Tipperary Hurling Tipperary GAA Premierview

Co. Tipperary Senior Hurling Final:Preview. Knocknagow


Thurles Sarsfields v Mullinahone. 03-11-2002.

Sunday next sees the showpiece of the Tipperary hurling calendar when
Mullinahone and Thurles face up to each other in Semple Stadium. It will be
the first time in a good few years that no player on the field will have a
Senior County hurling medal in his possession. 1974 was the last time
Thurles collected the Dan Breen Cup for a record 28th time with Jimmy Doyle
the captain. The have lost the 3 finals that they were in. They lost the
1992 final to Toomevara after a replay, the 2000, and the 2001 also to
Toomevara. Mullinahone are in their second ever final. In their previous
final in 1997 they lost out narrowly to a Declan Ryan inspired Clonoulty
outfit.
Mullinahone have had a meteoric rise through the ranks since John Leahy
came to prominence in the mid 80's. From winning the County Junior title in
1989, they have been the standard bearer for the South division winning 5
South Senior titles in recent years, (93, 95, 97, 99, 02.) This year has
been another successful year for them. Their first major success was winning
the All-Ireland Sevens where Paul Kelly and Pat Croke led them on the field
and managed by John Leahy they comprehensively beat Clarecastle in the
final. They qualified for the South Final with a 4 point win over
Ballingarry in Semi Final, 3-16 to 2-15, with Eoin Kelly in inspirational
form scoring 3-7. In the South Final they easily overcame Killenaule 2-18 to
0-12. In the County Quarter Final they beat Roscrea 3-17 to 0-9. Pat Croke
was man of the match scoring 1-8. Paul Curran and Paul Kelly were also
impressive.
They then faced red-hot favourites Toomevara 2 weeks ago in the County Semi
Final. Toomevara were going for five in a row. The game was played in
atrocious conditions with Toomevara having the advantage of a strong wind in
the first half. The scores were level at the break with the Mullinahone goal
coming from an alert Pat Croke. Toome showed their class and led by 2 points
with 5 minutes left, however Mullinahone with Paul Kelly in superb form
driving the team forward scored a superb long range point, Pat Croke then
levelled with a free before coolly slotted over a 65 with time up to send
Mullinahone into their second ever County Final.
Thurles had a more torturous route to Sundays Finale. They surprisingly
lost the Mid Semi-final to Moycarkey-Borris 1-14 to 2-12; they then had to
enter the County play-offs where they overcame South representatives Carrick
Swans 2-16 to 2-9. They reached the Quarter Finals by beating Kickams 1-16
to 0-14. In the Quarter Finals they overcame Clonoulty 2-12 to 1-14 with a
late burst of scores, (including a goal from Ger O' Grady), however the win
came a great cost with their main player of the last number of years Johnny
Enright out for the rest of the seasons with a damaged shoulder.
They beat Loughmore last Sunday in Templemore in an exciting game 3-13 to
4-07. Thurles entered the game as favourites against a depleted Loughmore
side; Noel Morris out with a broken hand and Paul Ormonde a sub, (he had not
played since the All-Ireland Semi Final loss to Kilkenny.) Thurles were
first to settle and were ahead mainly through the frees of Cathal McIntyre
and an Eamon Walsh goal. Loughmore with David Kennedy and Tom King in superb
form never wilted and although never threatening in attack they depended on
frees from to keep them in touch. Loughmore then made a master switch with
the introduction of 41-year-old former Tipp captain Pat McGrath who went to
midfield. His first act was to score a goal when his free went direct to the
net. Derek Bourke then scored a superb goal to put Loughmore ahead at the
break 2-5 to 1-5.
Thurles were struggling at mid-field where Pat McGrath was lording it.
Cathal McIntyre was getting no change from Kennedy, and the forwards were
very wasteful. Loughmore through Bourke struck for another goal soon after
the break and with the introduction of Paul Ormonde seemed set for victory.
Yet Thurles fought back through Eddie Enright, Brendan Carroll and with Tony
Ruth and Ger O Grady eventually finding their range up front they came back
into it. Yet the turning point of the game came with about 10 minutes left
when Thurles got a controversial goal and John Kennedy of Loughmore got sent
off for his protestations to the ref. There was 1 final scare from Thurles
when Pat McGrath buried a 21-yard free with a few minutes left but 2 further
points saw Thurles scrape through.
This County Final has the makings of a classic with top class players on
both sides. Both teams are littered with players who have represented Tipp
at various levels. Mullinahone have their 5 Senior inter county players, the
2 Kelly's, Leahy, Brian O' Meara and Paul Curran, while Pat Croke, Niall
Curran, Kyran Vaughan, and Eddie Carey have represented Tipp at underage
level. Thurles have Eddie Enright, Lar Corbett and Brendan Carroll with
Senior inter county experience, while Ciaran Carroll, Stephen Mason, Tony
Ruth and Ger O' Grady have represented Tipp at underage level. Thurles will
also have the advantage of experience having played in the last 2 finals,
however most of the Mullinahone players played in 1997 (15 year old Eoin
Kelly came on as sub!!).
Mullinahone will be favourites for this game as they have been far more
impressive in their 2 most recent victories over Roscrea and Toome, while on
the other hand Sars struggled against a Loughmore side that only scored 4
times from play. Thurles seem rudderless without the influential Johnny
Enright who not alone in being their free taker was the fulcrum of the
Thurles attack. The Thules full back line will also have to play out of skin
to snuff out the twin attacks of Eoin Kelly and John Leahy. The midfield
will also have to perform with Mason performing to his full potential to
block the supply to the Mullinhone forwards. The 1 area that Thurles can
improve on is their forwards. The have massive potential with any out of
Lar, Redser, or Tony Ruth being a potential match winner on the day. Thurles
will also have to cut out the bad wides, shooting from impossible angles,
and players going for their own scores rather than passing to a
better-placed colleague. If Thurles can rectify these problems then they
will collect title number 29.
Mullinahone have the players in the spine of the team who have the class to
win it. Paul Curran's performances at full back should see him threaten for
a County place, Paul Kelly as always is leading by example in the halfback
line, Pat Croke at half-forwrd is deadly accurate from frees, although Brian
O' Meara has been poor so far this year he will be a handful for Brendan
Carroll and finally the main thrust of the Mullinahone attack will be John
Leahy and Eoin Kelly. For Mullinahone to win they need to get good quality
ball into the full-forward line and the half back line to stop the ball
going into the nippy Thurles forwards who have the potential to be match
winners.
Hopefully a fine day and the chance of Thurles returning to the top
pedestal of Tipperary hurling or the cup going to the South for the first
time since 1967 will bring a large crowd to Semple Stadium. I think that
Mullinhone will exploit a weak Thurles full back line and that the loss of
Johnny Enright will be too much to bear for a brittle Thurles attack. So
hopefully Sunday evening Tipperary's favourite hurler, John Leahy, will get
the County medal he deserves as Mullinahone take the Dan Breen Cup to C.J.
Kickams country for a historic first visit.



Knocknagow



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Tipperary 1-16 Kilkenny 1-20 (19-08-02) Match Report.Knocknagow



Tipp lost the last of their hard won crowns when Leinster Champions Kilkenny put the reigning All-Ireland Champions out of the race in a thrilling All-Ireland Semi-Final in Croke Park yesterday. Over 53,000 paid in to see the All-Ireland Champions from the last 2 years do battle. There was no late changes to either teams but Tipperary made 1 positional switch with Bennny Dunne and Brian O’ Meara swapping positions. There was no breeze to spoil the play as Tipp played into the Hill 16 end for the first half.

Things got hot from the start when a schmozzle that started with Tom Costello and DJ ended with Andy Comerford being surprisingly booked. Shefflin converted Kilkenny’s first free. Benny Dunne then was booked when Philly Larkin went down easy after a charge. The game settled down and Eoin Kelly got Tipp’s first score with a point after good work by O’ Meara. Cummins agility was tested by a John Hoyne shot. Eoin Kelly then got a good individual score as Philly Larkin looked in trouble. Brendan Cummins fumbled a ball and luckily it went out for a 65, which DJ converted. 1 of the displeasing aspects was the booing of Tipp fans who very unfairly booed all DJ’s frees. Tipp then missed 2 crucial goal chances the first was when a great Brian O’ Meara run but a poor pass lead to another Eoin Kelly point. O’ Leary then got a superb point after catching a puck out and pointing himself. Lyng then scored a long-range point in the 16th minute to leave it 4-3 to Tipp.

Tipp then missed their second gilt edged goal chance when a storming run by John Carroll, pass to Eoin Kelly who took a shot which McGarry saw little of but went off his chest on to the bar and Eugene miss hit the rebound. However Eoin made up for it when he pointed a minute later, Shefflin gathered the puck out expertly and pointed. The next 4 minutes brought 4 scores as a Paul Kelly free and 65 and Shefflin and Martin Comerford left it 8-6 to Tipp. Shefflin pointed after Andy Comerford was fouled. Tipp then won a free when DJ fouled Maher but the ref reversed it when Ormonde stupidly tapped DJ with his hurley and the ball was thrown in. DJ was involved when he got a soft free which Shefflin pointed. Mark O’ Leary and Andy Comerford traded points going into injury time. Kilkenny then got a controversial point when Corcoran’s hurl was blatantly held as he tried to clear the ball and the resulting 65 was pointed by DJ. Eoin Kelly then won a free about 25 yards out and rightly went for goal but his effort came off McGarry and Larkin and away. Eugene then got a cracker when with a long range effort to put the sides in at the break 10 points each.

The quality in the first half was superb Tipp only had 2 wides Kilkenny 4. The pace was breathtaking with the ball rarely out of play. Tipp had most of the possession and the forwards especially Eoin Kelly had their men in trouble. But Tipp were wasteful, Eugene got a lot of ball but fumbled it and Kilkenny cleared. Tipp’s half back line started off brilliantly: Hoyne and McEvoy never got a look in but it was Shefflin who did the damege winning his personal duel with Corcoran. When Corcoran batted the ball he won, but when they both tried to catch it Shefflin invariable won the ball and set up scores. The Kilkenny forwards lived on scraps but converted their limited chances.

Kilkenny were the more invigorated team at the start of the second half as Tipp still thought they were still in the dressing room as John Hoyne and Eddie Brennan got 2 rapid points. These were 2 crucial points and it left Tipp playing catch up for the rest of the game. Costello was booked and it resulted in a throw in which DJ won and after a good run showed that the Gowran magic is still there. Kilkenny then nearly had a goal when Cummins fumbled. Tipp brought on Conor Gleeson for an ineffective Eddie Enright. Gleeson made an immediate impact when after a sublime Eugene pass he turned and despite an awkward shot Carroll buried the rebound to the net to spring Tipp into life. Lar then came on for Benny. Tipp could not get the score to put them ahead despite a brilliant John Carroll catch but his shot drifted wide. Cummins then had to make a smart save from sub Charlie Carter. Andy Comerford then pointed to put Kilkenny ahead, but a long range free from Paul Kelly kept it tight. Carter and Mark O’ Leary then swapped points before super sub Jimmy Coogan made a dramatic introduction.

In the space of 2 minutes he put over a sweet point from the sideline and then after a great DJ run he blasted past Cummins to leave it 1-16 to 1-12 with 12 minutes left. The game was almost put out of Tipp’s reach when a fumble by Cummins was nearly put into the net by the vigilant Coogan. Unlike the Waterford game when Tipp faded they got down to business and with Tommy Dunne, Brain O’ Meara invigorated and John O’ Brien at the edge of the square Tipp upped their game. Both Tommy and O’ Meara got points before hassling by John Carroll of Hickey fed O’ Brien and there was just a point in it as the Tipp fans erupted and tried to drive the team on. Shefflin grabbed the puck out and floated over to put 2 in it. However Shefflin was marked absent when a Corcoran effort was touched over the bar by a nervous McGarry for his first ever Championship score and 1 point on it with a minute to go. The tension was unbearable but then a Lyng effort was given after messing by the umpire; a delay which seemed to unsettle Tipp. Ormonde then gave away a silly free when he threw his hurley, Shefflin pointed. This amazingly was Kilkenny’s only free in the second half. DJ got the last score before an injury time goal mouth scramble which after 2 65’s lead to a Brian O’ Meara rasper skinning the wrong side of the post, the ref blew on the puck out and the final score was 1-20 to 1-16.

So Kilkenny get to the All-Ireland Final with Clare on the 8th of September. They were superb all over the field. Larkin after a very poor start got to grips with Eoin Kelly. Peter Barry was amazing caught every thing and cleared a lot of ball. Comerford and Lyng got valuable points. Shefflin despite limping for most of the first half was also a colossus, while Corcoran won a lot of ball off him he not alone got his own scores but set up others as well. DJ was quiet for most of the game but off 3 runs set up goal and scored 2 points. His cuteness and experienced was vital. Another thing was that the majority of the Kilkenny forwards are tall and physical and well able to fight for the ball whether it is high or low. This meant that the ball into them did not have to be 100% accurate. The 2 subs, Carter and Coogan scored 1-2.

Tipp were gutted after the game and rightly so they had produced an excellent display but were pipped by a superb Kilkenny display. The crucial spell in the game was 10 minutes either side of the break. Tipp missed a goal chance just before the break with Eoin Kelly’s free and let Kilkenny get 3 soft points after the break. But the main thing was that Tipp showed spine in the second half unlike the Waterford game where they gave up the ghost after 10 minutes of the second half. They came back twice in the second half from 4 points down to 1 and only for the brilliance of Shefflin could have drawn it. Tipp had very few wides. It was the Kilkenny subs that made the difference Coogan with 1-1 and Carter a point and also a goal chance. Also as I stressed in the preview the quality of ball into the Tipp forwards deteriorated rapidly after the first 20 minutes, this was due to the pressure that the backs were under and had no time to give accurate passes to the inside forwards. One other point is that 9 different Tipp players scored!

Tipp Players:



Brendan Cummins: Could do nothing about the goal. Made 2 good saves from Eddie Brennan early on then Charlie Carter late in the game. Brought down 1 ball that was over the bar. Slipped twice and 1 effort nearly went over the line. Is unlikely to hold onto his All-Star.



Full Back Line: Costello proved his worth yesterday. In the first half nearly ever ball was played into his corner and was penalised harshly on 2 occasions. Gave away 1 very stupid throw in and DJ scored off it. Kept very close to DJ and limited him to 2 points from play. His best display of the year on 1 of the greats of hurling. Philip Maher made 2 good relieving clearances at the start but then Comerford scored a point off him. Looked as if he could be in trouble if more ball had been played in. Did a lot of harrying and blocking in front of goal. Gave away a bad 65 after he fumbled a clearance. Ormonde could nearly have been sent off at end after launched his hurley at Kilkenny player. Kept the Eddie Brennan well away from the ball.



Half Back Line: Morris was superb. Rock solid on McEvoy who got replaced. In first half broke up and cleared an acre of ball. Was quieter in second half but played his part in the rally at end. One of Tipp’s better players during the year. Paul Kelly had 3 good frees but wasted 2 good opportunities near the end with the Bull Carroll wanting the ball at the edge of the square. Kept Hoyne quiet throughout. I thought Corcoran had a good game on his old WIT teammate. Should have batted the ball rather than trying to catch it. Kept a lot of ball away from Shefflin. The half back line totally dominated for first 25 minutes but Tipp failed to capitalise on the scoreboard.



Midfield: This was where Tipp lost the game. Lyng and Andy Comerford scored 4 points to a single strike by Tommy Dunne. The Tipp midfield went AWOL far too often. Tipp’s game plan in the first half was push tight on the inside Kilkenny line and snuff out DJ and Eddie Brennan. This worked a treat but the problem was that there was no one on Andy Comerford who scored 2 first half points when he intercepted short Tipp clearances. Eddie should have been taken off sooner while Tommy did lead the comeback and there was talk afterwards that his wide at the start of the second half was actually over the bar.



Half Forward Line: Benny had his worst game of the year. Looked very nervous early on and seemed very jittery when he got the ball, also early booking unsettled him. Find of the year for Tipp and one for the future. John Carroll tried too hard at times running all over the field. Finished his goal well and could have created 2 more. Personally I think he should be left at centre forward but talk will start of him going back to centre back. Mark O’ Leary scored 3 points, 2 sweet ones in the first half yet was poor for long spells of the second half.



Full Forward Line: Eoin Kelly started off brilliantly with 3 points early and on the third easily beating Larkin by 5 yards in the race to the ball. Got little service in the second half rather than Philly beating him. Missed 1 free that was crucial. Faded badly in second half and seemed to tire. Eugene got a lot of ball and could have got an early goal. Scored 2 points both very difficult chances, and gave a sublime pass for goal. Fumbled a lot of ball. Brian O’ Meara is not suited to corner forward. Quiet in first half and made 1 good run which nearly ended in a goal. Upped his work rate and won a lot of ball on the wing in the closing stages.

Subs:



Conor Gleeson: Made an immediate impression when brought on caught a lot of ball and delivered it well. Strengthened up the Tipp attack and partially limited Kilkenny’s attacks.



Lar Corbett: Touched the ball twice.



John O’ Brien: On for last 6 minutes made a good impression. 2 shots 1 a good point and the second blocked.



So Kilkenny advance after a scintillating display. Tipp will be disappointed a few silly mistakes, (2 corner boys gave away silly frees), and 3 missed goal chances was the difference. The backs did their job down to a tee but the forwards especially the inside line could not get the room to turn and shoot. Still this was as good as Kilkenny display that I have ever seen. With the exception of the wing forwards every other player had periods on dominance on their men. Kilkenny were just that bit more sharper on the day, more efficient. With Peter Barry and Shefflin impressing and dominating there was little Tipp could have done. I thing what might have made a difference was not putting every single puck out into Peter Barry’s hand. But Kilkenny were the better team and should if they play a similar type of game beat Clare in the Final. They also had the more determined and cuter players; Andy Comerford and DJ. It is no consolidation to Tipp that they lost to a superb team in the game of the year.

Knocknagow

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Tipp v Kilkenny (18-08-2002) Preview Knocknagow

Tipperary take on Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Sunday for the right to face Clare in Final on 8th September. The last Championship meeting between the sides was the All-Ireland Final of 1991, which Tipp won by 1-16 to 0-15. Players still involved on the Kilkenny side are John Power and DJ Carey both of whom are subs on Sunday and Nicky English played (despite a hamstring injury) and “won” the free off of which Tipp scored a goal which was the difference between the 2 sides. Another interesting aside is that Sundays meeting is between the All-Ireland Champions of the last 2 years. Both were expected to make the final last year but Kilkenny slipped to Galway in the Semi-Final.

Both sides have contrasting paths to get to this stage of the Championship. Kilkenny started off in whirlwind fashion defeating Cork in a rip roaring League Final in Thurles. Kilkenny then accounted for a poor Offaly side in the Leinster Semi-Final again in Thurles in early June by 2-20 to 1-14. Offaly were in control in the first half but goals from Eddie Brennan and John Hoyne put Kilkenny in at the break leading 2-7 to 1-9, despite Offaly have most of the possession in a first half of open hurling. Offaly struggled during the second half and with the Offaly management refusing to move a visible tired Brian Whelehan off a rampant Henry Shefflin Kilkenny had no trouble in accounting for a weak Offaly second half challenge. Shefflin was man of the match with 11 points and was superb in general play.

Kilkenny then accounted for Wexford in the Leinster Final 19-17. Shefflin was again the main threat in the Cats forward line as he scored 8 points (2 from play.) This was a game that Wexford could easily have won if it were not for the appalling shooting of their forwards. Peter Barry, Brian McEvoy (4 points) and Eddie Brennan were others who impressed as Kilkenny collected their 5th Leinster in a row. That game was on the 6th of July and after watching the other provincial Champions struggle in hurling and football over the last 2 years Kilkenny will be wary of the fact that its over 6 weeks since their last Championship game.

Tipp are facing into their 6th Championship game of the year, 3 in Munster, 1in the Qualifier and the All-Ireland Quarter Final, (their most Championship games since 1987 when 6 were played before bowing out to Galway.) Tipp started off superbly against Clare (who have since shown their class by getting to the All-Ireland Final) were good against a poor Limerick team and dire against Waterford, while they struggled against Offaly and Antrim. If one were to go on last Sunday’s game then where does it leave Tipp? Waterford; (a team that annihilated Tipp) were well beaten by a Clare team who Tipp squeezed past by only 2 points. Possible 1 factor that will be of advantage to Tipp is that they have not only had 2 games since Kilkenny played their last game, and this gave not only valuable match practice but also highlighted the many flaws of the Tipp team this year.

Tipp seem to be a different team to the 1 that powered past Galway in the All-Ireland Final last year. Last year the backs worked as a unit; harrying, blocking and smothering out the opposition. Yet this year the full back line has looked decidedly shaky, especially the corner boys and Philip Maher has looked poor when pulled out from the edge of the square. With Martin Comerford fond of moving out the field Brendan Cummins will have to be on top form. With the return of the “Comeback Kid” who must now have had more comebacks than your average heavyweight boxer, Tommy Costello will have to be on his toes stick tight to DJ and most importantly cut out the persistent fouls which arte costing Tipp numerous points per game. Whatever Tom’s faults are he is a good man marker. Ormonde will be on duty on the speed merchant Eddie Brennan and again must do his basic job of stopping his man from scoring.

Sunday marks Eamon Corcoran’s second championship start at centre back (last v Clare last year.) A much better stick man and ball winner than the injured David Kennedy his primary task will be sticking like glue to Shefflin. In the Leinster final Dave Ruth had Shefflin in his pocket for most of the game but Shefflin got 2 half chances and won the game. Long clearances will not be his problem on Sunday it will be poking and rooting the ball away from Shefflin so that the wing boys and Eddie Enright can clear it. Noel Morris is a surprise at wing back in the switch around. A good honest hurler he will have to stay in the game for the full 70 and not drift out of games like the last few games. Of secondary concern to the half back line is the supply of QUALITY low ball into the Tipp inside line who have the speed and skill to win the game.

The Tipp midfield is the return of the last year’s All-Star duo of Eddie Enright and Tommy Dunne. Eddie made a major difference when brought on v Antrim, steadied up the midfield and launched Tipp attacks. While Tommy has not been on the form that made him the player of the year last year, his has showed his class by popping up to get crucial scores and is also an option in the forwards. The are up against the experience of Andy Comerford and Derek Lyng who despite being impressive in the League had shaky moments v Wexford.

Tipp have more changes in the half forward line with John Carroll on the very impressive Peter Barry. Hopefully John can use his main quality that of winning the ball and running at the goals, it has produced/set up goals in Tipp’s last 4 games. This tactic will hopefully unsettle the Kilkenny backs. Benny Dunne has been the revelation of the year so far. A converted back he was Tipp’s best player in the Munster Final, likes to run at the opposition and scores a few points per game. Mark O’Leary was poor against Antrim never seemed to settle into the game yet gets another chance to impress. Its up to both Benny and O’ Leary to pick off points and create goal chances for the lads inside them.

Eugene gets his first start of the year, got a good goal and point when introduced against Antrim and is showing good form in club games. Hopefully will improve on All-Ireland Final performance. He is a proven goal poacher and for all the points that Tipp had against Antrim they never looked like scoring a goal until he came on. Will have a tough afternoon on Noel Hickey. O’ Meara looked decidedly off form in the last 2 games probably due to the fact that he is not a corner forward and needs a lot of time on the ball. Philly Larkin will probably mark Eoin Kelly. Eoin has been impressive in all Tipp’s games so far, and again needs to deliver on Sunday. The most important thing in regard to the full forward line is that all 3 need low ball fast into the corners. We saw what happened last week when ball is pucked aimlessly into small forwards; they will be blown out of it.

Previous Championship meetings despite it being stacked in Tipp’s favour will have no effect on the game. There has been little build up to this game in the media probably due to the Brian Quinn incident in the Clare v Waterford game last Sunday and the fact that Dublin footballers are playing on Saturday. Kilkenny will probably start as favourites, (being Leinster Champions), hoping to exorcise the ghosts of the disaster of the Galway game last year, and this will suit Tipp. There will also be severe media scrum around DJ playing again and this will take the pressure off Tipp. Kilkenny will not be pleased with the long lay off and hope that they will not be caught like Waterford were last Sunday.

So how do I see the game going? Well both sets of forwards looked impressive in their games and this should make for a high scoring game. Both backs have problems, Kilkenny conceded a lot of frees and possession to Wexford which a more clinical team would punish. Both Philly Larkin and Tom Costello are lucky to start and could have memorable afternoons marking Eoin Kelly and DJ. Both teams have lots of experience on the bench, Tipp have Lar Corbett, Gleeson and Kennedy, while Kilkenny have John Power, Charlie Carter, and Brian Dowling. There have been mutterings of dissention in the Cats camp due to the return of DJ, and this does not bode well for Kilkenny, still at the sight of the Blue and Gold will be enough to make all the Kilkenny players forget their feuds. If Tipp can keep Shefflin and DJ relatively quiet and play good ball into the forwards then Tipp will have a serious advantage, if Tipp are left exposed down the centre of defence Corcoran and Maher then its the Cats who will advance. Tipp have always been best when questioned and written off (v All-Ireland Champions Wexford in 1997) and this is the kind of game which could see Tipp return to form of last year. Hopefully Tipp with the men on the Cats border, (2 Kelly’s and Brian O’ Meara) gunning to put one over on their neighbours will pull through a close game by 2 points.

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Tipperary 1-25 Antrim 2-11 (29-07-02) Knocknagow

Tipp qualified for an All-Ireland Semi-Final meeting with reigning Leinster Champions Kilkenny on the 18th of August with a hard fought victory over a plucky and determined Antrim side in front of just over 41,000 fans at Croke Park yesterday. Both teams lined out as selected but Tipp made 1 positional switch with Tommy Dunne at full forward and John Carroll at centre forward.

Tipp were first to settle and had 3 points on the scoreboard from Eoin Kelly (1 free and 1 play) and a Paul Kelly effort before Antrim scored Liam Watson free after 7 minutes. Antrim were finding their feet and Paddy Richmond took advantage of poor Tipp defending to point from play Greg O' Kane got another to level it. Antrim were playing hard hurling closing down the Tipp forwards and running at the Tip backs. Tipp responded with a double Kelly act again before Antrim livened up the match. A 25 yard free was initially saved by Cummins but the momentum of the ball carried it over the line. This put Antrim a point up however they were not allowed to build on it as Tipp got 2 points from O' Meara and Eoin Kelly to put Tipp a point up. Then Brian McFall and Noel Morris exchanged points to leave the score 0-9 to 1-5. KieranKelly at full back for Antrim was clearing a lot of ball and the Tipp defence was under a lot of pressure.

Then disaster struck for Tipp. A good block by Philip Maher from a Paddy Richmond point effort set up Liam who from 10 yards buried the ball past Cummins. On the stroke of half time Eoin Kelly pointed a free while the mix up on the sideline with the Corcoran Kennedy Enright substitution. At the break it was 2-6 to 0-10. Antrim played by far the best hurling in the first half; they took some superb scores and looked like the only team capable of scoring a goal. With a bit more composure in front of the posts they could have been leading by more at the break.

Tipp upped the anti at the start of the second half with the introduction of Eddie Enright to midfield and Conor Gleeson going centre back. Michael Ryan replaced Tom Costello in the corner. It was Antrim who needed the good start but it was Tipp who dominated the opening spell scoring 5 unanswered points from Eoin Kelly, (2 frees), Brian O' Meara, Benny Dunne and Carroll put Tipp in the lead after 50 minutes (0-13 to 2-7). 2 points from Liam Watson and O' Kane kept the game tight. Tipp could not pull away and Antrim were battling hard however as the game neared the 60th minute Antrim tired visible and Tipp were able to pick off points. Subs Lar Corbett and Eoin Kelly, and Tommy Dunne got points to put the game out of Antrim's reach. Tipp were 4 points up when John Carroll passed to Eugene who buried the ball in the net with 4 minutes to go. Antrim then had Conor Cunning sent off before Liam Watson got the last score of the day with a fine point to make the final score: Tipp 1-25 Antrim 2-11.

Tipp were relieved to get out of this game and while they scored 26 times and conceded only 13 the display was not 1 of All-Ireland Champions. No Tipp player dominated his sector of the field, with only Eddie Enright, Paul Kelly and Ormonde impressing. While it's the backs that will come in for a lot of criticism I still don't think we have the balance right in the forwards. Last year we had 2 big men up the middle (Carroll and Deccie) and the rest of the forwards played off them. It was a simple plan and it worked. This year we have 1 big man playing at either centre forward or full. We cannot play the same kind of high ball into the forward's as they will be blown out of it. While the plan of John Carroll at full forward and at centre suits him it is at the detriment of Tommy Dunnes game. Also the half back line has to stop winning the ball and kicking or hitting it only 10 yards; it should be driven 30 yards low into the corner for Lar and Eoin Kelly to get the ball in hand and round their men.

Antrim will be pleased with their outing. While the score board was very harsh on them they had some fine individual displays especially Liam Watson (except for his very dangerous belt to Paul Ormonde) who scored 1-5, Colm McGuikian, and Brian McFall (although he faded in the second half). It was tiredness, lack of big match days, and sloppy play which was their down fall. While Dinny Cahill will be disappointed they are on the right road from a county not in the Ulster Final last year they produced 1 of the better hurling displays of the year.

Tipp Players:

Brendan Cummins: Great stop for the penalty initially and was unlucky to knock the ball into the net. Could do nothing about the second goal.

Full Back Line: In general they were poor Antrim always looked likely to score goals. I thought that Costello was doing all right in the first half. He was very exposed by the lack of cover outside him and gave away a few needless frees. Will be luck to hold onto his place for the next day. Maher had a fairly quiet day. Did not make that many inspired clearances. Ormonde had a superb second half caught great ball and set up most of the attacks during the second period. He would be switched to a central position other than the fact that our full back line looked shaky.

Half Back Line: In general were poor with the exception of Kelly. They should be delivering more controlled lower ball into the Tipp inside line. Paul Kelly again had another good game. Scored 5 points in total 3 from play also had a few wides from frees and play. Good going forward can be loose on his man at times. Corcoran looked sluggish in the first half and the belt to his hand did not help, was involved in the mix up over Kennedy coming off. Improved in the second half. Kennedy again was poor. General play let him down tends to bat and poke the ball rather than get the ball in hand and drive out. Will be very lucky to start the next day.

Midfield: Morris again started well but seemed to drift out of the game. Worked very hard all day and I thought he was unlucky to come off. Gleeson was poor again both at midfield and at centre back. For a big man he does not use his physical strength to dominate the midfield. Did not impress at centre back and will not do against Kilkenny.

Half Forward Line: O' Leary was poor the only forward not to score. Had a couple of shots but they dropped short. Was tried in a couple of positions. Benny Dunne not as impressive as the last 2 games but still looked threatening and got 2 points at crucial times. Tommy Dunne played at midfield, centre, wing, and full forward. Scored 3 points. Won a lot of possession at full forward but did not seem to be able to use it properly.

Full Forward Line: Carroll again played at both full and centre forward. Did not make the same impression as against Offaly. In my opinion is better at centre forward where he has the physique to win highball turn and run at the opposition. Made a few great runs yesterday but did not turn them into scores, also scored 2 points. O' Meara scored 3 points but never seemed to be given a chance to settle in a position. Won some good ball but did not convert it into scores. Eoin Kelly scored 7 points (3 from play) was impressive from frees. Type of ball in did not suit him. Needs low fast ball. Was very prominent at the start of the game when he scored Tipp's first 3 points but faded as the game progressed.

Subs:

Eddie Enright: Made a major difference when introduced. Steadied the Tipp team and will start the next day.
Michael Ryan: Came on at corner back for Tom Costello at half time. Played ok, but is not a corner back.
Lar Corbett: Got a lot of ball when he came on and scored a good point. Was full of running and used the ball well. Will be pushing for a place the next day.
Eugene O' Neill: Did a similar job to the 1 he did last year in the replayed win over Wexford. Scored Tipp's goal with a few minutes to go also got a point. He will also push for a starting place.

So Tipp progress but after a real fright. The Tipp players did not seem up for the game. However Antrim played very well for 55 minutes and it was the lack of match fitness (their last championship game was 10 weeks ago) this was the major difference between the sides at the end of the day. While on any other day 1-25 scored and only 11 wides would be impressive it was Tipp's lack of authority in being able to finish the game off after half time which will worry the management. Also the amount of chopping and changing that was done on the sideline and the lack of time players were allowed to settle in positions. Still Tipp are in the All-Ireland Semi Final and are better to go in under pressure and as underdogs rather than favourites.
This was not a vintage Tipp performance and there will be much sleepless night by Nicky and his selectors over the coming weeks for the team that has to face Kilkenny in 2 weeks time. There could be anything up to 4 changes for the Kilkenny game and hopefully the club games at the weekend will show up some good prospects in our troubled positions. If Tipp play the same lethargic way against the Cats then we are in serious trouble.

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Tipp V Antrim (28-07-2002) Preview. Knocknagow



Tipp and Antrim contest the first of the All-Ireland Quarter finals in Croke Park on Sunday (the second game is the clash of Galway and Clare.) This will be Tipp's first Quarter Final since Tipp lost a poor game to Galway in 2000. This was a game which saw most of the Tipp players on Sunday involved. Two interesting point's on the subs that Tipp used that day against Galway is that Eoin Kelly, (18 years old and a having played minor and U21 for Tipp earlier in the year) was named as a sub goalkeeper but yet came on as a forward and scored a point! The second point is that Andy Moloney also came on as sub; he will be involved at the start of August with Waterford.
Tipp and Antrim have previously met twice in the Championship. In 1988 Tipp struggled but 1-7 from Nicky helped Tipp to an 8 point win. He improved on his tally on 1989 when he scored 2-12, (modern day record) as Tipp won 4-24 to 3-9. Both he and Ken Hogan who played both of those days are involved in the Tipp management set up at the moment. Antrim regained the Ulster this year for the first time since 1997. Their Ulster Semi-Final was on at the end of May and they overcame a tricky assignment to Gaelic Park to beat New York; (containing Tipp men John Madden, Owen Cummins and Kevin Kennedy) compressively 5-19 to 2-11, Liam Watson scored 3-2, and P Richmond got 2-7. They were forced to play the Ulster Final on the 9th of May and overcame Down 3-16 to 1-18, with Gregory O' Kane (1-2), and Liam Watson (9 points) being the top scorers.
Unfortunately as Antrim have been out of the limelight for the last few years I don't know anything about their players and due to the treatment they received from the Fixtures Committee of the GAC this year their chances do not look too good. They had to play the Ulster Final at the start of June so that the losers could play in the qualifiers in 2 weeks time and the fact that they have gone 10 weeks without Championship Hurling is and absolute disgrace and does nothing to improve hurling in Ulster. On the weekend that the draw for the Quarter was announced Antrim played Waterford in Dungarvan in a challenge game. After an impressive start, (1-3 to no score after 17 minutes) however they faded badly and ended up losing 1-20 to 2-10. Liam Watson was again the top scorer with 1-2 for the Glensmen.
Of course Antrim will have no trouble with identifying the major Tipp players, as the Antrim manager is Kilruane's Dinny Cahill. He a had a good playing career, he won numerous North titles and led Kilruane to the All-Ireland Club title in 1985 and played Senior with Tipp from 80-85. He then took over the Tipp Minor Hurlers in 1995, and in 1996 landed the All-Ireland with a superbly gifted side and some great individual performances; (who can forget Fergal Heaney's "battle" with Eugene Cloonan), Eugene O Neill and Bonny Kennedy burst onto the scene. He then took charge of the U21's and was successful in the "Siege of Ennis" in 1999 when Tipp won the Munster title and were shockingly forced to line out a few days later against Galway in the Semi-Final. According to an interview he gave on Sunday he has trained practically the entire Tipp panel at some stage.
Tipp announced their team on Tuesday night and it was along expected lines with Eddie Enright ruled out due to work commitments and the 2 O' Brien's still injured, Tipp make 1 change Conor Gleeson at centre forward with Tommy Dunne and Morris at midfield. There is still an injury doubt over Brendan Cummins who could not play the second half of last Sunday's ill-fated Munster Football Final replay due to a stomach muscle injury. Hopefully he will be ok as Croke Park would be an intimidating place for Justin Cottrell's first team debut.
Tipp team: B Cummins; T Costello, P Maher, P Ormonde; E Corcoran, D Kennedy, P Kelly; T Dunne, N Morris; B Dunne, C Gleeson, B O'Meara; E Kelly, J Carroll, M O'Leary.
Subs: J Cottrell, L Cahill, L Corbett, P Curran, J Devane, K Dunne, E Enright, D Fahy, R Flannery, B Horgan, C Morrissey, E O'Neill, M Ryan.
With all due regard to Antrim this is a no win situation for Tipp. If Tipp win by 20 + points we will hear that Antrim were poor and typical Tipp were arrogant as always. If Tipp win by 5/6 then the Tipp players will come in for severe criticism. Also the pressure is off Tipp at the moment with for the first time in as long as I can remember there is more interest in the Tipp footballers from the media this week and with the Clare Galway game getting the main billing on Sunday that's were the media's attention will be focused for the rest of the week.
And how do I see the game going? Well I expect a Tipp victory. However as against Offaly the victory is important with the performance secondary. Hopefully the forwards can cut down on the bad wides. I also expect that at various stages during the game that Tommy Dunne, Gleeson and John Carroll will swap places, (Carroll at centre and Tommy at full) and the same effect that was achieved against Offaly would be satisfactory. The tight Portlaois ground suited the Tipp backs and now they will have their work cut out in the wider Croke Park. Hopefully they can all play as well as against Offaly, keeping tight to their man. 1 aspect that they have to improve is their clearances. Of the backs in Portlaois only Philip Maher and Paul Kelly were getting any sort of distance into their clearances, with Costello, Maher and Corcoran in particular undoing great work by messing up their clearances.
So a Tipp win by 7/8 points and then bring on the Cats!


Knocknagow

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Tipperary 2-19 Offaly 1-9 (13-07-02) Match report Knocknagow



Tipp are back on track after this convincing win over a poor Offaly team in O’ Moore Park Portlaoise last evening in front of the largest crowd of the Qualifiers so far (20-25 k). Tipp made 1 change form the team announced during the week with Eddie Enright in for the apparently injured Conor Gleeson. Eddie and Noel Morris lined out in midfield while Tommy Dunne started at centre forward. Offaly played with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half.

Both teams had chances for goals within the first minute when Stephen Byrne brought off a good save from Mark O’Leary and at the other end good work from Maher prevented an Offaly goal. Mark O’Leary got the scoring underway with a great solo effort. Barry Whelehan responded with 1 from midfield to tie it up. Over the next 5 minutes Tipp dominated. Eoin Kelly scored a sweet point from out on the sideline. John Carroll then emphasised his quality to the Tipp team with a great catch, 50 yard run, and pass to an unmarked O’ Meara who finished it to the net. Straight away O’ Meara threw over another point. Paul Kelly got a point after a flick pass from Morris to make the score 1-4 to 0-1 in Tipp’s favour after 10 minutes. O Meara then missed a goal when his shot hit the upright and was cleared to safety.

Offaly came back into the game with 2 points from Rory Hannify and Stephen Browne. Then Browne scored a contender for goal of the year when he blasted the ball to the net without touching it. The goal was a result of Maher coming out to attempt to bat the ball but taking out Costello instead. Before Offaly could build on the goal Benny Dunne scored a great point. Tommy Dunne, now operating at the edge of the square, set up Mark O’ Leary to make it 1-6 to 1-3 after 20 minutes. Tipp then killed off the game when good work by the Dunne’s set up John Carroll who rattled the net. Simon Whelehan got a pointed free and Brian O’Meara 1 from play before we saw the games first yellow card. Paul Ormonde got it for a frontal charge. On the break Simon Whelehan got a point to leave the score at the break 2-8 to 1-6 in favour of Tipp.

Tipp went in pleased at the break with the scoreboard but not with the display. The backs and Cummins were on top and limiting Offaly to shooting from midfield. The Tipp forwards had the beatings of their men but Mark O’ Leary and Eoin Kelly contributed to 10 wides in the half many of then from scoreable positions. Tipp also wasted 2 goal chances which in latter rounds will need to be scored. Offaly were in trouble in many places with Brian Whelehan totally out of the game, he looked fit to drop after only 15 minutes of the first half. Their newer players 2 Hannify’s and Stephen Browne were playing well but the 3 Whelehans were poor.

Eoin Kelly and Simon Whelehan swapped frees at the start of the second half before Paul Kelly scored a massive free from his own 45. Tommy Dunne now operating at full forward scored a sweet point. Offaly got 2 points from a Simon Whelehan free and Brendan Carroll to leave it 2-11 to 1-9 after 45 minutes. This was Offaly’s last score of the game. Ger Oakley was brought on for Offaly but to no effect. Eoin Kelly free, John Carroll and another by Tommy Dunne put Tipp 2-14 to 1-9 ahead before Tipp had their first sub with O’ Meara off and Liam Cahill on. 2 quick points from play from Mark O’ Leary finished this game off. With 13 minutes left Offaly brought on a clearly injured Johnny Dooley but to no avail. There was little action for the last 10 minutes with Tipp adding 3 further points from Benny Dunne, Paul Kelly free and 4 minutes into injury time Eugene O’ Neill (on for Eoin Kelly). Tipp brought on further subs; Paul Curran and Brian Horgan for David Kennedy (injured) and Noel Morris. Both teams missed goal chances near the end, Cummins saved a 21yard free from Johnny Dooley and Byrne pulled off a great save from Mark O’ Leary. After 4 minutes of injury time the ref blew the whistle with the final score 2-19 to 1-9.

So Tipp return to winning ways with a 13 point win over a poor Offaly team. The match was over once Tipp got their second goal. Tipp were totally dominant in the second half and a total of 17 wides to Tipp tells its own story. Most of the forwards hit bad wides and also went for goals when points would have been the best option. Kevin Martin was the only Offaly forward to impress and gave David Kennedy a difficult afternoon. Offaly were ballooning high balls into small forwards which suited the Tipp inside line down to the ground and the full back like had a great game. Tipp forwards were getting good early ball and using it well. Offaly should have switched Brian Whelehan sooner off Benny Dunne who was clearly on top. Joe Errity had his moments but anytime he started to get on top of John Carroll Tommy Dunne went to the edge of the square and caused Errity endless trouble.

Tipp Players:

Brendan Cummins:

Could do nothing for the Offaly goal, a candidate for goal of the year. Pulled off 4-5 great saves and saved a 21-yard free, puked outs were good.



Full Back Line:

All 3 were back to their best. Philip Maher was good under the high dropping ball and made some great relieving clearances. Tom Costello had his best game for Tipp on Simon Whelehan. Never gave Simon a look in. Had some good relieving clearances. Paul Ormonde was my Man of the Match. Took a lot of timber especially in the second half but was very solid. Controlled the full back line in the second half.



Half Back Line:

Paul Kelly won Man of the Match award from RTE. Scored 3 points, 2 from frees and 1 good 1 from play. Did his defensive duties well with blocks and hooks, was good going forward and set up a lot of his brother’s scores. Eamon Corcoran won a lot of ball but poor delivery and bad passes meant that a lot of his good work was undone. David Kennedy had another poor went to bat a lot of balls when catching them would have been the best option. Still an improvement on his Munster Final display. Seemed to pick up a shoulder injury near the end hopefully it was not serious.



Mid Field:

Noel Morris started off well in both halves especially the first where he dominated the first 15 minutes, faded badly towards the end. Eddie Enright was pretty quiet all through the game but steadied up the midfield.



Half Forward Line:

Benny Dunne had the beating of Brian Whelehan all day and made god use of it with 2 points and setting up other points. His brother was back to his beat at centre and full forward won good ball set up 1 of the goals and scored 2 points himself. Mark O’Leary could have ended up with 1-8 but due to a good save and poor shooting ended up with just 4 points. Good play in general and this game should bring him on a lot.



Full Forward Line:

John Carroll again had a good game, scored 1-1 and was involved in a lot of the Tipp scores. His goal came from his main strength, catching the ball and running at backs. Hopefully will switch between centre and full forward for the next game. Even though Brian O’ Meara was Tipp top scorer with 1-2 his play in general was poor, wasted a lot of possession and fumbled a lot of ball. Is more suited on the wing. Eoin Kelly was very quiet scored Tipp’s point second point a superb effort from near the sideline. Had a couple of more efforts that trailed wide. Was superb from frees.



Subs:

Liam Cahill for Brian O’ Meara: On for 20 minutes and had 2 bad wides.

Eugene O’Neill for Eoin Kelly: Had 2 efforts 1 wide 1 point in injury time.

Paul Curran for David Kennedy: Curran went full back with Maher at centre back. Made 1 good interception.

Brain Horgan for Noel Morris: On in injury time did not touch the ball.



Brendan Cummins,

Tom Costello, Philip Maher and Paul Ormonde.

Eamon Corcoran, David Kennedy and Paul Kelly (0-3, 2 frees)

Eddie Enright and Naoel Morris.

Benny Dunne (0-2), Tommy Dunne (0-2) and Mark O’Leary (0-4)

Eoin Kelly (0-4, 3 frees) , John Carroll (1-1) and Brain O’ Meara (1-2),

Eugene O’ Neill (0-1), Liam Cahill, Paul Curran and Brian Horgan.



So Tipp march on the All-Ireland Quarter-Final’s. Their oppositions will be found out tonight when the draw will be made on The Sunday Game. Tipp will be pleased with the win and with most of the performances, however the forwards will have to take their chances when they get them. Nicky will also be worried about the fitness of both Tommy Dunne and David Kennedy who shipped heavy knocks near the end. Kennedy looked in serious trouble going off but hopefully will be ok for the game in 2 weeks. Offaly will be very disappointed with their play. 2 of their old reliable’s had good games; Kevin Martin and Joe Errity. Also some of the younger players 2 Hannify’s and Stephen Browne looked impressive when they got the chances.

The Offaly game was about a win with performances coming second. If Tipp took 5 steps back with the loss to Waterford then this was 2 steps forward. Tipp still have a lot of work to do but now are back on track and hopefully will improve when they reach Croke Park.



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Tipp V Offaly (13-07-2002) Preview.Knocknagow

Tipp and Offaly contest Round 3 of Guinness All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in Portlaois on Saturday evening at 6.15. Offaly got to this stage by virtue of a 9 point win over Meath in Round 1 of the Qualifiers while Tipp got here by virtue of losing to Waterford in the Munster Final by 8 points. Surprisingly as the number of hurling counties is so small that a Tipp V Offaly clash has never occurred in the Championship before. The nearest was the League Final of 1988, which Tipp won, 3-15 to 2-9. Offaly beat Tipp in the minor All-Ireland Final of 1987, (to win their second title in a row). Tipp got revenge in Portlaois 2 years later when at U21 level a Dan Quirke inspired a Declan Ryan captained Tipp to victory over Offaly in front of over 30,000.

With post-mortems from the Munster Final still going on in the county a rehash of the problems of that day (and there were many!) would be pointless (and painful). One thing that should be remembered is that with all due respect to Limerick that all the major counties are still involved and come September if Tipp lift the Liam McCarthy then 30th of June will be a distant memory. Up to Saturday all the games in the Championship were about getting to this stage; (the knockout stage), and finding out how many games would be needed to win the McCarthy cup. As no counties have impressed so far with the exception of Waterford the destination of the All-Ireland is still in the balance and a win for Tipp on Saturday evening will see them back on track again.

This game will not be one for the faint hearted or for the purists, as from now on its winner takes all. Offaly have a lot to prove against Tipp. Firstly there is Fr. Tom who was desperately unlucky during his tenure as Tipp boss with the Munster Council robbing him of 2 players for the Limerick game and then in 1996 when Tipp collapsed after being 10 points up to lose a Munster Final to Limerick after a replay. Also Offaly will be anxious to reverse the League game when a first half blitz involving Liam Cahill and John O’Brien destroyed Offaly. Offaly’s 2 games so far have involved a 2-20 to 1-14 loss to Kilkenny in the Leinster Semi Final and a 1-20 to 1-11 win over Meath. In the Kilkenny game they dominated the first half but 2 sloppy goals meant they trailed 2-9 to 1-7 at the break and despite some good play from Brandan Carroll 11 points from an unmarked Henry Shefflin meant Kilkenny cantered to an easy win. Very little was reported of the Meath game in the media only that Brendan Carroll and Brendan Murphy impressed. However news was not so good of team of the Millennium member Brian Whelehan who had a torrid time at wing back.

Both sides have injury worries before the teams being announced Thursday night. Tipp have lost Paddy and John O’Brien, and Seamus Butler is also on the injured list. Offaly also have lost Johnny Dooley, he was brought on while visibly injured to rescue Offaly against Meath and scored 3 points but knee still is not right and he will not line out. I don’t know much about the Offaly lineout but I suspect it will be pretty similar to the team that lined out against Meath with some of the forwards like Rory Hannify and the 2 Brendan’s (Carroll and Murphy) along with Simon Whelehan sure to trouble an under pressure Tipp back line.

Contrary to popular belief I don’t expect too many changes to the Tipp team I think that Ormonde will come back at the expense of Fahy and that will be the only change. Remember that 1 bad game does not make this team bad, and that the players do deserve another chance. I think that Ormonde will be the only change in the full back line. There are a number of possibilities in the half back line; with David Kenndy struggling against Tony Griffin and Ken McGrath, Corcoran, Benny Dunne and Conor Gleeson could fill in here, however I expect Kennedy to be retained. Paul Kelly and Corcoran can count themselves lucky that there are no ready-made replacements for their positions on the bench (with the exception of Benny Dunne). Midfield was very poor the last day and changes if only positional should have been made here sooner. With Eddie Enright still lacking match practice then Dunne and Morris should be given the chance to shine on Saturday.

With the injuries to the 2 O’Brien’s a small amount of pressure has been taken off the forwards. Hopefully both Lar and Eoin Kelly came through the U21 victory over Waterford unscathed. (A game in which neither of them impressed). Mark O’Leary will surely be first sub on if the forwards do not impress after 20 minutes. The positioning of John Carroll is another big problem for Tipp if he gets enough ball as he did against Limerick then he is very successful, however if as against Waterford he is starved of possession then he is wasted at No.14. I hope that he starts at centre forward the next day for 2 reasons: 1 Joe Errity will be the Offaly full back. Now while Joe is a great hurler one thing he is not noted for is speed and John Carroll would suit him down to the ground. 2 the Offaly centre back is Joe Brady who is good hurler and if given a chance will dominate this position. What Tipp need is John Carroll rooting and jostling at centre forward to win the ball and spoon-feed it to Lar and Eoin Kelly to pop over the bar. Also another area where Carroll is successful is getting the ball in hand and running at the goals, which he did successfully against Wexford in the replay last year.

So how do I see the game going? Well as I mentioned at the start it will not be a free flowing game and the result is the most important thing on Saturday evening. I think that the Tipp forwards will have too much speed for the Offaly backs and if Benny Dunne and Eoin Kelly get good early ball them Tipp are motoring. The loss of Johnny Dooley is a major setback for the Faithful county and they will need players like Simon and Brian Whelehan to step up and be counted. If the Tipp backs have recovered from the trauma of giving the Waterford forwards free target practice in the last 20 minutes of the Munster Final and can keep tight to their men then Tipp will win. Offaly will not lack in enthusiasm or experience as most of them have at l or 2 All-Ireland medals, with the large Birr contingent having a few club ones as well. If however Offaly do get on top at midfield and supply the type of ball that Waterford did then Tipp’s summer will end on Saturday. So in a line the Tipp forwards to outpoint their neighbours in a tight close game with Tipp winning by 5 points.







Tipperary 3-12 Waterford 2-23 (30-06-02) Knocknagow



Tipp relinquished their Munster title after been battered by a superb Waterford team for 70 minutes in Pairc Ui Chaiomh last Sunday. Both teams started as expected but Waterford made a raft of positional switches which seemed to catch the Tipp players from the start. Brian Greene went corner back on Eoin Kelly, James Murray midfield, Queally wingback, Ken McGrath full forward and Seamus Prendergast at centre forward. Waterford won the toss and decided to play against the strong wind in the first half.

Waterford were first to score with a Paul Flynn free after Maher fouled Ken McGrath, however this was followed by an Eoin Kelly free. Tipp then dominated the next 10 minutes and we saw some of the skill, which we associate with this team. Points from play from Lar, John Carroll and Eoin Kelly put Tipp 4-1 ahead, but worryingly from a Tipp point of view there were bad wides from Tommy and Benny Dunne, and Conor Gleeson. Mullane and Benny Dunne swapped points, however things were not looking good for Tipp every ball into the Tipp inside line resulted in fouls on Ken McGrath or points for Mullane who was destroying Costello.

Tipp were benefiting from ball into Eoin Kelly who had the legs on Brian Greene. This resulted in a free to put Tipp 6-2 ahead after 11 minutes he added another from play soon afterwards. Flynn then benefited from poor play and a wild swing by Fahy and Flynn nipped in for a point. Tipp’s corner backs were further exposed when a silly foul by Tom Costello on Eoin McGrath gave Paul Flynn a free and in typical Paul Flynn fashion be buried it past the 6 Tipp men on the line to put Waterford a point up. On telly they were surprised that he went for a goal but from where I was standing everyone around me knew he would go for goal. The goal rattled Tipp and they were struggling all over the field with only the Tipp full forward line holding there own.

Flynn was booked for a chop on Kennedy and the resultant free was pointed by Tommy Dunne. Tipp then had a goal disallowed after good work by O’Meara; Eoin Kelly finished the ball to the net but the umpire signalled that the ball was over the line. From where I was it looked that the ball was over the line but on the Sunday Game they were not so sure. Good work by Eoin Kelly set up Conor Gleeson for a point to put Tipp 1 up. But Ken McGrath again beat Maher to point. Both sides then had a number of bad wides before Mullane pointed. Costello took out his frustration with a silly push on Eoin McGrath for Flynn to point the free after the ref moved the ball 10 yards for dissent. Benny Dunne again won good ball to float over another point, he then was fouled and this gave Eoin Kelly a free which he buried over Brian Flannery’s head to put Tipp 1-09 to 1-08 ahead. Tipp were given no time to settle when Ken McGrath then scored a point before the two Eoin Kelly’s swapped points to leave the half time score: Tipp 1-10 Waterford 1-09.

Tipp were in trouble going in at the break. They had the advantage of a strong wind and needed to be 4 to 5 points ahead but were only 1. Waterford were beating Tipp in most positions. Mullane was destroying Fahy while Costello was faring little better. Midfield was anonymous and as the half progressed Tony Browne came more into it. Hartley and Queally won great ball, and all the breaks around midfield and were playing great low ball into the corners. Both sides had bad wides Tipp 8, Waterford 6, with Waterford also putting a good few short into Cummins hands. Tipp did get enough ball into the forwards but a lot of it was fumbled or passed when a shot or running with the ball would have been the better option. Most Tipp fans expected at least 1 swap at the break with a new corner back and switches or a change at midfield or centre forward.

Waterford quickly wiped out Tipp’s lead with 2 pointed frees from Paul Flynn after mistakes by Gleeson. Tipp were then given a boost when Benny Dunne finished the ball to the net after an Eoin Kelly pass to make the score 2-10 to 1-11. Again Tipp did not build on the lead as Ken McGrath went straight down the field and got a point. Waterford dominated for the next 5 minutes and further points from, Mullane, Paul Flynn free, Eoin Kelly and Ken McGrath. Tipp’s only response was 3 bad wides from Gleeson and Lar. Eddie Enright was sent on to curb the growing threat of Tony Browne with Morris been withdrawn. Tipp were given a glimmer of hope with another cracking Benny Dunne goal again from an Eoin Kelly pass. This made the game level 3-10 to 1-16.

A Gleeson point put Tipp ahead for the last time in the game. But again Waterford refused to wilt and Ken McGrath again notched up another point. Tommy Dunne soloed through the Waterford backs for Tipp’s last score after 50 minutes. Tipp were hanging on by there finger tips and a Eoin McGrath point put the Deise ahead. Flannery left the fray to be replaced by Dave Bennett with Eoin Murphy marking Lar. The final nail came in Tipp’s coffin when a long free was delivered into the Tipp square by Brenner and Prendergast muscled Maher out of it and touched the baal to Tony Browne who buried the ball past the advancing Cummins to put them ahead 2-18 to 3-12. Nicky tried to halt Ken McGrath by putting Corcoran on him and replacing Kennedy with Ormonde.



Ken McGrath pointed again as Tipp squander a goal chance. Mullane completes his destruction of Fahy with a superb turn and point. Waterford at this stage were a confident team and their fans are cheering every block, hook and score. Tipp then try a major restructure with Ormonde in the corner, Benny wingback and Mark O’Leary wing forward with Costello leaving. Paddy O Brien came on for Gleeson who was injured in a clash with O’Meara. Waterford continued to turn the screw and have the confidence to take off Paul Flynn and still score 3 points in the last 8 minutes from Ken McGrath, Prendergast and the last a superb strike on the run from the sideline from sub Bennett. Andy Moloney and Dan Shanahan are brought on with minutes to go. The final score was Waterford 2-23 Tipperary 3-12.

There are a lot of reasons why Waterford triumphed. They beat Tipp in nearly every position throughout the field, and refused to be daunted by the rubbish that the media perpetuated all week about Tipp being unbeatable. The stamp of Justin McCarthy was all over this team as they never gave Tipp a chance to establish a lead. In hindsight the game was lost in the first half when Tipp despite the aid of a gale force wind did not build up a lead and for most of the game it was Tipp who were chasing the game. Waterford’s switches were superb and the tactic of switching McGrath and Prendergast worked a treat as neither Kennedy nor Maher could cope with the power of Prendergast or the silky skills of Ken McGrath. Prendergast won a lot of ball and despite being a poor striker of the ball won a lot of possession. Midfield was where most of the Waterford attacks started with none of the 3 Tipp players who played their impressing. Tony Browne was masterful in the second half and the marking of him for Waterford’s second goal gave him a simple chance which killed the game.

The wide counts tell their own story. Waterford had 17 with at least 5 put into Cummins hands. This means that they had over 45 shots at points a shocking statistic for the Tipp defence and one of the reasons why Cummins spent most of the second half screaming at the half back line to close their men down. Tipp had 14 with at least half being chances that should have gone over. The running of all the Waterford forwards to meet the ball as opposed to other years of letting the ball come to them worked a treat and the Tipp backs had no chance which lead to either easy scoring chances or frees which Flynn duly converted.



Tipp Players:

Brendan Cummins:

Could do nothing for either goal. No matter what way be drove his puckouts Waterford always won them.



Full Back Line:

All 3 had their worst days in Tipp jerseys and will want to forget the 2002 Munster Final in a hurry. Maher could not deal with Ken McGrath or Prendergast and his confidence was in tatters as at the end he was fumbling balls he would drive 90 yards down the field. Fahy and Costello were given the run around by their men. Neither can have any complaints if they are on the bench the next day. Costello was at fault for the goal after needlessly fouling Eoin McGrath and also gave away a couple of silly frees. Fahy conceded 4 point to Mullane most of them with the ball out in front of Mullane, Mullane collecting, turning Fahy and pointing.



Half Back Line:

After 2 superb days they were ripped to shreds. Paul Kelly conceded 3 points to his namesake Eoin. His day was summed up in the second half when running out to a ball he fumbled it and it fell to Eoin Kelly who turned and slotted it over the bar. Corcoran was quiet until moved to centre back and given the impossible task of curbing a rampant Eoin McGrath. David Kennedy like Maher was destroyed by both Prendergast who won a lot of highball. Better suited to tighter scrappy play were he relishes but will not forget Ken McGrath.



Mid Field:

Both Tommy Dunne and Morris were missing for most of the day I can only remember Tommy getting 1 run and that was the point at the end. Switch should have been made here sooner.



Half Forward Line:

Gleeson was very poor. Fergal Heartly dominated this sector from start to finish and he should have been moved after 20 minutes. Although he scored 2 points he missed a few easy chances and stopped John Carroll from getting the ball. Brian O’Meara was quiet, the only Tipp forward not to score, fumbled a lot of ball when short passes would have been the better option. Had 1 good run, which lead to Tipp’s disallowed goal. Was out of the game for long periods. Benny Dunne had a terrific first Championship start with 2-02. Was involved in most Tipp scores, looked hungry for the ball and along with Kelly the only Tipp player to emerge unscathed.



Full Forward Line:

John Carroll started off great with 2 great catches, 1 point and 1 wide. Was involved for 1 of the goals but was wrapped up well by Tom Feeney. Was always a flick or fumble away from getting a goal. Did not look as sharp as against Limerick as the game wore on. Would have benefited from a stretch at Centre forward. Eoin Kelly finished off with 1-04, his goal an unstoppable shot. Only scored 1 from play, had 2 other great chances but hesitated with the first and passed the second and both came to nothing. Got great ball in the first half and used it well. The supply of ball dried up in the second half and could do little as Tipp faltered further out the field. Had a hand in both goals. Lar started off well with Tipp’s first point from play, a lot of ball came his way but fumbling kept him from using it constructively.



Subs:

Eddie Enright for Morris: Damage was done when he came in and could not halt the Waterford tide.

Ormonde for Kennedy: See above.

Mark O’Leary for Costello and Paddy O’Brien for Gleeson: not on long enough to make an impression.



So Waterford regained the Munster Title for the first time since 1963 with a display of hurling that shocked Tipp. They had some outstanding performances from Fergal Heartly, Tony Browne, Ken McGrath and John Mullane. Every sector of the field Waterford won hands down with the so-called fringe players dominating. One worry for Justin McCarthy would be his corner backs. Eoin Kelly had the beating of Greene and dominated in the first half but in the second half the lack of ball into his corner kept Greene from another roasting. Brian Flannery also was in trouble against Lar Corbett and was replaced in the second half. Still they now can look forward to the All-Ireland Semi Final with confidence and should fear no one.

Tipp now have a tricky trip to Portlaoise on Saturday week for our first ever championship meeting with Offaly. Tipp’s confidence is shattered and Nicky’s first major defeat since the loss to Clare in the replay in 1999. Still there is a lot of hurling left in the Championship yet and while Tipp are down they are most certainly not out.







Tipp V Waterford (30-06-2002) Preview.Knocknagow

Tipp and Waterford contest Guinness Munster Senior Hurling Final
at Pairc Ui Chaiomh on Sunday 30th of June. The winner can bask in
the glory of a Munster title and look forward to Croke Park and
the All-Ireland Semi-Finals on 11th of August while the loser's
are in the Round 3 of the Qualifiers on 13th of July. In recent
meetings these teams have met in 1998; when a Tipp team managed by
Len Gaynor failed to an inspired performance by a Waterford team
led by Gerald McCarthy, and in 2000 when a memorable John Leahy
performance gave Nicky English his first Major Championship win as a
manager.Some of the Waterford players had reason to remember Tipp
in 2000. Waterford were going well until Ken McGrath twisted his
ankle and despite scoring 3 points Tipperary were fortunate to get
past Waterford. Current Waterford coach, Colm Bonner played in a
staring role at centre back as Tipp Intermediates won the All-
Ireland. Andy Moloney was a member of the Tipp Senior panel in
2000, (playing in the All-Ireland Quarter Final). Brian Flannery
will also have fond memories of 1995 when a star studded Tipp U21
team containing Brendan Cummins, Paul Shelly, Tommy Dunne and
Eddie Enright, beat Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Final in Thurles.
The final Tipperary connection is the Justin McCarthy who in 1991
led Cashel to County and Munster club honours.
While a new coach generally brings a new style with him few come
more highly recommended than Justin McCarthy, who as well as being
an All-Ireland medal winner with the Rebels in 1966, successful
coached; Antrim to an Intermediate All-Ireland, Clare in the late
70's to back-to-back League success, Cork to the Centenerary All-
Ireland in 1984, and Cashel in 1991. While his League record was
erratic to say the least, (losing to Dublin, beating Galway and
losing to Clare by a point), they delivered the goods against Cork
in the Munster Semi-Final. However in the build up to the game all
was not well in the Waterford camp despite gaining Andy Moloney
(who starred for Ballygunner), and Brian Greene (returned from
America), they lost Anthony Kirwin, Brendan Landers, Sean
Cullinane, and Stephen Frampton in the weeks before the Cork game.
12 is the number readily associated with that day for Waterford
Firstly it was the number of points that Paul Flynn scored and
secondly the number of steps that Tony Browne covered with the
ball in his hand before his speculative shot found the Cork net at
the start of the second half. However it was the younger players
who impressed for Waterford that day particularly Eoin Murphy and
Eoin Kelly who cleaned up around midfield in the second half.
However the hero of the hour was Ken McGrath who despite visibly
not being able to hold his hurley properly got the winner in
injury time after some good build up play. Waterford's comeback
from loosing a 5-point lead, and not scoring for 20 minutes and
yet having the belief in their hurling ability is an indictment of
Justin McCarthy's philosophy of hurling skill before running up
sand dunes. After the game a story came out that Justin McCarthy
spent the day before the Cork game reshaping Paul Flynn's hurley
so as to improve his striking! Well it certainly worked.
Since that game V Cork on 26th of May, the Waterford players have
been busy with a challenge games against Galway and on the 16th of
June when a full strength team (minus Ken McGrath) played Wexford.
Most of the players also have had the advantage of playing a full
round of club games at 9th of June. However there are concerns
with injuries; both of the McGarth's are on the treatment table,
Ken's shoulder is not healing as quickly as expected and Eoin was
in hospital with tonsillitis, while James O'Conner is struggling
with a leg injury. That Cork game will have brought Waterford on a
lot and with Justin McCarthy over them will have no fear of Tipp.
The team will probably be stronger the next day with Ken McGrath
on the 40, (Andy Moloney losing out) and Brain Greene to come back
into a reshaped half back line, with Eoin Murphy possible at
midfield where he excelled in the second half of the Cork game and
Dave Bennett losing out. At that they still have experience on the
bench with Michael White and Dan Shanahan ready to come in.
And what of Tipp? With few club games due to bad weather and the
County footballers reaching the Munster Final, it will be four
weeks that they will have gone without a game. Still considering
that they were picking up 2 injuries a game at the end of a hectic
League schedule it will give all those with niggling injuries a
chance to get back to full fitness. Of the injured leading up to
the Clare game Mark O'Leary played a staring role (scored 4
points) for Kilruane as they won the North Tipp Intermediate
League title, and Eddie Enright came through a challenge game with
his club. I have not heard about Paul Ormonde but he should have
recovered from his shoulder injury. This adds to Nicky's headaches
ahead for the game and leaves the prospect of Tipp having 2
current All-Stars, (Eddie Enright and Mark O'Leary) on the bench.
1 to 9 on the Tipp team is almost certainly as what lined out the
same as against Limerick, with the slight possibility that Paul
Ormonde regaining his spot in the corner although Donnacha Fahy
has done nothing to warrant him losing the corner back jersey. Of
the midfield pairing it is Noel Morris who has excelled and has
produced 2 man of the match performances so far. Also his work
rate and helping out in the half back line meant that the 2 awards
well deserved. In the forwards only 4 of them produced against
Limerick and either Eugene or John O'Brien will be lucky to start.
There are a number of possibilities here. Move Tommy Dunne to half
forward, (remember this is where he toiled for many a year) or
even corner forward and bring back Eddie Enright at midfield. This
is unlikely as although Tommy Dunne was quiet in both games his
influence would be missed the closer to goals and still at
midfield he would be relied on for 2 points. The most likely
scenario is Mark O'Leary at half forward with John O'Brien on the bench, although
there is a chance that Benny Dunne will get the nod. In the corner
forward spot, there are a lot of possibilities, Brian O'Meara, (he
went there for the last 20 minutes of the Limerick game), Eugene,
(is better coming off the bench), John and Paddy O'Brien, (again
will probably start on the bench), Liam Cahill, (poor form will
see him on the bench), Benny Dunne, (probably has not enough
experience although has impressed in the forwards, considering he
is a corner back), and Lar (injured for the Limerick game but was
poor against Clare). The spot will probably go to whoever has
impressed the most in training and I reckon that Lar will get the nod.
How will the game go? There are a few key areas. The first is
where will Paul Flynn play if he is in the half back line then
Eamon Corcoran will have to stick to him like glue and play like a
corner back, knocking the ball away to let Kennedy and Morris
clear it. If this happens then Tipp have the winning of the game.
Kennedy will have to watch Ken McGrath as he nearly beat Tipp on
his own in 2000. Eoin Kelly will also have to watched as he did a
lot of grafting in the Cork game. The Tipp backs will also have to
watch the fouling, as Flynn is lethal from frees. 1 theory that
will be tested on Sunday is the quality of the Tipp full back
line. Ger Loughnane has said that they are poor when balls are
played into the corners and the men run at them with the ball in
hand. The answer should be given on Sunday. However I think Tipp
will struggle at midfield and this is 1 area that Waterford can
exploit. I know that Morris has excelled but he is up against
former hurler of the year in Tony Browne and if
he breaks even then he will have done a great job.

Another crucial area is the Tipp half forward's battle with their
Waterford counterparts. If Conor Gleeson dominates his sector like
in the last 2 days and Brain O'Meara makes Queally defend like he
did against Mark Foley then Tipp will win. Tipp's major advantage
is the Tipp inside forward line, who should put in another big
display. Eoin Kelly got 1-8 against Clare, and 12 points against
Limerick, and if Morris and Gleeson play the same quality ball
into him then a similar score is possible. Poor Tom Feeney has a
hard job, it took John Carroll about 10 minutes to settle into the
game V Limerick but had 1-2 before half time! With 4 weeks extra
training he should in superb form against Waterford, assuming
again that the supply of ball goes into him. There is also the
possibility of him going on the 40 if things are going wrong outside.
And who will win? The fact that Tipp have 2 games under their belt
will be a big advantage however any team trained by Justin
McCarthy should be feared. I think that the Tipp forwards will be
the difference. Against Limerick only 4 produced the goods, and
yet they scored 1-18. Waterford only had Mullane and Prendergast
in the forwards contributing along with Flynn. The return of Ken
McGrath will be a big boost and a lot depends on how he and Tony
Browne play. If both play similar to the 1998 season they it will
be close. However taking all of the above into consideration I
think that Tipp's experience on big match days, their ability to
pick off scores when under pressure, and the quality of the Tipp
forwards suggests a Tipp victory by 5 points.

Knocknagow



Tipperary 1-20 Limerick 1-13 (02-06-02) Knocknagow



Tipp successfully advanced to their third Munster Final in a row against Waterford on 30th of June with a comprehensive victory over Limerick in the Munster Semi-Final in Pairc Ui Chaiomh. Tipp lined out as expected with John Carroll at full forward and John O'Brien on the wing. Limerick as expected switched Damien Reale onto Eoin Kelly and put Stephen McDonagh on Eugene O'Neill. Limerick won the toss and elected to play against the strong breeze in the first half. Before the ball was thrown in both Conor Gleeson and Brian Geary were yellow carded for jostling off the ball by the ref.
Limerick were first to settle with Mark Keane pointing a free after a Donnacha foul on Eoin O'Neill. Eoin Kelly got his first of the day after a foul on John O'Brien. In the 12th minute John Carroll got a good point after
a great catch, however from the puck out Limerick got a goal following good work by Begley to set up Ollie Moran for the days first goal. Tommy Dunne and Mark Keane both got points from play to leave the score 1-2 to 0-3 in Limericks favour. This marked the end of Limericks domination and a Conor Gleeson point in the 19th minute was followed John Carroll goal. The main
credit must go to Brian O'Meara who set off on a mazy run flicked the ball over TJ Ryan's head before passing to Carroll who left Joe Quaid with no chance. In the next 3 minutes Tipp added 3 points, from Morris, Eoin Kelly (free) and John Carroll after another great catch.
A soft free converted by mark Keane left the score 1-7 to 1-3. Eoin O'Neill gave Limerick hope with another point but 2 Eoin Kelly points, (1 from a free), and a Mark Keane free left the score 1-10 to 1-05 with a few minutes to the break. Tipp missed 2 great goal chances near the break. The first after John Carroll earns a penalty after blocking down a Quaid puck out, Eoin Kelly put the free just over the bar, and then right on the break Gleeson and Carroll both had goal chances only for Limerick to scramble the ball to safety. Mark Keane and Eoin Kelly got the last 2 points to leave the half time score 1-12 to 1-06 in Tipp's favour. Not that big a lead with the breeze that Tipp had and the fact that Limerick had missed a lot of chances.
Limerick made a change at the start of the second half with James Butler on for Mike O'Brien. At the start of the half Eoin Kelly got a point after a John Carroll shot was expertly saved by Joe Quaid. Tipp then introduced Benny Dunne for an ineffective Eugene O'Neill. Limerick brought on Barry Foley for Eoin O'Neill. Tipp dominated the opening 15 minutes of the half
with 1point from Brian O'Meara and 2 points from Eoin Kelly to stretch Tipp's lead to 10 points, (1-16 to 1-6). Limerick brought on Donie Ryan and Tipp brought on Paddy O'Brien for his brother John.
Barry Foley then got Limericks first score for 16 minutes, however a Benny Dunne point restored Tipp's lead. Limerick brought on Clam Smith but to no
effect. 2 Mark Keane frees gave the Limerick fans some hope but the ever-reliable Eoin Kelly killed the game off with a free 10 minutes to go to give Tipp a 9 lead. Limerick did get 3 points in a row from Butler, Keane
and Lawlor but Eoin Kelly put over his 12th point in injury time, (8 frees and 4 play) to give Tipp a deserved 7 point lead. Tipp brought on Liam Cahill in injury time for Conor Gleeson.
So Tipp return to the Munster Final after a tough physical in which they won all the battles all over the pitch and also on the sideline. The start
of both halves showed the major difference between the teams. In the first half Limerick dominated the first 20 minutes and yet only scored 1-2. This was due to some superb Tipp defending and some woeful Limerick shooting. In the next 6 minutes Tipp wiped out Limericks lead by scoring 1-6. In the second half Tipp dominated the first 15 minutes, opened a 10-point lead,
missed a goal chance and held Limerick scoreless. That in a nutshell was the main difference between the 2 teams.Another of Limerick's major down falls was the fact that only 2 of the starting forwards scored from play, Mark Keane, and Eoin O'Neill and also that 3 of the forwards were replaced. The midfield was also wiped out by my Man of the Match Noel Morris who continuously caught balls over Lucey who had a good few inches on him. Begley, Limerick's main hope, only caught 2 balls all afternoon and was well wrapped up by Maher. The 1 man who held his own was Steve McDonagh who cleaned out Eugene in the first half and John O'Brien in the second half. Tipp totally dominated the second half and a lot of the late Limerick scores came from tired Tipp players.

Tipp Players:

Brendan Cummins: Despite a late injury scare was as assured as always, slipped clearing a ball early on and was unsighted for the goal.

Full Back Line: Fahy despite conceding a free early on had O’Neill in his pocket and O’Neill was taken off early in the second half. A tight sticky corner back. Costello was on Limericks best forward in Keane, coped well,
despite Keane scoring 2 points. Maher was superb as always and we are so used to theses performances that he is overlooked for man of the Match
selections.

Half Back Line: Excellent. After suffering a poor first half V Clare both wing backs were tenacious in clearing, blocking, and putting the Limerick half forwards under pressure. Kennedy was good covered a lot of ground and swept up in front of the full back line.

Mid Field: Another quiet game for the Toomevara miestro but still contributed 2 excellent points. Noel Morris was excellent worked for the full 70 minutes scored a good point and dominated the midfield area.

Half Forward Line: John O’Brien other than winning Tipp’s first free did little else and must be under pressure. Conor Gleeson was quieter than
against Clare but still did Trojan work around midfield in breaking up Limerick play and setting up Tipp scores. Brian O’Meara after a quiet Clare game was excellent, his mazey run set up Carroll’s goal and his pressure on
Mark Foley was 1 of the main reasons for Limerick running out of ideas.

Full Forward Line: Look like a side out to do damage with Carroll at the edge of the square. He acts as a focal point for the Tipp players out the field. Scored 1-2 in the first half and was twice more in on goals only for
the ref and a great Quaid save would have got more. Also played the last few minutes at No 11, which gives Tipp more options. Gave TJ Ryan a torrid afternoon. Eugene was poor, 1 can only remember him hitting 1 ball and that was blocked by Steve McDonagh. Again will be under pressure for the Munster Final.

Subs:
Benny Dunne on for Eugene. Went half forward and got 2 good points despite the close attentions of Clem Smith. Not bad for a corner back!
Paddy O’Brien on for his brother John. Got 1 chance, which he put wide.
Liam Cahill came on in injury time for Conor Gleeson.

Tipp can now look forward to the Munster Final with a sense of confidence and most worryingly for Waterford is the fact that there is major room for improvement. Eugene and John O’Brien were both poor and will be under pressure from Benny Dunne, Lar Corbett, and Mark O’Leary. As Tipp have Eddie Enright and Paul Ormonde to come back places will be hard won. The Munster Final should give time to Carroll and Tommy Dunne time to get rid of their niggling injuries. Nicky now can look forward to a repeat of the 1989 Munster Final which hopefully from a Tipp point of view will have the same score line but not a repeat of the actual game itself!





Tipp V Limerick Preview Knocknagow

Tipp and Limerick contest the Semi-Final of the Guinness Munster Senior Hurling Championship in Park Ui Chaiomh at 4.30 on Sunday. Both sides will be hoping to advance to the Munster Final to meet Waterford - who shocked Cork at the weekend - on the 30th of June. Both will be eager to avoid the back door route which as it stands contains some very formidable teams. In the last 10 years the sides have met on 5 occasions with Limerick winning 2; (1995 and 1996), 1 draw in 1996 and the last 2 meetings 1997 and last year have both gone to Tipp.

Tipp have not picked up any more injuries since the Clare game and the word from the Tipp camp seems to be that it is unlikely that any of the players injured prior to the Clare game will play in the game. Mark O'Leary's leg is not responding to treatment as much as was liked and he is unlikely to start. This will probably mean that Tipp will announce an unchanged team to meet Limerick, with the possibility of O'Leary and John Carroll starting on the bench. Limerick have injury worries with Sean O'Connor out due to a viral problem, other than this they seem to have a clean bill of health.
Tipp of course have a major advantage in the fact that they have played a game in the Championship while we can only judge Limerick on their League form and as Clare and Waterford showed on the last 2 Sundays this has no bearing on Championship form. From a Tipp point of view the victory over Clare was superb when you consider that 5 of last years All-Ireland winning team were absent. However the so called fringe players stood up and were counted and proved Nicky's point all along that the All-Ireland was won last year due to the strength of the panel. This was emphasised with man of the match displays from Noel Morris and Conor Gleeson, both of whom worked tirelessly all day and as importantly both scored 2 points at crucial stages in the game. Conor Gleeson will also be "immortalised" by Tipp fans on the Blackrock Terrace for his shoulder on Davy, which brought 1 of the largest cheers of the day against Clare!!

While the win meant took a lot of criticism off the Tipp players there still was some worrying features of the game. In the forwards Eoin Kelly was the only real scoring threat and while he scored 1-8 he also missed 2 frees at the end of both halves which could have been critical. Also a point, which was not that obvious, was that 3 of the starting Tipp forwards were not fully fit!! So Tipp did well to win with only half a forward line as Tommy Dunne was struggling with a hamstring injury, John O'Brien with a thumb injury and Brian O'Meara with his back. Hopefully they did no further injury to themselves and in Brain O'Meara's case the game will have brought him on a good bit as he was struggling for pace in the first half but seemed to come more into the play in the second half.

While John O'Brien was never going to clean Brian Lohan out he did okay on him and he had a purple patch before half time, when he won 3 balls in a row and while he scored a good point off the first 1 the other 2 he put badly wide. The sooner he passes the ball rather than shoots himself then the better the Tipp forward line will become. Eugene O'Neill got little ball in the corner although did get a sweet point before half time and seemed to do better at the edge of the square. I think that John O'Brien as a corner forward and Eugene at full will suit both players better as it utilises John O'Brien's speed and Eugene's goal poaching ability; something that was badly lacking the last day as Tipp only had 1 goal shot on target.

However the best player in the Tipp forward line V Clare was Conor Gleeson who despite all the scepticism that was there produced a great game, not alone in winning ball, stopping Seanie, he also used the ball intelligently, i.e. his pass to Eoin Kelly for the goal. However, now the challenge to Conor is to produce another similar display to that 1 again. This will be more difficult as the last day his job pure and simple was to stop Seanie McMahon clearing 50% of the ball straight down the field again. On next Sunday he will hopefully be doing a more constructive task in setting up scores for the Tipp attack. Hopefully he will get more help from his 2 wingmen, as both were poor the last day. O'Meara settled into it, but Lar never got going and was lucky to last as long as he did. I for one thought that half forward would suit him but unfortunately I was wrong. Maybe with all the attention on Eoin Kelly that he and Eugene will be the ones to produce the goods.

The Tipp backs did well and continued to harass the opposition forwards making them drive a lot of wides. However I have 1 message for them, especially Eamon Corcoran ; when surrounded by opposition players, do not hand pass the ball directly to an opponent kick the ball away instead! This led directly to 2 Clare points and indirectly to 1 an easy Clare free. While Kennedy's man scored 6 points, the centre-back also stopped a lot of scores and along with Morris they hunted the Clare forwards down in packs. Noel Morris deserves a lot of praise and will have Eddie Enright very worried on the sideline. Hopefully more of the same the next day.

And what of Limerick? After dominating the front pages of the papers back in March with the Cregan controversy they now seemed to have settled down and have produced some great hurling in the League. Their key players will be Geary at centre back, Mark Foley, Lucey and Carey at midfield, and Begley up front. The Tipp half forward line will have to stop Foley from coming down the field and scoring his regular 3 points. Morris and Tommy Dunne will have their work cut out with Lucey and Carey and whoever comes out on top here will shade the game. Begley will have to improve on Maher who was immense again the last day ; as well as steadying the ship, he also made some great catches. The type of ball that Limerick will play will suit him, and Begley could be in for a torrid afternoon.

So how do I see this game going? I think Tipp have an advantage from the Clare game whereas Limerick were left with a lot of questions after the League Semi-Final, (a game they finished with only 13 men). Their forwards again failed to produce and they don't seem to have settled corner backs. Tipp's ability to squeeze through in tight finishes and their lack of panic when the opposition score goals (V Clare they went straight down the field and scored points on both occasions), will stand to them again. If Tipp play good, low, intelligent, fast, ball out in front of the forwards them they will win. However Limerick with Carey, Lucey and the 2 Foleys will have to be subdued for Tipp to triumph. So Tipp by a point or two. (What odds a draw!!)

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Tipperary 1-18 Clare 2-13 (19-05-02)



Tipp began their defence of their Munster and All-Ireland crowns with a scrappy and hard fought win over Clare in Pairc Ui Chaiomh yesterday. The Clare team lined out with 13 of the side that lost controversially by a point to Tipp last year. Tipp lined out with 5 of the team that won the All-Ireland because of retirement; Declan Ryan, and injury to Eddie Enright, Paul Ormonde, Mark O'Leary and John Carroll. Because of this Tipp had a new partnership named at midfield with Noel Morris partnering Conor Gleeson. However just like as predicted in the media it was Conor Gleeson who had the difficult task of picking up Seanie McMahon. John O'Brien was given the difficult task or replacing Declan Ryan at the edge of the square.

Clare had not read the script as in the opening minutes both Tony Griffin and John Reddan easily raced through the Tipp defence to open the scoring. An Eoin Kelly pointed free and a beautiful sideline cut from Noel Morris eased Tipp into the scoring before good work from Conor Gleeson set up Tommy Dunne to get Tipp's first score from play. Worryingly for Tipp Clare were dominating around midfield and the Tipp half back line was porous with the full back line and some woeful Clare shooting stopping Clare from getting the scores that their possession deserved.

Then came the turning point of the game. 2 superb saves from Cummins the first from Gilligan, the second a blaster which was collected by Kennedy who sent it to Gleeson who sent a superb low ball into Eoin Kelly who got away from both Lohans's to bury the ball past an motionless David Fitzgerald to put Tipp 1-4 to 0-3 ahead, a lead their play scarcely deserved. Gilligan got a point for Clare before in the 25th minute a pass from Carmody to Forde left him 1 on 1 with Cummins and he made no mistake to leave only a point between the sides. However as with Tipp last year they showed their class by outscoring Clare 3 points to 1 with John O'Briens first and a sweet point on the right wing from an on form Eoin Kelly who gave Frank Lohan a torrid afternoon. Half time saw Tipp lead 1-8 to 1-5 after playing with a strong wind at their back.

Clare struck blood first after the break with a John Reddan point. Tipp made their first switch of the afternoon with Mark O'Leary on for an off form Lar Corbett. Brian O'Meara then picked up a ball in broken play to put Tipp 4 up. Tipp then conceded an easy score when Corcoran fumbled the ball Jamsie picked it up and set up a simple score for Reddan. Tony Griffin got the last of his 6 points, and Carmody another to leave 2 points between the teams. Conor Gleeson who was beginning to come into the game a lot more then got a great solo score to leave it 1-12 to 1-09.

Brendan Cummins then showed why he is an All-Star goalie with a superb save from Griffin. A superb pass from Morris to Eoin Kelly at full flight restored Tipp's 4-point lead. Good work from Gleeson set up Eugene for a point with 6 minutes left to make the score 1-16 to 1-12. Clare needed a goal and some superb passing saw David Forde score his second goal past an unsighted Cummins, (1-16 to 2-12). Tommy Dunne then benefited from Brian Lohan and Hoey crashed into each other. Great work by Morris set up Benny Dunne who despite being through on goals took his point to leave Tipp 3 up. Forde won a close in free but Jamsie took his point. Eoin Kelly and Seanie McMahon swapped wides before the ref blew the final whistle much to the relief of a relieved Tipp management, players and supporters.

Tipp will be delighted to have come through this game. Probably the most pleasing aspect was that of the replacements played so impressively, Fahy kept Gilligan to 2 scores, Morris could have been and Gleeson was Man of the Match. John O'Brien had a torrid day being dragged around the field by Brian Lohan but still contributed to Tipp's win. Old reliables like Brendan Cummins and Philip Maher saved Tipp many a time. However a few worrying points for Tipp was that the 2 wing backs and the 2 wing forwards were well beaten, and Tommy Dunne was not his usual dominating self. Still the performance of Eoin Kelly will make Tipp a hard team to beat. Also of the 1-18 Tipp had 8 different scorers. A very good sign.

Clare will be disappointed with this display they missed a lot of easy scoring chances but unlike last year can have no complaints with the final score. Once Eoin Kelly got the goal they were always chasing the game. 1 major factor in them losing was when Reddan; who scored 3 points was taken off and replaced by an obviously unfit Ollie Baker at a crucial stage in the second half. This directly resulted in Morris having the run of midfield for the closing stages of the game. Another thing was that they changed players around too often. At 1 stage in the second half Jamsie went from centre forward to full to corner forward back out to centre forward in a 5 minute spell!! While their forwards were better than last year the supply of ball was not coming in as Conor Gleeson snuffed out Seanie McMahon and Tipp kept the ball away from Brian Lohan.

Players:

Cummins superb as always. Very close to closing down Forde for the first goal and was unsighted for the second. Made 3 great saves and puck outs were good.



Full Back Line: Maher held Tipp together during early Clare pressure and made some good clearances. Fahy starting his first game for Tipp in 3 years settled in after an edgy start and has done enough to hold his place. Costello found Forde a hand full.



Half Back Line: Tipp's best line through out the League was in trouble most of the game. Griffin got 6 points off David Kennedy and had a shot on goals as well, Kennedy got in some good clearances but was way too loose on Griffin. Corcoran and Kelly not their usual dominating selves but came more into the game in the second half.



Midfield: As expected Tommy Dunne started here. Got Tipp's third point and second last point but was very quiet in between. Looked at 1 stage like he was about to be replaced. Noel Morris transferred his great club form to Championship stage. Worked tirelessly throughout the game. Set up a lot of scores, scored a great point from a sideline cut, and played some great ball into the forwards rather than ballooning it high towards the Clare square. Pushed Gleeson close for Man of the Match not bad for a player making his championship debut.



Half Forward Line: Brain O'Meara was badly stuck for pace and sharpness in the first half but settled into the game and improved in the second half getting a great point. Lar Corbett was very poor. Never got much of the ball and replaced son after half time. Conor Gleeson was a revelation. Fourth choice at centre forward; (John Carroll, Eddie Enright, Paul Ormonde until they got injured), showed he has a lot to offer Tipp. The former Tipp captain easily won his battle with Seanie McMahon and contributed 2 points at crucial stages. Set up Tipp scores and also with Morris did a lot of spadework at midfield.



Full Forward Line: Eoin Kelly did what no hurler has done for the last 8 years and that is clean out Frank Lohan, got 1-8 in total 1-3 from play. Got scores from both sides of the field, when supplied with the right kind of ball is unbeatable. Eugene had a quiet game suffered when he went No.14 from Brian Lohan dragging his jersey off his back. John O'Brien got a good point in the first half, missed an easy 1 on the stroke of half time. Took time to find his feet in his first Championship start.



Subs:

Mark O'Leary was not fit. Had 3 good point scoring chances; 2 dropped short and 1 was blocked, if he was fit they would be 3 points for Tipp. Hopefully has not caused any further damage to his ankle.



Benny Dunne came on as a half forward for John O'Brien with 20 minutes left and got Tipp's last score to put us 3 points up. Showed maturity to take the insurance point rather that risk missing the goal.



Micheal Ryan on for the last few minutes for Mark O'Leary.



Overall this was a tough game that an injury affected Tipp team that dug deep and showed that there is strength and depth in this Tipp team. The Tipp subs were far more effective than Clare's, and were made at the right times. Clare still have a lot to offer and if the 2 teams meet again it will be closer. While Tipp's newer players were good last years stars were only average, Tommy Dunne, Eamon Corcoran and especially Lar Corbett have played better games for Tipp. So the message to Limerick is that we can and will play better.



Knocknagow



Tipp V Clare (19-05-2002) Knocknagow



Tipp and Clare start the Guinness Munster Senior Hurling Championship in Park Ui Chaiomh at 2.40 on Sunday. This is the 7th time that most of these players will have met in 5 years in the Championship! It stands at 3 wins to Clare, 2 to Tipp and a draw. Despite the old saying "familiarity breeds contempt" there has been no nastiness on the field and despite some fierce tussles no player has been sent of in recent meetings between the counties. While there has been a lot of media attention about the so called "hatred" between the 2 seta of fans but thankfully sanity has been restored in the last few years and media talks of fans segregation have thankfully been shelved.

Both sides had varying League campaigns. Tipp when they were good were very good, (first half against Offaly and Galway and second half against Cork in the group stages). But there were also some appalling displays as well, (Wexford and Cork in the Semi-Final). Clare on the other hand had some good displays, (Galway despite losing, and Waterford), however their display against Limerick in the Quarter Final left commentators tearing strips off them and Clare fans hoping that they were not showing their championship team or form.

Tipp did not learn as much from this League campaign as they did in last year's victorious campaign. There were a number of reasons for this, the first was the obvious hangover from the All-Ireland win, the second was the injuries to some of the players who Nicky would have liked to seen towards the business end of the League, and the third was the fact that they had to play something like 7 games in 8 weeks in a row. However 1 of the positives was the display of Benny Dunne who despite being tried at wing forward excelled at wing back especially the first day against Cork. He also spent some time at corner back and seems to be the most likely to start there if Ormond is not playing. With Paul Curran out injured it seems that the corner back spot is between Donnacha Fahy, Benny Dunne, John Devane and Ormond (struggling to be fit).

The other positives were the display of Noel Morris at midfield who seems to be line for his first championship start. The forwards were very unsettled with injuries to key players meant that a its practically impossible to predict who is starting. Clare from what I have seen and read about them in the League had problems as well. The old reliables, Davy, the 2 Lohans, Seanie McMahon and Jamsie seem to be still carrying the team. Another point that is surprising is that the Clare Minor team that won the All-Ireland of 1997 has contributed net to nothing to the Senior set up. While off the Tipp team that won the Minor in 1996, Tom Costello, John Caroll, Paul Kelly, Eugene O'Neill, Michael Ryan and Paddy O'Brien all played some part in the All-Ireland Final win last September.

This match will be hard to predict both teams having played what Jack Charlton used to call "silly buggers" in the League as regards to showing their hand. Tipp have the bulk of injury worries with Ormonde, Corcoran, Eddie Enright, John O'Brien, Brian O'Meara, and Mark O'Leary all suffering in the last few weeks, and the outcome of the game will depend on how fit these players are and how many of the new fellows will have to dropped in at the deep end. Clare had Alan Markham, Jamsie, and Considine injured but reports from the Banner camp say that they all will be ready for selection. Clare's main strength will again be its defence which should make it interesting as the Tipp forwards will be disjointed on Sunday.

The forwards seem to be Clare Achilles Heel, with no player able to give support to Jamsie on a regular basis. Last year Alan Markham, and Gillingan shot a lot of poor wides, 1 of which would have made a major difference. Hopefully the Tipp forwards will have learned enough from Declan last year to be able to beat the Clare backs. The Tipp inside men should move out the field to leave room to get at the Clare backs. We need another big display for Maher and Kennedy on Sunday to not alone win ball but just as important to deliver proper ball into the Tipp forward lines. Pat Horan will also have to keep a close eye on the players and cut out any crap from players before it starts.

This is make or break year for Clare and its selectors a bad year this year and it's the road for Cyril Lyons and his selectors. Also the likes of the 2 Lohans and McMahon; who despite not being that old, have got a lot of hurling and some serous years of training behind them; will not want to lose to Tipp for a third year in a row so will be gunning for a win and they will not be found wanting on Sunday. The weather will also be a factor and unlike the last few meetings it seems that it be a wet sod and probably raining. This could lead to some soft scores on both sides.

Another important aspect will be the subs that both teams have at their disposal. Clare made a major slip last by not brining in Daly in the second half it would have been a lift to the players and fans. Tipp will be struggling for adequate subs and it could be left to some of the players not fully fit like Mark O'Leay or John Carroll to come in with 10 minutes to go.
Despite Tipp's injuries they should have enough to get through this clash by a few points, with players like Tommy Dunne and Eoin Kelly again getting the crucial scores to send Tipp to a meeting with neighbours Limerick in the Semi-Finals.

Knocknagow