GALWAY CAMOGIE CAPTAIN Sarah Dervan, and Cork Ladies star Erika O’Shea have expressed their support for a motion going before GAA Congress regarding a merger of the GAA, LGFA and the Camogie Association.  

The motion has been submitted by the GPA, and requests that the GAA “prioritise integration with the LGFA and Camogie Association in order to jointly ensure equal investment, recognition and opportunity for all genders to play all sports in the Gaelic Games family.”

Both Dervan and O’Shea hope that the motion is approved at Congress on 26 February, and that all players belong to the one GAA unit going forward.

Dervan captained Galway to their second senior All-Ireland camogie title in three years last September after a tense battle with Cork. But despite their success, Cathal Murray’s side are still hampered by inequalities.

“Unfortunately, we are in the middle of it,” the Mullagh defender begins. “Tonight we’re training on astroturf because we can’t get any pitch facilities with lights. So it is a real struggle for us. We’ve trained on astro an awful lot this year so far and we’re thankful of getting it, but it’s not ideal.

“We’re playing Dublin on Saturday so it’s not ideal preparation for the first round of the league.

Click Here:

“You are curtailed a lot with what you can do on astroturf. You can do a bit of ball work, the speed work. You wouldn’t really do much of your fitness on that because if you’re a bit of an older one like myself, it does take it’s toll on you but unfortunately it is the way it is. Hopefully this merger will happen sooner rather than later and all parties will be under the one umbrella.

“It’ll be massive for the Ladies Football and Camogie Association to be interlinked with the GAA. It’ll be a huge positive.”

Dervan adds with frustration that accessibility is an ongoing issue for the Galway camogie team, and that they are forced to rely on the kindness of clubs to avail of their training facilities. 

Cork’s O’Shea echoes similar sentiments regarding the basic requirements for training. Her county has been a dominant force in Ladies Football in recent times, capturing 11 All-Ireland titles between 2005 and 2016. But even with that collection of silverware, Cork teams have still struggled with getting basic provisions in place for their players. 

“I feel like the lads don’t have that problem,” says O’Shea.

Cork’s Erik

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

“I remember when we’re training at minor and we actually won the All-Ireland that year, we couldn’t find a pitch, we were training on the side of a pitch. We were running up and down the side of a pitch. Those kind of things are disheartening. A merger would make such a big difference. It would be good for women in sport and keep a lot of girls involved.

“All my team-mates want to see the merger happening. It would change everything for girls in sport The WGPA and the GAA joined and that has made a big difference.”

If a total merger does get voted in at Congress, Dervan hopes that the new association will be designed to ensure that all four codes are treated equally, and that the female sports are not overlooked once the integration is complete.

“Absolutely, everything needs to be equal. The senior teams for the Galway hurlers, camogie, men’s footballers and women’s would be all equal and we’d all get a fair share of facilities, funding, everything.

“It’s the only way forward and all it can do is bring positives, especially for young girls starting out playing camogie, that they don’t have this divide. That we’re all one umbrella, one family and it shouldn’t matter, you have the same opportunities as everyone else.”

Sarah Dervan and Erika O’Shea were speaking at the brand launch of “In the Zone” by East Coast Bakehouse, which has been endorsed as “The Official Protein Cookies & Biscuits of the GAA/GPA” as The Players Choice.

– Originally published at 5:52pm

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

MAGGIE FARRELLY WILL become the first female referee to take charge of a men’s national league match this weekend. 

The Cavan native has been named to officiate in Sunday’s Division 4 football fixture between Leitrim and London at Carrick-on-Shannon, with throw-in scheduled for 12pm. 

Click Here:

It is not the first time that the experienced Farrell has made GAA history, however.

She was the first woman to referee a senior men’s inter-county match — a McKenna Cup game between Fermanagh and St Mary’s — back in January 2016.

Last November, Farrelly also became the first female referee to take charge of a senior men’s county final, a Cavan senior football championship final replay between Gowna and Ramor United.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

TYRONE’S PÁDRAIG HAMPSEY says his team are “not proud” of the brawl which unfolded in the closing minutes of their league clash with Armagh, but also believes that the incident was blown out of proportion. 

Referee David Gough issued five red cards after the sides engaged in a major scuffle, with four Tyrone players being sent to the line. Hampsey was one of the players who was punished, along with Kieran McGeary, Michael McKernan and Peter Harte.

Armagh’s Greg McCabe was the fifth recipient of a red card as Kieran McGeeney’s side clinched a six-point win.

Hampsey says there is an appeal taking place tonight regarding these suspensions ahead of their next Division 1 outing against Kildare on Sunday.

“There’s an appeal tonight in Croke Park. We’re hoping to find out more tonight on where we stand on that.

“I think the players will have to go down to that one so there’ll be a hearing and I guess…to be honest, I’ve never been involved in one so I’m not too sure what goes on but the players will be down tonight and we’ll see what we’re dealt with.”

Padraig Hampsey.

When asked for his thoughts on the brawl, he replied:

“I suppose it’s a derby game with two Ulster teams, two neighbouring counties so I just feel that things maybe got out of control. It’s one we’re not proud of ourselves as a county and as players but look, I don’t think there was much really in it. For my own self, there wasn’t much in it to be honest.

“But look, it happened and we’re not proud of what happened.”

The All-Ireland champions are still looking for their first win of 2022 National League following that loss to Armagh, and a draw against Monaghan in the opening round of the competition. 

Hampsey is hopeful that Kildare’s visit to Healy Park on Sunday will be an opportunity to get their season off the mark.

“Yeah, Kildare on Sunday at home in Healy Park. It’s been a tough enough start to the league campaign, the draw with Monaghan and the defeat to Armagh. We’ll be looking forward to this weekend and to hopefully getting our first win on the board. 

“I suppose coming off the back of the holiday, I feel we’re maybe a couple of weeks behind other teams but we’re getting up to pace again. I know our first-half performance wasn’t that good but I think our second-half performance was, you know, I thought the lads performed well and we did well enough to get it back to four points but unfortunately we couldn’t get the win.

“No, look, we’re getting up to speed again and as I mentioned before with the week break and then back in now against Kildare on Sunday, hopefully we can get the win.”

Pádraig Hampsey was speaking at the brand launch of “In the Zone” by East Coast Bakehouse, which has been endorsed as “The Official Protein Cookies & Biscuits of the GAA/GPA” as The Players Choice.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Click Here:

1. Harry Ruddle and Jerome Johnston the All-Ireland heroes

There is only one appropriate place to start when digesting the events at Croke Park on Saturday. Those sensational late goals will be folkloric moments in the history of Ballygunner and Kilcoo, those last-gasp interventions sparking the joy that engulfed both clubs.

Harry Ruddle pounced in the 63rd minute for Ballygunner, a substitute who came on to make the greatest impact possible. Jerome Johnston struck in the 81st minute for Kilcoo, the goal machine who again popped up when his club needed it. Those two were the heroes for their priceless scores in high drama.

But in both cases, the build-up of the goals was striking with the composure on show as Ballygunner (Ian Kenny, Paddy Leavey and Peter Hogan) and Kilcoo (Aaron Branagan and Shealin Johnston) had the creators to prise open the defences.

2. First-time winners rejoice

Those late goals would be a special way to win any All-Ireland final, but even more so when they ensured a major breakthrough in the cases of both clubs. Ballygunner and Kilcoo toasted All-Ireland glory for the first time, Ballygunner the first Waterford side to achieve that feat and Kilcoo only the second Down side after Burren’s triumphs in the ’80s.

They’ve been hard-earned as well. Since 2009 both Ballygunner and Kilcoo have won 10 county and two provincial titles. Ballygunner smashed through the Munster barrier in 2018, Kilcoo did likewise in Ulster in 2019. That’s a lot of harsh lessons learned after they have emerged from their local arenas and they’ve needed to be resilient to keep bouncing back from disappointments.

Click Here:

Ronan Power celebrates Ballygunner’s win.

Kilcoo’s Ceilum Doherty and Ryan Johnston celebrate with the cup.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

3. Ballygunner’s long-serving stars celebrate

Five Ballygunner players have started throughout their eight-in-a-row sequence of success in Waterford – Stephen O’Keeffe, Barry Coughlan, Philip and Pauric Mahony, and Shane O’Sullivan. O’Keeffe, the two Mahonys and O’Sullivan were involved back in 2009 when they lost a Munster final to Newtownshandrum, indeed O’Sullivan can journey back to 2005 when they were also defeated in a provincial decider by the Cork opponents.

So it’s been an exercise in patience for that Ballygunner crew and sticking with the task they had set themselves. Saturday was a reward after over a decade of service as they realised their All-Ireland ambition.

4. Kilcoo’s extra factor

When the whistle sounded at the close of normal time, it shouldn’t have been surprising to consider that Kilcoo were facing into extra-time. That was the scenario they were presented with in the 2020 All-Ireland club final when they lost out to Corofin, and a position they have frequently encountered and embraced in this campaign.

In the Down quarter-final against Carryduff, in the Ulster semi-final against Watty Grahams Glen and in the All-Ireland semi-final against St Finbarr’s, Kilcoo were pushed to extra-time before prevailing. On Saturday they produced the goods again in that additional period, albeit in a staggering manner when they netted that late goal.

The Andy Merrigan cup was in safe hands last night. I hope their dreams come true someday. They owe us a few days out in Croker. #apicturesaysa1000words #💙💙🏁 pic.twitter.com/exP8oEEcUb

— Conor Laverty (@ConorLav14) February 13, 2022

5. Dessie Hutchinson proves the key asset 

When Ballygunner had previously met Ballyhale, they only mustered 0-13 in the 2019 All-Ireland semi-final. On Saturday that scoring total had been bumped up to 2-17. It’s an impressive improvement, and while their teamplay is more refined and the conditions in Croke Park were more favourable, the critical difference is the presence now of Dessie Hutchinson in their team.

He gives them a brilliant scoring dimension, as Waterford journalist Tomas McCarthy pointed out afterwards, he has now fired 14-90 across 24 championship games in the past three seasons for the club. On Saturday he didn’t let them down and stood tall in rifling in 1-3, setting up a couple of key points and banging home that vital first goal to ignite their charge.

6. Mickey Moran experiences All-Ireland glory

As wonderful a moment as it was for the Kilcoo players, it felt apt to single out their manager on Saturday. For Mickey Moran this was a superb achievement and a testament to the high-standard of his coaching. After a succession of near misses with Mayo (2006), Slaughtneil (2015 & 2017) and Kilcoo (2020), this was at last a day that he was part of a landmark victory.

Conor Laverty recognised that with the brilliant gesture of bringing Moran up the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Andy Merrigan Cup. 

Conor Laverty, Mickey Moran and Aidan Branagan lift the cup after the game.

Source: Ken Sutton/INPHO

TIPPERARY BOSS COLM Bonnar resisted the temptation to afford new captain Ronan Maher the chance to start yesterday in their first home game of 2022, but hailed his impact off the bench in their win over Kilkenny.

Tipperary opted to start with an unchanged side from the opening round win over Laois the previous Saturday night.

That meant Maher, who had come on in the 67th minute in the Portlaoise clash, had to be content with a place on the bench when the battle with Kilkenny began.

His hurling qualities were needed earlier yesterday, sprung into action in the 50th minute and the two-time All-Star immediately made his mark with a rousing point from the left wing.

The two-time All-Star was influential as Tipperary eventually claimed a one-point success.

“Ronan obviously was very disappointed he wasn’t starting from the start. Our first home game and him as captain, he would have loved to have lead the team out onto the field but we just felt the likes of Dillon Quirke and Barry Heffernan, they played very well against Laois and it was an opportunity for them to keep their development going.

“When Ronan came on, there was such a roar behind me from the crowd and then his introduction and what a score. It says, ‘Here I am, so don’t forget about me’. That’s what we want, we want players coming on and making a contribution and having that kind of attitude.”

Tipperary players celebrate after the game.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Bonnar is expecting changes as they rotate their squad for their third league tie in a fortnight, when Dublin will land in Thurles.

“We’re working away. The boys are going really hard at training and the intensity levels are huge and they’re doing the gym sessions. There’s nothing more they can actually give us.

“We’ll have to move it on a bit because that’s the second day we’re after putting out the same team, so we’ll change it up a bit because there’s other players going as well in training. As a management team, we have to make a few hard calls, but the bunch of lads there are tight and becoming more of as team as the games go by.”

New captain Maher and 2019 Hurler of the Year Seamus Callanan have been restricted to substitute appearances in the games so far. The Loughmore-Castleiney crew, who endured such a punishing club campaign with games in both codes to close out 2021, may also return to the fray.

John and Brian McGrath were unused substitutes yesterday, Noel McGrath and John Meagher have not yet been involved.

“Yeah they’re all in training for the last three weeks altogether. There’s big names that are there with huge experience. We’re going to use that but they have been so commendable, driving the young lads on. They know a lot of the young lads would have sat on the line for the number of few years and didn’t play, so they don’t mind contributing to that. We want to see everybody hurling well for Tipp.”

Click Here:

CORK HEAD INTO their Division 1A meeting with Limerick in fine fettle with two wins from two in the bag. 

Plenty of soul-searching took place on Leeside over the winter after they were dismantled by the Treaty in the All-Ireland final. 

Scoring exhibitions against Clare and Offaly have seen the Rebels put up a combined tally of 6-55. Kieran Kingston has spread the minutes around his squad, with the fight for places up front particularly fascinating. 

Cork chose not to enter a team into the pre-season Munster Hurling Cup, so Kingston is viewing the league as an opportunity to assess his talent.

“You are trying to build a panel,” said Kingston. “These few weeks are very challenging, with Fitzgibbon Cup, we had guys playing last Tuesday and Wednesday.

“We have Ciaran Joyce playing with the Freshers this Tuesday coming, so it is important you have a panel you can call on for these games, in particular during this pre-season. We have a good panel and we are happy with the panel we have.”

Cork have used 26 players inside their opening two games. Kingston made six changes from the first round as Ger Millerick, Rob Downey, Alan Cadogan, Padraig Power, Shane Barrett and Ciaran Joyce dropped out, largely due to injury and college commitments. 

Former AFL man Mark Keane made his league debut and fared well after his switch to wing-forward. He was heavily involved in the opening goal of the game, forcing a turnover and seeing his shot saved before Conor Lehane turned in the rebound, before adding two points in the second period.

His aerial ability, running power and use of the ball makes him a useful option on the half-forward line. He provides Kingston with a different option to the other forwards they possess.

“We gave Mark a couple of days off, but we were training Tuesday and Thursday and Mark was in with us those nights,” remarked his manager.

“So that is a sign of how much he wants to be involved, he took a day or two out, and then was back in the saddle with us on Tuesday night. Because of that and because what we saw in training, we said we’d give him a start and I thought he put in a really good shift.”

Jack O’Connor has been introduced off the bench in successive games as Cork monitor his load given his recent UCC Fitzgibbon commitments. Patrick Horgan made his seasonal debut as a substitute against Offaly as he eases his way into the campaign. 

Conor Cahalane and Robbie O’Flynn worked hard on the flanks before being replaced, while Shane Kingston has started the season in electric form, shooting 2-8 to follow up his nine-point haul last week.

“A couple of lads got knocks today. Conor Cahalane played college hurling during the week, Robbie O’Flynn hasn’t a lot done he’s only back with us the last few weeks.

“In these conditions it was very heavy going out there. 76 minutes of a game plus the warm-up, it’s very heavy on the legs so it’s important to give lads a rest when they have a lot going on and try other guys on the panel.”

Conor Lehane has returned to the panel after his omission in 2021. He was used on the half-forward line against Clare and in the corner versus Offaly, where he showed flashes of brilliance by scoring 1-2, although he didn’t last beyond the 52nd minute in either game. 

Kingston also took a look at a number of recent graduates from underage sides in the form of Daire O’Leary, Tommy O’Connell, Sam Quirke and Colin O’Brien. O’Leary was replaced at the break after losing his battle with Eoghan Cahill, while the other trio were on the field for the final quarter.

“I was happy with every fella that put a shift in today. Fellas that didn’t, will be reviewed during the week and we’ll see how we can improve.

“We’re very much trying to build the character of this group that every time you go play with Cork we expect a shift, we expect a performance and let the result take care of itself.”

Of course, it’s wise not to read too much into a couple of February league wins, but the strength of the panel Cork are putting together cannot be ignored. 

With the Munster SHC opening up against Limerick on 17 April, the Rebels have nine weeks before they need to be at full pelt.

“The league is that little bit more challenging because it’s really your pre-season,” adds Kingston. 

“Historically you’d have your league campaign and then four or five weeks off, you’d have another pre-season before championship, lads would go back to their clubs and play a couple of game and then you’re back in with the county again.

“This time it’s just college, league and then you’re into championship. So this is really your pre-season for championship.”

On the other hand, Offaly must regroup and go again following defeats to Cork and Galway by a combined 36 points.

It was always going to be a major step up for a team who were playing in the hurling championship’s third tier last summer. Shipping two goals inside the opening three minutes put the game out of sight almost as soon as it had started.

It rounded off a tough weekend for Faithful boss Michael Fennelly after watching his club Ballyhale lose the All-Ireland final with a last-second goal on Saturday.

“These teams are at a higher level and if you make a mistake, you’re punished,” he said.

“It’s very difficult if you are punished within that split second and they get a goal or a point. It’s just very hard on the team in general. Compared to last year, you get away with making some of those mistakes and you’re fine.

“You can’t go from not competing at underage finals to be able to compete against teams that are at Liam MacCarthy level to be honest about it.

Click Here:

“The structures are starting to be put in place, GPOs (games promotion officers) are being put on the ground. 

“So I think there’s a long road for Offaly but you have to start somewhere and these lads are putting in huge shifts. They’re genuine, they’re honest and they’re trying their best to be fair to them.”

THIS WAS THE type of euphoric moment to justify Dessie Hutchinson’s life-changing decision.

Three years ago when Ballygunner and Ballyhale had previously crossed paths, Hutchinson was watching on. He had only just rejoined his club hurling team, working his way back into the game.

A soccer career had been parked after a few seaons with Brighton in England, there was a role with the Waterford footballers about to be pursued.

And then hurling has taken over, consuming his focus as he nailed down a starting spot for Liam Cahill’s Waterford side and has become the attacking figurehead for Ballygunner.

Saturday represented the culmination of all that work. Man-of-the-match, scorer of 1-3 and All-Ireland senior club hurling winner.

“I thought I was going to have a heart attack on the pitch in the last seconds. I couldn’t catch my breath, people jumping on you. It was absolutely brilliant. Just walking across the pitch then, going into the dressing room, you just embrace it all and take a good look around you. It’s phenomenal. We’re so privileged to be there and inspire young kids in Ballygunner to come up and do this year in, year out.

“Watching in that day (at the 2019 All-Ireland club semi-final), it gave me a huge drive to get back and play them again because we wanted to turn them over. They are the pinnacle in the country for four or five years. We knew we were good but we just wanted our chance to play them again.

“People mightn’t like this but I said it to Pauric Mahony on the pitch after that game (the 2020 All-Ireland senior final with Waterford) we have to be up there with Ballygunner. Thankfully, we were up there and it’s absolutely incredible.”

Dessie Hutchinson (right) in action against Darren Mullen.

Source: Ken Sutton/INPHO

The second half was a tale of two Ballygunner goals. The first when Hutchinson cracked home a 48th minute shot to give his team the lift they needed.

“It was just a long ball in and I managed to grab it and I was close enough to the goal. I had to go for it especially with the time in the game it was. They are the big minutes you have to chase and thankfully it went in. It brought us back to two points (one) so yeah I was absolutely delighted.”

48 nóim
@ballygunnerHc 1-14@BallyhaleGAA 1-15

CÚL FAIGHTE AG DESSIE HUTCHINSON!! 🥳

BALLYGUNNER RESPOND WITH A GOAL! 👌
@GAA_BEO @officialgaa
#GAABeo | #TheToughest | #GAA

BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/qqWwfJfD5r

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 12, 2022

Then the match-winner from Harry Ruddle to provide a fairytale ending.

“I was after making a little run to the side and there were so many bodies and I think it was Kevin Mahony who puts his arms in the air and started running out the way so I knew it was in then and it was just crazy.

“I was just hoping it would go in but Harry played a massive part all through the Waterford championship and I’m absolutely delighted for him today because we knew there was somebody who was going to step up in a big moment and thankfully it was Harry.”

Hutchinson’s brothers Wayne and JJ were pillars of Ballygunner hurling sides for a long time and he got to share in the celebrations after with them.

Very proud of young @Deshutch8 first ever Hutch to bring an all Ireland home. Well done to all the lads. That was epic ❤️❤️🖤🖤

— Wayne Hutchinson (@WayneHutchinso1) February 12, 2022

“They managed to make their way onto the pitch somehow so I got a good few embraces and hugs and it was absolutely unbelievable. With your friends and family in Croke Park, it was just so special.

“At times… I hit the post myself with a shot and then they went up and got a goal and we hit the post in the first half. We probably hit some uncharacteristic wides in the game and sometimes that might creep in a little bit.

“But we have been so mentally drilled in the last six months on our process and what we were going to do because All-Ireland finals, that’s what happens in the last few minutes. We were so drilled in the scenarios that could come up and thankfully it all paid off.”

Click Here:

Tipperary 1-19
Kilkenny 1-18

THE SCORING NARRATIVE began in the same way it had finished, Jason Forde despatching a free over the bar for Tipperary.

Alan Flynn and Padraig Walsh.

His last point was more critical than his first, the tenth white flag he had raised over the afternoon, and the one that essentially settled this Division 1 league encounter, the home fans left pleased as Kilkenny were held off in a lively finish.

The crowd became immersed in the finale, Ronan Maher and Walter Walsh injecting energy into the proceedings with their forceful introductions off the bench for either side. For long stages this was a February fixture with a slow and sleepy feel to it.

Kilkenny chipped away at Tipperary’s advantage during the second half, enjoying a bright phase after half-time and drawing level when John Donnelly pointed a 49th minute free. Tipperary pushed on noticeably again but Kilkenny substitute Tadhg O’Dwyer banged home a 62nd minute goal after Billy Ryan had done the hard work as he cut in from the right wing.

A Walter Walsh point, his second of the day, tied the teams approaching full-time before the prospect of a draw was removed when Cathal Barrett surged forward to secure a free, Walsh having dragged him down, and Forde struck over the winner.

Paddy Cadell and Huw Lawlor.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Forde finished with 0-10, Jake Morris pounced for 1-2 and Barry Heffernan hit two lovely points for Tipperary. Kilkenny had 11 different scorers, Padraig Walsh’s tally of four points from play was the most eye-catching aspect.

Both teams were grateful to goalkeeping interventions during the second half as flying saves occurred – Brian Hogan denying Richie Leahy and Eoin Murphy preventing Morris scoring his second goal.

The opening half was mired in lethargy and the action struggled to engage the crowd present. The striking on both sides was poor, Kilkenny particularly culpable in the first half as they chalked up ten wides and left another three shots short.

Tipperary were six clear at the break, their advantage embellished by the goal that Jake Morris smashed home in the 37th minute. It came from a puckout by Eoin Murphy that went astray and Denis Maher fed the inrushing Morris, who finished brilliantly with a one-handed swipe.

Billy Ryan and Cathal Barrett.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Tipperary had produced the more decisive scoring bursts. They raced in front 0-3 to 0-0 in the opening ten minutes and were 0-6 to 0-3 clear by the 20th minute. Four points on the spin in the second quarter from Ger Browne, Michael Breen, Maher and Forde for Tipperary, was met by a Kilkenny rally that consisted of Tom Phelan, John Donnelly (2) and Padraig Walsh pointing.

It looked like being tight on the scoreboard at the break but the Morris goal changed the complexion and Tipperary eventually had enough in the finish to prevail.

Scorers for Tipperary: Jason Forde 0-10 (0-5f), Jake Morris 1-2, Barry Heffernan 0-2, Brian Hogan (0-1f), Michael Breen, Ger Browne, Denis Maher, Ronan Maher 0-1 each.

Scorers for Kilkenny: John Donnelly 0-5 (0-5f), Padraig Walsh 0-4, Tadhg O’Dwyer 1-0, Walter Walsh 0-2, Martin Keoghan, David Blanchfield, Mikey Carey, Niall Brassil, Cian Kenny, Paddy Deegan, Tom Phelan 0-1 each.

Tipperary

1. Brian Hogan (Lorrha-Dorrha)

2. Cathal Barrett (Holycross-Ballycahill), 3. James Quigley (Kiladangan), 4. Craig Morgan (Kilruane MacDonaghs)

5. Dillon Quirke (Clonoulty-Rossmore), 6. Seamus Kennedy (St Mary’s), 7. Barry Heffernan (Éire Óg)

8. Alan Flynn (Kiladangan), 9. Michael Breen (Ballina)

10. Dan McCormack (Borris-Ileigh), 11. Jason Forde (Silvermines), 12. Ger Browne (Cashel King Cormacs)

13. Mark Kehoe (Kilsheelan-Kilcash), 14. Denis Maher (Thurles Sarsfields), 15. Jake Morris (Nenagh Éire Óg)

Subs

18. Paddy Cadell (JK Brackens) for Breen (45)

23. Ronan Maher (Thurles Sarsfields) for Browne (50)

19. Seamus Callanan (Drom & Inch) for Denis Maher (56)

21. Paul Flynn (Kiladangan) for Kehoe (66)

26. Conor Stakelum (Thurles Sarsfields) for McCormack (71)

Kilkenny

1. Eoin Murphy (Glenmore)

2. Mikey Butler (O’Loughlin Gaels), 3. Huw Lawlor (O’Loughlin Gaels), 4. Evan Cody (Dicksboro)

5. Mikey Carey (Young Irelands), 6. Niall Brassil (James Stephens), 7. David Blanchfield (Bennettsbridge)

8. Cian Kenny (James Stephens), 9. Paddy Deegan (O’Loughlin Gaels)

10. Richie Leahy (Rower-Inistioge), 11. Padraig Walsh (Tullaroan), 12. Tom Phelan (Conahy Shamrocks)

13. Billy Ryan (Graigue-Ballycallan), 14. Martin Keoghan (Tullaroan), 15. John Donnelly (Thomastown)

Subs

Click Here:

17. Tommy Walsh (Tullaroan) for Cody (inj) (4)

23. Walter Walsh (Tullogher-Rosbercon) for Phelan (46)

25. Tadhg O’Dwyer (James Stephens) for Leahy (56)

26. John Walsh (Mullinavat) for Donnelly (60)

Referee: Liam Gordon (Galway)

Waterford 7-31
Laois 0-19

IT WAS ALL too easy for Waterford as Liam Cahill’s men leathered 13-man Laois by 33 points this afternoon.

2020 All-Star Stephen Bennett scored 3-8 for the goal-hungry hosts while Patrick Curran helped himself to 1-7. Carthach Daly, Austin Gleeson and Ciaran Kirwan also found the net.

Four goals in four minutes at the end of the first half ended the game as a contest.

Kirwan got 1-4 on his first start as he carried on his impressive Fitzgibbon Cup form with WIT. Curran (1-7) and Gleeson (1-3) also looked razor sharp up front. Lismore team mates Carthach Daly and Jack Prendergast combined well at midfield.

Tadhg de Búrca was back at number six for the home side. His first start since the 2020 All Ireland final against Limerick when he suffered the second cruciate knee ligament injury of his career. The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for the Clashmore/Kinsalebeg man when he made way after 49 minutes.

Click Here:

With his first touch, he supplied a crossfield pass for a Ciaran Kirwan point.
Austin Gleeson smashed the crossbar with a volley in the sixth minute. He doubled on a ball across the goal from Kirwan. Bennett converted two frees before De Burca assisted Kirwan for his second from play.

On nine minutes, Jack Prendergast won a turnover and passed inside to his Lismore club mate Carthach Daly and he found the net (1-4 to 0-1) for his first senior goal for the Déise.

Stephen Bergin replied for the visitors. Kirwan got his third on 16 minutes. Wind assisted Laois were guilty of five wides in the first quarter. A 65 and a free from Stephen Maher cut the gap to six. Laois shot stopper Enda Rowland saved from Ciaran Kirwan and then nailed a free from his own half. A long-range Ryan Mullaney point left just a goal between them, before Maher then shot his third of the afternoon (1-7 to 0-8).

Jack Prendergast got Waterford’s first for 13 minutes. Substitute Billy Power hit the side netting with Rowland out of his goal. Patrick Curran put over back to back points.

Four goals in four minutes from Liam Cahill’s free shooters put the game beyond the O’Moore men, with the hosts striking 4-4 in the last eight minutes of the opening half to lead 5-12 to 0-11 at the break.

On 32 minutes, Austin Gleeson rattled the top corner of the net much to the delight of the home fans. Jack Prendergast and Carthach Daly combined for Patrick Curran to unleash a shot that dribbled over the line. Stephen Bennett was next to beat Enda Rowland a minute into injury time. Off the next attack, Kirwan walked the ball into the net.

Laois boss Seamus Cheddar Plunkett made a triple substitution at half time but it quickly got worse for the away side as Ben Conroy got his marching orders a minute into the second period for a challenge on Tom Barron.

The contest had a challenge game feel to it as the home side raised white flag after white flag. Only Stephen Maher and Ross King put up any resistance to the tsunami of Waterford scores.

On 58 minutes, Laois full back Sean Downey was dismissed on a black card and Stephen Bennett blasted home the subsequent penalty. His third successful penalty in two weeks. Mark Fitzgerald and Ian Beecher got debut scores for the Déise as they notched their first win of the campaign in facile fashion. Bennett completed his hat trick with his second penalty on 65 minutes.

Scorers for Waterford: Stephen Bennett 3-8 (2-0 pens, 6fs), Patrick Curran 1-7, Ciaran Kirwan 1-4, Austin Gleeson 1-3, Carthach Daly 1-1, Tom Barron 0-2, DJ Foran, Mark Fitzgerald, Ian Beecher, Jack Fagan, Jack Prendergast, Billy Power 0-1 each.

Scorers for Laois: Stephen Maher 0-8 (5fs, 1 65), Ross King 0-4, Enda Rowland 0-2 (2fs), Ryan Mullaney, Fiachra Fennell, Stephen Bergin, Willie Dunphy, Aidan Corby 0-1 each.

Waterford

1. Billy Nolan

2. Conor Gleeson
3. Conor Prunty
4. Iarlaith Daly

5. Jack Fagan
6. Tadhg de Búrca
7. Tom Barron

8. Carthach Daly
10. Patrick Curran

9. Jack Prendergast
13. Stephen Bennett
12. DJ Foran

14. Ciaran Kirwan
20. Michael Kiely (Abbeyside)
11. Austin Gleeson

Subs:

21. Billy Power for Kiely (22)
17. Darragh Lynch for De Búrca (49)
19. Mark Fitzgerald for Austin Gleeson (52)
22. Ian Beecher for Prendergast (55)
24. Darragh Lyons for Prunty (61)

Laois

1. Enda Rowland

2. Diarmuid Conway
3. Sean Downey
4. Donnchadh Hartnett

5. Podge Delaney
6. Liam O’Connell
7. Ryan Mullaney

8. Fiachra Fennell
9. Jack Kelly

10. Stephen Bergin
11. John Lennon
12. Ross King

13. Ben Conroy
14. Willie Dunphy
15. Stephen Maher

Subs:

21. James Keyes for Lennon (HT)
22. Conor Phelan for Bergin (HT)
23. PJ Scully for Dunphy (HT)
20. Aidan Corby for Kelly (45)
18. Padraic Dunne for Delaney (61)

Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow)

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Dublin 4-7
Waterford 1-4

By Aisling Clery

CAOIMHE O’CONNOR HIT 1-1 as reigning champions Dublin opened their Lidl National Football League Division 1B campaign with a win against Waterford at Fraher Field.

Dublin led throughout, taking a 2-3 to 0-1 lead into the half-time break, while Waterford dominated possession at times but they couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard.

Dublin were on top in the early exchanges and Hannah Tyrrell landed their first score on three minutes. Waterford tested out the Dublin defence with Emma Murray and Aisling Mullaney trying to make the most of their chances but the scores came up the other end.

Dublin’s first goal arrived after eight minutes with a sweeping team move finished to the net by Jennifer Dunne. And Kate Sullivan was unlucky to see her effort drop into the arms of Eimear Gallagher in the Waterford goals a minute later.

Leah Caffrey and Orlagh Nolan both scored points to leave Dublin with a 1-3 to 0-0 lead at the water break. Waterford enjoyed more of the possession in the second quarter and were duly rewarded when Brid McMaugh scored from distance.

Dublin’s response was immediate in the shape of their second goal. Tyrrell won possession and her offload freed O’Connor who found the net. That goal gave Dublin a 2-3 to 0-1 advantage at the interval.

Hannah Tyrrell of Dublin in action against Megan Dunford of Waterford.

Source: Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE

The hosts controlled much of the third quarter. Katie Murray grabbed their second score but this was cancelled out minutes later by a fine O’Connor point. Then substitute Siobhan Killeen left her mark on the game when she chipped Gallagher for Dublin’s third goal.

Waterford’s pressure eventually told when Emma Murray scored a goal just before the second half water break, making it an eight-point game, at 3-4 to 1-2.

Dublin were reduced to 14 players when Abby Shiels was shown a yellow card but it didn’t swing the game in Waterford’s favour. They did score through Lauren McGregor and Brid McMaugh, but Dublin finished the stronger with Tyrrell, Siobhan Woods and Hannah Leahy all finding their range to ensure the reigning champions opened their 2022 account with a comfortable win.

Source: LadiesFootballTV/YouTube

Scorers for Dublin: C O’Connor 1-1, H Tyrrell 0-3 (2f), J Dunne 1-0, S Killeen 1-0, H Leahy 1-0, L Caffrey 0-1, O Nolan 0-1, S Woods 0-1.

Scorers for Waterford: E Murray 1-0, B McMaugh 0-2, K Murray 0-1, L McGregor 0-1 (1f)

DUBLIN: A Shiels; J Tobin, L Caffrey, H Leahy; O Nolan, M Byrne, A Kane; J Dunne, K McDaid; K Sullivan, N Owens, C O’Connor; O Whyte, H Tyrrell, J Egan.

Subs: E Gribben for Egan (30), S Killeen for Whyte (30), N Hetherton for Kane (41), S Woods for Owens (49), S Woods for Shiels (59).

WATERFORD: E Gallagher; M Dunford, C McGrath, R Casey; A Mullaney, Karen McGrath, L Cusack; E Murray, L Mulcahy; B McMaugh, H Power, M Wall; K Murray, C Fennell, Kate McGrath.

Subs: A O’Neill for Power (40), K Hogan for Fennell (40), L McGregor for Mullaney (49), M Daly for Kate McGrath (49), C Murray for Cusack (59), A Murray for C McGrath (59), S McGuckian for Casey (59).

Referee: Jonathan Murphy (Carlow).

Click Here:

**********

There was plenty more ladies football action down the divisions today.

After their relegation last year, Tipperary began life in Division 2A with a difficult 0-11 to 1-4 loss away to Kerry. Angela McGuigan scored the goal but it wasn’t enough in the end.

Elsewhere Laois were 2-12 to 2-7 winners in the other 2A fixture while in Division 2B, Armagh beat Tyrone 5-9 to 1-10 and Monaghan needed a last-gasp free from Jodie McQuillan to rescue a 0-10 to 0-9 victory over Cavan.

In Division 3, there were victories for Down, Kildare and Longford while Sligo and Louth could not be separated.

And in Division 4, Limerick, Leitrim, Antrim and Offaly were all victorious.

This weekend’s Lidl Ladies National Football League results

Division 1A

Mayo 7-22 Westmeath 1-12
Donegal 0-10 Galway 0-7

Division 1B

Meath 2-7 Cork 1-8
Dublin 4-7 Waterford 1-4

Division 2A

Kerry 0-11 Tipperary 1-4
Laois 2-12 Clare 2-7

Division 2B

Monaghan 0-10 Cavan 0-9
Armagh 5-9 Tyrone 1-10

Division 3A

Down 4-10 Roscommon 4-9
Sligo 1-10 Louth 1-10

Division 3B

Kildare 3-11 Wexford 0-8
Longford 1-18 Wicklow 1-12

Division 4A

Leitrim 4-18 Fermanagh 1-6
Antrim 2-16 Derry 1-8

Division 4B

Offaly 3-15 Carlow 0-7
Limerick 2-9 London 0-9.