Senior Hurling Final 2013...So near and yet so far
Underneath is a collection of material put together around the time of the County Senior Hurling Final in 2013, when we came within a puck of a ball of becoming county champions. It captures the excitement of the build-up, and unfortunately, the disappointment of the aftermath. We're still waiting for another county final appearance....we look forward to the day that happens, and we hope for a better outcome the next time.
Written on October 21, 2013, the day after defeat: So, it wasn't to be. The 2013 Pettitt's Senior Hurling Championship Final ended only in disappointment and heartbreak for our gallant men, as Oulart/The Ballagh completed a historic five-in-a-row on a 3-12 to 1-16 scoreline. There was understandable devastation at the final whistle and all night long, and those levels of disappointment won't go away quickly either.
But we have much to be proud of, and we trust our lads will come to realise that before too long. They remain a hugely talented bunch of hurlers and they have seen the great support they enjoy from all around the parish and much further afield. We look forward already to 2014, and to going one better. Fearna Abú.
But we have much to be proud of, and we trust our lads will come to realise that before too long. They remain a hugely talented bunch of hurlers and they have seen the great support they enjoy from all around the parish and much further afield. We look forward already to 2014, and to going one better. Fearna Abú.
Match Reports
It's of only little consolation, but the match itself was a cracker - generally adjudged to have been the best County Senior Hurling Final in the past twenty years. The old adage of 'better to win a bad one than lose a good one' might be true, but if you do have to lose, at least it's better to know you've contributed to a great occasion. The two match reports here tell just how great a game it was. Click on the links to view them in a seperate window, or right-click to download and save.
Wexford People Newspaper Group, written by Brendan Furlong
Irish Independent, written by Vincent Hogan
Wexford People Newspaper Group, written by Brendan Furlong
Irish Independent, written by Vincent Hogan
Photos from the day
More photographs from the big match can be viewed here
The Mini Game
Some of our youngest hurlers got to play on the big day in the Mini Game against their counterparts from Oulart/The Ballagh. It was a great experience for our players, and hopefully they'll feature in many more county final days in the years to come!
More photographs from the Mini Game can be viewed here
The build-up to the big day
There follows a collection of County Final preview material that captured the excitement felt around the parish in the build-up to the big day. Things didn't turn out as we would have liked, but that's not to say that we should forget the pride and excitement we all experienced in those couple of great weeks - and maybe, just maybe, looking back on that time might inspire us just a little bit more to get back to the final again before too long. And hopefully with a different outcome the next time!
'Good luck' messages
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From Denis Murphy, originally from Ballylough and now living in Donegal, who played in the 1969 final:
Well done lads, you have made an old man in Donegal very happy. It's been 44 years since I walked off Bellefield in the last county final. I know you boys will finish what we never did. All the best in your preparations for the days ahead. I'm looking forward to putting the jersey back on and playing on the sidelines this Sunday. Best wishes, and give 'em hell! |
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From Tommy Kehoe, originally from the New Road, but who left Ferns in 1965 and who now lives near York in England:
Well done to the senior hurlers and good luck in the Final. Put the work in on the day and you can do it. Whatever happens in the final you should be proud of yourselves and Ferns should be proud of you. From Tommy McElwaine: I wish you the best of luck |
From Paudge Courtney, ex-Rapparees and Wexford, and top hurling coach:Best of luck, lads ....you're well capable of winning that championship!
From Joan Cooke (née Roche): Cheering for you all on Sunday. Beir bua. From Anne Roche (Ferns and Dublin): Very best of luck to Ferns hurlers in the County Final. Ferns abú! |
And a few we made up ourselves....
'Good luck' signs
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Our videos
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The club song - 1,000 views in
the first 24 hours alone! |
Something to maybe get the blood stirring and set the mood for the big day!
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Open Training Session
We had a great crowd of supporters of all ages in the club grounds for an Open Training Session on the evening of Saturday October 12. There were some nice family moments:
Hands on the cup
Team captain Paul Morris got his hands on the cup at the captain's photoshoot in the build-up to the big day. He is seen here with Oulart/The Ballagh captain Darren Nolan, and both Cormac Pettitt and Padraig Doran, representing the championship sponsors Pettitt's.
The Numbers Game
Some numbers to show the level of support we've enjoyed so far:
105 large club flags sold
150 'official' (crested) car flags sold
150 smaller flags sold through the club, and others through local shops
493 unique visitors to the club website in just one day (Saturday October 12)
1,955 views of our Facebook message about last week's Open Training Session
1,000 views on Youtube of 'Go, Ferns, Go' IN THE FIRST 24 HOURS!
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR WONDERFUL SUPPORT!
105 large club flags sold
150 'official' (crested) car flags sold
150 smaller flags sold through the club, and others through local shops
493 unique visitors to the club website in just one day (Saturday October 12)
1,955 views of our Facebook message about last week's Open Training Session
1,000 views on Youtube of 'Go, Ferns, Go' IN THE FIRST 24 HOURS!
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR WONDERFUL SUPPORT!
How we got there...Path to the Final
May 12: Ferns St Aidans 2-11, Shelmaliers 0-8
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 forJ. Whelan (45), Gavin Bailey for Roberts (55).
May 18: Ferns St Aidans 4-16, Faythe Harriers 2-11
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).
August 3: Ferns St Aidans 1-21, Oylegate/Glenbrien 2-11
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.
August 10: Ferns St Aidans 1-22, Adamstown 0-14
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).
August 31: Ferns St Aidans 2-16, Rapparees 2-10
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).
September 7: Ferns St Aidans 2-22, Rathnure 3-12
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.
October 6: Ferns St Aidans 2-12, Glynn/Barntown 1-10
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.
FOR: 14-120 AGAINST: 10-76
Full match reports available through our Match Reports page
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 forJ. Whelan (45), Gavin Bailey for Roberts (55).
May 18: Ferns St Aidans 4-16, Faythe Harriers 2-11
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).
August 3: Ferns St Aidans 1-21, Oylegate/Glenbrien 2-11
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.
August 10: Ferns St Aidans 1-22, Adamstown 0-14
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).
August 31: Ferns St Aidans 2-16, Rapparees 2-10
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).
September 7: Ferns St Aidans 2-22, Rathnure 3-12
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.
October 6: Ferns St Aidans 2-12, Glynn/Barntown 1-10
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.
FOR: 14-120 AGAINST: 10-76
Full match reports available through our Match Reports page
Scorers
Tommy Dwyer 4-21 (1-16 frees, 1-0 pen, 0-2 '65s); Paul Morris 2-23 (0-3 frees); Ian Byrne 3-19; John Breen 1-10; Benny Jordan 0-11; Christopher (Bitzy) O'Connor 1-7; Johnny Dwyer 0-7; Jamie Whelan 2-0; Patrick Farrell 1-1; Gavin Bailey 0-2; Colm Whelan 0-1.
Tommy Dwyer 4-21 (1-16 frees, 1-0 pen, 0-2 '65s); Paul Morris 2-23 (0-3 frees); Ian Byrne 3-19; John Breen 1-10; Benny Jordan 0-11; Christopher (Bitzy) O'Connor 1-7; Johnny Dwyer 0-7; Jamie Whelan 2-0; Patrick Farrell 1-1; Gavin Bailey 0-2; Colm Whelan 0-1.
Key meetings over the years
2002 Juvenile Hurling Premier Final: Oulart/The Ballagh 1-10, Ferns St Aidans 0-7
2004 Minor Hurling Div. 1 Final: Ferns St Aidans 1-9, Oulart/The Ballagh 0-7
2004 U-21 Hurling Premier Final: Oulart/The Ballagh 4-13, Ferns St Aidans 0-14
2005 U-21 Hurling Premier Final: Ferns St Aidans 3-13, Oulart/The Ballagh 2-16; Ferns St Aidans 1-12, Oulart/The Ballagh 0-13 (replay)
2006 U-21 Hurling Premier Final: Oulart/The Ballagh 3-12, Ferns St Aidans 1-12
2007 U-21 Hurling Premier s/final: Ferns St Aidans 1-13, Oulart/The Ballagh 2-10; Ferns St Aidans 3-11, Oulart/The Ballagh 0-15 (replay)
2010 Senior Hurling s/final: Oulart/The Ballagh 4-18, Ferns St Aidans 0-15
2012 Senior Hurling q/final: Oulart/The Ballagh 1-25, Ferns St Aidans 0-17 (aet)
2013 Senior Hurling Final: Ferns St Aidans ?-??, Oulart/The Ballagh ?-??
2004 Minor Hurling Div. 1 Final: Ferns St Aidans 1-9, Oulart/The Ballagh 0-7
2004 U-21 Hurling Premier Final: Oulart/The Ballagh 4-13, Ferns St Aidans 0-14
2005 U-21 Hurling Premier Final: Ferns St Aidans 3-13, Oulart/The Ballagh 2-16; Ferns St Aidans 1-12, Oulart/The Ballagh 0-13 (replay)
2006 U-21 Hurling Premier Final: Oulart/The Ballagh 3-12, Ferns St Aidans 1-12
2007 U-21 Hurling Premier s/final: Ferns St Aidans 1-13, Oulart/The Ballagh 2-10; Ferns St Aidans 3-11, Oulart/The Ballagh 0-15 (replay)
2010 Senior Hurling s/final: Oulart/The Ballagh 4-18, Ferns St Aidans 0-15
2012 Senior Hurling q/final: Oulart/The Ballagh 1-25, Ferns St Aidans 0-17 (aet)
2013 Senior Hurling Final: Ferns St Aidans ?-??, Oulart/The Ballagh ?-??
2005 U-21 Hurling Premier Champions
The Ferns St Aidans team that beat Oulart/The Ballagh in the replayed final of the 2005 U-21 Hurling Premier Championship. Eleven of the players here are on the panel for Sunday. Back, from left: Keith Rynhart, Patrick Farrell, Teo Leacy, Tommy Dwyer, Alastair MacPartlin, Padraig Ryan, Patrick Codd, Ben Bernie, John Breen. Front: Colin Leacy, Christopher O'Connor, Christopher Davitt, Mick Walsh, Derek Thorpe, Benny Jordan, James Tonks. The mascot is Darragh Guinan.
