Sheehan Cup Second Round: Galway v Tipperary

Tipperary 0-21 Galway 1-7


Galway and Tipperary contested the opening game of the day. It was a complete turnaround from last week for Tipp who registered 21 points. Tipp no doubt were eager to make up for last week’s sub-par showing against Wexford, while for Galway it was their first outing of the year. The first half was mostly an evenly contested affair, however, Tipp came to grips with the game and ran away with it in the second half. Cronan Dempsey put in a captains performance in the middle of the field, while at the back John Roache and Brian Howley played well.

Tipp's John Kindregan and Galway's John Moylan.

There was not much between the teams in the first half. Stephen Brown opened the scoring for Galway with a well taken point. Tipp answered with three, one each from Andy McRedmond, Paul McGrath, and a John Roache free taken from well inside his own half of the field. In between John Moylan almost had the ball in the back of the net for Galway, however, Darragh Kealy got down well to make the save. Galway had trouble finding the men in the full forward line and many’s a ball dropped in was easy picking for Kealy in the Tipp goal. The Galway back line did well clearing their lines, center back Killian Murphy was busy for much of the half. Tipp stretched their lead as the half wore on and the pressure began to tell, yet fortunately for Galway not by as much as they could have. Tipp missed several good scoring chances. McRedmond pointed again and Roache fired over a ’70. Galway answered with points from Brown and Moylan, but Tipp had control over affairs. Towards the end of the half Tipp put four unanswered points over the bar, Brian Howley, McGrath, and Colm McCrory hitting the mark. At the half Tipp led by a score of 0-9 to 0-5.

Tipp killed the game off early in the second half. Playing with the breeze, it was a procession of scores from the men in blue and gold. Tipp opened up a 12 point lead before Galway could register a score. Every Tipp forward got on the scoreboard, however the pick of the scores in the second half came from Cronan Dempsey in midfield and John Roache from corner back. Galway tried to shuffle the forward line around, however could get nothing going save for a late consolation goal from Stephen Brown. A great turnaround performance from Tipp after last week’s flop, and Galway looking for some improvement next week.

Galway: C. Fahy, J. Kinsella, G. Sherlock, M. Brooks, K. Murphy, K. Finnegan, D. McMahon, A. Callnan, S. McComiskey, S. Brown, L. Byrne, N. Galvin, J. Moylan. Tipp: D. Kealey, J. Kindregan, J. Roache, A. McAnespie, B. Howley, J. Duane, C. Dempsey, M. Jordan, A. McRedmond, P. McGrath, C. McCrory, J. McGrath, S. Sinnott.


By Rory O'Donnell

Sheehan Cup First Round - Wexford v Tipperary

Sheehan Cup First Round: Wexford 2-14 Tipperary 0-1

Wexford showed some great early season form in their first outing of the year.

The Sheehan Cup opened Sunday with the meeting of the top two Boston hurling teams of the last few years. It was Wexford, however, that looked shockingly the more impressive of the two in a one-sided victory

Wexford laid down a marker for the rest of the season with this game. Assisted by a stiff breeze the Boys of Wexford established a substantial early lead. Tipperary forwards in contrast were trying to survive on scraps and what few chances fell their way were sent adrift of the posts. Wexford had too many weapons in their arsenal for Tipp to deal with. Tom Maloney, Gearoid O’Connor, and Shane Murphy were in fine form. Gags O’Connor put the first point of the 2011 hurling season over the bar with a fine effort from play and traffic was mostly headed in one direction from then on. More points followed from Colm Kearns, Jason Foley, Peter Ryan, and free taking of Shane Murphy was spot on. Before the game was 10 minutes old Wexford held a 7-point lead. Tipp managed to generate some scores but the wind in their faces accuracy suffered. With the back line under pressure and the forwards unable to make much of what fell their way, a comeback seemed unlikely in the second half. At the break Wexford held a handsome 11 points to no score for Wexford.

Peter Ryan and Cronan Dempsey Challenge for the ball.

The wind did not do much to assist Tipp in the second half. Brian Howley got the Tipp men on the scoreboard with an early free, and briefly it looked as though a revival could be on the cards, but it was back to business as usual as the minutes ticked by. Tipp had chances to make the scoreboard look a little better, but opted for going for goal early on and the Wexford men manning the goal line were up to the challenge. Murphy pointed a pair for Wexford, and then the inevitable happened as Wexford hit the back of the net twice. Gearoid O’Connor was played through the Tipp defence, and made no mistake with just the keeper to beat. Tom Maloney netted the second and that was all she wrote. Impressive stuff from Wexford. Back to the drawing board for Tipp.

Wexford: E. Spruhan, D. Redmond, B. Dalton, J. Kenny, D. Magill, G. Dunphy, J. Foley, T. Moloney, C. Kearns, P. Ryan, G. O’Connor, S. Murphy, E. Kavanagh. Tipp: M. Daly, K. Kindericks, J. Kindregan, J. Roache, B. Howley, A. McAnespie, J. Duane, C. Dempsey, A. McRedmond, D. Kealy, J. Howard, P. McGrath, J. McGrath.


By Rory O'Donnell

Dublin Hurling Gains a Valuable Asset - Ryan O'Dwyer

Birthplace of the GAA. Winners of the first All-Ireland hurling championship. John Doyle and Nicky English. Semple Stadium. 26 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships. It may not take as long to travel from Dublin to Tipp these days, but in terms of hurling tradition the distance is vast. One of the newest additions to the Dublin Senior Hurling squad comes from the rich hurling tradition of Tipperary. Along with Conal Keaney, Ryan O’Dwyer has joined the Dublin hurling set up and given a boost to the 2011 prospects of the metropolitan’s hurlers. A native of Cashel, O’Dwyer has quite a hurling resume despite his relatively young age of 24 years. O’Dwyer made his senior county debut with the Tipperary hurlers in 2007, the year of the trilogy with Limerick, and has won National League title and Munster titles. A supremely talented athlete, O’Dwyer has also represented his native county in football at senior level.

Ryan O'Dwyer feels big things are not far away for the Dubs.

How does a lad from Cashel end up donning the sky blue of the Dubs? Having moved to Dublin after accepting a teaching post at St. MacDara’s in Templeogue, O’Dwyer joined Kilmacud Croke’s and was approached by Anthony Daly about joining the Dublin hurling squad. O’Dwyer was given an offer he could not resist. “I jumped at the opportunity” said O’Dwyer. “It was a no-brainer really. Dublin are a team on the way up, a top tier team. If you take Kilkenny and Tipperary out of it, Dublin are definitely third or fourth in line in the country. On any given day Dublin would give either of those two a run for their money.”

Hurling tradition runs deep in Tipperary, and while there has been a tremendous focus on the small ball game in Dublin over the last decade, there is still a lot of catching up to do in the history department. O’Dwyer feels that the breakthrough to the beginnings of establishing a hurling tradition in Dublin is very close, and that the obstacles are more mental than anything else. “Skill-wise there is absolutely no difference between Dublin and Tipperary,” said Ryan emphatically. “Tipp expect to win because their history dictates it. Dublin does not have that history. Dublin might take the field and think that there is no chance of beating the other lads. If Dublin can get out of that mindset we can win. Dublin have to learn not to fear other teams.”

Despite being a little nervy at the entering the Dublin setup, O’Dwyer has been extremely happy with the transition. “The change has been brilliant. I’m enjoying it. I was nervous going down to training the first night, not sure if lads would be thinking who does this guy think he is. Everybody involved has made me feel welcome.” said O’Dwyer. The Tipp native continued, “Lads went out of their way to talk to me and make me feel included. That made it so easy.”

Dublin have had a good start to the league with a draw against Munster Champions, Waterford, and a recent win against the All-Ireland Champions, O’Dwyer’s native Tipperary. “It’s not very often you get to play the All-Ireland champions in Croke Park” enthused O’Dwyer. “It was an exciting experience. National League, Croke Park under lights, if you couldn’t get up for that you can’t get up for anything.” O’Dwyer was coming back from a shoulder injury and did not start the game but came on late in the first half. “I got back from the injury sooner than I expected. Usually that type of injury takes 6 weeks to recover from, but I was back in 3. I worked harder on that than on anything in my life. My main aim was to get on the pitch, and not just because it was Tipp. It would have made no difference if it was Galway or anybody else. It was a double header with the footballers and there was a lot of build up to it. I had to be out there.”

Dublin have several one-off notches in their belt over recent years, and at minor and under-21 level have experienced success. However, a major success such as a National League title, Leinster championship, or All-Ireland remains elusive at senior level. O’Dwyer feels that the breakthrough is not far away, and while in the near term expectations have to be realistic, winning has to be the goal. “Somebody told me that Dublin’s main aim should be to stay in Division 1 of the league.” O’Dwyer discounts that assessment. “You play to be the best, our goal should be to win Division 1 and win a Leinster championship with it. I believe Dublin will win Leinster sooner rather than later.”

O'Dwyer in full flight for the Wexford Hurling Club vs Tipp in Boston.

O’Dwyer spent the last two summers in Boston playing with the Wexford Hurling Club and the Galway Football Club. O’Dwyer won a North American Championship with Wexford in 2009, but that year had lost the Boston final in controversial circumstances. O’Dwyer did not start that Boston final as he had injured his leg, but came on in the second half and Wexford almost won it, however, a last second goal was disallowed. The disappointment still sticks with O’Dwyer, but he could not say enough about his time in Boston. O’Dwyer clearly feels that he has a home away from home in the States. “I can’t speak highly enough of the lads out there. I had the time of my life,” gushed O’Dwyer. “I made friends for life, any time I go to America I know I’ll have a place to stay in Boston. The lads there would do anything for you. It means so much to them. “ O’Dwyer was committed to the cause of the clubs he played with, and was also impressed with the standard of play. “The hurling out there is as strong as anything I’ve played. The Wexford team I was on would be as good as a top 2 or 3 team in Tipp. You’ll have the best summer of your life out there, but you’ll hurl serious,” he added.


Dublin senior hurling has gained a valuable asset in O’Dwyer. The man comes to play and there is no doubting his enthusiasm. Talking does not seem to be a problem for him, but he can also do his talking on the field. If making the collective push for the big breakthrough in Dublin hurling is the sum of many small individual pushes, there no doubt that O’Dwyer will account for a bit more than a nudge.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling Final: Tipp Outclass Galway

Galway 2-8 Tipperary 3-15



For the neutral observers it was a disappointing final. Outclassed was the word on everybody’s lips after the game as Tipperary were in total control and never looked in danger of letting Galway back into the game once they had put some distance between themselves and the tribesmen. The anticipated battle between Kilkenny men Willie O’Dwyer and Kieran Joyce never really materialized as O’Dwyer had a frustrating outing and never really was a factor in the game. At the half the Tipp lead was 8 points and would have been more than the final margin of 10 but for two late Galway goals that dressed up the scoreboard somewhat.

Tipp's Michael Gleeson gets around
Stephen Dineen's challenge.

After fifteen minutes the sides were level with four points each, but several wides for Tipp and a close call in front of the Galway goal gave notice of what was to come for the rest of the game. Eric Ward was called on to come off his line to save from Shane Bourke who was clean through with the goal in sight. Martin Boran earned a yellow card for a challenge on Paddy Nolan as Nolan was coming out with the ball. The Galway corner back was one of the bright spots of the day for Galway. Michael Gleeson, who was on form for Tipp, put the defending champions into a one point lead and Boran converted a free before Tipp’s first goal came. Colin Fennelly made the most of his chance and Tipp led by five. It was lead of six a minute later as Bourke pointed and in the space of 5 minutes a tied game had swayed decidedly in Tipp’s favour. With Joyce dominating the Tipp half back line Galway struggled to make any impression on the deficit and constantly returned the ball to Tipp when in possession. In the five minutes leading up to half time, Boran, Joyce, and Derek McNicholas all pointed to a lone Galway point from a Willie Hyland free. With Tipp eight points to the good and Galway looking to be struggling the outcome looked inevitable.

Enda Concannon tries to get something going for Galway.

A goal and two points to start the second half put an end to any hopes that Galway had of realistically making a stab at a comeback. Derek McNicholas pointed and like in the first half, some wayward shots early in the half from Tipp were easily afforded. Goal number two came from McNicholas as he caught cleanly on the edge of the small square and batted the ball into the floor of the net. Galway were denied a goal after Thomas Lowry saved well from a Shane Murphy first time pull at the other end. An off the ball incident ended in Stephen Curley getting a yellow card for intervening on behalf of Greg Lally who was jabbed by the butt of a Tipp hurley, and was doubled over on the ground. Galway did find the net twice before the end, however, it was way too late for Galway when two goals went in. After SHane Burke had goaled for Tipp to extend an already enormous lead to fourteen points, Stephen Dineen got on the end of a ball dropped in by Hyland and netted for Galway. Shane Maher put a 21 yard free high into the roof of the Tipp net a minute later, but by that stage Tipp already had their name on the cup. An impressive repeat for Tipperary having gone unbeaten for the season. A bridge too far for Galway who in making the final have put their name back on the map of hurling in Boston.



Galway: E. Ward, P. Nolan, S. Curley, A. Callinan, B. Regan, E. Whooley, G. Lally, S. Dineen (1-0), S. Maher (1-0), W. O’Dwyer, W. Hyland (0-7), S. Murphy, E. Concannon (0-1). Tipp: T. Lowry, J. Kindregan, J. O’Keefe, E. Gleeson, K. Joyce (0-1), S. Hickey, C. Dempsey, M. Gleeson (0-2), D. McNicholas (1-3), M. Boran (0-8), P. McGrath, S. Bourke (1-1), C. Fennelly (1-0).


By Rory O'Donnell

Junior Hurling Final: Croft to the Rescue for Tom's - Again.

Tipperary 1-11 Fr. Tom Burke’s 1-14


Fr. Tom Burke’s junior hurlers prevailed over Tipperary in an exciting encounter that went down to the wire. For the second week in a row, a last minute goal put Tom’s in the lead with time ticking off the clock, and for the second week in a row it was substitute Robbie Croft who got the credit for the game winning score. The sides were level at half time, and it looked like a Kevin O’Donnell goal with less then 10 minutes to go would be the deciding score, but it was Tom’s with the final say in the end.

Mike Markham finds his way out of defence blocked.

The teams were level on nine points each at the end of the first 30 minutes. Tipp had the better of the early exchanges but Tom’s came into the game as the half wore on. Corner forward, Mark Alward was the primary marksman for Tipp. Alward accounted for seven of Tipperary’s first half points, both from frees and from play. Tom’s had a hard time containing the Tipp dangerman. Tom’s lost David Hession to injury early in the game, a tough loss given Hession’s role in taking long frees. Hession had accounted for Tom’s first two points from frees The westerners coped however, and John Cuddy ably took over the role of free taker. Along with Cuddy, Aidan Staunton and Mark Waldren chipped in to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Tom’s.

Seamie Leahy on a run for Tipp.

Tom’s suffered another blow early in the second half as Staunton had to leave the field of play having shipped an injury. Tom’s responded to the loss with James Dooley on the wing exhorting his teammates to look for something better from themselves,and Tom’s fought hard. Cuddy was on target with three early frees, two from long range, while Alward put two dead ball chances over for Tipp. Tipp then found their way through the Tom’s defences and Darragh Kealy hit the crossbar with a bullet, then Seamie Leahy had a goal chance that Dermot Fox saved. Leahy will probably feel that he should have done better. Kevin O’Donnell did not make any mistake with the third goal chance to fall to Tipp. A long Alward free dropped into the Tom’s penalty area and O’Donnell shunted the ball home from close range. The goal put Tipp a point to the good and day looked as if it may well be theirs. With anxiety building as the game approached the final whistle, Tom’s made the breakthrough. Croft, who had toiled hard since coming on at corner forward, looked like he tipped a long Cuddy free past Tipp keeper Mark Daly. Tom’s up by two points. Larry Guinan and Eugene Cummins held the fort at the back for Tom’s as they made some great fetches as Tipp roared back up the field in search of a score before it was too late. Cuddy made it a three point advantage for Tom’s with a free. Tipp had a late chance to level affairs with a 14 yard free. James Howard took it but a wall of Tom’s men held firm and cleared the danger. Great joy for Tom’s with the sound of the final whistle, and an exciting end to a fine game of hurling.


Tipp: M. Daly, S. Sinnott, T. Fitzgerald, S. Ryan, M. Jordan, R. O’Brien, J. Duane, S. Leahy (0-1), K.O’Donnell (1-1), J. Fealy, D. Kealy, J. McGrath, M. Alward (0-9). Tom’s: D. Fox, M. Moore, L. Guinan, P. Staunton, E. Cummins, M. Markham, K. Mooney, D. Hession (0-2), J. Dooley, M. Waldren (0-2), J. Cuddy (0-8), A. Staunton (0-1), R. Griffin. Subs: M. Callaghan (0-1), R. Croft (1-0).
 
By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke's v Tipperary - August 15

Tipperary 3-25 Fr. Tom Burke’s 1-8


Tipperary continued their winning ways with a win that really was hardly a contest. Tom’s put in a lackluster effort and mid way through the first half the outcome was in no doubt. It was not so much that Tipp led by an eight point margin, rather that there was clearly nothing coming from Tom’s that would lead you to think anything would change. The effort put in the previous week against Wexford was nowhere to be seen. Tipp were limited to the three goals thanks to a great goalkeeping performance from Joe Kane, Kane made some fine saves in each half. 2010 is a season that Tom’s will be hoping to forget – for the senior side at least, the junior hurlers contest the semi-final next Saturday.

Tipp had Fr. Tom's on the back foot all afternoon.

Before we had a chance to browse the team selection in the press box, Martin Boran had a point put over the bar for Tipp. After Eamonn Gleeson and Fran Keenan traded scores to make it two to one, Tipp put any hopes of a competitive encounter to rest. Points came from both midfielders, both corner forwards, and center forward Boran. The goals came in the latter stages of the first half. Shane Bourke and Michael Gleeson were the scorers. There was no edge to the game, any ball played out of the Tom’s defence was easily gobbled up and sent right back from whence it came. The sliotar may as well have had an elastic tied to it from a Tom’s perspective. Tipp flipped the ball around at ease as the scores mounted. Tom’s managed a flurry of points late in the half from Shane Howley, Gary Brennan, and Lorcan Mulhearn.

Paul McGrath got in on the act in the second half getting his name on the scoresheet, and Colin Fennelly netted. Kane made some good saves to keep the goals column from mounting, Tom’s found a fine goalkeeper in Kane this season. Tom’s made their own side of the scoreboard look reasonably respectable with points from Keenan, John O’Loughlin, and a goal from Howley late in the game. Tipp sail into the final in two weeks time where they await the winner’s of Galway and Wexford. Galway defeated Cork the previous day and with Tom’s losing Sunday, the tribesmen earned their place in the semi-final.


Tom’s: J. Kane, S. O’Brien, J. Dowling, D. Neylon, D. Moore, J. O’Loughlin, T. Kelly, F. Keenan, G. Brennan, G. Reddin, L. Mulhearn, S. Howley, C. Neylon. Tipp: T. Lowrey, J. Kindregan, S. Hickey, J. O’Keefe, K. Joyce, E. Gleeson, C. Dempsey, M. Gleeson, P. McGrath, M. Boran, D. McNicholas, C. Fennelly, S. Bourke.


By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Galway - Aug 1

Tipperary 2-16 Galway 0-13


A fine performance from the Tipperary half back line formed the basis for a well earned win over Galway on Sunday. The Tipp backs stifled the Galway forwards and choked off any chance the Tribesmen had of adding to their points total in the senior hurling championship. At the other end of the field, Tipp made good use their possession and with 15 minutes to go the game was as good as over.

Wille Hyland lines up a shot for Galway.

The first half took some time to open up, and each side generated chances at goal, Tipp capitalized on one of theirs thanks to Colin Fennelly who gave the keeper no chance with about 20 minutes played. The half had been fairly evenly contested up to that point, but Tipp picked up their game coming up to the half time break. The back line for Tipp swarmed any Galway forward who found himself in possession and provided little room for the Galway forwards to shoot. Galway did have a great chance of a goal. At one stage Shane Maher found himself with the keeper to beat but his touch on the ball pushed it a bit too far ahead to have a real go at it. Galway hung with Tipp in the early going, just before the goal came it was three points apiece. Martin Boran and Shane Bourke pointing for Tipp while Enda Concannon, Willie O’Dwyer, and Shane Murphy did likewise for Galway, Murphy’s point a beauty from about 65 yards out on the sideline. Tipp’s half back line kicked into a higher gear as the game wore on and controlled the remaining three quarters. Bourke and Boran pointed before the half time whistle while Hyland and O’Dwyer pointed for Galway to make it a 1-7 to 0-5 Tipp lead at the break.

Kieran Joyce tries to lift the ball for Tipp while Shane Maher challenges.

The game got away entirely from Galway in the second half. It seemed like the westerners were working their way back into it with points from Hyland, Concannon, and Shane Murphy, but all that was immediately cancelled out with a Martin Boran goal. Shane Maher had a great chance to get the goal back. Bearing down on goal Maher let fly from 21 yards and Tom Lowrey made a fine save to deny the Galwaymen. That missed chance lifted Tipp and Galway spirits seemed to sink. Boran struck three frees in a row over the bar, and with the difference standing at nine points Tipp took full control. Gleeson, Joyce, and Hickey gobbled up with relish practically every ball played into their line, and the Tipp forwards converted the possession. Paul McGrath eventually got on the scoresheet, Burke, Boran, and Gleeson added to Galway’s woes. Tipperary looking hard to beat while it is back to the drawing board for Galway.


Tipp: T. Lowry, B. Kenny, J. Kindregan, E. Gleeson, K. Joyce, S. Hickey, C. Dempsey, M. Gleeson (0-1), C. Fennelly (1-0), M. Boran (1-11), D. McNicholas, S. Bourke (0-3), P. McGrath (0-1). Galway: E. Ward, J. O’Callaghan, C. O’Driscoll, P. Nolan, B. Regan, A. Callaghan, G. Lally, S. Murphy (0-4), S. Dineen, S. Maher, E. Concannon (0-2), W. Hyland (0-3), W. O’Dwyer (0-4).


By Rory O'Donnell

July 25 - Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke's

Tipperary 3-26 Fr. Tom Burke’s 0-15


Tipperary continue to roll with a 100% record, while 2010 is shaping up to be a season to forget for Fr. Tom’s. From the get go it was clear that this was not going to be a competitive encounter. Too many players were unavailable for Tom’s due to a variety of factors, not an ideal situation going into a game against the unbeaten Tipperary.

Tom's Dermot Neylon tries to get past Shane Bourke of Tipp.

Tipp began to roll early. Within three minutes a goal and two points were on the scoreboard. Two Shane Bourke points were followed by a Paul McGrath goal. Joe Keane saved the initial shot from Derek McNicholas but McGrath was on hand to pick up the rebound and fire it home. Within six minutes Tipp had hit the net a second time, again it was McGrath. The lively corner forward hit the second of an eventual hat trick. Tom’s relied on Fran Keenan for 6 of their 9 first half points. At one point Tom’s trailed by 4 points, 2-4 to 0-6 and were creeping closer, but Tipp’s Martin Boran, Michael Gleeson, and Bourke were in sharp in finding the spot between the posts. Eanna Murphy, Sean O’Brien, and Trevor Kelly pointed for Tom’s in the first half and the westerners showed some fight in the first period, but trailed by three clear goals at the end of one 2-12 to 0-9.

McGrath completed his hat trick early in the second half. Michael Gleeson, Dean Delaney and Boran kept the scores pouring over the Tom’s crossbar. The final 15 minutes were a formality as a slew of points were racked up in the Tipp column. With 5 scoring forwards Tipp will be hard to stop in the run in for the championship and are in pole position to get the bye and go straight into the final. Tom’s face some more difficult games ahead and will need all of their players in good health to put some pressure on Galway or Wexford to force a playoff spot.

Tipp: T. Lowry, B. Kenny, J. Kendregan, E. Gleeson, K. Joyce, S. Hickey, T. Treacy, M. Gleeson, C. Fennelly, M. Boran, S. Bourke, D. McNicholas, P. McGrath. Tom’s: J. Keane, D. Moore, C. Horan, J. Dowling, T. Kelly, S. O’Brien, L. Mulhern, D. Neylon, S. Howley, F. Keenan, E. Murphy, C. Neylon, D. Delaney.


By Rory O'Donnell

July 11 - Senior Hurling: Wexford v Tipperary

Tipperary 2-16 Wexford 1-11

Tipperary secured a fine victory over Wexford in the senior hurling championship on Sunday afternoon. After a tight first half, Tipp put some daylight between themselves and their opponents. Martin Boran at center forward was an important cog in the Tipp machine, while Seamus Hickey at wing back was a persistent thorn in Wexford’s side. Wexford seemed unable to lift their game up a level to match their opponents when it came to crunch time.

Wexford's Peter Ryan is in front for this dropping ball.

The first half was a close run affair, with Tipp holding the slightest of edges at the break. Tipp got off the mark first with a Colin Fennelly point which was answered by Stephen White for Tipp. Center forward Martin Boran and Fennelly extended Tipp’s lead before White notched another for Wexford. Tipp seemed to hold a slight edge and converted three more points. One was a fantastic score from Derek McNicholas who caught under pressure and turned to score from near the sideline. Wexford put their own flurry of scores together, which was marked by a Peter Ryan goal. White cut the Tipp lead in half, and Ryan latched onto the ball close to goal and neatly booted the ball home. All square. White and Tom Moloney then put Wexford ahead with a point each, but back came Tipp. McNicholas put another over the bar, Boran, Seamus Hickey and Cronan Dempsey tallied scores for Tipp before the break. At the half Tipp led by a point.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tipp competed hard in the second half to take the win over their Wexford rivals.
 
Two Tipp goals in the second period sealed the deal. Wexford came out strong with JJ Kenny and Brian Dalton playing well in the back line, Gearoid O’Connor, Ger Fennelly, and White each pointed to put Wexford one to the good. Boran had pointed for Tipp. Following another Boran point to level the scores, the Erin’s Own man hit the back of the net and Tipp led by three. Gearoid O’Connor answered with a lovely strike for a point, but Tipp piled it on for the remainder of the game. Seamus Hickey was in great form at wing back for Tipp and put a fine effort over the bar, and substitute Paul McGrath added another to put Tipp four points ahead. Tipp then scored a fine goal as McGrath fed Boran who passed to the open Shane Bourke, and Bourke found the back of the net. Boran and Bourke added three points between them to finish the game.

Tipp: T. Lowry, M. Heelan, B. Kenny, K. McGrath, K. Joyce, S. Hickey (0-2), C. Dempsey (0-1), M. Gleeson, C. Fennelly (0-2), M. Boran (1-6), S. Bourke (1-2), A. Devine (0-1), D. McNicholas (0-2). Sub, P. McGrath (0-1). Wexford: G. Griffey, S. Prendergast, B. Dalton, D. Redmond, D. Magill, JJ. Kenny, S. White (0-6), D. Lyne, G. O’Connor (0-2), P. Ryan (1-0), G. Fennelly (0-1), T. Moloney, J. Maher.

By Rory O'Donnell

June 27 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Tipperary

Galway 1-11 Tipperary 0-15

An entertaining but testy game of hurling went down to the wire as Galway battled for three quarters of the game with a man down. Aidan Callnan was shown a red card after a dangerous challenge after 15 minutes of play. At the time Galway held a slight lead that they managed to maintain until half time. In the second half Tipp pulled ahead with points from Shane Burke and substitute Pat Leahy, but Galway almost salvaged a point as the tribesmen drew level with a minute left only to see Paul McGrath put the winner over the bar for Tipp in injury time.

Shane Murphy meets the ball with Kieran McGrath in close pursuit.

The first half was marked by the sending off of Galway’s Aidan Callnan after 14 minutes who was adjudged not to have been challenging for the ball when swinging his stick. Galway held a one-point lead at the time and managed to extend it to two by half time. Shane Murphy was the marksman for the westerners, tallying four points from frees. A goal came from Kilkenny native Willie O’Dwyer whose low drive ended up in the back of the net. Tipp’s Shane Burke inflicted a lot of damage on Galway with some well taken points from play, while Michael Gleeson and Martin Boran each pointed twice. With the extra man, Tipp’s defence mopped up numerous aimless balls played into the Galway forward line as scoring became more of a challenge for the tribesmen, but their back line held firm. At the half Galway led by a score of 1-6 to 0-7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Meehan clears the ball for Tipp.

 

 

Tipp set about overturning Galway’s lead and went on a 6 points to 2 scoring streak to open the second period. Derek McNicholas, Burke, and substitute Pat Leahy turned the tide on the scoreboard. Murphy put Galway’s 2 points over the bar as life got tougher for the Galway forward line. Galway moved Shane Maher to the edge of the small square, and Maher caused havoc with Galway floating high balls his way. Galway won a 21-yard free, and with plenty of time on the clock, Maher went low and Tipp saved the shot. Maher converted his next chance as he got on the end of a Greg Lally ball, and soon afterwards looked to have won a penalty after catching a high ball and getting dragged down, only for the umpire to have judged that he was in the small square before winning the ball. With the reprieve, Tipp gathered themselves and Martin Boran relieved the pressure with a point. Galway pulled themselves level as the anticipation rose around the ground. Enda Concannon pointed and Shane Murphy converted a free with a minute left. Murphy had a chance to put Galway ahead with a long range free, but the ball drifted wide. In injury time Paul McGrath, who entered the fray in the second half, made room for himself and from 25 yards put the winner over the bar for Tipp. A close call for Tipp, and a game that will leave Galway wondering what might have been.

 

Galway: E. Ward, J. O’Callaghan, C. O’Driscoll, G. Lally (0-1), B. Regan, J. McCormack, M. Farrell, A. Callnan, S. Dineen, S. Maher (0-1), E. Concannon (0-1), S. Murphy (0-7), W. O’Dwyer (1-1). Tipp: T. Lowry, B. Kenny, K. McGrath, M. Meehan, K. Joyce, S. Hickey, C. Dempsey, J. O’Keefe, M. Gleeson (0-2), D. McNicholas (0-1), S. Burke (0-6), A. Devine, M. Boran (0-3). Subs: P. Leahy (0-2), P. McGrath (0-1).

 

By Rory O'Donnell

Sheehan Cup Final - Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke's June 6

Fr. Tom Burke’s 2-15 Tipperary 4-10

Tipp took the Sheehan cup in an exciting final. It was a cruel defeat for cup holder’s, Fr. Tom’s. Having built a lead of eight points early in the second half, Tom’s looked likely to hold on to the cup. Tipp had other ideas, and as Tom’s began to tire, Tipp took full advantage and fired three goals home in the last 20 minutes. Brendan Kenny, who had moved from corner back, put Tipp ahead for the first time in the game in the final minute. The score proved to be the winning point.

Fr. Tom's Dean Delaney and Tipp's Kieran Joyce tussle for the ball.

 

 

Tom’s came out of the blocks on fire and put a goal and five points on the scoreboard before Tipp registered their first point. Clearly up for the game, Tom’s were focused on the task at hand from the get go. Shane Howley pointed seconds after the throw-in and Fran Keenan sent an early message as the tall midfielder drilled a 21 yard free into the net three minutes later. Ciaran Moore, Keenan, and Ger Reddin added to Tom’s tally, and while the westerners were cruising in the forward line, Tipp’s forays forward floundered on the rocks of some tight Tom’s defending. Alan Devine put Tipp’s first point on the board after 11minutes, and the game took on a more competitive complexion. Derek McNicholas went down to a hard foul, which seemed to have the effect of waking up Tipperary. McNicholas accounted for five Tipp points both from frees and play, and Devine netted after 21 minutes having been played in by John McGrath. Tom’s kept the scoring ticking over with points from Howley and a sideline from Keenan. At the half Tom’s held a two point lead, 1-9 to 1-7.

 

Ciaran Moore and Rory O'Mahoney each try to grasp the sliotar.

 

Fr. Tom’s began the second period the way they began the first, two quick Keenan points and a third from Ciaran Moore put them five to the good. Howley then struck with a goal after being found all alone on the 21 by Seanie O’Brien. Holding an eight point lead, the cup looked to be destined to return to Tom’s. Big leads can evaporate very quickly in hurling, and so it came to pass. As Tom’s began to look like fatigue was taking its toll, Tipp capitalized. John McGrath finished well to begin the comeback with a goal. Alan Devine followed with a point, and after Trevor Kelly pointed for Tom’s, Tipp hit with another goal. Brendan Kenny chose to go low with a free and the ball found the back of the net. Tom’s lead was now cut to two points with plenty of time on the clock. Keenan brought it back to three with a pointed free, but then Tipp leveled. Derek McNicholas got on the end of a lovely ball played over the top and made no mistake. Keenan put a free over from 65 yards with 3minutes left to put Tom’s one to the good. Devine leveled again for Tipp before Kenny put the winning point over the bar for Tipp. It was a great win for Tipp who never gave up the ghost, and a tough defeat for Tom’s who looked to have the beating of their opponents for most of the game.

 

Victorious Tipperary captain, Cronan Dempsey and Jimmy Grogan.

Tom’s: D. Fox, J. Dowling, C. Horan, D. Dooley, S. O’Brien (0-1), D. Moore, F. Keenan (1-7), T. Kelly (0-1), S. Howley (1-2), G. Reddin (0-2), D. Nealon, C. Moore (0-2), D. Delaney. Tipp: M. Daly, B. Kenny (1-1), R. O’Mahoney, M. Neelan, K. Joyce, J. Kindregan, K. McGrath, R. Jackson, J. O’Keefe, D. McNicholas (1-5), C. Dempsey, A. Devine (1-4), J. McGrath (1-0).

By Rory O'Donnell

Pat O'Brien Cup

The Pat O'Brien Cup final will be contested between Kerry and Aiden McAnespies. Kerry defeated Armagh-Notre Dame by 5 points in today's semi-final, while McAnespies defeated Donegal by a single point in a closely fought contest.

Tipperary defeated Fr. Tom Burkes by 1-22 to 1-14 in the Sheehan Cup.

Cup Competitions

Last Sunday Donegal beat Galway in the Pat O'Brien Cup quarter final.

Next week sees the cup semi-finals between Aiden McAnespies and Donegal at 1:30 and Kerry v Armagh-Notre Dame at 4:00pm.

The Kieran Sheehan Cup in hurling begins with Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burkes at 2:45.

I will start posting reports once the championships begin on May 30.

NACB Senior Hurling Final: Wexford v Tipperary

Wexford 3-15 Tipperary 2-8

It was Wexford versus Tipp Mark II for the North American Senior Hurling Final, albeit with a slightly different complexion as some of Tipp’s key players had returned to Ireland during the week. Wexford gained a measure of revenge for last weeks defeat with a handsome win. The Game was neck and neck until mid-way through the second half when Wexford raised the intensity a notch or two and pulled away with some fine scores.

The sides traded points to get things underway, and with the sides tied at three points a piece Ryan O’Dwyer goaled from close range. O’Dwyer looked more comfortable on his injured knee than a week ago, and was back to his up tempo running style. After Stephen White put Wexford four points to the good with a point Tipp came back at their opponents. Daithi O’Mahoney put two frees over the bar and then Tipp won a penalty. Pat Howard made no mistake with the shot. Paul McGrath pointed before half time to put Tipp one to the good at the break, 1-6 to 1-5.

The first fifteen minutes of the half saw the sides unable to separate from each other. Mike Heffernan and McGrath points were matched by Paddy Breen and Tony Murphy for Wexford. Wexford then raised the tempo a little and the challenges began to adopt a little bit a heavier air about them. Wexford started to work the ball well into the forward line, and captain Dominic Magill started to get control of the half back line. Jim Howard was called on to make a great save in the Tipp goal, but Wexford started to pick off several unanswered points. Jamie Kehoe and John Walsh put three over the bar between them before O’Dwyer goaled for the second time. With Tipp looking like they were fading the outcome began to appear inevitable. Murphy, O’Dwyer, and Walsh pointed to put Wexford eight points ahead and White then delivered the coup de gras with a superbly taken goal. White went on a solo run and cleverly tipped the ball over the defender before whipping home a shot that Howard had no chance of stopping.

With the clock ticking down, Paul McGrath’s frustration got the better of him as he saw red for an incident while play was stopped, and a consolation goal came from Daithi O’Mahoney. A reversal in outcomes from last week, but a split of the trophies seemed an appropriate end to the year since there was very little between the sides all season.



Wexford Captain Dominic Magill accepts the North American Trophy from former GAA President, Joe McDonagh, a great advocate for the GAA abroad. The first few lines of Dominic's speech is included.

Wexford: G. Griffey, P. Nolan, E. O’Shea, B. Dalton, D. Magill, J. Walsh, S. White, D. Redmond, P. Breen, K. O’Rourke, R. O’Dwyer, P. Ryan, T. Murphy. Tipp: J. Howard, M. Heffernan, J. McGrath, N. O’Grady, D. O’Mahoney, C. Power, C. Dempsey, B. Howley, P. Howard, C. Kavanagh, D. Kealey, P. McGrath.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling Semi-Final: Tipperary (Boston) v Na Fianna (San Fran)

Tipperary 1-16 Na Fianna (San Fran) 3-9

Tipperary and Na Fianna played a tremendously exciting semi-final, and Tipp gained revenge for last year when they fell at the semi-final stage to the San Franciscoans. The last puck of the game from corner back, Daithi O’Mahoney decided it. Tipp won a free on their own 65 and the Islegate clubman put it over to put Tipp into an all Boston final against Wexford.

Na Fianna's John Fox runs at the Tipp defence.

Na Fianna got off to a flying start with two early goals. Eamonn Brennan put both away as the corner forward waltzed through the Tipp defence to finish from close range. Pat Howard and Paul McGrath had each pointed for Tipp between the goals, but Na Fianna looked the stronger side the early going. Wallace, John Fox, and Aidan O’Sullivan each pointed and Na Fianna led seven points. Tipp worked their way back into the game. Cronan Dempsey and Noel O’Grady lifted things around the middle, and the free taking of Pat Howard and O’Mahoney made the west coasters pay for defensive indiscipline. O’Grady and John McGrath scored a couple of nice points from play, and with Tipp trailing by three points, Tipp won a free about 30 yards from goal. Paul McGrath took a short one to O’Mahoney,and O’Mahoney’s shot found it’s way into the net to level the scores heading into half time.

Tipp's Paul McGrath rounds his marker to score a lovely second half point.

Tipp played some nice hurling in the opening stages of the half. Two Pat Howard frees put them in the lead for the first time in the game, but center back John Fox goaled for Na Fianna. Howard brought the sides level again with a free, and Na Fianna won a penalty which was blocked on the line. Mike Lawlor mopped up with a point and the westerners led again. Pat Howard and Conor Kavanagh brought Tipp back ahead with two points, and yet again the lead changed hands as Na Fianna pressed for the victory. Lawlor pointed twice as at times the Tipp defence was opened up, but Na Fianna failed to deliver the fatal blow. Jim Howard made showed a steady nerve on several occasions and Tipp somehow remained in contention heading into the last few minutes. Again it was fouls that proved to be the undoing of Na Fianna. Pat Howard drew Tipp level with a free and Tipp then spurned a few good chances to go ahead. Then came the deciding score from O’Mahoney and Tipp meet Wexford for the North American.

Tipp: J. Howard, M. Heffernan, D. O’Mahoney, C. Power, N. O’Grady, B. Howley, C. Dempsey, B. Lonergan, P. Howard, D. Kealy, C. Kavanagh, J. McGrath, P. McGrath. Na Fianna: M. Bargary, B. O’Hehir, M. Sheedy, G. Wheelock, J. Fox, T. Carroll, Wallace, D. Young, A. O’Sullivan, S. Byrne, M. Lawlor, B. Walsh, E. Brennan.

Boston runners up, Wexford, faced Harry Bolands of Chicago in the first semi-final and came out winners by a score of 5-10 to 1-10. The game was level early in the second half. Wexford led by three points at half time, and after Boland’s leveled the scores with a goal, Wexford pulled away. Kieran O’Rourke from the back line lifted Wexford’s performance with some forays into the Boland’s back line. After Tony Murphy put Wexford a point to the good the floodgates opened and Wexford netted three times and pointed once to run out comfortable winners in the end.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling Final

Wexford 1-9 Tipperary 0-14

Tipperary finally overturned Wexford’s dominance of the Boston hurling scene over the last three years with a fine overall display of hurling in a game that held a controversial ending. With Tipperary ahead by two points and no time left on the clock, Wexford dropped a 65 into the square and in the schmozzle that ensued, it seemed at first as if Wexford had scored the winning goal. After consulting with the umpires, the referee restarted play with a throw-in on the 21 yard line and seconds later blew the final whistle to the delight of the Tipperary players and supporters.

Tipp's Eoin Ryan fights off the challenge of Sean Herlihey.

Tipperary were slightly ahead at the end of the first half thanks to some well taken scores. After Wexford had the better of the early exchanges, Stephen White got started with three points from frees, to one score from James McCarthy for Tipp. Tipp settled into the game and proceeded to pick off the scores. Tipp were in the ascendancy for most of the remainder of the half as Wexford found it hard to release themselves from the shackles of their opposite numbers. Tipp’s back line did a great job marshalling the Wexford threat, and previously unheralded forwards stepped up and produced. Conor Kavanagh sprang to life at wing forward and accounted for two great scores for Tipp. James McCarthy and Paul McGrath also accounted for five points between them. Ger Griffey was solid between the posts for Wexford as he found himself under plenty of pressure balls dropping under the crossbar, and Griffey made some great stops throughout the game to keep his side fromfalling too far out of touch. Stephen White accounted for Wexford’s only point from play in the first half, and Tony Murphy two from frees. Tipp led by two points at the break, eight points to six.

Owen O'Shea and Dominic McGill make sure James McCarthy given no quarter.

Tipp stretched their lead early in the second half with two James McCarthy points and a third from Conor Kavanagh. Wexford saw fit to throw caution to the wind and introduced the injured Ryan O’Dwyer into the fray. O’Dwyer made a difference, even in his less then one hundred percent state of being. O’ Dwyer set up White for Wexford’s first point of the second half, and Sean Herlihey added another, but Tipp quickly canceled out the scores with two points from McCarthy. Wexford’s corner backs’ Owen O’Shea and Kieran O’Rourke did well in helping keep Tipp for netting what would be a decisive goal. With 10 minutes to go Wexford got what they needed from substitute Dylan Kehoe. Tony Murphy found some rare space inside the Tipp 14 yard line, and room to shoot, and James Howard saved well but Kehoe was alert to the rebound and the goal brought Wexford back to within 2 points and plenty of time left. Kehoe followed up with a point and almost leveled the scores but the shot flew sailed just wide.

James McCarthy gave Tipp a cushion with a point in the 28th minute, but Wexford pressed for the winning goal as time was almost up. Jim Howard again saved well from White, and Wexford won a 65. Another 65 followed as Howard made a second good save but Tipp could not clear the ball decisively. The third 65 dropped into a crowd of players and Wexford began to celebrate a goal. After consultation with the umpires, the referee restarted play on the 21 and within seconds sounded the final whistle. A curious end to the game, but few will argue that over the 60 minutes Tipp were deserving winners.

Wexford: G. Griffey, O. O’Shea, K. Rourke, B. Dalton, J. Walsh, D. McGill, S. White (0-5), D. Redmond, P. Breen, S. Rackard, S. Herlihey (0-1), J. Kehoe, T. Murphy (0-2). Sub: D. Kehoe (1-1). Tipp: J. Howard, M. Heffernan, D. O’Mahoney, E. Ryan, D. Young, B. Howley, C. Dempsey, C. McGrath, B. Lonergan, P. Howard (0-1), C. Kavanagh (0-3), J. McCarthy (0-8), P. McGrath (0-2).

By Rory O'Donnell

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

Fr. Tom Burke’s 3-11 Tipperary 2-13

Tom’s had to win this game to keep their interest in the senior hurling championship, and win it they did with a fine performance full of heart and determination. In spite of having plenty of opportunities late in the game to decide that they had given it their best and it was not to be, Tom’s refused to die. Having led early, Tom’s led the lead slip and late in the second half looked dead and buried after Conor Kavanagh put the Tipp into a one goal lead with minutes left. Tom’s wanted the win badly and the bloodied Fran Keenan and substitute Ger Henley combined with a goal and a point respectively to win the game and keep Tom’s in the championship.
















Darryl Dooley tries to win the ball for Tom's as things turning Tipp's way.

Tom’s came out of the blocks strong to keep their chances alive. Eanna Murphy latched on to a long clearance out of defence and in firing the ball past Jim Howard, kept his goal a game streak going. Shane Menton opened Tipp’s account with a pointed free, and the sides matched each other for scores over the following 10 minutes. Fran Keenan’s two points for Tom’s were answered with one a piece from Menton and James McCarthy. Tom’s were fired up and gave no quarter in their own territory. Donal Moore rediscovered some of his old form in the half back line, and Shane Staunton at corner back also stood out for Tom’s. With Tom’s on top, Trevor Kelly, Donal Moore, and Shane Howley each pointed and Tom’s led by five points mid way through the half. Tipp, however, began to get their act together. David Young and Eoin Ryan cut out a lot of ball played into the Tom’s forwards, and four points on the trot reduced the Tom’s lead to a point. Two came from placed balls taken by David Young, Menton and Conor Kavanagh accounted for the others. Tom’s needed a score to stem the Tipp flow, and it came from a Fran Keenan free. McCarthy answered for Tipp, but Keenan ensured that the half ended on a positive note for Tom’s with a massive free from his own 45. At the half it was Tom’s by two points, 1-7 to 0-8.






















James McCarthy rises highest to win this puckout.

Tom’s opened the second half in the same manner as the first, hitting Tipp with a goal from the get go. This time it was wing forward Shane Howley who rattled the Tipp net, Howley took a well waited pass from Trevor Kelly and fired home. Fran Keenan followed with a free to put Tom’s two goals clear. Tipp are no pushovers however and the lead fizzled quickly. Tipp tallied a goal and three points in the space of ten minutes, with no answer from Tom’s. Tipp sent practically every puckout back with interest. Shane Menton pointed and Paul McGrath netted a 21 yard free. James McCarthy put two frees over, and with the sides now level all that Tom’s had worked hard for had disappeared. Fran Keenan put Tom’s back in front only to be cancelled out by a Pat Howard point. Aaron Bendon made a great stop to deny Tipp a goal and the game hung in the balance, but Tipp looked the likely winners. After McCarthy and Donal Moore traded scores, a goal came for Tipp. A dropping ball on the edge of the small square was sent into the net by Conor Kavanagh who chose to use the hurley while Paul Callinan was looking to catch – hurley beats hand every time. With a few minutes on the clock Tom’s still had a chance to come back, and they took it. Fran Keenan, who had left the field for treatment to a head injury earlier in the second half, ran 15 yards before burying the ball and the sides were level again. A draw would not do for Tom’s though. The chance to win the game opened up for substitute Ger Henley, and Henley took the point without hesitation. Tom’s ahead by a point now. Tipp still could have equalized, but some do or die defending saw Tom’s holdout until the final whistle.

Tom’s and Galway play next week, and Tom’s have to win to force a playoff, effectively a quarter final, against who else, but old rivals Galway. Hurling fans, hold on to your seats.
Tom’s: A. Bendon, S. Staunton, P. Callinan, J. Dowling, D. Dooley, D. Moore (0-2), F. Keenan (1-6), C. Healy, S. Howley (1-1), T. Kelly (0-1), M. Callnan, J. Cuddy, E. Murphy (1-0). Sub: G. Henley (0-1). Tipp: J. Howard, M. Heffernan, N. Ryan, E. Ryan, D. Young (0-2), B. Howley, M. Jordan, C. Dempsey, C. Kavanagh (1-1), P. Howard (0-1), J. McCarthy (0-5), S. Menton (0-4), P. McGrath (1-0).

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Cork V Tipp - July 19

Cork 1-12 Tipperary 4-14

Tipperary put paid to a game Cork side with a good display from the half back line and some timely goals late in the first half. As would be expected from an encounter between the Munster giants, the game got a little testy and referee Trevor Kelly saw fit to issue some yellow cards on occasion to keep the players minds focused in the right direction. After establishing an early lead, Cork conceded three quick goals before half time, which ultimately proved to be their undoing.

David Young played well at center back for Tipp .

Cork took the field well kitted out and started the game well to boot. Paul Mannix saved well early in the game to prevent a Tipp goal, and Ronan Good opened the scoring with a fine point from wing back. Shane Menton answered for Tipp, while Mike Allen and Paul McGrath then traded points. Cork’s good play was rewarded with a goal after 10 minutes. Allen made a run and handpassed across the face of goal for Darragh Cotter to double on from close range. Cork stretched the lead to four points, and Kelly issued the first of the bookings as the niggle crept in. Tipp lifted their game on the half back line, thanks in large part to David Young and Eoin Ryan, and the lift in their efforts was underlined by a determined score from Paul McGrath. However, the rebels seemed to be holding their own. Then Tipp struck with three quick goals in the last 10 minutes of the half. Pat Howard booted the first over the line after a great run from midfielder Brian Howley, then a minute later David Young dropped a tame looking high ball into the box and Shane Menton stretched to clip the ball into the corner of the net. Just before the half time whistle, Menton scored Tipp’s third goal to put them five points ahead. Mike Allen pulled a point back for Cork just before the half time whistle.

Tipp's Brian Howley bursts through the Cork rearguard to set up Tipp's first goal.

Cork tried to lift it in the second, but never got closer than the four points that separated the teams at half time. Tipp pointed through Paul McGrath right from the re-start, and Menton and Pat Howard added to the Tipp tally. Then two more bookings came. Allen and Michael Lyons got Cork back to within four points, but then a Tipp goal effectively ended the contest. A ball down the middle was left up to Paul Mannix in goal for Cork and Pat Howard to challenge, and the ball ended up breaking into the back of the Cork net. End of story for Cork. Cork did continue to press but could not penetrate the Tipp rearguard, who did well when called upon. Tipp added scores from Menton, and a fine point from Young. Pat Howard and Cronan Dempsey put the icing on the cake with scores at the death for Tipp to put them into a solid second place in the standings.

Cork: P. Mannix, K. Price, R. Devereaux (0-1), R. Good (0-2), T. Healy, W. O’Brien, B. Butler, J. Fitzgerald, M. Lyons (0-2), D. Cotter (1-0), E. Hegarty (0-1), B. O’Loughlin, M. Allen (0-6). Tipp: J. Howard, M. Heffernan, J. Heffernan, E. Ryan, D. Young, N. Ryan, C. Dempsey (0-1), B. Howley (0-1), C. McGrath (0-1), C. Hynes, P. Howard (2-2), P. McGrath (0-4), S. Menton (2-4).

By Rory O'Donnell