Stradbally........1-12 Bishopstown...0-12 Waterford football received a welcome boost when Stradbally recorded a surprise victory over Cork champions Bishopstown to qualify for their first Munster club final in 24 years at Pairc Ui Rinn on Sunday, November 14. Despite having midfielder George Walsh sent off after 20 minutes for a dangerous challenge on Shane Conlisk, Stradbally battled bravely for the remainder of the game to record a famous win. Bishopstown also finished with 14 players after Tomas Hayes was sent off just 11 minutes after coming on as a second half substitute. Stradbally signalled their intentions as early as the third minute when Stephen Cunningham scored the only goal after Ger Power had intercepted Michael Galvin's short kick-out. The home side levelled at 0-4 to 1-1 before points from Noel Curran and Power edged Stradbally back in front. Bishopstown took the lead for the first time when James O'Shea and Jack Ferriter both found the target but efforts in reply from John Halpin, Niall Curran and Michael Walsh helped the visitors to a 1-7 to 0-8 lead at the interval. Two quick frees from John A O'Sullivan restored parity within four minutes of the restart before Stradbally opened up a four-point advantage thanks to points from Power and man of the match Curran. O'Shea ended an 18-minute barren spell for the Cork side with his fourth point from play, but Stradbally responded with late scores from John Coffey and Curran to book their place in the final. Tweet

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