County Waterford’s sporting heritage, deeply rooted in Gaelic games and enriched by soccer, rugby, and other pursuits, reflects a community’s enduring passion for competition. From historic triumphs to thriving clubs and athletes, Waterford’s story is one of dedication and success.
Gaelic Games: The County’s Foundation
The senior hurling team won All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships in 1948 and 1959, defeating Dublin and Kilkenny respectively. Waterford secured nine Munster Senior Hurling Championships (1938, 1948, 1957, 1959, 1963, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2020) and National Hurling League titles in 1963, 2007, and 2015.
The football team claimed the Munster Senior Football Championship in 1898, while the camogie team won All-Ireland titles at senior level (1945) and intermediate level (1988, 2009, 2011). The minor hurling team triumphed in 1929, 1931, 1948, and 2013.
In club hurling, Mount Sion leads with 35 Waterford Senior Hurling Championship titles, last won in 2006. Ballygunner has dominated recently, securing 10 consecutive titles from 2014 to 2023 and the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship in 2022. De La Salle won three county titles (2008, 2010, 2012). In football, Stradbally holds 15 county titles, with their latest in 2017, while The Nire has emerged as a force, winning in 2020. Dungarvan Camogie Club has multiple county titles and reached All-Ireland intermediate club finals.
Hurling heroes
- John Keane (Mount Sion): Widely considered one of Waterford’s greatest ever hurlers, he was full-back on the 1948 All-Ireland winning team and trained the 1959 team to victory. He was selected at centre-back on the Hurling Team of the Century in 1984.
- Jim Ware (Erin’s Own): Captained Waterford to their first All-Ireland title in 1948 at age 40, having won 12 county championships. He was goalkeeper on the Waterford Hurling Team of the Century.
- Frankie Walsh (Mount Sion): Captained Waterford to the 1959 All-Ireland title and was a prominent figure in the 1950s/60s success.
- Tom Cheasty (Mount Sion): A legendary corner-forward on the 1959 All-Ireland winning team, known for his speed and scoring ability.
- Tony Browne (Mount Sion): One of Waterford’s longest-serving players (played until age 40). He was the first Waterford player to win Hurler of the Year (1998) and won three All-Stars.
- Paul Flynn (Ballygunner): Waterford’s top championship scorer of all time, known as a dead-ball specialist and an attacking artist in the 2000s era.
- Ken McGrath (Mount Sion): A versatile powerhouse who won three All-Stars. Often cited as one of the best hurlers never to win an All-Ireland.
- Dan Shanahan (Lismore): Hurler of the Year 2007, he was a prolific goal-scorer during the 2000s, including 8 goals in the 2007 championship.
- John Mullane (De La Salle): Waterford’s most decorated All-Star with five awards. Known for his immense passion, speed, and point-scoring in the corner-forward position.
- Michael “Brick” Walsh (Stradbally): Waterford’s all-time championship appearance holder. He won four All-Stars and was known for his incredible work rate, aerial ability, and longevity.
Waterford FC: A Soccer Powerhouse in the 1960s
Waterford FC, founded in 1930 as Waterford AFC, became a soccer juggernaut in the 1960s and 1970s. Based at the Regional Sports Centre (RSC), the club won six League of Ireland titles (1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973), with five under manager Alfie Hale. The 1966 title marked their first, defeating Shamrock Rovers 3-1. Waterford also won the FAI Cup in 1937 and 1980, with Hale scoring in the 1968 final, though losing to Rovers. The club’s European campaigns included facing Manchester United in 1968 and Celtic in 1970. Waterford secured the League of Ireland Shield in 1969 and the First Division title in 2003, returning to the Premier Division.
The most prominent soccer internationals born in County Waterford include former Manchester United defender and Irish centurion John O’Shea, Liverpool league winner Jim Beglin, and notable Irish internationals Daryl Murphy, Stephen Hunt, and Alfie Hale.
Rugby, Athletics, and More
Standout rugby personality of the current era is Tom Ahern. Rugby flourishes through Waterford City RFC and Dungarvan RFC, both competing in the Munster Junior League. Tramore RFC supports youth and women’s teams. Athletics thrives at the RSC’s track, with Waterford AC producing talents like Jessie Barr, an Olympic 400m hurdler. Tramore’s surfing scene, backed by facilities like Freedom Surf School, draws competitors, while Waterford Golf Club hosts local tournaments.
Vere St. Leger Goold, born in Waterford, was a Wimbledon finalist in 1879. An Olympic gold medal was won by Waterford born Peter O’Connor (Triple jump, Athens 1906) and a silver medal by Villierstown born John Treacy (Marathon, Los Angeles 1984).
Key Facilities
Semple Stadium in Thurles, a short distance from Waterford, hosts major GAA matches, but Walsh Park in Waterford City is the county’s primary GAA venue, hosting hurling and Soccer finals. The RSC serves as Waterford FC’s home and supports athletics and community sports. Williamstown Sports Complex in Waterford City and Dungarvan Sports Centre offer facilities for rugby, soccer, and indoor sports. Tramore’s surfing beaches and Waterford Greenway support cycling and outdoor activities.
Prominent Personalities
In hurling, John Keane captained the 1948 All-Ireland team, while Austin Gleeson, a 2016 All-Star, led the county to recent successes. Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh earned five All-Star awards. In Soccer, Jim Goodwin, a former Waterford player, now manages Dundee United. Alfie Hale, a Waterford FC legend, scored over 100 league goals and managed the club to multiple titles. In camogie, Patricia Jackman won All-Ireland medals, while Thomas Barr, an Olympic 400m hurdler, hails from Dunmore East. John Treacy, a silver medallist in the 1984 Olympic marathon, competed for Waterford AC.
Honours and Years of Success
Waterford’s hurling team won All-Irelands in 1948 and 1959, with nine Munster titles (latest 2020) and three National League titles (1963, 2007, 2015). The Soccer team secured the 1898 Munster title, and camogie teams won senior (1945) and intermediate (1988, 2009, 2011) All-Irelands. Club honours include Ballygunner’s 10 consecutive hurling titles (2014–2023) and 2022 All-Ireland club title, Mount Sion’s 35 titles (latest 2006), and De La Salle’s three titles (2008, 2010, 2012). Stradbally won 15 football titles (latest 2017), and The Nire claimed 2020. Waterford FC’s six League of Ireland titles (1966, 1968–1970, 1972, 1973), FAI Cups (1937, 1980), and 1969 Shield stand out.
Looking Ahead
Waterford’s sporting community continues to grow, with clubs and facilities fostering new talent. From the roar of Walsh Park to the energy of the RSC, the county’s love for sport promises more victories in the years to come.
Sports in the county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Waterford:
Ireland’s county Waterford is steeped in Viking and medieval history, with Waterford City’s Reginald’s Tower and Viking Triangle showcasing ancient artefacts. The Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark, offers dramatic coastal walks, while the Lismore Castle gardens provide serene beauty. Other attractions include the beaches of Tramore and historic Dunmore East. Waterford is Ireland’s 21st largest county by size (1,838 square km) and 20th largest by population (127,363). Population peaked at 196,187 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 71,439 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Waterford is Ireland’s ninth most visited tourist county with around 225,000 international visitors per year.
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