Sunday July 29 - Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke's

Fr. Tom Burke’s 2 -11 Tipperary 7-18

Tipperary look like odds on favourites for the senior hurling championship based on their display on Sunday where they handily defeated a Tom’s team that had beaten Galway the week before.  With players of the strength of Jerry O’Neill at center back and Joe Coleman at center forward, Tipp powered through Tom’s to put the game away before half time.

Fr. Tom's Jack Martyn turns.

The first half was a tight affair for about 20 minutes until Tipperary put away 2 goals in quick succession to establish a formidable 11 point lead.  Tom’s started well, and an early goal kept them in it.  After 15 minutes the sides were level, 1-4 for Tom’s to 0-7 for Tipp.  Tom’s goal came from Dwane Palmer, the Camross man had just the keeper to beat from 21 yards and made no mistake.

Tipperary took over however for the second 15 minutes of the opening period.  Joe Coleman put a free over from about the middle of the field, and from the Tom’s puckout Tipp won possession and Coleman was there to drive the ball into the far corner.  The goal was followed by a fantastic point from Kieran Bennett who displayed considerable skill to keep the ball on the run and put it over from a tight angle.  Tipperary then took over the game, putting the ball into the net 3 more times before the break. Dean Coleman made a great run to set up Russell Quirke for one, and for another Quirke cheekily lobbed the ball over the keeper into the far corner.  Tipp in total control at the half, 4-11 to 1-6.

Joe Coleman lines up a shot.

Two Tipp goals early in the second half served almost as a warning to Tom’s to not even think of attempting a comeback.  Coleman got both goals to rack up a hat trick of majors.  Tom’s introduced Vincent Doyle, Conor Freeman, and Seamie Higgins from the line and their efforts got somewhat of a lift.  Doyle and Freeman put a brace of points over between them, but Tipp powered on ahead with some skillful scores from Dean Coleman and Quirke, and a Joe Coleman penalty really rubbed in the salt.

Tom’s had a couple of chances to chances to bang in another goal or two, but Tipp keeper Evan Condon did well to keep the ball out on both occasions.  Not that it mattered in terms of championship placement, Tipperary have the bye into the final, while Tom’s and Galway will meet in the semi to decide the other finalist in 3 week’s time.

Tom’s:  Kevin Flynn, Craig Taylor, Dean Earls, Danny Burke, Michael Moloney, Dylan Costello, Dwane Palmer, Jason Costello, Shane Howley, Dean Flood, John Buckley, Ali Dooey, Jack Martyn.

Tipp:  Evan Condon, Daragh Fanning, Sean McGarr, John Kindregan, Jerry O’Neill, Kieran Bennett, Simon Kennedy, Sean Delaney, Shane Bennett, Joe Coleman, Stephen Lambert, Russell Quirke, Dean Coleman.

By Rory O'Donnell