Great days beckon for Camogie in Waterford if 2013 is anything to go by

At different times in 2013, there may be some that play camogie at various levels within the county that took some time to sit down and reflect on the playing year. There may be some of those that did so who may have secretly shed a tear, thinking to themselves that they might have achieved more over the 12 months.

To shed a tear or two, especially after the last game in a championship for a side and more over if the game did not go the way you would have wanted it to go, then it is only a natural thing to do. To shed a tear or two shows that you were committed to the cause, and if a tear was not shed, it could be argued that a person was not fully committed to the cause.

However, any tears that were shed should not be done so in disappointment, but in delight, because 2013 was another great year for Camogie in Waterford where some terrific progress was made.

I read recently on the twitter page of someone that I fellow, “Pain is only temporary, memories last forever”. This to me was a remarkable saying. Over the past few years, it could be said by some that member of the counties intermediate panel experienced pain when the sides interest in the championship ended at the semi final stages of the competition, but I would say that before Waterford won the Junior All-Ireland in 2011 the side were beaten in the final for two years running before this. The Memories of the two defeats in previous years were forgotten and the memory of winning will long remain.

Maybe 2014 could see history repeat itself. After loosing two semi finals in a row, it could be third time lucky for Waterford on the penultimate round of fixtures and if it was to happen, once at Croke Park in September, anything is possible.

I for one firmly believe that while Waterford may be beaten two years running at the semi final stages of the championship, there is better days around the corner, days that will be remembered for a long time to come, long after the days of loosing semi finals are long gone.

The current Waterford Intermediate panel is a talented one. But they cannot rest on their laurels, as coming behind them is an equally talented group of players, that in the past year have formed part of excellent underage panels, and many of these players from 2014 onwards will be challenging for a place in the intermediate set up under the guidance of new manager Niall O’Donnell.

The Ballygunner man has taken over from Mark Cooney as manager for 2014 and will have Shay Fitzpatrick working alongside him.

The De La Salle man had a very successful stint in charge of Waterford helping them to win an All-Ireland Junior Final, a Munster Intermediate Final and to two Intermediate All-Irelands as well as introducing a host of new players to the inter county set up at this level.

2013 began disappointedly for Waterford. The long journey to Dunganny was made in the first round of the league to play Meath who had won the Junior Championship a few months earlier. The Royal County went into the game on a high as a result of that win, and won the league opener 0-8 to 0-5.

An interesting fact came to light during the league in 2013. By the time that Waterford returned home from the last game, as a team they would have clocked up over 1700 kilometres just attending games, and looking at the fixtures it was easy to see why.

Game two in the league saw Waterford take to the road for another long journey, this time to Ballinasloe to take on Galway. Waterford in this game made up for the disappointment of loosing the first game by beating what was a strong second string Galway selection on a 1-8 to 1-6 score line.

Waterford’s only home game in the league was against another second string selection – Wexford.

The game was played at Fraher Field and Waterford were missing some of their more experienced players, but this allowed Mark Cooney to give game time players that some might consider as fringe players and they took the chance well, winning the game on a 0-13 to 1-6 score line.

It was back on the roads for the fourth game, this time to the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick to play Limerick.

The game was played before a home National League game for Limerick, which a number of teams allowed to happen this past year, and is something that should be happening more and more in the future.

There is no guarantee that if a Camogie game was played before a hurling game that the same attendance that would be in for the start of the hurling game, would be in for the start of the camogie game, but most would be in for the end of the Camogie game. If two games were allowed to be played at the same venue, it would be a great way of promoting camogie in that county. Many of those in early for the hurling game might find themselves some what impressed with the standards of the camogie players, and if even five or six new supports were to show up for subsequent camogie games that may not be part of hurling/camogie double header it would be worth it.

With Liberty Insurance now a sponsor of both the Hurling and Camogie Championships, it is something that they should be pushing hard for with the Camogie Association and with Croke Park Officials.

The game at the Gaelic Grounds was a low scoring one, played out in very wet conditions. Waterford won the game 0-5 to 0-4 which set them up nicely for their last game in the league against Antrim.

The Antrim game was to be a home game for Waterford, but wisely when there is long distances between sides when it comes to camogie, the two sides are brought together at what is seen to be a half way venue.

The game was played at Crumlin in Dublin and resulted in a 2-14 to 2-10 victory for Waterford, meaning that Waterford topped the group, and would play Kildare the second placed team in the opposite group in the semi finals.

The game was fixed for Mount Mellick in Laois, but only late in the week. There was suggestions that the game could be played somewhere in Wicklow in the days leading up to the game before the county Laois venue was confirmed.

Leaving sides unsure where they are playing games is very unfair. Most teams like to try and publish where they are playing and when to drum up support. Local radio stations to their credit are very good at giving arrangements for games.

However it is often very hard to give details of games to local papers, which are often on the newsstands on a Wednesday morning, meaning a Monday deadline is set for submission of fixtures, results etc.

It would be nice to see venue for games made known earlier in the week, even up to nine or ten days before a game, but this is not always possible as some clubs and boards have a habit of pulling the plug on games arranged and to leave other fixtures or events take place instead. It would be great to see venues set and stuck to for games for as long as possible but it is hard to see this happen.

Just as with the Limerick game, the game against Kildare was played in very testing conditions. Kildare had first use of the elements at their backs and built up a good 0-8 to 0-1 lead at the break.

Waterford in the second half with the elements now at their backs put in a very work man like second half, but in the end with conditions worsening, Waterford found it hard to overcome Kildare who won the game 0-12 to 0-8.

In the Munster Championship Waterford played Cork in the semi finals at Tallow. The rebels were expected to provide stiff opposition for Waterford, and they did, but they came up against a very strong Waterford side who won the game 4-14 to 1-11, Nicola Morrissey, Zoe O’Donoghue, Karen Kelly and Lorraine Bray hitting the Déise goals.

The Munster Final was played at Cahir against Tipperary who just like Cork were fielding a second string selection.

Waterford on the day, proved to be far too strong for the Premier County Girls winning the game rather easy on a 2-18 to 1-6 score line. Zoe O’Donoghue hit the Déise girls first goal of the game just before the break, while Karen Kelly struck Waterford’s second early in the second half, at a time when Waterford were mounting a lot of pressure on the Tipperary backs.  

While Waterford had a good league and an even better Munster Championship, just as in any sport it is the All-Ireland Championship that Waterford would have most wanted a good run in.

While it was to end at the semi final stages of the competition, it was still a very good competition for Waterford and the signs were there to be seen that 2014 could well be an even better year for Waterford.

The campaign got off to a good start with a 2-10 to 1-11 win over Cork at the Glen Rovers grounds on Lee-side.

Next up was a game against Kilkenny who were also fielding a second string side. The game was played at the Saint Molleran’s grounds in Carrickbeg and proved to be another tight battle which Waterford won 0-15 to 1-9, the highlight of the game proving to be a delightful side line cut from Trish Jackman which went over the cross bar which won her side a bonus point.

Waterford made the long journey to Kilkeedy for a game with Limerick. The journey by bus to West Limerick was made all the longer and more uncomfortable by the fact that it was surely the warmest day of 2013 and been inside glass for so long absorbed a lot of energy from the players.

The first half proved to be an even affair, the sides retiring level at 1-8 a piece, the Waterford goal coming from Zoe O’Donoghue, but in the second half, Limerick proved to be stronger than Waterford and ran out convincing winners on a 2-20 to 2-9 score line, Waterford’s second goal coming late in the game from Trish Jackman.

Waterford’s last game in the group section of the championship was just as was the case in the league against Antrim, and again the game was played in Dublin, this time at the Naomh Mear nÓg grounds.

Just as was the case when they clashed in the league, Waterford proved to be the better of the two sides and ran out winners with seven points to spare on a 1-14 to 1-7 score line, thanks to a very strong second half performance, the goal struck from Marie Russell proving to be a vital score for Waterford.

Waterford went into the semi finals as the second placed team from the group and were pitted against Galway for the second year running.

The game was played at The Ragg in Tipperary and saw Galway get off to a flying start, but Waterford fought back and at the break just a point separated the sides, Orlaith McGrath’s early goal proving crucial as Galway turned around 1-6 to 0-6 in front.

In the second half however, Galway who were beaten in the final twelve months previously against Derry after a replay, proved to be the stronger of the two sides, running out victors on a 1-15 to 1-7 score line, Karen Kelly striking the Waterford goal midway through the half direct from a ‘45.

At Minor level, Waterford were somewhat unlucky. They lost 1-7 to 1-5 in the first round of the championship which was played in a round robin basis and then lost out to a strong Offaly side in their next game on a 2-15 to 0-9 score line. Waterford played Down in the plate All-Ireland Final but the Northern side again proved the stronger of the sides winning  3-7 to 0-3.  

In the Munster Championship Waterford were due to play Kerry in the final at Cahir, but the game never took place.

At Under 16 level, Waterford had a good year. The side coached by former Waterford hurler Shane ‘Shiner’ Ahearne beat Cork 3-10 to 0-4 in the Munster Final at the Gold Coast grounds.

In the All-Ireland Championship Waterford began with a home game against Westmeath at Bushy Park.

Waterford throughout proved to be the dominant side hitting seven goals in the first half and adding three more in the second period to record what was a very easy 10-11 to 0-3 win. De La Salle’s Beth Carton hit four of the Waterford goals, while Butlerstown’s Elizabeth McGrath hit a hat-trick. Cappoquin’s Aisling Power as well as De La Salle pair Ciara Twomey and Brianna O’Regan who stared in goal for Waterford also hit goals for Waterford in this game.

Game two was a much more even affair with both Waterford and Cork ending locked at 1-9 to 1-9 each, and after this Waterford recorded big wins over Armagh and Derry, both played in Dublin and which saw Waterford hit five goals in each game.

Both Waterford and Cork finished level on seven points and rather than the team with the better score advantage top the group, a play off was deemed necessary to see which would top the group, a rather pointless exercise with both teams automatically through to the semi finals regardless of the outcome of the game.

Played at Mahon in Cork, the home side came out on top winning 3-3 to 1-6.

In the semi finals, Waterford played Wexford at Fraher Field.

This proved to be a totally enjoyable game of Camogie. The visitors travelled to Dungarvan with the mantle of favourites around their necks, but they came up against a very good Waterford side on the day.

Waterford on the day played with the breeze in the first half. Both sides had early chances to take the lead but it was not till the 7^th minute that either side scored, Molly Curran doing do from a free.

Wexford responded with a brace of points but Waterford drew level thanks to an Elizabeth McGrath point.

A Beth Carton goal on twenty minutes gave Waterford a three point lead, a score that proved crucial as both sides in the time that remained in the first half proved to be evenly matched, with Waterford retiring at the break holding a 1-4 to 0-3 lead.

With the wind at their backs for the second half, Wexford came out all guns blazing, hitting 1-2 in the opening half to take the lead.

However, Waterford refused to panic and a second Beth Carton goal gave the advantage back to Waterford.

The De La Salle sharp shooter would end the afternoon with a third goal which helped her side to a 3-7 to 1-9 victory and win a place in the All-Ireland Final against Cork.

The final however was to be a disappointing one for Waterford, as the Rebels again proved to be that little bit stronger at Mallow.

The game was one that could have gone either way. Cork just shaded the first half and led 2-3 to 1-5 at the break, the Déise goal coming from Beth Carton. A second half goal from Megan Dunford gave Waterford much hope but the home side finished the stronger of the two sides and ran out winners 4-8 to 2-10.

The under 14 County Development Squad was also a source of pride in Waterford this past year, taking part in a number of blitz and putting together some good performances.

In Clare, they beat Limerick Cork and Clare before beating Tipperary in the Munster ‘B’ Final but lost out to Offaly in the All-Ireland final.

At Mallow, Waterford beat Dublin and Cork before beating the Rebels again at the second time of asking to lift the title.

In Waterford, Waterford took part in two different competitions, beating Cork and Tipperary in one competition before loosing out to Tipperary in the final and in another competition, they beat Cork, Clare, Kilkenny and Wexford before beating Wexford for a second time in the final.

Waterford also took part in the All-Ireland Under 14 Blitz in Dublin and beat Down, Derry, Antrim and Offaly in the group stages. In the semi final they beat Dublin and then beat Derry in the final after extra time to take the title for the second year in a row.

On the local front, it was also a busy year.

In the County Leagues, Lismore retained the Senior League Title by beating Saint Anne’s for the second year running at Fraher Field in what was a very tight game while Butlerstown overcame the challenge of Brickeys 2-8 to 0-10 in the Intermediate final.

In the championship, Lismore completed a senior double by beating Saint Anne’s in a hugely entertaining county final at Lemybrien.

Butlerstown also completed a double adding the championship to the league by beating Cappoquin 3-9 to 2-7 at the Dungarvan Club Grounds and in the junior final Portlaw beat Tallow 3-8 to 1-7 at Bushy Park.

Lismore and Butlerstown went on to represent Waterford in the Munster Championship. Lismore competed in the Intermediate Championship and Butlerstown in the junior.

Butlerstown beat Limerick’s representatives Croagh Kilfinny in their opening game of the championship but lost out to a strong Ogonelloe/Scarriff side in the next round.

Lismore for their semi final had to travel to Carrigaline to play the host club, and in the Munster Final drew with Newmarket-on-Fergus after extra time, but in the replay with Aisling O’Brien in outstanding form between the posts Lismore ran out 0-8 to 0-5 winners.

Back to the club scene and in the underage competitions there was also plenty of Excitement.

St Anne’s won the ‘A’ Minor title beating Cappoquin in the final while the ‘B’ final was won by Ferrybank who overcame the challenge of De La Salle.

At under 16 level, the rolls were reversed in the ‘A’ Championship as Cappoquin beat De La Salle, while the ‘B’ Championship was won by Dungarvan who proved too strong for Butlerstown/Tramore.

There was four different under 14 Competitions. Galltir won the ‘A’ Final beating De La Salle in the final, Brickeys won the ‘B’ Final against Tallow and in the ‘C’ Final Saint Molleran’s proved too strong for Cappoquin. The Feile County Final was won this year by Galltir.

At Feile, Galltir achieved Waterford’s best ever finish to the competition.

Playing in division two, they began with a 8-8 to 0-2 win over Kilmallock on the Friday evening game.

On Saturday morning, they beat Bruff 11-4 to 0-0 and followed it up with a winner takes all 3-5 to 1-7 win over Ballycastle of Antrim which gave the Barony Girls a place in the semi finals later that same evening.

In the semi finals, Galltir again proved unstoppable, beating Offaly side Birr on a 3-6 to 1-3 victory.

The final against Portaferry was played on Sunday morning and was expected to be a very close battle, but Galltir were on a high.

First half goals from Aoife Fitzgerald and Emer Walsh who hit two gave the Barony Girls a 3-1 to 0-2 lead at the break.

In the second half, Galltir continued to be the dominant side as Ann Corcoran and Emer Edwards hit goals in a 5-5 to 0-3 victory.

Waterford Institute of Technology in 2013 won the Ashbourne Cup for the fifth year in a row, following a sensational win over University of Limerick on the Limerick colleges’ home soil.

Sometimes we refer to a game that had an exciting finish as ‘Roy of the Rovers stuff’. Sometimes this referring is over sensationalised but to refer to this final as ‘Roy of the Rovers stuff’ would be very fitting.

The sides finished the game at the end of normal time deadlocked at 2-9 a piece and even after two periods of ten minutes of extra time the sides could not be separated ending at 2-11 a piece.

With time almost up after another two five minute periods it looked as if it was the home side that were going to come through, but there was a sensational twist to the tail.

The Limerick College played the first half with a breeze at their backs and used it to their advantage racing into an early lead with scores from Julia Walsh, Cait Devane and Niamh O’Dea.

The Waterford girls however began to come more into the game as it went on with Sarah Anne Fitzgerald and Patricia Jackman beginning to dominate, while Emma Commerford hit some crucial scores to keep them in touch.

The home side retired at the break leading 1-5 to 0-5 Cait Devane’s goal proving the crucial score.

The Waterford side began the second half the better of the two sides as Shelly Farrell hit an early goal. Cait Devane hit back with scores for the Shannon-side students but a second goal for the eventual winners from Katrina Parrock gave them a three point lead and looking good to secure a fifth final in a row.

Cait Devane and Jean Brady traded scores for their respective side before Cait Devane hit a second goal for the Limerick College which gave them the lead and it was they that now were looking as if they were going to wrestle the trophy from the grasp of the Waterford Students.

However, experience in such competitions can never be underestimated and in the final moments of the game the holders drew on every ounce of experience amassed in recent years and they were rewarded for their efforts when Emma Commerford put over a free to send the game to extra time.

In the extra twenty minutes that were added, the two sides went at each other as much as they could as the players on both sides began to tire.

Katie Power for WIT as well as Marie McGrath and Julia Walsh for the Limerick College registered scores in extra time which looked good enough to win the game for the hosts, but again in the closing moments in the game, UL gave away a free which for the second time Emma Commerford put over the crossbar to send the game into another two periods of extra time.

At half time in the second period of extra time, not for the first time it looked as if the hosts college were going to be presented with the winners trophy as they held a two point lead and things got better for them in at the start of the second half when they went three points up.

However, a game is never over till the referee blows the last whistle of the game and the WIT students knew this.

They never gave up and were rewarded for their efforts.

With less than two minutes to play in the second half of the second period of extra time played Denise Gaule send an unstoppable shot to the Limerick Students net to draw the sides level and with just seconds left, Waterford won for themselves a free inside their own half of the field.

In such a situation, there is only one player you would want on your side.

Galltir and Waterford star Trish Jackman's ability to shoot from distance is well known and therefore there is only one player that you could call upon to stand over the ball.

Knowing that the strike that she was going to take was possibly the most crucial of her career, she made no mistake putting the ball over the crossbar and so securing a 3-13 to 2-15 victory for Waterford Institute of Technology.

And finally, no year would seem complete now when it comes to camogie without an All-Ireland coming to Waterford in August.

Galltir ace Trish Jackman won her fifth consecutive All Ireland Poc Fada title in Co Louth over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Trish reached the half way stage on 14 shots but had plenty of competition reaching down her neck. She managed to complete the second part of the course taking a shot less.  

Overall 2013 was another excellent year for Camogie in Waterford, and here’s hoping that 2014 will be even better with lots to celebrate at the end of the year.

2013, Another good year for Ladies Football in Waterford.

We are only in the first full week of 2014, but for the Waterford Ladies Football County Board the year is already underway and many will be wondering if what was achieved in 2013 can be equalled and in some cases even bettered.

While results wise 2014 has not began well for Waterford, going under to UCC in the Jim Kennedy Cup, no sleep will be lost yet. The competition while it is important in blooding new players into the panel and building up fitness for the more senior members, at the end of the year, the winners of the competition will not roll off the lips of many people.

In 2013 however the year did begin. Waterford won their way through to the final against Tipperary in Bansha in January.

Conditions on the day were far from ideal for good football to be played. Waterford played with the elements at their backs in the opening half and at the break lead 0-7 to 0-5 with Michelle Ryan hitting three of the points, Elaine Power hit a brace with Aileen and Linda Wall also getting their names on the score sheet.

Tipperary in the second half were expected to be a much stronger side especially with the elements now at their backs, but they found the Waterford defence hard to break down with Anne and Nora Dunphy playing vital rolls in the Waterford defence keeping the Premier County side getting too close to the Waterford goals.

With just under seven minutes to play in the second half, Tipperary had drawn level, and when they took the lead moments later, things were not looking good for Waterford.

It may sound like a broken record to some, but Waterford in almost every grade when it comes to hurling or football, be in in the mens or ladies games are often difficult to beat, as they seldom if ever give up before the full time whistle is blown.

In this game Waterford showed once more this never say die mentality. Linda Wall levelled matters in added time in the second half and moments later, Elaine Power split the Tipperary defence and dissected the posts to win the title for Waterford.

The league was next up for Waterford. For the Déise to win the competition was always going to be a tough ask, as a number of sides playing in the senior championship would have to be played, most notably Kerry who a few months earlier had contested the All-Ireland Final against Cork in Croke Park.

Waterford could not have asked for a tougher opener to the league. Kerry were the visitors to Pairc Naomh Colman in Old Parish. When the sides clashed in Castleisland twelve months earlier, just one point separated the sides in Kerry’s favour.

After winning the Jim Kennedy Cup the Waterford team were not lacking confidence, but this was a very good Kerry Team, one that had improved a lot over the past twelve months. Kerry on the day proved clinical in front of goal. Waterford put 1-11 past them, a tally that on another day would win many a game, but Kerry put 5-25 past Waterford.

Next up for Waterford was a trip to Tuam to play Galway. The Tribes Ladies again proved to be strong opposition, winning the game 3-14 to 2-7.

After two tough opening games, there were hopes that Waterford would pick up their first points of the campaign at Fraher Field when Westmeath travelled down, but it was not to be as again despite a good performance from Waterford, the visitors proved strongest winning 3-10 to 2-7.

Early March saw Waterford made the first of two successive long trips into Ulster to play games.

The first was to Killeshandra to play Cavan. Waterford played well on the day, putting in their best performance in the league, earning a deserved draw, the game finishing on a 2-11 to 2-11 score line.

After a break for the playing of the latter stages of the Secondary and third level Colleges competitions, Waterford were back on the road again at the end of March, this time making the journey to Kinawley to play Fermanagh.

Waterford had beaten Fermanagh in the Intermediate All-Ireland Semi Finals a few months earlier, but this time around, the Northerners proved to be too strong for Waterford, winning 7-8 to 2-7.

Late March saw Clare make the trip to Fraher Field to play Waterford game for both were trying to secure the points which would help them possibly avoid relegation.

However, on the day it was the visitors who once again won, by the smallest possible margin, Waterford going under 2-11 to 2-10.

Early April and Waterford were on the road once more, this time making the trip up the motor way to play Kildare at Mount Hawk.

Here Waterford again put in another good performance, and the journey home was a much happier one that the other journeys that the side had undertaken during the course of the league as Waterford won the game 2-11 to 2-8, meaning that for now, Waterford had a chance of avoiding relegation.

Waterford’s fete however was made known twenty four hours later, when Clare for the second game running were on the road, travelling to Kinnegad to play Westmeath, and put seven goals past them in a 7-8 to 0-8 victory.

Many GAA fans are often frustrated when games in the final round of a league are played at the same time, especially when there is games where there is nothing to play for. Why the Ladies Football Association did not play all games in the league at the same time especially when relegation or promotion issues were concerned is a little baffling, but its no good crying now, but maybe making reference to it could prove fruit for thought going into the future.

In the Munster Championship, Tipperary, Limerick and Waterford played off in a round robin competition for the Intermediate Championship with the top two teams advancing to the final.

Waterford began with a win over Tipperary at Fraher Field, but were made fight very hard by the visitors.

The second game was against Limerick also at Fraher Field. In the first half, Limerick put it up to Waterford, but in the second half, Waterford’s greater experience showed and they managed to win the game comfortably, to set up a Munster Final against Tipperary.

Waterford for the fifth year running secured the Munster Final when they had three points to spare at Castletownroche.

The meeting of the sides for the third time in seven months was expected to be just as tight as the two previous games and the sides served up another close battle.

Tipperary hit the ground running on what was surely the hottest day of 2013, as Edel Hanley and Gillian O’Brien hit early scores to give the Challengers a 1-1 to no score lead.

Michelle Ryan hit back with a point for Waterford which was followed with similar efforts from Shona Curran and Aoife Landers to leave just one between the sides, but Waterford were somewhat unlucky not to be in front at this stage (ten minutes into the game) as a Linda Wall effort came crashing back off the cross bar between Michelle Ryan and Shona Curran’s scores.

At the mid way point in the first half, things were still very tight as Gillian O’Brien with a brace and Michelle Ryan from a free landed scores which gave Tipperary a 1-3 to 0-4 advantage.

A brilliant Waterford goal followed. Elaine Power who over the past decade has proven to be a model of consistency for Waterford in the middle of the field did brilliant to pick out Shona Curran who blasted to the Tipperary net with seven minutes of the first half remaining.

Edel Hanley soon levelled for Tipperary but another Michelle Ryan point gave Waterford a 1-5 to 1-4 advantage with time ticking down.

Tipperary levelled matters once more, this time through Gillian O’Brien but Linda Wall and Michelle Ryan kicked the next two scores to give Waterford a two point advantage but just before the half time whistle was sounded, Patricia Hickey kicked a point to leave her side trailing 1-7 to 1-6.

In a reverse of what happened in Waterford’s two previous games in the championship, it was their opponents that had the better of the exchanges at the start of the second half.

Tipperary made all the early running in the second half. Lorraine O’Shea hit a brace early in the second half with Gillian O’Brien and Patricia Hickey also finding the target. Waterford hit replies through Elaine Power and Michelle McGrath to leave the Déise Girls trailing 1-11 to 1-9.

A point from Aoife Landers brought Waterford to within one of Tipperary but points from Gillian O’Brien and Patricia Hickey soon had day light between the sides.

However it was at this point that Waterford started to call on the experience they amassed in recent years.

Aileen Wall (who in my view was Waterford’s player of the year), cracked a second Waterford goal which gave Waterford the lead and they added two more which helped Waterford to a 2-13 to 1-13 victory.

Waterford were Munster Champions for the fifth year in a row and through to the All-Ireland quarter finals.

When the two sides had met earlier in the league, they shared the spoils, but this time on neutral ground in Birr, it was the Breffini Girls that came out on top, winning 3-18 to 1-8, having lead 1-9 to 0-3 at the break.

Waterford were out of the All-Ireland Championship, there would be no visit to Croke Park in September, but the year would be a success overall. The Jim Kennedy Cup was won by the Intermediate’s as was the Munster Championship, but that was not all that was won.

The Counties Minor team reached the Munster Final following wins over Tipperary and Limerick, but Clare were to prove too strong in the provincial decider.

The Banner Ladies at the break lead 2-7 to 0-4, but a brace of second half goals from Liz Devine as well as points from Shauna Dunphy, Hannah Landers and Eimer Fennell had the sides all square with the game in its final minute, but lady luck was not to be with Waterford as all the sides hard work in the second half was undone by a point from Clare in the final thirty seconds as they won by the smallest possible margin.

There was however to be happier ends for the counties under 16 and 14 sides.

The under 16 side was a very strong side in 2013. They accounted for both Clare and Limerick in the Round Robin Stages of the competition which set up a final against Clare.

The game proved to be a very tight affair, with the Banner Management team sending extra players into their own half of the field to curb the danger which the Waterford attack could inflict on them.

At the break Waterford lead 2-2 to 1-2, the goals coming from Lauren McGregor and Aoife Murray.

In the second half, things proved to be just as tight. Waterford won the game 3-6 to 2-5 with the brilliant Ciara Hurley getting the all important third Waterford goal.

In the All-Ireland semi final’s Waterford proved too strong for Roscommon in Limerick which set up an All-Ireland Final against Meath in Nenagh.

Meath entered the game as the favourites. They had hammered a fancied Armagh side in the final and their attack was believed to be too strong for the Waterford defence.

Waterford however on the day were outstanding. They proved forever too strong for Meath, winning 4-12 to 2-6. Aoife Murray hit two of the Waterford goals with Liz Devine and Lauren McGregor also getting the umpires to reach for a green flag.

The under 14 team also proved to be a strong outfit in 2013.

They began the year with a defeat against Limerick, but from here on in, it was wins all the way.

They beat Clare in the second round of games in the Round Robin series, Aisling Mullaney and Beth Norris hit the Waterford goals.

It was Tipperary next for Waterford, another game that Waterford won by a small margin. Aisling Mullaney again kept the umpires busy scoring two goals in a 2-4 to 1-4 victory.

Waterford were now through to the Munster Final against Limerick. After there earlier win over the Déise girls, many were making Limerick the favourites to take the title.

But playing twice in close proximity can be more of an advantage to the side that looses the first day than the winners, especially at underage level as it can lead to a bit of over confidence to the first winners.

This is exactly what happened here as Waterford won another close game, 4-4 to 3-8, the Waterford goals coming from Katie Duggan Sullivan, Kaiesha Tobin and Aisling Mullaney.

Sligo were Waterford’s opposition in the All-Ireland semi final and again Waterford proved too strong, this time in a rather one sided game.

Abbie Dunphy with a brace as well as Lia Nic Craith and Katie Duggan Sullivan struck for goals for Waterford in a 4-16 to 1-4 victory.

Westmeath would provide the opposition for Waterford in the All-Ireland final at Crettyard. There was a confidence now in the Waterford team that back to back titles could be put together. The early defeat to Limerick was confined to history, almost forgotten about.

Waterford had a dream start in this game. They played with the wind at their backs in the first half and made full use of it.

Katie Duggan Sullivan hit a goal for Waterford inside a minute of the game starting. Kaiesha Tobin added a second from a penalty and Katie Duggan Sullivan hit a second of the game for herself and a third from Waterford which gave Waterford a big lead at the break.

Westmeath did come more into the game in the second half, but the damage was done as far as they were concerned in the first half. Abbie Dalton added a fourth goal for Waterford in the second half which helped the side to a 4-10 to 0-11 victory.

In the club championships, sixteen sides finished with at least one county title to their name while nineteen sides were to finish as runners up.

In the adult Championships, Ballymacarbry won the senior final, beating Comeragh Rangers in the final. In Intermediate Saint Anne’s emerged as victors beating Stradbally in the final while in the Junior finals, Dungarvan beat Brickeys to win the ‘A’ final while Na Déise won the ‘B’ final, beating Old Parish in the final.

In the eleven a side competition, the ‘A’ Final between Ballymacarbry and Abbeyside was not played, while Ballyduff Upper won the ‘A Plate’ Final, beating Stradbally in the final. In the ‘B’ Final Dungarvan beat Mount Sion while in the Plate Final Comeragh Rangers beat Kilmacthomas.

In the Seven a side competition, Ballymacarbry won the Division One final, beating Comeragh Rangers in the final. The Division two final was won by Stradbally who beat Brickeys and in the Division three final Mount Sion beat Dungarvan.

In the Division One Plate Final Abbeyside beat Ballyduff Upper, in Division two the Laurels went to Tramore who beat Saint Anne’s and in the Division three plate final Old Parish proved too strong for Na Déise.

At minor level Comeragh Rangers are county ‘A’ Champions after they beat Saint Anne’s. The ‘B’ championship has found a home in Stradbally who proved too strong for Kilrossanty/Brickeys. The ‘C’ Final has a home in Waterford City after Roanmore beat Old Parish and in the ‘D’ final Ballymacarbry beat Ballysaggart.

The Under 16 ‘A’ title has also found a home within the Comeragh Rangers club after they beat Dungarvan in the final. Kilrossanty/Brickeys won the ‘B’ final against Ardmore. Ballysaggart are under 16 ‘C’ Champions after defeating Roanmore and in the ‘D’ Final Tramore proved too strong for Ballymacarbry.

At under 15 level there was wins for Comeragh Rangers, Stradbally, Roanmore and Saint Patricks in the ‘A to D’ finals respectfully over Dungarvan, Abbeyside, Kilrossanty/Brickeys and Ballyduff Upper.

Dungarvan won the Under 14 ‘A’ Final beating Stradbally in the final, while in the plate final Tramore beat Comeragh Rangers. In the ‘B’ Final Old Parish were victorious over Na Déise and in the plate final Saint Pat’s beat Kilrossanty/Brickeys. The ‘C’ Final was won by Ballymacarbry against Abbeyside while Shamrocks won the ‘D’ final against Saint Saviours.

At Under 13 level, Dungarvan are ‘A’ Champions after beating Tramore, Na Déise are ‘B’ champions after they beat Stradbally. Ballyduff Upper proved too strong for Abbeyside in the ‘C’ final while Saint Patricks beat Saint Oliver’s in the ‘D’ Final.

In the under 12 competitions, Na Déise are ‘A’ Champions after they beat Comeragh Rangers. Stradbally won the ‘B’ final beating Saint Anne’s, Ballymacarbry won the ‘C’ final against Ballysaggart and Shamrocks proved too strong for Saint Oliver’s in the ‘D’ Final.

In the under 12 plate competitions, Ballyduff Upper beat Tramore in the ‘A’ Final, Kilrossanty/Brickeys beat Ballyduff Lower in the ‘B’ Final, Abbeyside beat Ardmore in the ‘C’ Final while Old Parish won the ‘D’ final against Kilmacthomas.

 

Waterford - A Hurling review (Part 3)

In the late spring of 2013, just before the various hurling championships began in Waterford, if someone was to carry out a survey of 100 people and asked who would come out on top in the various championships, its possibly fair to say that few if any would have predicted the correct teams.

For most the Senior Hurling Championship was going to be a two horse race between Ballygunner and De La Salle, the best two sides in the county over the past four or five years by some distance, with which ever one of them was to come through expected to make a brave bid to win the Munster Club Championship and then to go on and hopefully feature in Croke Park on All-Ireland Final Day on Saint Patrick’s Day this March.

However, if the big two in recent years were to slip up, a number of other clubs were expected to challenge strongly for the Waterford News and Star Cup.

Dungarvan who were beaten by De La Salle in the 2012 County Final, the first time they featured in a final since 1951 were once more expected to challenge strongly, while Fourmilewater who made steady progress over the past number of years were also expected to be up there challenging for silverware.

Lismore who have not won the title since 1993 but who featured in a number of finals since were expected to challenge, but they would need to find someone to take the main scoring burden off the shoulders of Maurice Shanahan, while Mount Sion who contested the semi finals in 2012 were also expected to challenge but going to be without Ken McGrath was going to be a tough ask, while others were questioning if Tony Browne could see out another championship year. They need have had no doubts.  

Although Ballyduff Upper were involved in a relegation battle in 2012, there was hopes especially with some new blood coming through that they could challenge for a place in the knockout stages of the championship and if they did, then anything could happen, while Passage and Abbeyside were also expected to have a say on where the Waterford News and Star Cup would find a home for the next twelve months, but most could not see with involved in the final shake-up.

The 2013 Senior Hurling Championship was again played in two groups of six. De La Salle the county champions of 2012 were automatically place in group one, Dungarvan the beaten finalists in 2012 in group two, with the sides they beat respectfully in the 2012 semi finals placed in the opposite group.

When the remainder of the groups were drawn, most were making bold predictions. Most were confident of naming at least seven of the eight sides that would come through to play in the quarter finals. The very brave were predicting the eight sides that would advance.

However, making predictions could at times leave a person look foolish, and many of those that were confident of predicting the sides that would play the knockout stages of the competition were proven wrong.

Along with De La Salle and Fourmilewater, Tallow, Ballyduff Upper, Lismore and An Rinn were grouped together in group one.

This was a group that An Rinn always was going to struggle in, and so it proved. They opened with a defeat to Tallow. A heavy loss to De La Salle followed. Against Ballyduff Upper, An Rinn put up possibly their best performance, but the final out come was the same. For much of the hour against Fourmilewater, they put it up to the Ballymacarbry based outfit, but again defeat was their loss.

An Rinn went into their last game with Lismore still in with a chance of avoiding been involved in a relegation play off. If they beat Lismore, they would avoid such a lottery, but it was not to be, as An Rinn suffered a fifth defeat in the league section of the championship.

A look at results over the past few years, and you have to wonder does our current championship structure serve its purpose.

In the last number of years, on more occasions than one, the team that won the Intermediate Championship have gone back down to the intermediate grade one year after going up. Does such a Yo-Yo competition serve purpose? Would we be better off restructuring? Do we really have 12 teams that compete in the senior championship? Would we be better off cutting the numbers to eight, and introducing a ‘B’ Championship including the four teams that would loose out, plus the four most consistent Intermediate teams over the past five teams, regardless of what division they come from? If we don’t want to call such a competition a ‘B Competition’ we would call it an Intermediate Premier competition, with the winners representing Waterford in the Munster Intermediate Championship as happens in Cork.

The surprise package in group one this year were Lismore, who won just two of their five games and as a result missed out on a place in the knockout stages of the competition. Normally, four points from ten would give you a place in the last eight of the competition, but not in 2013.

De La Salle as expected finished top, with eight points, dropping points in their last game against Tallow.

Fourmilewater also finished on eight points, loosing out on top spot on both score difference and the head to head game with De La Salle.

Ballyduff Upper turned around their performances of 2012, finishing on five points, while Tallow took the final place, also finishing on five points, thanks to a win over an understrength De La Salle side in the final game in the final round of games in the league section.

Dungarvan and Mount Sion in group two were joined by Ballygunner, Passage, Abbeyside and Roanmore.

As in previous years, Roanmore struggled throughout the competition, but to their credit, they had a terrible year with injuries. Their star player Gavin O’Brien did not feature in a number of their games, and was a massive loss.

Mount Sion and Passage throughout the league section of the competition looked impressive and it was no surprise that both qualified for the knockout stages before the last round of games were played.

The battle for the final two places from group two was a lot tougher. Going into the last round of games, Ballygunner, Abbeyside and Dungarvan were in with a shout, but only two of them would make it.

Ballygunner in Championship hurling had never lost to arch rivals Passage and in their final game, they needed to beat them, while the winner of the game between Abbeyside and Dungarvan would also qualify.

At Walsh Park, things were very clear cut. Ballygunner ran out convincing winners, having eleven points to spare.

At Fraher Field, things were not so clear cut, and the large attendance that made their way to the ground were served up a game that went right to the wire.

Abbeyside went into the game needing just a draw to secure their place in the last eight. They were reaching their peak levels of fitness and were playing some good hurling. They had put together some good results and settling for a draw was never on the cards. There would have been a strong feeling that the lads across the harbour could be beaten.

Near the end things got very exciting. Both sides had their chances to win. Every score was greeted with a mighty cheer by the support of the side raising an umpire’s flag. In the end, it was the Abbeyside supporters that were most vocal, winning 2-11 to 0-16.  Abbeyside and Ballygunner had reached the knockout stages of the competition.

The last eight draw was determined by who finished where in the group stages of the competition. The two group winners would face the fourth placed team from the opposite group, with the second placed teams facing the third placed team from the opposite group.

Mount Sion would play Tallow, Passage were paired with Ballyduff Upper. Fourmilewater and Abbeyside were pitted together in an eagerly awaited clash but the game of the round was without doubt De La Salle against Ballygunner.

The game between the big two at Walsh Park resulted in a draw after sixty minutes. In extra time, Ballygunner proved to be the better of the two sides and ran out 1-21 to 0-15 winners. However, after the game questions were asked of the De La Salle set up on the day. Had players been asked to play where to play best, would the outcome be different? We will never know now.

At Fraher Field, the other three games were played on the one programme.

Mount Sion in the opener proved forever too strong for Tallow.

In the second game Ballyduff for the first 25 minutes were too strong for Passage, but a goal against the run of play changed things around and Passage gave themselves hope for the second half when they would have the wind at their backs.

In the second half, Passage were the better side and at the end of the hour they were winners with five points to spare.

The final game was a real disappointment. Most expected Abbeyside and Fourmilewater to fight out a close battle, but things did not turn out that way as Abbeyside proved forever too strong for Fourmilewater, winning by a massive 19 points.

All four teams through to the semi finals all came from the one group in the group stages of the competition.

Sometimes when teams play for the second time in a short space of times, results can be reversed as teams at time can be a little over confident of winning second time around, but its often the case that the team that lost first time out will have learned most about their opponents.

Would the teams that won when the sides met previously win again or would either of the sides that lost first day out win a place in the county final? We were about to find out.

The semi final draw pitted Ballygunner with Abbeyside and Passage against Mount Sion, meaning that we could have two of the biggest clubs within the county contesting the county final, or we could even have a local derby and even the chance of two sides in the final who would be looking for their first ever championship success.

As things worked out, Passage for the second time in a few weeks beat Mount Sion, this time stretching their winning margin from three to five points while Ballygunner who previously lost to Abbeyside by six points emerged winners this time around by five points.

The 1979 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester United is known as the 5 minute final as both sides scored two goals each in the last five minutes of the game as Arsenal ran out 3-2 winners.

In time, the 2013 Waterford senior hurling county final could become known as the seven minute final.

With seven minutes to go, Ballygunner lead by as many points. Many supporters were seen to be leaving the ground. The final result was seen as an obvious one.

But Passage refused to throw in the towel. No game is over till the final whistle is blown, just as they say no show is over till the fat lady sings.

Passage began to dig deep in the reserve tank and they were rewarded. The scores began to come and Ballygunner had to response. Spectacularly, the goals began to hit the net. Passage drew level with a goal from rising star Sean Hogan.

The supporters of both sides would at this stage have surly settled for a draw and the chance to do it all over again, but there was still time to play and seep in stoppage time Man of the Match Owen Connors picked out Conor Carey who finished to the net, giving Passage a 3-16 to 3-13 lead. Could Ballygunner now come back? Not this time as the full time whistle soon followed.

Passage had not much to celebrate in recent times, but now they had. Passage were County Senior Hurling Champions for the first time. It was a great year for Passage on the hurling field and the year was not over yet. The Munster Championship was to come.

Limerick champions Na Piarsaigh were Passage’s opponents after they came through their quarter final clash with Tipperary champions Loughmore-Castleiney.

The game at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick was one which ebbed and flowed. One side would take the lead, then the other. At times it looked as though that a draw could be on the cards resulting in extra time. But in the end, the home side and their greater experience, winning the 2011 Limerick and Munster Club Finals told for something. Passage bowed out but now without a brave fight.

In Intermediate hurling, Ardmore are county champions for 2013. They beat Clashmore in a terrific Western Final. Seamus Prendergast was key to them on the day hitting some crucial scores, including some pressure scores late in the game. In the county Final they beat 0-23 to 2-13 but the win was far more comprehensive than the win suggests.

In the Munster Championship, they were pitted with their neighbours Youghal at Pairc Ui Rinn, where the East Cork side came out on top.

In Junior, Ballysaggart are the talk of the county this year. They came through the Western Championship with flying colours, loosing just one game against Modeligo, a side they drew with in the semi finals before beating them in a replay and then beating a fancied Colligan side in the Western Final.

Tramore and Ballydurn were expected to be the sides that featured in the Eastern Championship. Tramore came out on top, but in the final they were no match for a strong Ballysaggart side who won 1-18 to 1-9.

Since then wins over sides from Cork, Tipperary and Limerick have followed for Ballysaggart as they went on to add the Munster Championship to the Western and County Titles won weeks earlier and in the coming weeks they take on opposition from Sligo in the All-Ireland semi final.

In the ‘Attached’ Junior Championships, Erin’s Own won the intermediate final beating Abbeyside while Ballygunner proved too strong for Lismore in the senior final.

De La Salle and Brickeys are the under 21 champions after wins over Saint Carthage’s and Tramore in the county finals, while there was minor championships, there was wins for De La Salle (Div1),Erin’s Own (Div2), Cois Bhride (Div3) and Ballyduff Upper (Div4) following respective wins over Dungarvan, Clonea, Fourmilewater and Ballyduff Lower.