Rathgormack Complete Historic Three-in-a-Row with Dramatic Win Over The Nire

Rathgormack Complete Historic Three-in-a-Row with Dramatic Win Over The Nire

Final Score: Rathgormack 1-12 | The Nire 1-10
Venue: Cappoquin Logistics, Páirc Uí Fhearchair, Fraher Field
Sponsor: J.J. Kavanagh & Sons

Rathgormack etched their name deeper into Waterford football history on Sunday as they claimed a third consecutive Senior Football Championship title, overcoming Comeragh rivals The Nire in a pulsating decider at Fraher Field.

 

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A Battle of Equals

This was a contest that swung like a pendulum, with the sides level on six occasions throughout an absorbing hour of football. Ultimately, injury-time points from Billy Power and captain Willie Hahessy proved decisive, sending the green and red faithful into raptures as plumes of colour filled the Dungarvan sky.

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First-Half Drama

Rathgormack dominated early possession against the breeze but were guilty of wastefulness, racking up seven wides. Their persistence paid off when Jason Curry coolly slotted home a goal just before the break, giving his side a slender 1-5 to 1-4 lead. Earlier, The Nire had struck through Dylan Guiry, who finished clinically after a clever pass from Michael Morrissey.

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Second-Half Intensity

The Nire came roaring back after the restart, inspired by towering midfielder Sean Walsh and sharp shooter Aaron Ryan, who finished with four points from play. Rathgormack, however, found heroes in every line. Wing-back Glen Power delivered a standout performance securing the Man of the Match, clipping three superb points, including a spectacular effort off the outside of his boot.

As the clock ticked into added time, the sides were deadlocked at 1-10 apiece. Then came the defining moments: Billy Power, who had flown home from Abu Dhabi to line out, curled over a sensational score before Hahessy sealed the deal with the insurance point.

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Key Stats

• Rathgormack Scorers: Jason Curry 1-2 (2 frees), Glen Power 0-3, James Power 0-2, Willie Hahessy, Billy Power, Michael Curry, Peter Walsh, Conor Murray 0-1 each.
• The Nire Scorers: Dylan Guiry 1-1, Aaron Ryan 0-4, Dermot Ryan 0-2 (1f), Ciaran Walsh, Sean Boyce, Sean Walsh 0-1 each.

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Turning Point

Stephen Ryan’s heroics in goal kept The Nire alive, denying both Hahessy and Stephen Curry with outstanding saves. But Rathgormack’s relentless work rate and composure under pressure ultimately carried them over the line.

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Three-in-a-Row Glory

For a team that endured heartbreak with three consecutive final defeats between 2021 and 2022, this triumph marks a remarkable turnaround. Kenny Hassett’s men now stand as undisputed kings of Waterford football, with eyes firmly set on Munster.

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Congratulations to Rathgormack – 2025 Waterford Senior Football Champions!