There's Been Some Pretty Special Waterford Sporting Memories In 2018..
So we've compiled the most memorable!
Athletics, GAA, Horse Racing, Camogie, Golf - Waterford's sporting stars excel in a range of different sports, so it was hard to pick just a few.
Here's what we've picked, but what would you add to the list?
1. Waterford FC Secure European Football After First Return To The Top Flight
After winning the First Division title in 2017, Waterford FC took their place in the Premier League after ten years in the wilderness of the lower grade. Their first season back in the top flight got off to a flying start for the new look Waterford squad with an opening day home win against Derry City on Friday, February 16th which set the tone for what was to follow.
The incredible amount of games that were packed into the first half of the season allied to a lot of injuries and suspensions caught up on the Waterford players and they lost their way somewhat, but they dug deep and eventually clinched fourth place and unbelievably secured European football for the first time since 1986. It was an extraordinary achievement for a team who had been promoted from Division One the previous year. It promises to be yet another wonderful and roller-coaster campaign for the supporters and of course the players.
2. The Waterford Footballers Secured Victory In The In All-Ireland Qualifiers
Goals from Shane Ryan, JJ Hutchinson and Joe Allen gave the long-suffering Déise their first championship win in seven years this summer.
It was a sizzling display from the Division 4 outfit who had endured fourteen losses and a draw since their last success over London in 2011. Manager Tom McGlinchey danced a jig on the sideline at full time after they withstood a late Wexford onslaught. The Waterford players rejoiced when Cormac Reilly finally called a halt to proceedings.
3. Tramore AFC Were Crowned FAI Youths Cup Champions
Ozier Park was the venue for another incredible day for Tramore AFC. In 2017 they had won the FAI Under 17 Cup in Turners Cross by defeating Carrigaline United in their own back yard. The majority of that team made it to the final of the FAI Youth Cup final on Sunday, April 29th 2018 and beyond belief they defeated St Kevin's Boy's from Dublin after extra-time.
Ozier Park was rocking as the young Seagulls raced into an early two goal lead courtesy of goals from Daniel Olasumbo and Darragh Wall. The Dubliners fought back and had levelled matters before the interval and then they went 3-2 in front in the second half. Lee Kavanagh equalised just before the full-time whistle and then Josh Douglas headed what proved to be the winning goal in the first period of extra-time. It was a truly amazing day and it came as no surprise that John Power, the club chairman shed tears of joy after the match.
4. Thomas Barr Lit Up Berlin And Waterford’s Athletic’s Stars Shone Bright
After finishing 4th in the Olympic Games in 2016, Thomas Barr battled his way to the final of the 400 meters hurdles final in Berlin at the European Athletic Championships and he won the bronze medal. It was truly a stunning performance by Thomas who surely is the most humble person in the world of sport even after being named “Irish Athlete of the Year”.
Joe Gough won double gold at the Masters tournament in Spain and it was wonderful that he was voted ``Masters Athlete of the Year'' and West Waterford won the ``Development Club of the Year''. Also in December, Kate Veale of West Waterford AC smashed her personal best time to win the 20K Irish title and her victory has secured her place in two major tournaments next year.
5. Brilliant Hockey Success For Newtown Secondary School
Possibly the most heart-warming memory of 2018 was the incredible success story of Newtown School in the All-Ireland Schoolboy's Hockey Championship. They travelled to Shaw's Bridge in Belfast and most pundits claimed they were there simply to make up the numbers. They were drawn in a 'group of death' but they topped that group and they went on to reach the final against all of the odds.
Their opponents in the decider was the red hot favourites Banbridge Academy and again the experts said this would be the most one-sided final in the 36 year history of the tournament. No one however had shown the script to coach Stuart Greene and his charges and Isacc Johnson scored with a sweetly-timed volley 30 seconds before half-time. That goal proved to be the winning score. Yes, September was indeed a very special month for Stuart Greene and his wonderful players and undoubtedly this was perhaps the greatest story of 2018.
6. Ballygunner Crowned Munster Club Senior Hurling Champions
The Gunners defeated Na Piarsaigh of Limerick (the unbeaten favourites) to capture their second Munster Club title and first since 2001, winning on a scoreline of 1-14 to 1-8 at Semple Stadium on November 18th. Pauric Mahony shot 1-6 while Peter Hogan gave a man of the match performance for Fergal Hartley's charges who brought a great energy and intnesity to the game.
They'll face Ballyhale Shamrocks of Kilkenny in the All-Ireland on February 9th at 5pm in Semple Stadium, a game you'll be able to hear live on WLR, thanks to George Corbett Skoda.
7. Waterford Gained Its First Camogie All-Star
Beth Carton collected Waterford’s first Senior Camogie All-Star at the Citywest hotel in November. The De La Salle forward scored 3-36 in this year’s championship as Donal O’Rourke’s side defeated Limerick and Clare to reach the All Ireland quarter finals. She was surprised to pick up the award. "I’m absolutely gobsmacked, wasn’t expecting it at all. I’m thrilled, thrilled for Waterford as well".
Another highlight this year was a first ever Munster Minor 'A' Championship title, Waterford scored a hard earned 2-11 to 1-11 win over Cork in Fermoy that night.Speaking to WLR’s Tomás McCarthy after the game, Manager Kevin Barry said that hard work was the key to their success. Waterford captain Shauna Fitzgerald was thrilled to lift the Munster cup.
