Watch and read: Rampant Rathgormack coast to fourth Waterford title in a row

After the historic victory, Rathgormack now face Clare champions Éire Óg Inis in Munster.

Waterford SFC final: Rathgormack 2-13 (2-2-11) The Nire 0-10 (0-0-10) 

Rathgormack are Waterford senior football champions for the fourth successive year after Kenny Hassett’s side produced a commanding nine-point victory over The Nire at Fraher Field.

A first-ever four-in-a-row for the green and red, and the first by any club in 21 years, was secured through goals from Stephen Curry and Reece O’Mahony as the champions delivered another outstanding display.

The Nire started brightly against the strong breeze, with Dylan Guiry opening the scoring inside two minutes before Conor Gleeson doubled their advantage.

Jason Curry responded with a free before cutting inside on his left to land a superb two-pointer and put Rathgormack ahead.

Francis Roche extended their lead following a lightning counter-attack involving Adam Murray, although Dermot Ryan replied with a free.

Roche added another following a cleverly-worked free before Adam Murray brilliantly converted from outside the arc on 19 minutes to stretch the champions’ advantage.

Ryan responded for The Nire, but Rathgormack struck a decisive blow on 21 minutes. Jason Curry released brother Stephen with a superb handpass, and he calmly slotted beneath Stephen Ryan to make it 1-7 to 0-4.

Peter Walsh and the impressive Roche extended the margin to eight before an Aaron Ryan free left Rathgormack leading 1-9 to 0-5 at half-time.

With the breeze now behind them, The Nire needed a strong response and almost found the net immediately, but Michael O’Sullivan fired over after being released by Dylan Guiry.

Substitute Chris Ryan reduced the deficit to five, only for Roche to weave through for his fourth point and settle the champions.

Jason Curry added another free as The Nire struggled to capitalise on their wind advantage, with several two-point attempts drifting wide.

Thomas O’Gorman produced a tremendous block to deny Conor Murray a seemingly certain goal on 43 minutes, although Michael Curry eventually pointed from the recycled possession.

Two quick Aaron Ryan scores brought The Nire back within six, and they came agonisingly close to reigniting the contest on 51 minutes.

Tholom Guiry squared for Conor Gleeson, whose palmed effort thundered against the crossbar as Rathgormack survived a major scare.

Jason Curry converted another close-range free on 56 minutes before Aaron Ryan replied from a placed ball, leaving the scoreboard reading 1-13 to 0-10 entering additional time.

The Nire continued pressing, but Rathgormack’s devastating counter-attacking delivered the final blow on 62 minutes.

Tom Skehan released Stephen Curry, who squared for Reece O’Mahony to bundle home and complete a thoroughly deserved fourth consecutive Conway Cup triumph.

Rathgormack now face Clare champions Éire Óg Inis in Munster on November 8, a repeat of last year’s provincial meeting.

Scorers for Rathgormack: J Curry (0-5; 0-3f; 0-1 tp); F Roche (0-4); S Curry and R O’Mahony (1-0 each); A Murray (0-2; 1tp); P Walsh and M Curry (0-1 each) 

Scorers for The Nire: A Ryan (0-4; 0-3f); D Ryan (0-2; 0-1f); D Guiry, C Gleeson, M O’Sullivan and C Ryan (0-1 each) 

Rathgormack: P Hunt; L Mulligan, S Hahessy, W Hahessy; G Power, T Walsh, J Power; B Power, M Curry; F Roche, P Walsh, J Curry; A Murray, S Curry, C Murray.

Subs: R O’Mahony for P Walsh (30; inj); T Skehan for A Murray (49); C Crowch for F Roche (57) 

The Nire: S Ryan; P Spelman, T Walsh, T O’Gorman; D Ryan, T Barron, E Spelman; T Guiry, M O’Sullivan; D Guiry, S Walsh, M Morrissey; Aaron Ryan, C Gleeson, P Walsh.

Subs: C Ryan for T Guiry (30; temp); T Guiry for C Ryan (36); C Ryan for M O’Sullivan (47); J Barron for P Walsh (50); S Ryan for M Morrissey (57); O Walsh for D Ryan (57) 

Referee: Killian O’Sullivan (Cappoquin)