Waterford Ladies Football - A look back at 2014 - Part 3

On the club scene in 2014 the different championships organised by the County Board were spread out right across the county where the game is played.

The senior Final was again won by Ballymacarbry for the 33^rd year in a row.

Comeragh Rangers provided the opposition for Ballymacarbry in the final back in mid September. The mid county side have made great inroads in the game in recent years and many were expecting them to really put it up to the champions, but it would be interesting to find out did many expect Comeragh Rangers to go as close as they did to ending Ballymacarbry’s long domination of the game.

For much of this game, Comeragh Rangers took the game to Ballymacarbry. On this blog, ‘Lady Luck’ is often referred to. If it was on the side of Comeragh Rangers at Fraher Field on County Final day, you cant but wonder if we would have had a different outcome to the game.

The Mid county side went to the dressing rooms with a 1-6 to 0-6 advantage on the score board but that lead could well have been upwards of a double digit advantage had the chances they had in the opening thirty minutes resulted in the scores that they richly deserved.

Ballymacarbry made a lot of the early running in this game, but failed to show the dominance they had in the opening minutes on the score board.

After settling into the game, Comeragh Rangers began to boss proceedings.

A quick Kate Hahessy free was worked into Aoife Dunne for the mid county sides first chance of the game but Sinead Grant made an excellent save from the lively corner forward. From a quick ’45 Shauna Dunphy and other lively corner forward attempted her luck for goal but her effort went just wide of the upright

Michelle Ryan kicked the first point of the game on seven minutes, but the challengers were soon on level terms when Aoife Dunne hit a point on twelve minutes and two minutes later the same player split the posts again to give her side the lead. Between Michelle Ryan’s opener and Aoife Dunne’s first score of the game Aoife Murray saw a third effort for a Comeragh Rangers goal go narrowly wide.

Linda Wall who won her 17^th County Senior Title in this game, levelled matters 12 minutes from the break. Comeragh Rangers tried their luck to have a green flag waved soon afterwards but Kate Hahessy saw her effort go wide of the upright.

An Eibhlin Power effort came off the post and Aoife Dunne was in the right place to pick up the rebounding ball and to slot it over the crossbar for her third score of the game. Ballymacarbry from the off attacked the Comeragh Rangers goal and Aileen Wall split the posts to level matters 0-3 to 0-3.

Eibhlin Power and Marian Ryan swapped scores, before Ballymacarbry went back in front thanks to another point from Linda Wall.

Comeragh Rangers all afternoon felt their was goals in them and they were proved right on 26 minutes when after some good work up the stand side of the field, the ball was worked to Katie Murray who rattled the Ballymacarbry net. Moments later Katie Murray who was not named on the starting XV for Comeragh Rangers but who came in before the game repaid the fate shown in her by setting up Kate Hahessy and her triplet sister Aoife for points which gave the mid county side a four point advantage.

Ballymacarbry however are not champions for so long for no reason and in the closing moments of the first half calling on their experience picked up down the years, Marian Ryan put the ball between the uprights to leave her side trailing 1-5 to 0-6 at the break.

Whatever side started the second half best would have a great chance of winning this game. Just a minute into the second half the first score of the half arrived and went in the way of Ballymacarbry.

Down the years the Ballymacarbry Club has produced some very good players. Lauren Guiry could well be one of the next big name to come from the area. She was brought into the Waterford Intermediate panel this year and she showed why here, as she finished to the net to level matters. Three minutes later Ballymacarbry were back in front when Marian Ryan found the range from free.

Comeragh Rangers went back in front seconds later when Shauna Dunphy struck her second goal of the game. This could well prove to be a special player in the years to come. If you have not seen her play up to now, try and make it your business to do so during 2015.

Nine minutes into the second half Shauna Ryan landed a point for Ballymacarbry to leave just one between the sides. It was important now that Comeragh Rangers were next to score.

But they were dealt a blow on 42 minutes when Aisling Hahessy was sin binned meaning that her side would be a player down for the next ten minutes. In the men’s game there is a lot of opposition to the cards introduced in recent years. In truth there is nothing wrong with them, but if something could be tweaked about them, it should be in relation to the black card whereby a player receiving one is sent to the stand for ten minutes and no replacement is allowed on.

In the ten minutes that Comeragh Rangers were a player down, Ballymacarbry hurt them. It was during these ten minutes that the game was won.

Ballymacarbry kicked 1-4 without reply in these then minutes. Shauna Ryan got the ball rolling with a point. Sinead Ryan and Marian Ryan followed up with points, turning a 1 point defecate when it was 15V15 to a 2 point advantage.  Lauren Guiry extended that lead to three when she split the posts and soon afterwards Sinead Ryan struck her sides second goal of the game.

Not long after the numbers on the field were restored to their full quota, Ballymacarbry had their numbers cut as Teresa McGrath was sin binned.

Aoife Dunne pointed for Comeragh Rangers on 54 minutes but it proved to be a mere consolation score. Further scores from Sinead Ryan and Marian Ryan followed for Ballymacarbry followed but Comeragh Rangers would hit the last score of the game from the boot of Aoife Murray.

This was a truly exciting game, with some brilliant players on show on both sides. Will Ballymacarbry make it 34 titles in a row, or will someone else take the title off them. We will find out in the coming months. Try and get out to a few games if you can. You might be surprised with the standard of players there is in Waterford at this point in time.

In the other adult grades, Stradbally won the Intermediate championship, beating Ballyduff Upper in the final. In the Junior grades, St Patrick’s in a local derby game beat Na Déise in the ‘A’ Final while Comeragh Rangers won the ‘B’ final beating Ballysaggart in the final.

In the 11 a side leagues Ballymacarbry were victorious against Comeragh Rangers in Touraneena in the ‘A’ Final, while Comeragh Rangers ‘B’ won the ‘B’ final against Old Parish.

2014 proved to be a memorable year for Comeragh Rangers. They won the Minor ‘A’ Championship beating a combination side from Dungarvan and Abbeyside in the final.

In the ‘B’ Championship there was a win for Stradbally over Ballymacarbry, Old Parish won the ‘C’ final against Ballyduff Upper and Na Déise won the ‘D’ final against new club Gaultier.

In under 16 Stradbally won the ‘A’ Cup competition against Dungarvan while Tramore win the ‘A’ Plate final against Old Parish. The ‘B’ Cup competition was won by Ballysaggart who beat Roanmore in the final. The ‘B’ Plate final was won by Ballymacarbry against Kilrossanty/Brickeys.

The ‘C’ Championship was won by Saint Anne’s who beat Ballyduff Upper while in a local derby clash in the ‘D’ final it was Clashmore that came out on top against Saint Oliver’s.

In the Under 15 championships there was wins for Dungarvan, Ballymacarbry and Abbeyside respectfully over Stradbally, Gaultier and Clashmore in the ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ finals.

In Under 14 Dungarvan were crowned champions after they beat Comeragh Rangers in the final. Ballymacarbry won the ‘B’ Championship against Stradbally. Ballyduff Upper won the ‘B’ Plate Final against Roanmore. Gaultier in their first year together as a club won the ‘C’ Championship against Old Parish while Saint Oliver’s won the ‘D’ competition against Shamrocks.

In under 13 competitions Ballyduff Upper, Gaultier, Abbeyside and Saint Oliver’s won the ‘A to D’ championships beating Stradbally, Ballymacarbry, Ballysaggart and Kilmacthomas respectfully in the finals.

There was winner’s galore in the under 12 competitions.

Stradbally won the ‘A’ competition beating OId Parish in the final. Na Déise won the plate final against Dungarvan.

Ballymacarbry win the ‘B’ final against Ballyduff Upper while Gaultier won the plate final against Roanmore.

The ‘C’ final was won by Ballysaggart who beat Saint Anne’s in the final. The plate final was won by Saint Oliver’s who had a win over Tramore.

Clashmore were victors over Kilrossanty/Brickeys in the ‘D’ Final. The plate final was won by Kilmacthomas against Abbeyside.

Comeragh Rangers won the ‘E’ final beating Saint Patrick’s in the final with Shamrocks beating Ballyduff Lower in the plate final.

At provincial level there was also some good results for some of Waterford’s clubs.

In the Munster Senior Plate competitions Comeragh Rangers were crowned champions. In the semi final they beat a fancied Donoughmore from Cork on a 3-7 to 2-7 score line, while in the final they had a 4-14 to 0-9 win over West Clare Gaels.

In the Munster ‘B’ Senior Final, Banner Ladies from Clare had a 4-11 to 2-12 win over Ballymacarbry to record their third provincial title in a row.

In the Munster Intermediate 7’s Clashmore emerged as winners in Mallow.

It was the fifth year in a row that a new name was engraved on the cup, as the West Waterford Club followed on from Cappawhite, Listowel Emmetts, Comeragh Rangers and Carraigown.

Clashmore played Kilmihil from Clare in the final and ran out winners 4-6 to 2-10 after and exciting final. Earlier in the day Clashmore beat St Val’s 3-10 to 2-6, Old Mill 1-14 to 0-3 and Kilmihil 1-9 to 1-4 in the group stages of the competition.

In the group stages of the senior championship, Ballymacarbry who were looking to win fifth final in a row, emerged from their group along with Saint Val’s while in the other group Banner Ladies and Comeragh Rangers advanced to the semi finals.

In the semi final’s Banner Ladies proved too strong for Saint Val’s winning 4-8 to 1-6 while Ballymacarbry beat Comeragh Rangers 4-12 to 3-5.

In the final the Clare side held a 2-3 to 1-3 advantage at the break. While Ballymacarbry won the second half, there was still two points between the sides at the end of the game in favour of Banner Ladies.

 

Competition	Winners		Runners Up
Senior	Ballymacarbry		Comeragh Rangers
Intermediate	Stradbally		Ballyduff Upper
Junior A	Saint Patricks		Na Déise
Junior B	Comeragh Rangers		Ballysaggart
11-a-side league Div. 1	Ballymacarbry		Comeragh Rangers
11-a-side league Div. 2	Comeragh Rangers 'B'		Old Parish
Minor A	Comeragh Rangers		Dungarvan/Abbeyside
Minor B	Stradbally		Ballymacarbry
Minor C	Old Parish		Ballyduff Upper
Minor D	Na Déise		Gaultier
Under 16 A	Stradbally		Dungarvan/Abbeyside
Under 16 A 'Plate'	Tramore		Old Parish
Under 16 B	Ballysaggart		Roanmore
Under 16 B 'Plate	Ballymacarbry		Kilrossanty/Brickeys
Under 16 C	St. Annes		Ballyduff Upper
Under 16 D	Clashmore		Saint Oliver's
Under 15 A	Dungarvan		Stradbally
Under 15 B	Ballymacarbry		Gaultier
Under 15 C	Abbeyside		Clashmore
Under 14 A	Dungarvan		Comeragh Rangers
Under 14 B	Ballymacarbry		Stradbally
Under 14 B Plate	Ballyduff Upper		Roanmore
Under 14 C	Gaultier		Old Parish
Under 14 D	Saint Oliver’s		Shamrocks
Under 13 A	Ballyduff Upper		Stradbally
Under 13 B	Gaultier		Ballymacarbry
Under 13 C	Abbeyside		Ballysaggart
Under 13 D	Saint Oliver’s		Kilmacthomas
Under 12 A	Stradbally		Old Parish
Under 12 A Plate	Na Déise		Dungarvan
Under 12 B	Ballymacarbry		Ballyduff Upper
Under 12 B Plate	Gaultier		Roanmore
Under 12 C	Ballysaggart		Saint Anne's
Under 12 C Plate	Saint Oliver’s		Tramore
Under 12 D	Clashmore		Kilrossanty/Brickeys
Under 12 D Plate	Kilmacthomas		Abbeyside
Under 12 E	Comeragh Rangers		Saint Patrick's
Under 12 E Plate	Shamrocks		Ballyduff Lower

 

Waterford Ladies Football - A look back at 2014 - Part 2

Having come through the group stages of the round robin series of the Munster Under 14 ‘B’ Championship with flying colours, Waterford made it three wins in three years when they accounted for Clare at Cappamore in the 2014 Final.

A good start to any game as we all know can be half the battle and so it proved in this game.

Waterford hit three first half goals, the first coming on two minutes when Abi Dunphy finished to the net.

Further scores from Kaiesha Tobin and Abi Dunphy followed to give Waterford a six point lead before the end of the opening quarter. Clare would hit back with a brace of points, but a long ball by Katie Duggan Sullivan found the impressive Abi Dunphy was fouled by the Clare backs inside the big box rather than let her shoot for goal. The referee had no option but to award Waterford a penalty which Kaeisha Tobin finish to the net with style. Before the break Kaiesha Tobin would add a third Waterford goal which gave the side a 3-5 to 0-3 lead at the break.

Waterford opened the second half by opening a twelve point lead when Muireann Boyce pointed early in the half. Clare hit back with a brace of points before Kaiesha Tobin pointed to give Waterford a 3-7 to 0-5 lead.

Clare would hit a purple patch soon after this this. The young ladies from the Banner county would hit three goals in three minutes to make things much tougher for Waterford.

Clare were now on a roll and they attempted their luck for more goals but they could not find beat Rosie Landers in the Waterford goal again, as she made some impressive saves.

Both defences in the closing minutes of the game were on top. Clare hit two points in the closing seven minutes to level the game, but Waterford refused to panic and in stoppage time Áine Flynn who had came on as a sub became the hero of the afternoon for Waterford as she held her nerve to put the ball between the uprights and give Waterford a deserved 3-8 to 3-7 win.

In the All-Ireland semi final it was a case of one way traffic as at the St. Peregrine’s Club Grounds in Dublin, Waterford ran out 7-12 to 1-6 winners over Antrim to set up a final against Galway.

After winning the last two All-Ireland finals hopes were high heading to McDonagh Park in Nenagh that Waterford could make it three titles in a row, but there was to be disappointment for Waterford as they came up against a strong Galway outfit who won out 6-12 to 5-8 on the day.

On the day, Waterford however were the better side in the opening half. While Galway would score first through Amy Coen, Waterford responded with a Kaeisha Tobin point only for it to be cancelled out by a similar score from Rebecca Conway.

On nine minutes Kaeisha Tobin hit the back of the net and the same player a minute later had the umpire reaching for a green flag after she converted a penalty won by herself.

Galway responded with a green flag of their own after Ailish Morrissey beat Rosie Landers, but Waterford quickly went three back in front after Aisling Baumann split the posts.

Galway would level on the quarter of an hour mark when Rebecca Conway hit her sides second goal of the game, but Waterford controlled the last quarter. Abbie Dunphy hit Waterford’s third goal of the game, Aisling Baumann would hit the sides fourth and would also hit a point, as would Annie Fitzgerald to give Waterford a 4-4 to 2-4 lead at the break.

Even though Waterford played against the wind in the second half, Waterford opened with a fifth goal of the game, as Kaeisha Tobin laid the ball off to Abbie Dunphy who struck for her second goal of the game, but not before Rosie Landers made a great save to deny Galway what looked certain to be a third goal for them.

Galway did land a brace of points before they did strike for a third goal on thirty-five minutes, Rebecca Conway the player finishing to the Waterford net.

Galway pulled level on forty three minutes and soon went in front when they converted a free.

Kaiesha Tobin was putting in a magnificent hours work on the edge of the Galway square and she was rewarded for her efforts with a series of points which soon had Waterford back in front.

However six minutes from time Rebecca Conway again showed her magic when she scores an opportunist goal for the Tribes-ladies.

Galway piled on the pressure for Waterford in the closing minutes of the game, making it very difficult for Waterford to get out of their own half of the field in a bid to kick the scores that would get Waterford something from the game. Such was the pressure Waterford were under that Galway were able to kick three points in added time at the end of the hour which helped them to a seven point win.

After winning the Under 14 ‘B’ All-Ireland in 2012, Waterford played in the ‘A’ Championship this past year at under 16 level.

When the fixtures for the year were revealed, it looked as if Waterford were given a tough opener as they were paired with Kerry at Bishopstown and when the Kingdom opened the scoring inside four minutes it certaintly looked as if it would be a tough day in the workplace for Waterford.

However, this is a good Waterford side and they came storming back with goals from Megan Dunford as well as Katie and Aoife Murray which helped Waterford to a 3-9 to 0-2 lead at the break.

Kerry began the second half as they did the first kicking an early point, but it was to be their only score of the half as Waterford as they were in the first half proved to be the better of the sides and ran out comfortable 3-19 to 0-3 winners

Waterford’s subsequent game against Cork was a bit of a dead rubber game as the two side would meet in the final and neither of the two sides wanted to show the other their full hand ahead of that game.

Played at Cahir, the Munster Final proved to be a terrific game that needed extra time before Cork claimed the crown on a 1-15 to 1-14 score line.

Cork opened the game brightly with points from Ciara Hartnett and Sadhbh O’Leary. Waterford had a call for a penalty turned down on five minutes but they were on the score board soon afterwards when Bronagh Condon opened her sides account.

Cork kicked further points from Grace Culloty and Abbie Scannell but Aoife Murray pulled one back for Waterford with a point on thirteen minutes.

Saoirse Noonan put Cork three up on seventeen minutes but points from Ciara Hurley and Kate McGrath soon had Waterford back to within one of Cork.  Some loose play by Waterford allowed Ciara McCarthy to break out of the Cork defence to kick a point with four minutes of the half remaining. Saoirse Noonan further stretched Cork’s lead with three minutes to play but it was cancelled out with a good score from Aoife Murray.

Waterford however were not long more behind as Old Parish’s Hannah Power smashed the ball to the net just before the break which raised a great cheer from the Waterford support, as it ensured that her side turned around leading 1-5 to 0-7.

On a high after their late first half goal, Waterford came out for the second half by extending that lead to four inside the first seven minutes of the half with points from Kate McGrath, Ciara Hurley and Aoife Murray.

Laura Cleary kicked Cork’s first score of the second half but Waterford responded with a point from Ciara Hurley after she was set up by Megan Dunford.  The same player would put over a free from forty metres on forty-four minutes and from the restart the Ciara Hurley again won the ball and slotted over to give Waterford a six point lead with fifteen minutes to play.

Unfortunately for Waterford this was the wake up call that Cork needed as they hit back with a goal scored by Saoirse Noonan after she was set up by Laura Cleary.

Laura Cleary and Lorraine O’Neill kicked points for Cork to bring the gap down to the bare minimum. Ciara Hurley kicked a point for Waterford to put two between the sides again but Lorraine O’Neill and Saoirse Noonan kicked points for Cork in the time that remained to lock the sides at 1-12 a piece on the score board at the end of the hour.

In extra time it was Cork that started the brighter of the two sides as Laura Cleary hit a brace of points and Ciara Hartnett hit one to sent Cork into a three point lead. Ciara Hurley however pulled a point back for Waterford to leave two between the sides and giving Waterford hope heading into the final ten minutes of pulling off a result that few would have fore-told.

Waterford in the last ten minutes had a number of chances to draw closer to Cork but despite the best efforts of the Waterford attacking players, many of the chances dropped short.

Aoife Murray late in the game attempted her luck for a second Waterford goal which if registered would secure a win for Waterford, but her rasper rose too high and went over the crossbar leaving one between the sides.

Cork held out for a one point win, but it has to be pointed out, Waterford put in a terrific effort, and showed that there is some fantastic talent coming through within the county.

In the minor Championship, Waterford recorded a very comprehensive win over Clare in the ‘B’ Munster Semi Final, running out 8-14 to 0-1 winners.

To Clare’s credit, they were very much understrength on the night and had to make a half dozen changes to the named team in advance of the game starting.

The Waterford 2014 Minor Panel was a very strong outfit, and no doubt we will hear a lot more of some of the players that were part of the panel including Megan O’Connor, Clodagh Keane, Mairead Power, Aoife Dunne, Shauna Dunphy, Liz Devine, Lauren McGregor and Caoimhe McGrath amongst others in the years ahead.

First half points from Liz Devine, Jessica Glavin, Lauren McGregor, Mairead Power, Katie Hayes as well as a goal from Lauren McGregor gave Waterford a 1-10 to 0-0 lead at the break.

In the second half Waterford went on a goal scoring Spraoi as Aoife Dunne, Alice Hahessey and Shauna Dunphy shot two goals each while Liz Devine hit one. Liz Devine, Geraldine Power and Jessica Glavin also shared four points in the second half.

This win gave Waterford a semi final spot in the ‘A’ Championship against Cork at Bushy Park as well as final place in the ‘B’ Championship.

Waterford were unlucky to come up against such a strong Cork team. Eimear Scally was magnificent for the Rebelettes finishing the game with 3-5 behind her name. She hit the first of her goals in the first quarter and further goals from Eirne Ní Dheasmhunaigh and a second goal from Eimear Scally gave Cork a thirteen point advantage at the break.

Waterford faired better in the second half and early points from Aoife Dunne and Liz Devine gave Waterford hope, but Cork would again up the tempo with Eimer Scally and Hannah Looney hitting goals to help Cork to what was a comfortable win.

 

In the ‘B’ Final at Fraher Field, Waterford were the underdog against a Tipperary side who had pushed Cork all the way in the ‘A’ final.

Tipperary opened the game in whirlwind fashioned hitting 1-3 in the first nine minutes of the game.

Mairead Power opened Waterford’s account at the start of the second half only for Aisling McCarthy to cancel out the Comeragh Rangers players effort. Shauna Dunphy and Lauren McGregor drew Waterford closer with a share of brace of points. Waterford were unlucky soon afterwards to not to hit a goal as Jessica Glavin got on the end of a sweeping movement but her effort was saved by Lauren Fitzpatrick in the Tipperary goal.

A brace of mistakes in the Waterford defence resulted in Tipperary kicking points from Aisling Moloney and Aisling McCarthy but Lauren McGregor would pull back one for Waterford before the break at which time Tipperary held a 1-8 to 0-4 lead.

Waterford started the second half with a Shauna Dunphy point but Tipperary soon cancelled it out as Aisling McCarthy and Sara Everard pointed to leave six between the sides.

Lauren Guiry put over a good point on thirty-five minutes which was followed up with an effort from Lauren McGregor from a free.

Lauren Guiry was next to score for Waterford after which Mairead Power scored to leave two between the sides.

Eleven minutes from time disaster struck for Waterford when a 45 for Tipperary when all the way to the Waterford net after a mix up in the Waterford defence.

Tipperary pressed again after this and kicked points from Aisling Moloney, Caoimhe Condon and Aisling McCarthy to put eight between the sides. Despite eight points separating the sides, Waterford in the time that remained pressed the Tipperary backs but their only reward was a late Aoife Murray point.

Work has already begun in getting this years championship team in place.

Waterford sent an under 17 development squad to Portmarnock to take part in a blitz last summer.

In the group stages of the competition Waterford were drawn against Mayo, Cork and Dublin ‘A’.

After a slow start, Waterford lost their first game to Mayo by a point. Game two saw Waterford gain an excellent draw result with a strong Cork Side and in their last game they beat a fancied Dublin side to set up a plate semi final against Meath.

Waterford beat Meath which set up a final against Dublin’s second team. As they had been doing all day Waterford played some good football against Dublin and went on to win the game with some style.

Waterford on the day had a strong panel with many members of the panel available to play minor again in 2016.

For the record the Waterford panel on the day was Ciara Hurley, Lauren Mc Gregor, Katie Hayes, Grace Heffernan, Rebecca Casey, Laura Cusack, Caitríona O Brien, Róisín Curran, Aoife Murray, Katie Murray, Emma Murray, Kate Hahessey, Jodie Nugent, Áine Power, Shauna Power, Becky Hogan, Lauren Guiry, Shauna Hewitt, Mairéad Boyce, Jess Fitzgerald, Paula Cliffe, Shauna Ryan, Caoimhe Bourke, Katie Cliffe, Carrie O Keefe and Katie Fowler.