Division 3 Round 11
Sunday 13th November @ Glenbeigh
Waterville 2:18 .............................. Glenbeigh/Glencar 3:09
Waterville Senior Footballers rounded off their County League Campaign of 2011 in style with a comfortable six point win over their mid Kerry opponents Glenbeigh/Glencar on Sunday and saw them promoted as Division 3 Champions. After a long hard year is was great to see to see the team get their just reward for a long hard season and can now look forward to next years journey in Division 2.
The foundations for this victory were laid in a very impressive first half display that saw them lead by eleven points at half time. Impressive point scoring from play was a feature of the first half with only three scores out of the fifteen coming from placed balls.
After Denis Dwyer and Fergal Griffin traded early points the Waterville men completely took over for a ten minute spell and with great pace being shown in attack the scored the next six points, the pick of these being Greg Gibson’s individual effort after a long run upfield. Glenbeigh/Glencar responded with a goal from the impressive Gavin O’ Grady but this failed to stop the Waterville onslaught. They went on to outscore Glenbeigh/Glencar by 1:07 to 2 points in the remaining fifteen minutes of the half to lead by eleven at the short whistle, the goal coming from the excellent Gearoid O’ Sullivan and it took his tally for the half to 1:04.
Much of the credit for the first half performance was down to the O’Sullivan's dominance in the middle third and with Fergal Cronin and in particular Keith Moran winning breaks and delivering quick ball into the Full forward line.
The second half began with another Gearoid O’ Sullivan point to increase the away sides lead but as Waterville rung the changes and with concentration perhaps dipping due to the big lead Glenbeigh/Glencar struck for two goals in five minutes the second of which was a penalty and now the lead was just six points after 40 mins.
After Alan Shea and Fergal Griffin swapped scores Waterville were awarded a penalty of their own in the 18th minute when Keith Moran was tripped in the square and up stepped Barry Dwyer and he drilled it home. With Waterville now nine points up and only ten to play victory was almost assured and despite being outscored five points to two in the closing stages they held on for a well-deserved six-point victory and earn the title as Division 3 Champions 2011.
It is a fantastic achievement and huge credit must go to all players and coaching staff for their dedication and commitment in what was a long and tough campaign and we now look forward to playing in Division two in 2012.
Team and Scorers: Bernard Murphy, Alan Dwyer, Daniel Dwyer, Niall Fitzgerald, Oran Clifford (0:01), Kevin Dwyer (Capt), Greg Gibson (0:01), Seamus O’ Sullivan (0:01), Gearoid O’ Sullivan (1:05), Fergal Cronin (0:02), Barry Dwyer (1:00), Keith Moran (0:02), Alan Shea (0:04),Denis Dwyer (0:01) Stephen Dwyer
Subs Used: Seamus Shea, Oran Mahony, Gary Galvin, Donncha Fenton, Eoin O Sullivan (0:01)
South Kerry Championship Semi-Final
Saturday 29th October 2011 @ Con Keating Park, Caherciveen
Waterville 0:09 ........................... Dromid Pearses 1:06
Waterville’s quest to reclaim the Jack Murphy Cup resumed in earnest in Con Keating Park Caherciveen on Saturday as this year’s South Kerry Championship semi-finals took centre stage. The semi final pitted the Waterville men against near neighbours Dromid Pearses and after a very tough hours football on heavy underfoot conditions a draw was the eventual outcome and both sides must do it all over again.
With both teams going extremely well in their respective County Championships a great game of football was expected but as so often happens in games where teams are so familiar with each other, both sides cancelled each other out in the early stages and it wasn’t until the second half that the game finally came to life.
A pair of Gearoid O’ Sullivan points cancelled out an earlier Thomas Curran ’45 to give Waterville a slender half time lead. With just three scores in the half mainly due to tight packed defences having the edge over their forward opponents spectators couldn’t be blamed for feeling a little under whelmed. However the second half would more than make up for this in terms of excitement and sheer commitment by both sides.
An early second half point by Alan Shea was quickly cancelled out by a superb individual effort from Declan O’ Sullivan but the next fifteen minutes belonged to Waterville as they finally began to move the ball quicker from defence into attack where Alan Shea and Stephen Dwyer were showing well and putting some eye-catching moves together. This saw them score five unanswered point to take a six-point lead with scores coming from Stephen Dwyer (2), Barry Dwyer, Fergal Cronin and Keith Moran with just ten minutes remaining. The pick of these scores being Fergal Cronin’s point after forty minutes when he was set up by some fantastic interplay involving Gearoid O’ Sullivan, Greg Gibson and Barry Dwyer.
With Waterville almost in a winning position Dromid’s Declan O’ Sullivan had other ideas and after being superbly marshalled throughout by Waterville Captain Kevin Dwyer he finally began to exert his influence on proceedings slotting over two frees in the space of three minutes to reduce the deficit to four points.
Four points up with seven minutes to go, one would have been forgiven for recalling the events in Croke Park a few weeks back that is so fresh in the memory that saw Kerry’s four point lead unravel in the same time frame.
With the time running out for Dromid as it was for Dublin on All Ireland Final day a goal was all that would bring them back in to the game and after Thomas Curran fired the ball to the net following a very dubious call by the umpire when the ball appeared to go wide a sense of Déjà vu crept over every Waterville supporter. With momentum firmly with the Dromid men Declan O’ Sullivan squared up the game in the 27th minute and with 60 minutes on the clock Thomas Curran kicked over the score of the game and his side led and Waterville’s hopes now lay firmly in the hands of the referee and his timepiece.
With time almost up and showing tremendous character Waterville responded and broke up the field and after a Stephen Dwyer free dropped short it fell to his brother Alan and he made no mistake from a tight angle to tie it up again and after the referee blew his final whistle the scoreline read Waterville 0:09 Dromid Pearses 1:06.
Both teams will feel they could have won this none more so than Waterville but despite relinquishing a six point lead they showed the fighting spirit that has carried them right through the season. When lesser teams would have dropped heads and allowed thoughts of defeat to creep in, especially after a long hard season they refused to be beaten and thanks to performances from Kevin and Daniel Dwyer, Gearoid O’ Sullivan, Fergal Cronin, Alan Shea and Stephen Dwyer they can now look forward to another battle in the replay possibly in early December.
Team & Scorers:. Bernard Murphy, Mike Shea, Daniel Dwyer, Greg Gibson, Oran Clifford, Kevin Dwyer, Alan Dwyer (0:01), Seamus O’ Sullivan, Gearoid O’ Sullivan (0:02), Gary Galvin, Barry Dwyer (0:01), Fergal Cronin (0:01), Stephen Dwyer (0:02), Denis Dwyer, Alan Shea (0:01)
Subs Used: Cormac O’ Sullivan, Keith Moran (0:01), Niall Fitzgerald
Barrett Cup Final Replay
@ Cromane, Oct 16 2011
Waterville 1 - 07 .................. Austin Stack's 1 - 10
The dream of winning the Barrett Cup Final ended for the Waterville "B" team at Cromane on Sunday Oct. 16th. Both teams started lively enough with Waterville having the advantage of a stiff breeze. At the break Waterville led on the score of 1 - 05 to Stack's 0 - 04. The second half belonged to the Stacks however and Waterville never reached the heights of the previous encounter. Full Repo
South Kerry Championship Quarter Final 2011
Sunday 9th October @ Pairc Chill Imeallach, Portmagee
Waterville 2:07 Portmagee 1:05
With County Leagues and County Championships put to one side for the weekend attention down South was firmly focused on matters of a more local nature as with great expectation the South Kerry Championship kicked off for 2011.
For Waterville it meant a very tough trip to Pairc Chill Imeallach in Portmagee to take on the side that denied them at the final hurdle in 2006 and after a tough physical hours football where no quarter was asked or given the Waterville men emerged victorious by a five point margin to book their place in this years semi-final.
Before the game a minutes silence was observed in memory of Mike O’Sullivan, who sadly passed away the previous night. Mike was originally from Knopoguea but had been living in Limerick for many years. He was a brother of Jim O’Sullivan, Spunkane and uncle to three players, brothers Seamus, Gearoid and Cormac O’Sullivan . It can’t have been easy to focus and concentrate on a football match after such a tragic loss but all three brothers can be proud of themselves for putting in such a totally committed display under difficult circumstances, which contributed massively to the Waterville victory.
Waterville, as they did the previous week started well and were a goal up inside the opening minute after Denis Dwyer fielded an Alan Shea pass, turned his marker and made no mistake from close range. This early goal gave the Waterville men the early lift they needed and the platform from which they would go on and dominate the rest of the half. Minutes later a Stephen Dwyer free increased Waterville's advantage before Alan Shea got on the score sheet when he fired over after a fantastic pass from Gearoid O’ Sullivan.
Portmagee were trying hard to break this early Waterville dominance but with Kevin and Daniel Dwyer along with Oran Clifford well on top in defence they were finding chances hard to come by. However, their persistence paid off when in the eight minute some slack defending allowed Portmagee in for a goal when Sean Courtney pulled on a loose ball as it spilled across the square and gave Bernard Murphy no chance.
Waterville however failed to let this goal upset their rhythm and with good early ball into the forwards the continued to carve out openings. Stephen Dwyer was proving to be a real handful for Wayne O’ Sullivan and in the 12th minute he increased his sides lead with a superb long range point before Gearoid O’ Sullivan added to it minutes later with a fine effort.
What followed was a moment to forget for the Portmagee goalkeeper when after fielding an attempt for a point from Alan Dwyer he panicked under the pressure being exerted on him and mistakenly passed the ball to Stephen Dwyer who couldn’t believe his luck and simply passed the ball into the net to give his side a seven-point lead. With Waterville’s greater match sharpness becoming a major factor in the game they continued to enjoy the lions share of possession but some over eagerness in passing coupled with some wasteful shooting saw them fail to score for most of the last quarter. Portmagee finished the first half scoring with a point from Chris Driscoll to leave the half time score Waterville 2:04 Portmagee 1:01.
Portmagee emerged in the second half with a lot more purpose and began to dominate matters early on and but for some very bad wides could have had two or three points on the board before Sean Courtney began the second half scoring with a point in the fifth minute. Ciaran Keating then followed this up with a free moments later to reduce the gap to just four points with everything very much still to play for.
Waterville soon settled in to the game once again and opened their account for the half through the excellent Stephen Dwyer who scored a marvellous point after running almost forty yards in possession. The second half was a slightly stop-start affair with scores being hard to come by and defences on top and the next score didn’t arrive until the 20th minute when Stephen Dwyer increased Waterville’s lead with a free. This was cancelled out minutes later with a well-taken point from corner forward Sean Courtney to leave five points between the sides once again.
Waterville were happy to play on the defensive as the game entered the closing stages and after Denis Dwyer rolled back the years with an excellent point in the 27th minute it gave Waterville a six point cushion. Substitute Gary Driscoll pulled one back for his side late on but it was too little too late and Waterville saw out a deserved five point victory on a score line of Waterville 2:07 Portmagee 1:05.
After the game the draw was made for the semi-finals and it set up two intriguing contests with Waterville pitted against parish rivals Dromid Pearses and Bally/Foilmore against St. Mary’s Caherciveen.
Man Of The Match: Daniel Dwyer
Waterville Team and Scorers: Bernard Murphy, Niall Fitzgerald, Daniel Dwyer, Kevin Dwyer, Odhran Clifford, Greg Gibson, Alan Dwyer, Seamus O’ Sullivan, Gearoid O’ Sullivan (0:01) Fergal Cronin, Barry Dwyer, Gary Galvin, Alan O’ Shea (0:01), Denis Dwyer (1:01), Stephen Dwyer (1:04)
Subs Used: Cormac O'Sullivan & Keith Moran
Intermediate Championship Semi Final
Sunday 2nd October @ J.P. O' Sullivan Park, Killorglin
Waterville 3:09 Currow 1:07
The old adage that “goals win games” was never more appropriate as it was last Sunday in the Intermediate Championship semi-final played in J.P. O’ Sullivan Park, Killorglin. Three first half goals from the Waterville men gave them a five point advantage over Currow at half time and put them in a winning position that they never looked likely to relinquish as they sealed a place in this years final.
Waterville began the game in fantastic style when Barry Dwyer ran onto a breaking ball on the edge of the square and rattled the back of the Currow net after just thirty seconds. Currow were then dealt another blow when their wing back Ian Somers was stretchered off after a lengthy delay with a shoulder injury that he received in the build up to the goal. Alan Shea then opened his account for the day with a well taken point when he was on the end of a swift Waterville counter attack to give his side an early four point lead.
It took twenty minutes for Currow’s opening score to arrive, but when it came it was a cracker. Seamus Scanlon floated in a long ball that was neatly gathered by John O'Connor and swiftly transferred to Seamus Brosnan, whose bullet shot gave the hapless Bernard Murphy no chance. The same player then added a point and a Paudie Collins long-range effort put them in front albeit by the narrowest of margins.
Despite this Currow onslaught Waterville were undeterred and with Barry Dwyer and Alan Shea causing their men all kinds of trouble and Stephen Dwyer operating to great effect on the “ Forty” they continued to create chances.
Waterville were clearly that bit sharper and the pressure continued, with Greg Gibson slotting over on the 27th minute. Minutes later the Currow net was bulging once more when Stephen Dwyer beat his man and laid off to Alan Shea who made no mistake from close range.
Mike McCarthy then pulled back a free but Currow were rocked by another Waterville goal when Barry Dwyer’s pass across the face of the goal was punched to the net by Alan Shea to increase Waterville’s lead to five points with half time approaching. Pa McCarthy pulled another one back for Currow but Stephen Dwyer had the final say of the half with a great score to leave it 3-3 to 1-4 in Waterville's favour at the break.
Currow began the second half with three bad wides before Stephen Dwyer opened the scoring with a free after Alan Shea was fouled. Somewhat amusingly the game was then stopped for a few minutes as referee Peter Lyons halted play to allow an 80 strong convoy of horn blowing trucks to pass. When play resumed, Stephen Dwyer and Mike McCarthy swapped points before Denis Dwyer who was having a superb game out around the middle of the field deservedly got his name on the scoresheet when he was fed by Alan Shea and slotted over from the wing.
Jack Dennehy and Johnny Buckley, despite being expertly marshalled by the defence, then reduced the arrears but Waterville corner back Niall Fitzgerald then slotted over with ease when he popped up inside the Currow 21 yard line.
With the Waterville defence well on top and the likes of Daniel Dwyer, Kevin Dwyer and Oran Clifford putting in sterling performances Currow were never likely to get the goals that were needed to get them back into this game. As the game neared the final whistle it was fitting that Alan Shea, the man who did most of the damage on a great day for Waterville, scored the last two points off the game to round off an impressive team display and leave the final score Waterville 3:09 Currow 1:7.
Interestingly Waterville now face the challenge of Mid Kerry outfit Milltown/Castlemaine in the decider, the same opposition they faced on their two previous final appearances at this grade in both 1993 and 2004. Safe in the knowledge that they have their final berth secured in this years Intermediate Championship Final their attention must now switch to matters of a more local nature when they kick off their South Kerry Championship campaign away to Portmagee next Sunday at 3pm and their quest for their first Jack Murphy title since '99 will begin in earnest.
Man Of the Match: Alan Shea
Waterville Team & Scorers: Bernard Murphy, Niall Fitzgerald (0:01), Daniel Dwyer, Kevin Dwyer, Odhran Clifford, Greg Gibson (0:01), Alan Dwyer, Seamus O’ Sullivan, Gearoid O’ Sullivan, Fergal Cronin, Barry Dwyer (1:00), Gary Galvin, Alan O’ Shea (2:03), Denis Dwyer (0:01), Stephen Dwyer (0:03)
Subs Used : Cormac O’Sullivan, Keith Moran, Seamus O’ Shea
Barrett Cup
Waterville 0 - 15 ........ Austin Stack's 0 - 15 ( After extra time)
In the final of the Barrett Cup Waterville B's took on the might of Stack's on Sunday last at Killorglin. In an enthralling contest the game ended all square at 0 -12 apiece at the end of normal time. After a short break the teams joined battle again and treated all present to a further twenty minutes of wonderful football fare.
Neither team deserved to lose and again the teams could not be separated after extra time.
So we can look forward to another day and hope we will be treated to a similar display from both sides.
All Waterville players gave of their best but Paul Galvin and Cormac O'Sullivan at midfield were outstanding. In defence Oran Mahony commanded the centre back position with the confidence of an old pro. Up front the ever youthful John D. O'Shea caused all sorts of problems for the opposition and showed he has lost nothing of his accuracy from frees.
The Stack's team had a Waterville connection too, with two sons of former player Frank Courtney contributing hansomely to their performance.
County League Division 3 round 10
Sunday 24th September @ Currow
Waterville 1:12 Currow 2:08
With All- Ireland disappointment put to one side, this weekend saw the County League take centre stage once again. In this, the penultimate round of fixtures it saw Waterville travel away to Currow in what was an eagerly awaited top of the table clash. A win for either side would put them in pole position for promotion and the game itself bore all the hallmarks and excitement befitting a game of such importance, with Waterville eventually emerging victorious by the narrowest of margins after a thrilling contest.
Currow being the home side and with Kerry Senior panellist Seamus Scanlon in their ranks would have been hoping for a bright start but with the Waterville defence marshalled by Kevin and Daniel Dwyer proving rock solid it was the away side who would start the better.
From the outset Waterville looked focused and up to the task and after five mins they raised the first white flag of the hour when Gearoid O’ Sullivan converted a free after a foul on the ever lively Alan O’ Shea.
With the two O’ Sullivan's dominating midfield early on and Fergal Cronin and Alan Dwyer mopping up the breaks Waterville enjoyed some good spells of possession in the early stages. This resulted in three more points in a four minute spell with scores coming from Gearoid O’ Sullivan (Free), Stephen Dwyer (Free) and Alan Shea to give the Waterville men a deserved four point lead after fourteen mins.
However Currow were not to be outdone and gradually settled into the game and in a five-minute spell from the 15th to the 20th minute they drew level with a brace of points coming from both Johnny McGlynn and Pat McCarthy. Despite this spell of Currow pressure Waterville kept their cool and once they regained control of the middle sector they finished the half much the better side and thanks to two more Gearoid O’ Sullivan frees they enjoyed a two point lead at the half time break.
On the resumption Waterville continued where they left off and increased their lead inside two mins when Gearoid O’ Sullivan kicked over after Barry Dwyer was brought down when he was bearing down on goal.
Another Pat McCarthy score reduced the arrears before his namesake Mike McCarthy found the back of the Waterville net after some sloppy play allowed him in on goal to give Currow the lead for the first time in the contest. Both sides then traded scores as the game reached the midpoint of the half and with both sides going for the win the game began to really open up and it was in this period that Waterville’s most crucial score arrived.
After Seamus O’ Sullivan won yet another kick out at midfield he laid it off to his brother Gearoid who went on a driving run. After he drew the last defender in he offloaded to Stephen Dwyer who not for the first time this year made no mistake and rattled the back of the Currow net to give his side a valuable two point lead 1:08 to 1:06 with ten minutes remaining.
Waterville buoyed by this kicked on and notched up two more points from Barry Dwyer and the excellent Alan O’ Shea to enjoy a four point lead as the game entered the final minutes.
Currow responded with points from Pa McCarthy and Johnny Buckley to reduce the gap to just two but just as Waterville fans were getting nervous up stepped Stephen Dwyer and the superb Gearoid O’ Sullivan (Free) to score two vital points to return the margin to four with time almost up. Currow did however strike for a late goal but it was too little too late as the ref blew the full time whistle before the resultant kick out to give Waterville well deserved one point victory.
To travel away to Currow and come home with the two points is always a great day’s work but when the stakes were so high and possibility of promotion hanging in the balance the victory cannot be underestimated. Every man in the red and white had a massive part to play in the outcome of the result. Only a handful of frees were conceded by a miserly defence, midfield was outstanding throughout, the forwards were constantly giving players an option with their movement and all the substitutes made a contribution. Next Sunday now sees the same match up in the Intermediate Championship semi final in Killorglin at 3:30 and after such a tight contest there’s likely to be little between the sides.
Man Of The Match: Gearoid O’ Sullivan
Waterville Team & Scorers: Bernard Murphy, Niall Fitzgerald, Daniel Dwyer, Mike Shea, Odhran Clifford, Kevin Dwyer, Alan Dwyer, Seamus O’ Sullivan, Gearoid O’ Sullivan (0:06, 6f), Fergal Cronin, Barry Dwyer (0:01), Gary Galvin, Alan O’ Shea (0:02), Denis Dwyer, Stephen Dwyer (1:03)
Subs Used : Greg Gibson, Cormac O’ Sullivan, Keith Moran, Seamus O’ Shea
County League Division Three Round 9
Sunday 4th September 2011 @ Waterville Sportsfield
Waterville 1:11 Cordal 1:03
With the County League entering its closing stages Waterville played host to Cordal in Round 9 on Sunday last and after a very tough hours football in gale force conditions the home side emerged victorious by an 8 point margin on a scoreline of Waterville 1:11 Cordal 1:03.
Waterville chose to play into the wind in the first half and with the O’ Sullivan’s dominating the early midfield exchanges and Fergal Cronin and Gary Galvin picking up some vital breaking ball the home side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession early on. After some very patient build up play Waterville had the first two points of the game on the board inside the opening ten minutes with Stephen Dwyer scoring both.
Philip Griffin replied for Cordal but another Stephen Dwyer free after twenty mins after a foul on Oran Clifford restored the home sides lead. Cordal tried hard to take advantage of the wind by trying to launch attacks from deep but with Mike Shea and Daniel Dwyer proving rock solid in the full back line it was no easy task.
After 27 mins of the half the defining moment arrived when Waterville were awarded a penalty. After the home side turned over possession they put together the best move of the half as Stephen Dwyer, Fergal Cronin and Denis Dwyer all combined in attack and as the ball came to Barry Dwyer he was upended in the square and referee Peter Lyons had no choice but to point to the spot. Just as he has done on numerous occasions Stephen Dwyer stepped up and made no mistake firing low to the left corner of the net to give them a 5 point lead.
Cordal to their credit responded well and got the two last scores of the half with points coming from goalkeeper Sean Og O Ciardubbhain and midfielder Eamonn John O’ Donoghue to leave the half time score 1:03 0:03
Waterville now with the wind at their backs started the half strongly and soon had a 6 point lead once again with scores from the two Dwyers Stephen (2) and former Kerry star Denis.
Cordal then gave themselves an unlikely lifeline after twelve mins when a deflected shot flew across the face of Bernard Murphy’s goal and Philip O’ Connor found himself in the right place at the right time and slid in to finish it to the net. However this would turn out to be their last score of the half in what turned out to be a very disappointing half hour from the visitors’.
Three more Waterville points from Denis Dwyer, Stephen Dwyer and Keith Moran in a five minute spell put the game beyond Cordal and for the last ten minutes Waterville defended solidly and added two more scores of their own to round off a comfortable 8 point win on a final scoreline of Waterville 1:11 1:03
Overall the home side will be quite pleased with the way they came through this game as at no stage did any other result look likely. Notable performances on a tough day for football came from Mike Shea, Daniel Dwyer, Gearoid O’ Sullivan, Fergal Cronin, Denis Dwyer and Stephen Dwyer.
It’s another game out of the way and two more points on the board as we enter the six weeks that will ultimately define our season.
Man Of The Match: Stephen Dwyer
Waterville Team and Scorers: Bernard Murphy, Mike Shea, Daniel Dwyer, Niall Fitzgerald, Oran Clifford, Kevin Dwyer, Alan Dwyer, Seamus O’ Sullivan, Gearoid O’ Sullivan, Fergal Cronin, Barry Dwyer, Gary Galvin, Stephen Dwyer (1:07), Denis Dwyer (0:02), Alan Shea.
Subs Used: Cormac O’ Sullivan, Keith Moran (0:02), Eoin O’ Sullivan
County League Division 3 Round 7
Saturday 23rd July 2011 @ Waterville
Waterville 2:11 Keel 1:08
Not for the first time this year serious questions were asked of this young Waterville team as they trailed by two points at half time against this very competent Mid Kerry outfit, but thanks to a very strong last quarter display where they scored 2:02 without reply they once again answered every one of them convincingly to record a hard fought six point victory With the County League now entering the business end of things and with just four games left after this match, victory with home advantage was imperative. Although a six point margin of victory might flatter the home side no one can deny the effort and character by which it was achieved as once again Waterville gave everything right up to the final play of the game when Denis Dwyer’s late goal put the extra gloss on the scoreline.
Waterville were forced to line out without regular full back Daniel Dwyer due to a back strain so young Odhran Mahony deputised in defence and he put in a very impressive hours work which augurs very well with injuries almost a certainty as the year progresses.
Keel, with Kerry Junior Gary Sayers very much their their marquee attacker started well and it was Sayers who had two points on the board inside eight minutes either side of a Stephen Dwyer free for the home side to take the early advantage. Waterville settled well and with Seamus and Gearoid O’ Sullivan dominating the early midfield exchanges they enjoyed some good possession and in the space of a few minutes had registered three more points from Barry and Stephen Dwyer (2) to lead by two after the first quarter.
For all Waterville’s dominance of possession it was the final ball into the full forward line that was occasionally letting them down and this allowed a very fit Keel side to set up numerous counter attacks, and it was this that led to the away side levelling the game after twenty mins with two points in quick succession from full forward Michael Connor and Gary Sayers. With Alan Shea, Stephen Dwyer and Greg Gibson showing very well, Waterville always had an option when breaking out of defence and they soon had their two point advantage restored when Alan Shea and Stephen Dwyer (free) pointed for the hosts.
Keel shortly reduced the arrears with a point before they took the lead with the most bizarre of goals. Midfielder Martin Burke when short of options decided just kick a long ball into the Keel full forward line and after it bounced around the 21 yard line it somehow ended up in the back of the Waterville net. Keel buoyed by this stroke of good fortune quickly followed it up with another point to lead by a goal as half time approached but thankfully another Stephen Dwyer free left the home side trailing by just two at the short whistle by 0:07 to 1:06.
On the resumption Keel again started brightest and after Gary Galvin and Gary Sayers traded points it was that man Sayers again who increased his sides lead with a free to put a goal between them after ten minutes of the half. However due to some fantastic defending from Oran Clifford and Oran Mahoney ably assisted by the excellent Gearoid Sullivan at midfield Keel would fail to register another score for the remainder of the half.
After 14 mins of the second half Waterville struck for the crucial score of the half. Stephen Dwyer shot looked destined for the top corner of the Keel net but somehow the Keel Goalkeeper Stephen Cahillane produced an outrageous save to keep it out but there was little he could do as lively Barry Dwyer dived low to punch the ball home. With the sides now level Waterville upped their game and with Gearoid Sullivan putting in his display of the year they took the lead for the first time in the half with points from Greg Gibson and the score of the half from Keith Moran. After repelling some more Keel attacks the home side increased their lead with another Stephen Dwyer free to lead by three as the game entered injury time. Denis Dwyer then put the finishing touches to the game with a well taken goal to leave the final score at the end of a very hard fought game Waterville 2:11 Keel 1:08.
Man of the Match: Gearoid O’ Sullivan
Waterville: Bernard Murphy, Mike O’Shea, Kevin Dwyer, Niall Fitzgerald, Odhran Mahony, Alan O’Dwyer, Oran Clifford, Seamus O’Sullivan , Gearoid O’Sullivan, Gary Galvin(0:01),Greg Gibson(0:01), Cormac O’ Sullivan, Barry O’Dwyer (1:01),Alan O’Shea(0:01), Stephen O’Dwyer (0:06)
Subs used: Keith Moran (0:01), Denis Dwyer(01:00)
County League Division 3
Sunday 29th May @ Tarbert
Waterville 2:05 Tarbert 1:08
Waterville Senior footballers made the long journey to North Kerry last Sunday to take on Tarbert in Division three of the County League and came away with a share of the spoils on a scoreline of Waterville 2:05 Tarbert 1:08.
Played in ideal conditions the home side made the brighter start and were a point up inside three minutes. Waterville however were quick to settle into the game began to get on top in the possession stakes but some very wayward shooting meant they had to wait until the 13th minute of the game for their first score of the encounter. After some good build up play involving Greg Gibson and Alan Shea wing back Alan Dwyer found himself in possession 20 yards from goal and continuing his run of good form struck for a great goal to give his side a two point lead midway the half.
Disappointingly this lead wouldn’t last too long as Tarbert soon struck for a goal of their own in the 16th minute when their route one tactics paid dividends when a long ball into their full forward was knocked down to corner forward John Kelleher who made no mistake from close range. Waterville continued to enjoy good possession but unfortunately couldn’t translate it into scores and only had two points from Alan Shea and Keith Moran to show for their efforts for the remainder of the half. Tarbert closed the half with two converted frees from John Kelleher to leave the Half time score Waterville 1:02 Tarbert 1:03.
The home side were quick out of the traps in the second half and increased their lead inside sixty seconds with a fine point from play. Waterville’s response was excellent and Keith Moran who was having a great game punched over from close range to leave the minimum between the sides before wing back Oran Clifford scored the point of the game from an acute angle on the sideline to level affairs on 1:04 a piece. In the 10th minute Waterville took the lead once again with a pointed effort from Greg Gibson and but for some wasteful shooting similar to the first half they could have been well clear as the game approached the last quarter. Waterville’s inaccuracy seemed to have an uplifting effect on the home side as they upped their game and scored the next three points from play to lead by two with just 5 mins remaining.
Just as they have been doing all year Waterville dug deep and when many a lesser team would have let their heads drop Waterville continued to battle forward in search of much needed scores. Justifiably they reaped the rewards of this effort when Keith Moran struck for a vital goal with only 2 minutes remaining when he showed all his calmness and experience by scoring from a tight angle to give his side the lead once again.
Unfortunately it was not to be for the visitors and after a sideline ball decision was somewhat controversially awarded to the home team the resultant play ended up with Tarbert equalising with the last kick of the game.
In hindsight Waterville will feel that this was a win that they left behind especially after notching up 18 wide’s and having the lead so close to the finish but any day you come out of Tarbert with a share of the spoils can be seen as a good days work may prove to be a vital point as the County League soon enters its closing stages.
Man Of Match: Keith Moran
Waterville: Bernard Murphy, Mike O’Shea, Daniel O’Dwyer Niall Fitzgerald, Alan O’Dwyer(01:00), Kevin O’Dwyer, Oran Clifford (0:01), Seamus O’Sullivan, Gearoid O’Sullivan Gary Galvin, Greg Gibson, Fergal Cronin, Keith Moran (1:02),, Stephen O’Dwyer, Alan O’Shea(0:01)
Sub Used: Cormac Sullivan
County League Division three
Saturday 25th June 2011
Waterville 2:12 Sneem/Derrynane 0:02
In Round six of division three of the County League Waterville played host to the Sneem/Derrynane combination in what turned out to be very much a one sided contest with home side emerging victorious on a scoreline of 2:12 to 0:02.
Before the game a minutes silence was observed in honour of former stalwart Willie Keating following his recent passing. Waterville playing with the wind in the first half started well and were three points up inside six minutes with scores from Stephen, Denis and Barry O’ Dwyer. Sneem/Derrynane with corner forward Morgan O’ Donoghue showing well replied with two points in quick succession to reduce the deficit but this proves to be very much a false dawn for the visitors as this was to be their last scores of the night in what was a very disappointing display.
With Waterville completely on top in every sector they scored 1:05 without reply in the second quarter with scores coming from Seamus O’ Sullivan, Kevin O’ Dwyer and Stephen Dwyer 1:03 with the goal coming from the penalty spot. To make a bad night even worse for Sneem/ Derrynane they were reduced to 14 men at the end of the half when midfielder Darren Breen was sent off and this virtually extinguished any hopes they had of getting a result out of the game.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first had finished with the home side completely dominant. With the match outcome almost certain the second half turned into almost a training session for Waterville as they added 1:04 to their tally during the half with scores from Barry Dwyer 1:01, Stephen Dwyer 0:02 and a further point from substitute Eoin O’ Sullivan to leave the full time score Waterville 2:12 Sneem/ Derrynane 0:02
Waterville: Bernard Murphy, Mike O’Shea, Daniel O’Dwyer Niall Fitzgerald, Alan O’Dwyer, Kevin O’Dwyer(0:01), Oran Clifford, Seamus O’Sullivan (0:01), Gearoid O’Sullivan Gary Galvin Stephen O’Dwyer (1:06) Keith Moran, Barry O’Dwyer (1:02), Denis Dwyer (0:01) Alan O’Shea
Subs used, Cormac O’ Sullivan, Eoin O’ Sullivan(0:01), Odhran O Mahony, Seamus Shea,Donncha Fenton
South Kerry League Final
Saturday 21st May 2011 @ Waterville
Waterville 1:08 St. Mary’s Caherciveen 1:05
A well taken goal seven minutes into the second half from Waterville’s full forward Alan O’ Shea proved to be the crucial score that swung this South Kerry League final in favour of the men in red on a scoreline of Waterville 1:08 St. Mary’s 1:05. With almost a gale wind blowing straight downfield, conditions were far from ideal but both sides served up a very entertaining hours football and ultimately it was Waterville’s ability to control possession when playing into the wind that saw the Donie Riney Cup return to the village after a fourteen year absence.
The Caherciveen men began the game playing with the help of the wind in the first half and they were on the scoreboard inside four minutes when full forward Daniel Daly converted a free to give his side the early advantage. However with Seamus O’Sullivan dominating the early midfield exchanges Waterville began to gain some vital possession in the middle third and were soon level when Stephen Dwyer kicked over a free after a foul on Barry O’Dwyer. Two Austin Constable points either side of a fine effort into the wind from Waterville’s Gary Galvin left St. Marys once again with the advantage albeit a narrow one after twenty minutes. The only goal of the half came just a minute later when a misplaced Waterville pass as they were coming out of defence put St. Marys in possession and a few passes later the ball was in the hands of Daniel Daly who made no mistake when he fired home from close range giving Waterville goalkeeper no chance.
Caherciveen midfielder Rory Keating then increased his side’s advantage when he fired over from distance after some good work from Niall O’Driscoll. Waterville to their credit kept battling on into the strengthening wind with Alan Shea and Stephen Dwyer showing well at every opportunity they finished the half on a positive note with two superbly converted frees from the boot of Stephen Dwyer to leave the half time score Waterville 0:04 St. Mary’s 1:04
Waterville began the second half brightly and after getting to grips with the wind advantage they struck for what turned out to be the match defining score seven minutes into the half when the excellent Alan O’Shea had the ball in the back of Damian Horgan’s net. The goal came about after Kevin O’Dwyer’s hopeful sideline kick was flicked on by Stephen Dwyer and after it dropped perfectly to the full forward Alan O’Shea he finished it in style to the top corner. The home side had their tails up now and with Kevin Dwyer and Alan Dwyer driving them on from half back they took the lead for the first time in the contest in the 40th minute when Gearoid O’Sullivan scored a monster of a free kick from right on the sideline. Austin Constable (free) then replied for St. Mary’s with his third score of the night to level the match but unfortunately for them that would turn out to be their last score of the game. Despite the best efforts of Niall O’Driscoll and Daniel O’Sullivan the Caherciveen side found it almost impossible to work the ball into scoring positions in the second half as a result of the conditions and excellent pressure exerted on them by their Waterville opponents. After a period of sustained pressure from Waterville, Barry O’ Dwyer popped up with two well taken points to put his side into a two point lead as the game entered the closing stages. Stephen Dwyer (free) rounded off another fine performance for himself with a score in injury time and the home side held out for a deserved victory. Best for St. Mary’s were Rory Keating, Dan O’Sullivan and Niall O'Driscoll while for the victors Kevin O’Dwyer, Seamus O’ Sullivan, Gearoid O’Sullivan, Stephen Dwyer, Barry O’ Dwyer and Alan O’ Shea were best.
After the match Alan O’Shea accepted his deserved man of the match award and Waterville captain Kevin O’Dwyer received the Donie Riney cup from South Kerry Board chairman Jeremiah O’Shea.
Waterville: Bernard Murphy, Mike O’Shea, Kevin O’Dwyer, Niall Fitzgerald, Alan O’Dwyer, Daniel O’Dwyer, Oran Clifford, Seamus O’Sullivan, Gearoid O’Sullivan (0:01, 1f), Gary Galvin (0:01), Keith Moran, Fergal Cronin, Barry O’Dwyer (0:02), Alan O’Shea (1:00), Stephen O’Dwyer (0:04).
Subs Used: Denis Dwyer, Cormac O Sullivan
County League
Round 3 @ Beaufort
Waterville 2:13 Beaufort 1:11
Waterville Senior footballers continued their recent run of good form when they travelled to Beaufort in round four the county league on Saturday last and came away with a well deserved five point victory over the home side on a scoreline of Waterville 2:13 Beaufort 1:11. The victory was made all the more impressive when one considers that Waterville went into this tie without three of the side that beat Spa in the Intermediate Championship as Seamus O’ Sullivan, Mike Shea and Gary Galvin were recuperating from the previous weeks exertions in Spain. This left Odhran O’ Mahony, Seamus O’ Shea and Keith Moran to deputise and all three acquitted themselves very well.
The foundations for this victory were laid in a very impressive first half display that saw them score 2:05 without reply midway through the half and gave them an eleven point half time lead that Beaufort despite their best efforts couldn’t bridge in the second half.
Waterville playing with the breeze started brightly straight from the throw in and were on the scoreboard within sixty seconds when Stephen Dwyer converted a ’45 to give them the early advantage. Two more points in the opening minutes from Stephen Dwyer (free) and Corner Forward Barry O’ Dwyer gave them a three point lead over the home side after just eight minutes. Beaufort however soon settled and in the space of just a few minutes they had themselves level with three points from play and but for some excellent defending from young Odhran O’ Mahony and Daniel O’ Dwyer would surely have taken the lead.
Waterville then went up a couple of gears and with the Dwyer’s Kevin and Alan driving forward from the half back line and Seamus O’ Shea and Gearoid O’ Sullivan completely dominant in the middle third ,they came forward in wave upon wave of attack that yielded 2:05 in the next 12 minutes. Keith Moran started the scoring when he split the posts with a great individual effort before Alan Dwyer scored the first of Waterville's goals after a great run forward split the Beaufort defence in two. Keith Moran increased the lead with his second score of the half and then came Waterville's second goal from centre back Kevin O’ Dwyer when he was on the end of an excellent move after a cross field pass from Alan O’ Shea found him inside the ’21 and he rattled it to the net off the crossbar to leave the score 2:05 to 0:03 with 5 mins to go in the half. Waterville’s midfield continued to put them on the front foot for the remainder of the half and a feature of this was the Seamus Shea’s ability to win the breaking ball at midfield and the intelligence of Gearoid Sullivan in palming down occasionally to his on rushing half back which allowed quick direct ball into his full forward line where Alan Shea was having a super game. Three more Waterville scores from Stephen Dwyer (2) and Barry O’ Dwyer left the half time score Waterville 2:8 Beaufort 0:03.
Waterville began the second half with their heads still in the dressing room and with players possibly suffering from the overconfidence that an 11 point lead can give you it saw Beaufort take over in the possession stakes and enjoy their best spell of the match. Three quick fire points inside five mins saw them reduce the lead before Alan Shea got on the scoreboard with a great point from play. Three more unanswered points from the home side had cut the lead to six point’s midway the half and left Waterville supporters a little uneasy. Stephen Dwyer (free) replied for Waterville but Beaufort with their new found confidence soon had the lead down to just four when Kevin O’ Brien found the net for the home side. Both sides then traded points before wing back Alan Dwyer brought his total for the day to 1:01 with a well taken score to settle his side once again and give them a five point lead as the game entered the closing stages. Kevin O’ Brien and Stephen Dwyer once again swapped points in the last pieces of action of the game to leave the final score Waterville 2:13 Beaufort 1:11
Man of The Match: Kevin O’ Dwyer
Bernard Murphy, Odhran O’ Mahony, Daniel O’ Dwyer, Niall Fitzgerald, Alan O’Dwyer (1:01), Kevin O’Dwyer (1:00), Oran Clifford, Seamus O’Shea, Gearoid O’Sullivan, Keith Moran(0:02), Greg Gibson, Fergal Cronin, Barry O’Dwyer (0:02), Alan O’Shea(0:01), Stephen O’Dwyer (0:07),
Subs Used: Denis Dwyer, Cormac O’ Sullivan, Eoin O’ Sullivan, John Cronin
Castleisland Mart Intermediate Championship
Quarter Final
Sunday 8th May @ Waterville Sportsfield
Waterville 1:10 Spa 1:06
A wild and windy Waterville Sportsfield was the setting for this Intermediate Championship quarter final clash with Spa last Sunday that saw the home side emerge victorious after a tremendous battle on a scoreline of Waterville 1:10 Spa 1:06.
Playing with what could be described as a gale in the first half; Waterville opened their account in the 4th minute with a fantastic individual effort from 50 yards from wing back Alan Dwyer. With the Spa keeper having great difficulty in getting any distance on his kick outs into the wind it gave the home side the opportunity to push up and pressurise the Spa defence. This led to the next score in the 6th min when Gary Galvin was fouled as he pounced on the breaking ball and Gearoid O’ Sullivan converted the resultant free. Waterville followed up this with two more points coming from Stephen Dwyer (free) and Barry O’ Dwyer to give them a four point lead after 15 mins.
Corner back Mike Shea then turned out to be the hero of the half when he somehow managed to get a hand to the ball and prevent a certain goal when his opponent was about to strike for the net. Waterville then broke forward after this masterful piece of defending and it was full back and Captain Kevin O’ Dwyer who was on the end of a lovely move when he raised the white flag after he had cheekily tried to chip the Spa custodian James Devane to give his side a five point lead after 17 mins. Spa were not to be outdone and after a superb passage of play involving most of their forwards they got themselves right back into the contest when Ryan O’ Carroll hammered the ball past Bernard Murphy from close range to leave the score 0:05 to 1:00.
Moments later the Spa goalkeeper made a point blank save to deny Barry O’ Dwyer when he dove at his feet and smothered his shot. However, undaunted and knowing they needed a considerable half time lead before conceding the wind advantage, Waterville kicked on and points from Gearoid O’ Sullivan and Stephen Dwyer 2(frees) gave the home side a 0:08 to 1:01 half time lead, with Michael O’ Donoghue registering Spa’s only point of the half.
With Waterville’s lead only four points after the wind assisted first half many wondered would it be enough to keep their Intermediate dreams alive for 2011. On the turnover Spa started well and had cut the deficit to a bare minimum after just six minutes with three unanswered points and with the elements and the momentum now with the Killarney side they looked a good bet to advance to the penultimate stage of the competition. No one seemed to tell this to anyone in a Waterville jersey and neither were they thinking anything of the sort as they battled on to swing the game in their favour and true pure hard work and determination along with the boot Stephen Dwyer they had the next two scores on the board. The pick of these scores was without doubt a free from 45 yards into the wind that defied the conditions and delighted the home supporters as it sailed between the posts to leave the score 0:10 to 1:04 after 40 mins.
Waterville as they showed against Annascaul in the previous game are real fighters and for the next twenty mins they defended superbly without fouling and only gave up two scores in this period to still lead although by only the minimum as the game entered the closing stages. One would have been forgiven for thinking that extra time was a real possibility as Spa continued to roll forward but it was Waterville who would strike next for the match winning score. After once again breaking down an attack Waterville countered and in trying to play “keep ball” they found themselves in a real attacking position. A Niall Fitzgerald pass found its way to the introduced Denis Dwyer and after he drew in the last defender, offloaded to Man of the Hour Stephen Dwyer who once again showed his ice cool temperament when he dummied James Devane with a great piece of skill before firing home and sealing the win for his side on a scoreline of 1:10 to 1:06.
On a day when a complete battling team performance was the key to victory certain players deserve special mention. Bernard Murphy for his kick outs that kept Waterville on the front foot in the second half, Kevin Dwyer , the excellent Alan Dwyer and Mike Shea in defence, Seamus Sullivan in midfield while up front Barry O’ Dwyer and Stephen O’ Dwyer and Greg Gibson led the line superbly.
Waterville now advance to the Semi Finals where they will face Currow. No Date yet fixed
Man Of The Match: Stephen Dwyer
Bernard Murphy, Mike O’Shea, Kevin O’Dwyer (0:01), Niall Fitzgerald, Alan O’Dwyer (0:01), Daniel O’Dwyer, Oran Clifford, Seamus O’Sullivan, Gearoid O’Sullivan (0:02, 1f), Gary Galvin, Greg Gibson, Fergal Cronin, Barry O’Dwyer (0:01), Alan O’Shea, Stephen O’Dwyer (1:05,5f),
Subs Used: Keith Moran, Denis Dwyer
Castleisland Mart Intermediate Championship
Saturday 23rd April @ Waterville Sportsfield
Waterville 2:10 Annascaul 3:6
It was a converted penalty deep in stoppage time by Waterville Corner forward Stephen Dwyer that ultimately swung this enthralling contest in favour of the home team on a scoreline of Waterville 2:10 Annascaul 3:6
Playing against a strong breeze in the first half it was Annascaul who got off to the better start with three unanswered points in the first ten mins taking them into an early lead, with James Crean, Emmet Kennedy and the ageless Genie Farrell the scorers. Waterville however soon settled and with Seamus O’ Sullivan gaining a foothold at midfield and Alan Dwyer dominating the half back line they started to play some eye-catching football and scored 1:6 without reply. Stephen Dwyer began the scoring spree for Waterville with a fine point from play after some great build up play by Odhran Clifford and soon doubled his tally with a pointed free after 10 mins. Keith Moran then drew the home side level with his first of the game before the lively full forward Alan Shea scored a point to leave his side leading by a point after twenty mins. Wing back Odhran Clifford was next to get his name on the score sheet with a brilliant individual effort after a 40 yard solo run to double Waterville’s advantage and with Stephen Dwyer slotting over a free in the 22nd min the home side led by 3 points on a scoreline of 0:06 to 0:03. What followed would turn out to be a major turning point in the half. Stand in goalkeeper Seamus O’ Shea pulled off a great save to keep his goal intact and this enabled Waterville to quickly turn defence into attack. After some excellent passing out of defence by Gary Galvin and Keith Moran the ball was fed to Alan Dwyer who had continued his run up field and once he was within range of the opposition goal he shot low and hard to the corner of the net giving goalkeeper Tommy Pierce no chance. Annascaul replied with a point form play for corner forward Brenda Driscoll to reduce the arrears and leave the half time score Waterville 1:06 Annascaul 0:04
Annascaul with the wind advantage in the second half started brightly and after both sides traded early points Jason Hickson rattled the Waterville net to pull his side right back into the game. Gearoid O’ Sullivan then converted a superb free before the evergreen Genie Farrell took control of proceedings when he scored two goals in ten mins to give his side a 3 point lead after 15 mins of the half. Stephen Dwyer and Jason Hickson then exchanged points to leave the score 1:09 to 3:6 in favour of Annascaul with just 5 mins remaining.
Waterville showing tremendous character and spirit after the concession of three second half goals battled on and after Gearoid Sullivan pointed from a free it set up for a dramatic finish. The introduction of Cormac Sullivan and Kevin Dwyer added some much needed spark to the Waterville attack and it was the combination of these two players along with Denis Dwyer that led to the match defining moment in injury time. Cormac O’ Sullivan fielded superbly and quickly laid the ball off to Kevin O’ Dwyer who ran straight at the heart of the Annascaul defence. After a 35 yard run he found his brother Barry who quickly transferred it to full forward Denis Dwyer and with the goal at his mercy the Annascaul defence had little choice but to bring him down and the referee Peter Lyons showed little hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Stephen Dwyer and showing calmness beyond his years he held his nerve and slotted the spot kick home to give his side the victory by the narrowest of margins on a scoreline of Waterville 2:10 Annascaul 3:9.
Man of the match: Alan O’ Dwyer
Waterville Team and Scorers. Seamus O’ Shea, Mike Shea, Daniel O’ Dwyer, Niall Fitzgerald, Odhran Clifford (0:01), Greg Gibson, Alan Dwyer (1:00), Seamus O’ Sullivan, Gearoid O’ Sullivan (0:02), Gary Galvin, Keith Moran (0:01), Fergal Cronin, Barry O’ Dwyer, Alan O’ Shea (0:01), Stephen Dwyer (1:05)
Subs Used: Denis Dwyer, Kevin O’ Dwyer, Cormac O’ Sullivan, Odhran O’ Mahony
County League Division 3- Round 3
Saturday 16th April @ Waterville
Waterville 2:09 Firies 2:10
Firies made the journey to Waterville on Saturday last in Round 3 of the County League and after a hard fought battle they emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins on a scoreline of Waterville 2:09 Firies 2:10. The winners carved out the victory by turning around a six point half time deficit with a fantastic second half performance that saw them score 2:05 without reply and hang on to claim the two points
Waterville with Seamus O’ Sullivan dominating the midfield exchanges in the first half got off to a dream start and had 1:01 on the scoreboard after just two mins, with the goal coming from the lively corner forward Barry O’ Dwyer after some excellent build up play from Alan Shea. Firies however responded well and quickly reduced the early deficit to two points with scores from Mike Daly (Free) and full forward Colm O’ Shea. Waterville were now moving the ball very well and with quick early ball in to their full forward line they had the Firies defence under severe pressure. The home side then had points from Keith Moran and Stephen Dwyer (2) to propel them to a 1:04 to 0:02 lead after twenty mins. Waterville were now in complete control and but for some wasteful shooting would have been much further ahead. Undoubtedly the highlights of the half were the fielding of Seamus O’ Sullivan and the ball winning of full forward Alan O’ Shea that saw them completely take control of proceedings for the final fifteen minutes of the half. Mike Daly (Free) after 20 mins then got Firies third and final point of the half and with just two more Waterville points coming from Greg Gibson and Keith Moran it left the half time score Waterville 1:06 Firies 0:03
Firies emerged after half time like a team possessed and with centre back Jack Sherwood now operating at midfield they didn’t take long to get into their stride. After some good early play from the excellent Niall Brendan Foley they had the ball in the Waterville net when corner forward Daniel O’ Connor pounced on a loose ball to fist to fist home from close range. The goal, while it seemed to rattle Waterville’s confidence, had the opposite effect on the away side and they began to dominate in every sector of the field. With Donal Daly and Jack Sherwood now asserting their dominance in midfield and Niall Brendan Foley and Colm O’ Shea dominating in attack they enjoyed a rich vein of form scoring another 1:05 in the process. Edward Kerrisk with the goal and points from Stephen Foley (2) and a point each from Mike Daly, Colm O’ Shea, and Jack Sherwood gave Firies a five point lead with five mins remaining. In the latter stages of the half Waterville rallied with a point from Greg Gibson and a goal from Barry Dwyer to leave the minimum between the sides entering the closing stages. Full forward Colm O’ Shea then stole the show with two outstanding scores from 35 yards with the outside of his boot to put a goal between the teams, before a pair of Barry Dwyer points pegged the away side back once again. However it was not to be for the Waterville side and Firies held on for a one point victory on a scoreline of Waterville 2:09 Firies 2:10.
Waterville Team and Scorers: Bernard Murphy Mike O’Shea Kevin O’Dwyer, Alan O’Dwyer, Oran Clifford, Daniel O’Dwyer, Niall Fitzgerald, Seamus O’Sullivan, Greg Gibson (0:02), Keith Moran (0:02), Gearoid O’Sullivan, Fergal Cronin (0:01), Barry O’Dwyer (2:02), Alan O’Shea Stephen O’Dwyer (0:02,1f),
Subs used: Eoin O’Sullivan, Oran O’Mahony, Denis O’Dwyer, Gary Galvin
County League Division 3- Round 2
Saturday 9th April @ Tralee
John Mitchels 1:10 Waterville 1:08
In round two of the County League last Saturday evening, the Waterville Senior team travelled to Tralee to take on John Mitchels and suffered their first loss of the year, going down on a scoreline of 1:10 to 1:08 to the home side. With perfect playing conditions Waterville took the early advantage with Stephen Dwyer converting a free after a foul on Alan Shea. However John Mitchels settled much the better and would have had a goal on the board after 3 minutes but for a fantastic save by Bernard Murphy. The home side then began to dominate in midfield and with some excellent ball going into their very lively full forward line they were soon ahead after two quick points in succession. Gearoid Sullivan then converted well from a free before Alan Shea who had started very well for Waterville scored from play to give Waterville a slender lead after ten minutes. However, once Bryan Costello and John Higgins further asserted their dominance for John Mitchels in the midfield sector, Mitchels enjoyed a rich vein of form between the 11th and 22nd minute and kicked five unanswered points in the process, all but one coming from play. Waterville were struggling to stay with the home side at this stage but kept them at bay for the rest of the half thanks mainly to Alan o Shea and Kevin and Daniel O’ Dwyer. Another converted free for Waterville reduced the arrears before the break to keep Waterville in touch and leave the half time score John Mitchels 0:07 Waterville 0:04
The Tralee side were quick on the scoreboard in the second half thanks to Oliver Coffey with a point from play, but two converted frees from Waterville’s Stephen Dwyer made it a two point game. The next five minutes was where the game was won and lost when John Mitchels scored 1:02 without reply to put themselves seven points up. The goal was a particular hard pill to swallow after Waterville had just got themselves into the game and were starting to play well with Gearoid Sullivan breaking the John Mitchels dominance in midfield. However Waterville’s response to this blow cannot be faulted with the rest of the game being played almost entirely in the Tralee sides half with Alan Shea and Kevin O’ Dwyer to the fore. Substitutes Eoin O’ Sullivan and Odhran O’ Mahony also helped to freshen up a Waterville attack that had got little change from a tough Mitchels defence. Two further points from Waterville reduced the gap to five with time running out. Greg Gibson then goaled for the away side to leave just two points between the sides but it was a case of too little too late and the home side held out for the victory on a scoreline of John Mitchels 1:10 Waterville 1:08.
Man of the match: Alan O’ Shea
Waterville Team and Scorers Bernard Murphy Mike O’Shea Daniel O’Dwyer, Alan O’Dwyer, Oran Clifford, Kevin O’Dwyer, Niall Fitzgerald, Seamus O’Sullivan, Greg Gibson (1:00), Alan O’Shea (0:02), Gearoid O’Sullivan (0:02f), Fergal Cronin, Barry O’Dwyer, Stephen O’Dwyer (0:04,3f), Keith Moran.
Subs Eoin O’Sullivan for M O’Shea, Oran O’Mahony for K Moran, Denis O’Dwyer for F Cronin.
Seamus Shea for Bernard Murphy
County Minor League
Friday 1st April @ Waterville
Waterville/Dromid 1:09 ............... Glenbeigh/Glencar 0:04
Waterville/Dromid minors took on Glenbeigh/Glencar at home last Friday evening and were victorious on a scoreline of 1:09 to 0:04. Playing with a gale wind in the first half the home side were first on the scoreboard with an Eoin “Tottie” free, but this was quickly cancelled out by a well worked point for the visitors from the impressive Tommy Cahill. Waterville/Dromid then got the next three scores with the best of these being a superb point from long range from John Vincent O’ Dwyer to lead by three points. The visitors now playing into gale and rain then reduced the arrears with another fine score to close the gap to just two points. Even though they were playing with the elements disappointingly Waterville/Dromid could only manage two more points through John Vincent and Sean “Jackie” O’ Sullivan in the last fifteen minutes of the half to lead by just four at the turnaround. One wondered would this lead be enough with a tough second half to come playing into the wind and rain. However, after some encouraging words from their management at half time they emerged a different team and had two more scores on the board inside three minutes before goalkeeper Jason O’ Sullivan saved magnificently to keep his goal intact. With Conor Brown now operating well in the full forward line and Micheal Curran driving them on from midfield they struck for a crucial goal after the ball broke to Sean Jackie O’ Sullivan and he finished confidently to the net. The visitor kept attacking but with Jason O’ Sullivan making some mighty saves in goal, Odhran O’ Mahony, Fionán Clifford and the excellent timothy O’ Sullivan marshalling the defence they got little joy. John Vincent then cancelled out a point from Glenbeigh/Glencar with his fourth point from play to leave the final score Waterville/Dromid 1:09 Glenbeigh/Glencar 0:04. On very tough evening for football with gale and rain making conditions very difficult the home side had some eye-catching performances from goalkeeper Jason O’ Sullivan, Odhran O’ Mahony, Micheal Curran, Sean Jackie O’ Sullivan, John Vincent O’ Dwyer and man of the match Timothy O’ Sullivan.
Waterville/Dromid Team and scorers: Jason O’ Sullivan, Timothy O’ Sullivan, Odhran O’ Mahony, Liam Higgins, Niall Curran, Fionán Clifford, Micheál Curran, Cathal Keating, Conor Brown, John Vincent O’ Dwyer(0:04), Sean “Jackie” O’ Sullivan(1:02), Eoin “Tottie” O’ Sullivan(0:03), James Connor,
County League Division 3- Round 1
Sunday 27th March @ Waterville
Waterville 1:11 Tousist 0-13
In the first round of this year’s County League played at Waterville Sportsfield on Sunday last, the home team came out on top by the narrowest of margins against a very tough Tousist side on a scoreline of Waterville 1:11 Tousist 0:13. Waterville playing with a strong breeze in the first half were first on the scoreboard when wing forward Fergal Cronin scored from 25 yards after some good play by Gearoid O’ Sullivan and Stephen Dwyer. Tousist however had started much the brighter and with Kerry panellist Alan O’ Sullivan driving them on from midfield they took an early lead with points from Flor and Dermot O’ Sullivan. Stephen Dwyer then drew Waterville level with a free after a foul on Seamus O’ Sullivan but two more Tousist points from Flor O’ Sullivan and Liam Shea gave Tousist a two point lead with 12 mins gone. Waterville then began to get to grips with a very dominant Tousist midfield and started to settle into the game. A pair of pointed frees drew Waterville level after 20 mins before Gearoid O’ Sullivan’s second point of the game gave them the lead with an excellent effort from 35 yards. Centre back Kevin O’ Dwyer increased the home side’s advantage after 25 mins when a Stephen O’ Dwyer shot deflected back off the post and he was able to shoot over from close range. This was then quickly followed by a great point by Greg Gibson from 45 yards after some good work by Seamus O’ Sullivan and Odhran Clifford. Waterville, trying their best to make the most of their wind advantage continued to drive forward and their inside line of Alan Shea, Stephen Dwyer and the introduced Denis O’ Dwyer were showing up very well. Another Stephen Dwyer free increased the home sides lead just before half time to leave the scores Waterville 0:08 Tousist 0:04.
Right from the throw in after half time Alan O’ Sullivan reduced the deficit with a great solo effort after running right through the Waterville defence. The home team who were now playing into a stiffening breeze then struck for what would turn out to be a match defining score when Stephen Dwyer rifled to the net after some excellent work by Odhran Clifford and Barry O’ Dwyer. Tousist however were quick to reply using the wind advantage to great effect and getting four unanswered points, the pick of these being an Alan O’ Sullivan effort from way 45 yards to leave just two points between the sides. Waterville’s defence was now coming under constant aerial bombardment but with Daniel O’ Dwyer and Mike O’ Shea on top of their games in the full back line they were keeping Tousist at bay. As a result of this Waterville got the next two scores from Stephen and Barry O’ Dwyer to lead by four once again. Tousist fought back with two more frees before a Barry O’ Dwyer point for Waterville left a goal between the sides with 5 mins remaining. A frantic finish ensued after Alan O’ Sullivan and Marcus McNally pointed for the visitors but Waterville’s defence held out and the home side took the victory by the slimmest of margins on a scoreline of Waterville 1:11 Tousist 0:13. For Tousist Peter O’ Shea, Flor O’Sullivan and the excellent Alan O’ Sullivan stood out, while for the victors Odhran Clifford, Kevin O’ Dwyer, Daniel O’ Dwyer, Gearoid O’ Sullivan and Alan O’ Shea had notable performances.
Man of the match Odhran Clifford
Waterville Team and Scorers: Bernard Murphy, Mike Shea, Daniel O’ Dwyer, Alan Dwyer Micheál Curran, Kevin O’ Dwyer (0-01), Odhran Clifford , Seamus O’ Sullivan , Greg Gibson(0-01), Fergal Cronin(0-01), Gearoid O’ Sullivan(0-02), Niall Fitzgerald, Barry O’ Dwyer(0-02), Alan O’Shea, Stephen Dwyer(1-04)
Subs: Denis O’ Dwyer for Micheal Curran (20mins), Eoin “Tottie” O’ Sullivan for Fergal Cronin (52 mins)
Minor County League, Round 4
Saturday March 19th @ Castlegregory
Waterville/Dromid 2: 08 Castlegregory 1:10
Waterville/Dromid minors made the long trip back to West Kerry on Saturday last and came away with a hard fought one point victory over Castlegregory in the Minor County League on a scoreline of 2:8 to 1:10. Notable performances for the winners were Sam O' Dwyer(2-01), Eoin "Tottie" O' Sullivan (0-07) while Timothy O' Sullivan, Cathal Keating, and Micheal Curran also caught the eye.
South Kerry Senior League
Sunday March 20th @ Renard
Waterville 1:17 Renard 0:7
Waterville continued their good start to the season when they travelled to Renard on Sunday last and recorded a comprehensive 13 point victory over the home team. With Greg Gibson unavailable, Odhran Clifford moved to midfield to partner Seamus O’ Sullivan and Keith Moran came into the team at wing back in his first start of the year. Renard were first on the scoreboard with Liam Sullivan raising the white flag for the home side. Waterville responded well with two Stephen Dwyer frees giving them the lead after almost ten mins. Barry O’ Dwyer then struck for what was to be the only goal of the game, finishing well to the Renard net after some excellent work by Gearoid O’ Sullivan and Alan O’ Shea. Waterville were well on top at this stage with Seamus O’ Sullivan dominating the midfield exchanges and being well supported by his half back line with Keith Moran in particular having a fine game at No. 5.Seamus and Gearoid O’ Sullivan increased Waterville’s lead with two great points from play in the 12th and 14 mins respectively before Niall Fitzgerald Kicked over well from 25 yards to leave the score 1:05 to 0:01 after 20 mins. A pair of Waterville points from frees either side of a superb Liam Sullivan point from a ’45 kept the away side well in control. Kevin O’ Dwyer was next on the scoreboard for Waterville with a fine score from all of 40 yards and Stephen Dwyer followed this up with his fourth point of the game after 30 mins to leave the half time score Waterville 1:09 Renard 0:02.
Liam Sullivan registered the first score of the second half for Renard but this was quickly cancelled out by a superb individual effort from Stephen Dwyer. Two more points from frees by Liam Sullivan reduced Waterville’s lead to eight points after 12 mins of the second half. Waterville then freshened up their attack by introducing Denis O’ Dwyer and Minor Eoin “Tottie” and this quickly resulted in four unanswered points from the away side, Niall Fitzgerald (2), Stephen Dwyer and Eoin “Tottie”(frees) being the scorers. Another Liam Sullivan free for Renard was instantly followed up by a well taken score from substitute Eoin “Tottie” after some excellent work by Alan O’ Shea who was having a fine game at full forward. In the 25th min great team move involving Alan Dwyer, Eoin “Tottie” and Denis O’ Dwyer resulted in Gearoid O’ Sullivan’s third point of the encounter. Both sides then swapped pointed frees to register their last scores of the afternoon to leave the final score Waterville 1:17 Renard 0:07. This result now means that Waterville now qualify for the semi-finals of the South Kerry League. In such a one sided contest it will be difficult to take too much from the game but having been able to blood some young talent and try out some positional changes to great effect, it can’t help but stand them in good stead as the County League and Intermediate Championship fast approaches. On a day when all those in red performed quite well notable performances include, in defence Daniel O’ Dwyer, Kevin O’ Dwyer and Keith Moran, midfielders Seamus O’ Sullivan and Odhran Clifford while up front Niall Fitzgerald, Gearoid O’ Sullivan and Alan O’ Shea caught the eye.
Man of the match: Keith Moran
Waterville Team and Scorers: Bernard Murphy, Mike Shea, Daniel O’ Dwyer, Micheál Curran, Keith Moran , Kevin O’ Dwyer (0-01), Alan Dwyer, Seamus O’ Sullivan (0-01), Odhran Clifford, Fergal Cronin, Gearoid O’ Sullivan(0-03), Niall Fitzgerald (0-04), Barry O’ Dwyer(1-0), Alan O’Shea, Stephen Dwyer(0-06)
Subs: Odhran O’ Mahony for Mike O’ Shea (H/T), Seamus O’ Shea for Bernard Murphy(H/T)
Denis O’ Dwyer for Barry O’ Dwyer(40 mins), Eoin “Tottie” O’ Sullivan for Fergal Cronin(43mins)
Minor County League, Round 4
Saturday 12th March @ Ballinskelligs
Waterville/Dromid 2-06 Bally/Foilmore 1-09
In bright and breezy conditions the Waterville/Dromid minor combination pulled out a workmanlike performance to come away from Ballinskellligs with a share of the spoils on Saturday last. Playing into the wind in the first half Waterville/Dromid registered the first score of the game with Eoin “Tottie” O’ Sullivan slotting over from 30 yards in the first minute. The home side then began to take control of the game from midfield and managed to take the lead with two quick points after 10 mins, one being a magnificent effort from all of 40 yards. The Waterville/Dromid defence was fighting hard to keep Bally/foilmore at bay with Timothy O’ Sullivan and Odhran O’ Mahoney playing particularly well. However after 15 mins some bad passing out of defence left Bally/Foilmore in possession and after some good forward inter-play the ball was finished well to the back of Jason O’ Sullivan’s net. This goal was then quickly followed up by a pointed free for the home side to lead 01:03 to 0:01 after 15 mins. Eoin “Tottie” was then switched to midfield and Sam O’ Dwyer began to play a deeper role and this helped the away team get back into the game. Both teams then traded points with Micheal Curran fisting over for Waterville/Dromid after an Eoin “Tottie” free landed just short. The away team then hit Bally/Foilmore for two goals in 4 minutes to take take the lead. The first goal came after some very good play by Liam Higgins and Sam O’ Dwyer found John Vincent O’ Dwyer whose deflected shot was finished well to the back of the net by Sean O’ Sullivan. The second goal was more fortuitous in nature with Eoin “Tottie” O’ Sullivans free slipping under the crossbar over the head of the Bally/Foilmore keeper. The home team responded with a point from a free after 27mins before some excellent work by the lively Sam O Dwyer set up Eoin “Tottie” for a lovely point right on the stroke of half time to leave the score at the short whistle Waterville/Dromid 02:03 Bally/Foilmore 01:05.
The second half started in much the same fashion as the first with Bally/Foilmore dominating the exchanges and hitting three unanswered points to lead by two points after 12 mins of the half. Waterville/Dromid then reduced the arrears with another Eoin “Tottie” free to leave the away team trailing by the minimum with 15 mins left on the clock. Despite being second best most of this half Waterville/Dromid were unlucky not to take the lead after 20 mins when some fantastic individual skills by Sam O’Dwyer led to the Bally/Foilmore keeper having to pull off an excellent save to keep out Sam’s left footed shot. Bally/Foilmore then scored what would turn out to be their last score of the game with a pointed free on 24 mins. The home side continued to dominate and only for some excellent defending by Timothy O’ Sullivan and Liam Higgins would have been further ahead. Another pointed free by Eoin “Tottie” left only a single point between the sides with only minutes remaining. Bally/Foilmore continued to pressurise the Waterville/Dromid defence but a mixture of poor shooting and good defensive pressure saw them fail to score. As we entered injury time the away side started to throw caution to the wind in search of an equaliser. With two minutes of injury time already played Waterville/Dromid were awarded a free 30 yards out and Eoin “Tottie” stepped up, kept a cool head and put it straight between the posts to leave the final score Waterville/Dromid 02:06 Bally/Foilmore 01:09. This was a very hard working battling performance and will do a lot to bring on this young team. Best for Waterville/Dromid were Timothy O’ Sullivan, Odhran O’ Mahony and Liam Higgins in defence and up front Eoin “Tottie” and Sam Dwyer caught the eye
Waterville/Dromid team and scorers: Jason O’Sullivan, Liam Higgins, Odhran O’ Mahony, Timothy O’ Sullivan, Fionan Clifford, Niall Curran, Conor Brown, Micheal Curran(0-01), John Vincent O’ Dwyer, Eoin “Tottie” O’ Sullivan(01-05), Sean “Jackie” O’ Sullivan(01-0), James Connor, Sam O’ Dwyer
Sub used: Jamie Banks
South Kerry Senior League
Sunday March 13th @ Waterville
Waterville 2:06 Bally/Foilmore 2:05
Waterville began their 2011 South Kerry league campaign by recording a hard fought one point victory over Bally/Foilmore at Waterville Sports field on Sunday last. Before the game a minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect for the Courtney and O’ Connell families of Spunkane after their recent sad bereavements. The away team playing into the wind started the brighter and were a goal up almost directly from the throw in after the ball found its way to Ronan Connor who finished well to the bottom corner of Bernard Murphy’s net. Sean Fogarty then put them further ahead with a point after two mins. However despite this early pressure Waterville responded well and got two points in quick succession with frees from Gearoid O’ Sullivan and Stephen O’ Dwyer . The home side then began to take control of the game and began to dominate the mid field exchanges with Seamus O’Sullivan and Greg Gibson dove-tailing well together ably assisted by their half back line with Alan Dwyer in particular impressing. In the 8th minute Waterville struck for the first of their two goals when a great pass by Alan Shea found corner forward Barry O’ Dwyer who smashed the ball to the back of the net. A minute later the ball was in the back of the Bally/Foilmore net once again. A great catch by Alan Dwyer put Waterville on the attack once again and after some great forward play Stephen Dwyer hammered the ball home. Waterville were to increase their lead again after 11mins with Greg Gibson scoring a fabulous from 30 yards after some great play by Seamus O’Sullivan. The home side continued to create chances with the full forward line of Barry O’ Dwyer, Alan O’ Shea and Stephen Dwyer showing very well for the quick ball being supplied to them and only for some wasteful shooting Waterville would have been well ahead at this stage of the game. A few minutes before the short whistle Bally/Foilmore began to re- assert themselves in the contest and a point by Padraig King was quickly followed up by another attack and but for a fantastic save from Bernard Murphy the ball would have been in the back of the net. A great pointed effort from centre forward Eanna O’ Connor left a goal between the sides as half time approached. After 20 mins without a score Waterville thankfully ended this barren spell with a superb point from a free by Gearoid O’Sullivan in injury time to leave the half time score Waterville 2:04 Bally/Foilmore 1:03
Micheal Curran was introduced at half time as Waterville began the half playing into a stiffening breeze. Bally/Foilmore began this half just as they finished the first by putting Waterville under pressure but the defence marshalled by the Dwyers, Daniel, Kevin and Alan kept them at bay. Waterville were first to register a score this half when some great play by centre back Kevin Dwyer and midfielders Seamus O’ Sullivan and Greg Gibson was rewarded with a free which Stephen Dwyer duly converted. Gearoid O’ Sullivan was continuing to impress on the “forty” and Alan Shea ,Stephen Dwyer and Barry O’ Dwyer were constantly making themselves available but scores would prove very hard to come by against a tough breeze. Then came the match defining moment in the 13th minute of the 2nd half. Bally/Foilmore were awarded a penalty after Kevin O’ Dwyer was adjudged to have brought down his man and Eanna O’ Connor stepped up to take it. Bernard Murphy once again proved to be the hero by guessing right and diving low to his left for a magnificent save. However his goal would be breached 3 mins later when Padraig King finished to the net. Eanna O’Connor followed up this goal with a well taken point from a 45 to leave a solitary point between the sides with ten mins left. At this stage of the game the home side continued to defend well against numerous Bally/Foilmore attacks and Seamus O’Sullivan helping out his defence by taking up a deeper covering role to great effect. Despite these efforts the sides were soon level after Colin Grandfield equalised for the away side. Waterville continued to create chances and produced some eye-catching forward moves with Barry Dwyer a constant threat. Denis Dwyer and Keith Moran were introduced for the last five mins and they along with Alan and Barry O’ Dwyer helped set up Gearoid O’ Sullivan for the winning score with 32 mins on the clock to leave the final score Waterville 2:06 Bally/Foilmore 2:05. Overall it was a very entertaining game with some good play from both sides. It was a very hard fought win and to a man they all kept going right to the final whistle.The Waterville management will be very pleased with the display as it is the first game of the year and showed some very encouraging signs which augurs well for the year ahead. Best for Waterville were goalkeeper Bernard Murphy, Daniel O’Dwyer and Alan Dwyer in defence, Seamus O’ Sullivan and Greg Gibson in midfield while up front Barry O’ Dwyer, Gearoid O’ Sullivan and Stephen Dwyer were best
Man of the Match: Alan Dwyer
Waterville Team and Scorers: Bernard Murphy, Mike Shea, Seamus O’ Shea, Daniel O’ Dwyer, Odhran Clifford, Kevin O’ Dwyer, Alan Dwyer, Seamus O’ Sullivan, Greg Gibson(0-01), Fergal Cronin, Gearoid O’ Sullivan(0-03), Niall Fitzgerald, Barry O’ Dwyer(1-0), Alan O’Shea, Stephen Dwyer(1-02)
Subs used: Micheal Curran, Keith Moran and Denis O' Dwyer
