Roanmore and Fourmilewater meet in the second of Waterford’s JJ Kavanagh & Sons Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals on Sunday, with both clubs just 60 minutes away from a place in the county final.
The throw-in is at 3.45 pm in Cappaquinn Logistics Fraher Field, with live coverage on WLR.
For Roanmore, the semi-final represents another opportunity to underline their status as one of the most progressive clubs in Waterford hurling.
They arrive at the last four following an impressive quarter-final victory over Abbeyside, with defender Connor Ryan earning particular praise for an outstanding display at full-back.
Roanmore have also enjoyed the influence of experienced players alongside an emerging crop of younger talent.
Brian Nolan, now operating in the forwards, has enjoyed an excellent campaign, while Billy Nolan continues to provide a major scoring threat and Gavin O’Brien remains one of the most reliable ball strikers in the Waterford club championship.
The club’s work at underage level is also beginning to pay dividends, with Shane Mackey highlighting the emergence of players including Alex Furlong, Callum Carroll and Lee Aherane
Several younger players have also been introduced to the senior setup this year, reflecting Roanmore’s commitment to developing their own players through the grades.
Standing in their way, however, is a Fourmilewater side that will provide a formidable test.
Manager Dick O’Keefe’s team reached the semi-finals with a comprehensive 2-26 to 1-16 quarter-final victory over Passage, with Aaron Ryan producing a superb individual performance and contributing 14 points from play, 65s and frees.
O’Keefe was quick to praise the collective performance but also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy advantage on the scoreboard when playing senior championship hurling.
Fourmilewater have also made an important tactical adjustment this season, with Pat Walsh moving into the full-back line.
Walsh had previously been used further forward, but O’Keefe explained that he had originally played at centre-back and wing-back during his underage career. The move back into defence has proven successful, with Walsh becoming an important component of the Fourmilewater backline.
Jamie Barron is also expected to be available after being carefully managed during the quarter-final following a long season that included his Waterford inter-county commitments.
There is little to separate the teams based on their previous meeting this year.
The sides drew 1-16 apiece earlier in the championship, while last year’s quarter-final meeting went all the way to extra time before Roanmore eventually edged the contest following a late goal.
That recent history adds another layer to Sunday’s encounter.
Fourmilewater will know exactly what Roanmore can bring, while Roanmore are equally aware of the physical challenge and quality possessed by their opponents.
O’Keefe expects Roanmore to maintain the same approach that served them so well against Abbeyside, while Mackey recognises that Fourmilewater will present an extremely difficult challenge.
With both clubs possessing experienced campaigners, dangerous forwards and strong defensive units, another closely fought contest looks likely.
For Roanmore, victory would secure another county final appearance and provide further evidence of the remarkable progress made by the club in recent years.
For Fourmilewater, a win would take them one step closer to county glory after a season in which they have already demonstrated their ability to compete with Waterford’s best.
With a place in the Waterford senior hurling final at stake, another chapter in an increasingly competitive rivalry awaits.
Match Details – We’ll have live coverage with Kieran O’Connor and Andy Maloney, along with full build-up from 3:35, thanks to George Corbett Motors ŠKODA.
Fixture: Roanmore vs Fourmilewater
Competition: JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford Senior Hurling Championship 2026
Throw-in: 3:45 pm
Venue: Cappaquinn Logistics Fraher Field
