh Fómhair 2020  

A Chara

As a G.A.A. supporter all my life, I would appeal to G.A.A. Chiefs to cancel the remaining fixtures in this year’s National Football League and at the same time declare that this year’s championships at all levels will not go ahead as planned in the coming weeks.

I fully accept that the G.A.A. at present will make every effort that no stone remains unturned when it comes to the Covid Virus and the staging of games, but for me my biggest fear is not what happens inside the stadiums where games are to be played, but elsewhere within the country.

I know that the G.A.A. will claim that what happens outside of the venues which it has an interest in is not of a concern to them, but I doubt very much that G.A.A. Chiefs at Croke Park and Provincial Levels, at County Board Level, players and those over the different teams want to hear reports on a Monday or Tuesday after a game takes place that the numbers testing positive for the virus are on the up.

While no supporters will be attending games this year and to the best of my knowledge as a non drinker and someone that does not frequent pubs, most if not all are closed, meaning that supporters this year will be watching games from the comfort of their own living rooms.

Here to me will be the problem. While all with a television will have RTE to watch the games that they will be showing, not everyone will have Sky Sports or the means to watch even the basic Sky packages, which means that we will have people making their ways to the homes of friends and neighbours who have a sky package to see the games. I have a feeling that this will happen even with the games that are on TV. People that might normally watch the games on a Sunday afternoon in their local pub will gather and watch games as they would normally, maybe having some drinks together in the house.

When this happens will we have Paddy or Johnny who attended Mickey’s house on Sunday afternoon to see a game test positive for the virus and maybe others that were also present also testing positive admit that they watched the game at Mickey’s house and name those that who else might be watching the games on television that day? I doubt that many will admit freely that they visited someone in their house, something we are asked not to do from midnight last night, and I doubt that others will admit they left others into their house. There are so many people who all along are in denial of the numbers visiting them, so I hate to admit they will admit it now when people are not supposed to be visiting.

The G.A.A. should this weekend do the right thing and suspend all competitions that are due to take place in the coming weeks. I know that there are so many people, be they be supporters, players, coaches, officers, referee’s etc who are looking forward to eventually seeing action in the coming weeks, but do we want to see it happen at a cost.

Does anyone in the G.A.A. want to hear that maybe someone well known in a particular community or on a more wider seen had contracted the Covid-19 virus and is seriously sick in hospital or worst still have lost their life after contracting the virus after they attended someone’s house to see a game or had someone in their house to see a game. As I said, the G.A.A. will and rightly so claim that they have no control of where people will watch games and with whom they watch them, but why take the chance of seeing the virus spread.

Is mise

Tomás Ó Catháin

 

Gailltir, Lismore and Ferrybank Are County Champions

The WIT Arena at Carriganore was a hive of activity on Saturday morning last with the staging of this year’s County under 12 Camogie Finals, with the standard of play across all three finals of the highest level, a testimony to the work done within all six clubs involved in the finals.

 

Ferrybank 1-2 Dungarvan 0-2

The division three final between these two sides was a hugely entertaining one where the outcome could have gone either way.

This is Ferrybank’s only underage team this year and hopefully this win will give the game a massive boost in the area and that for next year’s championship it will see extra girls get involved in the club.

Dungarvan turned around at the break in this game with a 1-0 to 0-2 advantage showing on the score board. Sophiat Adehenan opened the scoring for the city side but Dungarvan’s Holly Sheehan followed up with a goal for her side.

Cliodhna McGarrity however brought the game back to a one point game just before half time when she put over a free.

Scores were hard won in the second half with both sets of backs well on top. The only score of the second half however proved to be a crucial one as Shayla Alyward caught the Dungarvan goalkeeper Aoife Healy off guard.

For Dungarvan Aoife Healy, Hollie Ryan-Power and Natasha Maher were very impressive while Lilly Magee, Lucy Jolly and Sophiat Adehenam all excelled for Ferrybank.

 

Lismore 0-5 Abbeyside 0-4

There was a lot of confusion at the end of this game as practically all watching the game were of the opinion that the game had ended in a draw, but it quickly came to light that Lismore had won the game by a single score.

Abbeyside held an 0-3 to 0-1 lead at the break. Gemma Corcoran gave Lismore an early lead, but two points from Edel Tynan and one from Abbey Sweeney saw Abbeyside turn around in a good position.

Most of those watching on were of the opinion that Edel Tynan hit two points in the second half, they certainly were indicated by the umpires, while Gemma Corcoran hit a brace for Lismore and Helen Duncan-O’Neill hit which most thought was the score that levelled matters but in the referee’s notebook proved to be the winner.

Emily Barry, Ruby Walsh and Gemma Corcoran all impressed for Lismore in this one, while for Abbeyside Edel Tynan, Lauren Cliffe and Abbey Sweeney impressed.

 

Gailltir 2-5 Tramore 1-0

Gailltir with just four of their team underage again for next year’s competition proved too strong for Tramore in the Division One final at the Carriganore venue.

Gailltir after playing with a strong wind in the first half turned around leading 0-3 to no score with Caoimhe Flynn accounting for two of the sky blues scores while Ruby Murphy got their third just before the half time whistle.

Playing against the wind in the second half Gailltir continued to work very hard and hit an early goal from Siennah Healy. Aoife Flynn followed up with a point before Caoimhe Flynn scored a good goal. The same player two minutes from time followed up with a point.

Tramore however never gave up and in stoppage time when they won a free Kim McGrath as any good free taker does in such circumstances blasted just under the height of the crossbar and went into the back of the Gailltir net.

For Tramore Kim McGrath, Reailtin Bartels-Short, Leah Obanya and Maeve Flavin all impressed while for Gailltir Caoimhe Flynn, Aggie Hutchinson and Elaina Cody all played well. A special mention must go to Tramore’s Ellie Gillane in this game. Ellie broke her hurley in this game. So what say’s you, players break their hurley every so often in games and at training, but in this game even after Ellie broke her hurley she continued to try and hunt down the Gailltir players and tried to put in a block using the little piece of the top of the hurley she had in her hand. No doubt with commitment and courage in players like Ellie she will go on to be a player to look out for in the years ahead if she continues to listen to her coaches and work on her game. There is many players much older and much more experienced who would break their hurley that would not try and block down an opposing player with the little bit of a hurley they have in their hand.

Gailltir Begin Search For Fourth Munster Title

 

There can be no disputing that Gailltir are one of the best club sides in the country in the last number of years. Numerous underage titles have made their way to the Barony in the last decade while the clubs senior team have won four county titles in five years, won three Munster Finals in the last four years and appeared at Croke Park on All-Ireland Club final day in the last two final’s day.

Having beaten Saint Anne’s in one of the most exciting finals played in the Déise County in a long numbers of years, they now represent the County against the best that other counties have to offer and will be looking to retain their Munster and All-Ireland titles in the coming weeks.

There are some that would like to see the Waterford senior champions play against the senior champions of other counties, but the rules are what they are and so this coming Sunday Gailltir are in Munster Intermediate Club championship against the Intermediate champions from Cork – Enniskeane.

Enniskeane side will travel from West Cork to Waterford for this game, and while they played at a grade lower than Gailltir in their County Championship, there is no way that Gailltir will be under estimating their opponents.

The appeared in last year’s County Intermediate Final where they lost out to Newcestown whom Gailltir beat in a Munster Semi final last October.

Enniskeane while they played at a grade lower than what Gailltir did in the two respective county championships should not be under estimated. They have learned a great deal from last year’s defeat to Newcestown.

They have used almost the same 15 players throughout the Club Championship to date but there has been some moving of players amongst positions as they have progressed and looked to be a stronger unit as a result.

Orla Cronin is without doubt the sides biggest star and is likely to start in the half forward line. She hit 13 points for her side in their 1-16 to 2-8 win over Aghabullogue in the County Final recently, seven points of which came from open play and is clearly a player that the Gailltir players will have to keep a close eye on.

But she is not the sides only attacking option from the centre of the field up as in Daire O’Brien and Laura Mannix who is the likely centre field pairing, Tara Sheehan and Siobhan O’Driscoll, sixteen year old Deirdre Browne, Sinead Hurley and Eimear O’Brien are all players that know where the posts are.

Kate Corcoran will start between the posts with Louise Duggan, Celine Nyhan, Kellie Scannell, Emma O’Driscoll, Danielle Carroll and Aisling O’Driscoll in defence. However the fact that this sextet of players have moved around so much while still looking strong it might suggest that the teams management do not know their strongest position, something that Gailltir might take advantage of.

Gailltir in their exciting County Final win over Saint Anne’s recently in Walsh Park had 12 of the side involved that started against Saint Rynagh’s at Croke Park last March and they will be expected to line out in a similar manner this time.

Ciara Jackman is one of the best goalkeepers in the country. In front of her Margo Heffernan is a vastly experienced player and could well have Emily O’Mahony and Sorcha Cantwell either side of her.

If Gailltir are to advance from this game they will need to be very strong in the half back line. Last time out Clodagh Carroll was at centre back with Leah Sheridan and Hannah Flynn either side of her. None of this sextet of players did anything wrong in their last game to lose out for this game but if the management team opts for changes they have the very experienced Emma Roche on the bench.

Kate Lynch and Shauna Fitzgerald is a very strong centre field pairing, while in attack Anne Corcoran, Ciara O’Sullivan and Una Jackman the heroine of the Croke Park win back in March likely to start on the ’50 while the inside forward like of Emer Walsh and the Fitzgerald cousin’s Annie and Aoife are more than capable of causing trouble for any back line.

If the Gailltir management team want to make changes in attack they have the likes of Alannah O’Sullivan a young player with a huge future ahead of her and Róisín Flood that they can call upon, while if the management team want to crowd their defence they could also include bring in Claire Dunne, a player that has also done it all in the past.

This is one of those games that could go right to the wire and if it does, then Gailltir’s experience of recent years is bound to tell.

Dungarvan Set Out On Munster Trail

 

After recording an exciting win over neighbours An Rinn in the recent County Intermediate Camogie Championship, Dungarvan make their Munster Championship debut on Sunday afternoon.

The Champions of Waterford compete in a grade lower in the Provincial and All-Ireland Championship should they advance this far meaning that the ladies from the Old Boro will be involved in the Junior Championship.

Their opponents will be the Clare Intermediate champions Feakle/Killanena who come into this game on the back of an equally exciting county final 1-16 to 1-15 over Clooney Quin recently.

The Clare side will prove to be tough opponents for Dungarvan and are solid throughout the team. Róisín Quilligan in goal will be tough to beat. Most sides are built on a solid defence and the Clare side have an excellent half back line of Aoife Tuohy, Regan Conway and Vera Loughnane, while Zi Yan Spillane and Evelyn Duggan in the middle of the field are hard grafters.

In Attack the Clare side will also have their strong hitters. Claire McNamara, Róisín McMahon and Meave Brady in the half forward line will know how to take their scores when given their chance and also know how to lay the ball off to their inside forward line of Laura McGrath, Robyn Conway and Lorna McNamara.

Dungarvan will be looking to build on their recent 6-6 to 4-7 win over An Rinn at the WIT Arena and are well equipped to advance here.

The Old Boro ladies are solid all around the field and have a nice mix of youth and experience.

If Dungarvan are to field along the lines of their County Final win recently expect Caoimhe Meehan will line out in goal, Michaela Moran, Taylor Murray and Kayleigh Veale in the half back line with a powerful half back line of Niamh Curran, Orla Hickey and Aisling Baumann in front of them.

Mia Cronin and Caoimhe O’Dwyer are an excellent partnership in the middle of the field while in attack Mary Kate Prendergast, Clodagh Tutty and Sarah Lacey could well prove to be the half forward line while Kaeisha Tobin and Heather Hayes will be in the full forward line along with possibly Rachel Harty or Isabelle Wade completing the side.

The Clare side will travel to Dungarvan fancying their chances of advancing to the Munster Final, but Dungarvan with home advantage will also really fancy their chances against a side that have to make a long journey from within shouting distance of the Clare and Galway county boundary.

Classic Encounter Sees Gailltír Crowned U16 ‘A’ Champions with Victory over Portlaw

 

Gailltír 2-13 Portlaw 4-03

Walsh Park was the venue last Saturday for the meeting of Gailltír and Portlaw in the U16 ‘A’ camogie final.  The crowd in attendance and the viewers at home were treated to entertaining ‘A’ final where both teams left everything on the pitch in search of glory.  In a game that had us all captivated with the level of skill on show, Gailltír proved to be more clinical than Portlaw to continue their dominance at this age grade.

From the throw in Gailltír flew out of the blocks with midfielder Orlaith Walsh gaining possession and driving at the heart of the Portlaw defence but could not find the target.  Ciara Sherlock quickly followed up with a shot of her own but it tailed wide.  Portlaw had their first sight at target through Ava Fitzpatrick but dropped straight into the goalkeeper’s hand. In a tightly contest opening to the game it took eight minutes to get the opening score and that came from the stick of Gailltír’s Emma Fitzgerald who struck from a tight angle off her left side.  That was quickly followed by a point from Mollie Comerford who ran at the Portlaw defence to drive over the bar.  Portlaw’s first score came in the 12^th minute from midfielder Ruth O Regan who slotted over off her right straight in front of goal. On the next Gailltír attack Sarah Hartery was bundled to the ground with referee Liz Dempsey declaring a penalty and up stepped Alannah O Sullivan who slotted over the bar to make it 0-03 to 0-01.  Just before the water break a free from Alannah O Sullivan dropped into the area only for Portlaw to clear straight back to the unmarked O Sullivan who drove over the bar for her first point from play leaving it 0-04 to 0-01 going into the second quarter.

On the restart from the water break Orlaith Walsh received the ball in the middle of the field with one thing on her mind and put the after burners on and ran at the Portlaw defence hitting a fine shot but Portlaw keeper Zoe Mackey was equal to it.  Portlaw reduced the gap to two points when Aoibhe Shankey slotted over the bar.  Soon after that the ever threatening Emma Fitzgerald popped up to strike her second point of the game.  Moments later at the other end of the field the dangerous Ava Fitzpatrick gained possession and taking a shot from distance it found its way to the back of the net.  That goal left the side’s level with eight minutes left in the first half.  A frenetic end to the half was in store with both sides attacking each defensive line with savage intensity.  Gailltír were to get the last two scores before half time with Alannah O Sullivan pointing a free from 45 yards out while Emma Fitzgerald rounded off the scoring for this half with her third of the day leaving the score 0-07 to 1-02.

The second half started brightly for the Barony club with Holly O Sullivan running at the Portlaw defence laying off to the open Alannah O Sullivan who struck off her right to increase the Gailltír lead.  With very little between the two sides, a pivotal moment in the game came when Ciara Sherlock struck for a shot from distance which caught the Portlaw goalkeeper off guard.  Alannah O Sullivan minutes later got on the ball once more cut in field to strike off her left and over the bar.  Portlaw would not relent however with Ava Fitzpatrick gaining possession and getting her shot off at goal to raise her second green flag of the day.  With just over five minutes gone in the second half this left the Gailltír leading 1-09 to 2-02.  The second half really had viewers at home and the crowd in attendance on the edge of their seats.  Gailltír’s Ciara Sherlock gained possession and made no mistake in rifling a shot to increase the lead to seven points, 2-09 to 2-02.  The remaining minutes before the water break was end to end with both teams creating chance but neither could add to their tally.  Both Orlaith Walsh and Ciara Sherlock had chances but couldn’t convert while Portlaw captain Ellen Boylan had the chance to reduce the gap from a 45 but it tailed to the right and wide.  The midfield battle was fierce with the ever industrious Maeve Sheridan winning ruck after ruck while for the Portlaw side Niamh Laffan at centre back was becoming more prominent in the game.

The last quarter of the game was do or die for both sides and not one player from either side shirked the challenge, but Portlaw started to gain momentum while Gailltír to their credit after playing a Minor football the previous night continued to work hard with tiredness now beginning to show however.  Ellen Boylan and Ava Fitzpatrick were beginning to have a greater impact on the game for Portlaw with the latter adding her first point of the day.  Portlaw attacked once more with a melee ensuing around the Gailltír goalmouth.  Aoibhe Shankey drove at the goal from close range to hand pass to the net leaving the score 2-09 to 3-03 going into the last six minutes of the game with a goal separating the sides.  End to end stuff ensued with both sides defending with every ounce of energy they had left.  Aoife Hartley’s earlier introduction settled the ship in the Gailltír defence with her calm under pressure play as Portlaw piled on the pressure.  The game was coming to its conclusion with injury time fast approaching when Emma Fitzgerald struck off her right hand side to put the Gailltír lead back to four points with the corner forward notching four points for herself.  Moments later the hard working Holly O Sullivan was rewarded with her performance by raising a white flag of her own.  With the clock ticking down Alannah O Sullivan pointed a free deep into injury time to leave the score 2-12 to 3-03 and a personal tally for the sharp shooter of six points.  This was not to be the last score however with Portlaw pushing forward they won a free just outside the 20 yard line.  Up stepped Ava Fitzpatrick who struck bullet of a shot to the roof of the net leaving the score now 2-12 to 4-03, three points separating the sides once more.  A nail biting finish for both sides, would Portlaw get another attack or could Gailltír see this game out? Up stepped Mollie Comerford who got on the end of a ball from Laoise Forrest, and ran at the Portlaw back line to see her shot deflected off the Portlaw goalkeeper and over the bar.  That score was to be the final act of the game after an enthralling, entertaining game that had us all on the edge of our seats.  The final score was Gailltír 2-13 Portlaw 4-03.  A game both teams can be immensely proud to be involved in,  it was to be Gailltír’s day who retain the U16 ‘A’ title for 2020 with joint captains Maeve Sheridan and Aoife Hartley hoisting the trophy aloft from the stand in Walsh Park.

Gailltír: Anna Cullinane Sarah Power, Faye Murphy, Aoife Ryan, Laoise Forrest, Aoife Hartley, Aoife Murphy, Maeve Sheridan, Holly O Sullivan (0-01), Mollie Comerford (0-02), Alannah O Sullivan (0-06) (0-03F), Orlaith Walsh, Ciara Sherlock (2-00), Vicky O Sullivan, Emma Fitzgerald (0-04), Ciara Berry, Sarah Hartery, Abbey Byrne, Avril McSweeney, Cara Cantwell.

Portlaw: Zoe Mackey, Alyssa Flannery, Ciara McCabe, Molly Davey, Ciara Harris, Niamh Laffan, Kayleigh McGrath, Ellen Boylan, Ruth O Regan (0-01), Alessia Conte, Aoibhe Shankey (1-01), Sarah O Regan, Isabelle Gaffney, Ava Fitzpatrick (3-01), Abbie Burrows, Kate Fraher, Anna Foley, Becky Russell, Emma White, Emma Walsh, Alanna Dee, Rachel Harney, Louise Sheridan, Abigail O Regan.

Referee: Liz Dempsey (Kilkenny)

Report from Waterford Camogie County Board.