Waterford GAA thread - mod warning post #1 and #51

Mastermcgrath

deise08 wrote: »

Who are the refs going to pick on now that there'll be no more Barry??

Thanks for everything Barry, he's been a true soldier for Waterford.

Jesus Ive never seen such praise for Barry on here... different story when he was playing

Mastermcgrath

deise08 wrote: »

Who are the refs going to pick on now that there'll be no more Barry??

Thanks for everything Barry, he's been a true soldier for Waterford.

Jesus Ive never seen such praise for Barry on here... different story when he was playing

deiseach

Galway's first away game as the newly-minted All-Ireland champions had a crowd of 8,300. Any suggestion that Limerick will have 10,000+ supporters traipsing across the country following them next summer is pure speculation. Yes, there was a crowd of 34,607 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh but the vast majority of those were home supporters. It also has to be set against the probability that a large number of the 3-4,000 Waterford fans who travelled to our 'home' matches in 2018 will not travel in 2019 at all if we don't get our way on this.

Someone needs to ask the Munster Council what they want: 4-6,000 people in a full Fraher Field set against the backdrop of a carnival atmosphere in Dungarvan or a slightly larger (at best) crowd vanishing into Thurles or Cork.

Motivator

Can you imagine Waterford v Limerick on a bank holiday weekend in Fraher Field? That’s the stuff dreams are made of.

Deisegodeo

deiseach wrote: »

Someone needs to ask the Munster Council what they want: 4-6,000 people in a full Fraher Field set against the backdrop of a carnival atmosphere in Dungarvan or a slightly larger (at best) crowd vanishing into Thurles or Cork.

It's not the Munster councils decision though, it's a Waterford gaa decision, as has been shown by Kildare and the Newbridge issue this year. Whoever makes that decision within Waterford I don't know, be it county board, clubs, senior management team.

It's a big decision. I'd be in favour of pushing for home advantage and play in Fraher field until Walsh park is finished, whether that is 2020 or 2021.

PTH2009

Deisegodeo wrote: »

It's not the Munster councils decision though, it's a Waterford gaa decision, as has been shown by Kildare and the Newbridge issue this year. Whoever makes that decision within Waterford I don't know, be it county board, clubs, senior management team.

It's a big decision. I'd be in favour of pushing for home advantage and play in Fraher field until Walsh park is finished, whether that is 2020 or 2021.

Prob mentioned before but would all Waterford season ticket holders get tickets ???. The away support would have to get there allocation too

whiteandblue

PTH2009 wrote: »

Prob mentioned before but would all Waterford season ticket holders get tickets ???. The away support would have to get there allocation too

Say season tickets sales will be down this year with games against the likes of Carlow and Laois and a trip to Parnell Park

DiscoStew

PTH2009 wrote: »

Prob mentioned before but would all Waterford season ticket holders get tickets ???. The away support would have to get there allocation too

Season tickets will have to be accommodated first. Of capacity is less than the amount of season ticket holders of both counties then it’s the away county will be left short. That’s my understanding of how it works and did work in the Kildare Mayo scenario this year.
The only way we shouldn’t be playing in Fraher Field next year is if management don’t feel it will offer them an advantage.
Alternatively the Central Council could try to force through a change to stop the Newbridge or nowhere type scenario from reoccurring.

914

Traffic restrictions announced for around walsh park for Sunday......

*** IMPORTANT TRAFFIC INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY ***

A new traffic plan will be in place around Walsh Park for the game on Sunday.

Vincent White Road (the back of the Convent) will be closed from the roundabout at the Veterinary Surgery and all traffic will be diverted down Cannon Street - players and officials included.
Access through Manor Lawn will be for residents only and parking will not be permitted on the greens.
Keane's Road will be closed in the vicinity of Walsh Park.

We ask all members and supporters to park sensibly, refrain from parking on greens, avoid causing obstructions to entrances or footpaths and allow wheelchairs the ease of access in the area.

Parking will be available in the following locations:
•RSC, Cork Road.
•Rear Car Park at the Waterford Shopping Centre, Lisduggan
•Mount Sion GAA Grounds.

Jjjjjjjbarry

PTH2009 wrote: »

Prob mentioned before but would all Waterford season ticket holders get tickets ???. The away support would have to get there allocation too

Was that not an issue with Mayo going to Kildare? Maybe the venue was big enough to cover.

Away season ticket holders would have to be terrace, just like we were down in Ennis this year.

hardybuck

Jjjjjjjbarry wrote: »

Was that not an issue with Mayo going to Kildare? Maybe the venue was big enough to cover.

Away season ticket holders would have to be terrace, just like we were down in Ennis this year.

Newbridge has 8,200 capacity. Mayo had roughly 3k season ticket holders, Kildare had roughly 1k, and the clubs in both counties got 1,500 for distribution. The rest went to players and sponsors.

Jjjjjjjbarry

I thought Mayo would have more than that (lots living in Dublin) but that covers it so.

liogairmhordain

Jjjjjjjbarry wrote: »

I thought Mayo would have more than that (lots living in Dublin) but that covers it so.

the GAA puts a cap on the number of season ticket holders. afaik Mayo and Dublin are the only two that are at capacity and applicants have to go on a waiting list

PTH2009

first interview with the new man
https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0919/994857-paraic-fanning-waterford/

sounds like he is ready for the challenge and wants to bounce back from the 2018 disaster

liogairmhordain

Mastermcgrath wrote: »

In a way its the end of an era with Coughlans retirement, he’s the last of the old school hatchet-man full backs.

He took a fair bit of punishment as well - broken jaw in Ennis last year and a broken hand in Ennis this year.

hardybuck

And to round off the debate on the type of coaching background senior intercounty managers tend to have, Liam Sheedy looks like he's going to get the Tipp job again, not their U21 manager.

The writing is on the wall now for the likes of Power. If he ever has ambitions of stepping up, he has a fair idea know what he needs to do. Interesting to see what he does next.

whiteandblue

http://hoganstand.com/Article/Index/290579

Planning granted!

PTH2009

whiteandblue wrote: »

http://hoganstand.com/Article/Index/290579

Planning granted!

thank god for that

its happneing and hopefully it will be a success. Its a pity we wont host non GAA events

The CB along with the Senior panels need to sort out where we play our home games in 2019. Fraher Field hosting a munster championship match ???? it could work but it will be tight

Mastermcgrath

hardybuck wrote: »

And to round off the debate on the type of coaching background senior intercounty managers tend to have, Liam Sheedy looks like he's going to get the Tipp job again, not their U21 manager.

The writing is on the wall now for the likes of Power. If he ever has ambitions of stepping up, he has a fair idea know what he needs to do. Interesting to see what he does next.

The managers of the current All Ireland champions Limerick, Clare and Cork were all ex minor and u21 coaches with their counties with arguably even less success than Power (power won both minor and u21 all Ireland’s). That imo ‘rounds off the debate’ that Power just wasn’t rated as being up to the task , not because of his experience or lack thereof.

hardybuck

Mastermcgrath wrote: »

The managers of the current All Ireland champions Limerick, Clare and Cork were all ex minor and u21 coaches with their counties with arguably even less success than Power (power won both minor and u21 all Ireland’s). That imo ‘rounds off the debate’ that Power just wasn’t rated as being up to the task , not because of his experience or lack thereof.

No went through all that. Only Clare's were in that bracket. Eddie Brennan going to Laois after taking the Kilkenny U21s is another case in point. And Galway have had constant underage success and never promote their managers.

PTH2009

Semi final weekend DLS vs Abbeyside today and Ballygunner vs Passage 2morrow

Looks set to be another DLS vs Ballygunner final but ya never knw. Abbeyside doing ok this season and will give it a right go. Passage also love playing Ballygunner who were very unconvincing in there QF win over Roanmore, there could be a shock in that game.

Eastern hurling junior final between ballydurn vs Tramore takes place tomorrow

Christy Browne

PTH2009 wrote: »

Semi final weekend DLS vs Abbeyside today and Ballygunner vs Passage 2morrow

Looks set to be another DLS vs Ballygunner final but ya never knw. Abbeyside doing ok this season and will give it a right go. Passage also love playing Ballygunner who were very unconvincing in there QF win over Roanmore, there could be a shock in that game.



Eastern hurling junior final between ballydurn vs Tramore takes place tomorrow

Neither game is a sure thing and it wouldn’t surprise me to see an Abbeyside vs Passage final.

These conditions will suit both teams

PTH2009

Abbeyside 0-14- DLS 0-13 FT

So Abbeyside provide a shock by beating match favourites DLS. Congrats to Abbeyside great for the club

Jjjjjjjbarry

Conor Prunty is a beast and serious talent. Not as effective in second half as he followed Kevin Moran who dropped deep which was a good tactical move by DLS.
What's the story with Richie Foley? He came on with 15 minutes to go. Was he away travelling?

Great to see Abbeyside win.

Giveitfong

Abbeyside 0-14 De La Salle 0-13

Abbeyside qualified for their first senior hurling county final since 2008 and remain in the hunt for their first ever senior title after edging out last year’s beaten finalists De La Salle by the minimum margin in Fraher Field this evening.

This game will not go down in the annals of Waterford hurling classics. It was a dour hard-fought game largely dominated by both defences and with a wides tally which exceeded the number of scores obtained. However, with the gap between the sides never exceeding three points, it was a gripping affair which kept the attention of the sizeable attendance on a cold evening.

Abbeyside had first use of the stiff breeze blowing into the country goal, but De La Salle had the better of the early exchanges. Abbeyside came more into it as the game progressed, and were three points in front (0-10 to 0-7) at the interval. That lead should have been greater, but their wides tally (6) was double De La Salle’s and they wasted several easy point chances with unsuccessful attempts at goal while De La Salle goalie Shaun O’Brien brought off one good stop from a Neil Montgomery shot.

De La Salle came out for the second half with Eoin Madigan in at centre forward, replacing Tonto Douglas. They immediately set about hauling back Abbeyside’s lead, which they managed in just five minutes, and at that stage only one result looked probable. However, at this stage their radar went askew, and they began to shoot wide after wide while Abbeyside were struggling to get a foothold in the exchanges.

De La Salle did manage to get ahead on a couple of occasions, but despite shooting numerous wides themselves, and again failing to convert several possible goal scoring chances, Abbeyside showed commendable spirit to force themselves back into the lead which they held to the end, with De La Salle continuing to fail to find the target (they had 12 wides in all in the second half). I thought referee Tommy O’Sullivan might have allowed one more play after Abbeyside substitute Eoin Kiely shot wide in the third minute of extra time, but he called time on the puckout to great celebrations among the relieved Village supporters.

De La Salle may feel that they should have won this game, given their second half wides tally, but over the entire game their wides total (15) was just two ahead of Abbeyside’s. Abbeyside will also look to the numerous goal chances they created, whereas De La Salle only managed one shot at goal, stopped by Stephen Enright, during the entire game.

Abbeyside’s inexperience showed frequently, especially as the exchanges became more frantic as the second half progressed, when poor decision-making let them down time and again. In the last ten minutes in particular, they won a lot of good ball in the middle third and used it very poorly. However, they showed great heart and fighting spirit, something we haven’t always seen from teams from the Village over the years.

Full forward Mark Ferncombe was Abbeyside’s leading player, with three excellent points from play to add to five converted frees. County players Kevin Moran, Shane McNulty and Jake Dillon (especially in the second half) were prominent for De La Salle, but I thought their outstanding player was full back Ian Flynn (who was listed as a subtitute in the match programme).

Whoever wins tomorrow’s semi-final will be listed as favourites to win out, but ultimately semi-finals are about winning, and the final will be another day.

Abbeyside: Stephen Enright; Seán O’Hare; John Elstead; Conor Prunty (0-1); David Collins (0-1); Darragh McGrath (0-1); James Beresford; Maurice Power; Patrick Hurney (0-1); John Hurney; Seán Whelan Barrett (0-2); Tiernan Murray; Mark Ferncombe (0-8, four frees, one 65); Neil Montgomery.

Subs (all second half, in order of introduction): Richie Foley for Tiernan Murray; Tom Looby for John Hurney; Seán Daly for Maurice Power; Eoin Kiely for Patrick Hurney.

Richie Foley is just back after a long absence with a cruciate injury.

De La Salle: Shaun O’Brien; Conor Giles Doran; Ian Flynn; Michael Doherty; Shane McNulty; Jake Dillon; Tom Moran; Eddie Barrett; Páidí Nevin (0-2); Kevin Moran; Adam Farrell (0-1); Cormac McCann (0-2); Eddie Meaney (0-1); Thomas Douglas; Shane Ryan (0-7, four frees, one 65).

Subs: Eoin Madigan for Thomas Douglas (ht); Seán Carton for Adam Farrell (I think), late in second half.

upthedeise16

Jjjjjjjbarry wrote: »

Conor Prunty is a beast and serious talent. Not as effective in second half as he followed Kevin Moran who dropped deep which was a good tactical move by DLS.
What's the story with Richie Foley? He came on with 15 minutes to go. Was he away travelling?

Great to see Abbeyside win.

Prunty has been Peter Queallys go to man all year, picks up the oppositions main man in each game but they are lucky to have David Collins at centre back who I thought was outstanding today. Ritchie is only back from a cruciate injury, wouldn’t have 60 minutes in him

PTH2009

upthedeise16 wrote: »

Prunty has been Peter Queallys go to man all year, picks up the oppositions main man in each game but they are lucky to have David Collins at centre back who I thought was outstanding today. Ritchie is only back from a cruciate injury, wouldn’t have 60 minutes in him

Hope he commits to Waterford next season as I think he will be a star

Mastermcgrath

hardybuck wrote: »

Mastermcgrath wrote: »

The managers of the current All Ireland champions Limerick, Clare and Cork were all ex minor and u21 coaches with their counties with arguably even less success than Power (power won both minor and u21 all Ireland’s). That imo ‘rounds off the debate’ that Power just wasn’t rated as being up to the task , not because of his experience or lack thereof.

No went through all that. Only Clare's were in that bracket. Eddie Brennan going to Laois after taking the Kilkenny U21s is another case in point. And Galway have had constant underage success and never promote their managers.

By all accounts Fanning put his own name forward, with an assembled backroom team and a clear plan and vision about what he was going to do. Power did nothing of the sort and sat back waited for the CB to approach him with an ‘if you want me come and get me’ attitude. When the outside candidates didn’t happen Fanning was the obvious fall back plan as he had put himself in a position to be so. If Power had demanded the job in the same manner he could just as easily been given it. But anyway he didn’t, and Fanning was the one who stepped up and more luck to him I say

cul beag

upthedeise16 wrote: »

Prunty has been Peter Queallys go to man all year, picks up the oppositions main man in each game but they are lucky to have David Collins at centre back who I thought was outstanding today. Ritchie is only back from a cruciate injury, wouldn’t have 60 minutes in him

Delighted for Abbeyside to get over the line. A lot of work going on there at underage including James Murray helping out there as a coach. Prunty is a beast of a man and if he stays injury free can be a huge asset to the county set up. Queally has got the most out of them and wouldn’t it be great if they pulled it off and won their first senior hurling title.

Deisegodeo

Some win for Abbeyside, you could see what it meant to them at the final whistle, imagine the celebrations if they can win the final and secure their first county title.

On the game itself, while not a classic, it was very enjoyable. A real battle where every single ball was fought for and scores were hard earned. In fairness, those were the terms I'm sure Abbeyside wanted the game to be played on, they are a huge physical team who battle for everything, with plenty of good hurlers too. They will give Ballygunner/Passage plenty of it in the final at the same venue in a few weeks. The more I see of Conor Prunty the more impressed I am, looks like a right player, hugely physical but mobile and can hurl too.

As regards DLS, they will wonder how they left this behind them. They got well on top in the second half and went in front, and looked like they would kick on from there. But the wides they hit were desperate, I think their last 3 shots to level the game in the closing minutes were all wide. It was Abbeyside's day, epitomised by a clear wide being given as a point for Abbeyside in the first half.

Well done again to Abbeyside, the county final will be a big occasion with a big crowd at Fraher Field in a few weeks. Waterford hurling needs that, maybe even needs a new name on the cup. I certainly wouldnt begrudge it to them.

upthedeise16

Deisegodeo wrote: »

Some win for Abbeyside, you could see what it meant to them at the final whistle, imagine the celebrations if they can win the final and secure their first county title.

On the game itself, while not a classic, it was very enjoyable. A real battle where every single ball was fought for and scores were hard earned. In fairness, those were the terms I'm sure Abbeyside wanted the game to be played on, they are a huge physical team who battle for everything, with plenty of good hurlers too. They will give Ballygunner/Passage plenty of it in the final at the same venue in a few weeks. The more I see of Conor Prunty the more impressed I am, looks like a right player, hugely physical but mobile and can hurl too.

As regards DLS, they will wonder how they left this behind them. They got well on top in the second half and went in front, and looked like they would kick on from there. But the wides they hit were desperate, I think their last 3 shots to level the game in the closing minutes were all wide. It was Abbeyside's day, epitomised by a clear wide being given as a point for Abbeyside in the first half.

Well done again to Abbeyside, the county final will be a big occasion with a big crowd at Fraher Field in a few weeks. Waterford hurling needs that, maybe even needs a new name on the cup. I certainly wouldnt begrudge it to them.

Is it definitely Fraher Field? The programme says Walsh Park but I know it’s every second year, and 3 years ago Tallow played in Walsh Park and 10 years ago, Abbeyside-DLS was in Fraher? It’s a major advantage to Abbeyside if it was in Fraher, although judging by that first half, Ballygunner look to motoring very well, 0-15 to 1-3 ahead

Jjjjjjjbarry

Passage 1-3
Ballygunner 0-15

Half time. Passage had wind in first half.

PTH2009

Ballygunner 3-23- Passage 1-4 FT

So passage will give BG a game ???

Huge win and it's hard to knw if Abbeyside can stop them

Jjjjjjjbarry

Awful one sided game. Ballygunner just on a different level. Conor Power caused mayhem.

Jjjjjjjbarry

PTH2009 wrote: »

Ballygunner 3-23- Passage 1-4 FT

So passage will give BG a game ???

Huge win and it's hard to knw if Abbeyside can stop them

If Abbeyside even give them a game, they'll be doing well!?

For a club as successful as Ballygunner, they have a very poor following? I remember the "home game" v Sixmilebridge last year and it seemed like it was Sixmilebridge and neutral Waterford fans at it. Same today, bit of a cheer when Passage entered the field and the odd isolated clap for Ballygunner. Not sure where the sunshine supporters are because if they're not already out they never will be.

Deisegodeo

upthedeise16 wrote: »

Is it definitely Fraher Field? The programme says Walsh Park but I know it’s every second year, and 3 years ago Tallow played in Walsh Park and 10 years ago, Abbeyside-DLS was in Fraher? It’s a major advantage to Abbeyside if it was in Fraher, although judging by that first half, Ballygunner look to motoring very well, 0-15 to 1-3 ahead

Yeah I saw the programme alright, I'd say the County Board werent expecting Abbeyside to beat DLS!

I saw it on Twitter thats its going to be Fraher Field, think Dunagrvan hasnt had a county final since 2012, as you say Tallow travelled down to Walsh Park a few years ago too. So Fraher Field this year seems fair, big plus for Abbeyside but I doubt Ballygunner will be too bothered either, well used to playing in Dungarvan. They were superb today, blitzed Passage. Not much more to be said about the game today really.

Mulbert

Jjjjjjjbarry wrote: »

If Abbeyside even give them a game, they'll be doing well!?

For a club as successful as Ballygunner, they have a very poor following? I remember the "home game" v Sixmilebridge last year and it seemed like it was Sixmilebridge and neutral Waterford fans at it. Same today, bit of a cheer when Passage entered the field and the odd isolated clap for Ballygunner. Not sure where the sunshine supporters are because if they're not already out they never will be.

Most people living out the dumore road aren't from the area. I know a lot of people out that direction and very few care much about hurling no mind ballygunner.

Mastermcgrath

Mulbert wrote: »

Most people living out the dumore road aren't from the area. I know a lot of people out that direction and very few care much about hurling no mind ballygunner.

Ballygunner is still a huge club with large playing numbers, are in a position to field 2 teams in many age groups. No reason why they shouldn’t be able to generate big support. Especially for a big local derby. When they first won 3 in a row in the 90s the bandwagon was as big as any.

Teebor15

Mastermcgrath wrote: »

Ballygunner is still a huge club with large playing numbers, are in a position to field 2 teams in many age groups. No reason why they shouldn’t be able to generate big support. Especially for a big local derby. When they first won 3 in a row in the 90s the bandwagon was as big as any.

They do have big numbers underage but as was said a lot from the area are from outside and are really only following their own child's games. Also Ballygunners total dominance in recent years has lessened the attractiveness of the senior hurling championship as a whole. In the nineties the Ballygunner/Mount Sion rivalry made for enthralling viewing.

Mastermcgrath

Teebor15 wrote: »

They do have big numbers underage but as was said a lot from the area are from outside and are really only following their own child's games. Also Ballygunners total dominance in recent years has lessened the attractiveness of the senior hurling championship as a whole. In the nineties the Ballygunner/Mount Sion rivalry made for enthralling viewing.

Yes my point exactly, the Dubs only drew 50k to their AI semi v Galway this year. A couple of years ago these tickets were like gold dust in the black market, even for a semi. It goes to show a teams vast dominance does not capture anyone’s imagination, not even their own support.

It will be a great occasion for Abbeyside in the final and will bring great colour and support to the occasion. Although I would expect more of the Ballygunner crowd to show up for a final. Who knows, Abbeyside go in as underdogs with nothing to lose. Peter Queally masterminded a victory over Ballygunner with Passage in 2013. It could happen again

Mulbert

Mastermcgrath wrote: »

Ballygunner is still a huge club with large playing numbers, are in a position to field 2 teams in many age groups. No reason why they shouldn’t be able to generate big support. Especially for a big local derby. When they first won 3 in a row in the 90s the bandwagon was as big as any.

Huge club alright, at the blitz's they'd have 5 and 6 teams.Fair play to them.

Gaultier should have a hurling team though. Might spread the numbers out(and ballygunner a football team of course)!

deiseach

Mastermcgrath wrote: »

Ballygunner is still a huge club with large playing numbers, are in a position to field 2 teams in many age groups. No reason why they shouldn’t be able to generate big support. Especially for a big local derby. When they first won 3 in a row in the 90s the bandwagon was as big as any.

But there is a reason. It would be interesting to know what it is.

NB if anyone wishes to contribute, can they please refrain from 'they're not Real GAA Men unlike us at CLG Anonymous' arguments. That only ever ends up in one place.

hardybuck

deiseach wrote: »

But there is a reason. It would be interesting to know what it is.

NB if anyone wishes to contribute, can they please refrain from 'they're not Real GAA Men unlike us at CLG Anonymous' arguments. That only ever ends up in one place.

Maybe they're bored. They're on course for a 5 in a row and just beat a team by 25 points in the semi.

In an urban area where parents are wondering if they'll trek across the city to bring their kids, things like the weather and the facilities actually have a big impact. So can other sporting events might be going on.

If Ballygunner is just a place where your 10 year old kid goes down to for their Saturday activity, as opposed to something you grew up with and have ongoing family and community links to, it's a fairly easy decision to go do anything else that might be going on rather than sit on a wet timber bench in Walsh Park/Dungarvan for an afternoon.

thesultan

I think they are missing that star foward to win Munster.

deiseach

hardybuck wrote: »

Maybe they're bored. They're on course for a 5 in a row and just beat a team by 25 points in the semi.

In an urban area where parents are wondering if they'll trek across the city to bring their kids, things like the weather and the facilities actually have a big impact. So can other sporting events might be going on.

If Ballygunner is just a place where your 10 year old kid goes down to for their Saturday activity, as opposed to something you grew up with and have ongoing family and community links to, it's a fairly easy decision to go do anything else that might be going on rather than sit on a wet timber bench in Walsh Park/Dungarvan for an afternoon.

It might be as simple as that. I seem to recall big crowds at their games around the turn of the millennium. They've only missed two county finals in the 21st century. There won't be any excitement in the 'parish' like there will be in Abbeyside.

hardybuck

deiseach wrote: »

It might be as simple as that. I seem to recall big crowds at their games around the turn of the millennium. They've only missed two county finals in the 21st century. There won't be any excitement in the 'parish' like there will be in Abbeyside.

Two mighty parishes, Abbeyside and Ballygunner. There mightn't be a cow milked in either after the county final. But you'd expect a good walk up crowd from Abbeyside to Fraher

Even since the turn of the millenium the kids now are fully enlisted members of the smartphone generation. The impact on attention spans, both among children and adults, is pretty alarming. If most kept a log of how many times they checked their phones during games it'd frighten them.

I actually think this is something the GAA needs to keep a serious eye on over the coming years. Hopefully the new facilities in Walsh Park will make things a bit more comfortable and a bit more attractive.

Deisegodeo

Teebor15 wrote: »

They do have big numbers underage but as was said a lot from the area are from outside and are really only following their own child's games. Also Ballygunners total dominance in recent years has lessened the attractiveness of the senior hurling championship as a whole. In the nineties the Ballygunner/Mount Sion rivalry made for enthralling viewing.

Yeah the Ballygunner/ mount sion rivalry from the early 90s right into the 2000s was unreal. Serious intensity to those games, I know fellas from other counties who used to come down to those games. Could go over board at times, a few unsavoury incidents too, but always big crowds at those games.

I'm fairness, around that time Lismore had a class team too, just couldn't get over the line and win a county title. They could beat mount sion but couldn't beat Ballygunner, amazing that They have never beaten the Gunners in senior championship.

Definitely good for a championship to have a few teams with genuine title aspirations.

deiseach

Deisegodeo wrote: »

I'm fairness, around that time Lismore had a class team too, just couldn't get over the line and win a county title. They could beat mount sion but couldn't beat Ballygunner, amazing that They have never beaten the Gunners in senior championship.

whiteandblue

Deisegodeo wrote: »

Yeah the Ballygunner/ mount sion rivalry from the early 90s right into the 2000s was unreal. Serious intensity to those games, I know fellas from other counties who used to come down to those games. Could go over board at times, a few unsavoury incidents too, but always big crowds at those games.

I'm fairness, around that time Lismore had a class team too, just couldn't get over the line and win a county title. They could beat mount sion but couldn't beat Ballygunner, amazing that They have never beaten the Gunners in senior championship.

Definitely good for a championship to have a few teams with genuine title aspirations.

I know there were only 3 real contenders (even though Passage got to a final) at the time but weren't those great years in the closing stages of the Waterford club championships.
All-Stars & hurlers of the years on teams, the likes of Daly, the Prendergast's, Bennett, O'Sullivan, Dan of Lismore, Flynn, Hartley, Frampton, Fives, Mahony, O'Sullivan, Foley of Ballygunner, the McGraths, Kelly, Greene, Kirwan, the Browne's of Mount Sion, fantastic hurling, sendings off in most games, referees nearly being attacked, genuine dislike between the teams, close & tight battles (although a few finals were one-sided) and teams going on to be very competitive in Munster and going to support them all as a Waterford hurling fan.
Lismore were so unlucky not to win more after 93, never seemed to get the rub of the green but they were entertainers and by far the best in the west at the time.
In fairness to all the other clubs, they all closed the gap up to this period of dominance of Ballygunner and while it was great to see Passage, De La Salle, Ballyduff Upper win titles, I still see the mid/late 90's and early 2000's as the best time for club hurling in Waterford and when we saw the biggest crowds in Walsh Park.
Again as a neutral, my abiding memory is of being in the stand of Walsh Park and looking over at the bank and kids in red & black sitting out on the wall and shouting, "Gunners, Gunners". Ballygunner had a huge following which they seem to have lost.

PTH2009

weekend results

Senior Hurling Championship semi finals
Abbeyside 0-14- De La Salle 0-13
Ballygunner 3-23- Passage 1-4

Western Junior A Hurling semi finals
Colligan 0-15- Tourin 0-12
Ballinameela 4-13- St Marys 3-13

Eastern Junior A Hurling final
Tramore 2-10- Ballydurn 1-11

Western Junior C Hurling final
An Rinn 1-11- Bricky Rangers 1-10

upcoming fixtures
Sat 29th Sep
Eastern Intermediate Hurling Final
Erins Own vs Clonea- Walsh Park (15.15pm)

Sun 30th Sep
Senior Football Semi finals
Ballinacourty vs the Nire- Fraher Field
Kilrossanty vs An Rinn- Fraher Field (18.30pm)

Western Intermediate Hurling Final
Clashmore vs Ballysaggart- Fraher Field (3pm)

Western Junior A Hurling final
Ballinameela vs Colligan- Fraher Field (13.15pm)