Fourmile end Ballyduff’s reign in dramatic style
Midfielder Brian Wall’s pointed 65’ with what proved to be the penultimate puck of the game secured victory for Fourmilewater and brought Ballyduff Upper’s 29 year tenure in the top flight of Deise hurling to a shattering end.
It was rough justice because for much of the hour they looked the more likely winners, leading at the end of the first half 1-5 to 0-5.
The outstanding Pat Walsh drove the Fourmile comeback. His brace of points narrowed the deficit to the minimum within eight minutes of the restart and set up an absorbing grand stand finish.
Shane Walsh’s super point put them in front for the first time in the 42nd minute, but Ballyduff’s response was decisive with Brendan Hannon(2) and Twomey rifling over the points that again put them two clear.
Amazingly however they failed to score for the remaining thirteen minutes. Instead Fourmile’ took over and gradually ground down a visibly flagging opposition.
Points from Pat Walsh (free), Declan Spellman, and Seamus Lawlor brought them level by the 54th minute before Wall’s pointed free dramatically settled the issue in a tension charged finish.
Scorers for Fourmilewater; P. Walsh(0-6); D. Spellman(0-2); S. Lawlor(0- 2); S. Walsh, B. Wall(0-1) each.
Scorers for Ballyduff; J. Twomey(1-1); B. Hannon(0-3); S. Hannon(0-2); J. Kearney, P. Kearney(0-1) each.
FOURMILEWATER: E. Wall; J. Moore. A. Ryan. J. Walsh; T. O’Gorman. I. Walsh. L. Walsh; M. Walsh. B. Wall; M. O’Gorman. S. Walsh. L. Lawlor; P. Walsh. D. Spellman. S. Lawlor
Subs; D. Ryan for I. Walsh; A. Lawlor for T. O’Gorman.
BALLYDUFF UPPER: M. Leamy; D. Hannon. M. Casey. A. Feeney; P. Molumphy. G. Feeney. M. Drislane; S. Hannon. B. Kearney; S. Cunningham. S. Molumphy. J. Kearney; B. Hannon. J. Twomey. P. Kearney; Subs; P. Prendergast for S. Hannon; S. Feeney for Cunningham; A. Martin for Casey.
Referee: Tommy O’Sullivan.
