Senior Hurling Championship 2013
May 11: Ferns St Aidans 2-11, Shelmaliers 0-8
IT HAD the potential to be the game of the weekend, but only one team showed up in windy Oylegate on Sunday last as Ferns St. Aidan’s romped to a most convincing nine-point win over a poor Shelmaliers side in this Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship Group A encounter.
Both teams had made steady progress last season and this one should have been hard to call. However, from early on the touch and movement of the men in red and white was far superior to their lethargic rivals who were without county player Eoin Doyle through injury.
The only time the Shels led was in the sixth minute when Stephen Banville put them ahead by 0-2 to 0-1 while playing with the strong crossfield wind in their favour. Midway through the first quarter Ferns struck for a fortunate goal, with Tommy Dwyer’s ’65 gathered by netminder Brian Murphy who stepped back over the line before striking the ball clear.
The green flag was duly raised and Ferns never looked back, widening the gap to five points in the 20th minute when Christopher O’Connor handpassed to Ian Byrne who raced in from the left wing before planting the ball past Murphy (2-3 to 0-4). Moments earlier O’Connor had been just off target when Byrne played him through in similar circumstances, and the Ferns attack was moving with purpose.
Brian Doyle and Paul Morris swapped points before Tommy Barron hit a fine effort from the left corner for the Shels just before the break, but his uncle John’s well-prepared Ferns side still looked the more likely to succeed at half-time when they led by 2-4 to 0-6.
Nobody could have foreseen that the Shels challenge would fade out to such an extent that they would only add two points after the break and fail to score in the last 21 minutes plus added time.
Wing-back Conor Walsh and Stephen Banville got those scores but Brendan Jordan, Tommy Dwyer (’65), Paul Morris (free) and John Breen helped Ferns to lead by 2-8 to 0-8 before the outcome was well and truly decided in the 49th minute.
For once the rock-solid winners’ defence, well marshalled by James Tonks, was breached as Banville and Brian Malone combined to put Conor Byrne through and he was hauled down. However, his penalty was saved and seconds later Brian Doyle received a straight red card for a wild pull on Ciarán Roberts, leaving Ferns in a commanding position.
John Breen, Paul Morris and Ian Byrne added unanswered points for the victors whose meeting with Faythe Harriers in Bellefield on Saturday next will be very interesting.
Ferns St. Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colin Leacy; Colm Whelan, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (1-1 ’65s); John Breen (0-3), Jamie Whelan, Ian Byrne (1-1); Jonathon Dwyer, Paul Morris (0-5, 2 frees), Christopher O’Connor. Subs. - Eddie Cullen for J. Whelan (45), Gavin Bailey for Roberts (55).
Shelmaliers: Brian Murphy; Andre O’Brien, Aidan Murphy, Brian Malone; Conor Walsh (0-1), Clive Lawler, Aidan Cash; John Redmond (0-1), Brian Doyle (0-1); Alan Griffith, Ciarán O’Shaughnessy, Tommy Barron (0-1); Chris McGrath, Stephen Banville (0-2), Conor Byrne (0-2 frees). Subs. - Simon Donohoe for Redmond (HT), Eoghan Nolan for McGrath (45), Redmond for Griffith, inj. (60 + 2).
Referee: Barry Redmond (Clonard).
May 18: Ferns St Aidans 4-16, Faythe Harriers 2-11
FABULOUS FERNS St. Aidan’s built steadily on their opening round win over Shelmaliers when they demolished Faythe Harriers with even greater ease, giving the stand-out performance of the weekend in this entertaining Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship Group A clash in Bellefield on Saturday last.
Two goals in the second quarter and another brace in response to one from the Wexford town team after the interval powered the red and whites to a fully-deserved runaway win which was inspired by the complete midfield dominance of the outstanding Brendan Jordan and Tommy Dwyer.
Faythe Harriers may have edged the early exchanges after their best forward, Shane Howard, picked off a point just 44 seconds into the action, but the game took a twist in favour of Ferns in the 18th minute when Richie Kehoe flapped at a long-range Tommy Dwyer free on the line and it ended up in the net.
That score pushed the eventual winners ahead for the first time (1-3 to 0-5), and they were boosted even further ten minutes later when Paul Morris and John Breen combined down the right flank before centre-forward Jamie Whelan cleverly batted the ball to the net to avoid being hooked.
His brother, Colm, followed up with a rousing point, shipping a shoulder from Lee Chin before splitting the posts, and Ferns were full value for their 2-7 to 0-9 half-time lead.
Their dominance grew on the re-start with the first three points from Paul Morris, Tommy Dwyer (free) and Jonathon Dwyer, but the Harriers briefly threatened a comeback when the ball was brought closer to goal for dissent after a foul on Chin and Jim Berry planted the free in the net (2-10 to 1-9).
The decisive response from Ferns wrapped up victory though as they pounced for two goals in just over 60 seconds. Ian Byrne cut in from the left for the first and ‘Archie’ Scallan couldn’t keep his shot out despite getting a touch on the ball, and then a poor clearance was punished to the full as Jamie Whelan handpassed to John Breen who made it game, set and match in the 38th minute (4-10 to 1-9).
The Harriers grew increasingly ragged and ought to have been reduced to 14 men but referee Niall McDonald didn’t give the second yellow card which one of their key men deserved for a nasty slap at Tommy Dwyer.
Although a Jim Berry free from out the field went all the way to the net in the 41st minute (4-11 to 2-9), Ferns went on to score five of the last seven points as the prolific Paul Morris brought his tally to five from play while Dwyer landed a brace of frees before Christopher O’Connor got in on the act.
Ferns St. Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colin Leacy; Colm Whelan (0-1), James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan, Tommy Dwyer (1-6, 1-4 frees); John Breen (1-0), Jamie Whelan (1-0), Ian Byrne (1-0); Jonathon Dwyer (0-2), Paul Morris (capt., 0-6, 1 free), Christopher O’Connor (0-1). Subs. - Patrick Farrell for J. Whelan, temp. (5-7), Farrell for J. Whelan (48), Eddie Cullen for J. Dwyer (55), Gavin Bailey for Roberts (58).
Faythe Harriers: Ian Scallan; Brendan Mulligan, David Mooney, Alan Lynch; Emmet Keeling, Richie Kehoe (capt.), Colm Heffernan; Kevin Gore (0-1), Jim Berry (2-5 frees); Ben O’Brien, Lee Chin (0-2), Rhys Clarke; Shane Howard (0-2), Pádraigh Farrell, Paul Lambert (0-1)
Referee: Niall McDonald (Crossabeg-Ballymurn).
August 3: Ferns St Aidans 1-21, Oylegate/Glenbrien 2-11
FERNS ST. Aidans took the points but improvement is needed as they struggled for lengthy periods before eventually seeing off a determined Oylegate-Glenbrien challenge in this Pettitt's Senior hurling championship Group A game at St. Patrick's Park on Saturday last.
Oylegate-Glenbrien enjoyed the better of the exchanges until the 48th minute when a long Ian Byrne point edged his side in front by 1-12 to 2-8, having levelled matters only six minutes earlier. While Ferns went on to control the final quarter, they had not looked comfortable up to then as it took a considerable effort to shake off the committed challenge of their opponents.
Credit to Oylegate-Glenbrien who have been forced to play their two recent games minus the services of a number of players. Despite this drawback one could not fault their commitment as in both recent games they enjoyed splendid opening spells, but the lack of experience and balance came back to haunt them in the closing quarters.
Oylegate-Glenbrien dominated the opening exchanges with a Fergal Doran pointed free edging them in front after just 30 seconds, while one minute later following good play from Paudge Doran, Jamie Reck finished splendidly to the net, giving his side a 1-1 to nil lead.
Ferns through points from Paul Morris, Jonathon Dwyer and Christopher O'Connor gradually hauled themselves into the game, with the sides level (1-3 to 0-6) after twelve minutes. After 13 minutes Reck turned provider with Doran crashing home his inch-perfect pass to give his side a 2-3 to 0-6 lead. The sides continued to trade points but Oylegate-Glenbrien still led by three (2-6 to 0-9) at the interval.
After Jamie Reck with an excellent point extended his side’s lead within one minute of the re-start, Ferns’ best attacker, Paul Morris, shot home an excellent goal from an acute angle, reducing the deficit to the minimum (2-7 to 1-9) after 33 minutes.
Fergal Doran and Ian Byrne went on to exchange points before Ferns responded with six unanswered points through Ian Byrne (two), Tommy Dwyer (free), Paul Morris (two) and Brendan Jordan to lead by 1-15 to 2-8 with ten minutes remaining.
While an excellent individual point from Paudge Doran raised his side’s hopes entering the closing stages, Ferns finished the game with a flourish of scores as Morris, Ian Byrne and Tommy Dwyer sent over excellent points, while their opponents could only manage scores from a Fergal Doran free and Paudge Doran. Ferns ran out seven points winners in the end, but considerable improvement will be sought if they are to impact on the knockout stages of the championship campaign.
Ferns St. Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colin Leacy; Colm Whelan, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (0-5, 4 frees, 1 '65); Jonathon Dwyer (0-2), John Breen (0-1), Ian Byrne (0-3); Patrick Farrell, Paul Morris (1-5), Christopher O'Connor (0-3). Subs. Gavin Bailey (0-1) for Farrell, Edward Cullen for O'Connor.
Oylegate-Glenbrien: James Doyle; Aidan Murphy, Pádraic O'Connor, Robert O'Connor; Anthony Doyle, Jim White, Daithí O'Mahoney; Peter Nolan, Eoin O'Mahoney (0-1); Tomás Stamp (0-1), Jamie Reck (1-1), Mark Ka-vanagh; Fergal Doran (0-4, 3 frees), Paudge Doran (1-4, 0-1 free), Mark Morris. Sub. Shane Lambert for D. O'Mahoney.
Referee: David O'Leary (Rathnure).
August 10: Ferns St Aidans 1-22, Adamstown 0-14
UNBEATEN FERNS St. Aidans outscored lowly Adamstown by 1-8 to 0-2 in the last quarter in Bellefield on Saturday last as they all but ensured the ultimate top spot in Group A of the Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship.
The men in red and white face second-placed Rapparees in their final outing and boast a superior scoring difference of +36 to their Enniscorthy town rivals, while this defeat spells the end of the road for the New Ross District side who will be involved in a relegation battle.
Adamstown set up in a defensive manner for this contest against the group’s big hitters, with county footballer Michael Furlong playing as a seventh back throughout, and they stayed in touch for three-quarters of the game through the accuracy of Tony French and Shane O’Gorman.
However, the walls came crashing down in the 48th minute when netminder Paul Cooper couldn’t clear the danger after a long Tommy Dwyer free and Patrick Farrell was on hand to lash the sliothar to the net for a 1-15 to 0-12 lead.
It was all plain sailing for the favourites thereafter as the points flowed from a variety of sources, with Cooper redeeming himself as he made two good saves from Jonathon Dwyer and Christopher O’Connor.
Dwyer and the excellent Brendan Jordan struck some superb points from long range for the victors who trailed by 0-11 to 0-10 at half-time after playing against the breeze, but they only struck one wide up to that point and generally made good use of their chances.
While they led by 0-5 to 0-2 after ten minutes, they were reeled in by a trio of Tony French points and the sides were then level four times in the second quarter. Both were content to pick off points with no goal chances of note created at either end.
Good pressure by M.J. Cooper denied Ian Byrne early in the second-half as his pull went wide, with Ferns edging three points clear before the goal after the best two points of the game from Jonathon Dwyer and Brendan Jordan from the left wing into the road end.
Depending on last round results, Ferns will now face either St. Anne’s, Rathnure or Glynn-Barntown, the home club of their manager John Barron, in the quarter-finals.
Ferns St. Aidans: Mick Walsh; Colin Leacy, Niall Maguire, Edward Walsh; Declan Byrne, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-5), Gavin Bailey; Tommy Dwyer (0-6, 4 frees), Ian Byrne (0-2), Jonathon Dwyer (0-3); Patrick Farrell (1-0), Paul Morris (capt., 0-3), Christopher O’Connor (0-3). Subs: Eddie Cullen for Farrell (52), Colm Whelan for E. Walsh (52).
Adamstown: Paul Cooper; Michael Curtis, M.J. Cooper, John Whelan; Shane White, James Breen, Paudie Barden; Lorcan French, Tony French (0-10, 7 frees); Barry Power, Shane O’Gorman (0-3), John French; Eoghan Cashin (0-1), Thomas Furlong, Michael Furlong. Subs: Paddy Whitty for Cashin (42), Brendan Furlong for White (53), Ian Stafford for Power (56).
Referee: Joe Kelly (Naomh Eanna).
August 31: Ferns St Aidans 2-16, Rapparees 2-10
THE LOCAL derby to determine first and second spots in Group A of the Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship presented Ferns St. Aidan’s with their toughest test yet in St. Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy, on Saturday last, but they came through with flying colours after absorbing plenty of Rapparees pressure.
The victors’ shooting from distance was lethal for a long stretch of the opening half, with every ball struck from the 12th to the 26th minute going over the bar as they extended a 0-3 to 0-2 lead to 0-12 to 1-3. Tommy Dwyer, John Breen, Johnny Dwyer, Ian Byrne, Christopher O’Connor and Paul Morris all contributed to that tally with a brand of crisp hurling that was very easy on the eye, and Rapparees were grateful to Minor attacker Kevin Foley for keeping them in the hunt with that goal.
While it came against the run of play it was a well-taken score, as the teenager ignored a few slaps from an opposing hurl as he soloed in from the left flank and beat Mick Walsh with a low shot in the 20th minute.
The town team narrowed the gap to four by the break (0-12 to 1-5) with late points from Declan Ruth (free) and Eoin Quigley, and they contributed a great deal to a keenly-fought second-half without being able to edge their noses in front. After an exchange of points, Christopher O’Connor’s goal from a Paul Morris cross was correctly ruled out in the 42nd minute as he was standing in the square beforehand.
A couple of frees from Tomás Mahon then got the Rapps to within two of their rivals (0-13 to 1-8), but a stroke of good fortune worked in Ferns’ favour with just over ten minutes left. Poor distribution from a Rapps back was punished on the double as Tommy Dwyer’s long-range shot seemed to deceive netminder Aaron Sinnott as he looked into the sun and it ended up in the net (1-14 to 1-9).
The Enniscorthy men didn’t lie down though, and they were back in with a shout with just over six minutes left when Ferns couldn’t clear the ball out of their left corner. Kevin Foley’s cross was flicked on cleverly by Eoin Quigley into the path of Tomás Mahon, and he made no mistake (1-15 to 2-10).
That good vibe only lasted 60 seconds for the Rapps though as a Tommy Dwyer delivery at the other end was gathered by substitute Jamie Whelan who initially tried to off-load with a handpass. However, the sliothar broke back to him and he twisted and turned before finding the net for the clinching goal.
Ferns St. Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colin Leacy; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (1-4, 0-3 frees); Ian Byrne (0-3), Paul Morris (capt., 0-3), Johnny Dwyer (0-2); John Breen (0-2), Patrick Farrell, Christopher O’Connor (0-1). Subs: Jamie Whelan (1-0) for Farrell (43), Edward Walsh for Maguire (46), Eddie Cullen for J. Dwyer (58).
Rapparees: Aaron Sinnott; Tom Wall, Liam Ryan, John Ryan; Peter O’Sullivan, Declan Ruth (0-2, 1 free), Eoin Quigley (0-2); Kevin Courtney, Anthony Russell; Kevin Ryan (0-1), Tomás Mahon (1-3, 0-2 frees), Cathal Murphy; Ed Tobin (0-1), Eamonn Furlong (0-1), Kevin Foley (1-0). Subs: Jack Kelly for Murphy (43), Ricky Fox for K. Ryan (49), Mel Doyle for J. Ryan (51).
Referee: Barry Redmond (Clonard).
September 7, quarter-final: Ferns St Aidans 2-22, Rathnure 3-12
WHISPER IT quietly: pretenders to the throne Ferns are rounding into tip-top shape just in time.
Saturday brought further evidence of their growing belief, and maybe moreso, of their hurling class. The group A table-toppers dismissed 2011 finalists Rathnure with plenty to spare in the Pettitt's Senior Championship quarter-final at Bellefield.
In truth, despite Paul Codd's hat-trick heroics, there was always only one winner. The Gorey District side shot 2-20 of their scores from play, swatted just five wides, three of which came in the final ten minutes, and were full value for the seven point victory that they eventually claimed.
Rathnure attempted to keep it tight, operating with an extra defender for much of the contest, but that only serves proof of their opponents attacking prowess. With Ian Byrne exceptional, Paul Morris playing creator and point-taker and the rest of the front eight all chipping in with scores there was no stopping the victors.
Indeed, it took just two minutes for Christopher 'Bitsy' O'Connor to screech away down the left wing and goal and from that point on Rathnure could never get back on terms. It was mainly the dead-ball skills of Jack Guiney that kept Rathnure in touch throughout the first half - although he did have a twenty meter free stopped on the line by Gavin Bailey.
Leading 1-4 to 0-3, Ferns' second goal arrived at the end of the opening quarter and did have an element of fortune attached to it. Byrne's searching long ball was in the vicinity of O'Connor, who was loitering just inside the square. However nobody got a touch on the sliothar as it bypassed the corner-forward, and Rathnure goalkeeper Jim Morrisey, and settled in the net.
The teams traded points for much of the remainder of the half but just as Ferns looked set to carry a comfortable lead in at the break veteran goal-getter Paul Codd popped up to kick home the first major of his hat-trick.
A superb Morris ball saw Brendan Jordan flash narrowly over seconds after the interval (2-10 to 1-8) but it took just two further minutes for Rathnure to pull within one after Declan Foley pointed and Codd goaled after a penetrating Sean O'Neill run. Such is the level of composure the St Aidan's men play with that the goal didn't shake them. Actually, Ferns rose to the challenge and picked off six of the next seven points with Jordan (3), Byrne, O'Connor and Morris all on target.
Again the Blackstaires men responded with a Nigel Higgins point and Codd's third goal, from his knees after he looked to be fouled, to once close the deficit to two (2-16 to 3-11). However, only one further Rathnure point would follow in the final seventeen minutes, Ferns didn't have the same problems and closed out their victory to book their semi-final spot with minimal fuss.
Ferns St Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Edward Walsh, Niall Maguire; Gavin Bailey (0-1), James Tonks, Ciaran Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-4), Tommy Dwyer (0-2 frees); Ian Byrne (1-6), Paul Morris (0-4), Johnny Dwyer (0-1); Patrick Farrell (0-1), John Breen (0-1), Christopher O'Connor (1-2). Subs: Colin Leacy for Maguire, Jamie Whelan for Farrell, Derek Thorpe for J. Dwyer, Johnny Dwyer for Byrne, inj.
Rathnure: Jim Morrissey; Chris Redmond, Brendan O'Leary, Anthony O'Connell; Paddy Whitley, Mick O'Leary, Aidan Redmond; Nigel Higgins (0-1), John O'Connor (0-1); Dermot Flynn, Declan Foley (0-2), Jack Guiney (0-7, 4 frees, 1 '65); Sean O'Neill, Paul Codd (3-1), Syl Barron. Subs: Richie Flynn for Barron, Shane Murphy for O'Con-nor, Trevor Hogan for Higgins, Michael Redmond for C. Redmond.
Referee: James Owens (Askamore)
October 6, semi-final: Ferns St Aidans 2-12, Glynn/Barntown 1-10
FERNS ST. Aidans may not have hit the heights everyone expected, but they still will be content with their five-point victory over Glynn-Barntown as they went on to achieve their goal in this Pettitt's Senior hurling championship semi-final at Wexford Park on Sunday last.
This success was hard-earned but that is what Ferns would have expected as, having looked the sharper and superior force through the opening 30 minutes, they had to withstand a second-half surge fromn Glynn-Barntown which left this result in doubt until the closing minutes.
Conditions were difficult, particularly underfoot, with the ground offering up something akin to a skating rink, which once again brings into question the all-weather surface at the venue which has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks. Despite this, credit to both sides for serving up a tense, close and tough second-half, with fortunes in the end favouring Ferns. They had seven points to spare at the interval which left Glynn-Barntown with lots to do on the resumption. While they never gave up the chase, as Mark Fanning’s goal from a penalty six minutes from the end left just three points (2-9 to 1-9) separating the sides, at this stage that the impressive Ian Byrne stepped in with two marvellous long-range points, after a Mark Flood effort had reduced the deficit to two minutes earlier.
Ferns were the better hurling team. Their first touch and stick work was slicker, while they also had Ian Byrne shining in attack, with the wing-forward contributing six points from play in a marvellous exhibition in the testing conditions which prevailed throughout.
Ferns set about trying to blitz their opponents through the opening exchanges. That is just what they did as they raced into a 1-3 to nil lead by the 13th minute, and a little more composure close to goal would have seen them with a greater lead.
Ian Byrne opened the scoring after two minutes with a fine point off the wing out on the terrace side, while two minutes later, after what was possibly the best move of the game, the eventual winners struck for the game’s opening goal.
Ciarán Roberts played a great ball to Patrick Farrell, who in turn linked up with Paul Morris, leaving the centre-forward to cut through the defence before rifling a superb shot across Mark Fanning into the right-hand corner of the net. Full-forward John Breen followed up with two points to put his side 1-3 to nil clear.
Glynn-Barntown had to wait until the 16th minute for their opening score, a Craig Doyle point. Ian Byrne and Doyle went on to exchange points. Following some close exchanges, Paul Carley (free) and John Breen swapped further points, while a Gary Moore effort reduced the deficit to 1-5 to 0-4 after 25 minutes.
As the game moved into additional time, Patrick Farrell was fouled as he drove in on goal, with Tommy Dwyer powering the resulting penalty to the net, leaving his side with a 2-5 to 0-4 interval lead.
Close to the interval the game was marred by a melee under the stand when a Glynn-Barntown substitute lashed out at a Ferns player, resulting in a free for all involving a number of players, but referee Justin Heffernan calmed matters down and blew for half-time.
Glynn-Barntown may have scrambled to remain in the game through the opening period, but on the resumption they brought more composure and passion to their play as they set about trying to reel in their opponents.
Within two minutes of the re-start, Paul Carley was fouled and pointed the resulting free, but the Ferns response was immediate as Ian Byrne sent over another great long-range point. Glynn-Barntown went on to have their best spell, shooting four unanswered points between the 36th and 40th minutes through John Leacy with a long-range effort, Paul Carley (two frees) and Gary Moore with one in between, to reduce the deficit to three points (2-6 to 0-9).
In fairness Ferns responded with a Tommy Dwyer 50-metre pointed free, while Ian Byrne continued his fine showing with a long-range effort. With seven minutes remaining, Tommy Dwyer from a free extended his side into a 2-9 to 0-9 lead, but then came Fanning's goal from a penalty.
After substitute Mark Flood reduced the deficit even further, to two points, Ferns stood up to the challenge, with Tommy Dwyer pointing a free before two superb long-range efforts from Ian Byrne killed off the Glynn-Barntown revival.
Ferns St Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan, Tommy Dwyer (1-3, 1-0 pen., 0-3 frees); Ian Byrne (0-6), Paul Morris (capt., 1-0), Jonathon Dwyer; Patrick Farrell, John Breen (0- 3), Christopher O'Connor. Subs: Derek Thorpe for J. Dwyer, Edward Cullen for Farrell, Jamie Whelan for O'Connor, Colin Leacy for Bailey.
Glynn/Barntown: Mark Fanning (1-0 pen.); James Reilly, Pádraig Donnelly (capt.), Barry Doyle; Mark Carley, Michael O’Regan, P J Carley; Kevin Crean, John Leacy (0-1); James Dooley, Brendan Doyle, Michael Doyle; Craig Doyle (0-2), Gary Moore (0-2), Paul Carley (0-4, 3 frees). Subs: Mark Flood (0-1) for Crean, Pádraic Wafer for Dooley, Ian Moran for P. Carley, Eugene Furlong for M. Doyle.
Referee: Justin Heffernan (Blackwater)
October 20, County Final: Oulart/The Ballagh 3-12, Ferns St Aidans 1-16
THE HARD years of experience accumulated over many campaigns on the road stood the test as reigning champions, Oulart-The Ballagh, completed a record five-in-a-row after an enthralling Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship final clash with Ferns St. Aidan's at Wexford Park on Sunday last.
There was no shortage of passion or drama, while the standard of hurling throughout the 60-odd minutes was quite amazing given the heavy downpours and resulting slippery underfoot conditions. Ferns St. Aidans were bidding to end their famine but they had the worse possible start, finding themselves seven points adrift (2-2 to 0-1) after just four opening minutes.
This was a storming opening from Oulart-The Ballagh. Given the manner in which they dismantled the Ferns fullback line with an avalanche of early scores, one feared as if the game would develop into a runaway victory, as the underdogs were hit with such ferocity in their first final appearance since 1969 that it was going to take a recovery of mammoth proportions even to get back into proceedings.
Ferns now had to use any hard-won possession to maximum advantage just to haul themselves back into contention. A team of lesser calibre would have folded under this early surge, but credit to Ferns as they kept their composure and re-grouped, gradually reducing the deficit with some amazing points before remarkably going in with a two-point interval cushion.
The conditions were proving a challenge to both sides but they still managed to show creativity and cohesion, while the stick work and first touch led to excellent passages of hurling, with the scores flowing from a variety of angles.
Ferns showed they were not going away as they displayed amazing resilience in the face of adversity, giving the large crowd a final of real quality which went right down to the final whistle.
Thousands of supporters were enthralled with the hurling that was on offer. It was tense, tough and skilful, with some wonderful scores along with individual performances as it ebbed and flowed throughout the 60 minutes.
Not many will begrudge Oulart-The Ballagh this victory, as when it mattered most, they showed an ability to pick off their scores, while Ferns were left ruing some wides from scoreable positions, and they also dropped a number of point attempts short to the goalkeeper.
It was always going to be a big challenge but they made it an even bigger one with that dreadful opening four minutes, conceding 2-2 in the process. Still, this young side battled back with such ferocity that they showed they are just a stroke of a ball away from winning that elusive title.
This was Oulart-The Ballagh cashing in on a winning mentality, something that will only come Ferns’ way with more experience at this level of hurling.
But the reigning champions were given an almighty fright by a Ferns side that fought back magnificently as they sought out a first Senior title in their first final appearance in 44 years. David Redmond, who was popping up in different positions during the course of the 60 minutes, inspired his side, striking over two crucial second-half points on 23 and 25 minutes to give them a one-point lead. Although Ferns battled back to level, the Jacob brothers fired over two points in additional time to steer their side to an historic victory.
It took Oulart-The Ballagh just 30 seconds to open their account. Having played a long ball deep into the Ferns defence, corner-back Colm Whelan was dispossessed as he attempted to clear, with Nicky Kirwan taking advantage to create space and point.
But worse was to follow 60 seconds later when the defence failed to deal with a high Darren Nolan delivery, leaving Rory Jacob unmarked to pick up the breaking ball and shoot to the net from ten metres. When David Redmond fired over a long-range point a rout looked on, particularly after their response to an Ian Byrne 80-metre point after three minutes with a typical Kirwan opportunist goal one minute later, leaving his side leading by 2-2 to 0-1.
The biggest challenge now facing Ferns was to keep their composure and play their way back into the game. James Tonks began to take a foothold at centre-back, while Niall Maguire and Gavin Bailey also helped to settle the defence. Tommy Dwyer was beginning to impose himself in midfield, while Ian Byrne, Paul Morris and Jonathon Dwyer showed an ability to take on the highly rated champions’ defence.
Ferns responded with four unanswered points through Tommy Dwyer (free), Jonathon Dwyer with two, including one magnificent sideline cut, and a further Tommy Dwyer free, reducing the deficit to three (2-2 to 0-5) after nine minutes.
A Nicky Kirwan point helped to lift the siege, but Ferns by this stage had found their feet. Tommy Dwyer (free), Brendan Jordan with a huge effort from midfield, Ian Byrne with an excellent point from under the stand, and a John Breen strike, had them amazingly level (2-3 to 0-9) after 18 minutes.
Ferns were pushing on as they took the game to the champions. A tremendous piece of defending from Keith Rossiter when he put his body on the line to block a Paul Morris attempt for goal brought the crowd to its feet. Eight minutes before the break Tommy Dwyer pointed a free after Ian Byrne had been fouled, but it was during this period of dominance that the challengers hit two bad wides while two point attempts dropped into the hand of ’keeper Ben O'Connor.
After Des Mythen had brought the sides back level, Ferns put in a storming finish to the half, resulting in two excellent points from Ian Byrne which sent them in leading by 0-12 to 2-4 at the interval.
Garrett Sinnott and Paul Morris exchanged early second-half points, but Ferns showed they were up for a battle in what turned out to be an absorbing finale. The challengers were leading by 0-13 to 2-6 when Kirwan goaled from close range after 41 minutes.
The champions weren't setting the world alight but they were digging in after a Paul Morris point reduced the deficit to the minimum. Jonathon Dwyer and Darren Nolan exchanged points before ’keeper Ben O'Connor dropped a lobbing Paul Morris ball over the line, giving Ferns a 1-15 to 3-8 lead going into the closing ten minutes.
Given the way the game was ebbing and flowing, it was difficult to separate the sides who overcame heavy downpours and a slippery surface to turn in the most absorbing county final seen in the county for many years. All of a sudden the game rose to even greater heights and the reigning champions were now calling on all their experience.
David Redmond took on the responsibility. Having seen a point attempt just curl wide, he stepped up to the mark seven minutes from the end with a delightful point from midfield, while two minutes later, having picked up a loose clearance in midfield, he showed uncanny accuracy to steer the wet sliothar straight between the posts, giving his side a 3-10 to 1-15 lead going into the closing stages.
Redmond was proving the vital cog in his side throughout, and during this remarkable spell he popped up in a variety of positions to inspire the champions to one final effort. He was proving the real leader after centreback Darren Stamp was forced to retire with a recurring leg injury that had him doubtful all week.
While Oulart-The Ballagh kicked on with those crucial scores, credit to Ferns who bounced back as a Paul Morris point with 30 seconds remaining had the sides level.
As the crowd were settling for a draw, the Jacob brothers stepped up to the mark with two points in injury time. However, the drama was by no means finished as in the fifth minute of additional time Tommy Dwyer had a 21-metre free saved after Brendan Jordan was fouled trying to drive in on goal.
Given their amazing achievement, Oulart-The Ballagh have won the respect of every hurling follower in the county. For Ferns they must take great credit for making this such an absorbing final.
They are a young side, capable of winning that elusive title within a short space of time. They have got the taste of the big occasion and nowthey must push on to another level in 2014.
Cedit also to referee Sean Whelan who showed consistency in his decision-making in the conditions, contributing largely to such a wonderful final.
Ferns St Aidans: Michael Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (0-4f); Ian Byrne (0-3), Paul Morris (capt., 1-3), Jonathan Dwyer (0-4, 2 sidelines); Patrick Farrell, John Breen (0-1), Christopher O’Connor. Subs: Colin Leacy for D. Byrne, Derek Thorpe for Farrell.
Oulart/The Ballagh: Ben O’Connor; Paul Roche, Keith Rossitter, Barry Kehoe; Laurence Prendergast, Darren Stamp, Shaun Murphy; Eoin Moore, Michael Jacob (0-1); Darren Nolan (capt., 0-1), David Redmond (0-3), Des Mythen (0-1); Rory Jacob (1-2), Garrett Sinnott (0-1), Nicky Kirwan (2-3, 2f). Subs: Denis Morton for Stamp (inj.), Conor Goff for Moore (inj.), Conor O’Leary for Murphy.
Referee: Seán Whelan (St. Martin’s).
IT HAD the potential to be the game of the weekend, but only one team showed up in windy Oylegate on Sunday last as Ferns St. Aidan’s romped to a most convincing nine-point win over a poor Shelmaliers side in this Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship Group A encounter.
Both teams had made steady progress last season and this one should have been hard to call. However, from early on the touch and movement of the men in red and white was far superior to their lethargic rivals who were without county player Eoin Doyle through injury.
The only time the Shels led was in the sixth minute when Stephen Banville put them ahead by 0-2 to 0-1 while playing with the strong crossfield wind in their favour. Midway through the first quarter Ferns struck for a fortunate goal, with Tommy Dwyer’s ’65 gathered by netminder Brian Murphy who stepped back over the line before striking the ball clear.
The green flag was duly raised and Ferns never looked back, widening the gap to five points in the 20th minute when Christopher O’Connor handpassed to Ian Byrne who raced in from the left wing before planting the ball past Murphy (2-3 to 0-4). Moments earlier O’Connor had been just off target when Byrne played him through in similar circumstances, and the Ferns attack was moving with purpose.
Brian Doyle and Paul Morris swapped points before Tommy Barron hit a fine effort from the left corner for the Shels just before the break, but his uncle John’s well-prepared Ferns side still looked the more likely to succeed at half-time when they led by 2-4 to 0-6.
Nobody could have foreseen that the Shels challenge would fade out to such an extent that they would only add two points after the break and fail to score in the last 21 minutes plus added time.
Wing-back Conor Walsh and Stephen Banville got those scores but Brendan Jordan, Tommy Dwyer (’65), Paul Morris (free) and John Breen helped Ferns to lead by 2-8 to 0-8 before the outcome was well and truly decided in the 49th minute.
For once the rock-solid winners’ defence, well marshalled by James Tonks, was breached as Banville and Brian Malone combined to put Conor Byrne through and he was hauled down. However, his penalty was saved and seconds later Brian Doyle received a straight red card for a wild pull on Ciarán Roberts, leaving Ferns in a commanding position.
John Breen, Paul Morris and Ian Byrne added unanswered points for the victors whose meeting with Faythe Harriers in Bellefield on Saturday next will be very interesting.
Ferns St. Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colin Leacy; Colm Whelan, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (1-1 ’65s); John Breen (0-3), Jamie Whelan, Ian Byrne (1-1); Jonathon Dwyer, Paul Morris (0-5, 2 frees), Christopher O’Connor. Subs. - Eddie Cullen for J. Whelan (45), Gavin Bailey for Roberts (55).
Shelmaliers: Brian Murphy; Andre O’Brien, Aidan Murphy, Brian Malone; Conor Walsh (0-1), Clive Lawler, Aidan Cash; John Redmond (0-1), Brian Doyle (0-1); Alan Griffith, Ciarán O’Shaughnessy, Tommy Barron (0-1); Chris McGrath, Stephen Banville (0-2), Conor Byrne (0-2 frees). Subs. - Simon Donohoe for Redmond (HT), Eoghan Nolan for McGrath (45), Redmond for Griffith, inj. (60 + 2).
Referee: Barry Redmond (Clonard).
May 18: Ferns St Aidans 4-16, Faythe Harriers 2-11
FABULOUS FERNS St. Aidan’s built steadily on their opening round win over Shelmaliers when they demolished Faythe Harriers with even greater ease, giving the stand-out performance of the weekend in this entertaining Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship Group A clash in Bellefield on Saturday last.
Two goals in the second quarter and another brace in response to one from the Wexford town team after the interval powered the red and whites to a fully-deserved runaway win which was inspired by the complete midfield dominance of the outstanding Brendan Jordan and Tommy Dwyer.
Faythe Harriers may have edged the early exchanges after their best forward, Shane Howard, picked off a point just 44 seconds into the action, but the game took a twist in favour of Ferns in the 18th minute when Richie Kehoe flapped at a long-range Tommy Dwyer free on the line and it ended up in the net.
That score pushed the eventual winners ahead for the first time (1-3 to 0-5), and they were boosted even further ten minutes later when Paul Morris and John Breen combined down the right flank before centre-forward Jamie Whelan cleverly batted the ball to the net to avoid being hooked.
His brother, Colm, followed up with a rousing point, shipping a shoulder from Lee Chin before splitting the posts, and Ferns were full value for their 2-7 to 0-9 half-time lead.
Their dominance grew on the re-start with the first three points from Paul Morris, Tommy Dwyer (free) and Jonathon Dwyer, but the Harriers briefly threatened a comeback when the ball was brought closer to goal for dissent after a foul on Chin and Jim Berry planted the free in the net (2-10 to 1-9).
The decisive response from Ferns wrapped up victory though as they pounced for two goals in just over 60 seconds. Ian Byrne cut in from the left for the first and ‘Archie’ Scallan couldn’t keep his shot out despite getting a touch on the ball, and then a poor clearance was punished to the full as Jamie Whelan handpassed to John Breen who made it game, set and match in the 38th minute (4-10 to 1-9).
The Harriers grew increasingly ragged and ought to have been reduced to 14 men but referee Niall McDonald didn’t give the second yellow card which one of their key men deserved for a nasty slap at Tommy Dwyer.
Although a Jim Berry free from out the field went all the way to the net in the 41st minute (4-11 to 2-9), Ferns went on to score five of the last seven points as the prolific Paul Morris brought his tally to five from play while Dwyer landed a brace of frees before Christopher O’Connor got in on the act.
Ferns St. Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colin Leacy; Colm Whelan (0-1), James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan, Tommy Dwyer (1-6, 1-4 frees); John Breen (1-0), Jamie Whelan (1-0), Ian Byrne (1-0); Jonathon Dwyer (0-2), Paul Morris (capt., 0-6, 1 free), Christopher O’Connor (0-1). Subs. - Patrick Farrell for J. Whelan, temp. (5-7), Farrell for J. Whelan (48), Eddie Cullen for J. Dwyer (55), Gavin Bailey for Roberts (58).
Faythe Harriers: Ian Scallan; Brendan Mulligan, David Mooney, Alan Lynch; Emmet Keeling, Richie Kehoe (capt.), Colm Heffernan; Kevin Gore (0-1), Jim Berry (2-5 frees); Ben O’Brien, Lee Chin (0-2), Rhys Clarke; Shane Howard (0-2), Pádraigh Farrell, Paul Lambert (0-1)
Referee: Niall McDonald (Crossabeg-Ballymurn).
August 3: Ferns St Aidans 1-21, Oylegate/Glenbrien 2-11
FERNS ST. Aidans took the points but improvement is needed as they struggled for lengthy periods before eventually seeing off a determined Oylegate-Glenbrien challenge in this Pettitt's Senior hurling championship Group A game at St. Patrick's Park on Saturday last.
Oylegate-Glenbrien enjoyed the better of the exchanges until the 48th minute when a long Ian Byrne point edged his side in front by 1-12 to 2-8, having levelled matters only six minutes earlier. While Ferns went on to control the final quarter, they had not looked comfortable up to then as it took a considerable effort to shake off the committed challenge of their opponents.
Credit to Oylegate-Glenbrien who have been forced to play their two recent games minus the services of a number of players. Despite this drawback one could not fault their commitment as in both recent games they enjoyed splendid opening spells, but the lack of experience and balance came back to haunt them in the closing quarters.
Oylegate-Glenbrien dominated the opening exchanges with a Fergal Doran pointed free edging them in front after just 30 seconds, while one minute later following good play from Paudge Doran, Jamie Reck finished splendidly to the net, giving his side a 1-1 to nil lead.
Ferns through points from Paul Morris, Jonathon Dwyer and Christopher O'Connor gradually hauled themselves into the game, with the sides level (1-3 to 0-6) after twelve minutes. After 13 minutes Reck turned provider with Doran crashing home his inch-perfect pass to give his side a 2-3 to 0-6 lead. The sides continued to trade points but Oylegate-Glenbrien still led by three (2-6 to 0-9) at the interval.
After Jamie Reck with an excellent point extended his side’s lead within one minute of the re-start, Ferns’ best attacker, Paul Morris, shot home an excellent goal from an acute angle, reducing the deficit to the minimum (2-7 to 1-9) after 33 minutes.
Fergal Doran and Ian Byrne went on to exchange points before Ferns responded with six unanswered points through Ian Byrne (two), Tommy Dwyer (free), Paul Morris (two) and Brendan Jordan to lead by 1-15 to 2-8 with ten minutes remaining.
While an excellent individual point from Paudge Doran raised his side’s hopes entering the closing stages, Ferns finished the game with a flourish of scores as Morris, Ian Byrne and Tommy Dwyer sent over excellent points, while their opponents could only manage scores from a Fergal Doran free and Paudge Doran. Ferns ran out seven points winners in the end, but considerable improvement will be sought if they are to impact on the knockout stages of the championship campaign.
Ferns St. Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colin Leacy; Colm Whelan, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (0-5, 4 frees, 1 '65); Jonathon Dwyer (0-2), John Breen (0-1), Ian Byrne (0-3); Patrick Farrell, Paul Morris (1-5), Christopher O'Connor (0-3). Subs. Gavin Bailey (0-1) for Farrell, Edward Cullen for O'Connor.
Oylegate-Glenbrien: James Doyle; Aidan Murphy, Pádraic O'Connor, Robert O'Connor; Anthony Doyle, Jim White, Daithí O'Mahoney; Peter Nolan, Eoin O'Mahoney (0-1); Tomás Stamp (0-1), Jamie Reck (1-1), Mark Ka-vanagh; Fergal Doran (0-4, 3 frees), Paudge Doran (1-4, 0-1 free), Mark Morris. Sub. Shane Lambert for D. O'Mahoney.
Referee: David O'Leary (Rathnure).
August 10: Ferns St Aidans 1-22, Adamstown 0-14
UNBEATEN FERNS St. Aidans outscored lowly Adamstown by 1-8 to 0-2 in the last quarter in Bellefield on Saturday last as they all but ensured the ultimate top spot in Group A of the Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship.
The men in red and white face second-placed Rapparees in their final outing and boast a superior scoring difference of +36 to their Enniscorthy town rivals, while this defeat spells the end of the road for the New Ross District side who will be involved in a relegation battle.
Adamstown set up in a defensive manner for this contest against the group’s big hitters, with county footballer Michael Furlong playing as a seventh back throughout, and they stayed in touch for three-quarters of the game through the accuracy of Tony French and Shane O’Gorman.
However, the walls came crashing down in the 48th minute when netminder Paul Cooper couldn’t clear the danger after a long Tommy Dwyer free and Patrick Farrell was on hand to lash the sliothar to the net for a 1-15 to 0-12 lead.
It was all plain sailing for the favourites thereafter as the points flowed from a variety of sources, with Cooper redeeming himself as he made two good saves from Jonathon Dwyer and Christopher O’Connor.
Dwyer and the excellent Brendan Jordan struck some superb points from long range for the victors who trailed by 0-11 to 0-10 at half-time after playing against the breeze, but they only struck one wide up to that point and generally made good use of their chances.
While they led by 0-5 to 0-2 after ten minutes, they were reeled in by a trio of Tony French points and the sides were then level four times in the second quarter. Both were content to pick off points with no goal chances of note created at either end.
Good pressure by M.J. Cooper denied Ian Byrne early in the second-half as his pull went wide, with Ferns edging three points clear before the goal after the best two points of the game from Jonathon Dwyer and Brendan Jordan from the left wing into the road end.
Depending on last round results, Ferns will now face either St. Anne’s, Rathnure or Glynn-Barntown, the home club of their manager John Barron, in the quarter-finals.
Ferns St. Aidans: Mick Walsh; Colin Leacy, Niall Maguire, Edward Walsh; Declan Byrne, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-5), Gavin Bailey; Tommy Dwyer (0-6, 4 frees), Ian Byrne (0-2), Jonathon Dwyer (0-3); Patrick Farrell (1-0), Paul Morris (capt., 0-3), Christopher O’Connor (0-3). Subs: Eddie Cullen for Farrell (52), Colm Whelan for E. Walsh (52).
Adamstown: Paul Cooper; Michael Curtis, M.J. Cooper, John Whelan; Shane White, James Breen, Paudie Barden; Lorcan French, Tony French (0-10, 7 frees); Barry Power, Shane O’Gorman (0-3), John French; Eoghan Cashin (0-1), Thomas Furlong, Michael Furlong. Subs: Paddy Whitty for Cashin (42), Brendan Furlong for White (53), Ian Stafford for Power (56).
Referee: Joe Kelly (Naomh Eanna).
August 31: Ferns St Aidans 2-16, Rapparees 2-10
THE LOCAL derby to determine first and second spots in Group A of the Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship presented Ferns St. Aidan’s with their toughest test yet in St. Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy, on Saturday last, but they came through with flying colours after absorbing plenty of Rapparees pressure.
The victors’ shooting from distance was lethal for a long stretch of the opening half, with every ball struck from the 12th to the 26th minute going over the bar as they extended a 0-3 to 0-2 lead to 0-12 to 1-3. Tommy Dwyer, John Breen, Johnny Dwyer, Ian Byrne, Christopher O’Connor and Paul Morris all contributed to that tally with a brand of crisp hurling that was very easy on the eye, and Rapparees were grateful to Minor attacker Kevin Foley for keeping them in the hunt with that goal.
While it came against the run of play it was a well-taken score, as the teenager ignored a few slaps from an opposing hurl as he soloed in from the left flank and beat Mick Walsh with a low shot in the 20th minute.
The town team narrowed the gap to four by the break (0-12 to 1-5) with late points from Declan Ruth (free) and Eoin Quigley, and they contributed a great deal to a keenly-fought second-half without being able to edge their noses in front. After an exchange of points, Christopher O’Connor’s goal from a Paul Morris cross was correctly ruled out in the 42nd minute as he was standing in the square beforehand.
A couple of frees from Tomás Mahon then got the Rapps to within two of their rivals (0-13 to 1-8), but a stroke of good fortune worked in Ferns’ favour with just over ten minutes left. Poor distribution from a Rapps back was punished on the double as Tommy Dwyer’s long-range shot seemed to deceive netminder Aaron Sinnott as he looked into the sun and it ended up in the net (1-14 to 1-9).
The Enniscorthy men didn’t lie down though, and they were back in with a shout with just over six minutes left when Ferns couldn’t clear the ball out of their left corner. Kevin Foley’s cross was flicked on cleverly by Eoin Quigley into the path of Tomás Mahon, and he made no mistake (1-15 to 2-10).
That good vibe only lasted 60 seconds for the Rapps though as a Tommy Dwyer delivery at the other end was gathered by substitute Jamie Whelan who initially tried to off-load with a handpass. However, the sliothar broke back to him and he twisted and turned before finding the net for the clinching goal.
Ferns St. Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colin Leacy; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (1-4, 0-3 frees); Ian Byrne (0-3), Paul Morris (capt., 0-3), Johnny Dwyer (0-2); John Breen (0-2), Patrick Farrell, Christopher O’Connor (0-1). Subs: Jamie Whelan (1-0) for Farrell (43), Edward Walsh for Maguire (46), Eddie Cullen for J. Dwyer (58).
Rapparees: Aaron Sinnott; Tom Wall, Liam Ryan, John Ryan; Peter O’Sullivan, Declan Ruth (0-2, 1 free), Eoin Quigley (0-2); Kevin Courtney, Anthony Russell; Kevin Ryan (0-1), Tomás Mahon (1-3, 0-2 frees), Cathal Murphy; Ed Tobin (0-1), Eamonn Furlong (0-1), Kevin Foley (1-0). Subs: Jack Kelly for Murphy (43), Ricky Fox for K. Ryan (49), Mel Doyle for J. Ryan (51).
Referee: Barry Redmond (Clonard).
September 7, quarter-final: Ferns St Aidans 2-22, Rathnure 3-12
WHISPER IT quietly: pretenders to the throne Ferns are rounding into tip-top shape just in time.
Saturday brought further evidence of their growing belief, and maybe moreso, of their hurling class. The group A table-toppers dismissed 2011 finalists Rathnure with plenty to spare in the Pettitt's Senior Championship quarter-final at Bellefield.
In truth, despite Paul Codd's hat-trick heroics, there was always only one winner. The Gorey District side shot 2-20 of their scores from play, swatted just five wides, three of which came in the final ten minutes, and were full value for the seven point victory that they eventually claimed.
Rathnure attempted to keep it tight, operating with an extra defender for much of the contest, but that only serves proof of their opponents attacking prowess. With Ian Byrne exceptional, Paul Morris playing creator and point-taker and the rest of the front eight all chipping in with scores there was no stopping the victors.
Indeed, it took just two minutes for Christopher 'Bitsy' O'Connor to screech away down the left wing and goal and from that point on Rathnure could never get back on terms. It was mainly the dead-ball skills of Jack Guiney that kept Rathnure in touch throughout the first half - although he did have a twenty meter free stopped on the line by Gavin Bailey.
Leading 1-4 to 0-3, Ferns' second goal arrived at the end of the opening quarter and did have an element of fortune attached to it. Byrne's searching long ball was in the vicinity of O'Connor, who was loitering just inside the square. However nobody got a touch on the sliothar as it bypassed the corner-forward, and Rathnure goalkeeper Jim Morrisey, and settled in the net.
The teams traded points for much of the remainder of the half but just as Ferns looked set to carry a comfortable lead in at the break veteran goal-getter Paul Codd popped up to kick home the first major of his hat-trick.
A superb Morris ball saw Brendan Jordan flash narrowly over seconds after the interval (2-10 to 1-8) but it took just two further minutes for Rathnure to pull within one after Declan Foley pointed and Codd goaled after a penetrating Sean O'Neill run. Such is the level of composure the St Aidan's men play with that the goal didn't shake them. Actually, Ferns rose to the challenge and picked off six of the next seven points with Jordan (3), Byrne, O'Connor and Morris all on target.
Again the Blackstaires men responded with a Nigel Higgins point and Codd's third goal, from his knees after he looked to be fouled, to once close the deficit to two (2-16 to 3-11). However, only one further Rathnure point would follow in the final seventeen minutes, Ferns didn't have the same problems and closed out their victory to book their semi-final spot with minimal fuss.
Ferns St Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Edward Walsh, Niall Maguire; Gavin Bailey (0-1), James Tonks, Ciaran Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-4), Tommy Dwyer (0-2 frees); Ian Byrne (1-6), Paul Morris (0-4), Johnny Dwyer (0-1); Patrick Farrell (0-1), John Breen (0-1), Christopher O'Connor (1-2). Subs: Colin Leacy for Maguire, Jamie Whelan for Farrell, Derek Thorpe for J. Dwyer, Johnny Dwyer for Byrne, inj.
Rathnure: Jim Morrissey; Chris Redmond, Brendan O'Leary, Anthony O'Connell; Paddy Whitley, Mick O'Leary, Aidan Redmond; Nigel Higgins (0-1), John O'Connor (0-1); Dermot Flynn, Declan Foley (0-2), Jack Guiney (0-7, 4 frees, 1 '65); Sean O'Neill, Paul Codd (3-1), Syl Barron. Subs: Richie Flynn for Barron, Shane Murphy for O'Con-nor, Trevor Hogan for Higgins, Michael Redmond for C. Redmond.
Referee: James Owens (Askamore)
October 6, semi-final: Ferns St Aidans 2-12, Glynn/Barntown 1-10
FERNS ST. Aidans may not have hit the heights everyone expected, but they still will be content with their five-point victory over Glynn-Barntown as they went on to achieve their goal in this Pettitt's Senior hurling championship semi-final at Wexford Park on Sunday last.
This success was hard-earned but that is what Ferns would have expected as, having looked the sharper and superior force through the opening 30 minutes, they had to withstand a second-half surge fromn Glynn-Barntown which left this result in doubt until the closing minutes.
Conditions were difficult, particularly underfoot, with the ground offering up something akin to a skating rink, which once again brings into question the all-weather surface at the venue which has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks. Despite this, credit to both sides for serving up a tense, close and tough second-half, with fortunes in the end favouring Ferns. They had seven points to spare at the interval which left Glynn-Barntown with lots to do on the resumption. While they never gave up the chase, as Mark Fanning’s goal from a penalty six minutes from the end left just three points (2-9 to 1-9) separating the sides, at this stage that the impressive Ian Byrne stepped in with two marvellous long-range points, after a Mark Flood effort had reduced the deficit to two minutes earlier.
Ferns were the better hurling team. Their first touch and stick work was slicker, while they also had Ian Byrne shining in attack, with the wing-forward contributing six points from play in a marvellous exhibition in the testing conditions which prevailed throughout.
Ferns set about trying to blitz their opponents through the opening exchanges. That is just what they did as they raced into a 1-3 to nil lead by the 13th minute, and a little more composure close to goal would have seen them with a greater lead.
Ian Byrne opened the scoring after two minutes with a fine point off the wing out on the terrace side, while two minutes later, after what was possibly the best move of the game, the eventual winners struck for the game’s opening goal.
Ciarán Roberts played a great ball to Patrick Farrell, who in turn linked up with Paul Morris, leaving the centre-forward to cut through the defence before rifling a superb shot across Mark Fanning into the right-hand corner of the net. Full-forward John Breen followed up with two points to put his side 1-3 to nil clear.
Glynn-Barntown had to wait until the 16th minute for their opening score, a Craig Doyle point. Ian Byrne and Doyle went on to exchange points. Following some close exchanges, Paul Carley (free) and John Breen swapped further points, while a Gary Moore effort reduced the deficit to 1-5 to 0-4 after 25 minutes.
As the game moved into additional time, Patrick Farrell was fouled as he drove in on goal, with Tommy Dwyer powering the resulting penalty to the net, leaving his side with a 2-5 to 0-4 interval lead.
Close to the interval the game was marred by a melee under the stand when a Glynn-Barntown substitute lashed out at a Ferns player, resulting in a free for all involving a number of players, but referee Justin Heffernan calmed matters down and blew for half-time.
Glynn-Barntown may have scrambled to remain in the game through the opening period, but on the resumption they brought more composure and passion to their play as they set about trying to reel in their opponents.
Within two minutes of the re-start, Paul Carley was fouled and pointed the resulting free, but the Ferns response was immediate as Ian Byrne sent over another great long-range point. Glynn-Barntown went on to have their best spell, shooting four unanswered points between the 36th and 40th minutes through John Leacy with a long-range effort, Paul Carley (two frees) and Gary Moore with one in between, to reduce the deficit to three points (2-6 to 0-9).
In fairness Ferns responded with a Tommy Dwyer 50-metre pointed free, while Ian Byrne continued his fine showing with a long-range effort. With seven minutes remaining, Tommy Dwyer from a free extended his side into a 2-9 to 0-9 lead, but then came Fanning's goal from a penalty.
After substitute Mark Flood reduced the deficit even further, to two points, Ferns stood up to the challenge, with Tommy Dwyer pointing a free before two superb long-range efforts from Ian Byrne killed off the Glynn-Barntown revival.
Ferns St Aidans: Mick Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan, Tommy Dwyer (1-3, 1-0 pen., 0-3 frees); Ian Byrne (0-6), Paul Morris (capt., 1-0), Jonathon Dwyer; Patrick Farrell, John Breen (0- 3), Christopher O'Connor. Subs: Derek Thorpe for J. Dwyer, Edward Cullen for Farrell, Jamie Whelan for O'Connor, Colin Leacy for Bailey.
Glynn/Barntown: Mark Fanning (1-0 pen.); James Reilly, Pádraig Donnelly (capt.), Barry Doyle; Mark Carley, Michael O’Regan, P J Carley; Kevin Crean, John Leacy (0-1); James Dooley, Brendan Doyle, Michael Doyle; Craig Doyle (0-2), Gary Moore (0-2), Paul Carley (0-4, 3 frees). Subs: Mark Flood (0-1) for Crean, Pádraic Wafer for Dooley, Ian Moran for P. Carley, Eugene Furlong for M. Doyle.
Referee: Justin Heffernan (Blackwater)
October 20, County Final: Oulart/The Ballagh 3-12, Ferns St Aidans 1-16
THE HARD years of experience accumulated over many campaigns on the road stood the test as reigning champions, Oulart-The Ballagh, completed a record five-in-a-row after an enthralling Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship final clash with Ferns St. Aidan's at Wexford Park on Sunday last.
There was no shortage of passion or drama, while the standard of hurling throughout the 60-odd minutes was quite amazing given the heavy downpours and resulting slippery underfoot conditions. Ferns St. Aidans were bidding to end their famine but they had the worse possible start, finding themselves seven points adrift (2-2 to 0-1) after just four opening minutes.
This was a storming opening from Oulart-The Ballagh. Given the manner in which they dismantled the Ferns fullback line with an avalanche of early scores, one feared as if the game would develop into a runaway victory, as the underdogs were hit with such ferocity in their first final appearance since 1969 that it was going to take a recovery of mammoth proportions even to get back into proceedings.
Ferns now had to use any hard-won possession to maximum advantage just to haul themselves back into contention. A team of lesser calibre would have folded under this early surge, but credit to Ferns as they kept their composure and re-grouped, gradually reducing the deficit with some amazing points before remarkably going in with a two-point interval cushion.
The conditions were proving a challenge to both sides but they still managed to show creativity and cohesion, while the stick work and first touch led to excellent passages of hurling, with the scores flowing from a variety of angles.
Ferns showed they were not going away as they displayed amazing resilience in the face of adversity, giving the large crowd a final of real quality which went right down to the final whistle.
Thousands of supporters were enthralled with the hurling that was on offer. It was tense, tough and skilful, with some wonderful scores along with individual performances as it ebbed and flowed throughout the 60 minutes.
Not many will begrudge Oulart-The Ballagh this victory, as when it mattered most, they showed an ability to pick off their scores, while Ferns were left ruing some wides from scoreable positions, and they also dropped a number of point attempts short to the goalkeeper.
It was always going to be a big challenge but they made it an even bigger one with that dreadful opening four minutes, conceding 2-2 in the process. Still, this young side battled back with such ferocity that they showed they are just a stroke of a ball away from winning that elusive title.
This was Oulart-The Ballagh cashing in on a winning mentality, something that will only come Ferns’ way with more experience at this level of hurling.
But the reigning champions were given an almighty fright by a Ferns side that fought back magnificently as they sought out a first Senior title in their first final appearance in 44 years. David Redmond, who was popping up in different positions during the course of the 60 minutes, inspired his side, striking over two crucial second-half points on 23 and 25 minutes to give them a one-point lead. Although Ferns battled back to level, the Jacob brothers fired over two points in additional time to steer their side to an historic victory.
It took Oulart-The Ballagh just 30 seconds to open their account. Having played a long ball deep into the Ferns defence, corner-back Colm Whelan was dispossessed as he attempted to clear, with Nicky Kirwan taking advantage to create space and point.
But worse was to follow 60 seconds later when the defence failed to deal with a high Darren Nolan delivery, leaving Rory Jacob unmarked to pick up the breaking ball and shoot to the net from ten metres. When David Redmond fired over a long-range point a rout looked on, particularly after their response to an Ian Byrne 80-metre point after three minutes with a typical Kirwan opportunist goal one minute later, leaving his side leading by 2-2 to 0-1.
The biggest challenge now facing Ferns was to keep their composure and play their way back into the game. James Tonks began to take a foothold at centre-back, while Niall Maguire and Gavin Bailey also helped to settle the defence. Tommy Dwyer was beginning to impose himself in midfield, while Ian Byrne, Paul Morris and Jonathon Dwyer showed an ability to take on the highly rated champions’ defence.
Ferns responded with four unanswered points through Tommy Dwyer (free), Jonathon Dwyer with two, including one magnificent sideline cut, and a further Tommy Dwyer free, reducing the deficit to three (2-2 to 0-5) after nine minutes.
A Nicky Kirwan point helped to lift the siege, but Ferns by this stage had found their feet. Tommy Dwyer (free), Brendan Jordan with a huge effort from midfield, Ian Byrne with an excellent point from under the stand, and a John Breen strike, had them amazingly level (2-3 to 0-9) after 18 minutes.
Ferns were pushing on as they took the game to the champions. A tremendous piece of defending from Keith Rossiter when he put his body on the line to block a Paul Morris attempt for goal brought the crowd to its feet. Eight minutes before the break Tommy Dwyer pointed a free after Ian Byrne had been fouled, but it was during this period of dominance that the challengers hit two bad wides while two point attempts dropped into the hand of ’keeper Ben O'Connor.
After Des Mythen had brought the sides back level, Ferns put in a storming finish to the half, resulting in two excellent points from Ian Byrne which sent them in leading by 0-12 to 2-4 at the interval.
Garrett Sinnott and Paul Morris exchanged early second-half points, but Ferns showed they were up for a battle in what turned out to be an absorbing finale. The challengers were leading by 0-13 to 2-6 when Kirwan goaled from close range after 41 minutes.
The champions weren't setting the world alight but they were digging in after a Paul Morris point reduced the deficit to the minimum. Jonathon Dwyer and Darren Nolan exchanged points before ’keeper Ben O'Connor dropped a lobbing Paul Morris ball over the line, giving Ferns a 1-15 to 3-8 lead going into the closing ten minutes.
Given the way the game was ebbing and flowing, it was difficult to separate the sides who overcame heavy downpours and a slippery surface to turn in the most absorbing county final seen in the county for many years. All of a sudden the game rose to even greater heights and the reigning champions were now calling on all their experience.
David Redmond took on the responsibility. Having seen a point attempt just curl wide, he stepped up to the mark seven minutes from the end with a delightful point from midfield, while two minutes later, having picked up a loose clearance in midfield, he showed uncanny accuracy to steer the wet sliothar straight between the posts, giving his side a 3-10 to 1-15 lead going into the closing stages.
Redmond was proving the vital cog in his side throughout, and during this remarkable spell he popped up in a variety of positions to inspire the champions to one final effort. He was proving the real leader after centreback Darren Stamp was forced to retire with a recurring leg injury that had him doubtful all week.
While Oulart-The Ballagh kicked on with those crucial scores, credit to Ferns who bounced back as a Paul Morris point with 30 seconds remaining had the sides level.
As the crowd were settling for a draw, the Jacob brothers stepped up to the mark with two points in injury time. However, the drama was by no means finished as in the fifth minute of additional time Tommy Dwyer had a 21-metre free saved after Brendan Jordan was fouled trying to drive in on goal.
Given their amazing achievement, Oulart-The Ballagh have won the respect of every hurling follower in the county. For Ferns they must take great credit for making this such an absorbing final.
They are a young side, capable of winning that elusive title within a short space of time. They have got the taste of the big occasion and nowthey must push on to another level in 2014.
Cedit also to referee Sean Whelan who showed consistency in his decision-making in the conditions, contributing largely to such a wonderful final.
Ferns St Aidans: Michael Walsh; Declan Byrne, Niall Maguire, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (0-4f); Ian Byrne (0-3), Paul Morris (capt., 1-3), Jonathan Dwyer (0-4, 2 sidelines); Patrick Farrell, John Breen (0-1), Christopher O’Connor. Subs: Colin Leacy for D. Byrne, Derek Thorpe for Farrell.
Oulart/The Ballagh: Ben O’Connor; Paul Roche, Keith Rossitter, Barry Kehoe; Laurence Prendergast, Darren Stamp, Shaun Murphy; Eoin Moore, Michael Jacob (0-1); Darren Nolan (capt., 0-1), David Redmond (0-3), Des Mythen (0-1); Rory Jacob (1-2), Garrett Sinnott (0-1), Nicky Kirwan (2-3, 2f). Subs: Denis Morton for Stamp (inj.), Conor Goff for Moore (inj.), Conor O’Leary for Murphy.
Referee: Seán Whelan (St. Martin’s).
