A glorious week for anyone connected with Waterford underage hurling. Ballygunner with an impressive John West Feile Division One success last weekend in Wexford. This week is all about the Waterford minor hurlers who proved too strong for Clare at FBD Semple Stadium.
Sixteen thousands fans streamed into the hallowed Thurles venue anticipating a close contest. Their assessment was well founded given the Munster round robin fixture between the two sides. Waterford victorious by six points at Fraher Field but not until a late point salvo.
All Ireland finals are all about handling the occasion and ensuring that you get off to a good start. Waterford with the early success. An early delivery into the Waterford forward line collected by Dylan Murphy whose laid found Pierse Quann. An opening goal within two minutes. The perfect tonic for Waterford who were wind assisted in the opening half.
With Shane Power and Gearoid O’Shea in excellent form. Cormac Spain despite clearly injured was reveling in the Thurles surroundings. Spain hitting six points in a devastating second quarter as Clare’s forward line were struggling to win breaking ball.
Clare indebted to their goalkeeper Leon Talty who produced a stunning point blank save to deny the rampaging Cormac Spain. The Clare back line were defending heroically but too many middle third battles were been won comprehensively by Deise players. 1-12 to 0-5 at the break was kind to Clare.
The Banner with the breeze at their backs looked to deliver an immediate response. Three quick fire points from John Barry and Ian O’Brien suggested a potential match was on our hands. Waterford though reestablished dominance. Their physicality, aerial prowess and ability to find Cormac Spain stood out. Clare with precious few answers.
Waterford delivering a four point salvo to end the contest entering into the last ten minutes. Dylan Murphy denied by superb defending from Evan Crimmins. It told the tale of the final. Clare defense heroic amid a blue wave of attacks. The winner was clear from a long way out. Unfortunately, Clare’s forward line, who impressed against Cork two weeks prior, lacked spark, cohesion, and physicality. They couldn’t get back into this contest.
Five points from play for Clare spoke volumes. It is also a testament to the fabulous performance of the Waterford full back line. Darragh Keane, Conor Lynch and Darragh Murphy gave an exhibition in finals defending. They were utterly dominant in their match ups. Keane was my man of the match.
Waterford needed this All Ireland crown. The vast amount of work within the county at primary and secondary schools is obvious given this year’s performances. This minor squad have stood out. One hopes that this squad can flourish and continue to journey to senior ranks soon.
Clare will be disappointed on the final performance. This is a competition where nerves can get the better of you. It is how the players and management learn from the experience which is important. Clare’s underage success at this grade has been impressive. This group will get stronger and an All Ireland final appearance for the Banner has to be applauded.
This weekend though is all about Waterford. This All Ireland win surely is a catalyst for the Deise to elevate their hurling teams even further next season. Cormac Spain, Darragh Keane, Conor Lynch, Darragh Murphy, Gearoid O’Shea, Jamie Shanahan and others. Remember the names. They will be regular Waterford senior hurling stars of the future. Congratulations Waterford. Deise Abu.