Injury time double save from Ian O’Regan sees Mount Sion scrape past Passage

WATERFORD SHC: An injury time double save from former Waterford goalkeeper Ian O’Regan saw Mount Sion scrape past Passage 1-21 to 1-17 on a sunny Saturday evening in Walsh Park. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Waterford SHC Round 1

An injury time double save from former Waterford goalkeeper Ian O’Regan saw Mount Sion scrape past Passage 1-21 to 1-17 on a sunny Saturday evening in Walsh Park.

The 41 year old netminder scooped away a low effort from Mark Fitzgerald before he blocked a Liam Flynn shot that seemed destined for the roof of the net. 'Iggy' has given 23 seasons of service to the Monastery club at senior level. He made his championship debut in the 2002 county final.

Austin Gleeson struck 1-10 for the winners (1-9 from frees). The 2016 Hurler of the Year smacked a close range free to the corner of the Passage net on eleven minutes. Passage captain Gary Cullinane marked him tightly throughout. Adam Regan was Sion’s star man up front with four points from play (three in the second half). Mikey Cummins fired home a last minute free for Passage but they couldn’t find an equalising goal.

In the curtain raiser, Waterford front man Michael Kiely shot 2-5 from play as Abbeyside defeated Ferrybank 3-22 to 2-13. The skipper banged in two first half goals as the Villagers enjoyed a twelve point advantage at the break. Charlie Treen rattled the cobwebs nine minutes into the second period after he controlled a high ball from Rian Walsh. Michael O’Halloran hit eleven points (eight frees) for Benji Whelan’s charges. Mark O’Brien brought the fight for 2023 Premier Intermediate champions Ferrybank with 1-8 including a fabulous first half strike. Izaak Richards goaled on 40 minutes after a mistake from Abbeyside number one Lar Power.

Goals from Maurice Shanahan, Ben O'Sullivan and Ray Barry blasted Lismore to a 3-18 to 1-18 win over Dungarvan in a lively encounter at Fraher Field.

Captain Finbar Reaney inspired his team to victory from wing back with two second half points and a goal saving block on Patrick Curran. 2015 All Star Maurice Shanahan scored 1-6 from placed balls for the black and amber. His long range free in the first half deceived Dungarvan goalkeeper Craig Barry. Speedsters Ben O'Sullivan (1-1) and Charlie Lineen (0-3) caused trouble in the corners.

Thirteen wides (ten in the first half) proved costly for Dungarvan. Michael Kiely (0-7) and Colm Curran (0-4) inflicted the most damage up front. A high ball from Kiely in the opening half was deflected into his own net by Lismore full back Iarlaith Daly. County midfielder Darragh Lyons was marked absent for the Blues.

Moving Ray Barry on top of Dungarvan sweeper Eddie Burke paid off for Lismore. The sides were level seven times during the second period before Shane Kearney's men struck 1-5 without reply. Barry netted the decisive goal in the last minute after Charlie Lineen and Tadhg Duffin were involved in the build-up.

2-8 from the stick of Jason Gleeson guided Clonea to a 24 point triumph against Tallow on Friday night in Dungarvan (4-22 to 1-7). The inside line accounted for 4-13 between them as Gearoid Power (1-3) and Francis Roche (1-2) also ran amok. Midfielder Billy Power chipped in with seven points. Tony Shelly’s charges outscored their opponents 2-12 to 0-1 in the second half. Reece O’Mahony, Ciarán Power and Máirtín Power formed a dominant half back line. Stephen Murphy netted the Tallow goal.

In the Premier Intermediate Championship, Déise forward Shane Bennett scored 3-3 from play for Ballysaggart in a comfortable 5-14 to 1-10 win against Dunhill. Brothers Stephen and Kieran raised the other green flags.