Sun June 9 - Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke's v Tipperary

Fr. Tom Burke’s 2-13 Tipperary 2-15

Tipperary just about held on to claim a win in the first senior hurling outing of the season.  It was a close faught encounter, with Tom’s looking strong in the half back line and with both corner forwards of Galway inter-county vintage.  Tipperary tallied two goals in the first half, and along with the accuracy of Dublin starlet, Colin Currie, it was enough to carry them through in the end.

Tom's Eamonn Egan clears.

It was a close fought opening 30 minutes.  Tom’s got the early advantage with a Jack Coyne goal from close range following some good work and great ball in by John Buckley from midfield.   Tom’s were hurling well in the early going and not allowing Tipperary to gain a foothold in the game.  Matt Kenny at wing back and Eamon Egan at center back did well to keep the play headed in the direction of the Tipp goal. 

Tipperary got themselves into the game in the second quarter with the back line absorbing pressure and turning it into attack.  Conor Martin managed to scramble the ball over the line, and points from Currie and Martin followed as Tipp’s corner forwards showed their pedigree, Martin having hurled with Kilkenny.  For Tom’s, Cian Salmon converted twice from corner forward to nudge his side ahead.  Tipperary, however, struck with a second goal before the break to open a gap between the teams.  It was the Kilkenny man, Martin who hit from inside the 21 yard line.  Tipp finished the half with another point to make it a 2-7 to 1-5 half time lead.

James Sweeney with ball in hand for Tipp.

The second half saw Tom’s come right back into the game.  The westerners opened the scoring with a goal and four points, to a point for Tipp, to level the scores.  With their own high caliber full forward line Tom’s looked dangerous at times.  Jack Coyne netted and points from Jason Costello, Coyne, Conor Martin and Paul O’Connor had the teams on level terms.  As in the first half Tipperary took hold eventually and put their stamp on the remainder of the half. 

Currie hit 6 points down the stretch, from frees and from play, as Tom’s struggled to find a way to overtake their opponents.  Vincent Doyle, Coyne and Sean Downey hit scores for Tom’s but there was no way to stem the Tipperary tide.  With time running out a goal was required, however, the Tipperary defence were not for giving anything away and it is the North American senior champions with a win to get 2019 off to a start.

Tom’s:  Kevin Flynn, Ian O’Shea, Damien O’Loughlin, Vincent Doyle, Eamon Egan, Matt Kenny, Paul O’Connor, Brian Flynn, John Buckely, Sean Downey, Jason Costello, Jack Coyne, Cian Salmon.

Tipp:  Dara Perry, Mark O’Keefe, Sean McGarr, Paul Morris, Paul Leopold, John Hamilton, Kyle Firman, Cronan Dempsey, Patrick Fitzgerald, Donal Burke, James Sweeney,  Conor Martin, Colin Currie.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun Aug 26 - Senior Hurling Final: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke's

Fr. Tom Burke’s 0-16 Tipperary 3-20

Tipperary captured the senior hurling title with a lot to spare, but the difference on the scoreboard was very unfair to a Tom’s team that came out to do battle, and were with the Tipp lads step for step, but for a couple of softly conceded goals that delivered severe blows to their efforts.  Tom’s matched Tipperary in almost every facet of the game, but sometimes a moment or two of brilliance can change the complexion of a game.  These moments came from Russell Quirke who netted unlikely goals late in the first half and early in the second to deliver double body blows to Tom’s.  Quirke ended up with a hat trick, but the first 2 were the key goals that made the difference.

Boston Senior Hurling Champions:  Tipperary

The opening 30 minutes were close run and played in almost perfect conditions for hurling.  There was a great atmosphere around the place, and hurling was crisp and clinical from both teams.  Each side showed some great hurling and there were some well taken scores.  Tom’s got a great performance from Dean Earls at corner back, who needed to be on his toes with the aforementioned Russell Quirke his assignment.  Quirke got away for a couple of points, and also for Tipp, Dean Coleman, Shane Bennett, and big Joe Coleman found the space between the uprights.  Joe Coleman almost netted, but a great save from Tom’s keeper Kevin Flynn denied the Wexfordman from 20 yards.

Tom’s got some good scores from Stiofan McMahon, Joyce-Power and Ali Dooey and kept Tipp reined in as the focus and concentration was there.  Dean Flood put in a good 30 minutes to keep the Tipp back line on their toes and also tallied a point.  With the teams tied at seven points each and half time fast approaching, Tipp net with a goal from nothing.  Quirke blocked down Tom’s keeper Kevin Flynn as he was delivering what appeared to be a routine clearance, and all of a sudden Tom’s were in a 3 point hole.  Tom’s stuck with it and kept the intensity level up, ending the half with a McMahon point to make it a 2 point half time difference, Tipperary 1-8 Tom’s 0-9.

The teams traded points to open the second half, one a brilliant one handed effort from Joyce-Power after fielding in the Tipp penalty area.  The score reduced the gap to a single point.  However, each time Tom’s appeared to have the opportunity to gain the edge, Tipp answered with a score of their own.  It was ding dong stuff to that point.  Quirke answered Joyce-Power’s score quickly, and Joe Coleman added another.  McMahon reduced the gap to 2 points again, but Tipp answered through James Maher. 

With the game reaching the critical final 15 minutes, Tipp hit with 2 goals.  Both came from Quirke who really stepped up a gear at corner forward in the second half.  The first was a 21 yard free.  Quirke went for the goal, and caught the men on the Tom’s line napping as the shot hit the back of the net and made it a 7 point game.  The second came soon afterwards and really put the outcome to bed after smashing the sliotar into the far corner. 

Tom’s had to all to do now with 3 goals in the difference.  Joe Coleman added another superb score from distance as Tipp were in full flow now with the cushion.  Tom’s managed to cut the gap with points from Flood and McMahon, but every ball into Quirke had danger written all over it.  Tipp finished the game with a flourish, and substitute Harry O’Connor put over a couple of nice points.  Tipperary follow last year’s Boston Northeast junior title with a senior, and now try to do the same in Philadelphia at the USGAA finals.

Tipp:  Evan Condon, Daragh Fanning, Sean McGarr, Kieran Bennett, Jerry O’Neill, John Kindregan, Paul Morris, Cronan Dempsey, Shane Bennett, Joe Coleman, James Maher, Russell Quirke, Dean Coleman.

Tom’s:  Kevin Flynn, Dean Earls, Vincent Doyle, Aaron Moore, Cormac Joyce-Power, Dylan Costello, Jason Costello, Seamue Higgins, Dean Flood, Shane Howley, John Buckley, Stiofan McMahon, Ali Dooey.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling - Tipperary v Offaly

Tipperary 6- 19 Offaly 0-12

Tipperary were a level or two above Offaly in a game in which the faithful county battled hard, but could not match the power of their opponents.  Joe Coleman and Jerry O’Neill in the Wexford forward line provided a mountain that Offaly could not overcome.

Russell Quirke looks for assistance.

Joe Coleman at center forward was the powerhouse for Tipperary in the first half.  The St. Martin’s man was involved with almost everything happening for Tipperary.  Whether it was the free taking, one early score came from well inside his own half of the field, or from play, the Wexfordman was hard to stop.  John Kindregan also did well at wing back for Tipp, the veteran intervened to put a stop to ball played into to Offaly forward line. Tipp netted three times in the opening half, Jerry O’Neill at corner forward was dangerous and claimed two of the goals, Russell Quirke in the opposite corner the third.  Offaly kept at it however, and converted points from Niall Mannion frees, while Jack Dunphy and Emmet Moran battled hard in the back line.  Tipp were too strong however, and at the half it was Tipp holding the aces at a score of 3-11 to 0-5.

Harry O'Connor on the ball.

Early in the second half the Tipp men bagged another goal, this one from Dylan Hyland who had entered play as a sub.  The teams traded scores, however another goal came for Tipperary as they underlined their superiority.  Each side gave the subs a run early as the outcome was beyond doubt.  Offaly brought some respectability to the scoreboard with some converted frees.  Tipperary looking like a class above in their first 2 outings, but are sure to have a tougher time of it when they meet Galway next week.

Tipp:  Evan Condon, Darragh Fanning, Sean McGarr, Paul Morris, Kieran Bennett, John Kindregan, Simon Kennedy, Cronan Dempsey, Joe O’Connor, Joe Coleman, Harry O’Connor, Jerry O’Neill, Russell Quirke.

Offaly:  Gary Sherlock, Emmet Moran, Jack Dunphy, Jack Murray, Oisin McCormack, Conor Grimes, Donal O’Dwyer, Robert Croft, Brian Ramsey, Cillian Campbell, Chris McMahon, Niall Mannion, Stephen Brown.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Wexford

Tipperary 6-23 Wexford -1-4

The senior hurling championship got off to a start with a fairly one sided game between Wexford and Tipperary.  Wexford, who fielded more or less a home based team, did well to hold off Tipp in the first quarter, but a couple of Tipp goals mid-way through the opening half and the sending off of Tom Davey, led to the floodgates opening and a Tipp wave engulfing the Wexford boys.  Tipperary’s forward line looks to be a formidable force this season.  With Joe Coleman at center forward and Russell Quirke and Dean Coleman at corner forwards, Tipp looked like a well-oiled machine at times.  The St. Martin’s clubman led the forward line well.   In the middle of the field Tipp stalwart Cronan Dempsey, looks as fit as he has in recent years, and this early indication point to Tipp being there come August.

Tipperary hurlers looking strong on their first outing.

Wexford had Paddy Naughton doing well at corner forward and ticking over some early frees, while for Tipp all 5 forwards had scored in the first 15 minutes.  The aforementioned three, along with wing forwards Stephen Lambert and Jerry O’Neill, had found the mark in the early going.  Wexford back line were under a lot of pressure and worked hard, but once the goals came the ice would be broken.  A goal came from a well worked interaction between Quirke and Coleman and that was followed by an unfortunate one from a Wexford standpoint.  A high ball that looked to be harmlessly dropping on the edge of the large box was tipped into the goal by Quirke.  Wexford answered with a goal from Jon Joe O’Neill following some hard work by Paddy Naughton, but that was the highlight of the game from a Wexford perspective.  It did not help that Tom Davey got sent off following a challenge on Coleman late in the half, and now a man down the situation looked bad from a Wexford standpoint.

Wexford hurlers will be hoping for better against Galway in 2 weeks time.

The second half saw a continuation of the first.  Goals were banged in by Quirke and Coleman as the teams played out time.   A few minor scuffles broke out with yellows issues to each side.  Tipperary looking strong in the early going.

Tipp:  Evan Condon, Daragh Fanning, Sean McGarr, Paul Morris, Kieran Bennett, John Kindregan, Joe O’Connor, Cronan Dempsey, Jerry O’Neill, Joe Coleman, Stephen Lambert, Dean Coleman, Russell Quirke.

Wexford:  Eoghan Kavanagh, Tom Davey, Mark Bermingham, Liam Og Magill, Denis Breenan, Tom Maloney, JJ O’Neill, Greg Lundy, Lyndon Kiley, Jason Foley, Jamie Kehoe, Peter Codd, Paddy Naughton.

By Rory O'Donnell

Blues and Tipp Bring the Silverware Back East.

San Francisco hosted the 2017 North American GAA finals on Labor Day weekend.  The games were played at Pairc na nGael on Treasure Island, San Francisco GAA’s home facility.  Treasure Island is a man-made island in the middle of San Francisco Bay that was created from dredging the harbor to make for safer shipping channels.  The island was created in 1937-38 and the Golden Gate Exposition was held there in 1939, from which a lot of art deco style buildings remain.   The island was also the home for a naval station, and the San Francisco GAA opened their fields there in 2009.   It is accessible by road via the Bay Bridge and is just a short drive from downtown San Francisco.

Six teams from the Boston Northeast division made the 3,000 mile journey west to participate in the finals.  In senior competiton were the Shannon Blues footballers, Fr. Tom Burke’s hurlers, and Boston Shamrocks Ladies footballers.  Cork competed in the junior A football, Tipperary in junior A hurling, and Donegal in junior B football. 

A Great First North American for the Shannon Blues.

Saturday saw two Boston teams progress into the finals.  The Shannon Blues had a convincing win against Donegal Philadelphia with goals from James Feeney, Kieran Hurley and Darren Wallace seeing them to a 6-10 to 0-6 win.  Tipperary also made the Junior A hurling final with a 4-18 to 1-5 win over Vancouver. 

The Shannon Blues captured the senior football championship for the first time in the history of the club on Sunday.  The Boston side faced host team, Sean Treacy’s in the final.  The Blues fielded 5 of the starters from the Boston final two weeks earlier, and included no less than 6 players from the junior team in the starting 13.  Playing with the wind in the first half, the visitors built a sizeable six point lead at half time.  Kieran Hurley swung over some well taken efforts, with Darren Wallace doing some great running.   A goal from Hurley just before half time saw the Blues into a 1-7 to 0-4 lead at the break, but Treacy’s would have that wind advantage in the second half. 

The home side made the push and the game was tied coming down the stretch.  With the Blues struggling to make headway against the breeze, Treacy’s won most every midfield ball and capitalized on the possession.  Eventually a penalty brought it to two points, Mike Moriarty got his fingertips to the ball, but the kick had too much behind it and the it found the back of the net.  The Blues back line was under extreme pressure and had to dig in.  Two more points made it level and Treacy’s had the momentum, but wasted several golden chances to go ahead.  There was a late push in the Blues however, and the Boston side wet into a one point lead after substitute Jimmy Maher put them ahead. Fresh legs from Pat Moriarty also helped the Blues cause.  After the sides were level again, Moriarty won a scrappy kickout and set Darren Wallace free for a point to put the Blues one to the good again. 

After Treacy’s missed another chance, a quick kickout to Barry Hartnett set up a goal in a move involving Wallace and Moriarty, and finished with emphasis by none other than maestro, Hurley.  Treacy’s had one last chance to score and the shot flashed across the face of goal.  And so it was the Blues 2017 North American Senior Football champions by a score of 2-11 to 1-10.  It was a great victory to top off a season that saw them grow into the Boston championship and come good at the right time. 

The Blues team that captured the first ever North American Senior Football Championship for the club was:  Michael Moriarty, Derek O'Brien, Fionn Herlihy, Trevor Wallace, Barry Harnett, Conor Kerins, Pat Murray (AB), Maurice Young (AB), Steven Conway, Darren Wallace, Conor Fitzgerald (AB), Steven Conroy, Kieran Hurley.  Jimmy Maher, Pat Moriarty, James Feeney, Mike St. Bernard (AB), Shane Kelly, Conor Mullen.

Tipperary ended up capturing the Junior championship with room to spare after great overall team performance.  Facing an Auston Texas side, the Boston lads had put plenty of daylight between themselves and the Cowboys by half time.  With captain Jimmy Maher on form, and Seanie McGarr and Cathal Madden tight at corner back, it was a 4-10 to 1-8 half time lead for the Premier county.  Sean Delaney pulled off two wonderful saves and at the other end of the field the bulk of the scores went to Russell Quirke.  The Cappaghwhite man tallied 7 points from frees and ended with a haul of 4-7.  Joseph O’Sullivan tallied 3-3 in the other corner, while Cronan Dempsey chipped in with two points from center back. 

Fr. Tom's came up against a strong Naomh Padraig side from San Fran.

Cork junior A footballers were unlucky to get knocked out at the semi-final stage by a last minute goal having led by 0-16 to 0-14. The Boston Shamrocks came up against a very fit Charlotte team, which contained just 2 Irish born players, and an Olympian playing in goals.  The Shamrocks came back with the help of goals from Sara Jane McDonald and Eadoin Connolly after falling behind early, however the Charlotte keeper proved to be a game saver as on two occasions in the final stages.  With the Shamrocks putting the pressure on, Sara Jane McDonald and Shannon Mullen were through only to be denied by point blank saves.  The final score was Boston Shamrocks 3-6 Charlotte 5-9.  Donegal junior B footballers were also denied a place in the final following a 2 point loss to San Diego.  Diarmuid Moyne and Matthew Cutliffe were on form up front, and at the back Ciaran McDevitt and Sean Winston defended well.  There was a chance to win it at the end, however, Gerard O’Kane’s shot blazed wide with the keeper to beat.  Fr. Tom’s also went out at the first hurdle to a strong home team in Naomh Padraig who went on the win the championship. 

And so, the end of another Boston and North American GAA season with 2 national trophies headed back to the New England.  A year from now the finals come back east with Philadelphia hosting.

By Rory O'Donnell

Boston Northeast GAA Finals Next Sunday

Sunday August 20 - Irish Cultural Center, Canton Mass.

4:00 Senior Football Final – Shannon Blues v Aidan McAnespies

McAnespies have made it this far against the odds - can they take the final step?

So, we are down to the last two teams standing after a very close run senior football championship.  Starting with the Shannon Blues.  The Blues have at times looked unstoppable this year, and at other times disjointed and perhaps a little uninterested.  Most of these players have played together over the last several years in Boston, and know each other’s style and tendencies.  The Blues can play physical and can play fast.  All positions on the field are more than adequately covered with the starting 13.  With the diamond of Barry Hartnett, Wayne Guthrie, Brian O’Seanachain, and Darren Wallace, the Blues are sure to win plenty of possession around the middle of the field.   Kieran Hurley and Josh Ryan can convert in the full forward line, while Greg Horan and Lee O’Donoghue can take the scores from farther out the field.  Brian “Biscuits” Kennedy has taken the Blues to the promised land before and the team is on a 4 game winning streak.  The Blues beat McAnespies earlier this year, however, this will be a different game. 

McAnespies made it to the playoffs as the sixth team in the door, and have made the final the hard way.  An extra time game against the Connemara Gaels, and a physical battle with Donegal have been character forming and in these games, the team has shown considerable mental resolve.  One thing McAnespies can do, and do it very well, is defend.  A strategy of getting behind the ball and forcing turnovers or poor percentage shots has worked the last 3 games.  Players such as Robbie Croft have been in an unfamiliar role deep inside their own defence, but have adapted well to winning possession and keeping it.  What McAnespies will be missing is Brian Breslin, who will be suspended for the final following last Sunday’s red card.  However, Marty Mongan has proven to be a goal threat on the edge of the square, and with points engineered by the running of Ferghal McGeough, Michael Walsh, and Niall Rooney, and the leadership of Danny McBride, McAnespies have found a way to make it work. 

The Blues will be the favourites in this one, however, we have learned not to write McAnespies off.  If it still close coming into the final 15 minutes be prepared for anything.

Junior A Football

1:00 Cork v Shannon Blues

Shannon Blues Juniors take the field for a final for the first time since 1999.

Cork have made the junior A football for the first time since 2014.  The rebels scraped through against the Connemara Gaels in the semi-final last week, but for the reprieve of an injury time penalty, Cork could have been on the outside looking in.  Cork showed resolve in reining in a wide Gaels lead, and the experience of that should stand to them in the final.  Cork’s talisman is their all-rounder, Cathail Arnold.  Arnold is the go to guy when the chips are down.  The Mourne man makes a difference whether playing in the middle of the field or in a more forward position, and close to goal the alarm bells ring when he has the ball in hand.  Paudi O’Shea is another dangerman.  O’Shea usually plays at corner forward and knows the way to goal, whether from play or frees.  In the middle of the field Jack Lynch has developed into a strong player.  Lynch has been an underage talent to keep an eye on over the years, and now is starting to deliver on that potential.  At the back club stalwarts Seamus Loftus, Colm Caffrey, and Darren O’Donovan will be tasked with holding the fort in the face of a determined Blues challenge, and will be looking to keep the goals out as this has been their Achilles heel recently.

The Blues have not been here in almost 20 years and now is a chance for dedicated clubmen and local youth products such as Pat Murray, Conor Fitzgerald, and Maurice Young to take the field in the biggest game of the season.  The Blues have a team that can play some nice football.  Mike Moriarty is steady in goal, and the experience of Shane Kelly, Derek O’Brien, Pat Moriarty, Conor Mullen and Mike Ralston will stand to the Blues in the heat of a final.  Combined with the talented Shane Connaughton (nephew of Bernie), and up front, Jack Goulding, the Blues make a strong case to claim the Pat Callaghan Cup.  Last week’s semi-final saw the Blues dethrone a good Donegal team with room to spare.  This game could go down to the wire.

Junior A Hurling Final

2:30 Tipperary v Offaly

Tipperary won the Sheehan Cup in June - can they add the junior championship on Sunday? 

Offaly beat Tom’s out to make it to the final to face Tipperary next Sunday.  The semi-final went to extra time, and with an extra man Offaly eased through in the additional period.  Jimmy Rigney is the first player that comes to mind when thinking of Offaly.  Rigney has the experience and know how, as well as a deft touch that can make all the difference.  Offaly’s half back Iine did well in the semi-final with Rian Dempsey, Jack Murray, and Adrian Cleary the starting point for Offaly attacks.  Along with a solid goalkeeper in Gary Sherlock and Stephen Brown at the other end capable of putting up more than a few scores, Offaly will be hoping to give Tipperary a rattle.

For their part the Premier County boys have been just that all season – the Premier Team.  Tipp have won every game by double digits.  Offaly managed to keep them to 10 points earlier in the year, and that is as close as anyone has got.  Whether Tipp will be held remains to be seen.  Tipp have a handful of seasoned campaigners at the senior level in Sean Delaney, Sean McGarr, and Cronan Dempsey.   Their major strength is at the corner forward positions with Russell Quirke and Sean Stafford liable to rack up the scores and put the game out of sight within a short period.  Along with Pat Moriarty, Kieran Lowrey and captain, Jimmy Maher, at center forward, Tipperary will be confident that Sunday will deliver the junior A championship.  Few would predict that it will turn out otherwise, but, stranger things have happened.

Junior C Hurling Championship Final

Barley House Wolves and Worcester will meet for the 2017 Junior C Hurling title at stake.

The junior C hurlers from Worcester and Concord NH will be on the main field Sunday to battle for the Northeast championship.  The Barley House Wolves from Concord finished top of the table, and Worcester close behind with 2 less points.  Their encounter during the season finished in a tie, so all signs point to a close game between these two teams.  Each side contains plenty of talent, and at this stage, plenty of stalwarts for their club’s cause.  Expect some fireworks from this one, the Sean Naughton, Dan Hannah, Alec Foley, Michael Gregoire and Co will be eager to defend the title they won last season and make it two in a row for the BHW.  Worcester, will be just as committed to taking it away down the Mass Pike. 

By Rory O'Donnell

Junior A Hurling: Tom's v Offaly, Galway v Tipp

Galway 0-8 Tipperary 4-20

Tipperary secured another one-sided win in the junior A hurling championship with a victory over Galway.  Within 10 minutes Tipp led by a goal and 5 to no score, and by half time it was a massive 4-15 to a point.  Tipp forwards were picking off points at will, with Russell Quirke, Sean Stafford and Jimmy Maher having a field day.  Galway managed to keep themselves from getting blanked thanks to a point from Cian Clifford.

Shane Jordan and Cronan Dempsey

Galway made a better fist of things in the second half, Clifford tagged a handful of points and with the job done, Tipperary made some changes and eased off the gas a little.  Two big wins for Tipp in the opening rounds, tougher challenges to come for them with Tom’s and Offaly perhaps?

Galway:  Ray Grealish, Michael Lennon, Dan O’Leary, David Lynch, James Tyrell, Seamus Loftus, Kieran Morissey, Aidan Murphy, David Lordan, Cian Clifford, Enda Feeney, Shane Jordan, Conor Nolan.

Tipp:  Sean Delaney, Sean mcGarr, Cathal Madden, Paul Morris, Cronan Dempsey, Pat Moriarty, Simon Kennedy, Kieran Lowrey, Tom Conway, Jimmy Maher, Dinny Crosse, Russel Quirke, Sean Stafford.

Fr. Tom Burke’s 3-16 Offaly 3-19

Saturday evening saw Offaly and Tom’s get their respective campaigns off to an exciting start.  In an open, clean game of hurling, Offaly got off to a great start and in the second half Tom’s made a tremendous comeback, but the Faithful county managed to keep ahead to secure the first points in their defence of the title. 

Offaly started with a stiff breeze in their favour and looked like they had run away with the game.  At half time it was 3-12 to 0-6 in favor of the champions.  The second half was a mirror image with Tom’s using the breeze to pull themselves back within a point with 15 minutes still to go.  Offaly did not register their first second half score until the final quarter, but when they did put 5 unanswered over the bar to open the championship with a win.

By Rory O'Donnell

Saturday August 13 - Junior A Hurling: Galway v Tipperary

Galway 4-17 Tipperary 0-12

Galway and Tipperary took the field with placings at stake, both teams were already booked into the semi-finals for next weekend.  The Tribesmen ended up with the win a joint top placing in the table with Offaly on the back of three timely goals that pegged Tipp back just as the Premier side were making a run.

Galway Junior Hurlers looked good on Saturday.

Galway got off to the better start and opened with four unanswered points, a couple of John Moylan frees sandwiched between scores from Steven Dineen and Padraig Landers.  Sean Delaney got Tipp off the mark with a Sean Delaney point, but Galway’s half back line did a good job of sweeping up the balls into the Tipp forward line.  Even Tipp marksman Peter O’Keefe was a little out of tune and the first three shots drifted wide far post.  Leading by a score of 0-7 to 0-2 Galway hit with a goal from a very well placed Moylan shot.

Tipp started hitting O’Keefe in the corner with regularity and the speedy corner forward hit four points, forcing Galway to make an adjustment in the back line.  Tommy McGovern at center back for Galway snuffed out several Tipp threats and Galway finished the half with two points to lead 1-10 to 0-6.

Tipperary juniors have their work cut out to beat Galway in next Saturday's semi-final.

Just when Tipperary looked like they were making a comeback, Galway hit with a second goal.  O’Keefe had pointed another four unanswered and the gap between the teams, which had stood at nine points, was down to five.  Cue Moylan, a run at the goal and a shot billowed the opposite side of the net.  Galway back in command.

Tipp had a couple of half chances to pull back a goal, but on each occasion the ball rolled past the wrong side of the post.  Galway lost midfielder Padraig Landers with what looked like a hand injury, and will be hoping for a return for next week’s semi-final.  With his name written on the card to make way for a substitute, JJ Doyle fetched a high ball into the box and booted a fourth Galway goal.  A good win for Galway in advance of next week’s semi-final where the draw pits the two sides against each other again, only this time with a place in the final at stake.   

Galway:  R. Grealish, M. Lennon, J. Loftus, C. Clifford, T. McGovern, J. Kinsella, G. Walsh, P. Landers, B. McGowan, J. Moylan, S. Dinneen, JJ Doyle, E. Daniels. 

Tipp:  M. McGrath, S. Sinnott, D. O’Brien, P. Moriarty, C. Madden, D. O’Donovan, S. Fortune, K. Kavanagh, M. Kavanagh, M. Moriarty, S. Delaney, D. Larkin, P. O’Keefe.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Wexford v Tipperary

Tipperary 3-13 Wexford 1-16

Tipperary did enough in the first half to claim the points over a Wexford side that started the game very slow, but were a transformed side in the second half and made a run at pulling off a result.  Tipp made it look easy in the first 30 minutes, but had to work in the second to hold off a late challenge that saw Wexford cut a 10 point half time lead to four.  Wexford left it too late, however, and Tipp won the game to leave Wexford looking up at the other 3 clubs in the table.

Tipp had the measure of Wexford at the ICC on Sunday.

Tipperary dominated proceedings in the opening half.  With Limerick duo Barry Nash and Cian Lynch on the half forward line, Tipp lorded over proceedings.  Nash opened with two points, and further scores were added from Lynch and Mark Kavanagh at corner forward before Tipp hit their first goal.  Lynch netted from a tight angle on the edge of the square, and shortly afterwards was followed by another from Kavanagh.   This was all too easy for the defending champions.

Wexford were unable to find a real foothold in the game but as the first period wore on found some measure of success and put 4 points over the bar from Shane Ryan to get off the ground.  Tipperary, however, were up to most anything that Wexford could throw at them and at the break went in ahead by 2-8 to 0-4.

The second half saw Wexford claw their way back into the game.  An early penalty helped, and Ryan made no mistake.  Tipp answered in kind with a Nash penalty after holding in the box, but in the points column it was Wexford who made up ground.  Kieran O’Dea made a difference after coming on at corner forward, and Ryan made the most of frees earned by the Slaneysiders.  Entering the final 15 minutes it was a six point game and Wexford hopes were up.

The last quarter was Tipp’s defenders who were put to the test.  Sean Nally, Michael Carey and Andrew Ryan had to step in on several occasions to cut out the Wexford threat.  Shane Ryan was still the main scoring threat for Wexford and added three scores to Tipp’s one to give Wexford hope of pulling off a comeback.  Tipp managed to hang on and do enough to ward off the Wexford threat.  Jason Bergin pointed late for insurance, and two late points from Eoghan Kavanagh and Paudge Guinan, left a goal between the sides, but the clock ran out on Wexford and the Brighton men need a win in their next outing against Fr. Tom’s next week.

Tipp:  J. Maher, M. Casey, C. Neville, B. Troy, A. Ryan, S. Nally, C. Dempsey, P. Ryan, B. Nash, L. Moloney, C. Lynch, M. O’Malley, M. Kavanagh.  Wexford:  D. O’Callaghan, J. McCarthy, D. Guinan, R. Sludds, B. Phelan, D. Walsh, T. Moloney, E. Kavanagh, G. Murphy, E. Flaherty, P. O’Connor, S. Ryan.

Saturday afternoon saw the Galway senior Hurlers complete a Galway double over Fr. Tom Burke’s with an emphatic 7-17 to 1-9 victory.  With Corkmen Jamie Coughlin and Mark Ellis in the side, Galway bagged three early goals that set the tone for the rest of the game.  An early sending off reduced Tom’s to 12 men and Galway cruised for the rest of the game.  The win puts Galway on top of the table and in pole position for the automatic final berth.

By Rory O'Donnell

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

Senior Hurling: Wexford v Tipperary

Wexford 1-10 Tipperary 1-18

With Wexford still looking for their first win of the senior hurling championship and Tipperary looking for sole position at the top of the table the sides met Sunday afternoon.  It was Tipp who accomplished their mission with some strong performances from Wille Egan, Adrian Morrissey and Jason Bergin, who popped up with a goal in the second half to send Tipp on their way.

Wexford's Richie Doyle in possession.

 The teams slugged it out for the first half, and at the end of the 30 minutes Tipp had the edge by four points.  Tipperary looked strong with Willie Egan at center back, former Waterford intercounty star, Stephen Molumphy, in the middle of the field, and Adrian Morrissey at corner forward all doing their bit.    

Stephen Molumphy tries to gather under close attention.

It was tit for tat for most of the half, though Wexford had Jamie Barry to thank for a great save from Mikey Ryan as Tipperary pressed in the early going.  Morrissey was the man on the mark for Tipp with five pointed frees and two points from play while Wexford got contributions on the scoreboard from many quarters, Eoghan Kavanagh, Niall Kennedy, Jamie Desmond, and John O’Driscoll each contributed.  With Tipperary threatening to pull away having opened a 4 point lead, Wexford pulled a goal back through Paudge Kehoe to make it a one point game at the break, 1-6 to 0-10 in Tipp’s favor.

Tipperary made several switches in the second half and the fresh legs made a difference as the second half wore on.  The heat took its toll on Kinnity man Jimmy Rigney who had to leave due to dehydration.  After trading two points each, Jason Bergin and Morrissey put back to back points over and Tripp then hit with a goal from Bergin to make it a six point game.  Bergin and Morrissey added two more points and the Tipp advantage had ballooned to eight. 

With Egan in command at center back, and wing backs Tommy Rigney and Andy McRedmond who replaced brother Jimmy in support, Wexford’s chances did not look too good.  Murray and Desmond pulled a couple of points back, but Tipp had them back at 8 points through Morrissey and Egan.  Wexford had a handful of half chances at net, however Clinton Hennessey was not too troubled dealing with the danger.  Tipp eased to the win, While Wexford will be hoping for a win or two in the second part of the season to keep playoff hopes alive.

Wexford:  S. Barry, J. Keyes, C. Robinson, M. Morris, J. Desmond, T. Moloney, J. Kehoe, C. Murray, P. Kehoe, R. Doyle, N. Kennedy, J. O’Driscoll, E. Kavanagh.  Tipp:  C. Hennessy, D. Moloney, P. Meade, J. Rigney, W. Egan, T. Rigney, S. Molumphy, R. Sludds, B. O’Leary, J. Bergin, M. O’Leary, M. Ryan, A. Morrissey.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling Semi-Final: Galway v Tipperary

Galway 0-21 Tipperary 2-12

Galway made their fifth senior hurling final on the trot by coming through a testing game against a Tipperary side that never gave up.  Galway threatened to put the game out of sight in the first half, but Tipperary hung in and in the second half reduced the gap to two points.  Galway however, rallied when they needed to and came through by three points thanks to some timely scores from John Moylan, Paul Holden, and James Regan.

Splinters fly as Galway and Tipp clash.

A stiff breeze favoured Galway in the first half and the tribesmen capitalized.  There were several scores from distance.  Regan in the middle of the field accounted for a handful of well taken points, Rory Hickey and Holden added to the tally.  Galway had plenty of room to shoot from the middle areas of the field.  Each time Tipperary managed a score, it was answered in kind by Galway as the Premier men could not put back to back points together.  Corner back Niall O’Connor was shown the line with about 20 minutes gone to add to Tipperary’s difficulties.  At the break Galway held a fairly comfortable looking six point lead, 0-13 to 0-7.

Michael Harney controls as Greg Lally awaits.

The second half saw Tipperary draw closer.  A couple of early points, one of which could have been a goal from Kevin O’Brien, narrowed the gap.  Galway got off the mark in the second period with a fine John Moylan point and another from Holden to steady the tribesmen’s ship.  With the difference between the teams at seven points Tipp worked an opening beautifully for Michael Harney to hit the net.  Two Paul Buggy frees made it a two point game as Tipp worked hard to turn the tables, with Cronan Dempsey covering a lot of ground to keep the rally going.

Galway reawakened however.  Moylan, Holden, and a fantastic effort from Regan made it a two score game.  Tipp went looking for goals as time was a factor and eventually one came from the boot of substitute, Mark Kavanagh though the full time whistle beckoned.  Galway had the final say with a Holden free and with that time was up.  Galway through to the final to meet Tom’s in next Sunday’s final, and a chance at a Boston title and North American finals place.

Galway:  J. Skehill, P. Dowling, C. Murphy, S. Phelan, G. Lally, JJ Doyle, J. Regan, O. Floyd, P. Holden, R. Hickey, J. Moylan, T. O’Hanrahan, R. Cummins.  Tipp:  C. Hennessy, N. O’Connor, S. McGarr, S. Nally, P. Flaherty, J. Kindregan, C. Dempsey, R. Sludds, T. Devine, A. McRedmond, J. Kelleher, K. O’Brien, M. Harney.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun Aug 10 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Tipperary

Galway 1-18 Tipperary 1-11

Galway and Tipperary met in a preview of next Sunday’s quarter final.  There was little at stake in the game except to perhaps get a feel for the opposition ahead of next Sunday’s big game.  There were some spectacular moments and well taken scores, but it was fairly tame stuff in advance of the more intense action to come a week from now.

Tom Devine gets his shot off.

At the break it was Tipp a point to the good, seven points to six.  Greg Lally at center back put some impressive scores over the bar for Galway.  Paul Holden, Rory Hickey, and James Regan followed suit.  For Tipperary Rory Sludds, Mark Kavanagh and Jack Kelleher pointed as the game trotted along at three quarter pace.

The punters were treated to some spectacular moments however.  One was in the form of a fabulous Clinton Hennessy save from Ger Malone who shot inside the 21.  Odhran Floyd accounted for a couple of well taken points to put Galway into a one point lead, and Lally’s display of shooting was something to behold.  A Tom Devine goal for Tipperary, with a cheeky finish, was cancelled out by a James Skehill 21 yard free that skipped off the turf and into the net.  Paul Holden frees put Galway into the lead late in the half as the tribesmen took the points and officially second place in the standings.

Galway finished second in the standings and will meet Tipp
next week in the semi-final.

The teams meet at 3:45 next Sunday to decide who will advance to meet Fr. Tom’s in the final.

Galway:  J. Skehill, P. Dowling, C. Murphy, D. Sweetland, G. Lally, JJ Doyle, O. Floyd, J. Regan, P. Wolden, R. Hickey, G. Malone, B. McNamara, M. Lennon.  Tipp:  C. Hennessy, L. Varley, S. mcGarr, J. Kindregan, P. Flaherty, S. Nally, C. Dempsey, R. Sludds, K. O’Brien, P. Moriarty, M. Kavanagh, J. Kelleher, T. Devine.

By Rory O'Donnell