National Hurling League: Wexford 2-12 Waterford 3-8 (A Waterford perspective)

The Waterford versus Wexford national league game played at Walsh Park was quite entertaining. Both teams were short regulars.Waterford fielded without Ken and Eoin McGrath, Tony Browne, Paul Flynn Stephen Molumphy and John Mullane (introduced in second half)

Looking at this game from a Waterford perspective the negatives outweigh the positives.It is arguable that a porous full back line has cost Waterford an All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.


Today Justin McCarthy introduced newcomer Ritchie Foley (Abbeyside) at full back. Foley tried hard. However it is clear that he is not a full back. He is more suited to the half back line. Waterford's problems in defence persist. Shane Casey (Dunhill) another newcomer saw little ball but scored 1-1. His goal was superb. He has potential to develop into an accomplished inter county senior forward.

Of the regulars Eoin Kelly( Passage) was prominent throughout the game. He roamed the field and even acted as a sweeper. Quite frankly I cannot understand why. He shot numerous wides. On some occasions he shot from too far out. He worked himself to the point of exhaustion but would be better employed shooting from closer range or passing to a better placed forward if positioned too far out field. It is glaringly obvious that players lack full fitness.

In the second half the Waterford forward line lost its pattern. The full forward line and half forwards drifted too far outfield. This made scoring very difficult. This must not happen again.

Ballyduff -Waterford Senior Hurling Champions

Today Ballyduff Upper captained by Stephen Molumphy won their third Waterford Senior Hurling Championship defeating Ballygunner on a score of 1-18 to 1-14. Today also marks the 25th anniversary of their first Senior Hurling Championship victory.
This is a momentous achievement for a small club on the Cork border. It is hemmed in by Lismore, Ballysaggart and Tallow in Co. Waterford and by Kilworth, Fermoy , Conna and Araglin on the Cork side. Consequently it has a very small pick. However it has an incredible community spirit.
Since January the team has had 120-130 training sessions in addition to games.

This victory has major significance for Waterford Hurling. The Senior Hurling Championship has been dominated by Ballygunner and Mt. Sion for the last 17 years. It marks a shift in the centre of gravity to the west. This will undoubtedly infuse country clubs with a greater determination and enthusiasm to challenge the might of Ballygunner and Mt. Sion in the 2008 Championship. Clubs such as Abbeyside, Fourmilewater, Lismore, Tallow ,Stradbally and Ardmore will secretly fancy their chances. Whilst in the city De La Salle are capable of defeating Mt. Sion or Ballygunner.
Congratulations to the Ballduff panel and backroom staff. The selectors are Maurice Geary (Manager) Mossie Casey and Paudie Prendergast.