Fourmilewater Secure Historic Waterford SHC Final Berth
Fourmilewater will play in a first-ever Waterford SHC Final against Ballygunner next weekend, as they deservedly defeated Roanmore at Fraher Field. Trailing 0-12 to 1-6 at the break, Fourmilewater - inspired by talismen Jamie Barron and Sean Walsh, won the second period 1-10 to 0-5 to book their place in the decider for the first time in what is their centenary year.
What Happened?
Gavin O'Brien spearheaded the Roanmore cause and didn't deserve to be on the losing side - and it was him who opened the scoring after two and a half minutes, before a great pass from Barron teed up Evan Spelman to level. The Sky Blues had the aid of the breeze and moved 4-1 to the good early on as Fourmilewater struggled to match their work rate and physicality, O'Brien nailing another free before Billy Nolan turned provider to his brother Brian, and O'Brien was then on hand to plant his feet and send over a pearler as all the momentum was with the city side.
Why it Matters for Waterford
The bright Spelman wriggled away from his marker to score his second, but the first period was all about O'Brien as he took advantage of an advantage to notch another. An Aaron Ryan free and textbook Jamie Barron point reduced arrears for Fourmilewater, but two in quick succession from O'Brien and another from industrious full-forward Rory Furlong pushed Roanmore 0-8 to 0-4 in front on 20 minutes.
What Comes Next?
Goalkeeper Jack Chester was live to the danger of Sean Walsh to cut out a goal opportunity, but Walsh began to get the better of his battle with Conor Ryan to open his account soon after. Sean Burke launched over a fine strike from midfield to keep the margin at four - but it was level in first half added time as Aaron Ryan fired over a free before Fourmilewater struck gold on 31 minutes. An uncharacteristic mistake from Brian Nolan saw his hand pass go astray and straight into the path of Tholom Guiry and he found the net to make it 0-9 to 1-6.
The Turning Point
Two from O'Brien either side of a Lee Hearne point made it 0-12 to 1-6 at the interval in favour of Roanmore, but the goal was a timely lifeline for the Nire men. Two inspirational scores upon the resumption from Jamie Barron inspired a rejuvenated Fourmilewater, but two frees from O'Brien stemmed the onrushing tide somewhat. A superb point on the right flank from Spelman, a Walsh effort and an Aaron Ryan point from play made it honours even again on 44 minutes, and the switch of Pat Walsh on to Rory Furlong stifled a lot of Roanmore's joy in working the scoreboard.
The Final Push
Billy Nolan marauded upfield to edge Roanmore back in front, but Fourmilewater weren't to be denied - Walsh availing of improved service to send over a third before an Aaron Ryan free gave them the lead for the very first occasion on 50 minutes. The outstanding Gavin O'Brien's fifth from play levelled matters for a fourth time, but the score of the day came seconds later through Dermot Ryan as the sea in front of him parted before he found the target to rapturous applause.
The Result
Fourmilewater were a different side with the shackles off, and the all-important score arrived on 63 minutes - as Aaron Ryan latched on to a long delivery from Paddy Spelman and knocked it along the floor to the onrushing Liam O'Brien to secure Fourmilewater's passage to a first-ever final. Chris Ryan sent over a brilliant insurance score, and they'll now face the All-Ireland champions for the News & Star Cup on Sunday next.
League standing: 8th in Premier Division, 29 pts, 6W-11D-11L from 28 games, recent form DWWDD. Goals this season: 37 scored, 48 conceded (-11 goal difference). Title race: 25 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. Last result: Sligo Rovers 0-0 Waterford (2026-08-21). Recent form (last 5): 3W-2D-0L (DDWWW, most recent first); unbeaten in the last 5. Next fixture: vs St Patrick's Athl. (away, 2026-08-28) (2nd in the table).
