Sun Jul 28 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Tipperary

In what was ramped up to be a highly intensive match, Tipperary and Galway once again met in the Senior Hurling Championship. Tipperary came into this matchup in need of a victory to have a chance to make it to the Senior Hurling final. The teams were tied with a win each in their previous encounters over the season.

The match started out with a lot of back and forth early on in the game. It was Galway who would begin to build a lead though as points from Walsh and Burke would give Galway the lead. The game would slow down for a bit after this period as both teams were feeling each other out and sending the ball between the defensive lines. It would be James Sweeney who would even the game up for Tipperary with a great goal, and it was soon followed up by another goal from Conor Martin who got his side their first lead of the game. Both sides would go on after this point to have a number of wides, however, Galway would be that bit more accurate during this period and would score a number of points to leave the game level at half time with a score line of 2-7 to 0-13.

Tipperary’s Donal Burke would start the scoring for the second half with a point. However, Galway would reply quickly as John Moylan would score a goal off the rebound off Niall Walsh’s initial shot, which was saved by the Tipperary keeper. Tipperary would stay alive though, as Paddy Fitzgerald was pulled down in the square, and a penalty was awarded, which Donal Burke would take and score. Both teams would go back and foirth with points, and Tipperary would have a number of chances saved by the Galway Defence, one where the Galway keeper was caught off the line, and Aidan O’Sullivan would save the day with a great body stop, and another save from keeper John Coleman to keep them in the Game. Galway would go on to score a number of frees to give them the lead in which got them the victory with a scoreline of 1-23 to 3-15.

With this victory, Galway sealed their spot and Father Tom’s spot in the finals, and the teams meet each other next week for the final league game of the championship in a preview of the finals. Tipperary will be distraught with the loss, but will surely be back next year and be a force to be reckoned with as always

Galway : John Coleman, Aiden O’Sullivan, Mark Bermingham, Criobheann Bergin, Brian Kennedy, Ronan Burke, Danny Burke, Darragh Lawlor, Andrew Casey, Adam Kenny, Lorcan McGloughlan, John Moylan, Niall Walsh

Tipperary : Daragh Perry, Sean McGarr, John Hamilton, Darren O’Donovan, Cronan Dempsey, Kyle FIrman, Colin Currey, Greg Hilimi, Paddy Fitzgearld, Darragh Mooney, Donal Burke, James Sweeney, Conor Martin

Written By: Evan McDonagh

Sun Jul 21 - Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke's

For the 3rd time this season, Father Tom Burkes and Tipperary met once again on a scorcher of a day for their rubber match. Both teams had faced each other twice already this year, and both have recorded a win over each other already this season. With the Senior Hurling Championship all tied up with all teams on 2 wins each, and no love loss between the two teams, this was lining up to be a cracker of a match.

The scoring was started by Matt Kenny for the Toms, who won the puck out from the Tipperary keeper, and sent it right back over the bar for the first score of the match. It didn’t take long for the tempers to flare like the temperature on the day as an altercation occurred between Ali Dooey of Tom’s and Sean McGarr for Tipperary, which saw both men end the fracas without their helmets. The referee took control of the situation, and warned both players with yellow cards for their trouble. Conor Martin would take the free, who passed it towards James Sweeney who controlled the sliotar and slotted it over the bar. The intensity of the game continued to rage on as there was a lot of hard hits and small off the ball incidents to build the intensity of the game. It would be Tipperary who would get the first blood in terms of a goal when Donal Burke would punish the Tom’s defensive error as he controlled a bad clearance and caught the Tom’s keeper off his line to score a goal. The Tom’s would respond with a converted free from Dooey who brought the team back within a goal’s difference. Conor Whelan for the Tom’s and Colin Currie for Tipperary would go on to score points for each of their sides to keep the game close, However, it would be Father Tom’s who would start to grow their lead, When Jack Coyne, Ali Dooey, and Conor Whelan would all score points to level the game at 0-6 to 1-3.

 

The intensity of the match could still be seen as Tom’s Sean Downey hit a crunching tackle on Tipperary’s Darragh Mooney, and got a yellow card for his troubles. It would be the Tom’s who would break the deadlock as a series of good passes from Vincent Doyle to Ali Dooey to Conor Whelan would lead to a goal, when the All Ireland winner slotted a cracker of a goal it into the net from outside the square. Whelan quickly had another chance to score a goal but his shot was saved by the Tipperary keeper Dara Perry and put out for a Toms 65, which was taken by Dooey who slotted it over the bar for his 3rd score of the day. Tom’s would increase their lead when Jack Coye would score another goal to give Father Tom’s a 6 point lead. The heat and pressure got to the teams as tempers again boiled over. Father Tom’s conceded a free, and  Colin Currie was setting up to take the free when a scuffle occurred with multiple players in Midfield. After everything was calmed down, Cronan Dempsey and Vincent Doyle were cautioned by the referee for their involvement. Whelan passed sideline cut to Doyle who passed it back to Whelan who scored a point. The half would end with multiple points from both teams as the half ended with a score of Father Tom’s 2-10 to 1-7. 

A win for Tom's put them top of the Senior Hurling table.

The 2nd Half began with multiple points from both sides as Tipperary’s Paddy Fitzgerald, and Father Tom’s Ali Dooey slotted over frees for their sides. The aggression of the game continued to be seen as  Paul Morris got himself into a spot of bother after an off the ball incident with Sean Downey. After the referee consulted with the umpires, he showed the Tipperary player red to end his day on the field. 

Both sides would go on to have a number of wides, before Whelan intercepted a Tipperary free and sent over the bar to increase the Tom’s lead.The Tom’s would go on to score a number of unanswered points from Dooey and Whelan before a set play lead to a clinching goal for the Tom’s as a free for Tom’s in their own half was taken by Matt Kenny, who passed it to Whelan, and while being fouled, passed the ball under pressure to Dooey who scored a goal to add to his ever growing tally. They would follow up with a great point from Tom’s half back Eamon Egan, who scored from distance. 

 

Tipperary would have a number of heated instances as the match went on as they attempted to stem the flow of points, as Colin Currie would be disciplined with a yellow card due to a high tackle on Toms keeper,  and Tipperary’s Simon Kennedy would see the same fate as he pulled a heavy challenge on Vincent Doyle. 

Colin Currie would attempt to get Tipperary back in the game with an attempted free from the 21, however the shot was saved by the Tom’s Defence, and while Tipperary would eventually get the 2nd goal they were looking for from Conor Martin, it wouldn’t be enough as Father Tom’s would go on to win 3-19 to 1-12.

 

With this victory. Father Tom’s have taken one step into the Senior Hurling Championship final, while Tipperary look for a victory to keep their ambitions alive as they face Galway next weekend.

Father Tom’s - Kevin Flynn, Ian O’Shea, Damian O’Loughlin, Matt Kenny, Eamon Egan, Brian Flynn, Jack Coyne, Paul Cannon, Aaron Moore, Vincent Doyle, Sean Downey, Conor Whealan, Ali Dooey.

 

Tipperary - Dara Perry, Sean McGarr, John Hamilton, Paul Morris, Conor Martin, Kyle Firman, Cronan Dempsey, Craig Hilmi, Paddy Fitzgerald, Donal Burke, Colin Currie, James Sweeney, Daragh Mooney

By Evan McDonagh

Sun July 7 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Tipperary

Galway 3-15 Tipperary 1-20

The senior hurling championship is looking ever more interesting with each passing game.  Tipperary looked like they had Galway put away late in the second half, but some substitutions from the Galway bench, and a never say die attitude, saw Galway steal the win with a late-late goal from Lorcan McLaughlin. 

Up for Grabs late in the game between Galway and Tipp

(Rachel O'Driscoll)

Tipp held a comfortable looking lead after one half was played.  Playing well and a 1-13 to 0-8 cushion to take into the second half seemed to have the Premier County side well in position to rebound after the previous week’s defeat to Fr. Tom Burke’s.  Early on it was Darragh Mooney and Colin Currie doing the damage at one end, while in the half back line there was some great defending from Paul Morris and Mooney.  Galway relied on Sean Morrissey to get them on the scoreboard early on, and later it was Lorcan McLaughlin finding his range. 

Tipp were the side looking more in synch, and eventually the breakthrough came with a goal from Patrick Fitzgerald.  Fitzgerald made a great run to get into range and the shot found the back of the net.  The teams swapped points to take us to the break, and at that stage one felt as though Tipp were well on course to another 2 points.

Galway kept going till the very end and 

were rewarded with a winning goal. 

(Rachel O'Driscoll)

If Tipperary were feeling a little complacency you’d have hardly blamed them, but complacency combined with a determined opponent is a bad combination.  About half way through the second period Galway had pulled within 2 points.  Thomas Douglas and McLaughlin pointed 2 a piece for Galway, with Darragh Mooney and Currie pointing for Tipp.  A much needed goal came from Danny Burke.  Burke had a few bites at the cherry, but kept at it till the ball hit the back of the net with a pull off the ground from close range.  Comeback on?  Well, Tipperary answered with three points in a row.  Two were lovely efforts from Currie from play, and Tipp were up 5 with the clock ticking.

Into the fray for Galway came Kilkenny man, Niall Walsh, and the man from Windgap made an impression.  Walsh won a penalty after being held in the box, and Douglas took it and buried the shot.  Comeback on again, but the clock was ticking.  The excitement on the Galway side of the field was palpable with watches being checked and players urged to defend, put it in, put it over, or whatever the situation called for.  A Douglas free made it a one point game, but Tipp again had it back to goal through Currie.  The grand finale came after keeper Eanna Murphy put a long ranger over, and with still time for a chance, Galway got it and took it.  Burke found McLaughlin with room to shoot and the ball billowed the net to the delight of the westerners.  Two Tipperary defeats on the trot has not been seen in Canton for a long time, and with Tom’s coming up for Galway next week this championship is very much up for grabs.

Galway:  Eanna Murphy, Tom Davey, David Lowney, Mark Bermingham, Ronan Burke, Brian Kennedy, Danny Burke, Darragh Lawler, Lorcan McLaughlin, Mikey Mahoney, Adam Kenny, Sean Morrissey, Michael Moylan.

Tipperary:  Dara Perry, Mark O’Keefe, John Hamilton, Paul Morris, Darragh Mooney, Sean McGarr, Cronan Dempsey, Patrick Fitzgerald, James Sweeney, Donal Burke, Conor Martin, Colin Currie.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun June 30 - Senior Hurling: fr. Tom Burke's v Tipperary

Fr. Tom Burke’s 3-15 Tipperary 0-18

Fr. Tom’s took their first win in the senior hurling championship with a solid victory over Tipperary.  Tom’s got a great all round performance as the back’s help the Tipp forwards in check, and Ali Dooey took advantage of Tipp indiscipline and was on the mark with frees.  The game became somewhat ragged as on a number of occasions there were scuffles that broke out away from the ball, however, in the second half things settled down a bit.

Tom’s held the edge at the break following a half in which they held an advantage in play.  The westerners controlled most everything from their own half back line out and with Ali Dooey on song with the free taking, Tom’s enjoyed the edge.  Conor Martin opened the scoring with back to back frees but Tom’s got into the swing of things early on.  Jack Coyne was busy early in the corner and his shot for goal was deflected over the bar by Dara Perry in goal for Tipp.

Ali Dooey secures possession.

Dooey hardly missed a free for Tom’s as their advantage in play was converted into scores.  Matt Kenny at wing back was in great form, as was Vincent Doyle at center forward.  The man from Dunloy netted after weaving his way past the defenders and tapped it into the net.  Tipperary lost James Sweeney to a red card following an episode off the ball, and tempers started to flare for the remainder of the half.  There were a handful of episodes with multiple players from each side getting involved.  There were yellows issued and the half time whistle could not come soon enough to allow some cooling down time.  At the break it was a 2-10 to 0-8 Tom’s lead.

The second half saw Tipperary chip away at the Tom’s lead.  Tom’s had started well with a Vincent Doyle goal after he got a second bite at the cherry.  Dooey had also pointed twice, with Donal Burke pointing for Tipp.  Tom’s had an extra man and a 9 point lead.  Tipp, however, set about turning the tables. A period of 6 points to no reply over the following 15 minutes had Tom’s looking anxious.  Currie took advantage of the Tom’s indiscretions from the dead ball, while Conor Martin and Donal Burke also hit the mark from play.  Tipperary were sneaking closer while Tom’s were in bad need of a call to action.

Jack Coyne finds it tough going inside 

the Tipp 21 yard line.

Tom’s got back on track in the final stages.  A pointed Dooey free was like a shot in the arm for Tom’s and settled the side heading into the final 10 minutes.  Tom’s started to match Tipperary’s efforts and kept their noses just in front.  Corner back, Ian O’Shea did well for Tom’s, winning several critical balls at this crucial stage in the game, and then a Cian Salmon goal put the issue to rest.  A sigh of relief from the Tom’s faithful, and a first, and much needed win.   Tom’s who in fairness looked like they had a big performance due, and with the win the senior hurling championship looks very open with 3 very evenly matched teams. 

Tom’s:  Mark Fahy, Ian O’Shea, Damien O’Loughlin, Matt Kenny, Eamon Egan, Brian Flynn, Aaron Moore, Paul Cannon, Jason Costello, Vincent Doyle, Darragh McGrath, Ali Dooey, Jack Coyne.

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

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun June 16 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Tipperary

Galway 3-17 Tipperary 4-22

It was an entertaining affair between old rivals Galway and Tipperary, even with conditions less than ideal.  Referee James Rigney had his work cut out from the start as there were 2 scuffles to sort out before a ball was hardly struck in earnest.  Some warnings and yellow cards restored the focus to the game itself, and in the end the Tipperary machine rolled on with some brilliantly taken scores late in the game, many that looked effortless.  The forward line containing Corkman, James Sweeney, Clareman Patrick Fitzgerald, and Dubliner Colin Currie proved to be a lot to handle for the tribesmen who battled on for the 60 minutes.

There were some nasty tangles early on between 

Galway and Tipp.

The game got off to a fiery start with play having to be stopped and warnings as well as yellow cards issued before the game was 2 minutes old.  Play settled down eventually and both teams played some excellent hurling in the damp conditions.  Galway needed a first half goal from corner forward Thomas Douglas to keep in touch as Tipp set about testing Eanna Murphy between the Galway posts early.  Murphy was up to most shots, but there were a few that he could not get the stick to.  Donal Burke was first to net for Tipp following a pass from James Sweeney, and the wing forward found the net again 10 minutes later for Tipp after finding the room to shoot. 

Sweeney was a tough challenge for the Galway defence as whenever the ball was in the hands of the tall Dubliner things looked dangerous.  Galway had kept themselves well in contention, some lovely points from Tom Moloney and Danny Burke along with the free taking of Lorcan McLaughlin kept the point column ticking over.  The westerners were hit with a tough break late in the half after Tipp corner forward, Patrick Fitzgerald, doubled on a high ball into the box just before the break, and ball took a one hopper into the net.  At the break it was a 4 point Tipp lead, 3-7 to 1-9.

The sides went back and forth in the second half, but Galway were unable to narrow the gap.  With Cronan Dempsey now finding the range the Tipp veteran pointed twice from distance.  Currie was on top of the frees and added a couple of nice scores from play, while for Galway the scores did not come as easy.  Danny Burke put a monster point over the bar from center back to make it a 5 point game, but the chances of a Galway rally narrowed after Patrick Fitzgerald netted for Tipp.

James Sweeney proved a handful for Galway to deal with.

Galway again fell foul of a goal out of nothing, another high ball fell into the full forward line and corner forward, Fitzgerald, managed to ensure that the ball was directed into the back of the net.  The goal put seven points in it.  Galway stuck with it and netted though substitute Niall Walsh.  The the Tipp forward line kicked into overdrive and fired over 8 points in the run in.  A spectacular Danny Burke goal for Galway would have little effect on the outcome, and for Tipp it is 2 for 2 after their first round of games.  For Galway it will be looking at tightening up at the back to keep out the goals.

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

Galway:  Eanna Murphy, Tom Davey, David Loweny, Mark Bermingham, Caoimhean Bergin, Brian Kennedy, Danny Burke, Tom Moloney, Mikey Maloney, Lorcan McLaughlin, Michael Moylan, Thomas Douglas, Adam Kenny.

By Rory O'Donnell

Philadelphia 2018 - North American Finals

The Greater Chester Valley Sports Complex was the venue for the 2018 USGAA Finals, hosted by the Philadelphia GAA.  Located about 30 miles west of downtown Philadelphia, the venue was second to none with playing surfaces that were in immaculate condition.  There were 5 fields in operation for 3 full days to host 110 teams competing in 19 different competitions.  Despite a wet and rainy Friday all games were played according to schedule on the first 2 days, setting the stage for some great finals on Sunday.

Cian Clifford Shoots

5 teams traveled to represent the Northeast division.  There were 3 finalists and one winner.  Galway lost out in the junior B football semi-final to a Dallas Fionn MacCumhaills team that was very good.  The Eventual winners of the competition were Donegal St. Patrick’s from Philadelphia who overcame a 6 point deficit in their semi-final to defeat Pittsburgh Celtics, and went on the win the cup.  Connacht Ladies also lost out in the semi-finals to a superb Chicago St. Bridget’s team that went on to win the championship in what may have been the best final of the weekend, beating the defending champion Charlotte James Connolly’s by a single point.

Cork made the final of the junior A football competition with a great one point win against Vancouver in the quarter final on Friday, and Saturday the rebels repeated the feat by defeating Charlotte James Connolly by the same margin.  The final was a different story however.  Setanta San Diego provided the opposition and from the beginning had Cork on the ropes and ran out convincing winners. 

It was a Testy Affair Between the Wolves and Milwaukee.

For the New Hampshire Wolves in the junior B hurling championship it was a high of coming back from 5 points down to defeat Milwaukee in a fiery semi-final on Saturday but the disappointment of defeat on Sunday.  The New Hampshire boys came up against a host team in Allentown and were very unlucky not claim the cup, losing out by 2 points with a final score of 1-8 to 2-7.

Tipperary won the senior hurling championship in fine style with a hard earned win against a good Vancouver team in the final.  The semi-final saw the Boston team pitted against San Francisco champions, Na Fianna.  The story on the street was that this game would effectively be the final.  Tipperary had to come back from being down late in the game to pull out a 1-17 to 1-19 win.  In the final it was far from a foregone conclusion.  Vancouver, who had former Wexford Boston players Tony Murphy and Yom in the side, pushed the Tipp lads all the way.  Cronan Dempsey was to the fore in a great performance in the final, and with Vancouver edging to within 2 points late in the game, Tipp stepped up with Dempsey clipping over a lovely point and Joe Coleman added a booming shot over the bar.  In the end Tipperary pulled away to win it by a 3-21 to 1-19 score.  In his speech after the game Dempsey mentioned that it was 14 years since Tipperary had won the North American senior hurling championship.  That year the finals were also held in Philadelphia, and it was Dempsey’s first season with Tipp where he was named the player of the tournament.

Tipperary Captain Cronan Dempsey with his second 

North American Senior Hurling Championship.

In other news, Darren O’Donovan won a set of Masita gear for his club after winning the Guinness Crossbar Challenge in hurling. 

The senior camogie winners were Cu Chulainn from San Francisco who won with a last puck of the game 60 yard free to prevent Liberty Gaels from taking 4 in a row.  Men’s senior football was Donegal St. Patrick’s who had an easy win in the final against Young Irelander’s/St. Brendan’s from San Francisco, while the Ladies senior football final went to the wire in the game of the weekend where St. Bridget’s from Chicago defeated Charlotte James Connolly’s in a tremendous game.

The Mid-Atlantic division are hosting the 2019 finals. 

By Rory O'Donnell

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

Fr. Tom Burke’s 2 -11 Tipperary 7-18

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

Fr. Tom's Jack Martyn turns.

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

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

Joe Coleman lines up a shot.

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

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

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

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

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun July 8 - Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Galway

Galway 1-19 Tipperary 0-23

Tipperary and Galway played a thrilling game of hurling with Galway threatening to undo Tipp’s winning record this season.  The Tribesmen made up for a slow start and led mid-way through the second half.  Tipp, however, were not to be undone and a last minute score from substitute Dean Coleman claimed the points.

Seanie McGarr tries to clear for Tipperary. 

At the half it was Galway who held a one goal edge.  Tipperary got out of the blocks fast and rattled off 6 points to Galway’s one before the game was 10 minutes old.  Joe Coleman was firing the frees over, and Russell Quirke and Shane Bennett chipped in with a score each.  A goal lifted Galway spirits and the Tribesmen started to gain a foothold in their own half back line.

Enda Feeney netted to pull Galway within two points and the tide began to turn.  With Galway winning the battle in the half back line the forwards had plenty of supply to work with.  Aidan Helebert was on the mark with frees and fine effort from his own half back line added to the Galway rally.  Each side vied for the initiative, Joe O’Connor put a beautiful point over the bar from a tight angle and was matched by an equally fine effort from Helebert.  Oisin Donnellan sparked to life in the final minutes of the half with a brace and at the half it was a 1-12 to 0-12 Galway lead.

The second half opened with each team putting 4 unanswered points over each.  First was Galway opening a 7-point lead.  Helebert and Jack Lyons hit the mark for Galway, then it was the turn of Tipperary to go on a spurt with Coleman putting well-earned frees over the bar.  Galway almost netted a second time, Adam Kenny was in but after side-stepping the keeper, his one handed shot was blocked by Sean McGarr who covered well.

It was a tough contest between Galway 

and Tipperary in Canton.

The next phase of the game saw Tipp pull even.  Jerry O’Neill was on top at center back as the pendelum swung back in favor of the Premier county.  Kieran Bennett, Coleman, and James Maher pointed, and the equalizer came from substitute Dean Coleman.  It was all to play for now.  Oisin Donnellan edged Galway back in front, but it was Tipp who would pull it out in the end.  Coleman was to play a part.  The Limerick man leveled the scores, before Shane Bennett put Tipp one up.  Helebert evened it up with a long one in injury time.  The next score would win it and Coleman put what turned out to be the winner over the bar, as a long distance free for the last puck of the game from Helebert fell just short, and Tipp continue their winning streak and sit on top of the table with full points.

Galway:  John Moylan, Calum Lyons, Tervor Lee, James Kinsella, Shane O’Gorman, Brendan Furlong, Frank McCormack, Ryan Garry, Adam Kenny, Aidan Helebert, Oisin Donnellan, Enda Feeney, Jack Lyons.

Tipp:  Evan Condon, Harry O’Connor, Sean McGarr, Kieran Bennett, Jerry O’Neill, John Kindregan, James Maher, Simon Kennedy, Shane Bennett, Joe Coleman, Darrren O’Donovan, Joe O’Connor, Russell Quirke.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 1 - Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke's v Tipperary

By Mark Dunphy

Tipperary took a while to get going in the first hurling match of the day, but once they did Tipp overwhelmed Fr. Tom’s around the middle of the park on their way to a 2-21 to 1-13 win. 

Joe Coleman drives one in for Tipp

(Photo: Brian Rooney)

The teams traded two points each to open proceedings before Tipp’s Russell Quirke shouldered his marker out of the way, scooped up a diagonal cross-field ball, and tapped over a point. Fr. Tom’s didn’t have to wait long for their reply, as Dean Flood immediately sent over a point at the other end. 

After a Shane Bennett point, Joe Coleman started a move that extended Tipp’s lead. The imposing center forward caught a puck out, carried through a web of defenders, and laid it across to Quirke. Quirke blasted a close-range effort past Kevin Flynn to send the green flag waving. 

After a desperately-needed water break, Aaron Moore drove down the middle of the park for Fr. Tom’s and flicked the sliotar towards Ali Dooey, who knocked one over the bar. The Tom’s had another score moments later as Stiofan McMahon bounced off a heavy challenge and launched another point. 

Tipp nearly had a second goal on the next possession, but Dwane Palmer swept in for a beautiful hook as one of their forwards closed in on target. They did add two scores via Coleman to earn a 1-12 to 0-10 lead at the break.

Coleman was first on the board again in the second half before a Shane Bennett goal put Tipp firmly in control. Bennett made a blistering run down the right wing, then beat Kevin Flynn with a low drive. Tipp added another point on the following puck out. 

Fr. Tom’s soon had a fine goal of their own. After Dooey burst through the heart of the Tipp back line, the last defender dragged him down on the edge of the square. McMahon stepped up to the dead ball and drilled the free past the Tipp men lining the goal. 

Tipp’s forwards didn’t slow down as the clock ticked down and though Dooey had another point to pull Fr. Tom’s back, Tipp left with a 2-21 to 1-13 victory. 

Tipperary

Evan Condon, Darragh Fanning, Sean McGarr, Paul Morris, Jerry O’Neil, John Kindergan, Kieran Bennett, Cronan Dempsey, Conor O’Keefe, Joe Coleman, Simon Kennedy, Russell Quirke, Shane Bennett Subs: Joe O’Connor, Harry O’Connor, Darren O’Donovan

Fr. Tom’s 

Kevin Flynn, Craig Taylor, Dwane Palmer, Vincent Doyle, Seamus Higgins, Danny Burke, Aaron Moore, Dylan Costello, Shane Howley, Dean Flood, Stiofan McMahon, Ali Dooey, Jason Costello Subs: Michael Moloney, Conor Freeman, Liam Moore

Junior A Hurling Final

Tipperary v Offaly

Offaly started this match very brightly and for most of the first half it looked like Tipperary might have been California dreamin’ too early. But going a man down early seemed to spark the Premier county men and they’re off to San Francisco with cup in hand after raising their game near the heights shown all year.

Stephen Brown struck the sliotar cleanly, and Offaly struck first with a stylish early score. They jumped out to a 0-03 to 0-01 lead on the back of points from Stephen Hallissy and another free from Brown. Tipp’s Patrick Moriarty, one of several men on both sides playing their second match of the day, sent over a fine score from near the sideline. 

Tipp’s Paul Morris picked up his second yellow card before halftime for a love tap on an Offaly knee. Stephen Brown didn’t let the resulting free go to waste, but Tipp came to life after Morris was shown red. They moved into the lead on the back of points from Russell Quirke, Sean Stafford, and Kieran Lowry, and Tipp led 0-14 to 0-08 at halftime. 

Offaly’s Cathal Cusack was handed a red card shortly after the restart. Brown made the most of Offaly’s man advantage with two more frees, but the advantage disappeared after Alan Bergin was sent off. Both sides finished with eleven players. 

Tipp increased their lead with a Cronan Dempsey point, the center back putting his name on the score sheet after steeling his side all day. Stephen Brown kept Offaly in touching distance with a beautiful free, and Chris McMahon buried a goal to cut Tipp’s lead to just two points. 

Tipp needed a score and got two from their center forward, Jimmy Maher, who powered the ball over the line to send the green flag waving. Tipp were made to sweat in the final minutes, but raised the cup with a 1-20 to 1-15 victory.

Teams:

Offaly: G. Sherlock, B. Dempsey, C. Cusack, J. Murray, J. Rigney, T. Rigney, A. McRedmond, S. Brown, A. Cleary, C. McMahon, S. Hallissy, A. Bergin, M. Blake

Tipperary: S. Delaney, S. McGarr, C. Madden, P. Moriarty, C. Dempsey, P. Morris, S. Kennedy, K. Lowry, D. Nyland, J. Maher, F. O’Carroll, S. Stafford, R. Quirke, 

By Mark Dunphy

Sun Jul 30 - Junior A Hurling: Wexford v Tipperary

Tipperary 1-24 Wexford 0-11

Tipperary and Wexford both entered Sunday afternoon’s game with secured semi-finals berths. Tipperary have proven to be quite strong all summer and cemented their position at the top of the Junior A Hurling table with another impressive performance.

The first ten minutes was an open-affair, with some fine scores and hard tackles from both sides. Russell Quirke and Sean Stafford showed well inside for Tipperary, benefitting from the hard work of Kieran Lowrey in the middle of the field. Wexford goalkeeper Colm Kearns was put to the test on several occasions and pulled out a few great saves to keep a clean sheet for the first half.

Tipperary’s half back line of Paul Morris, Cronan Dempsey, and Patrick Moriarty were quick to break apart any Wexford attacks through the middle. John Joe O’Neill and Jason Foley worked hard in midfield for Wexford as the sides went into the break with Tipperary nine points ahead.

The Wexford backline tightened up in the second half with Eddie Murphy and John Taggart turning over several Tipperary charges into the Wexford half. A scuffle in front of the Wexford goal resulted in Tipperary corner forward Russell Quirke and Wexford goalkeeper Colm Kearns both being shown yellow cards.

Halfway through the second half corner forward Russell Quirke hit the back of the Wexford net and Sean Stafford went on to add another point to the scoreboard for Tipperary. Tipperary continued to prove too strong as the Brighton-based Wexford forwards struggled to create scoring chances from their possessions.

Tensions were high towards the end of the game and Patrick Moriarty picked up a red card for a high tackle. A few more Tipperary scores came before the final whistle and after sixty minutes, it was another convincing win for Tipperary in this year’s Junior A Hurling Championship. 

Tipperary: Sean Delaney, Cathal Madden, Sean McGarr, Paul Morris, Cronan Dempsey, Patrick Moriarty, Simon Kennedy, Kieran Lowrey, Joe O’Sullivan, Timmy Maher, Dylan Nyland, Russell Quirke, Sean Stafford

Wexford: Colm Kearns, Tom Davey, Peter Herlihy, John Taggart, Eddie Murphy, Greg Lundy, Jason Foley, John Joe O’Neill, Peter Ryan, Eoghan Kavanagh, Tom Delaney, Craig Burke, Jamie Kehoe

By Aisling Kerr

Sun July 16 - Junior A Hurling: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke's

Tipperary 6-18 Fr. Tom Burke’s 1-10

The second junior A hurling match of the day saw Tipperary tally another one-sided victory, this time over Fr. Tom’s.  Within the first 15 minutes of the start of the game Tipp had netted three times, and put four points over the bar to a single score from Tom’s.  The way Tipp are marching through this junior hurling championship leaves little doubt as to where the Eddie Treacy Cup is likely to go in the middle of August.

Jack Martin on the ball for Fr. Tom's. 

Tipperary’s corner forward pairing of Sean Stafford and Russell Quirke proved to be the tip of the spear for the Premier side.  Stafford, who took the frees, accounted for a goal and four points (3 frees) while Quirke netted 3 times in the opening period as Tipp found the room to get behind the Tom’s defence.   Joe O’Sullivan at half forward accounted for 2 well taken points from play as Tipperary dominated.

Tom’s did manage to create several chances, many of which dropped just short and were dealt with with assurance by Sean Delaney between the posts for Tipp.  Ciaran Moore, Niall Carthy, and Danny O’Connell accounted for points for Tom’s, however, Tipp corner backs Sean McGarr and Paul Morris were alert to dangerous balls played into their areas of responsibility and Tom’s were unable to breah the Tipp rearguard.  Just before half time, with Tipperary galloping away with it, things got a little testy.  Yellow cards were issued in an attempt to calm affairs.

Kieran Lowrey assesses his options.

The second half was a more evenly contested affair.  Although the result was in no doubt at that stage, Tom’s kept battling away and were rewarded with a Ciaran Moore goal.  Danny O’Connell and Paudge Egan popped over a handful of points, while local player and youth program product, Jack Martin gave a good account of himself at wing forward. 

Tipperary, however, kept the scores coming and tallied another two goals in the latter stages.  All in all a very one sided affair that leaves it looking like the real battle in the junior a championship is for second place.

Tipp:  Sean Delaney, Sean McGarr, Paul Morris, Pat Moriarty, Cronan Dempsey, Dylan Hyland, Kieran Lowrey, Simon Kennedy, Joe O’Sullivan, Jimmy Maher, Dinny Crosse, Russell Quirke, Sean Stafford.  Subs:  Tony Hanley, Stephen Quinn, Fionn O’Carroll, Michael Moriarty.

Tom’s:  Fran Keenan, Paddy Flynn, Sean Og Somers, David Burke, Seamie Higgins, Kevin Burke, Paudge Egan, Danny O’Connell, Jack Martin, Niall Carthy, James Dooley, Ciaran Moore, Liam Moore.  Subs:  Declan Harrington, Sean O’Brien, AJ McGovern.

By Rory O'Donnell