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Irish Times
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Cormac Spain's 11-point haul helps Waterford secure All-Ireland minor title
All-Ireland MHC Final: Waterford 1-18 Clare 0-11 Waterford unquestionably saved their best for last when overpowering Clare on their way to a first All-Ireland minor hurling crown since 2013 at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles on Saturday. Having only pipped the Banner with a late surge in their group meeting two months ago in Dungarvan, another expected inch-tight wrestle for supremacy was emphatically sidestepped by a dominant Déise, who led from start to finish for their biggest victory of the championship. Even more impressively, they were led supremely by talisman Cormac Spain, who not only scored 11 points to take his overall tally to 8-75 in eight matches but remarkably did so despite being clearly hampered by a leg injury sustained in the opening minutes. The Ballygunner marksman had to receive treatment twice in the opening quarter but still endured for the entire hour, epitomising the character and determination of this new wave of Waterford hurlers. READ MORE After all, with their under 20 side only garnering one win in their last 19 matches since 2017 and even the flagship side struggling with five wins from 28 in the same period, this minor triumph couldn't have come at a more opportune time for Waterford. They couldn't have asked for a better start either as within seconds of the throw-in, a hopeful delivery towards the square broke perfectly for Dylan Murphy to tee up Pierce Quann to find the net. Quickly followed by points for Spain and Shane Power, the Déise were suddenly five points clear, a lead that they grittily managed to protect when Darragh Keane produced a timely block on a Liam Murphy goal-bound shot up the other end. Waterford's Shane Power celebrates after the game at Semple Stadium. Photograph: Tom O'Hanlon/Inpho In truth, Keane and fellow shadower Conor Lynch were outstanding throughout on Clare's twin threats Murphy and Paul Rodgers in Waterford's last line, ensuring that it took 13 minutes for Clare to get their first point from play through Ben Talty at 1-3 to 0-3. A wind-assisted Waterford pushed on again though, with Tommy Kennedy, Gearóid O'Shea and Spain (two) picking off the next four points, with Clare extremely grateful to goalkeeper Leon Talty for somehow repelling a Spain shot from point-blank range. Rodgers lofted over an excellent sideline while a Liam Murphy volley just cleared the crossbar for Clare. But they failed to build on those green shoots and would be punished by an inspirational Spain who converted four of the last five points to power his side into the dressingrooms 1-12 to 0-5 clear. With the conditions to come, a Banner backlash was anticipated and initially delivered as substitute John Barry (two) and Ian O'Brien combined for the opening three points of the new half by the 35th minute. However, Ger O'Connell's side were simply unable to sustain that surge as the dynamic Spain incrementally wrestled back control as the third quarter developed. Dylan Murphy had a shot blocked by Evan Crimmins while Spain would be denied again by goalkeeper Talty, but Waterford did have far more joy over his crossbar. Grabbing six of the next seven points to put the result beyond any doubt, they also restricted a wind-assisted Banner to only a solitary point for 23 minutes, a testament to a miserly defence just as much as their scoring prowess. Shane Power would score two further final-quarter points but the All-Ireland Final stage was patently made for the superb Spain. He first had a free tipped over the bar before adding another three in a row entering the final 10 minutes to add further anguish to a frustrated Banner. Waterford's Hugo Quann in action against Clare's Jake Gibbons. Photograph: Tom O'Hanlon/Inpho Indeed, despite the best efforts of Zak Phelan, Dara Kennedy and captain Graham Ball, a strangely subdued Clare simply had to concede second best to a utterly commanding Waterford who defiantly prevented Liam Murphy or Ball from even raiding for a consolation goal. With only two wins from 16 matches in the previous six seasons at minor level, this was their sixth victory of this campaign as James O'Connor's side completed the county's intercounty season on the ultimate high. Being the first grouping of a new development plan, it is envisaged that Waterford will look to rival their opponents Clare, who have now contested at least an All-Ireland semi-final in the last four years for the first time in their county's history. It's only Waterford's fourth All-Ireland minor success but felt every bit like their first for a bumper Déise support that enveloped Semple Stadium to usher in what they hope will be an exciting new chapter for Waterford hurling. WATERFORD: J Comerford; D Keane, C Lynch, Daragh Murphy; B Penkert, H Quann, T Kennedy (0-1); É McHugh (0-1), G O'Shea (0-2); S Power (0-3), J Power, P Quann (1-0); J Shanahan, Dylan Murphy, C Spain (0-11, 7f). Subs: None used. CLARE: L Talty; N Doyle, J O'Halloran, Z Phelan; E Crimmins, D Kennedy, C Daly; G Ball (0-1, f), E Cleary; I O'Brien (0-1), R Ralph, J O'Donnell; B Talty (0-1), P Rodgers (0-2, 1f, 1sl), L Murphy (0-2) Subs: J Barry (0-3, 3f) for Ralph (29 mins); G Marshall for B Talty (45); D Murrihy (0-1) for Cleary (52); J Gibbons for O'Donnell (60); D Mahon for Murphy (63). Referee: C McDonald (Antrim).
The 42
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Waterford crowned All-Ireland minor hurling champions for first time since 2013
Waterford 1-17 Clare 0-10 Páraic McMahon reports from FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles WATERFORD ARE ALL-IRELAND minor hurling champions for the fourth time after producing an impressive display to overcome Clare for the second time this year. A first All-Ireland minor title since 2013 is the reward for James O'Connor's Déise who emerged as deserving winners on Saturday evening. 12 years ago their side included Stephen Bennett, Tom Devine, Austin Gleeson, Patrick Curran and Shane Bennett but the class of 2025 were led by marksman Cormac Spain, Tommy Kennedy, Shane Power and Darragh Keane to ensure goalkeeper James Comerford received The Irish Press Cup from GAA President, Jarlath Burns. Burns in his presentation speech noted that victorious manager O'Connor was in the third year in charge, a tenure which began without recording a championship victory in year one, the journey included one win in year two but the destination arrived at is the promised land for his third year at the helm. Played in front of an attendance of 16,411, Waterford had the wind at their backs in the opening half of the Electric Ireland minor final. They had a dream start when wing forward Pierce Quann goaled inside the first minute as the Clare defence were caught napping. Points from Cormac Spain and Shane Power followed as they built up a five point advantage. By the 13th minute, Clare had made it a one score game with only three points between the sides. However, Waterford produced a very strong second quarter which included an unanswered tally of five points to close out the half and hold a 1-12 0-5 interval lead. Advertisement Waterford's Eanna McHugh with Clare's Evan Cleary and Dara Kennedy. Tom O'Hanlon / INPHO Tom O'Hanlon / INPHO / INPHO Ger O'Connell's Clare needed to start with a bang in the second half and they had three scores on the bounce via John Barry on the double and one from Ian O'Brien. That was as good as it got for the Banner who only hit two points for the remainder of the game. Ballygunner ace Cormac Spain continued to be the scorer in chief over the hour, finishing with eleven points to his name, he picked some off excellent efforts and it was made all the more impressive as he was visibly carrying a knee injury but persevered. Waterford stayed resolute despite holding a comfortable lead and through Spain and Shane Power they kept their account ticking over to run out as deserving winners by a margin of ten points, an increase on their six point victory when the sides met in the Munster championship at the beginning of May. Dara Kennedy and Zak Phelan impressed for Clare who found that their attacking threat was well nullified on the day. Spain was player of the game excelling at full forward with Shane Power effective in the air and when given the time to shoot. Tommy Kennedy, Gearoid O'Shea, Bradley Penkert and Darragh Keane also stood out for the All-Ireland champions. Scorers for Waterford: C Spain (0-11 6f), P Quann (1-0), S Power (0-3), G O'Shea (0-2), E McHugh (0-1), T Kennedy (0-1) Scorers for Clare: J Barry (0-3 3f), P Rodgers (0-2 1f 1SC), L Murphy (0-2), B Talty (0-1), I O'Brien (0-1), D Murrihy (0-1). Waterford 1. James Comerford (Ballygunner); 3. Darragh Murphy (St Mary's East), 4. Darragh Keane (De La Salle), 2. Conor Lynch (Geraldines) 5. Bradley Penkert (Mount Sion), 6. Hugo Quann (Lismore), 7. Tommy Kennedy (Mount Sion) 8. Éanna McHugh (Roanmore), 9. Gearóid O'Shea (St Molleran's) 12. Shane Power (De La Salle), 11. Jack Power (Ballygunner), 10. Pierce Quinn (Dungarvan) 13. Dylan Murphy (Roanmore), 14. Cormac Spain (Ballygunner), 15. Jamie Shanahan (Erins Own). Subs Clare 1. Leon Talty (St Joseph's Doora/Barefield) 3. Jack O'Halloran (Sixmilebridge), 2. Niall Doyle (Éire Óg), 4. Zak Phelan (Sixmilebridge); 5. Evan Crimmins (Newmarket-on-Fergus), 6. Dara Kennedy (Ballyea), 7. Colm Daly (St Joseph's Doora/Barefield); 8. Graham Ball (St Joseph's Doora/Barefield), 9. Evan Cleary (Ballyea); 13. Ian O'Brien (Cratloe), 10. Rory Ralph (Clarecastle), 11. James O'Donnell (Broadford); 14. Paul Rodgers (Scariff), 15. Liam Murphy (O'Callaghans Mills), 12. Ben Talty (St Joseph's Doora/Barefield). Subs 20. John Barry (Inagh/Kilnamona) for Ralph (28) 21. Gavin Marshall (Parteen/Meelick) for B Talty (45) 17. Darragh Murrihy (Inagh/Kilnamona) for Cleary (51) 24. Jake Gibbons (Whitegate) for O'Donnell (60) 22. Donncha Mahon (Clooney/Quin) for Murphy (63) Referee: Colm McDonald (Antrim)
Irish Examiner
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Club and community to the fore as Ballinora look to etch their name in Féile folklore
In the summer of '25 We stood proud and tall With the fire in our bellies We gave it our all Against Midleton we battled No moment was small And the green and the red Rose above them all They'd go raring and tearing And fighting for love For the land they called Ballinora And the Lord up above Bal la, la la-la la la, la la la la, la For the green and the red I adore For the parish to last ever more The fifth-class pupils of Ballinora NS have been busy. There were no feet up on the countdown to the summer holidays. The crayons were out and an anthem coloured. Their enterprise was strikingly similar to the past pupils they were immortalising in song. In the small, rural parish of Ballinora this Saturday morning, it is a case of whoever is last out, turn the key and lock the door behind you. An entire parish is heading in motorcade to the Model County. This small, rural parish, operating at Junior A level in the adult ranks, is Cork hurling's flagbearer at the National Féile na nGael weekend. If you haven't already spotted the familiarity, the above lyrics are a reworking of the Kingfishr cult hit, Killeagh. The creative juices have been given a good squeeze by Ballinora's young and not-so-young. Local photographer Damien O'Sullivan has compiled a series of Reeling in the Years videos charting the players' journey from club nursery to national stage. Supporters cheer on Ballinora. It's all part of a club and community putting their best foot forward before their young heroes attempt to do likewise against hurling's most synonymous local establishments. Recent winners of Féile na nGael include Athenry, Thurles, Turloughmore, Dicksboro, and Faythe Harriers. Recent finalists include Midleton, Ballygunner, and Glen Rovers. Féile's top-tier is not often frequented by a club whose flagship adult team operates in the sixth tier of the local county championship. 'If you look at the teams participating this weekend, they are the powerhouses of hurling. You have Na Piarsaigh of Limerick, Ballygunner, Cashel King Cormacs, Sixmilebridge. These clubs are huge, they have massive hurling histories, they have big numbers. 'We are going there to compete with the best, and it is fantastic for the lads to have this opportunity of representing Cork against the best hurling clubs in the country. It is really something to be proud of and to look forward to,' said Martin Fenton, chairman of the Ballinora juvenile wing. Peter Watson, Chairperson Rebel Og presents Charlie Noonan, Ballinora, with the cup. Pic: Jim Coughlan. 'Everybody in the community is on board. The younger kids were so delighted the day we won the Cork P1 title, it gives them something to shoot for in the years ahead. 'There has been such an effort put in by everybody in the club over the past six weeks since we got through because we see it as such a huge opportunity to put Ballinora on the map. We are a Junior A club, but a Junior A club with a big heart and a big ambition.' All told, it has been a phenomenal 18 or so months for this club and their big ambition. In early 2024, they won a first-ever Mid-Cork U21A football championship. In early summer of the same year, their U15s won the Cork P2 Féile hurling and football titles. From there to the national stage where they won the Féile na nGael and Féile Peile na nÓg Division 2 titles at the expense of Tipp's Gortnahoe/Glengoole and O'Dempseys of Laois. Fast forward to this April and Mayo where the current crop of U15s, including nine survivors from last year, reached the P1 Féile final in both codes. The footballers came up four-points shy of neighbours Ballincollig, the hurlers edged Midleton in golden score after the sides could not be separated in regulation or extra-time. 'We conceded a free in golden score and it looked as if it was curtains. It went narrowly wide and in the next attack Donagh Conway got a point to win it. Donagh Conway, Ballinora, Tiernan Galvin, Midleton. Pic: Jim Coughlan. 'To win the P1 was a monumental achievement for a club like ourselves. We are a small club, but we do pride ourselves on long-term development of players and making sure they are having fun and enjoyment. That's what the club culture is rooted in. 'I remember when this bunch started, back in 2015, '16. It is all about giving them the best possible coaching you can. You are trying to build a team that isn't reliant on any one or more individuals, it is about the whole team.' One member of the football panel doesn't play hurling. He's traveling with the team to Wexford. Another youngster, who lined out with this team all the way up to last year before moving to Waterford, is being picked up on the way to Wexford. A nod to bonds built. 'It is about the sum of the parts, not any one individual.' A lyric and mantra to live.
Irish Examiner
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Two changes to Cork minor hurling side to face Clare in All-Ireland semi-final
Cork minor hurling manager Fergal McCormack has made two changes for the side to face Clare in the All-Ireland semi-final from the team which defeated Waterford to win the Munster title four weeks ago. Ryan Dineen of Erins Own comes in at midfield in place of Jack Counihan while Carrigtwohill's Sam Ring replaces Callum Coffey in the full-forward line. Cork face Clare at 1pm in Semple Stadium on Sunday while the weekend's other semi-final between Kilkenny and Waterford throws in at 7:35pm in Wexford Park on Saturday evening. CORK (MHC v Clare): Tom C Walsh( Aghada); D Heavin(Russell Rovers), D Fitzgerald (Bride Rovers), C Lawton (Midleton); MT Brosnan (Glen Rovers), B Carroll (Dromina), C Garde (Lisgoold); Tom A Walsh (Carrigtwohill), R Dineen (Erin's Own); R Donovan (Fermoy), C Deane (Killeagh), C O'Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh); S Coughlan (Passage), E O'Shea (Ballinhassig), S Ring (Carrigtwohill) Subs: C Galvin (Sarsfields), J Counihan (Watergrasshill), E Hogan (Éire Óg), C Coffey (Na Piarsaigh), M Quill (Blackrock), C Hanratty (Carrigaline), T O'Flynn (Sarsfields), E Connolly (Dungourney), A Dunlea (Sarsfields) WATERFORD (MHC v Kilkenny): J Comerford (Ballygunner); C Lynch (Geraldines), Darragh Murphy (St Mary's East), D Keane (De La Salle); B Penkert (Mount Sion), Hugo Quann (Lismore), T Kennedy (Mount Sion); E McHugh (Roanmore), G O'Shea (St Mollerans); P Quann (Dungarvan), J Power (Ballygunner), S Power (De La Salle); D Murphy (Roanmore), C Spain (Ballygunner), J Shanahan (Erins Own). Subs: D Duffy (Ballygunner), J Zeljkovic (Tramore), A Power (Ballydunner), E Burke (Roanmore), C Brennan (Butlerstown), S Óg Costin (Geraldines), A Walsh (Abbeyside Ballinacourty), Caoillin Reville (Roanmore), E Kelly (Ballygunner) KILKENNY (v Waterford): J O'Doherty (Mooncoin); O Henderson (Dicksboro), L Phelan (James Stephens), D. Hickey (Emeralds); B Nevin (Thomastown), J Dowling (Erin's Own), P.J. Mackey (Rower Inistioge); D Behan (James Stephens), B Hickey (Dunnamaggin); K Buggy (Erin's Own), O O'Donovan (John Lockes), J Mullen (Shamrocks Ballyhale); E Brennan (Erin's Own), C Holohan (O'Loughlin Gaels), C. Byrne (O'Loughlin Gaels). Subs: C Dermody (James Stephens), K Barcoe (Young Irelands), S Hanrahan (Tullogher Rosbercon), M Barron (Shamrocks Ballyhale), A Maher (O'Loughlin Gaels), P O'Brien (John Lockes), B McEvoy (Graigue Ballycallan), C Buggy (Erin's Own), K Ryan (Shamrocks Ballyhale).
Irish Examiner
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Cian Lynch: Penalties no way to decide 'instinctive art form' like hurling
As a losing captain, Cian Lynch is careful not to show disrespect to Cork but he didn't think penalties was an appropriate way of deciding Saturday's Munster SHC final. If it's any help, Galway's Fintan Burke chimes in to support Limerick's two-time hurler of the year but for Lynch penalties just ain't hurling. 'Look, it's something to obviously review,' says the Patrickswell man. 'Penalties… like, hurling is so instinctive. It's an art form, it's an expression. Why do people play it? It's because it's a 15-man game. It's a chance to have a man on the shoulder to support. 'But when it comes to penalties, other than the five guys and the goalie, I suppose you're helpless standing on the sideline watching. It's tough for guys, but it is what it is.' With a wound over his left eye, Lynch was off the field and replaced by Diarmaid Byrnes so wasn't available to be a penalty shooter. He doubts he would have been approached by John Kiely to step up anyway. 'If you were asked to take one, I'm sure 100% you'd do anything you can to help the team, but I wouldn't be someone that's known to stand over a free or a penalty, to be honest with you. 'Obviously, our guys, the five Limerick lads, the same as Cork obviously and Nickie [Quaid] to step up, that takes some courage. After playing 70 to 90 minutes of hurling, to have it based on standing over a penalty, that is tough. That is some responsibility.' Lynch admits not knowing how the game would be decided after the sides couldn't be separated after extra-time. 'I suppose in my own head initially, you think there's going to be an extra five minutes each half. Because that's the way it was before, wasn't it? But I suppose when it's said it's penalties, you just accept that and that's obviously the way it is.' Would Lynch have taken another day out in Cork going into that penalty shootout? 'Yeah, of course you would. Sure you love playing the sport. I suppose there are pros and cons to either. 'I suppose it's not for me to make a point or make a comment on what's the right thing to do but you'd love to have another crack at it. Any team would. But for us, it's just about accepting that that's in the past now. We unfortunately didn't win and Cork did.' St Thomas's man Burke had a penalty saved but came out of the right side of a shootout in an All-Ireland semi-final win over Ballygunner in December 2023. He prefers a second bite of the cherry. 'If you win, great, and if you lose, it's the worst thing in the world. We had played Ballygunner two years ago and obviously delighted we won, but at the same time I'd be of the opinion of replay. 'I don't think penalties are a fair reflection on where a team is at, as in you could have five great penalty takers and maybe the other team only has three, and it's not really reflecting on hurling throughout the team. 'People just think you're standing up hitting a shot, but you've to put so much energy in and it's probably a lot more mentally you're exhausted and you have to walk the 60 yards then on your own and there's a lot going through your mind. 'People just at home, a lot of people and a lot of hurlers on the ditch just see a lad walking up taking a 21, they think it's nothing, but there's a lot more going on obviously inside the lad's head that's taking it and there's a lot more like the pressure of a Munster final in penalties is very hard for the taker.' As novel and unusual as the finish was, Lynch fully accepts Limerick were beaten. 'No, it's still a defeat. Obviously, you look at the time played and so on, neither team won and it went to penalties and that's just the way it was. 'You obviously are disappointed. You see an opposition collecting a trophy and celebrating with their fans and stuff. That's tough to take. You just have to dust yourself off, regroup, process that feeling and try to drive on again.'
