WATERFORD SHC FINAL De La Salle 0-11 Abbeyside 0-9: DE LA SALLE captured their first Waterford county SHC title at Dungarvan's Fraher Field yesterday as they held out in an exciting climax to achieve their ambition by a margin of two points over a side who were likewise seeking their first title.
The game was played in atrocious underfoot conditions as the pitch cut up more and more as the rain cascaded down and great credit is due to both teams for coping so well.
De La Salle, who lost out in the 2005 final by one point, settled better in the opening half with the strong breeze to their backs and by the 27th minute were seven points clear as Brian Phelan, John Mullane, Páidí Nevin and James Quirke were on target. It was 0-7 to 0-0 by the 27th minute.
Outstanding wing-half back John Hurney finally landed Abbeyside's first point in the 28th minute and De la Salle led 0-8 to 0-2 at the interval. On the turnover Abbeyside raised their game and Mark Gorman, Seán O'Hehir, Declan and Mark Fives were on target to leave just two points between the teams going into the final quarter, 0-8 to 0-6. De la Salle, however, steadied their ship as Quirke and Phelan from frees and Nevin from play added three points to put them five points clear, 0-11 to 0-6.
Abbeyside kept battling and Patrick Hurney (0-2) and Mark Fives reduced their leeway to two points, 0-11 to 0-9, by the 55th minute.
De la Salle held their composure as Stephen Brenner, Ian Flynn, Kevin Moran, Darren Russell, Phelan and Mullane helped to seal a historic triumph.
For Abbeyside, Darryl Ryan, Tiernan Murray, Richie Foley, John Hurney, Seán O'Hehir, Mark Fives, and Patrick and Gary Hurney all were best. Intercounty star John Mullane hoisted the cup amid scenes of wild excitement.
Meanwhile, Paul Flynn has announced his retirement from intercounty hurling after 16 years playing for Waterford, during which time the Ballygunner forward won three Munster titles and a National League medal in 2007.
DE LA SALLE: S Brenner; A Kelly, I Flynn, M Doherty; D Russell, K Moran, S Daniels; B Phelan (0-2), C Watt; L Hayes, B Farrell, P Nevin (0-3); D Twomey, J Mullane (0-2), J Quirke (0-3). Subs: D Greene (blood) (0-1)for Watt; T Kearney for Farrell; D Green for D Twomey; A O'Neill for L Hayes. D Dooley for Kelly.
ABBEYSIDE: D Ryan; T Murray, P Lynch, G Breen; J Hurney (0-1), R Foley, E Enright; J Foley, S O'Hehir (0-1); M Fives (0-2), J Gorman, P Hurney (0-2); M Gorman (0-2), G Hurney, D Fives. (0-1). Subs: L Hurney for D Fives.
Referee: T O'Byrne(Erins Own).
