Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke's

Tipperary 5-28 Fr. Tom Burke’s 0-12

Tipperary confirmed their credentials as favourites for the senior hurling crown with a demolition of Fr. Tom Burke’s.  Tipp led by six points at the break, and were full value for their lead, however, shortly into the second half the Premier county were in little danger of failing to win top spot on the table.  A David Reidy goal early in the half was followed by a string of points, and Tom’s were pretty much hoping for the final whistle well before it was due.

Tipperary held a handsome eight point half time lead.  There was some impeccably controlled hurling from the Tipp men, taking their time to find a fellow blue and gold shirt before releasing the ball.  Michael O’Leary’s presence in the half forward line was a huge asset to Tipp, when in possession O’Leary was hard to stop.  Adrian Morrissey was on the mark from the dead ball and added a couple of well taken points from play. 

James Rigney gets Tipp going forward.

After Tipperary had opened with a five points to one tally, Tom’s started to make a comeback.  Paddy Purcell, Sean McClelland and Paul Winters pointed to narrow the gap.  Tipp, however, pulled away in the latter stages of the opening period.  A penalty after Michael Ryan was bundled over the box was converted by Morissey, and the goal provided Tipp with the impetus to build on it.  Points were added by Morrissey and Stephen Molumphy and the lead grew to eight points.  A goal chance fell for David O’Mahoney just before the break, and Clinton Hennessy was sharp to it to deny a lifeline goal for Tom’s going into the second half. 

The Balls' up for grabs between Tipp and Tom's.

The mountain just kept getting steeper for Tom’s as the game wore on.  Two quick points were followed by a goal by David Reidy.  A short puckout went wrong, and Reidy was in with just the keeper to beat and made no mistake with the strike.  Tipp tallied 1-8 to a point for Tom’s as the outcome was in no doubt with 20 minutes to go.  Michael Ryan added another goal, and the rest was academic.  Tipp looking good coming into the final stretch of the season while Tom’s will be looking to rebound in their next outing against a strengthened Wexford side.

Tipp:  C. Hennessy, S. McGarr, D. Maloney, J. Rigney, W. Egan, T. Rigney, S. Molumphy, C. Dempsey, M. O’Leary, J. Bergin, A. Morrissey, M. Ryan, D. Reidy.  Tom’s:  A. Keating, S. Og Lyons, C. Burgin, S. McClelland, K. Kennedy, S. Dolan, P. Winters, D. Purcell, D. Costello, N. Burke, C. Burke, D. O’Mahoney, S. Howley.

By Rory O'Donnell