Powerful Passage back in title hunt

Waterford SHC, Round 4: With their backs to the wall beforehand, county champions Passage came out fighting last night to claim a vital Group 1 win over Fourmilewater in a crunch fourth round clash at Fraher Field (3-18 to 1-18).

Goals from Eoin Kelly, Conor Carey and Rory Walsh got Passage back in the shake-up for the last eight with one round remaining.

Peter Queally’s charges started in swift fashion. Thomas Connors opened after 17 seconds and Killian Fitzgerald lashed over a brace from deep. In the ninth minute, Fitzgerald’s point attempt landed short but Eoin Kelly was lurking to deflect the ball to the far corner past Brendan Lawlor (1-4 to 0-2). Fourmilewater stayed in touch through two points from Waterford minor Conor Gleeson. Passage keeper Eddie Lynch also pulled off two saves. He didn’t know much about the first one as Tommy Cooney’s ferocious effort hit his helmet. Shane Ryan was next up but he blasted straight at the in-form keeper.