Waterford Senior Lady Footballers face Cork in Munster championship

Waterford lady footballers continue their Munster championship in Fraher Field on Sunday next with the daunting task of facing current All Ireland champions Cork. This will be Waterford’s second outing in the championship as they have already defeated Kerry in an epic struggle in Dungarvan two weeks ago and hope to follow up that win and performance with another over raging hot favourites Cork.

The two teams last met in the championship in the opening round last season in Fermoy when Cork were winners on a six points margin 1-10 to 0-7. It was a gutsy performance by the Déise girls and indeed it could have been so different on the day if lady luck had shone on the girls when a number of goal efforts went a begging. Cork will go into the game as overwhelming favourites and their pedigree speaks for itself. They have won 11 out of the last 12 All Irelands and are current National League champions. They have a star studded team with the likes of Martina O Brien in goals, Marie Ambrose, Bríd Stack and Róisín Phelan in defence and up front Eimear Scally, Orla Finn and Orlagh Farmer will need close watching.

Waterford will be no push-over their back line ably marshalled by goalkeeper Katie Hannon, the McGrath sisters Karen and Michelle along with Mairead Wall, Caoimhe McGrath, Megan Dunford, Deirbhile ní Aodha and Kate McGrath are hardworking and will be well aware of the dangers Cork will pose. In the middle of the field the Murray sisters Emma, Katie and Aoife will run tirelessly as a link between backs and forwards and up front Waterford can call on the likes of the two goal scorers against Kerry – Michelle Ryan and Róisín Tobin along with Grainne Kenneally, Aileen Wall, Maria Delahunty and others to provide the fire power to unlock the Cork defence.

This will be a tough ask of our girls but we have seen All Ireland champions being beaten in championships before. If Waterford play to their potential, with home advantage a home win could happen. To find out how it all unfolds be in Fraher Field on Sunday next June 4^th with throw in at 3:00.

Club under 16 championships.

Our under 16 championship was completed with what could only be described as a festival of football in Ballysaggart on Saturday last. The first two finals were played earlier in the week and these resulted in wins for St Pat’s in the D competition and Erin’s Own in the C competition with wins over St Anne’s and Kilrossanty Brickey Rangers respectively.  Saturday we had four finals down for decision to be played on the newly opened Ballysaggart pitch.  The day started with rain but by the time the A final was completed the place was bathed in wonderful sunshine. In the first final the D plate Clashmore got the upper hand on a very young but game St Oliver’s team who battled hard to the very end the final score being Clashmore 2-10 St Oliver’s 1-5.In the C plate final Dungarvan overcame Shamrocks on a score line of 4-7 to 1-3. Two late goals for Dungarvan putting a gloss on the score line of a match that was well contested and close up to the last few minutes.

In the B final we were treated to a great game of football from two excellently prepared teams Na Déise and Comeragh Rangers who battled it out to the very last whistle with some excellent and last ditch defending by Na Déise ensuring that they kept their noses in front by three points on a final score line of Na Déise 4-4 Comeragh Rangers 2-7.

The final game of the day, the A final had everything anybody could ask for in a county final. The quality of football played by the two teams Ballymacarbry and Gaultier was top drawer. We were treated to a fantastic game of football which ebbed and flowed. Ballymacarbry gained the initiative in early in the second half with two goals in quick succession but the Gaultier girls laid siege to the Ballymac goal for the last 10 minutes trying to carve open the defence to get the vital scores but it was to no avail and when the final whistle blew, the girls from the Nire Valley, Ballymacarbry had their noses in front on a final score line of Ballymacarbry 4-4 Gaultier 3-3

The County Board would like to thank the clubs for their co-operation on the day in helping with the smooth running of the event. A special word of thanks must go to the Ballysaggart club who generously provided the use of their facilities and all the help they gave in stewarding the event, providing tea and biscuits etc which was greatly appreciated by everybody.

Lismore Girls on Fire! as they claim the Denny Buckley Cup for the fourth time

Walsh Park Waterford was the venue on Saturday last May 20th for the 2017 "Denny Buckley Senior League" Final. Lismore and last year’s County Champions Gall Tir were the contestants. Throw in for this game was set for a 7pm start and both teams were eager to claim the League title.

It was Gall Tir who got on the score sheet first with a point on the 4th minute, but it was Lismore who had all the play after this and scored their first point on the 6th courtesy of Caithriona McGlone who scored 2 more points on the 9th and 10th minute before her sister Becky pulled to the back of the net on the 11th minute from a ball that was pulled from mid-field by Marie Russell. Lismore were on fire at this stage and had all the play only letting Gall Tir score only 2 points for the first 12 minutes. Caithriona was on fine form playing at centre forward and scored 2 more points from play on the 13th and 14th minutes before she split the Gall Tir posts from a ball flicked back to her from team captain Nicola. This was not the end of Caithriona’s purple patch by no means as she scored 2 more fine points on the 16th from a free and another from play on the 18th. The speedy wing-forward Johanna Houlihan flicked up the sliotar on the run and headed straight for the goal and scored a beautiful point on the 19th minute. This was to be Lismore’s last score for the remainder of the half and Gall Tir were gaining momento and scored their third point on the 24th minute and again another in the 29th minute from a free. It was into injury time and Gall Tir were pushing on at this stage and were threatening the Lismore backs and scored a goal on the 34th minute leaving only 4 points between the sides going in at half time. Half time score Lismore 1-8 Gall Tir 1-4.

The second half began with Lismore coming out of the blocks with great determination as Gall Tirs first half goal giving them a wakeup call and Caithriona once more splitting the posts on the 35th minute. Ruth Geoghegan ran at the Gall Tir backs from a ball that was passed to her from a Caithriona McGlone solo run from her own half back line to her forward line and made no mistake and struck to the back of the Gall Tir net getting Lismore’s 2nd goal on the 37th minute. Caithriona who was in fine form scored two more points from frees on the 38th and 40th minutes, before corner forward Sinead Bennett pulled on a bobbling ball on the Gall Tir goal mouth which once again found the net for Lismores 3rd goal on the 40th minute. Lismore were ruthless at this stage and team captain Nicola found the back of the net a minute later for Lismore’s 4th goal. Gall Tir had no answer for the advancing Lismore girls and were held scoreless for nearly all of the second half. Caithriona scored another point from a free on the 43rd minute but had to vacate the field on the 47th minute  due to an injury to her hand. Nicola scored a fine point on the 49th minute. Marie Russell took over free taking duties and scored a point on the 55th minute which was duly Lismore’s last  point of the game. Gall Tir scored their only 3 points of the half  in the last five minutes of the game leaving the final score Lismore 4-14 Gall Tir 1-7.

The Denny Buckley Cup was going back to its home town for the fourth time and was presented to team Captain Nicola Morrissey by County Board Chairperson Ita Murphy. 

Panel; Tanya Morrissey, Grainne Kenneally, Shauna Prendergast, Shauna Kiernan, Marie Russell (0-1 f), Aoife Houlihan, Shona Curran, Clodagh Walsh, Becky McGlone(1-0), Nicola Morrissey(1-1), Sharon Williams, Sinead Bennett(1-0), Caithriona McGlone(0-4, 0-7f), Ellen Curran, Emily Heneghan, Lorna Foley, Isabella, Markieich, Laura Buckley, Shauna O'Keeffe, Alice Russell, Jane Russell, Ruth Geoghegan(1-0), Robyn Roche, Sarah Coughlan, Johanna Houlihan(0-1)

Trainer; Brendan Landers  

Selectors; Geraldine Barry, Kate Heneghan Physical Trainer; Mark McConnell 

First Aid; Eiliish McGlone

County Board Dog Night

Please support the Co. Board  dog night which is taking place on Saturday 27th of May in Kilcohan Park Waterford. All proceeds will go towards our county teams. The Club have representatives on the County Senior team and County U16 team and on the U14 development squad.

Tickets for this can be bought by contacting Club Secretary Marie Russell(085)1164249 at a cost of €10 each or €20 for a family ticket a great night of fun assured

Clothes Collection

Lismore Camogie Club are once again doing a clothes collection as one of their fundraisers. Clothes can be dropped or collected by contacting Mary Russell (086)3326128, Jojo Tobin (087)2063880 or Eilish McGlone (086)1223015

U14 County Championship

Our U14 team played Dungarvan in the fourth round of the U14b championship and were unfortunately beaten but have qualified for the U14B Shield V Tramore in Dunhill which was played yesterday Tuesday results not known at the time of going to press.

Lismore Senior girls reach the 2017 Denny Buckley League Final

The Lismore Senior camogie Team had a comprehensive win over eastern opponents De La Salle on Saturday evening last in Lismore GAA Field on a score line of 4-12 to De La Salle’s 1-8. This win confirmed the girls a place in the League final against last year’s County Champions Gall Tír on Saturday next May 20th in Walsh Park.

The girls have improved immensely since their first league game V Cappoquin in early April when Cappoquin beat them on a score line of Lismore 2-10 Cappoquin 1-16. After this defeat, the girls went on to play Gall Tír where they had a victory over the County Champions Lismore 3-11 Gall Tír 1-7. Lismore’s next game was a against St. Annes where they laid down the gauntlet once more and had another considerable victory on a score line Lismore 4-16 St. Annes 4-8.

All roads lead to the County grounds Walsh Park on Saturday next May 20th for a 7pm start to support our senior girls in their quest to reclaim "The Denny Buckley Cup"

Panel; Tanya Morrissey, Grainne Kenneally, Shauna Prendergast, Shauna Kiernan, Marie Russell, Aoife Houlihan, Shona Curran, Clodagh Walsh, Becky McGlone, Nicola Morrissey, Sharon Williams, Sinead Bennett, Caithriona McGlone, Ellen Curran, Emily Heneghan, Lorna Foley, Isabella Markieich, Laura Buckley, Shauna O'Keeffe, Alice Russell, Jane Russell, Ruth Geoghegan, Robyn Roche, Sarah Coughlan, Johanna Houlihan

Trainer; Brendan Landers  

Selectors; Geraldine Barry, Kate Heneghan Physical Trainer; Mark McConnell 

First Aid; Eilish McGlone

U14 County Championship

Our U 14 team are currently playing their County Championship and have so far played Portlaw, Cappoquin and An Rinn. They have beaten Cappoquin and have been beaten by Portlaw and An Rinn. These girls will play Dungarvan in Dungarvan on Wednesday evening @ 6.30. We wish these girls the best of luck in this game.

County Board Dog Night

Please support the Co. Board  dog night which is taking place on Saturday 27th of May in Kilcohan Park Waterford. All proceeds will go towards our county teams. The Club have representatives on the County Senior team and County U16 team.

Lismore Camogie Club are currently arranging a bus to this very enjoyable night, bookings for this can be made by contacting Eilish McGlone (086)1223015. Tickets for this can be bought by contacting Club Secretary Marie Russell(085)1164249 at a cost of €10 each or €20 for a family ticket a great night of fun assured

Clothes Collection

Lismore Camogie Club are once again doing a clothes collection as one of their fundraisers. Clothes can be dropped or collected by contacting Mary Russell (086)3326128, Jojo Tobin (087)2063880 or Eilish McGlone (086)1223015

Condolences

The club would like to extend their sincere condolences to the Curran Family, Cappagh on their recent bereavement of the late Jimmy Curran.

Waterford overcome Kerry in Munster Ladies Football Championship

Waterford Lady Footballers got their LIDL Munster Senior campaign off to an excellent start with a well deserved win over Kerry in rainy conditions in Fraher Field on Saturday last. Waterford started brightly but it was Kerry who registered the first score, a point from Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh in the 3^rd minute. Waterford quickly hit back with two good points from full forward Maria Delahunty to leave the Déise a point up after 9 minutes. Anna Galvin equalised for the Kingdom in the 10^th minute and straight from the kick out Amanda Brosnan got possession and pointed to put Kerry back in front.

Maria Delahunty got Waterford’s third and fourth points in the 15^th and 16^th minutes respectively after some good build up play and quick passing of the ball. Aileen Wall stretched Waterford’s lead in the 17^th minute with a well taken point and indeed could have gone further ahead but were guilty of two bad wides. Sarah Houlihan pointed a free for Kerry and Miriam O Keeffe levelled matters in the 22^nd minute at five points apiece. Maria Delahunty put Waterford back in front with a well taken free on 26 minutes and added a point from play one minute later. Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh pointed a free in injury time to leave the score at half time Waterford 0-7 Kerry 0-6.

Waterford opened the second half with intent with an effort from Michelle Ryan being saved by the Kerry goalkeeper but the Ballymacarbry forward didn’t give up and her determination in winning the rebound led to a deserved Waterford goal after 3 minutes of the second half. Emma Sherwood replied with a point to keep Kerry in touch but Katie Murray quickly replied with a point for the Déise in the 5^th minute. Laura Rogers pointed a free in the 7^th minute to leave a goal between the teams.

Kerry pressed forward but were finding the Waterford back in uncompromising mood. An effort from Sarah Houlihan was brilliantly turned around the post by Jessica Fitzgerald and the danger was once again averted. Waterford’s forwards at this stage were finding it difficult to get clean possession but after a series of wides a good pass by Emma Murray to Maria Delahunty led to the Abbeyside girl putting the ball over the bar to stretch the lead out to four points with 16 minutes to go.

Waterford pressed forward and were rewarded when a Róisín Tobin effort completely deceived the Kerry goalkeeper Laura Fitzgerald to leave Waterford in pole position seven points to the good with nine minutes remaining. Kerry pushed forward but wave after wave of attack was repulsed by the Waterford back line. Kerry got four 45 metre kicks in the space of five minutes but they got no reward on the score board due to the composure of the Waterford defence. Anna Galvin added a point for the Kingdom to bring the margin back to six points and with the last attack of the game corner forward Laura Galvin got Kerry’s only goal of the game to leave three points between the sides when referee AJ Cronin who had an excellent game all through blew the final whistle to leave Waterford well deserved winners on the final score line Waterford 2-9 Kerry 1-9.

This was a great team performance from Waterford and all the players raised their game to secure an outstanding result over the favourites Kerry. The Backs as a unit were resolute and afforded a very dangerous Kerry outfit very few real chances during the game. Midfield was very strong and the players were tireless in their efforts and while conditions did not really favour forwards they certainly caused the Kerry backs many problems. Manager Pat Sullivan was delighted with the effort put in by the team. He was confident in their ability and firmly believed that they could beat Kerry on the day. This was a great result for Waterford in their second year back in the senior grade. Waterford now go forward to a second round Munster championship clash with reigning champions Cork on June 4^th at a County Waterford venue.

Scorers: Waterford – M Delahunty 0-7, M Ryan & R Tobin 1-0 each, A Wall & K Murray 0-1 each.

Kerry – L Ní Mhuircheartaigh 0-3, L Rogers 1-0, S Houlihan 0-2, A Galvin, A Brosnan, M O’Keeffe & L Scanlon 0-1 each.

Waterford lined out as follows--- Jessica Fitzgerald, Megan Dunford, Caoimhe Mc Grath, Kate Mc Grath,Dearbhaile Ní Aodha,Karen Mc Grath, Michelle Mc Grath, Mairéad Wall, Emma Murray,Róisin Tobin(1-0), Gráinne Kenneally,Katie Murray(0-1),Aileen Wall(0-1),Maria Delahunty(0-7) and Michelle Ryan(1-0)

Subs used--- Eimear Fennell, Aoife Murray, and Nicola Fennell.

Waterford Under 14 Ladies win All Ireland Blitz

Waterford under 14 ladies won the All Ireland blitz in Portlaoise on Saturday last capping a great day for Ladies Football in the county. The team had an early start on Saturday morning and were quickly out of the blocks with a very impressive win over Wexford in the first round of the group games. They followed this up with a win over Clare in the second match. In the third game they got off to a poor start and were always playing catch up to a very strong Wicklow team and ended up being beaten. When the group points were tallied up it was found that three teams had finished on equal points and a free-kick shootout had to take place to see who would qualify for the final. Waterford duly prevailed and held their nerve to win the shootout and so qualify for the final against Offaly.

Offaly were to prove very strong opponents and raced into a seven points lead with only five minutes remaining but the spirit of this wonderful Waterford under 14 team really shone through with two goals and a point to tie up the match to leave the teams level at the end of play. This necessitated yet another dreaded shootout after the first five kicks the teams were still unable to be separated and so it went to sudden death. Eventually after many kicks later Waterford got the vital winning kick to ensure that the trophy was coming South to the Déise. A great day was had by everybody; the only down side to the day was a serious injury to Gretta Nugent and all in Waterford Ladies Football wish her a speedy recovery. Thanks to the wonderful first aid on duty in Portlaoise who looked after her so well. A special word of thanks is also due to the many parents who travelled up on the day and gave the team great support.

Well done Waterford Under 14 Ladies--- The Shootout Queens!!

Waterford Juniors narrowly lose to Kerry

The Waterford Junior camogie side were left to rue missed chances as a dogged Kerry battled to their win at a sun swept Walsh Park on Sunday afternoon.

From the throw in it was nip and tuck all the way.  Waterford recorded the first point on the fifth minutes with a great long range point from Aine Lyng.   Kerry responded with a two points from Jackie Horgan and Olivia Dineen.  Points were registered by Aine Lyng, Maggie Boylan and Abbie Flynn leaving the score at six point each.  Waterford had a fantastic chance on goal when Fiona Ni Bhrian had beaten her marker and was one on one with the goalkeeper. Waterford were very determined and were winning a lot of possession.  On the twenty six minute Kaeisha Tobin blasted the back of the net for the first goal of the match. Kerry rallied very quickly with three quick successive points by Rachel McCarthy, Patrice Diggins and Laura Collins leaving the score at half time at 1-06 to 0-09.

Kerry came out all fired up in the second half. Waterford managed to weather that initial storm with Katie O’Keeffe, Collette Hogan, Ciara Toomey, Clodagh Curran and Niamh Murphy starring among a valiant defence.  Katie O’Keeffe and Collette Hogan make two fantastic saves however were beaten on third occasion when Kerry Alannah Whelan secured Kerry first goal on the 46 minute.  All of Waterford points in the second half were scored by Aine Lyng.  On the fifty night minute the score was 1-09 to 1-10.  Waterford disputed a illegal hand pass by Kerry on Kerry twenty metre line but the referee deemed it legal.  Kerry won a free in injury time which Diggins put over the bar.  The final score of the game went to Kerry Rachel McCarthy leaving the score 1-09 to 1-12.

For Waterford there were some fantastic displays.  The defence were outstanding and in Midfield Clara Griffin and Shauna Fitzgerald thwarted Patrice Diggins the whole way throughout. Kaeisha Tobin and Aine Lyng starred in the forwards. This is Waterford first time entering a junior team and this team had only trained once on the Friday before. Waterford with take a lot of confidence out of the game as they enter the Premier Junior All Ireland Series in July.

Waterford Team: 1.    Katie O’Keeffe 2.  Colette Hogan, 3. Ciara Toomey, 4. Clodagh Curran 5. Niamh Murphy 6. Sadie Mai Rowe, 7. Sinead Cunningham, 8. Shauna Fitzgerald, 9. Clara Griffin, 10.  Aine Lyng, 11. Margaret Ann Boylan, 12.  Tara Power 13. Abbie Dunphy, 14. Kaiesha Tobin, 15. Fiona Ni Bhrian. Subs Used:  Aoife Shanahan came on for Tara Power, Aine Power came on for Fiona Ni Bhrian and Grainne Heffernan came on for Margaret Ann Boylan.

Scorers:  Aine Lyng 0-7, Kaeisha Tobin 1-0, Maggie Anne Boylan 0-1, Abbie Dunphy 0-1

Waterford Senior Ladies Footballers face Kerry at home in first round of Munster Championship

Waterford senior ladies open their Munster championship challenge with a tough encounter on Saturday next 13^th May with a home game in Fraher Field. This will be the third time that the teams will meet in Senior Football since Waterford came back to the Senior ranks two years ago. In both encounters last season Waterford were defeated by Kerry but the Déise girls gave a good account of themselves in both matches. Neither team set the world alight in the LIDL National League at the start of the season and failed to qualify for the semi-finals of their respective divisions.

Kerry have a very good side with many well-known players in their ranks, Aislinn Desmond at full back is a resolute defender and will be well aided by Aisling Leonard, in mid-field Aisling O Connell is expected to make a return after injury and up front Sarah Houlihan, Amanda Brosnahan and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh will pose problems for the Waterford defence.

Waterford have a number of injury doubts also but hopefully these will have cleared up by the weekend. Katie Hannon is playing very well in goal and Mairéad Wall, Caoimhe McGrath and Michelle McGrath are performing consistently well in the back line. Karen McGrath at mid-field along with Róisín Tobin, Nicola Fennell, Maria Delahunty, Michelle Ryan and the Murray triplets in attack all have the potential on the day to cause Kerry problems. Kerry will go into the match as strong favourites but Waterford have the ability and know-how to perform well on the day and claim a major scalp and get their Munster campaign up and running.

Waterford under 14 Ladies come up short against Limerick

Waterford ladies football under 14 team came up short in the Munster Under 14 final against Limerick on Sunday last. Played in glorious sunshine in Mallow GAA complex, Waterford were slow out of the blocks and indeed were 5 points down after only 7 minutes on the score line Limerick 1-2 Waterford 0-0. It took Waterford all of 22 minutes to register their first score, a point from midfielder Áine O Neill. Left half back and captain Ella O Neill added to Waterford’s tally a minute later when she soloed up the field and kicked a fine point. Waterford had levelled matters in the next three minutes with points from Aoife Brazil and Áine O Neill but Limerick roared back into action with a brace of points to leave the half time score Limerick 1-4 Waterford 0-4.

Waterford started the second half brightly with four unanswered points courtesy of Hayley Phelan (2), Mairéad O Brien and Aoife Brazil to leave Waterford a point to the good with 10 minutes remaining. Sarah O Brien kicked a point for Limerick to leave it all square. Waterford went ahead with a goal from Mairéad O Brien with five minutes to go. Waterford stretched their lead with a point in the 28^th minute but Limerick broke Waterford’s hearts with a goal and a point of their own before the referee blew the final whistle. Most people,  including the Limerick supporters had the result as a draw but the referee had it down as a one point win for Limerick. The final score line Limerick 2-7 Waterford 1-9.This was a bitter pill for Waterford to swallow but what is in the referee’s notebook at the end of the match not what is on the scoreboard is what matters. This was a controversial ending to a great game of football between two great teams who played with heart and courage all through.

It’s a pity that one of the main talking points about this game concerned not the performance of the players but that of the referee in getting a major decision wrong when he didn’t correctly implement the sin-bin rule having given a yellow card to a Limerick player and not sending her to the line until five or six minutes later when it was drawn to his attention by a Munster Council official that the rule was in operation for under 14 players.