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John A Murphy, R.I.P. 2013, was a journalist with the Dungarvan Observer from 1959-1969. He then worked at the Cork Examiner and Waterford News/Star.

A reporter of immense ability, this Gaelic page, Fraher Field Classics, is dedicated to Johnny's memory. Irish Examiner Thursday Feb 14th 2013
by Ray Ryan. A bright light went out yesterday in Irish sport and news journalism with the death after a brief illness of one of its best known practitioners — John A Murphy. The passing of the 71-year-old journalist from Western Bay, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, is mourned by his family and friends and by colleagues countrywide. Johnny Murphy, as he was known to all, was a sportswriter, news reporter and columnist with what is now the Irish Examiner, and its sister papers, the Evening Echo and the Waterford News and Star. His earthy personality and his ability to tell stories as well as write them also earned for him legendary status across a broad section of society. A gifted wordsmith, his articulate analysis of GAA games particularly hurling, also meant that he was a regular contributor to radio programmes, especially on WLR. In many respects, he was one of the last of a generation of all-round journalists that could record court cases in the morning, report on local authority meetings in the afternoon, write a column that night with fluency of style and cover GAA matches at the weekend. As a sportswriter, Johnny Murphy was respected not just by colleagues but also the wider GAA family. Last year, he was greatly touched when the Gaelic Writers Association presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also honoured by the Munster GAA Council. A past Waterford County GAA Board chairman, he was a former Fianna Fáil member of Dungarvan Urban Council and a staunch member of the National Union of Journalists. A native of Cashel, Co Tipperary, he started his career with the Dungarvan Observer and joined the then The Cork Examiner in 1969 as a news reporter for West Waterford and East Cork. The kidnapping of Lord and Lady Donoughmore in Clonmel, the arrest of the Claudia gun running ship off the Waterford coast, and the Dungarvan Aids scare were among the major stories he covered. He was also deeply committed to the welfare of his community. In recent years, he was accorded a joint civic reception by Waterford County Council and Dungarvan Urban Council, was presented with a Service to the Community Award in West Waterford by Regional Media and was surprised with a “This is Your Life” celebration in Dungarvan. He retired from the Irish Examiner in 2006 but continued writing about GAA games for that and various other publications. Expressing his condolences to Johnny’s wife Eileen and daughters, Irish Examiner editor Tim Vaughan said they will be comforted by a huge wave of sympathy from the many thousands of people who ever had anything to do with him.

“It’s a bit of a cliche, but Johnny was something special; a great all-round journalist totally dedicated to his job, very, very funny and with a great attitude to life,” Mr Vaughan said. Johnny Murphy will be remembered with fondness by a legion of people, all of whom he regarded as his “close personal friends”, and whose lives he brightened over the years with stories and anecdotes. As they sympathised yesterday with his wife Eileen, his four daughters Jackie, Sharon, Deirdre and Claire and his extended family, they were all at one in saying: “Ni fheicimid a leitheid ann aris — we will never see his likes again.”

02/11/2026

REMEMBERING DAVE LONG -A BORN HURLER

THE death of Dave Long in Dungarvan last weekend was met with genuine sadness around the County. In a long career dedicated to the game of hurling, Dave or what he was also popularly known as, ‘Dob’ played with Portlaw New York and Dungarvan.

More recent generations would have known Dave as a very popular gate man at the Fraher Field and other venues where he always made sure that anyone young or old that was caught for a few bob was not denied seeing a game.

Dave first came to prominence in 1960 when he was noticed as a County prospect for the future when he starred at midfield against Ballinameela in the County minor hurling final. The Western side won that game but Dave collected his first championship medal in the earlier played Eastern decider v St. Johns from the city.

Dave benefitted from the work put in by Portlaw to their juveniles and it paid dividends for all concerned in the 1970’s when they won five County senior hurling titles.
In 1962, Dave was on the Primary junior hurling team for Portlaw that won the Eastern and County finals against Clonea and Cappoquin respectively.

However, foreign shores were calling and Dave emigrated to America in 1963 and remained there for ten years before returning to Ireland and Dungarvan with his wife, Kay, daughter of the legendary hurler and All Ireland medal winner, Christy Moylan.

Dave continued to play at a high level in his twenties while he was in New York. He starred on the New York team that beat Tipperary in the second leg of the 1964 National league final and he was a regular on and off the field at Gaelic Park in the 1960’s.

Dave returned to the Portlaw colours in 1973 and he won senior championship medals in that year and in the following one.

In 1975 and in 1976, he won Eastern junior hurling championship medals with the club being denied by Dungarvan and Geraldines in the County finals.

Living in Dungarvan and working in the local Crystal factory, Dave joined Dungarvan. He won a County Intermediate hurling title with his new club against Stradbally in 1978 during which he played all of the second half with a broken finger and still scored 0=7(5f).

In 1980, Dave scored 0=5 on the team that was defeated by St. Mary’s of Touraneena by 2=16 to 3=10 in the County Intermediate hurling final at the Fraher Field. Dave played on for a couple of years before hanging up his hurley in 1982. His son, Jason, kept the family name going in the Dungarvan club from ‘82 onwards when he lined out with the under 10’s and proved to be a chip of the old block himself.

Dave Long won championship medals in the minor, junior, intermediate and senior grades during which he constantly showed the qualities of a born hurler. Sincere sympathy is extended to Dave’s wife Kay and their children Kimberley, Tracey and Jason at this very sad time for them.

FOTO : Portlaw Waterford senior hurling champions 1973

Back Row :
Left to Right : Frankie Whelan, Patsy Stone, B. Kiely, Paul Kelly, Fred Laffan, Martin Hickey, Noel O Sullivan, John Galvin, John Kirwan, Mossie Whelan, T. Ryan, M. Maher.

Front Row : Left to Right : Davy Power, Ben Delaney, Mick O Regan, Tom Cheasty, Dave Long, Peter Whelan, Jackie Whelan, Tom Russell, P. Hennebry.

02/11/2026

AIB MUNSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINAL
HEROIC CLASHMORE/KINSALEBEG PIPPED IN EXTRA TIME
ABBEYDORNEY 3=14 CLASHMORE/KINSALEBEG 1=19(AET)

WITH just one week to turn their attentions to this game following their County Premier Intermediate football County final v Brickeys at the same venue, Clashmore/Kinsalebeg produced a tremendous display against Kerry senior hurling champions, Abbeydorney at the Fraher Field on Sunday.
It took the Waterford side the first half to become accustomed to their hurling and they had the winning of the game in normal time when they held a 1=13 to 1=8 lead with 52 minutes on the clock. Abbeydorney were held scoreless for twenty minutes, 33 to 53, and Clashmore/Kinsalebeg could and should have had more scores in this time frame which would have put this game to bed in their favour in normal time.
Abbeydorney looked a beaten team but new life was installed in them when Michael Slattery scored a 53rd minute goal and an equalising point by their top scorer, Michael O Leary in the 64th and final minute of added time sent the game to extra time at 2=11 to 1=14.
The Kerry champions had plenty opportunities themselves to win the game in sixty minutes. They struck eight first half wides, thirteen during the hour and nineteen in total on the day. The fact that they scored three goals to Clashmore/Kinsalebeg’s one entitled them to the win , their third one being the only green flag in extra time which ultimately separated the sides.
Abbeydorney centre forward, Michael O Leary finished the game with 1=7(5f) and he was the leader on the scoreboard throughout for the winners. He opened the scoring in the 4th minute and added a second pointed free and a goal from a short puck out catastrophe in the 10th minute. This gave his team a 1=3 to 0=1 lead on ten minutes after Darragh Ryan had opened Clashmore/Kinsalebeg’s account in the 6th minute and the accurate Mikey Clifford scored the winners’ first point from play.
Tadhg De Burca showed his class throughout this game in his trade mark position in defence for Clashmore/Kinsalebeg. He traded pointed frees with Michael O Leary by the 13th minute and when Darragh Ryan(f) and Josh Fitzgerald added scores, Clashmore/Kinsalebeg were in the hunt for honours at 1=4 to 0=4 with 19 minutes played.
Both teams scored three points each for the remainder of the half. Niall O Mahonry 0=2(1f) and Damien Hogan with a contender for score of the match finished Abbeydorney’s first half scoring. Ed O Halloran, a difficult Darragh Ryan pointed free and a score from play by Cian Ryan kept Clashmore/Kinsalebeg in touch ahead of the restart.
Abbeydorney struck eight first half wides to Clashmore/Kinsalebeg’s five and with the same reading on free counts won.
SECOND HALF
With the slight wind now in their favour, Clashmore/Kinsalebeg settled quickly into the task on hand. Darragh Ryan pointed two frees by the 35th minute either side of the unerring Mikey Clifford’s second score from play, 1=8 to 0=9.
Tadhg De Burca reduced the deficit to the minimum with a 37th minute ‘65’ and when the referee allowed play to carry on after Josh Fitzgerald was fouled on route to goal, Brian Lynch finished into the town end net, the Waterford championships in front for the first time at 1=10 to 1=8 with 39 minutes played.
This was Clashmore/Kinsaleebg’s purple patch aided by a continuation of Abbeydorney hitting wides. Paul O Connor pointed a free and two from play in the in the 42nd, 45th and 51st minute, 1=13 to 1=8 and a Waterford victory looking on the cards.
However, they didn’t drive home their superiority in general play and when Michael Slattery struck Abbeydorney’s second goal on 53 minutes , the winners were injected with new found energy and they whittled away Clashmore/Kinsalebeg’s advantage.
Michael O Leary scored a mighyt point of his left side near the sideline in the 55th minute, Tadhg De Burca pointed a free won by Ed O Halloran two minutes later which looked like a consolidating score at 1=14 to 2=9 but Abbeydorney were not for throwing in the towel.
The player who started the game so well for them also finished it similarly. Michael O Leary pointed a 60th minute free either side of two costly wides by their opponents and, with practically the last puck of the ball in the 4th minute of added time, O Leary equalised with a score from play just inside the upright.
EXTRA TIME
The odds looked to b e favouring the Kerry visitors at this stage with Clashmore/Kinsalebeg somewhat deflated after losing their 0=5 lead.
So it proved. The first half of extra time was just 50 seconds old when Oisin Maunsell claimed Abbeydorney’s third green flag. Michael O Leary(f) added his final score, the winners 0=4 ahead in the 66th minute.
Credit Clashmore/Kinsalebeg, Brian O Halloran scored from a quickly taken Tadhg De Burca free in the 68th minute and two minutes into added time, Paul O Connor’s pointed free kept his side in contention ahead of the second half of extra time, 3=12(21) to 1=16(19).
The Deise champions won the second ten minutes by 0=3 to 0=2. Mikey Clifford extended Abbeydorney’s advantage to 0=3 in the first minute and Brian Lynch and Shane Coughlan replied for Clashmore/Kinsalebeg in the next six minutes.
With just 0=1 the difference the next score was always going to be crucial and it came in added time from a brilliant strike by Kevin Varian for the winners. It proved to be the winning score. Darragh Ryan pointed his sixth free but time had run out for his side and, after a most entertaining eighty minutes plus of hurling, it is the Kerry champions who go forward to play Clonmel side, St. Mary’s in the semi final.
Abbeydorney’s Top Three : Michael O Leary, Mikey Clifford, Kevin Varian.
Clashmore/Kinsalebeg’s Top Three : Tadhg De Burca, Brian O Halloran, Ciaran Bourke.
Man of the Match : Michael O Leary.
Number of Scorers : Abbeydorney : 6. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : 8.
Scores From Play : Abbeydorney : 3=9. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : 1=8.
Frees For : Abbeydorney : 18. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : 20.
Wides : Abbeydorney : 19. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : 13.
Score of the Match : Michael O Leary’s equaliser at the end of normal time for Abbeydorney.
Scorers :
Abbeydorney : Michael O Leary 1=7(5f), Michael Slattery and Oisin Maunsell 1=0 each, Mikey Clifford 0=3, Niall O Mahoney 0=2, Damien Hogan and Kevin Varian 0=1 each.
Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : Darragh Ryan 0=6f, Brian Lynch 1=1, Paul O Connor 0=4(2f), Tadhg De Burca 0=3(2f, 1’65’), Josh Fitzgerald, Ed. O Halloran, Cian Ryan, Brian O Halloran and Shane Coughlan 0=1 each.
Teams :
Abbeydorney : Jason Fealy; Jedd Maunsell, Stephen Egan, Ruair O hAinifein; Damien Hogan, Ronan Donovan, James O Connor; David Egan, Darragh O Connell; Niall O Mahoney, Michael O Leary, Mikey Clifford; Jack Sheehan, Adam Maunsell, Michael Slattery. Subs : Kian Sheehan for Darragh O Connell (inj. 24), Oisin Maunsell for Adam Maunsell (36), Jack Hannon for Jack Sheehan (47), Kevin Varian for Kian Sheehan (52), Jack Sheehan for Niall O Mahoney (h/t, e/t), Luke Fitzmaurice for Ruairi O hAin ifein(79).
Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : Kyle Moloney; Danny O Mahoney, Ciaran Bourke, Ben Lombard; Sam Fitzgerald, Tadhg De Burca, Cian Ryan; Ed. O Halloran, Aidan Trihy; Darragh Ryan, Ronan Fitzgerald, Brian Lynch; Paul O Connor, Brian O Halloran, Josh Fitzgerald. Subs : Shane Coughlan for Ronan Fitzgerald (45), Luke Coughlan for Darragh Ryan (41), Adam O Sullivan for Aidan Trihy (51), Cillian O Keeffe for Ciaran Bourke(72), Darragh Ryan for Paul O Connor (74).
Referee ; Ciaran O Regan (Cork).

31/10/2026

JJ KAVANAGH AND SOMS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

SHAMROCKS’ FOOTBALL FORTUNES ON THE RISE

SHAMROCKS 2=16 FENOR 0=8

In last year’s football championships, Shamrocks were plying their trade in the junior grade. They beat Dungarvan and Butlerstown in the Western and County finals to qualify for this year’s Intermediate grade and now following similar wins over Ballinacourty and Fenor, they will be playing in the Premier Intermediate grade in 2027.

Shamrocks kept the best w**e until last in this year’s campaign. Ardmore, Sliabh gCua and Ballinacourty came so very close to defeating them on their way to last Saturday’s County final at a sun drenched and very well prepared Walsh Park.

Yet, Seanie Murphy’s charges were a horse of a different colour on Saturday and they were complete masters against Fenor from the first ball in to the very last one. The Shamrocks support, sideline and perhaps the players themselves were surprised with how good they were but it was no five or ten minute burst of energy. They gave as good a display of football as we have seen this year in any grade.

The winners led at half time by 1=6 to 0=3 and it could and should have been by more as they kicked ten first half wides and missed two great goal scoring opportunities. Before their impressive wing back Adam Crawford kicked their first point in the second minute, his team mates had kicked four wides and had another effort sent out for a ‘45’.

However, once the Westerners found the range of the unfamiliar Walsh Park posts in the city end, scores followed quickly per team captain and leader, Stephen Lucy, his brother John Paul and their top scorer Billy Hynes with a contender for score of the match.

Sean Mackey, one of only two Fenor players to split the posts on the day, opened his team’s account in the tenth minute. Shamrocks knew Mackey was Fenor’s danger man but he still finished with 0=7 and it would have been more, no doubt, if his team had not been so much under the cosh.

Throughout the first half, Shamrocks were afforded too much space by their markers and their dominance continued and provided further scores. The winners’ superior physicality and fitness were also factors and they led at the end of the first quarter by 1=5 to 0=1 with Kieran Crawford and Tom Dalton joining their list of scorers.

The only negative from a Shamrocks’ perspective was that they scored only once more in the first half despite their complete control, a pointed free by Billy Hynes in the 19th minute.
Fenor actually outscored the winners in the second quarter with Eoin Nolan kicking over a fine free in the 17th minute and Sean Mackey ending the half’s scoring on 27 minutes.

In between, Shamrocks were wasteful in the extreme.They could have had a second goal in the 15th minute but Billy Hynes blazed wide with two players free inside him. Another goal chance was missed in added time when Kieran Crawford’s pass to Ciaran Lenehan was not spot on and the effort went for a ‘45’.

There was still just 0=6 between the teams at the break and the big question was could Fenor respond from the start of the second half?

SECOND HALF

A lot was answered after just 17 seconds of the restart. Stephen Lucy won the throw in and made a driving run towards the Keane’s Rd end goal. He then combined with Adam Crawford and Eddie Hynes and it was Kieran Crawford who finished the ball to the net and the game as a contest was over, 2=6 to 0=3.

Ciaran Lenehan and Billy Hynes(f) added points by the 33rd minute before Fenor goalie Padraic O Leary denied Lenehan a third Shamrocks’ goal from a Kieran Crawford assist.

A frustrated Fenor, who could not gain regular possession picked up three yellow cards by the 38th minute. Billy Hynes kicked a two pointer free and full back Eoghan Lenehan and full forward Tom Dalton added scores by the 42nd minute, 2=12 to 0=3 and there was no way back for the eastern champions.

Sean Mackey kicked a two pointer from play in the 48th minute but Shamrocks were always adding to their tally. Billy Hynes(f) and Kieran Crawford pointed by the 52nd minute, Sean Mackey kicked a pointed free one minute later and then Fenor sub Dylan Farrell had a ground shot on goal saved by a Shamrocks’ defender, maybe Adam McSweeney, 2=14 to 0=6,

The trend of the second half did not change. Billy Hynes kicked a 56th minute pointed free, Sean Mackey kicked a two pointer from play and the last score fittingly went to the Man of the Match, Kieran Crawford in the 59th minute.

Shamrocks were running as fast in the dying embers as they were from the throw in at the start of the game. Kieran Crawford provided for Billy Hynes in added time with his effort on goal testing the quality of the cross bar before the final whistle sounded.

Apart from their litany of wides, this was a complete performance by the Shamrocks’ club and one they will long remember when others will be forgotten.

Disappointed though Fenor will be that they did nor perform on the day, they are in a similar situation to Shamrocks in that they won the Eastern and County junior titles (in 2024), the latter v Ballyduff Upper and they won the Eastern Intermediate this year. Though they lost out here, their football fortunes are rising too and they are sure to be back next year to make amends for Saturday’s defeat.

PRESENTATION

Chairman of the County Board, Neil Moore presented the Michael Dunne Memorial Cup, whose grandson Neil Cronin, Kilmacthomas, was in the attendance, to the winning Shamrocks’ captain, Stephen Lucy and Kieran Crawford was presented with the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Man of the Match Award.

Shamrocks’ Top Three : Kieran Crawford, Stephen Lucy, Billy Hynes.

Fenor’s Top Three ; Sean Mackey, Jim Hally, Cian Rellis.

Man of the Match : Kieran Crawford.

Number of Scorers : Shamrocks : 8. Fenor : 2.

Scores From Play : Shamrocks : 2=10. Fenor : 0=6.

Frees For : Shamrocks : 10. Fenor : 6.

Wides : Shamrocks : 16. Fenor : 4.

Score of the Match : Shamrocks’ team worked goal seventeen
seconds in to the second half.

Scorers :
Billy Hynes 0=7 (1x2pf, 4f), Kieran Crawford 1=3, Tom Dalton 1=1, Adam Crawford, Stephen Lucy, John Paul Lucey, Ciaran Lenehan and Eoghan Lenehan 0=1 each.

Fenor : Sean Mackey 0=7(2x2p, 1f), Eoin Nolan 0=1f.

Teams :

Shamrocks : Bernie Kelleher; Stephen Roche, Gearoid Lenehan, Gearoid Hynes; John Paul Lucey, Shane Roche, Adam Crawford; Stephen Lucy, Padraic Hynes; Ciaran Lenehan, Kieran Crawford, Billy Hynes; Edward Hynes, Tom Dalton, David Barrett. Subs : Liam Motherway for David Barrett (42), Adam McSweeney for Edward Hynes (50), Kelvyn O Farrell for Ciaran Lenehan (57), Ed O Neill for Tom Dalton and Michael O Neill for Stephen Roche (both 58).

Fenor : Padraic O Leary; Richie Cullinane, Jim Hally, James Hayden; John Heffernan, Ollie Buck, Fintan Walsh; Darragh Murphy, Cian Rellis; Mikey Nicholls, Paul Condon,Sean Mackey: Iarla Hennessy, John Flynn, Eoin Nolan, Subs : Mick Kelleher for Iarla Hennessy(h/t), Dylan Farrell for Eoin Nolan (37), Conor Burns for Paul Condon, Cian Queally for Mikey Nicholls and Jamie Clancy for Richie Cullinane (all 53).

Referee : Martin Curran (Sean Phobail).

30/10/2026

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

SHAMROCKS V FENOR IN WALSH PARK

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31ST AT 2PM.

ALL TO PLAY FOR IN WALSH PARK

Divisional champions, Shamrocks and Fenor will be aiming to gain
promotion to the Premier IFC when they face each other in the County Intermediate final in Walsh Park this Saturday.

Of the two, Fenor were the more impressive in their divisional final
when they proved to be full value for their 3=17 to 0=14 win againstKill. Shamrocks were involved in a much more closer decider in the
West when they edged out Ballinacourty by 0=9 to 0=8 in an average
benough game.

The Eastern final raised several orange flags but the three green ones
proved decisive as Fenor clinched a first ever Eastern Intermediate
Football Championship against Kill.

Behind by 0=5 to 0=1 after just six minutes, goals by Sean Mackey and
Darragh Murphy in the 13th and 22nd minutes helped Fenor to a 2=10 to
0=10 half time lead.

The result was put to bed four minutes into the second half when Sean
Mackey scored his second goal and there was no way back for Kill even
at this relatively early stage.

On the day, the Fenor defence was exceptional with stand out
performances from goalie Padraic O Leary and wingbacks Cian Rellis and
Fintan Walsh. Mikey Nicholls lorded midfield and Sean Mackey was a
deserving winner of the Man of the Match Award with a tally of 2=3 to
his credit.

Fenor are usually not shy of scores on the board. In their five group
games, they averaged 0=18 per match and they have been beaten just
once and this was against Newtown by 1=11 to 0=9 in mid September. The
y have accumulated scoring tallies such as 0=20, 3=17, 2=10 and 2=11
on their way to winning their championship.

The new Eastern champions lined out as follow against Kill.Padraic
O’Leary; Jim Halley, John Heffernan, Richie Cullinane; Fintan Walsh
(0-2), Ollie Buck, Cian Rellis (0-3); Mikey Nicholls (0-2), Paul
Condon; Sean Mackey (2-3), James Hayden (capt, 0-2f), Darragh Murphy
(1-0); Conor Burns, John Flynn, Eoin Nolan (0-5f); subs used: Iarla
Hennessy, Mick Kelleher, Cian Queally, Ollie St John, Jamie Clancy;
also: Michael Mooney, Eric Lonergan, Niall Power, Oisin Queally, Jamie
Power, Dylan Farrell. Manager: Mick Murphy; selectors: Eoin O’Neill,
Peter Casey, Derek Farrell, Austin Dunne.

In some respects, Shamrocks were the surprise packets of the Western
championship having come up from the junior grade for this year.
However, they have been successful on credit alone with wins over
established Intermediate teams such as Ballinameela by 3=15 to 1=8,
Colligan Emmets by 0=18 to 2=6 and drawing with Ardmore at 1=11 to
2=8.

In the Western Semi Final, Shamrocks beat difficult opposition in
Sliabh gCua by 2=10 to 1=8 and last Friday they claimed their own cup,
the Harnedy/O Neill trophy when beating Ballinacourty by 0=9 to 0=8.

Certainly, Shamrocks will have to improve on their Western final
display and play for the full hour if they are going to overcome what
looks like a very capable opposition. Last week, they depended on free
taker, Billy Hynes for six of their nine points and more players will
have to come up with the goods in this department. In the Western
final, Shamrocks had plenty of possession but seemed to run out of
ideas in attack and a repeat will certainly not suffice in Walsh Park.

Still. Shamrocks have players as good as any in the grade, such as
Stephen Lucey, Adam and Kieran Crawford, Eoghan Lenehan, Shane Roche,
Padraig Hynes and John Paul Lucey and they will be depended on to lead
the way v Fenor.

Last week, the Shamrocks lined out as follows. Bernie Kelleher;
Stephen Roche, Eoghan Lenehan, Gearoid Hynes; Adam Crawford, Shane
Roche, Liam Motherway; Stephen Lucey, Padraig Hynes;
Adam McSweeney, Kieran Crawford, John Paul Lucey; Adam McSweeney, Tom
Dalton, Eddie Hynes. Subs : David Barrett for Adam McSweeney and
Ciaran Lenehan for Liam Motherway, (both 43), Edward O Neill for
Edward Hynes (61).

Scorers : Billy Hynes 0=6f(1x2pf, 4f), John Paul Lucey, Adam Crawford
and Padraig Hynes 0=1 each.

26/10/2026

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS WATERFORD SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

RATHGORMACK REMAIN IN FULL FLIGHT

RATHGORMACK 2=13 NIRE 0=10

Despite playing in their eight senior football final in a row, Rathgormack showed no signs of tiredness as they swept to their fourth title in a row and wrote a new chapter in their club history at a very well attended Fraher Field on Sunday.

This group of players now stand out as the best the club has produced in its long history and by claiming the Conway Cup again, they have surpassed the previous best three in a row wins by the team of 1912 -1914 who contested seven finals in a row.

Despite a positive start into the gale by Nire, with points from play by Dylan Guiry and Conor Gleeson inside three minutes, the challengers were always playing catch up and feeling the absence through injury of Jamie Barron, Liam O Brien and Fionn Hallinan.

Showing no signs of panic, Rathgormack soon got to terms with their opponents with Jason Curry pointing a 6th minute free and then producing the score of the match with a swirling left legged two pointer from play that drew huge admiration from a packed stand.

Francis Roche was another Rathgormack player that knew where the posts were and he pointed twice either side of a Dermot Ryan pointed free for Nire, 0=5 to 0=3 at the end of the first quarter.

The value of the two pointer in the modern game was produced by corner forward Adam Murray when he lofted over a smashing one in the 18th minute. Nire tried to stay in touch with a second Dermot Ryan point in the 20th minute but a key score in the destination of the title came one minute later when Stephen Curry finished a good move into the town end goal, 1=7 to 0=4.

Nire produced just one more score in the final ten minutes plus two added per Aaron Ryan(f) while Ratgormack took a healthy lead of 1=9 to 0=5 into the dressing room after scores by centre forward Peter Walsh and a third point by Francis Roche.

Both teams lost a man through injury in added time, Reece O Mahony replacing Peter Walsh permanently for Rathgormack and Chris Ryan coming on for Tholom Guiry who returned to action during the second half.

The winners kicked three wides, one more then Nire and all of their scores came from play bar one free with Nire awarded seven kicks from placed balls.

SECOND HALF

Nire had a mountain to climb on the restart in a half that Rathgormack won by 1=4 to 0=5 with a consolidating late second goal on 58 minutes. Nire began well with a Michael O Sullivan point after just 17 seconds followed by a Chris Ryan score in the 33rd minute.

However, overall in this half, Nire kicked seven wides, they were off form from placed balls and a fi**ed goal effort by Conor Gleeson in the 52nd minute came back off the crossbar.

The above sums up the Nire’s attempt to get back into the game. They enjoyed plenty possession but Rathgormack’s experience saw them through convincingly on the day. They put in a workmanlike shift into the wind with such as Billy and James Power, Conor Murray and the Currys covering acres of space.

Francis Roche opened the champions’ second half account in the 36th minute with his fourth score from play and a pointed free by Jason Curry restored their half time lead three minutes later.
Nire kicked two costly wides before Tom O Gorman made a great block down on a Conor Murray scoring effort at the other end.
Michael Curry gave Rathgormack an 0=8 advantage in the 43rd minute before Aaron Ryan brought the Nire’s deficit back to 1=12 to 0=9 with a point of either variety.

Nire had the opportunities in the final quarter to really eat into Rathgormack’s lead but Aaron Ryan’s pointed free in the 48th minute drifted wide and four minutes later a fi**ed effort on goal by Conor Gleeson after a build up by Sean Walsh and Dylan Guiry came back off the crossbar. The latter was a pivotal moment in the game as the gap in scoring would have been down to 0=3 if the ball had gone into the net.

Nire’s inacccuracy from placed balls kept them on the back foot while Rathgormack’s first score in thirteen minutes was another pointed free by Jason Curry in the 56th minute. Aaron Ryan pointed a 57th minute free as five minutes of added time were announced.
However, the game was finally put to bed when Rathgormack broke upfield in the 58th minute and subs Reece O Mahony and Thomas Skehan combined for the first mentioned to score their second goal and that was that.

PRESENTATION

Chairman of the County Board, Neil Moore presented the Conway Cup to the winning Rathgormack captain, Jason Curry, a real leader on the day and the here, there and everywhere hard working Billy Power was presented with the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Man of the Match.

Rathgormack’s Top Three : Jason Curry, Billy Power, Francis Roche.

Nire’s Top Three : Sean Walsh, Tadhg Walsh, Tholom Guiry.

Man of the Match : Jason Curry.

Number of Scorers : Rathgormack : 6. Nire : 6.

Scores From Play : Rathgormack : 2=10. Nire : 0=6.

Frees For : Rathgormack : 7. Nire ; 10.

Wides : Rathgormack : 5. Nire : 9.

Score of the Match : Jason Curry’s 7th minute left legged two pointer from play.

Scorers :

Rathgormack : Jason Curry 0=5 (1x2p, 3f), Francis Roche 0=4, Stephen Curry and Reece O Mahoney 1=0 each, Adam Murray 0=2(1x2p), Peter Walsh and Michael Curry 0=1each.

Nire : Aaron Ryan 0=4(3f), Dermot Ryan 0=2(1f), Dylan Guiry, Conor Gleeson, Michael O Sullivan and Chris Ryan 0=1 each.

Teams ;

Rathgormack: Paudie Hunt; Liam Mulligan, Sean Hahessy, Willie Hahessy; Glen Power, Tom Walsh, James Power; Billy Power, Michael Curry; Francis Roche, Peter Walsh, Jason Curry; Adam Murray, Stephen Curry, Conor Murray.
Subs: Reece O’Mahony for Peter Walsh (30; inj); Thomas Skehan for Adam Murray (49); Cathal Crowch for Francis Roche (57)

The Nire: Stephen Ryan; Paddy Spelman, Tadhg Walsh, Tom O’Gorman; Dermot Ryan, Tom Barron, Evan Spelman; Tholom Guiry, Michael O’Sullivan; Dylan Guiry, Sean Walsh, Michael Morrissey; Aaron Ryan, Conor Gleeson, Pat Walsh.
Subs: Chris Ryan for T Guiry (30; temp); Tholom Guiry for Chris Ryan (36); Chris Ryan for Michael O’Sullivan (47); Jamie Barron for Pat Walsh (50); Shane Ryan for Michael Morrissey (57); Oisin Walsh for Dermot Ryan (57) .

Referee: Killian O’Sullivan (A/C/T.)

25/10/2026

CAPPOQUIN LOGISTICS PREMIER INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

BRICKEY RANGERS RETURN TO SENIOR RANKS

BRICKEYS 1=12 CLASHMORE/KINSALEBEG 0=10

After a short break of two years, Brickey Rangers return to the senior football grade in 2027 after a deserving 0=5 win over Clashmore/Kinsalebeg in the Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field on Saturday evening.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg were hoping to return to the top grade at the first time of asking but their ambitions fell short due to a lack luster first half performance with the elements or more so a hugely credited Brickeys’ display against them.

In truth, this game was decided in the first half when the teams went in level at half time, 1=3 to 0=6, a key score for the eventual winners being Paddy McCarthy’s 14th minute goal, the player quite rightly reinstalled for the final after an erroneous sending off in the semi final v Modeligo.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg enjoyed plenty possession inn the first quarter but it was Brickeys who had the opportunity to draw first blood. As early as 31 seconds, Tom O Connell put David Nyhan through on goal in the country end but Paudie O Rourke was alive to the challenge and he save expertly.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg, like any team with the elements at their backs, needed to build up a first half advantage but it was all of five minutes before Brian O Halloran, who was not fed enough ball overall, pointed a free.

In the 8th minute, O Halloran kicked the best score of the match from an acute angle on the bankside near the sideline and then Darragh Ryan, who had to retire injured in the second half, kicked a lovely two pointer over the town end in the 10th minute, 0=4 to 0=0.

All going to plan for Clashmore/Kinsalebeg you would think but they scored just 0=2 more in the 20 minutes and this was a two pointer effort by Brian Lynch in the 16th minute. From here on, this is where the game was won and lost.

David Nyhan has scored points from play at very crucial stages for Brickeys during the championship and none more so than on this occasion. He had opened the Brickeys’ account under pressure in the 13th minute and at the end of the game, he consolidated the Brickeys’ lead.

Paddy McCarthy’s goal coolly taken for such a young player, was a real blow for Clashmore/Kinsalebeg. It negated their early 0=4 to 0=0 advantage and the eventual winners grew in confidence after it.

Brian Lynch’s two pointer from a Tadhg De Burca assist changed the scoreboard to 0=6 to 1=1 but inspirationally led into the gale by midfielder Cathal Curran, in a man of the match performance, he scored from play in the 19th and 22nd minutes, the Brickeys were where they would have been very contended with on the throw in, level, with the second moiety to look forward to.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg’s half a dozen wides also contributed to their disappointing first half, Brickeys kicked three and they won nine frees to their opponents’ five.

SECOND HALF

AT the same time, Brickeys had to earn the lead and keep it. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg attacked first but Darragh Ryan’s effort was wide of the posts.

A real contribution to Brickeys’ victory then followed in a two minute spell between the 33rd and 35th minutes. Paddy McCarthy kicked a two pointer from play and then veteran Conor McGrath, who had a fine game throughout, did similarly, Brickeys in front for the first at 1=7n to 0=6 and there they stayed until the final whistle.

Mark Cummins came on for the injured Johnny Cooney for the winners in the 35th minute and by the end of the third quarter, the Bushy Park men had stamped their seal on the action with further scores by Tom O Connell(f), David Nyhan and corner back Sean Lennon, 1=10 to 0=6.

Credit Clashmore/Kinsalebeg, they showed great character in getting back into the game from this point onwards as they did in the corresponding hurling final between the two sides a few months previously.

Brian Lynch was heading goalwards when Mark Cummins fouled him at the real expense of a 48th minute red card. Brickeys were not to score again until the third minute of added time, twenty one minutes in all, as Clashmore/Kinsalebeg dominated.

Paul O Connor and Brian O Halloran pointed frees by the 51st minute, followed quickly by a super score by Ben Lombard, 1=10 to 0=9. The returned and bandaged Brian Lynch kicked high over the bar in the 55th minute as the game went into the melting pot.

Credit Brickeys, as well, they resettled and produced scoring opportunities by David Nyhan, a goal one from a Tom O Connell pass and then had wides per Callum Royale and Cillian Ryan.

At the other end, Tom Gardiner made a crucial save from Sam Fitzgerald inn the 59th minute with just a goal separating the teams.

Five minutes of added time were announced and Paddy McCarthy was wide from a two pointer and Cillian O Keeffe, Clashmore/Kinsalebeg was wide with an effort from inside the arc.

Great players get vital scores under pressure and David Nyhan measured up to this when he sailed over a two pointer from play in the town end in the 63rd minute and there was no way back for Clashmore/Kinsalebeg, 1=12 to 0=10.

Thus ended the trilogy of the past few years between these teams. In retrospect, Brickeys were not going to let this one slip away after losing the hurling final earlier. They deserved their win with that first half performance and their third quarter two pointer scores deciding the game.

PRESENTATION

The Chairman of the County Board, Neil Moore presented the Paddy Fitzgerald cup to the Brickey captain, Conor Whelan, who had produced one of his best displays in the jersey. The JJ Kavanagh Man of the Match was presented to Conor McGrath, his valuable two pointer and running with and off the ball contributing well to his side’s victory.

Brickeys’ Top Three : Cathal Curran, Paddy McCarthy, David Nyhan,

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg’s Top Three : Brian Lynch, Sam Fitzgerald,
Brian O Halloran.

Man of the Match : Cathal Curran.

Number of Scorers ; Brickeys : 6. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : 5.

Scores From Play : Brickeys : 1=11. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : 0=7.

Frees For : Brickeys : 13. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : 10.

Wides : Brickeys : 9. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : 10.

Score of the Match : Brian O Halloran’s 5th minute point for
Brickeys.

Scorers :

Brickeys : Paddy McCarthy 1=2(1x2p), David Nyhan 0=4(1x2p), Conor McGrath 0=2(1x2p), Cathal Curran 0=2, Sean Lennon 0=1, Tom O Connell 0=1f.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : Brian Lynch 0=3(1x2p), Brian O Halloran 0=3 (2f), Darragh Ryan 0=2(1x2p), Paul O Connor and Ben Lombard 0=1 each.

Teams :

Brickeys : Tom Gardiner; Sean Lennon, Cormac Deevy, Johnny Cooney; Conor Browne, Conor Whelan, Cillian Ryan; Daithi Colleran, Cathal Curran; David Nyhan, Paddy McCarthy, Conor Keane; Conor McGrath, Tom O Connell, Callum Royale. Subs : Mark Cummins for Johnny Cooney (inj. 35), James Hahessy for Callum (63).

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg : Paudie O Rourke; Adam O Sullivan, Ciaran Bourke, James Moloney; Ben Lombard, Cian Ryan, Kieran Connery; Ed O Halloran, Brian Lynch; Sam Fitzgerald, Darragh Ryan, Kyle Moloney; Shane Coughlan, Brian O Halloran, Aidan Trihy. Subs : Paul O Connor for Aidan Trihy (inj, 24), Josh Fitzgerald for Darragh Ryan (inj. 43), Cillian O Keeffe for Shane Coughlan (52).

Referee : Eoin Morrissey (Erins Own).

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