INTERMEDIATE HURLING:
Saturday, September 9th 2023 won’t be forgotten for a long long time in Ferrybank GAA club and the parish, as the hurlers were crowned as the inaugural Waterford Premier Intermediate Hurling Champions and took the Pat Hunt Memorial Cup. This means a return to the Senior ranks for next year after an absence of over 40 years with a superb win over a spirited Cappoquin side last Saturday afternoon at a sun drenched Walsh Park on a scoreline of 2-22 to 1-14. A brilliant second-half performance from the players saw them claim the trophy in which this was the first year of this new competition.
On the game itself, it started off at a frantic pace, with eight points traded between the sides in the opening six minutes, with Mark O' Brien (3) and Luke Flynn pointing for Ferrybank. Cappoquin were a bit sharper with their passing, and three unanswered points opened up a lead for them. However, in the space of four minutes, points from Mark O’ Brien and the impressive Ruadhri McGarrity (2), had the sides level for the fifth time. Cappoquin had a great chance to get the opening goal, only for a brilliant double save from Cormac O’ Driscoll in goal, twice denying the Cappoquin forward. With the game ebb and flowing, two Cappoquin points edged them back in the lead, only for Mark O’ Brien to reply with two more to add to his tally. Just before half-time, Ferrybank survived another Cappoquin goal chance, when Stephen O' Kane did brilliantly on the line to stop a certain goal, and clear the danger. Darryl Griffin levelled it up coming up to the break with a fine point from the sideline. Right on the stroke of half-time Cappoquin got back in front with a pointed free, to leave it 0-11 to 0-10 at the break.
The second-half was less than a minute old when disaster struck for Ferrybank, as the defence failed to clear their lines, and the ball was put to the back of the net, giving Cormac O’ Driscoll in goal no chance. However, that goal transformed Ferrybank, as a fine point from Neil O’ Sullivan reduced the gap. A minute later a high ball into the Cappoquin area was fielded by Ruadhri McGarrity who raced through on goal, but was bundled over and a penalty awarded. Up stepped Mark O’ Brien and coolly slotted the ball to the net to level it up. Again, Cappoquin put over two points in as many moments to edge ahead again, but that was their last score for twenty two minutes. Yet again, the lads kept coming forward, and three quick scores from Mark O’ Brien (2) and Ruadhri McGarrity put them ahead, a lead they never relinquished.
With the team now believing in themselves, points from Mark O’ Brien and MJ Sutton opened up a lead. Crucially, a second goal arrived when Ruadhri McGarrity picked up the ball, had a look, and saw MJ Sutton going through the centre, passed it to him, and MJ drilled the ball to the corner of the net. Ferrybank never left Cappoquin back into it, with the defence not giving anything away, especially the half-back line, who began to get on top as the game went on.
Four further points from Mark O’ Brien extended the lead even, and despite a point back from Cappoquin, it was fitting that the final score of the game was a point from Ruadhri McGarrity to seal an historic win and day for the club. Great scenes on and off the field followed, and captain Robbie Carew proudly led his team up the steps to collect the Pat Hunt Memorial Cup from the County Board Chairman and also the Hunt family amid joyous scenes.
A great day for Ferrybank GAA club, and it was great to see fantastic support, young and old present on the day. Like all winning teams, there has to be a winning formula, and special praise to Paddy Mullally, Stan Hefferan and Fintan Power for coming in at the start of the season, and preparing the team throughout the year, getting them to believe in themselves, and encouraging them to play some quality hurling. To Millie O’ Gorman and Tom Foster, a special thanks for looking after all the injured players, and to Andrew O’ Brien for being the water and kit man. Also, many thanks to all the supporters. The journey will now continue where they will represent Waterford in the Munster Club Championship on the week ending 4/5 November against Kerry side Crotta O' Neills.
PANEL: Cormac O’ Driscoll, Stephen O’ Kane, Naoise MacCathmhaoil, Damien Ahern, John Ahern, Cormac Heffernan, Sam Lawless, Ryan Tierney, Seamus Burtchaell, Darryl Griffin (0-01), Luke Flynn (0-01), Neil O’ Sullivan (0-01), Robbie Carew, Mark O’ Brien (1-14), Ruadhri McGarrity (0-04), MJ Sutton (1-01), Shane Oates, Izaak Richards, Davy Atkins, Lee Clarke, John Collins, Maciez Tomczuk, Tom Burtchaell, Eimhin Burns, Eoin O’ Neill
UNDER 15 HURLING:
Its semi-final action this coming Tuesday,September 12th as the combined Ferrybank / St. Saviour’s side take on Erin’s Own in Carriganore at 8pm. Very little separated the sides in the ground game, so another close match is on the cards. Once again, please come along and support the team.
UNDER 13 HURLING:
No joy for the combined Ferrybank / St. Saviour’s side, as they were defeated by St. Patrick’s in the semi-final last Tuesday night on a scoreline of 2-08 to 2-00.
UNDER 8 FOOTBALL:
Our U8 footballers played St. Saviour’s in a challenge game last Thursday. Both sides served up an enjoyable game, with plenty of determination being shown on the field. The team is learning well, and no doubt, enjoying themselves. Well done to both sides.
TEAM: Jamie C, Tiernan, Logan, David P, Dimai, Jamie O' M, Bobby, JJ B, Kyle, Caelan, Feidhlinn.
UNDER 8 CAMOGIE:
Our U8 Camogie side will be playing in an All-County blitz next Saturday, September 16th at SETU Arena with an 11am start. Opponents on the day are St. Oliver’s, Erins Own and Dungarvan. We wish everyone the best of luck next week. Training continues on Wednesday night at 6pm, and once again, new members are most welcome to come along and get involved, any further details needed, please contact Damien 089-2275747.
UNDER 8 HURLING and FOOTBALL:
Training continues on Monday at 6pm and Wednesday at 6:30pm for the U8s. Once again, new members are welcome to come down and get involved. If you need any further details, please contact Seamus 086-8797649 or Barry 087-6510913.
WELL!KIDS NURSERY:
The Well!Kids programme continues every Saturday morning from 10am to 11am for boys and girls aged between 4 and 6.
Well!Kids provides an hour of fun-filled activities for all to enjoy, and new members are most welcome to come down and get involved, and it’s free. If you need any more information, please contact Kevin 087-9018467.
BON VOYAGE:
Everyone at Ferrybank GAA club would like to wish Sam Lawless all the very best on his travels. Sam, a popular member of the club, heads off on his adventures to Australia on Wednesday. Safe travelling Sam, you will be missed.
DÉISE DRAW:
We had no luck in the fifth Déise Draw which took place last Friday. The final draw of 2023 will take place on September 28th.
CAMOGIE CLUB RAFFLE:
The Camogie club is holding a raffle fundraiser, with a fantastic Apple watch as the main prize on offer. Tickets cost €5 or 2 for €10 etc., and we would ask everyone within the club to purchase a ticket for this draw.
HURLING ON THE GREENS:
Last Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday saw Hurling on the Green take place in The Beeches, Leaca Ard and Bellfield respectively. On good nights for hurling, great numbers showed up, and were put through their paces by the trainers, where plenty of fun and enjoyment was on offer. A huge thanks to all the people who got involved on the nights to ensure everything went smoothly.
FAMILY FUN DAY:
Next Sunday the club will host its Family Fun Day in the GAA grounds from 11am to 3pm. Plenty of fun-filled activity on the day includes hurling, football, egg and spoon races, 3-legged races, and much more, where refreshments will be served. It’s free to attend, so please come along, and enjoy the fun.
