Waterford Dominate Kerry in Munster Co-Op Senior Hurling League Clash
Fraher Field was the setting on a cold and blustery evening as Waterford took to the field for their second outing of the Munster Co-Op Senior Hurling League under manager Peter Queally.
The Déise faced a Kerry side managed by John Griffin, who will compete in the Christy Ring Cup (Tier 3 All-Ireland) this season. From the early stages, the gap in speed, physicality, and overall awareness between the sides was evident.
Early Pressure Sets the Tone
Despite an extremely strong breeze, Reuben Halloran opened the scoring with a superb dead-ball effort from over 50 yards out, registering the first of what would become a ten-point personal haul.
The opening goal arrived inside three minutes when Tom Barron delivered a precise ball into James Power. The young forward showcased his much-talked-about pace and skill, snapping the ball first time, turning sharply, and burying it into the Kerry net.
Tom Barron soon added a point of his own following a well-worked team move, while Joe Booth set up Patrick Curran for an excellent score. However, Curran’s night was cut short when he was forced off injured after just six minutes.
Halloran followed with his second point from play after an impressive solo run and finish, before Waterford struck for their second goal on eight minutes. Slick passing through the lines saw the ball fall to Patrick Curran, who scooped it brilliantly over Diarmuid Quirke and into the net.
Kerry Struggles to Contain Waterford Attack
It took nine minutes for Kerry to register their first score through Kevin Goulding, one of just six scores they would manage in the entire contest. Michael Slattery had two quick chances from placed balls but struggled to adjust to the conditions, while Liam Óg O’Connor added Kerry’s second point from play, although service to the Kerry forwards was limited throughout.
Waterford continued to create goal chances, and substitute Tholom Guiry made a major impact on 21 minutes, pulling first time from the 21-yard line to send the ball skidding across the wet surface and into the net.
Sean Mackey opened his account with a fine score late in the half. Kerry added points through Tomas Gaynor and a long-range free from Michael Slattery, before Waterford closed out the half strongly.
At the break, the scoreboard read Waterford 3-09 (18) to Kerry 0-05, with Kerry’s fifth point arguably their best of the half following strong work by Tomas Gaynor and a stylish finish from Jordan Brick.
Second-Half Control and Ruthless Finishing
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Waterford’s relentless running and movement off the ball continuing to stretch the Kerry defence. Sean Mackey was central to much of the good work, producing a lung-busting run through multiple challenges before setting up Abbeyside’s Charlie Treen, who posed a constant goal threat.
Mackey capped an outstanding performance with his second point, launched from nearly 50 yards out on the standside of Fraher Field.
Halloran once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Waterford’s top dead-ball specialists, splitting the posts from an astonishing 95-yard free. He then turned provider, drilling a ball through to Séamus Fitzgerald, who finished emphatically to the net.
Déise Drive Home Advantage
With the contest effectively decided, Waterford showed no let-up. Charlie Treen added another goal on 38 minutes after rising highest to claim a high ball before calmly converting.
Both managers introduced a series of changes as the game wore on, but Waterford’s dominance continued. Further points followed from Halloran, Guiry, and Treen.
Former All-Star Jamie Barron made a late appearance and marked his return in trademark fashion, firing over two classy points to the delight of the home crowd.
Kerry’s only score of the second half came on 61 minutes, a free converted by Ivan Conway.
Positive Signs for Waterford
In what was a clear gulf in class and quality, Peter Queally’s Waterford side looked sharp, fit, and well-drilled. Considering the date — January 7 — and the absence of several established names, including Ballygunner players, the performance was highly encouraging.
There was also clear evidence of the influence of coach Dónal Ó’Rourke, with Waterford displaying a high-tempo, heads-up running game throughout the evening. Full-time Score Waterford 6-25 Kerry 0-06.
Waterford will now await the result of Kerry versus Tipperary this weekend to determine who progresses to the Munster Co-Op League Final, following their draw with reigning All-Ireland champions last weekend.
