Fraher Field Classics

Fraher Field Classics 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 Waterfor

d, 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.”

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY MINOR ‘A’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2 EOIN MURRAY KICKS LOCAL DERBY HAT T...
07/09/2026

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY MINOR ‘A’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2


EOIN MURRAY KICKS LOCAL DERBY HAT TRICK

DUNGARVAN 4=13 BALLINACOURTY 1=10
WITH both clubs having lost their first round game in the Division 1
County minor football championship during the week, this was an
important encounter last Sunday morning at a wind swept Dungarvan club
grounds.
In a game of two halves, Dungarvan scored 2=8 with the wind at their
backs and 2=5 against it. Ballinacourty registered 1=7 in the second
half with the help of the elements and scored 0=3 against it earlier
on.
The result was decided, more or less, so, on who scored the most
against the wind and the difference was Dungarvan’s Eoin Murray who
added two second half goals to his first one, the latter giving the
home side a 1=3 to 0=1 lead after nine minutes.
Dungarvan number 12, Rian Hallahan, kicked 0=5(4f) in the first half
and his deadly accurate passing of the ball set up many attacks.
Hallahan scored Dungarvan’s second major in the 21st minute while
Corey Lyons opened the scoring and full forward Caolan O Cuirrin added
a valuable two pointer from play.
Two of Ballinacourty’s three first half points came from frees by
Aaron Walsh with corner forward Sean Og O Regan kicking their sole
point from play. Both teams kicked four first half wides and
Ballinacourty won half a dozen frees to Dungarvan’s five.
SECOND
Ballinacourty, as expected, started the second half well and they
claimed five of the first six scores to change the scoreboard to 2=9
to 0=9. Apart from Fionnan Lonergan, Aaron Walsh accounted for all of
these scores and all from play, one two pointer, then a contender for
score of the match as well as two other scores.
Dungarvan’s only reply was a Rian Hallahan pointed free before
defining moments happened. Ballinacourty had a decent goal chance
repelled by goalie Darragh Walsh while Dungarvan worked the ball up
the field for one of the few times in the third quarter and Rian O
Sullivan, Rian Hallahan and Pierce Quann set up corner forward Eoin
Murray for his second goal, 3=9 to 0=9.
This encouraged Dungarvan and it took some of the wind out of
Ballinacourty’s sails. Evan Guiry pointed for the Blues and then the
result was copper fastened when Pierce Quann put Eoin Murray through
for his hat trick of goals.
Dungarvan won plenty possession of the ball in the final quarter and
Rian Hallahan, Jacob Dalton and Pierce Quann added points from play,
4=13 to 0=9.
Ballinacourty finished strongly. Alfie Wyse scored their goal towards
the end and Aaron Walsh popped over another pointed free.
Dungarvan’s Top Three : Eoin Murray, Rian Hallahan, Pierce Quann.
Ballinacourty’s Top Three : Aaron Walsh, Jack Hurney, Conor Dalton.
Man of the Match : Eoin Murray.
Number of Scorers : Dungarvan : 7. Ballinacourty : 4.
Scores From Play : Dungarvan : 4 =8. Ballinacourty : 1=7.
Frees For : Dungarvan : 9. Ballinacourty : 9.
Wides ; Dungarvan : 6. Ballinacourty : 12.
Score of the Match : Caolan O Cuirrin’s two pointer from play in the
first half for Dungarvan.
Scorers :
Dungarvan : Eoin Murray 3=0, Rian Hallahan 1=7(5f), Caolan O Cuirrin
0=2(1x2p), Corey Lyons, Evan Guiry, Jacob Dalton and Pierce Quann
0=1 each.
Ballinacourty : Aaron Walsh 0=8(3f, 1x2p), Alfie Wyse 1=0, Sean Og O
Regan and Fionnan Lonergan 0=1 each.
Teams :
Dungarvan : Darragh Walsh; Calum Prendergast King, Jacob Dalton,
Stefan Clifford; Oisin Byrne, Corey Lyons, Tiarnan Wall; Pierce
Quann, Ryan McGovern; Jamie Connolly, Aaron Dillon, Rian Hallahan;
Jack Prendergast King, Caolan O Cuirrin, Aaron Murray. Subs : Evan
McGrath, Rian Sullivan, Adam McGrath, Tadhg Tutty.
Ballinacourty ; Jack Hurney; Colm Kiely, Charlie Burns, Coleman
Radley; Elliot Henley, Conor Dalton, Michael O Grady; Alex Doyle, Eoin
Hackett; Owen Morrissey, Fionnan Lonergan, Fionnan O Muirithe; Sean Og
O Regan, Aaron Walsh, Sean Flynn. Subs : Dara Byrne, Alfie Wyse, Shane
Enright, Archie Mattuzzi.
Referee ; Tom Mansfield (Cappoquin).

foto : Ballinacourty's Sean Og O Regan pictured guarding the ball from
Dungarvan's Stefan Clifford.

MUNSTER SIGNS AND PRINT WESTERN JUNIOR ‘B’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1 TALLOW’S GOALS GETS T...
07/09/2026

MUNSTER SIGNS AND PRINT WESTERN JUNIOR ‘B’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1
TALLOW’S GOALS GETS THEM ACROSS THE FINISHING LINE
TALLOW 2=11 KILROSSANTY 0=11
A goal in either half by Tallow players Eoin McGrath and Stephen
Murphy were the keys scores that gave the Bridesiders a winning start
to their first game in the Western Junior B football championship at
the Dungarvan club grounds on Sunday evening.
Kilrossanty’s second fifteen won the second half by 0=6 to 1=2 but
from midway through the first half, they required a goal or two if
this game was going to be brought down to the wire.
There was no scoring for the first six minutes until Richie Ryan and
Eoin McGrath established a lead for Tallow that they would never
relinquish. Kilrossanty’s Cathal Walsh opened Kilrossanty’s scoring
after good play by Callum Hogan and Jack Crotty but wind assisted
Tallow kicked the next three scores per the here, there and everywhere
Man of the Match, Kieran Geary, Richie Ryan and a contender for score
of the match by Stephen Murphy, 0=5 to 0=1.
Kilrossanty were living off crumbs against a very fast Tallow
combination and after Jack Crotty scored their second point, the
winners added another 0=3 per Darah Buckley, Stephen Murphy and Ben
Sheehan.
Kaylum Hogan finished a good move for the Comeragh, before the
goalies were called into action at both ends. Dwayne Kirwan saved from
Buckley at the expense of a point and Eamonn Forbes denied Joey Veale.
Tallow’s 24th minute goal by Eoin O Brien was a key moment as it
opened up a 1=8 to 0=3 difference. Joey Veale and Michael Walsh came
back with badly needed scores for Kilrossanty before the valuable
Stephen Murphy popped over his third point from play before the short
whistle, 1=9 to 0=5.
Tallow also kicked five wides to Kilrossanty’s one with both team
winning four frees each.
SECOND HALF
Kilrossanty were expected to improve on the resumption with the wind
and rain at their backs but the opposite was the case. There was no
visits to the scoring for all of eight minutes until Kilrossanty’s
Kaylum Hogan pointed a free.
Richie Ryan had an earlier goal chance for Tallow but their second
major then arrived scored by Stephen Murphy in the 40th minute after
an earlier pointed free by Ryan, 2=10 to 0=6.
That wind assisted Kilrossanty did not score from play in the third
quarter, contributed to their downfall. When they eventually made
inroads it was too late. Oisin Walsh pointed and, Michael Walsh,
celebrating his 40th birthday kicked two fine points, bring his game
tally to three.
Kilrossanty sub Rian Hogan pointed a free and Dan Behan brought his
side’s deficit back to 0=5 at 2=10 to 0=11. There were a few yellow
cards dished out before Richie Ryan (f) finished the scoring with his
fourth point of the game.
This weekend, Kilrossanty will play Ballysaggart in the Fraher Field
on Saturday and on Sunday Tallow play Brickeys in Cappoquin.
Tallow’s Topm Three : Kieran Geary, Stephen Mirphy, Eoin O Brien.
Kilrossanty’s Top Three : Cathal Murphy, Michael Walsh, Paddy Hayes.
Man of the Match ; Kieran Geary.
Number of Scorers : Tallow : 5. Kilrossanty : 8.
Scores From Play :
Tallow : 2=9. Kilrossanty : 0=9.
Frees For : Tallow : 10. Kilrossanty : 11.
Wides : Tallow : 8. Kilrossanty : 7.
Score of the Match : Stephen Murphy’s 14th minute point from play for Tallow.
Scorers :
Tallow : Stephen Murphy 1=3, Eoin O Brien 1=1, Richie Ryan 0=4(2f),
Darah Buckley 0=2, Kieran Geary 0=1.
Kilrossanty : Michael Walsh 0=3, Kaylum Hogan 0=2(1f), Cathal Walsh,
Jack Crotty, Oisin Walsh, Joey Veale, Dan Behan and Rian Hogan(f) 0=1
each.
Teams :
Tallow : Eamonn Forbes; Micheal Tobin, Jake Neville, Kevin Henley;
Conor Henley, Ben Aherne, Eoin McGrath; Kieran Geary, Shane Martin;
Richie Ryan, Billy Murphy, Stephen Murphy; Ben Sheehan, Darah Buckley,
Callum McCarthy. Subs : Darragh Spillane for Eoin McGrath, Mark
Stewart for Billy Murphy, Cian Geary for Ben Aherne.
Kilrossanty : Dwayne Kirwan; Paddy Hayes, Mark Prendergast, Shane
Power; Tiernan Ryan, James Hassett, James Whyte; Jack Crotty, Dan
Behan; Cathal Walsh, Ultan McCusker, Oisin Walsh; Kaylum Hogan, Joey
Veale, Michael Walsh. Subs : Frankie De Paor for Paddy Hayes, Rian
Hogan for Joey Veale, Anthony Fitzgerald for Ultan McCusker.
Referee : Chris Harrold (Clashmore/Kinsaelbeg).

foto : Kilrossanty's Jack Crotty. on left, and Tallow's Kieran Geary
tussle for the ball.

EDWARD O ROURKE CONTRACTING WESTERN JUNIOR ‘C’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPRICHIE LYNCH LEADS GERALDINES TO FIRST ROUND VICTORY...
07/09/2026

EDWARD O ROURKE CONTRACTING WESTERN JUNIOR ‘C’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
RICHIE LYNCH LEADS GERALDINES TO FIRST ROUND VICTORY
GERALDINES 3=6 DUNGARVAN 1=5.
Both clubs just about made the fifteen players for this first round
junior football C championship game at the Dungarvan club grounds on
Sunday afternoon and it was the experience of such players as Shane
Kenny, Peter Coughlan and especially Richie Lynch that carried the day
for the Gers.
The winners’ number 11 scored 2=2 of his team’s finishing tally and it
was his brace of goals in the first half that set Geraldines on the
road to victory.
It was Dungarvan who got the better start, though, when Mike Ameglio,
finished the ball to the Lisfennell end goal after a minute but the
Gers soon settled with Peter Coughlan replying with two grand points
from play before Lynch struck for his first major.
Dungarvan scored only once more in the half a point from play by minor
player Jack Prendergast King, while a dominant in general play
Geraldines added a point from Richie Lynch, another from Jay Ware
before Lynch’s second goal just before half time opened daylight
between the teams at 2=4 to 1=1.
Dungarvan kicked half a dozen wides to Geraldines five and they won
seven frees to their opponents’ five again.

SECOND HALF
Dungarvan fared better in the second half against the wind with
Geraldines winning this period by the minimum margin 1=2 to 0=4. Five
wides to two cost Dungarvan once more who enjoyed more of the play but
Geraldines confirmed their win during the third quarter with an
opening point by Richie Lynch and then a fine goal by the impressive
throughout, Tiarnan O Brien, 3=5 to 1=1.
The hard working Kevin Collins, for Dungarvan, and O Brien, traded
points from play before the home side scored the final three points of
the half per Conor Coward, Jack Prendergast King, his second score,
and a Rian Crotty pointed free.
Geraldines contested the Western final in 2025 and they will be hoping
to hold on to their players in this grade in the coming weeks. It was
Dungarvan’s first time fielding a second football team for decades and
they should improve as the championship progresses.
The Dungarvan forward line included the father and son duo of Seamus
and Luca Cunningham.
Geraldines’ Top Three : Richie Lynch, Shane Kenny, Peter Coughlan.
Dungarvan’s Top Three : Kevin Collins, Jacob Dalton, Lorcan McGovern.
Man of the Match : Richie Lynch.
Number of Scorers : Geraldines : 4. Dungarvan : 5.
Scores From Play : Greraldines : 3=4. Dungarvan : 1=4.
Frees For : Geraldines ; 6. Dungarvan : 15.
Wides : Geraldines : 7. Dungarvan : 11.
Score of the Match : Tiarnan O Brien’s second half goal for Geraldines.
Scorers :
Geraldines : Richie Lynch 2=2 (1f), Tiarnan O Brien 1-1, Peter
Coughlan 0=2, Jay Ware 0-1.
Dungarvan ; Mike Ameglio 1=0, Jack Prendergast King 0=2, Conor Coward,
Kevin Collins and Rian Crotty(f) 0=1 each.
Teams :
Geraldines : Kieran Cotter; Pa Hickey, James Casey, Stephen O Brien;
Adam Hallahan, Shane Kenny Tiarnan O Brien; Hugh Scanlan, Peter
Coughlan; Joe Cotter, Richie Lynch, Sean Coughlan; Jay Ware, John
Havens, Danny O Keeffe. Subs : Luke Lenehan for Peter Coughlan (inj.),
Dungarvan : Stephen Moynihan; Lorcan McGovern, Kealan Barry, Denis
McGrath; Luke Irwin, Ronan Gleeson, Kevin Collins; Conor Coward, Ryan
Duggan; Jack Prendergast King, Jacob Dalton, Mike Ameglio; Luca
Cunningham, Seamus Cunningham, Rian Crotty. Subs : Rian O Sullivan for
Mike Ameglio (inj.).

foto : Geraldines Peter Coughlan sends a delivery into his forwards
past Dungarvan's Rian O Sullivan and Ryan Duggan.

RADLEY ENGINEERING WESTERN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1 WINNING RETURN BY SHAMROCK...
07/09/2026

RADLEY ENGINEERING WESTERN INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1
WINNING RETURN BY SHAMROCKS TO INTERMEDIATE GRADE
SHAMROCKS 3=15 BALLINAMEELA 1=8
Shamrocks have some preparation done in the big ball game since they
exited the hurling championship and it showed from the throw in in
Lismore on Saturday afternoon.
The winners, without the injured Roche brothers, Shane and Colm and
the unavailable John Paul Lucey had 1=5 on the board through Tom
Dalton, their accurate free taker, Billy Hynes, 0=3, David Barrett
and a well worked goal finished by Ciaran Lenehan before Ross Kavanagh
opened Ballinameela’s account.
Even at this stage, there looked no way back for Ballinameela and so
it proved. Shamrocks accounted for five of the next six scores through
Billy Hynes(3f), Ed Hynes, with a goal also a possibility, and Ciaran
Lenehan and just a single reply from a placed ball by Jack Lonergan,
1=10 to 0=2.
Shamrocks’ goalie Bernie Kelleher made a timely save from
Ballinameela’s Louis McGrath and following a further Kieran Crawford’s
score for the winners, the game was put to be when Crawford put Eoghan
Lenehan through for his second green flag of the day, 2=11 to 0=2.
The two Eddies, Hynes and Walsh Eddie Walsh finished the scoring in a
half where both teams kicked three wides and won six frees each.
SECOND HALF
Ballinameela improved in a second half that they won by 1=5 to 1=3.
The first two scores fell to Ballinameela’s Eddie Walsh and Jack
Lonergan(f) while, at the other end, James McGrath saved well from
Kieran Crawford.
Billy Hynes lofted over his sixth pointed free before Crawford was
involved for the third occasion in a Shamrocks’ goal, this time
scoring it to change the scoreboard to 3=13 to 0=5.
Billy Hynes kicked a two pointer from play, Jack Lonergan replied with
a Ballinameela pointed free and then, Michael Kiely claimed their only
goal of the game, 3=15 to 1=6.
Shamrocks did not score from the 50th minute and pointed frees by Jack
Lonergan and Rob Shine ended the scoring and gave Shamrocks their
winning return to the Intermediate grade.
Shamrocks’ Top Three : Kieran Crawford, Billy Hynes, Kieran Lenehan.
Ballinameela’s Top Three : Stephen McGrath, Daniel Buckley, Michael Kiely.
Man of the Match : Kieran Crawford.
Number of Scorers : Shamrocks : 6. Ballinameela : 5.
Scores From Play ; Shamrocks : 3=9. Ballinameela : 1=4.
Frees For : Shamrocks : 10. Ballinameela : 13.
Wides ; Shamrocks : 4. Ballinameela : 6.
Score of the Match : Shamrocks’ first goal engineered by Adam
McSweeney and Kieran Crawford and executed by Ciaran Lenehan.
Scorers :
Shamrocks : Ciaran Lenehan 2=2, Billy Hynes 0=8( 0=6f, 1x2p), Kieran
Crawford 1=1, Eddie Hynes 0=2, Tom Dalton and Dave Barrett 0=1 each.
Ballinameela : Jack Lonergan 0=4f, Michael Kiely 1=0, Eddie Walsh 0=2,
Ross Kavanagh and Rob Shine 0=1 each.
Teams ;
Shamrocks : Bernie Kelleher; Michael O Neill, Eoghan Lenehan, Stephen
Roche’ Adam Crawford, Tom Dalton, Liam Motherway; Stephen Lucey, Adam
McSweeney; Billy Hynes, Dave Barrett, Kieran Crawford; Ciaran Lenehan,
Padraig Hynes, Eddie Hynes. Subs : Cathal Hunt for Adam McSweeney and
Gearoid Hynes for Liam Motherway (both 44), Kelvyn O Farrell for
Eddie Hynes and Ed O Neill for Ciaran Lenehan (both 51).
Ballinameela : James McGrath; Kealon Looby; Davy Phelan, Stephen
McGrath; Edwin Kiely, Daniel Buckley, Eddie Walsh; Jack Griffin, Henry
Griffin; Paul Curran, Michael Fogarty, Ross Kavanagh; Jack Lonergan,
Michael Kiely, Leo Mulhall. Subs : Rob Shine for Louis McGrath (h/t).
Referee : Thomas Walsh (Modeligo).

FOTOS ;
Ballinameela's Daniel Buckly on right holds possession against Shamrocks' Gearoid Hynes.

Practical Improvisation against a shower of rain by two supporters at the Shamrocks v Ballinameela football game in Lismore on Saturday.

EDWARD O ROURKE CONTRACTING WESTERN JUNIOR ‘A’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1 LATE SCOR...
06/09/2026

EDWARD O ROURKE CONTRACTING WESTERN JUNIOR ‘A’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1
LATE SCORES DECIDES THE OUTCOME
DUNGARVAN 2=12 BALLYDUFF UPPER 3=6
This was a typical first round junior football encounter between two
sides that had not played a game since this time last year. The
turning point was in the final quarter when Dungarvan brought on some
of their minor players who contributed to a 1=4 to 0=1 differential in
this period of time.
Ballyduff’s Brian Bourke opened the scoring in the 7th minute and
Dungarvan’s top scorer, Luke Power replied one minute later. Scores
were like hens’ teeth in the first quarter and the only other one was
a Dungarvan goal when James Maye placed Johnny Burke in the road end
of the grounds.
Billy Hickey added a fine point for the winners but Ballyduff were
back on level terms by the 20th minute after Cathal Murphy raised the
first of Ballyduff’s three green flags and Seamus Hannon pointed a
free, 1=2 each.
Ballyduff took the lead in the 21st minute per Mikey Kearney before
Johnny Burke replied with a left legged contender for score of the
match.
Ballyduff took a grip on the first half with a second pointed free by
Seamus Hannon and a Brian Bourke 27th minute goal before two of
Dungarvan’s best players, Joe Duggan and Johnny Burke scored from play
either side of another Hannon pointed free. Half time score :
Ballyduff 2=5 Dungavan 1=5.
Ballyduff kicked seven first half wides to Dungarvan’s four and they
won half a dozen frees four more than their opponents.
SECOND HALF
Dungarvan restarted well with a brace of Luke Power points from play
by the 36th minute. However, Bill Keane opened the largest gap between
the sides when he kicked Ballyduff’s third major in the 39th minute,
3=5 to 1=7.
General play in the game took a definite turn Dungarvan’s way when
they brought on three minor players and the scores soon followed.
Ballyduff were confined to a Tireoghain pointed free deep into injury
time and before this Dungarvan accumulated the winning scores.
The winners comeback was slow, due to loads of inaccuracy, and it
began in the 43rd minute with Joe Duggan’s second point from play.
Luke Power pointed a 48th minute free and a 54th minute ‘45’ to leave
the minimum the difference at 3=5 to 1=10.
The game’s defining score arrived in the 58th minute when Dungarvan’s
wing back John Meehan was at the end of a good team move to finish the
ball to the country end goal. Rian McGovern kicked a 61st minute
point and full back Jack Lacey brought Dungarvan’s tally to 2=12
before Tireoghain Flynn finished of the scoring late on.
Both teams have a lot of improvement to make but this game should get
some of the rustiness out of their system.
Dungarvan’s Top Three : Luke Power, Joe Duggan, Johnny Burke.
Ballyduff’s Top Three : Sean Hickey, Brian Bourke, Bill Keane.
Man of the Match : Luke Power.
Number of Scorers : Dungarvan : 7. Ballyduff ; 6.
Scores From Play : Dungarvan : 2=10. Ballyduff : 3=3.
Frees For : Dungarvan : 8. Ballyduff : 10.
Wides : Dungarvan : 8. Ballyduff : 11.
Score of the Match : Luke Power’s 54th minute ‘45’ for Dungarvan.
Scorers :
Dungarvan : Johnny Burke 1=2, Luke Power 0=5(1f, 1’65’), John Meehan
1=0, Joe Duggan 0=2, Billy Hickey, Ryan McGovern and Jack Lacey 0=1
each.
Ballyduff : Brian Bourke 1=1, Cathal Murphy and Bill Keane 1=0 each,
Seamus Hannon 0=3f, Mikey Kearney and Tireoghain Flynn(f) 0=1 each.
Teams :
Dungarvan : Darragh Walsh; Robbie Wall, Jack Lacey, Brandon Dillon;
John Meehan, Mikey Burke, Donnacha Hamilton Hayes; Eddie Burke, Jow
Duggan; Alex Shanahan, Joe Duggan, Billy Hickey; Luke Power, Johnny
Burke, Eoin O Callaghan. Subs : Ryan McGiovern for Donnacha Hamilton
Hayes and Corey Lyons for James Maye (both 43), Pierce Quann for Eoin
O Callaghan (52).
Ballyduff : Shane Casey; Florence Flynn, Cathal Kenny, Gavin
Kenneally; Darragh Sheehy, Quentin Joyce, Sean Kenny; Sean Hickey,
Mark Bourke; Cathal Murphy, Brian Bourke, Bill Keane; Tireoghain
Flynn, Seamus Hannon, Mikey Kearney. Subs : Kieran Hayes for Cathal
Murphy (46), Aidan O Brien for Quentin Joyce(47).
Referee : Tom Mansfield (Cappoquin).

foto : Ballyduff's Quentin Joyce kicks at the posts in Cappoquin v Dungarvan.

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY JUNIOR ‘C’ HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL REPLAYFERRYBANK TAKE THE HONOURS AT FRAHER FIELDFERRYB...
06/09/2026

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY JUNIOR ‘C’ HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL REPLAY
FERRYBANK TAKE THE HONOURS AT FRAHER FIELD
FERRYBANK 2=12 AN RINN 0=12

GOALS at either end of the second half by Ferrybank’s Kevin Hurley
and Shane Oates was the difference between the teams in this County
Junior ‘C’ hurling final replay at the Fraher Field on Friday evening.
There were a number of similarities with the drawn game with Ferrybank
leading early on by 0=6 to 0=2 and An Rinn shooting too many wides
again, thirteen on this occasion.
The Western champions finished strongly, but, this time, there were no
match saving scores against a no nonsense winners’ defence, capably
led by John Ahern at full back.
Both sides made minimal changes to their sides from the drawn
encounter and it was An Rinn who began the better with points by Sean
Mac Gearailt and Tiarnach O Siothchain inside two minutes.
However, the Gaeltacht side were not to score for another ten minutes
and in between Ferrybank hit six in a row per Shane Oates (4f),
Lochlann Flanagan and Jacob Richards.
Credit An Rinn, they didn’t leave a huge gap open like in the first
game and Eoin O Crotaigh and Sean Mac Gearailt,again,changed the
scoreboard to 0=6 to 0=4.
Shane Oates’ 15th minute sideline from under the stand was very
interesting. It’s dipping trajectory looked to have the goalie beaten
but the sliotar came back off the crossbar.
Jacob Richards and Tiarnach O Siothchain (f) claimed their second
score each before Kevin Hurley brought a great save out of Max Van
Haeften in the An Rinn goal.
An Rinn enjoyed perhaps their best spell in the game when Tiarnach O
Siothchain converted three frees in a row between the 20th and 26th
minutes to restore their early lead on a scoreboard reading 0=8 to
0=7.
The last two scores of the half came from play by the Ferrybank centre
forward Eoin O Neill as the winners took a 0=1 lead into the dressing
rooms.
An Rinn hit half a dozen wides to Ferrybank’s four and both teams won
seven frees each.
SECOND HALF
FERRYBANK got the ideal start to the second half when Kevin Hurley
goaled in the town end after Max Van Haeften had saved well first from
Jacob Richards.
When Shane Oates added a pointed free and a ‘65’ and Eoin O Neill his
third point from play, the damage was done to An Rinn’s winning
ambitions with the score now being 1=12 to 0=8.
An Rinn were wide with a few frees and they had not scored at all in
the third quarter. When Tiarnach O Siothchain pointed a 46th minute
free, it was An Rinn’s first score in 20 minutes and when Sean Mac
Gearailt followed with his third point from play one minute later it
was An Rinn’s first score from play in all of 34 minutes and this will
not win games.
Credit An Rinn, though, they applied a lot of pressure on the
Ferrybank for the rest of the game but with no reward and they had
thirteen wides altogether after 55 minutes.
Ferrybank defended well and when Shane Oates broke through for a 56th
minute goal for the winners, the result was done and dusted, 2=12 to
0=11. An Rinn’s Shane O Cuirrin finished the scoring in the 62nd
minute but the honours deservingly went to Cian Martin’s charges who
will now operate in the ‘B’ grade in 2027.
PRESENTATION
Chairman of the County Board praised both teams for two grand hours of
hurling and presented the championship cup to the winning Ferrybank
captain, Alex Kinsella.
Ferrybank’s Top Three : Shane Oates, Jacob Richards, John Ahern.
An Rinn’s Top Three : Sean Mac Gearailt, Lucas O Cuirrin, Shane O Cuirrin.
Man of the Match : Shane Oates.
Number of Scorers : Ferrybank : 5. An Rinn : 4.
Scores From Play : Ferrybank : -2=6. An Rinn : 0=7.
Frees For : Ferrybank : 10. An Rinn : 18.
Wides : Ferrybank : 8. An Rinn : 13.
Score of the Match : Shane Oates 56th minute goal for Ferrybank.
Scorers :
Ferrybank : Shane Oates 1=6 (4f, 1’65’), Kevin Hurley 1=0, Eoin O
Neill 0=3, Jacob Richards 0=2. Lochlann Flanagan 0=1.
An Rinn : Tiarnan O Siothchain 0=7f, Sean Mac Gearailt 0=3, Eoin O
Crotaigh and Shane O Cuirrin 0=1 each.
Teams :
Ferrybank : Kyle Daly; Eddie Daly, John Ahern, Lochlann Flanagan;
Damien Ahern, Graham Coady, Alex Kinsella; Jack Keogh Moran, Maciek
Tomczuk; Jacob Richards, Eoin O Neill, John Collins; Shane Oates, Greg
Murphy, Kevin Hurley. Subs : Eimhin Burns for Greg Murphy (50), Tom
Buttchaell for Kevin Hurley(58).
An Rinn : Max Van Haeften; Brian De Baruin, Lucas O Cuirrin, Ruadhan
De Faoite; Fionn O Murchu, Shane O Cuirrin, Darragh Mac Craith; Eoghan
O Crotaigh, Senan O Drochain; Criostoir Breathnach, Padraig O
Murchadha, Cathal O Cuirrin; Tiarnach O Siothchain, Ciaran O Toibin,
Sean Mac Gearailt. Subs : Ruadhan O Floinn for Fionn O Murchu (45),
Tomas O Crotaigh for Ciaran O Toibin and Seadhna Mac Giolla Chuda for
Cathal O Cuirrin.
Referee : Cillian O Sullivan (Cappoquin).

foto : Chairman of the County Board, Neil Moore presents the junior cup to the Ferrybank captain Alex Kinsella.

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL AGONISING DEFEAT FOR FABULOUS ...
31/08/2026

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

AGONISING DEFEAT FOR FABULOUS FOURMILEWATER AS BALLYGUNNER STRIKE THIRTEEN NOT OUT

BALLYGUNNER 1=16 FOURMILEWATER 0=15

Ballygunner snatched victory from the jaws of defeat when they scored 1=2 in the dying embers of this very entertaining SHC County final at the Fraher Field on Sunday.

Fourmilewater were the better team for the majority of the game but a number of wides in the final quarter and not scoring from play since the 49th minute prevented them making history in their first decider and in their centenary year.

On the other hand, Ballygunner possessed the bench to change their fortunes around and they found more room in front of the Fourmile goal in the final minutes than they did for all of the game.
Fourmile had their homework done for this game and their tackling in droves built on their own high levels of fitness and physicality prevented the Gunners from implementing their usual fast running game.

Fourmile got the ideal start when Sean Walsh pointed after a minute. Dessie Hutchinson fired over an equaliser and the teams were level again after four minutes following scores by Michael Morrissey for Fourmile and Conor Tobin for the Gunners.
Richard O Keeffe’s charges were getting the start to the game that they would have hoped for and Liam O Brien and Jamie Barron pushed Fourmile double scores ahead by the 15th minute, 0=4 to 0=2. Barron also had a goal strike from an acute angle hit the side netting in the town end while Aaron Ryan and Pauric Mahony were wide in the trying conditions.

Pauric Mahony pointed the first of his five County final pointed frees in the 16th minute and Fourmile goalie Stephen Ryan made the first of his three goal stops from Kevin Mahony.

A 0=5 margin opened between the teams when Aaron Ryan fired over 0=3(2f, 1-65) and Sean Walsh his second and final score. Fourmile would have been hoping to be in the game after 20 minutes before the throw in and not only having achieved this, they were in bonus territory holding an 0=8 to 0=3 lead.

That Ballyguunner had score just 0=3 in the first 22 minutes was a rarity and when Dessie Hutchinson claimed his second point in the 24th minute, it was the Gunners ‘ first such score in all of 20 minutes.

However, Ballygunner scored more in the last five minutes of the half than they did in the first twenty five. They popped over 0=4 in a row per Kevin Mahony, Ronan Power with a contender for score of the match, Mikey Mahony and Pauric Mahony(f).

Dermot Ryan restored Fourmilewater’s lead temporarily in the 29th minute and one minute into added time, Conor Tobin looked to be pulled back close to goal with a fourth first half equaliser resulting, 0=9 each.

Ballygunner had three first half wides to Fourmilewater’s four and they won four frees to their opponents’ half dozen.

SECOND HALF

Ballygunner usually blitz teams at the start of second halves but, again, Fourmile had their homework done and they matched them and better.

Pauric Mahony was wide with an early free before Dessie Hutchinson gave the Gunners the lead for the very first time . Mahony was wide from another free in the 38th minute before Aaron Ryan took centre stage with some clever loose play resulting in 0=3 by the 43rd minute.

Pauric Mahony had pointed a 42nd minute free but, overall, both teams indulged in too many wides at this stage. Ballygunner were forced to make switches before they usually did, trailing by 0=13 to 0=11 at the end of the third quarter.

Mark Hartley replaced Conor Sheahan and then a number of key moments unfolded. First Kevin Mahony shot wide, then Jamie Barron’s goal effort, though it was not hit straight at Stephen O Keeffe, it was the right height for him to stop.

Aaron Ryan was wide with the resulting ‘65’ and in the 48th minute Evan Spelman, who was closely watched by Ballygunner throughout, was wide from play. These were key moments, especially from a Fourmilewater viewpoint.

Tom Barron dealt with it someway with a contender for score of the match in the 49th minute, a 0=3 lead, and again three minutes later after Pauric Mahony and Aaron Ryan exchanged pointed frees,0=15 to 0=12.

Whether Fourmile tired or what, Ballygunner, were at last, getting a foothold in proceedings. Pauric Mahony pointed a 53rd minute free and then Mikey Mahony finished a good move with a good score two minutes later, the minimum the margin between the teams at 0=15 to 0=14.

Between the 55th and the 59th minutes, there were four wides evenly distributed in order by Sean Walsh, Kevin Mahony, Pauric Mahony and Sean Walsh again.

Then Stephen Ryan earned his keep with two brilliant saves, the first from Kevin Mahony at the expense of a point and then from Dessie Hutchinson. However, Ballygunner were now getting plenty space up from and Kevin Mahony was central to it.

Mahony pointed in the 60th minute and then provided for sub Mark Hartley and this time, Stephen Ryan couldn’t prevent his missile like strike into the town end goal.

Thus Ballygunner extended their litany of titles to an amazing thirteen and they now have eleven weeks to prepare for the semi final of the Munster club championship in Walsh Park against the Limerick champions.

Fourmilewater certainly didn’t flop on the big occasion and they were preciously close to winning. Hopefully, they will keep the same management team and all of their players as next year’s championship can see further progression on the experience learned in 2026.

PRESENTATION

Chairman of the County Board, Neil Moore presented the News and Star cup to the Ballygunner joint captains, Peter Hogan and Mikey Mahony. The JJ Kavanagh and Sons Man of the Match was awarded to Peter Hogan.

Ballyugunner’s Top Three : Kevin Mahony, Peter Hogan, Aaron O Neill.

Fourmilewater’s Top Three : Jamie Barron, Pat Walsh, Aaron Ryan.

Man of the Match : Jamie Barron.

Number of Scorers ; Ballygunner : 7. Fourmilewater : 7.

Scores From Play : Ballygunner : 1=11. Fourmilewater : 0=10.

Frees For : Ballygunner : 13. Fourmilewater : 9.

Wides : Ballygunner : 10. Fourmilewater : 8.

Score of the Match : Ronan Power’s 26th minute point for
Ballygunner.

Scorers :

Ballygunner : Pauric Mahony 0=5f, Mark Hartley 1=0, Dessie
Hutchinson and Kevin Mahony 0=3 each, Conor Tobin and Mikey Mahony 0=2 each, Ronan Power 0=1.

Fourmilewater : Aaron Ryan 0=8(3f, 1’65’), Sean Walsh 0=2, Michael Morrissey, Liam O Brien, Jamie Barron, Dermot Ryan and Tom Barron 0=1 each.

Teams :
Ballygunner : Stephen O Keeffe; Aaron O Neill, Ian Kenny, Tadhg Foley; Cormac Power, Philip Mahony, Ronan Power; Conor Sheahan, Paddy Leavey; Dessie Hutchinson, Pauric Mahony, Peter Hogan; Conor Tobin, Kevin Mahony, Mikey Mahony. Harry Ruddle for Cormac Power (40). Subs : Mark Hartley for Conor Tobin (43).

Fourmilewater : Stephen Ryan; Paddy Spelman, Tadhg Walsh, Pat Walsh; Tholom Guiry, Oisin Walsh, Dermot Ryan; Tom Barron, Conor Gleeson; Jamie Barron, Liam O Brien, Evan Spelman; Michael Morrissey, Sean Walsh, Aaron Ryan.
Subs ; James McGrath for Tadhg Walsh(37), Chris Ryan for Michael Morrissey (43).

Referee : Seaghan Walsh (DLS)Morrissey(43).

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