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Tipperary 1-18 Offaly 2-14 (18-04-2010) Knocknagow
Both Tipp and Offaly ended their involvement in the 2010 National Hurling League with this game in Tulamore this afternoon, which despite being played in great conditions only a small crowd showed up. Offaly lined out as selected but Tipp made a good few positional switches before throw in; Michael Cahill to corner back, Paul Curran to full back, Paudie Maher to wing back, Michael Heffernan to wing forward, Daragh Egan to corner forward and Jody Brennan to full forward. Offaly played with the advantage of the slight wind in the first half.
Tipp had the first real attack of note with a Conor O’Mahony free from his own 65 which eventually went out for a 65 which Eoin Kelly pointed with the help of the post. Paul Curran flicked an Offaly ball out for a 65 which Shane Dooley missed. Shane McGrath had his shot saved before Derek Molly got Offaly’s first point. Offaly then went ahead when a free was sent to Daniel Currams who pointed. Eoin Kelly scored a good point from play to level matters. Offaly then made their first change when corner back Stephen Egan went off injured and was replaced by James Rigney. Eoin Kelly picked out Michael Heffernan with a sweet pass and he pointed. Callanan then picked out Kelly and he pointed.
Daniel Currams got an Offaly point to put them only 1 point down, 4-3, with 20 minutes gone. Hennessy picked out Shane McGrath who pulled on the ball and pointed. Offaly then made their second change when Daniel Currams went off injured and was replaced by Conor Mahon. Shane Dooley had a wide before Joe Bergin pointed from out the field. Paudie Maher got a yellow card for a wild pull; Dooley pointed the free; however Maher made up with a surging run and point off his hurley to put Tipp -6-5 up. Callanan was fouled and Kelly pointed the free. A Dooley point reduced it to a minimum.
With 5 minutes to the break Seamus Hennessy got his first point of the game. Eoin Kelly picked out Jody Brennan and he got his first of the game. Joe Bergin then caught the ball, with Paul Curran going down injured, and pointed. Thankfully Curran got up and was ok. An Eoin Kelly pass to Darragh Egan was short but Egan showed great poise to pull first time and put the ball over the bar for a point. Both sides then traded wides before Eoin Kelly was fouled but then got up and pointed the free to leave Tipp 0-11 to 0-7 up after 1 minute of injury time.
Both sides lined out without any further changes for the start of the second half. Rory Hannify got the first point of the second half. Eoin Kelly got a point from a free after Jody Brennan was fouled. Callanan passed to Darragh Egan his pass went to Kelly who was hauled down by the neck with Varney getting a yellow card. Kelly’s shot from the 21 went high and over the bar. Eoin Kelly then took a shot which was blocked; he got the rebound and put it wide. However he then pulled up with holding his hamstring and was replaced by Bonner Maher at corner forward. Dooley pointed an Offaly free. Jody Brennan picked out Shane McGrath and he pointed to put Tipp 14-9 up. Both sides made changes with Brendan Carroll on for Cathal Parlon and Shane Maher on for Conor O’Mahony. Paudie Maher went to centre back and Shane Maher to wing back.
A great block by Gleeson saw the ball out for a 65 which Dooley pointed. Both Hugh Moloney and Bonner Maher had great a great chance of a goal but the ball was cleared and Joe Bergin pointed. Seamus Hennessy pointed as did Brendan Carroll. Paudie Maher then gave away a stupid foul with a needless shoulder, Shane Dooley pointed the free to only leave 2 points in it; 0-15 to 0-13. Tipp than made another change with Brendan Maher replacing the injured David Young at wing back. Offaly pointed to put only 1 in it. Sloppy Tipp play in the full back line allowed Shane Dooley to get the ball and he blasted past Gleeson. Michael Heffernan then had a goal chance but his weak shot was saved and the ball went down the field and Dooley buried past Gleeson to put Offaly in control and 2-14 to 0-15 ahead.
Sheedy made another change with John O’Brien replacing Heffernan. Hugh Moloney was fouled and Callanan, (now on free taking duties with Kelly off), pointed. Jody Brennan then had a goal chance which was saved and Hennessy’s point effort was blocked and cleared. Tipp made their last change with Pat Kerwick replacing the limping Darragh Egan at wing forward. Shane McGrath then found Pat Kerwick, (his first appearance of the League), he went on a run and pointed to only leave a goal in it; 2-14 to 0-17. Tipp were winning every thing now and Hugh Moloney went on a run towards goal and was tripped by Paul Cleary who was yellow carded. Callanan was sensible with the free and pointed it. Offaly made their last change with Ger Oakley on for Derek Molloy as the game went into 3 minutes of injury time. Offaly had a number of chances but sloppy passes meant they were cleared. Offaly had a free out on the sideline but Hannify put the ball wide. Tipp then went on the attack and got a softish free when Jody Brennan was fouled. With last puck of the game, Seamus Callanan blasted the free low and hard through a crowded goal mouth to the net to give Tipp a scarcely deserved 1-18 to 2-14 win.
Joe Dooley will be not happy enough with his sides performance. His main aim after promotion was to stay in Division 1and wins over Limerick and Dublin achieved this before today’s game. The game was tipping along with no real intensity until Offaly got their 2-4 without reply. However instead of building on that they totally wilted, allowed Tipp to dictate the pace and they failed to score for the rest of the game. Offaly went from 4 points down at the break to 4 up after their 2 goals and lost by 1! They did have good performances from full back Paul Cleary, goalkeeper James Dempsey who made at least 3 great saves while up front Shane Dooley was the best player on the field scoring 2 great goals and kept Offaly in touch for most of the game with his free taking. They appear to be a light team so when the play was loose they scored some good points but when it bunched and got physical they lost out time and time again. They had a few great chances in injury time to point and they twice tried to walk through the Tipp backs and twice Oakley’s passes were intercepted and the ball cleared. They look a young light team who will need a good bit of luck with the draw in Leinster to have a long summer of Championship hurling.
Liam Sheedy will be relatively happy enough with both the result and the performance. Given that Tipp were out of contention for the League Final this game was used to given a number of fringe players a run out. The game was pedestrian however when Tipp had to step up to the mark they did. This game was remarkably similar to the last 2 v Waterford and Cork, with Tipp going ahead, then hit with the other team going on a burst and going clear however Tipp seriously upped the ante after the Offaly goal, dominated in the half back line, especially with both Maher’s Shane and Brendan, and midfield and drove on taking points until the chance came for the goal. However Sheedy will be unhappy with the injuries that Tipp picked up with Kelly, Young and Egan all going off injured.
He will be happy 9 different players scored; all of the forwards, (although Callanan’s 1-2 were all from frees), and that he was able to give both Pat Kerwick and Bonner Maher runs off the bench after their long injury lay offs. He will also be happy that Seamus Callanan got a full 70 minutes and that Tipp were able to claw this game out of the fire in the last 15 minutes with out some of their best forwards; Eoin Kelly off injured, neither Lar nor Noel McGrath on the bench and 2 of the better forwards from this years League Gearoid Ryan and Paul Kelly out injured. He will be unhappy that while the full back line played well they went to sleep twice and Shane Dooley made no mistake with 2 goals. However problems still remain in the half forward line with Darragh Egan and Callanan both poor at centre forward and Heffernan not physical enough for the wing. Still Tipp finish third in the League with by far the best defensive record of any side in Division 1. Further good news is that is being reported that Eon Kelly’s injury is minor and that he should be ok for the Cork game.
Sheedy will be happy enough at what he got from the League, a few players have emerged as serious candidates for Championship starts; Brendan Maher at midfield, Shane Maher’s return from injury has seen him slot seamlessly back in at wing back, Michael Cahill has put down a serious marker for a starting place with a number of impressive performances and Timmy Hammersley has emerged from nowhere with a number of good performances, while he will he heartened that Eoin Kelly has got a full League campaign behind him for the first time in a few years. The recent displays of Paul Curran at full back and Michael Cahill at corner back will mean Sheedy has a good few sleepless nights a head of the Cork game with his selection. He will have been disappointed that Jody Brennan, Pat Kerwick, Bonner Maher and Seamus Callanan did not get more game time due to various injuries. Another worry will be that both Gearoid Ryan and Paul Kelly were progressing nicely in the forwards until both got injured and now Kelly is out of the Cork game with serious doubts about Gearoid Ryan. While numbers 1-9 seem sorted again the thorny issue with the half forward line was not solved despite numerous permutations tried.
Darren Gleeson: Will be happy enough with his display made 1 great save when he saved from about 8 yards, could do nothing about the 2 Offaly goals. Not likely to displace Cummins but a more than adequate back up if required.
Full back line: Paddy Stapleton made a great game except for the spell in the second half when Shane Dooley managed to get away from him and score 2 goals! Came out with a lot of ball. Paul Curran had a great tussle with Joe Bergin and despite given losing in both height and weight he came out on top. Back to his best not only under the high ball, also in commanding the square and bringing the ball out f danger. Michael Cahill had another good game, a great reader of the ball, always seems to be in the right place to flick the ball away from danger and stop his man winning clean possession.
Half back line: David Young did well enough cleared what ball came his way. A good back up but there a few ahead of him for a starting wing back jersey. Conor O’Mahony, despite playing a full game for Newport on Saturday evening, and having a knee injury played for about 2/3’s of the game. Read the game very well, cleared a lot of ball and played a good few intelligent balls out of defence. Padraic Maher got yellow carded for a late and dirty pull in the first half. Seemed to be distracted playing at wing back for the first quarter, settled down and scored 1 great point and was moved to centre back when Conor O’Mahony went off where he went well.
Midfield: Hugh Moloney tried and tried a lot, and missed a great goal chance, but did not deliver today. Is definitely behind Brendan Maher for a midfield starting jersey. Shane McGrath was his usual busy self and worked and carried the ball well for the 70 minutes. Scored a point in both half and set up Pat Kerwick for a point late on.
Half forward line: Seamus Hennessy while he scored 1 first half point faded out of the game, also missed a good goal chance. A lot of ball came his way but he was beaten to it far too often. Seamus Callanan looked very rusty. His first 3 or 4 passes/shots were blocked down or went wayward. He went full forward and while he did little from play in the second half he took over the free taking responsibility and scored 1-2 including a great strike for the winning goal. This game will have brought him on a lot but will need to be at the top of his game if he is to beat Ronan Curran. Michael Heffernan scored 1 good first half point after a superb Eoin Kelly pass and his second half goal effort was blocked. Is very light for this level and won very little ball in the air, needs a few years at U21 and club to build him up but definitely one for the future.
Full forward line: Eoin Kelly captained the side from corner forward. Was on fire in the first half scoring a 65, 2 points from play and 2 from frees as well as 2 second half frees before going off injured. Also set up at least 2 other first half points as well as putting a 21 yard free over the bar. Was motoring well until the injury. Jody Brennan was unusually played in the corner which was surprising as Tipp struggled at centre forward. Did score 1 first half point and it was his him being fouled late on that got the free from which Callanan scored the winner. Saw very little of the ball. Darragh Egan started at corner forward and went centre forward before being taken off injured. Still looks very over weight and struggled to get to the pace of the game. Scored 1 great first half point when he pulled on a bouncing ball and it went over the bar. Was very poor at centre forward, winning nothing and should have been taken off sooner.
Bonner Maher on for Eoin Kelly (injured): Came on with about 5 minutes gone in the second half and played at corner forward. Had 1 great goal chance but fluffed it. Went to ground too easily and did not score.
Shane Maher on for Conor O’Mahony: Came on with 10 minutes gone in the second half and played at wing back. Steadied the ship, cleared a good bit of ball and made a few good interceptions when it got into the last frantic few minutes.
Brendan Maher on for David Young (injured): Came on midway through the second half and played at wing back. Made some good clearances and brought a lot of calm and poise to the half back line.
John O’Brien on for Michael Heffernan: Came on with about 10 minutes to go and I don’t think he got much of the ball.
Pat Kerwick on for Darragh Egan (injured): Came on with about 5 minutes to go at wing forward, got the ball twice went on 2 runs and scored a good point with his first run.
So now the League is out of the way thoughts will turn to the Championship. Before that Tipp are heading to Spain for a week of warm weather training camp on Monday, (depending on the ash clouds from Iceland). Over the next few weeks all players will be playing a number of games with their clubs in the club Championship and Liam Sheedy will have his fingers crossed that no further injuries are picked up and hopefully Eoin Kelly being wrapped in cotton wool! He will also get a very good preview of what to expect from Cork with the Cork v Galway League Final on Sunday week. So all thoughts now turn to the 30th May in Pairc Ui Chaiomh and Cork in the Munster Quarter Final.
Tipperary 1-18 Offaly 2-14 (18-04-2010)
Both Tipp and Offaly ended their involvement in the 2010 National Hurling League with this game in Tulamore this afternoon, which despite being played in great conditions only a small crowd showed up. Offaly lined out as selected but Tipp made a good few positional switches before throw in; Michael Cahill to corner back, Paul Curran to full back, Paudie Maher to wing back, Michael Heffernan to wing forward, Daragh Egan to corner forward and Jody Brennan to full forward. Offaly played with the advantage of the slight wind in the first half.
Tipp had the first real attack of note with a Conor O’Mahony free from his own 65 which eventually went out for a 65 which Eoin Kelly pointed with the help of the post. Paul Curran flicked an Offaly ball out for a 65 which Shane Dooley missed. Shane McGrath had his shot saved before Derek Molly got Offaly’s first point. Offaly then went ahead when a free was sent to Daniel Currams who pointed. Eoin Kelly scored a good point from play to level matters. Offaly then made their first change when corner back Stephen Egan went off injured and was replaced by James Rigney. Eoin Kelly picked out Michael Heffernan with a sweet pass and he pointed. Callanan then picked out Kelly and he pointed.
Daniel Currams got an Offaly point to put them only 1 point down, 4-3, with 20 minutes gone. Hennessy picked out Shane McGrath who pulled on the ball and pointed. Offaly then made their second change when Daniel Currams went off injured and was replaced by Conor Mahon. Shane Dooley had a wide before Joe Bergin pointed from out the field. Paudie Maher got a yellow card for a wild pull; Dooley pointed the free; however Maher made up with a surging run and point off his hurley to put Tipp -6-5 up. Callanan was fouled and Kelly pointed the free. A Dooley point reduced it to a minimum.
With 5 minutes to the break Seamus Hennessy got his first point of the game. Eoin Kelly picked out Jody Brennan and he got his first of the game. Joe Bergin then caught the ball, with Paul Curran going down injured, and pointed. Thankfully Curran got up and was ok. An Eoin Kelly pass to Darragh Egan was short but Egan showed great poise to pull first time and put the ball over the bar for a point. Both sides then traded wides before Eoin Kelly was fouled but then got up and pointed the free to leave Tipp 0-11 to 0-7 up after 1 minute of injury time.
Both sides lined out without any further changes for the start of the second half. Rory Hannify got the first point of the second half. Eoin Kelly got a point from a free after Jody Brennan was fouled. Callanan passed to Darragh Egan his pass went to Kelly who was hauled down by the neck with Varney getting a yellow card. Kelly’s shot from the 21 went high and over the bar. Eoin Kelly then took a shot which was blocked; he got the rebound and put it wide. However he then pulled up with holding his hamstring and was replaced by Bonner Maher at corner forward. Dooley pointed an Offaly free. Jody Brennan picked out Shane McGrath and he pointed to put Tipp 14-9 up. Both sides made changes with Brendan Carroll on for Cathal Parlon and Shane Maher on for Conor O’Mahony. Paudie Maher went to centre back and Shane Maher to wing back.
A great block by Gleeson saw the ball out for a 65 which Dooley pointed. Both Hugh Moloney and Bonner Maher had great a great chance of a goal but the ball was cleared and Joe Bergin pointed. Seamus Hennessy pointed as did Brendan Carroll. Paudie Maher then gave away a stupid foul with a needless shoulder, Shane Dooley pointed the free to only leave 2 points in it; 0-15 to 0-13. Tipp than made another change with Brendan Maher replacing the injured David Young at wing back. Offaly pointed to put only 1 in it. Sloppy Tipp play in the full back line allowed Shane Dooley to get the ball and he blasted past Gleeson. Michael Heffernan then had a goal chance but his weak shot was saved and the ball went down the field and Dooley buried past Gleeson to put Offaly in control and 2-14 to 0-15 ahead.
Sheedy made another change with John O’Brien replacing Heffernan. Hugh Moloney was fouled and Callanan, (now on free taking duties with Kelly off), pointed. Jody Brennan then had a goal chance which was saved and Hennessy’s point effort was blocked and cleared. Tipp made their last change with Pat Kerwick replacing the limping Darragh Egan at wing forward. Shane McGrath then found Pat Kerwick, (his first appearance of the League), he went on a run and pointed to only leave a goal in it; 2-14 to 0-17. Tipp were winning every thing now and Hugh Moloney went on a run towards goal and was tripped by Paul Cleary who was yellow carded. Callanan was sensible with the free and pointed it. Offaly made their last change with Ger Oakley on for Derek Molloy as the game went into 3 minutes of injury time. Offaly had a number of chances but sloppy passes meant they were cleared. Offaly had a free out on the sideline but Hannify put the ball wide. Tipp then went on the attack and got a softish free when Jody Brennan was fouled. With last puck of the game, Seamus Callanan blasted the free low and hard through a crowded goal mouth to the net to give Tipp a scarcely deserved 1-18 to 2-14 win.
Joe Dooley will be not happy enough with his sides performance. His main aim after promotion was to stay in Division 1and wins over Limerick and Dublin achieved this before today’s game. The game was tipping along with no real intensity until Offaly got their 2-4 without reply. However instead of building on that they totally wilted, allowed Tipp to dictate the pace and they failed to score for the rest of the game. Offaly went from 4 points down at the break to 4 up after their 2 goals and lost by 1! They did have good performances from full back Paul Cleary, goalkeeper James Dempsey who made at least 3 great saves while up front Shane Dooley was the best player on the field scoring 2 great goals and kept Offaly in touch for most of the game with his free taking. They appear to be a light team so when the play was loose they scored some good points but when it bunched and got physical they lost out time and time again. They had a few great chances in injury time to point and they twice tried to walk through the Tipp backs and twice Oakley’s passes were intercepted and the ball cleared. They look a young light team who will need a good bit of luck with the draw in Leinster to have a long summer of Championship hurling.
Liam Sheedy will be relatively happy enough with both the result and the performance. Given that Tipp were out of contention for the League Final this game was used to given a number of fringe players a run out. The game was pedestrian however when Tipp had to step up to the mark they did. This game was remarkably similar to the last 2 v Waterford and Cork, with Tipp going ahead, then hit with the other team going on a burst and going clear however Tipp seriously upped the ante after the Offaly goal, dominated in the half back line, especially with both Maher’s Shane and Brendan, and midfield and drove on taking points until the chance came for the goal. However Sheedy will be unhappy with the injuries that Tipp picked up with Kelly, Young and Egan all going off injured.
He will be happy 9 different players scored; all of the forwards, (although Callanan’s 1-2 were all from frees), and that he was able to give both Pat Kerwick and Bonner Maher runs off the bench after their long injury lay offs. He will also be happy that Seamus Callanan got a full 70 minutes and that Tipp were able to claw this game out of the fire in the last 15 minutes with out some of their best forwards; Eoin Kelly off injured, neither Lar nor Noel McGrath on the bench and 2 of the better forwards from this years League Gearoid Ryan and Paul Kelly out injured. He will be unhappy that while the full back line played well they went to sleep twice and Shane Dooley made no mistake with 2 goals. However problems still remain in the half forward line with Darragh Egan and Callanan both poor at centre forward and Heffernan not physical enough for the wing. Still Tipp finish third in the League with by far the best defensive record of any side in Division 1. Further good news is that is being reported that Eon Kelly’s injury is minor and that he should be ok for the Cork game.
Sheedy will be happy enough at what he got from the League, a few players have emerged as serious candidates for Championship starts; Brendan Maher at midfield, Shane Maher’s return from injury has seen him slot seamlessly back in at wing back, Michael Cahill has put down a serious marker for a starting place with a number of impressive performances and Timmy Hammersley has emerged from nowhere with a number of good performances, while he will he heartened that Eoin Kelly has got a full League campaign behind him for the first time in a few years. The recent displays of Paul Curran at full back and Michael Cahill at corner back will mean Sheedy has a good few sleepless nights a head of the Cork game with his selection. He will have been disappointed that Jody Brennan, Pat Kerwick, Bonner Maher and Seamus Callanan did not get more game time due to various injuries. Another worry will be that both Gearoid Ryan and Paul Kelly were progressing nicely in the forwards until both got injured and now Kelly is out of the Cork game with serious doubts about Gearoid Ryan. While numbers 1-9 seem sorted again the thorny issue with the half forward line was not solved despite numerous permutations tried.
Darren Gleeson: Will be happy enough with his display made 1 great save when he saved from about 8 yards, could do nothing about the 2 Offaly goals. Not likely to displace Cummins but a more than adequate back up if required.
Full back line: Paddy Stapleton made a great game except for the spell in the second half when Shane Dooley managed to get away from him and score 2 goals! Came out with a lot of ball. Paul Curran had a great tussle with Joe Bergin and despite given losing in both height and weight he came out on top. Back to his best not only under the high ball, also in commanding the square and bringing the ball out f danger. Michael Cahill had another good game, a great reader of the ball, always seems to be in the right place to flick the ball away from danger and stop his man winning clean possession.
Half back line: David Young did well enough cleared what ball came his way. A good back up but there a few ahead of him for a starting wing back jersey. Conor O’Mahony, despite playing a full game for Newport on Saturday evening, and having a knee injury played for about 2/3’s of the game. Read the game very well, cleared a lot of ball and played a good few intelligent balls out of defence. Padraic Maher got yellow carded for a late and dirty pull in the first half. Seemed to be distracted playing at wing back for the first quarter, settled down and scored 1 great point and was moved to centre back when Conor O’Mahony went off where he went well.
Midfield: Hugh Moloney tried and tried a lot, and missed a great goal chance, but did not deliver today. Is definitely behind Brendan Maher for a midfield starting jersey. Shane McGrath was his usual busy self and worked and carried the ball well for the 70 minutes. Scored a point in both half and set up Pat Kerwick for a point late on.
Half forward line: Seamus Hennessy while he scored 1 first half point faded out of the game, also missed a good goal chance. A lot of ball came his way but he was beaten to it far too often. Seamus Callanan looked very rusty. His first 3 or 4 passes/shots were blocked down or went wayward. He went full forward and while he did little from play in the second half he took over the free taking responsibility and scored 1-2 including a great strike for the winning goal. This game will have brought him on a lot but will need to be at the top of his game if he is to beat Ronan Curran. Michael Heffernan scored 1 good first half point after a superb Eoin Kelly pass and his second half goal effort was blocked. Is very light for this level and won very little ball in the air, needs a few years at U21 and club to build him up but definitely one for the future.
Full forward line: Eoin Kelly captained the side from corner forward. Was on fire in the first half scoring a 65, 2 points from play and 2 from frees as well as 2 second half frees before going off injured. Also set up at least 2 other first half points as well as putting a 21 yard free over the bar. Was motoring well until the injury. Jody Brennan was unusually played in the corner which was surprising as Tipp struggled at centre forward. Did score 1 first half point and it was his him being fouled late on that got the free from which Callanan scored the winner. Saw very little of the ball. Darragh Egan started at corner forward and went centre forward before being taken off injured. Still looks very over weight and struggled to get to the pace of the game. Scored 1 great first half point when he pulled on a bouncing ball and it went over the bar. Was very poor at centre forward, winning nothing and should have been taken off sooner.
Bonner Maher on for Eoin Kelly (injured): Came on with about 5 minutes gone in the second half and played at corner forward. Had 1 great goal chance but fluffed it. Went to ground too easily and did not score.
Shane Maher on for Conor O’Mahony: Came on with 10 minutes gone in the second half and played at wing back. Steadied the ship, cleared a good bit of ball and made a few good interceptions when it got into the last frantic few minutes.
Brendan Maher on for David Young (injured): Came on midway through the second half and played at wing back. Made some good clearances and brought a lot of calm and poise to the half back line.
John O’Brien on for Michael Heffernan: Came on with about 10 minutes to go and I don’t think he got much of the ball.
Pat Kerwick on for Darragh Egan (injured): Came on with about 5 minutes to go at wing forward, got the ball twice went on 2 runs and scored a good point with his first run.
So now the League is out of the way thoughts will turn to the Championship. Before that Tipp are heading to Spain for a week of warm weather training camp on Monday, (depending on the ash clouds from Iceland). Over the next few weeks all players will be playing a number of games with their clubs in the club Championship and Liam Sheedy will have his fingers crossed that no further injuries are picked up and hopefully Eoin Kelly being wrapped in cotton wool! He will also get a very good preview of what to expect from Cork with the Cork v Galway League Final on Sunday week. So all thoughts now turn to the 30th May in Pairc Ui Chaiomh and Cork in the Munster Quarter Final.
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Offaly v Tipp (18 04 2010) preview Knocknagow
Offaly and Tipp return to League action on Sunday with the last game of the group stages at 2.30 in O’Connor Park Tullamore on Sunday. The ref is James Owens of Wexford. The last meeting between the sides was in 2008 in Thurles. Offaly with Molloy and Murray goaling were 0-14 to 2-5 behind at the break. Tipp with goals from Eoin Kelly and Kerwick closed out the game in the last quarter to win by 2-25 to 2-8, (Offaly did not score for the last 27 minutes). The second last league meeting between the sides was the 2006 League Quarter Final also played in Thurles. Tipp got off to the better start with Eoin Kelly and Webster goaling in the first half for Tipp to lead 2-7 to 1-8 at the break. 2 Offaly goals, 1 from Brendan Carroll, levelled the game with 10 minutes to go. However late Tipp points from Webster, John O’Brien and Ken Dunne sealed a Tipp win 2-21 to 3-14. The last game in Birr saw Offaly win in the opening game of the 2004 league when a late Rory Hannify goal led to a 1-15 to 0-17.
Offaly, newly promoted from Division 2, played Cork in the opening round and went down by 1-22 to 1-11. They were well in the game but faded in the second half being too reliant on Shane Dooley’s place balls who scored 1-8. In the next round they lost 1-17 to 0-12 to Kilkenny. Kilkenny only led 10 to 7 at the break but a second half goal from Aidan Fogarty sealed their fate with Shane Dooley again top scorer with 9 points. They got an important victory in the next round with a 3-19 to 1-18 win over Dublin. First half goals from Joe Bergin and Dooley put the sides in level 2-9 to 1-12, however a second half Dooley goal, (2-10 in total), saw them power further away and win by 7. In Round 4 they lost 1-22 to 1-18 to Galway. Bergin and Dooley with 4 points as well as Brady 1-1 were top scorers in a game that Galway always comfortable. In Round 5 they faced Limerick and barely hung on for a 1 point win; 2-17 to 3-13. Offaly were 7 points clear with 13 minutes left. Offaly with goals from Ger Healion looked in control but had to survive a late Limerick charge. Shane Dooley with 10 points was again their top scorer with a win that guaranteed their top flight status for next year. In Round 5 they played Waterford and lost 1-19 to 1-16. Offaly were 1 down at the break and looked in trouble when Dan Shanahan goaled but an Offaly goal from Shane Dooley that put them ahead however Waterford got the last few scores to win. Top scorer for Offaly was Shane Dooley with 1-10.
Going into this game Offaly are in 6th place with 4 League points and Tipp are in 4th place with 7 points. Neither team can be relegated or get to the League Final so it appears that there will be nothing to play for. However both sides will be using this game to prepare for the Championship. Saying that Liam Sheedy will be using this game as a final trial for both team and panel places ahead of Tipp’s week long “warm weather” training camp in Portugal. Of his 3 years over Tipp this is the first time that he has not qualified for the League Final. Given the vast amount of injuries that Tipp had before and picked up during the Cork game and also with most players playing with their clubs Sheedy is sure to go with a much changed line up.
It has been reported in the papers during the week that the panel has been cut by 6 players to 29 with the following players dropped: Michael Webster, Willie Ryan, Pa Bourke, Tom Stepleton, John Devane and Diarmaid Fitzgerald. Given that both Willie Ryan, (last years captain), and Pa Bourke have not played during this years League through injury and illness it is no surprise that either of them are dropped as they have fallen behind Jody Brennan and Timmy Hammersley in the forwards pecking order. Although given how young Pa Bourke is I am sure he will have further opportunities to force his way back into the Senior picture. With Hugh Moloney seemingly the first choice as “wing back attempted to be turned into a centre forward” it was always likely that John Devane would be dropped. Of the 2 back men dropped Diarmaid Fitzgerald’s form has nose dived with injury and illness and he has rarely reclaimed the heights of form that saw him start the 2004 Munster Semi-Final as centre back at 21, and a less than impressive spell at full forward when Babs was in charge signalled his demotion in the pecking order. The excellent form of Michael Cahill has seen his chances of getting game time reduced further. Of the 6 dropped the 2 that I am most surprised with are Michael Webster and Thomas Stapleton. While Webster’s hurling is limited he causes problems for full backs, keeps them occupied, and never shirks a challenge. He is also an option for the high ball into the full forward line. I am also surprised that Thomas Stapleton is dropped. There are very few specialist centre backs on the Tipp team with Conor O’Mahony and Paudie Maher the only 2 to play there this year in the League. I know that Hugh Moloney and Hennessy have played there for their clubs and at underage for Tipp but an injury to Conor O’Mahony could mean some serious moving around of players to get a solution. Both Benny Dunne and Darragh Egan are lucky to be still on the panel.
On the injury front some good and bad news. Seamus Callanan came off the bench and scored a goal for Drom at the weekend. There was bad news with Paul Kelly breaking his ankle for Mullinahone and being ruled out for a number of months. Further bad news for Liam Sheedy came with Gearoid Ryan breaking a finger while playing with Templederry although it is hoped he will be back for the Cork game. While the panel is down to 31, the available players at the moment is only 26 with John O’Neill and James Woodlock both out as long term injuries; Paul Kelly and Gearoid Ryan out with recent injuries and unfortunately for Pat Kerwick this game coming a few weeks too early for him.
Darren Gleeson.
Paddy Stapleton, Padraic Maher and Paul Curran.
David Young, Conor O’Mahony and Michael Cahill.
Hugh Moloney and Shane McGrath.
Seamus Hennessy, Seamus Callanan and Jody Brennan.
Eoin Kelly, Darragh Egan and Michael Heffernan.
The team shows 9 changes from the side that lost to Cork. With Ballybacon playing championship on Sunday evening in comes Darren Gleeson. In the full back line Paul Curran comes back in with Conor O’Brien losing out. In the half back line David Young comes in for Declan Fanning with Michael Cahill switching to wing back. Conor O’Mahony surprisingly is picked as Newport are playing Championship on Saturday evening and his knee has been heavily strapped for the past 2 League games.. In midfield Hugh Moloney partners Shane McGrath with Brendan Maher dropping out. In the half forward line; Gearoid Ryan is out injured, with Lar and Noel McGrath dropping to the bench; in come Seamus Hennessy, Seamus Callanan and Jody Brennan, (after injury). In the full forward line Paul Kelly is out injured and Timmy Hammersley is on the bench, (Clonoulty are down to play Championship on Sunday evening), so in come Darragh Egan, first start of the year, and Michael Heffernan for his first ever start.
I must admit that I am surprised that Tipp have picked such a strong team given the recent injuries and how heavily strapped a lot of them were in the Cork game and I would not be surprised if there were a few more changes before throw in. The full back line is as strong as we have, although Shane Dooley may cause Padraic Maher a bit of bother. I’m surprised that Shane Maher and Bonner Maher did not start. A new half forward line gets a chance to impress. Jody Brennan impressed off the bench and now gets a chance from the throw in. Hennessey needs a consistent 70 minutes and both he and Brennan know that there is s starting jersey there if they impress. There is a welcome return for Callanan who despite all the criticism of him, (totally unwarranted), is still the best option at centre forward for Tipp. After scoring a good point against Cork and with Webster off, Darragh Egan has to step up to the plate and deliver the goods on Sunday. Nenagh’s Heffernan get his first chance to start in the corner and given the weather conditions this game could suit him.
How do I see this game going? Given that Liam Sheedy is likely to trim the panel of probably 5-6 players whoever starts on Sunday will not be slacking off. Also this will be Tipp’s last competitive game until the 30th May. Sheedy will be looking for a strong defensive performance, especially on Shane Dooley, few frees conceded and the forwards taking the opportunities that present themselves. Despite the weakened side Tipp have picked I still think they will have too much for Offaly so Tipp to win by 4 points.
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Cork 1-16 Tipp 1-15 (04-04-2010)
Cork and Tipp played out an exciting game in Pairc Ui Chaiomh this afternoon, (on a disgracefully bad pitch), in front of a poor enough crowd of just over 9,000, probably affected by the game being on TG4. Cork lined out as per the official programme. Tipp side showing 3 changes from the side that drew with Waterford last Sunday; with Michael Cahill in for Shane Maher but lining out at corner back, Conor O’Brien lined out instead of Paul Curran at wing back and in the full forward line John O’Brien was replaced by Paul Kelly who lined out in the corner with his brother in at full forward. On the subs bench Shane Maher was out and replaced by Bonner Maher with John Devane also added to the subs. Cork had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half. Garoid Ryan, Conor O’Mahony, Conor O’Brien and Lar Corbett all lined for Tipp with heavy leg strapping.
Cork were first on the attack with a number of high balls into Aisaike on the edge of the square. He drove the first one wide, the second he got and went to goals but was superbly stopped by Michael Cahill. Tipp had a first chance but a pass from Eoin Kelly went astray and the ball came to Aisaike who was fouled by Maher and Pa Horgan pointed. Aisaike then set up Pa Horgan but Cummins superbly smothered his shot and Michael Cahill cleared to safety. A point from Tom Kenny on the run put Cork 2 up. Timmy Hammersley had Tipp’s first effort but it was short, he got possession moments later was fouled and Eoin Kelly got Tipp’s first point from a free after 7 minutes. Garoid Ryan was fouled and Eoin Kelly again pointed. Sloppy play by Conor O’Brien allowed Tom Kenny to point. Midfielder Lorcan McLoughlin got 2 points for Cork the second after Cummins saved from a Tom Kenny effort.
Pa Horgan pointed to put Cork 6-2 up. A lovely Eoin Kelly pass found Garoid Ryan who pointed from play. John Gardiner scored a free from the middle of the field. Garoid Ryan was fouled but Kelly missed the free. Soppy play from Paddy Stapleton allowed Tadgh Og Murphy to get a chance but he put it wide. Gardiner put another free wide. Gardiner then pulled twice across Lar before the ref gave a Tipp free which Eoin Kelly pointed. With the ball drifting over his head Paudie Maher stupidly Paudie O’Sullivan, with Horgan pointing the free. Tipp then got 2 rapid fire points from Noel McGrath; the first after a Lar pass and the second the score of the day from right on the sideline with 2 Cork players converging on him. This left Tipp only 8-6 down. Jerry O’Connor pointed from a Brendan Maher fumble.
Lar had a effort that was short but the clearance resulted in a Tipp free which Eoin Kelly pointed. Tadgh Og Murphy pointed for Tipp after poor play by the Tipp half forwards. Jerry O’Connor had a bad wide. Eoin Kelly’s effort dropped short and the goalie fumbled the clearance resulting in a 65 for Tipp near the end line, but it went wide. Aisaike and Conor O’Mahony were then booked for an off the ball incident. As injury time approached Cork were awarded a sideline that was a Tipp ball. The ball went in the Tipp full back line, Conor O’Mahony fouled Aisaike and a 21 yard free was given which Pa Horgan put over the bar. So after 2 minutes of injury time the ref blew up and Cork led 11-7.
Neither side made any change at the start of the second half. Tipp were out of the blocks fast and Gearoid Ryan found Eoin Kelly but his effort drifted wide. Timmy Hammersley then got possession near the goal but hesitated and the chance was lost. Paul Kelly then ran into trouble and was bundled over the sideline. Paddy Stapleton then brought a great hook on Paudie Sullivan who was through on goals. Lar missed a great goal chance with his effort saved by Martin Coleman and flicked away. Tipp did eventually score with Shane McGrath pointing from midfield. Tipp had 2 wides with Gearoid Ryan and an Eoin Kelly free after Brendan Maher was fouled. Tipp were now on top and it showed. A great ball into Eoin Kelly saw him catch turn and point. Straight away 2 more balls into Eoin Kelly saw him pass to his brother Paul and the sides were level at 11 each.
A Michael Cahill block at one end saw the ball get to Timmy Hammersly and he set up Gearoid Ryan and he pointed. Tipp then goaled with a great run from Brendan Maher setting up Paul Kelly he got past 3 players and buried the ball in the net with a great shot to put Tipp 1-12 to 0-11 up. Tipp then made their first change with John O’Brien on for Timmy Hammersley. Eoin Kelly found him straight away but the ball went wide. Brendan Cummins then brought off a great save from Paudie Sullivan but Pa Horgan was lurking at the edge of the square and he goaled to level the game. Cork made a double substitution with Lorcan McLoughlin and Tadgh Og Sullivan coming off and Kieran Murphy and Mark O’Sullivan coming on. Eoin Kelly then got a yellow card in a tussle which resulted in throw in ball. Brendan Maher went off injured and Jody Brennan cam on, Brennan switched with Gearoid Ryan.
The ref then made his most controversial decision of the day. Declan Fanning fouled Pa Horgan, Horgan got up and there was a bit of an, altercation then Horgan hit Fanning with the end of his hurley into the stones. The ref was the only person who did not see it and booked Fanning and gave a free to Cork! So instead of Horan getting a straight red and a 3 month ban he scored the free! Eoin Kelly then scored a great free from way out the field on his own 65 on the sideline. Paudie Maher hauled Paudie O’Sullivan down, got a yellow card but Horgan missed the free. A sloppy pass from Fanning saw the ball come to Naughton and he pointed to leave it level at 1-13 each. Jody Brennan found Noel McGrath and he pointed to put Tipp back ahead. Sheedy then brought on David Young for Declan Fanning at wing back. Pa Horgan levelled it with a Cork free. Gearoid Ryan went off injured and was replaced by Hugh Moloney.
The game was now becoming increasingly fractured and Noel McGrath nearly took advantage when the ball fell to him on the edge of the square but his first time pull was saved by Coleman. Eoin Kelly put the ball wide before his brother was replaced by Darragh Egan at the edge of the square. Jerry O’Connor scored a good point under pressure to put Cork back ahead. Shane O’Neill then went on a long run and was fouled by Shane McGrath, who got a yellow card for pulling across his arm with Pa Horgan pointed the free. As the game went into injury time a high ball was fielded by Darragh Egan and he turned and pointed to put only the minimum between the sides. A free was given to Tipp and Dennis Walsh then got involved shouting at the linesman and ref, although Cummins took the free the ball was cleared into the stand and the ref blew up after 3 minutes of injury time with Cork winning 1-16 to 1-15.
Denis Walsh will be happy with the outcome of this game. Cork went into this game unbeaten and on top of the League and the result today means that they now are in the League Final. The only negative is that the face Galway in both the League Final and the last round of League games! They were far more up for the game, fitter and wanted it more; witness Dennis Walsh screaming into the ref’s face with game in injury time! On reflection he will know that he made some horrendous mistakes and had some serious luck; Aisaike O’Halpin was destroying Pauide Maher for the first 15 minutes however he was the moved out to the half forward line and went from the best player on the field to easily the worst and the Cork spent the second half groaning at his ever mistouch. He knows that Gardiner was up to his usual play and another ref could have sent him off also he was very dependent on Pa Horgan’s frees. However Martin Coleman is a far better goalie than his GPA obsessed team mate Cusack, Ronan Curran is one of the, if not the best centre back in Ireland. While Tom Kenny was again superb and deservedly got Man of the Match by TG4 for his performance at midfield.
Liam Sheedy will not be happy with this game. Tipp went in to this game knowing that they needed a win to realistically get to the League Final and now with today’s results they having a meaningless game against Offaly in the last round. It remains to be seen what the physiological effects of this game will have on Tipp when they meet Cork at the end of May. The positives for Sheedy will be the way Tipp after being under severe pressure for the first half; came out and despite missing 1-2 went from 4 points down to 4 up and only for a shocking ref decision could have won this game. Sheedy will be happy that despite Tipp not playing well in the first half they hung in there and went only 4 points down despite being totally outplayed. Tipp came out a different team in the third quarter and blew Cork away, this is the tempo and pace that they will have to be at in May to beat Cork in the Championship.
The negatives; half forward line, abysmal in the first half again, only 4 Tipp forwards scored from play, Tipp only scored 3 points from play in the first half. Tipp missed at least 3 good goal chances as well as letting Cork in for 4-5 goal chances. Tipp led by 4 points after their goal but within 5 minutes had allowed Cork to goal and from there till the end never looked like winning. Tipp will also have cut out this ridiculous stupid and hair brained short passing out of defence, on more than one occasion either Cummins or the full back line tried to pass the ball about 10 yards instead of just getting rid of it and only for some last gasp defending they could have paid dearly for it. Tipp spent the last 10 minutes pointlessly lofting high ball into small men in the full forward line and time after time it was cleared by Cork, such pointless play is not good enough at this level.
I got criticised by some last week for complaining about the ref however I have no qualms about doing the same again this week; he was shocking and useless. Pat Horgan should have got a straight red and a 3 month ban for when he did to Declan Fanning in the second half, instead Fanning got booked and Horgan went on and scored 3 more frees! Every one else in the ground saw what he did except the ref. Given who is involved on the Cork County Board I will not be holding my breath for a suspension as im sure it will shushed up! Gardiner was again at persistent fouling pulling twice dangerously on the Lar Corbett’s leg on a throw in and no card. Eoin Kelly was persistently fouled by Cadogan all day. Moments before he was yellow carded; on a high ball Cadogan pulled and followed down across the side of Kelly’s face who had to get treatment and no action by the ref even though it was right in front of him. However Conor O’Mahony and Paudie Maher were both lucky to get away without red cards, Conor O’Mahony and Aisaike were yellow carded for an off the ball incident and then 30 seconds later Conor O’Mahony hauled down O’Halpin with no second card for O’Mahony! Paudie Maher fouled Aisaike on a number of occasions and got no card.
Brendan Cummins: Made at least 3-4 top class saves from point blank range and made a superb save for the goal only to see the rebound flicked to the net. Should have varied his puck outs in the first half after seeing Curran and O’Halpin win all his puck outs.
Full back line: Paddy Stapleton had a good game on at least 2 occasions got in last gasp tackles to stop a goal. Got a serious amount of punishment without getting frees. Michael Cahill had another good game and must now be a serious candidate for a Championship start. Has an uncanny knack of being able to get in a hook or block and similar to Paddy Stapleton made at least 2 hooks to stop goals. Paudie Maher got off to a torrid start on Aisaike but when he was moved settled down. Gave away a number of stupid frees for silly pushes. Needs to tighten up on his discipline and his clearances which can be a bit aimless at times.
Half back line: Conor O’Brien got through a lot of work and carried a bit of ball out of defence. Played with his thigh heavily strapped but this did not seem to effect him. Conor O’Mahony also played with a heavily strapping around his knee which visibly hampered his movement. Cleared a lot of ball and swept up to good effect with a superb block to stop a Cork point late on. Declan Fanning got through a lot of work but his man Cathal Naughton still picked up a few loose balls and got a few handy scores ridiculously picked up a yellow card when he was hit in the stones by Horgan!
Midfield: Shane McGrath took a slap to his knee on the throw in and limped through the first half. Scored a good point after half time but was not at full fitness throughout the game. Brendan Maher tried hard, had 1 great run that set up Paul Kelly’s goal but was not as visible for the rest of the game. Tipp lost this area of the game with Tom Kenny getting Man of the Match.
Half forward line: Totally wiped out in the first half but played better in the second half. Gaeroid Ryan scored a point in each half but did little else. Lar Corbett was well beaten by Ronan Curran, was unlucky with a goal effort but his habit of standing behind Curran under every puck out meant that he won nothing in the air and Tipp suffered for this. Noel McGrath, scored 2 first half points, the second a great effort from out on the sideline, as well as a point in the second half and was unlucky with a second half goal chance. Would like to see him get on the ball more as he has a superb pair of wrists.
Full forward line: Timmy Hammersley found out today the difficulties and harshness of Senior intercounty hurling! In at corner forward got very little ball, although did get fouled for Tipp’s first free. Ran into a few blind alleys and was replaced by John O’Brien. Paul Kelly was very quiet for 65 minutes but put on a 5 minute burst when he scored 1-2! Took his goal superbly, off the ground in front of the keeper who had no chance. Did very little for the rest of the game. Eoin Kelly was very good, despite being continuously fouled by Cadogan, blatantly thrown to the ground in the first half and no free! Scored 4 first half frees, as well as 1 in the second half as well as a point from play. Set up 2 points for his brother with lovely passes. Will have to watch his temper after being fouled he and not getting anything he got a yellow card.
John O’Brien for Timmy Hammersley: Came on just after the Tipp goal and had a wide did not see much of the ball.
Jody Brennan for Brendan Maher (injured): Came on at wing forward and set up Noel McGrath for a point.
David Young for Declan Fanning: Came on with only about 10 minutes left at wing back. The game was very fractured by then and I don’t remember him doing too much.
Hugh Moloney for Gearoid Ryan (injured): Came on with the game approaching injury time and I don’t remember him touching the ball.
Darragh Egan for Paul Kelly: Came on with the game approaching injury time and scored a good point from full forward.
So it remains to be seen who will take more out of this game. Yes Liam Sheedy will not be happy that Tipp lost but have Cork revealed their hand too early in the year? They were hopping off the ground and a League win would be a big boost facing Tipp at the end of May. Sheedy would have hoped that with the League taking a break for 2 weeks that the players would have a chance to rest after playing for 5 straight Sundays; no chance. There are a full round of Championship games in both Senior and Intermediate hurling in North and West Tipp fixed for next weekend. This is madness considering that the finals of both of these competitions will not be played until the middle of October, why does the first round have to be played on the 2nd week in April? Given the injuries; Paul Curran and Shane Maher did not tog today, Gaeroid Ryan and Brendan Maher going off limping and with both Conor O’Mahony and Shane McGrath limping for most of the game and Conor O’Brien heavily strapped, Sheedy will probably he happy to go away out of the limelight, play Offaly and close the book on the League. Anyway Liam Sheedy’s thoughts will now turn to the final round of League games and the clash away against Offaly on the 18th April.
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Cork v Tipp (4-04-2010) preview Knocknagow
Tipp and Cork meet in Round 6 of the NHL on Sunday in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. The game is on TG4 and the ref James McGrath is from Westmeath. The two most recent League meetings have been in Thurles in 2005 and 2009. In 2005 a John Devane goal had the side’s level at the break 1-6 to 0-9. Despite second half points from the Dunnes and Paddy O’Brien Cork held out for a 0-16 to 1-12 win. Last year was a bit of a shambles. It was due to mark the floodlights being switched on but far more attention was given due to the Cork strike. In the end a shadow Cork gave Tipp a decent first half but second half goals from John O’Brien and Bonner Maher gave Tipp and unconvincing 2-15 to 0-9 win. The sides last League meeting in Pairc Ui Chaiomh was in 2004 with the game ended in a draw Tipp; 1-20 Cork 2-17. Tipp lead well up until just before the break when 2 Cork goals levelled it 2-7 to 0-13. Tipp did not score from play in the second half, which Cork dominated, and relied on points from the 2 Kelly’s to stay in touch. Just before the end Eoin Kelly goaled from a 21 but a Joe Deane free left it level at the end.
Cork have played 5 games to date in this years League. Firstly they bet Offaly at home 1-22 to 1-11. The sides were level at the break, 0-9 each, but Cork upped the ante in the second half and reeled off points at will. Despite a Shane Dooley goal, an Aiskie hAilpín goal sealed an 11 point win. Both Kieran Murphy and Gardiner got 0-5, with Pat Horgan 0-8. In Round 2 they faced Limerick under lights and once Michael Cussen goaled to make it 1-4 to 0-1 they never looked like losing. Cussen with 1-5, Pat Horgan 0-6 and Cian McCarthy 1-1 were top scorers in a 2-21 to 1-14 point win. In Round 3 Cork collected their third win with a 0-18 to 1-13 win over Kilkenny at a shocking Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Cork can count their blessings as Michael Grace was sent off just before the break with both Brian Murphy and Niall McCarthy threw worse belts and got away scot free; amazingly Kilkenny left Gardiner as the free man and from midfield he ended up as top scorer with 7 points. Kilkenny also missed a penalty as the sides went in level 8 points each. Second half subs Jerry O’Connor and Paudie O’Sullivan made scoring contributions for Cork as they scraped home. In Round 4 they faced Waterford and played out a high scoring draw; 2-20 to 3-17. Cork got off to a good start with a Cussen goal but a high ball into the square from Eoin Kelly went to the net, Cussen got his second as Cork led 2-9 to 1-9 at the break. Despite Cork goaling through Pat Horgan, Waterford responded with a Thomas Ryan goal. Eoin Kelly levelled the sides in injury time. Top scorers for Cork were Ben O’Connor 0-8, Cussen 2-2 and Horgan 1-2. Last Sunday they played Dublin and won a poor quality game 0-17 to 1-11. Cork lead 8 to 5 at the break. Even though McCrabbe goaled late on Cork were always in command. Pa Horgan with 6 points was the top scorer.
Under Dennis Walsh Cork have had a good League to date unbeaten to date, and on top of the Table with 9 points; 4 wins and a draw against Waterford. He also has kept the team out of the spot light unlike previous years as well as trying a few new players and playing some of the more established players in different positions; Sean Og has been tried at corner back and Gardiner has been a success at midfield, (top scorer against Kilkenny). He has also done a bit of experiment with the 2 tall men in Michael Cussen and Aisake Ó hAilpín being tried in various positions in the forwards. Some of the younger players like Luke O’Farrell, Cian McCarthy, Paudie O’Sullivan and Pa Horgan have all played well at various stages in their matches to date. However one possible worry for Cork is that they are still relying on players from 1999 to form the spine of their side; Donal Og Cusack, Sean Ó hAilpín, Niall McCarthy and Ben O’Connor and these are the players that they will be looking to deliver. It remains to be seen if these players can deliver after being around for so long.
Liam Sheedy will again have to look long and hard at the video of the Waterford game. Tipp missed two great goal chances in the first 5 minutes which could have made for a different afternoon. However these were missed and Waterford kept in the game with the frees of Eoin Kelly. Tipp looked in control until in the second half Shane McGrath went off injured this had the effect of handing Waterford back the initiative at midfield; their players were able to pick out Mullane and Dan far easier and they got scores far easier in the second half. Also Tipp losing control at midfield meant that there was no Shane McGrath to lay off good ball into the full forward line as the ball that the Tipp half backs won was ballooned hurriedly into the full forward line meaning that John O’Brien, Noel McGrath and Timmy Hammersley had little hope of winning it. Also Lar who dominated the first half from centre forward; 4 points from play and 2 great goal chances was not getting any decent ball so Tipp scores dried up. It was obvious that Tipp were having far better success running at the Waterford defence, the Tipp goal was an excellent example of this.
The Tipp team will be picked on Thursday night after training. According to reports emanating from the Tipp camp the injuries to both Lar and Eoin Kelly are minor although it is doubtful if they will be risked for Sunday. Of the starting 15 against Waterford; Shane McGrath will hardly start, he took a belt to his knee at the start of the second half and thankfully he only has bruising to his shin bone and should be ok, while Conor O’Mahony also has to be doubtful given the heavy strapping on his knee last Sunday. The team that Sheedy will pick will not be his first choice with the gruelling effects of 5 games in 5 weeks is taking its toll. I can see Sheedy using this game as a last chance saloon for a number of players to stake Championship starting places with the likes of Seamus Hennessy, Gearoid Ryan, Timmy Hammersley and Michael Cahill all likely to feature, given Willie Ryan and Pat Kerwick are still a few weeks away from returning to training and the continued injuries to Bonner Maher, Seamus Callanan, Pa Bourke and Jody Brennan. Hopefully Sunday will see Tipp play far more sensible ball into the insideline and that when ball is won in the half forward line it is used intelligently. Possibly Sheedy will throw a few curve balls with his selections with Webster to centre forward, (he has played ok there when he moved there against Galway), David Young and Hugh Moloney in the half backline and Michael Heffernan in at corner forward.
How do I see this game going? Given that the sides meet again on the 30th of May in the Munster Championship, and could possibly meet in a League Final, I don’t think either manager will want to reveal his hand at this early stage. Cork know that if they win this game they are guaranteed a League Final spot and would almost deny Tipp a place in it. Given the circumstance that were in Cork last year involving this “rump of malcontents”, (apologies to Dessie Farrell for using his quote out of context!!!!!), I am sure that Dennis Walsh would like some silverware heading into the Championship and what better way to face Tipp than having won the League Final. Cork will be well up for this game due to not having beaten Tipp since 2005 in either League or Championship. I think that Liam Sheedy will not risk any of the injured Tipp players and will use this game as vehicle to test out some of the fringe players. Given that Cork will more than likely be close to full strength, Tipp will not and with Cork having home advantage I expect a Cork win by 3-4 points.
Tipperary 1-19 Waterford 2-16 (28-03-2010) Knocknagow
Tipp and Waterford shared the spoils in this high scoring and well contested game in Thurles this afternoon in front of 6,665. Both sides made changes before throw in. Waterford gained the advantage with Dan Shanahan in at full forward in place of Shane Walsh and Shane Fives in for Eoin McGrath. Tipp on the other hand lost Eoin Kelly with a hamstring injury and he was replaced by his brother Paul at corner forwrad. Timmy Hammersley lined out at wing forward, Lar at centre forward and Noel McGrath in the corner. Waterford did their usual trick with very few players lining out as selected. The wind was negligible.
Lar had a good goal chance but his effort just went wide after getting a pass from a sideline and then a run along the endline. Stephen Muloumpy got the first score of the day with a point. Both sides then had bad wides with Gearoid Ryan and Lar for Tipp and Thomas Ryan for Waterford. A high ball into Dan was caught and with Paudie Maher standing off he pointed. Paul Kelly then caught a great ball but ran into Lar and put the ball wide. Lar then made a great run and after drawing 2 Waterford men passed to Noel McGrath but his goal effort was smothered and cleared. Timmy Hammersley was also available as well. Tipp eventually got on the score sheet when a Tipp forward was fouled and Timmy Hammersley pointed the free after 12 minutes. Tipp levelled when a Noel McGrtah sideline found Lar who pointed. Eoin Kelly put Waterford back into the lead. Timmy Hammersley was fouled and his free came off the post and Paul Kelly was first to the loose ball and pointed.
Seamus Prendergast ran and pointed. Brendan Maher made a great run at goals and was cynically fouled with a very dirty belt into his arm as he pointed. Eoin Murphy got a yellow card that could have been red. After Brendan Maher got treatment Hammersley pointed the free to level matters at 4 each after 19 minutes. Tipp then went on a good run and scored 3 points without reply. John O’Brien picked put Lar who pointed, a booming puck out from Cummins was expertly fielded by Lar who turned and pointed. Lar then set up Hammersley who pointed but then had a wide soon after. Shane O’Sullivan responded for Waterford but a crisp O’Mahony pass found Gearoid Ryan who pointed. Brendan Maher caught a puck out turned, ran and pointed off the hurley to put Tipp 4 up.
Waterford responded superbly when after a fumble in the Tipp full back line, Muloumpy, on the ground, managed to rise the ball and bury past Cummins after 27 minutes. Dan pointed straight away to level matters. Gearoid Ryan had a wide. O’Mahony picked out Noel McGrath who got his first point of the day. Lar put the ball wide from midfield. Gearoid Ryan then got 2 points the first from a Paul Kelly pass, and then from a Brendan Maher pass to put Tip 2 up; 0-12 to 1-7, Waterford responded firstly after Paul Curran hauled down a Waterford player with Kelly pointing the free. Paul Kelly then had a wide with Prendergast booked for a dirty pull in the build up to the effort. Paul Curran was again caught out, fumbled the ball fouled and Kelly pointed. Tipp went in ahead; 0-13 to 1-9, when Paul Kelly picked out Lar who pointed from out the field. The ref blew up after 1 minute of injury time.
Waterford made a double substitution after the break replacing Kevin Moran and Aidan Kearney with Maurice Shanahan, lined out at wing forward, and John Mullane in at corner forward marked by Paddy Stapleton. Straight way Mullane was fouled and Kelly pointed the free. Tipp made their first change with Seamus Hennessy coming in for Shane McGrath; knock to the knee, at midfield. A high ball into the full forward line was caught by John O’Brien who was hauled to the ground in the 39th minute. With no Eoin Kelly on the field and Hennessy just on it was left to Noel McGrath to take it. He hit a good effort but straight at Hennessy who saved it the ball went for a 65 which Hammersley pointed. John Mullane set up Shane Sullivan who pointed. Brendan Maher then pointed. Mullane pointed. Prendergast was fouled and Hammersley pointed the free to put back in the lead 0-16 to 1-12.
In the 47th minute great interplay by Hammersley and Gearoid Ryan set up Noel McGrath who flicked expertly to the net; 1-16 to 1-12 to Tipp. In the aftermatch both Paul Kelly and Clinton Hennessy got yellow cards I have no idea what for. Gearoid Ryan set up Hennessy who pointed to put Tipp 5 up. Declan Fanning then conceded a stupid free when he fouled a Waterford player as he took a shot and the ref gave a free from where the ball landed; a 21 yard free. Kelly lined up and blasted to the corner of the net. He then missed a free but got another free, which was in no way a foul. Waterford took off Thomas Ryan and put on Shane Walsh. Noel McGrath had a wide from a tight angle. Tipp then took off Paul Kelly and put on Webster. An awful touch by him saw the ball out for a sideline. Despite the ref telling the Waterford players to move back he deemed that the second attempt at the sideline was illegal, (player less than 15 yards away), and gave a free to Tipp which Hammersley pointed. Tipp now led by 2 points; 1-18 to 2-13 with 10 minutes left.
Timmy Hammersley picked out John O’Brien who pointed. Noel McGrath had a wide. Tipp then got lucky when Paul Curran fumbled a ball and Cummins had to come out and put the Waterford forward off who missed the goal chance and the ball was cleared. Shane Sullivan pointed and then Maurice Shanahan went down very easy, won the free, and Kelly pointed. John Mullane then blatantly pushed Paddy Stapleton, got away with it, caught the ball but Cummins flicked the ball for a 65. As the game approached injury time Sullivan put the ball wide. The ref then gave a very soft free when Shanahan went to ground easily late on and Kelly pointed the free from a tight angle on the 21. The ref blew up after 1 minute of injury time with the final score 1-19 to 2-16.
Davy Fitz will be happy with this result. Although this was their second draw in a row, they were 5 points down with 20 minutes to go. However their reliance on the frees of Eoin Kelly was again highlighted. While he did score a lot he also missed at least 3 scoreable ones but he contributed nothing from general play. He will also be worried that he had to let on John Mullane to make some head room in the forwards and also that Dan struggled on Paudie Maher who cleaned him out time after time. Some of the newer players like Mark O’Brien and Shane Fives seriously struggled at times and also Jamie Nagle was absolutely cleaned out by Lar Corbett at centre forward. Waterford remain in fourth in the League table and no look unlikely to get to the Final so his thoughts will no doubt turn to the Championship.
Liam Sheedy will not be happy with either this result or performance. If Tipp had won this game they would have been in second place in the League facing and could have experimented against Cork next week. Now given the fact that Tipp are third in the League table on 7 points, Galway have leapfrogged Tipp with 8 points, Tipp will need a result against Cork on Sunday to get to the League Final. The positives; Tipp scored 20 times without Eoin Kelly and indeed half of the starting 6 forwards from last years All-Ireland Final, (Eoin Kelly, Callanan and Kerwick all out injured), 8 different players scored for Tipp, Tipp scored 1-14 from play and all 6 forwards scored from play. He will have again been encouraged by the displays of the 3 Maher’s as well as Lar at centre forward and Timmy Hammersley who again played well from general play and only missed 1 free, (off the post from which Kelly collected and pointed).
However there were serious negatives; Tipp conceded 1-7 from frees most of them for silly stupid fouls; Declan Fanning’s stupid foul gave Kelly a 21 yard free. Sheedy knows that given a free taker the calibre of Kelly those free shots at goal will have to be cut out come Championship. Sheedy will also be worried that once Shane McGrath went off Tipp lost shape completely, lost control at midfield, what ever ball that was won was ballooned sky high into the likes of Noel McGrath and Hammersley who were both starved of possession in the second half. This was shown in the scoring with Tipp only getting 1-3 from play in the second half. He will also be worried that Paul Curran was given a torrid time for spells by Thomas Ryan and also Paul Kelly struggled despite getting a lot of ball. Tipp who have not conceded a goal in the last 3 games conceded 2 today and let Waterford in for another 2 chances. Tipp created 4 goal scoring chances, (Lar right at the start, Noel McGrath, McGrath’s goal and the penalty), but yet only scored 1 goal.
And yet this was a game Tipp could and should have won; Tipp led by 5 points with 20 minutes to go but the loss of Shane McGrath and a silly goal let Waterford back into it. If Eoin Kelly had been on the field he would have taken that penalty. With Eoin Kelly not starting the balance tipped slightly in Waterford’s favour however Sheedy will be happy that Tipp have not lost another League game and qualification for the League Final is still firmly in Tipp’s own control, (as Cork have to play Galway in the last round of games). Tipp also have to cut out this short passing game when a man is in trouble and also put better quality ball into the forwards for most of the second half the Tipp half backs and midfield blasted high balls in on top of small light corner forwards, Hammersley and suffered as it allowed the Waterford backs to hover up possession and get back into a game that Tipp should have won.
Another aspect of the game that will anger Sheedy was the absolute shocking officiating by the ref. Eoin Murphy should have been sent off for a dirty, dangerous and late pull across Brendan Maher’s arm in the first half. Early in the second half Mullane blatantly shouldered Paudie Maher into the chest and no Tipp free, and how the ref missed Mullane’s push on Paddy Stapleton late on makes the mind boggle. Lar Corbett was swung around by the neck at midfield as the game approached injury time again no free. He also gave 2 very soft frees late on to Waterford when both Shanahan and Mullane seemed far more intent on winning frees than trying to play the ball. Seamus Prendergast was yellow carded in the first half and conceded foul after foul without any sign of the ref showing him a yellow card.
Brendan Cummins: Could not be faulted for either goal. The penalty was in eth corner and the first goal was hit from about 6 yards out. His puck outs were good with both Lar and Brendan Maher scoring from after catching puck outs.
Full back line: Paul Curran seriously struggled in the first half and conceded 2 late frees after fumbling possession and fouled as his man got the ball and headed towards goal. Paddy Stapleton had a good afternoon. Was on Mullane after the break and despite Mullane scoring a few he played well, tipping the ball away, not falling for Mullane histrionics and got on with the game. Paudie Maher had another good game. Was on Dan Shanahan who despite scoring 2 points never got the ball in his hand and turned and went to the goals. Made a number of rousing clearances and bursts out of defence late in the second half which lifted the siege.
Half back line: Conor O’Mahony played with a very heavily strapped knee which seemed to limit his play, (Hugh Moloney seemed to be coming on for him at one stage). Still he got through an amount of work and set up 2 points with cleaver and intelligent passes. Shane Maher had another calm and assured game at wing back. Declan Fanning captained the side for the first time. Played well in general play but his unnecessary late foul led to the 21 yard free from which Kelly goaled and wiped out Tipp’s advantage and from there till the end Waterford raised their game.
Midfield: Brendan Maher had a good game, helped by the fact that the only time Eoin Kelly only broke into a run was going to take frees! Scored good points in each half after good runs also was fouled by Murphy that got Tipp another point. Went a bit flat and out of the game when Shane McGrath went off injured. Shane McGrath was playing his usual good game, winning rucks, running with the ball and delivering good ball into the forwards until he went off injured just into the second half. Both he and Maher ran the midfield show while he was on.
Half forward line: Gearoid Ryan had his best game for Tipp seniors. What ball he got he used intelligently scoring 3 first half points and set up at least another 2. Needs to win more primary possession. Lar cleaned out Jamie Nagle in the first half could have had 2 goals. His first effort just at the start zipped across the goal and the second after he made a great run; he passed to Noel McGrath whose effort was saved. Scored 4 excellent first half points and set up a few more. Not as involved in the second half as the quality of ball into the forwards vastly deteriorated and he had to roam to pick up scraps. Timmy Hammersley had a good game switching between wing and the corner. Scored6 points. He was taking the frees and scored 2 in the both halves as well as a point in the first half from play and a 65 in the second half. Again got little ball in the second half but made a few headless runs when he should have passed.
Full forward line: Paul Kelly lined out in place of his brother in the corner. Scored 1 first half point when reacting fastest to a free off the post. Had a few bad wides when he won good possession became and increasingly peripheral figure as the game wore and he was replaced. Noel McGrath did not have a good game. Missed a goal chance in the first half after a great Lar run. Scored 1 first half point and finished a great Tipp move with a superb flick to the net. Had a few second half wides. Again he suffered with the lack quality second half ball. John O’Brien lined out at full forward until Webster came on. Scored a second half point and won the penalty after catching a great ball and was hauled down. This game did not solve the ongoing question of his best position, full forward or win forward.
Seamus Hennessy for Shane McGrath: Came in just after the break at midfield. Scored 1 point from the New Stand side while under severe pressure. Won a bit of ball but could not re-establish Tipp’s midfield dominance.
Michael Webster for Paul Kelly: Came on with about 11 minutes to go at full forward. His first ball summed him up; great pass from Hammersley to him in loads of space but went to control the ball on the hurley and it pinged out for a sideline!
So onto to Cork next Sunday. Tipp played like a team that is in the middle of serious Championship training and showing the effects of playing 4 weeks in a row. This is further exacerbated by the lengthening injury list with both Seamus Callanan and Eoin Kelly, hamstrings, Shane McGrath, knee injury, joining Jody Brennan, Pat Kerwick, Pa Bourke and Bonner Maher. Because of the above injury list I expect a good few changes when Tipp line up on Sunday for the dress rehearsal of the Munster Championship meeting.
Tipperary v Waterford (28-03-2010) Knocknagow
Tipp play Waterford in Semple Stadium in Round 5 of the NHL on Sunday at 2.30. The ref will be by Cathal McAllister of Cork, again this game is not televised. In 2008 Tipp beat Waterford by 1-16 to 0-14 in the League Semi Final. A good finish by Seamus Butler saw Tipp ahead 1-8 to 0-7 at the break. With some great work by Shane McGrath at midfield and a stellar performance in the full forward line from Eoin Kelly, with 10 points, Tipp withstood the Waterford fight back to win through. The met in the opening round of last years League on a quagmire of a pitch in Walsh Park. A Pat Kerwick goal gave Tipp a comfortable 1-6 to 0-3 half time lead. Clinton Hennessy goaled a penalty to leave only 3 points in it but straight away Paul Kelly goaled, that along with a John Devane point ensured Tipp ran out 2-13 to 1-12 winners.
Waterford have played 4 games to date. First day out they walloped Dublin 4-13 to 0-12. Waterford with Maurice Shanahan leading the line in place of his brother scored 6 points while Gary Hurney, Shane Walsh, Muloumpy and Kevin Moran all goaled. In the second game the roles were reversed when the came up against Galway. Galway started off on fire scoring 2-3 but Waterford kept them scoreless in the second quarter and went in 1-8 to 2-3 up at the break, the goal coming from Shane Walsh. However 2 further second half Galway goals left Davy’s boys with a 4-15 to 1-15 loss. 2 weeks ago they played Limerick and had to bring back some of their big guns Eoin Kelly, Dan Shanahan and John Mullane to ensure the win. Limerick got 2 goals after only 6 minutes and were still struggling when Limerick lost their goalie to injury. Kevin Moran and Eoin Kelly levelled matters at the break. Shane Walsh goaled soon after and Waterford were able to bring on Mullane as they cruised to a 2-20 to 2-10 win. Last Sunday Waterford played in form Cork at home and played out a high scoring draw; 2-20 to 3-17. Cork got off to a good start with a Cussen goal but a high ball into the square from Eoin Kelly went to the net, Cussen got his second as Cork led 2-9 to 1-9 at the break. Despite Cork goaling through Pat Horgan, Waterford responded with a Thomas Ryan goal. Eoin Kelly levelled the sides in injury time; he scored 1-17 in total.
Gary Hurney who played in the first 2 League games left the panel before Limerick game. While from the outside Waterford’s draw with Cork sounds impressive; Kelly at midfield scored 3 points from play with Seamus Prendergast the only forward to score; 1 point; subs Thomas Ryan and Mullane got the other scores. Waterford lie 1 point behind Tipp in the standings while Tipp lie 1 point behind Cork! So a win on Sunday for either side will be a major step towards getting to the League Final. Davy has used this League to experiment with the elder statesmen of the team being rested and only gradually being reintroduced. John Mullane and Dan Shanahan came on as subs yesterday while Tony Browne returned to training earlier on in the week and Ken McGrath is returning soon. He has also given some of the younger players Mark O’Brien, Richie Foley, Noel and Thomas Connors game time.
This is Tipp’s fifth week in a row playing League and with another game against Cork next week Sheedy will surely again rotate some more of his team. It is also Tipp’s last home game of the League. Last Sunday will have told him nothing, all Tipp did was get 2 points and improve on points difference. Sheedy knows that Tipp will have to win two of the last 3 games to get to the League Final. The Tipp management will be pleased that the Tipp defence has been very mean this League, (only 8 points conceded last Sunday), 1-56 in 4 games and are by a good bit the meanest defence in the Division, Kilkenny the next with 1-67 conceded. However Tipp had 14 wides last Sunday.
On the injury front both Jody Brennan and Pa Bourke were at the Limerick game but were not togged out, they along with both Bonner Maher and Pat Kerwick are still a number of weeks away from playing.
The team was picked last night and is captained by Eoin Kelly.
Brendan Cummins.
Paddy Stapleton, Paudie Maher and Paul Curran.
Declan Fanning, Conor O’Mahony and Shane Maher.
Brendan Maher and Shane McGrath.
Gearoid Ryan, Lar Corbett and Noel McGrath.
Timmy Hammersley, John O’Brien and Eoin Kelly.
Liam Sheedy continues his rotation policy with 7 changes from the side that beat Limerick last Sunday. Brendan Cummins replaces Darren Gleeson in goals. In the full back line Paul Curran goes to the corner with Padraic Maher returning from centre back to full back and Conor O’Brien losing out. The half back line is totally changed with Declan Fanning Conor O’Mahony and Shane Maher all back. Midfield remains as is. The half forward line sees Seamus Hennessy surprisingly lose out to Noel McGrath. Seamus Callanan went off injured the last day and is replaced by Lar Corbett. The full forward line shows one change with John O’Brien flanked by Timmy Hammersley and Eoin Kelly.
Even at this early stage of the year the spine of the Championship team is taking place and I would be surprised that the of the side that goes out to face Cork at the end of May will have any changes from numbers 1-9 picked for Sunday, injuries permitting. Again it’s the half forward line that’s causing al the trouble. Seamus Hennessy can count himself unlucky to be out after his good display last Sunday. It will be interesting to see how Lar goes at centre forward and if he will stay there. It’s good to see Noel McGrath get a chance at wing forward as his point scoring potential will be greater here. Timmy Hammersley gets another chance to impress in the corner while John O’Brien is back to where many consider his best position to be; on the edge of the square where he will be a serious goal threat.
How do I see this game going? Davy has shown that he is not that concerned about the early rounds of the League by resting so many of his big stars, however the result against Cork last Sunday showed that when they are approaching full strength they can rack up serious scores. In their 4 games to date they have scored 9-68 to only 6-67 for Tipp. Tipp have had the better of Waterford in League and Championship last year and I fully expect that to continue on Sunday with a 4 point Tipp win.
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Limerick 0-8 Tipperary 2-24 (21-03-10) Knocknagow
Tipp overcame Limerick this afternoon in front a very small crowd in the Gaelic Grounds. The Tipp side was only announced at lunch time on Friday. On Thursday night Tipp played Wexford in a challenge game; winning 2-24 to 2-14; it was a Tipp team of the fringe players with a few others called in. Webster came on as a sub and got 2 goals, with last years minors John O’Dwyer and James Barry impressing. As a result of this game the Tipp team was not picked until Friday and shows 8 changes; with Darren Gleeson, Paul Curran, Conor O’ Brian (Diarmaid Fitzgerald was picked to start but did not line out), David Young, Hugh Maloney, Gearoid Ryan, Micheal Webster and Timmy Hammersley all starting. Players to lose out are Cummins, Cahill, O’Mahony, Fanning, Shane Maher, O’Brien, Noel McGrath and Corbett. John O’Brien was added to the panel. Limerick lined out as selected and played Tipp with the advantage of the slight first half wind.
Tipp had the first attack when Timmy Hammersley was fouled but Eoin Kelly put the free wide. Alan O’Connor put a Limerick free wide. Seamus Hennessy dawled with his point chance and his effort was blocked and cleared. Webster was fouled, Des Kenny yellow carded for a dirty pull on his head, and Eoin Kelly pointed the free. Great play by Paudie Maher saw him concede a sideline from which Browne put wide. A high ball into Webster saw him win a 65, Eoin Kelly pointed it to put Tipp 2-0 up after 5 minutes. Browne had another Limerick wide. Flynn caught and cleared a Callanan effort. In the 10th minute a Gleeson free came to Kelly, who was fouled and he got up and pointed the free. Dean Madden then got a straight red for a dirty late belt on Shane McGrath who was gone with the ball but Eoin Kelly missed the free.
Eoin Kelly passed to Hennessy and he got Tipp’s first point from play after 12 minutes. Graeme Mulcahy got Limerick’s first point with a good point with David Young dawdling. A snap shot from Callanan went wide. Brendan Maher picked out Geariod Ryan and he pointed. Graeme Mulcahy got his second point of the game. Gleeson pulled off a good save and David Young picked up a yellow card for a belt in the build up. Eoin Kelly picked out Hennessy and he pointed again. In the 25th minute Timmy Hammersley picked up a long ball and managed to his shot in and goaled to leave Tipp 1-6 to 0-2 up. Timmy Hammersley put a chance wide. Shane McGrath picked out Kelly and he pointed. Good play by Hennessy then set up points for both Hammersley and Webster. Both Webster and Callanan swapped positions. Callanan had a wide before Eoin Kelly was fouled and scored a point from the free just on half time. With 1 minute of injury time Tipp led 1-10 to 0-2.
Both teams made 1 change with Callanan, who was limping just before the break, replaced by John O’Brien. Webster stayed centre forward. Limerick put on Peter Harty for Cathal Mullane. Webster set up Hennessy for a point. Shane McGrath had a wide. Gearoid Ryan set up John O’Brien who pointed. Graeme Mulcahy had a wide. Timmy Hammersley set up Hennessy who pointed. Pauidie Maher set up Timmy Hammersley who pointed. Tipp now led 1-14 to 0-2 after 8 minutes. Timmy Hammersley set up Hennessy who pointed. Limerick took off Alan O’Connor and put on Anthony Owens.
With 10 minutes gone John O’Brien caught turned and rifled the ball to the net. Tipp made a double switch with Shane McGrath and Eoin Kelly off and Devane and Paul Kelly on. Devane had a bad wide with his first touch. Paul Browne got Limerick’s first point of the second half. Hennessy set up John Devane who pointed. Paudie McNamara eventually scored with a free. Anthony Owens scored a point. Nenagh’s Michael Heffernan came on for his first start replacing Brendan Maher. Gleeson caught and cleared. Webster got his second point. A silly pass from Webster to Maher saw the ball intercepted but Browne put the ball wide. Michael Heffernan got his first point for Tipp Seniors to leave it 2-18 to 0-5.
Both sides made changes with Richard McKeogh for Harty and Thomas Stapleton for Webster. Tipp then rattled off 3 quick points from Timmy Hammersley, John Devane and John O’Brien. Limerick made their last change with Kieran O’Rourke for David Lynch. John O’Brien was fouled and was Timmy Hammersley pointed the free. John O’Brien had a wide. Brian O’Sullivan got a Limerick point. Peter Russell came on for Limerick as the last change of the game. Limerick got a point before Gearoid Ryan pointed for Tipp. Paul Kelly had a wide for Tipp. Paudie McNamara got Limerick’s last point with a free from his own 65. Tipp got the last score of the game with a Hennessy point from a Hammersley pass. Wadding blew up with 1 minute of injury time gone as Tipp won 2-24 to 0-8.
Justin McCarthy can not have been too surprised at what occurred today. Tipp played in second gear for the first half and strolled through the second half. To be honest this game was over after Dean Madden was rightly sent off after about 10 minutes and lofting ball into the full forward line where 3 Tipp men were standing was never going to win them the game. They killed themselves with at least 10 bad wides in the first half shooting from way out and putting the ball badly wide. For Limerick Paudie McNamara was shockingly bad after being around for last year. They struggled all over the field with only Flynn and Andrew Brennan coming out of the game with any credit. Thoughts in Limerick will undoubtedly now turn to the County Board as things will only get worse from here on in the League and Championship as teams start getting serious and the margins of defeat will only increase.
Sheedy will not be too unhappy with this game. Given the circumstances and the amount of changes made it was a no win game. Once Tipp goaled and the Limerick man was sent off it was end of whatever contest there had been. Tipp rarely got out of second gear and indeed what ever chance of the game being a contest was diminished with the red card and the extinguished with first Tipp goal. It was very obvious that Tipp were stronger and eve the lighter looking Tipp players; Paddy Stapleton and Brendan Maher had no trouble breaking through the vast majority of Limerick tackles. He will be hoping that Callanan will not have been seriously injured just before the break. Tipp scored 2-19 from play, 8 different players scored from play, 2 players made their first starts; David Young and Timmy Hammersley with Michael Heffernan coming on and scoring. Due to the farcical nature of the game any further analysis of the game is a waste of time.
Darren Gleeson: Dealt with the few high balls that came into him and was good with his puck outs.
Full back line: Paddy Stapleton was the free man after the sending off and will never have an easier game for as long as he will play with Tipp. Paul Curran restored to full back after coming on as a sub last week dealt well with the very limited Paudie McNamara. Loads of ball came in but helped by the free man never let McNamara have a sniff of goal. Conor O’Brien; a late change for Diarmaid Fitzgerald was tidy and gave nothing away.
Half Back line: Completely new line from last Sunday. David Young making his first ever senior start for Tipp lined out at wing back was caught dawdling for the first Limerick point settled in well as the Tipp backs totally blotted out Limerick’s weak effort. Paudie Maher; after playing at centre back for most of the second half last week was imperious as always never gave Limerick a look. Hugh Maloney restored to his rightful place in the half back line cleared a lot of ball, far more confident than in the half forward line.
Midfield: Brendan Maher had another good game clearing ball and breaking up Limerick attacks. Shane McGrath was my Man of the Match. Only played for about 50 minutes but made about 4-5 superb catches in row early in the second half to further emphasise his undoubted class and set up a number of points took a dirty blow that got Madden sent off.
Half Forward line: Seamus Hennessy lucky to survive the cull from last week played very well, got 6 points; 2 in the first half and 4 in the second. Worked very hard carrying ball and set up a number of others for points. Seamus Callanan, didn’t score. Twisted his ankle just before the break and did not return. Struggled to get into the game. Gearoid Ryan getting his second start of the year scored a point in both halves.
Full forward line: Eoin Kelly got fierce timber and was fouled a lot in the first half and was getting frustrated resulting in a number of wild pulls from which was lucky to escape without a yellow card. Scored 1 from play, 1 65 and 3 frees. Came off early in the second half. Missed a few frees early on but did set up a few points. Webster scored a point in both halves. Came out centre forward just before the break again his touch let him down time after time. Tries hard but is not a 70 minute man. Timmy Hammersley the second player making his first Tipp start today. It must be said firstly that he got as much ball today that he will not see that much ball in the next 3 games added together! Took his goal well in the first half, as well as getting a point. Scored 2 from play and 1 from a free in the second half. Will be delighted with his contribution.
John O’Brien for Seamus Callanan: Came on at the break and scored 1-2 in the second half. Took his goal well. Is full forward his best position?
John Devane for Shane McGrath: Scored 2 good points but had a few bad wides.
Paul Kelly for Eoin Kelly: Didn’t see much of the ball when he came on for his brother. Had 1 wide just before the end of the game.
Michael Heffernan for Brendan Maher: Scored a point after coming on for his first game with the Tipp seniors.
Thomas Stapleton for Michael Webster: Came on with a few minutes to go and didn’t see much of the ball.
So matters now turn to facing Waterford in Thurles next Sunday, who played a cracking game against Cork this afternoon which ended with a draw. Qualification for the League Final is still very much in Tipp’s hands at this stage. Sheedy now will have to reshuffle his team again for Sunday where a far harder game awaits when Davy and his troops arrive in Thurles.
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Limerick v Tipp 21-03-2010 preview
Limerick host Tipp in Round 4 of the 2010 National Hurling League on Sunday in the Gaelic Grounds at 2.30. The match will be refered by Michael Wadding of Waterford and is not televised. In 2008 the sides met in Thurles last year when Tipp won comfortably 2-20 to 2-9. Tipp with Eoin Kelly on fire lead 1-10 to 0-6 at the break against a weakened Limerick side, 2 Limerick goals from Shaughnessy brought them back into contention but Seamus Callanan’s 1-1 killed the game off. Last year’s game was also in Semple Stadium. In a poor game Tipp with Lar Corbett, John O’Brien, Gearóid Ryan and free-taker Pa Bourke all scoring led 0-12 to 0-4 at the break. A Gearoid Ryan goal early in the second half killed the game. Although Paul Browne did goal it was too late as Tipp won by 1-17 to 1-11.
Of course off the field activity has dogged Limerick this year with the vast majority of last year’s squad refusing to play under Justin McCarthy in 2010. To date Limerick have played 3 games. In the first they lost to Galway in Kilmallock. A fist half goal from Cathal Mullane gave them a 1-7 to 0-9 point lead at the break but Galway sent on their big guns and Limerick wilted as Galway won in the end by 1-18 to 1-11. They then met Cork under lights in the Gaelic Grounds and found the going far tougher. Cork with Cussen dominating at full forward were in control from the start and led 1-10 to 0-7. Any time Limerick did get close Cork notched on points at will and won comfortable at the end, winning 2-21 to 1-14. Best for Limerick were Nicky Quaid, at midfield and Thomas Browne, who scored 1-2. Last Sunday Limerick met Waterford in Dungarvan and were well beaten 2-20 to 2-10. Limerick looked like causing an upset as they got 2 goals in 6 minutes from Paudie McNamara and Brian O’Sullivan. However Limerick then lost a bit of momentum when goalie Tadgh Flynn was taken off with a neck injury as they failed to score for the rest of the half and went in level at the break 1-7 to 2-4. A Shane Walsh goal killed the game as Waterford threw on Seamus Prendergast and John Mullane as they ran out comfortable winners. The situation with last year’s players not returning does not seem closer to being resolved. James O’Brien has returned to the panel but motions from a number of clubs about the situation has been rejected by the County Board so the situation looks unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.
To date Tipp have played 3 games and sit in 4th position in the Division 1 League table. The last 2 games have been good for Tipp after the shocking performance against Dublin on the opening day of the League; only conceding 13 and 14 points, no goals conceded not bad going against both Kilkenny and Galway. While Tipp did only score 1-8 from play v Kilkenny they did rack up 2-12 against Galway, (as well as 11 second half wides). Sheedy has also seen Michael Cahill start his first game while 2 debutants have scored on their introduction; Jody Brennan and Timmy Hammersley. Obviously there are still serious ongoing issues with the half forward line and given the issues with Limerick Sunday is not going to solve them. Some bit of good news for Limerick’s is that Tadgh Flynn, who by all accounts was playing very well in goals, is not as badly injured as first suspected and the Kerryman will be able to line out against Tipp on Sunday.
The Tipp team has not been named to date however there are sure to be a number of changes. It was confirmed by Liam Sheedy that Conor O’Mahony was not feeling well in the build up to the Galway game and that was the reason he was replaced. Benny Dunne is getting married today so he will not be in consideration for Sunday. Jody Brennan, Bonner Maher, Pat Kerwick and Willie Ryan are all still recovering from injury and so are unlikely to feature. Also Sheedy has rotated fairly heavily to date; 5 changes after the Kilkenny game. With a home match against Waterford and an away trip to Cork to come Sheedy will pick a team to suit the occasion. It is also the third Sunday in a row that Tipp will be playing as well as having to play the next 2 Sundays. The likes of Darren Gleeson, Conor O’Brien, Diarmaid Fitzgerald, David Young, Michael Cahill, Michael Heffernan and Timmy Hammersley will all be in line for starts.
How do I see the game going? One thing that Tipp will have to watch out for is Limerick getting goals early on in games: against Galway they goaled early in the first half and had 2 goals scored against Waterford after 6 minutes. A feature of their 3 games to date has been that they have faded badly in the last quarter. Sunday is a no win game for Tipp. Given the ongoing situation in Limerick if Tipp win by 5 points it will be because Tipp are crap and if Tipp win by 20 points its cause Limerick have only their third team out! So hopefully Sunday will see some of the fringe Tipp players come in and impress and give the management team a few more headaches ahead of the Waterford game. So Tipp to won comfortably by 10 points.
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Tipp 2-17 v 0-14 Galway 14-03-2010 preview
Tipp and Galway played Round 3 of the National Hurling League in Thurles this afternoon in front of a poor crowd of 6,071. There were changes to sides side with Niall Healy not lining out for Galway; replaced by David Burke and Tipp had Jody Brennan ruled out with a hamstring injury before throw in he was replaced by Seamus Callanan. Michael Cahill and Brendan Maher swapped positions. Galway played with the advantage of the slight wind in the first half.
Galway were first to attack and scored when Cyril Donnelan got the better of Conor O’Mahony and pointed. Tipp had a chance when a sideline from Shane McGrath was fumbled by Callanan and the chance went. Iarlath Tannion then a great goal chance but he hit his effort straight at Cummins who batted it expertly away to safety. Soon after Aidan Harte scored Galway’s’ second point. Lar Corbett’s effort was blocked out for a 65, he went out and took it and John O’Brien managed to flick it to the net to put Tipp somewhat fortuitously ahead after 7 minutes 1-0 to 0-2. Brendan Maher was fouled on his won 65, Conor O’Mahony took the free to Shane McGrath who sent the ball to Kelly he managed to flick it to Lar who pointed. By the twelfth minute Galway were level when firstly Tannion and then Donnellan pointed.
A high ball into the Tipp full back line was fumbled by Paudie Maher but Paddy Stapleton dived full length to block the Galway goal effort. Galway then had their best spell of the game with 2 Farragher frees, the second after a Cahill foul. Callanan then pointed for Galway after the ref gave a ridiculous free against Seamus Callanan for fouling the ball on the sideline when he obviously played it off his hurley. Tannion got another for Galway as they led 0-8 to 1-1. Shane McGarth found Lar who pointed, but Tipp then let Farragher score way too easily. A Conor O’Mahony clearance found Noel McGrath who picked out Callanan who pointed to leave Tipp 0-9 to 1-3 down after 24 minutes.
Conor O’Mahony fouled and Farragher pointed the free. A John O’Brien goal effort brought a smart save from Skehill. Lar found Callanan who pointed. Niall Cahalan pointed a Galway free, Joe Gantley pointed shortly after and Fanning was lucky to get away without any card after a foul from which Farragher pointed the free to give Galway their biggest lead 0-13 to 1-4. Thankfully Tipp put on a bit of a burst before the break and got 2 points the first when Shane McGrath found Callanan who pointed and the second when Eoin Kelly scored a free to leave the half time score 0-13 to 1-6 in Galway’s favour after 1 minute of injury time.
Neither side made any change at the start of the second half however Tipp did have the advantage as the sun was directly into the Galway’s goalies eyes this half. Tipp had the first attack with a poor Seamus Hennessy effort drifting wide. The ref then gave another controversial decision to Galway when Lar had the ball in his hand and was through on goalsbut the ref blew him back for a foul, Lar was incensed and the ref yellow carded him and brought the ball forward 15 yards. John O’Brien found Noel McGrath who pointed. Tipp made the first change with Conor O’Mahony being replaced by Paul Curran who went full back with Paudie Maher centre back. Gearoid Ryan came in as a temporary blood sub, (only for a few minutes), for Shane McGrath who got injured in a frontal charge and the ref gave a throw in! A Tipp goal effort was saved and a free out give by the ref. Tipp made a second change with the ineffective Seamus Hennessy being replaced by Timmy Hammersley, who went into the corner with Noel McGrath coming to the wing.
Noel McGrath was fouled and Eoin Kelly pointed the free. Callanan found Shane McGrath who pointed. The game totally turned in Tipp favour when in the 52nd minute Shane McGrath under pressure passed to John O’Brien whose point effort dropped and Skehill had a hash of the block and clearance and allowed Noel McGrath to kick the ball to the net. Tipp now led 2-9 to 0-13 and would not relinquish this lead. Brendan Cummins then made a good save from a high ball in. Lar had a poor wide. Sheedy made his third change with Gearoid Ryan for John O’Brien. Aonghus Callan got Galway’s only point of the second half to leave the score 2-9 to 0-14 in Tipp’s favour. McIntyre made a substitution with Aidan Harte going off and Kevin Hynes on. Callanan was fouled off the ball and Kelly pointed the free. Both Kelly and Lar scored good points from play; 58 minutes Tipp 2-12 to 0-14.
Galway took off Conor Dervan and brought on Donal Barry. Noel McGrath’s effort unlucky went wide. Good work by Shane McGrath set up Timmy Hanmersley and he got his first ever point for Tipp Seniors. Eoin Kelly passed to Callanan who pointed to put Tipp 6 points up. Galway then missed an open goal but the ref gave a 21 yard free for lying on the ball. While the play was held up before the free Paul Kelly came on for Noel McGrath. The goal effort was blocked, probably by Cummins, and Brendan Maher affected the clearance. Galway made a double substitution with Eanna Ryan and John Lee replacing Cyril Donnellan and David Collins.
A shocking Galway clearance allowed Lar to catch the ball unaided and point with 5 minutes left. Eon Kelly had a bad wide. Niall Cahalan got a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Lar as he burst past him; Kelly pointed the free. After good work on the sideline Timmy Hammersley was unlucky to see his effort go wide. Callanan had a wide as well. As injury time approached Lar limped off and was replaced by Webster. In injury time Callanan found Timmersley who got his second point and the last score of the game. After 2 minutes injury time the ref blew up and with it a 2-17 to 0-14 comfortable win for Tipp.
John McIntyre will most certainly not be happy with his side’s performance. They led just before the break 0-13 to 1-4 and were outscored in next 40 minutes 1-13 to 0-1! That is absolutely shocking no matter what way it is dressed up. Yes they were missing the Portumna contingent but they fell back to exactly as they did against Waterford of blowing hot and cold. When they were good they were very good; Aonghus Callanan got 5 points from play, Cyril Donnellan enjoyed a good game on an under the weather Conor O’Mahony, Farragher enjoyed a lot of time and possession in midfield and they caused the Tipp inside line a lot of bother in the first 15 minutes. However Galway were totally toothless in the second half scoring 1 point, had 2 goal efforts neither of which came to anything of note sums of their attacking endeavour, or lack their of in the second half. So back to the drawing board for McIntyre and a lot of work to do before the next game.
Liam Sheedy will be happy with his side’s performance. After making 5 changes from the side that beat Kilkenny a message was sent out that 1 bad performance can affect places on the team. Tipp were slow out of the block, getting a lucky goal and only 1-1 on the board after 20 minutes, (4 points down). However once Brendan Maher and Shane McGrath got going Tipp never looked like losing. 5 of the starting Tipp forwards scored from play, while Timmy Hammersley impressed with 2 off the bench. Numbers 1-9 were good and solid, (although Conor O’Mahony was sluggish at times before being replaced and Paudie Maher dodgy at times), and 13 -15 were superb when they got enough ball with Eoin Kelly now taking on a target man role of wining the ball and laying it off to the better placed man. Sheedy will be happy as Michael Cahill put in an impressive display in his first start and the cameo of Hammersley also impressed. 1-11 in the second half was an impressive return as was 14 scores from 19 from play. He will also be impressed that for the second Sunday in a row the Tipp have not conceded a goal and also only limited Galway to a miserly 1 point in the second half.
However there are still issues for Sheedy to work on. While John O’Brien did get the first score he was ineffective there after. Seamus Hennessey was poor throughout till he got replaced. Callanan is a great man when the ball is won and given to him however he is not a ball winner and the sooner people realise this and get off his back the better. Hopefully Jody Brennan’s injury is not too serious and he will be able to get a run soon. Tipp will also have to watch the slow starts Galway had a great goal chance early on and only while Tipp did get a lucky goal if the luck had gone with Galway Tipp could have been buried by the 10th minute.
Brendan Cummins: Outstanding again! Made a point blank save early on from Tannion, saved a 21 yard free as well as another few good saves during the game. Did not have much to do in the second half.
Full back line: Paddy Stapleton starting his first game for Tipp this year and was my man of the match. Not alone kept his own man quiet swept up right across the back line and cleared a lot of ball. Padraic Maher; after his heroics last week against Kilkenny was a lot quieter, fumbled a few balls early on, allowing a Galway forward a clear sight on goals and was saved with a superb Paddy Stapleton dive and block. Settled down as the game progressed and went centre back for Conor O’Mahony made a few good clearances and Dennellan was replaced off him. Michael Cahill starting his first game for Tipp Seniors at corner back took a while to settle in but had a good game. Nothing too clever, just cleared up the ball into his corner and made himself available whenever the full back was in trouble. Will be happy with his contribution.
Half back line: Declan Fanning had a good game. Not much play seemed to come his way but what did was coped with superbly and cleared. Conor O’Mahony never seemed to get going, was caught a few times for pace by Donnellan and was replaced soon into the second half. Shane Maher despite his man scoring 5 points did ok. Saw a lot of ball and played it intelligently into the forwards.
Midfield: Shane McGrath took a while to get going but after that was his usual dynamic self scoring a good second half point. His runs set up numerous scores and is a great man to catch a high ball. His midfield partner also had a good game. Brendan was a good defensive foil to the Shane McGrath’s bursts forwards. Worked hard all game. Would like to see more of this midfield partnership.
Half forward line: After poor displays v Kilkenny last week this line was under pressure to deliver and unfortunately it was more of the same. Seamus Hennessy never got going did not catch any puck outs and had a bad wide at the start of the second half and was taken off soon after. Seamus Callanan was a late call up for Jody Brennan; scored 3 first half points as well as a good second half point. Again needs to try and win more of his own ball from puck outs. John O’Brien was involved in both goals; touching Eoin Kelly’s 65 to the net after 7 minutes and in the second half it was his effort that caused Skehill to fumble and allow Noel McGrath to goal. Was poor in general play though.
Full forward line: Eoin Kelly was again on fire; scoring 6 points 2 first half frees, 3 second half and a point from play in the second half. It was his ball in from a 65 that set up the first goal, (possibly a training ground move?) Worked hard all game in the corner and at full forward. Lar Corbett got a point in the first half and 2 in the second. Worked hard all game and drifted around the place to good effect. Hopefully they dreaded hamstring injuries that have plagued him for years have not returned as he limped off late on. Noel McGrath played both in the corner and on the wing. Got 1-1 in the second half; kicking in the goal after a fumble from Skehill. Again would like to see him get more on the ball. Hopefully will start a few games on the wing.
Paul Curran for Conor O’Mahony: Came on just after the break and went full back. Dealt well with the few balls that were played into the very limited Joe Gantley.
Timmy Hammersley for Seamus Hennessy: Came on after about 10 minutes of the second half and looked very lively, scored 2 good points, had 1 wide and always looked to the posts first when he got the ball. Would like to see him get a few run outs from the start. Fairly serious rise to prominence for someone who could not make the U21’s last year and was only called into the Senior panel on Tuesday night!
Gearoid Ryan for John O’Brien: Came on at about 55 minutes at wing forward. Did not see much of the ball.
Paul Kelly for Noel McGrath: On for the last 7 or 8 minutes in the corner but didn’t see much of the ball.
Michael Webster for Lar Corbett: Came on just before injury time and won 2 balls that came to him as well as hitting a wide.
So Tipp move on to face Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds next week with 4 points from 3 games, as 1 of three teams with 4 points although both Galway and Waterford have better points difference. Sheedy will also know that he is lucky to have faced, (and beaten), both Galway and Kilkenny without their club contingent. Tipp still have a lot of work to do as they know that all teams are not going to roll over as easily as Galway did in the second half today. While I am sure that Sheedy will make changes, it will be 3rd Sundays in a row that Tipp have been out, it presents an ideal chance for the likes of David Young, Timmy Hammersley, Michael Heffernan and Jody Brennan to make their first starts for Tipp while giving some of the elder guys a break; Eoin Kelly, Lar and Brendan Cummins
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Tipp v Galway 14-03-2010 preview
Tipp face Galway in Round 3 of the National Hurling League on Sunday in Thurles at 2.30. The ref is John Sexton from Cork. The match is preceded by the Division 2 NFL game between Tipp and Meath at 12.45. In 2008 the sides met twice in the League In the group stage the sides drew 16 points each. Tipp struggled through the loss of Hugh Moloney through injury and Ryan O’Dwyer sending off before the break as Tipp led by 4 despite playing with a strong wind. Galway were unable to capitalise and with Ger Farragher shocking on frees Eoin Kelly was able to earn a draw with along range free into a strong wind in injury time. The sides also met in the 2008 League Final when Tipp won a high scoring game 3-18 to 3-16. The crucial turning point came with 10 minutes to go when Damien Hayes missed the goals when clean through and straight from the puck out Lar Corbett got the ball and buried it. It was the solidness of the defence especially Curran and O’Mahony that laid the foundations for the win as both Lar and a great second half from Seamus Butler, 5 second half points, won the game for Tipp. Last year the sides met again in Salthill. Tipp led 8 to 6 at the break but Galway appeared to be heading for victory when they led, (1-10 to 0-8), after Niall Healy's 45th minute goal but they were outscored by 1-9 to 0-5 from there on as Tipp raised their game and Lar goaled however Brendan Maher somehow managed to scrape a Joe Gantly effort off the line deep into injury time as Tipp triumphed. Callanan mainly on frees got 11 points and Lar got 1-2. Declan Fanning kept Joe Canning in his back pocket all day.
Galway are one of 2 counties with 2 League wins from 2. In the first round they travelled to Kilmallock and bet Limerick 1-18 to 1-11. That scoreline is very deceptive as Limerick led 1-7 to 0-9 at the break. Galway were no better at the start of the second half just scrambling a penalty away for a 65. However as Limerick wilted Galway threw on the more experienced subs Fergal Moore and John Lee in defence, with Iarla Tannian and Niall Healy in attack and took control of the game with Tannion scoring 1-2 as Galway ran out unconvincing 7 point winners. Farragher with 6 points and Tannion 1-2 were the top scorers. In their second game they faced Waterford at home and started off on fire having 2 goals on the score board after 15 minutes through Niall Healy and Tannion, however they switched off and did not score for the rest of the half. However second half goals from Tannion and Harte sealed a comfortable 4-15 to 1-15 win. Tannion with 2-2 was Galway’s top scorer.
Since these games NUIG have won the Fitzgibbon with John Lee operating superbly at centre back, keeping Joe Canning to 1 point from play in the semi final over 80 minutes. The last time they won this competition in 1980 Galway won the All-Ireland, an omen that John McIntyre will hope holds true this year! They will however miss the 2 Cannings and Damien Hayes who will in action on Wednesday in the All-Ireland Club Final with Portumna, (along with former Tipp player Michael Ryan). Having seen their game against Waterford John McIntyre will be looking for a consistent performance as they were unbelievable patchy against Waterford and let a poorish Waterford team back into the a game that Galway dominated.
Tipp have played 2 games of serious contrasting fortunes, well beaten and outfought by Dublin 2 weeks ago and then last Sunday outfighting Kilkenny by 4 points! The Fitzgibbon Cup will also have provided serious food for thought as Seamus Hennessy played for NUIG at both wing back and midfield and Clonoulty Rossmore’s Timmy Hammersley must surely be worth a run out after scoring 1-13 for WIT on Friday and 1-11 on Saturday, (3-57 in 6 games!), as well as winning Man of the Match in the Final despite WIT losing. What was most heartening from last Sunday was the attitude, the support play, the tackling and hassling in numbers that caused Kilkenny to fumble and lose possession. Again there is still room for improvement as both Stapleton and Brendan Maher passed directly to Kilkenny players who scored points! While a lot has been made that Kilkenny were missing players the Kilkenny 1-7 are very close to what will start come the Championship. And yet there is still a lot of work for Sheedy to do; a midfield partner for Shane McGrath is a priority as Geraoid Ryan, Benny Dunne and Thomas Stapleton both seriously failed to impress to date. Next up will probably be Brendan Maher, Noel McGrath, Seamus Hennessey and possible Hugh Moloney!
The half forward line is again a waste land with them only scoring 2 points from play last Sunday and crucially winning very little ball in that area. There is no point in having Eoin Kelly in the inside line, in the form of his life if no ball is going into him. Hopefully the next few games will see Kerwick back from injury and the likes of Jody Brennan, Bonner Maher and Lar in the half forward line with the likes of Timmy Hammersley and Michael Heffernan tried out closer to goal. The backs seemed solid enough although Michael Cahill, David Young and Paddy Stapleton will all surely get game time to impress.
The Tipp team was picked last night and is again captained by Eoin Kelly:
Brendan Cummins
Paddy Stapleton, Padraic Maher and Brendan Maher.
Declan Fanning, Conor O’Mahony and Shane Maher.
Michael Cahill and Shane McGrath.
Seamus Hennessy, Jody Brennan and John O’Brien.
Eoin Kelly, Lar Corbett and Noel McGrath.
The side shows 4 changes from the side that started against Kilkenny last Sunday. In defence Paul Curran is unlucky to lose out to Paddy Stapleton making his first start of the year at corner back. The ongoing audition at midfield continues with Michael Cahill making his first senior start for Tipp alongside Shane McGrath, Thomas Stapleton losing out. Even though he normally plays corner or wing back he has played at times in midfield for Sars. He is also a very good man marker as witnessed by his display on Callanan in last years County Final.
The half forward line, a waste land v Kilkenny, shows 2 changes with Seamus Hennessy resuming service after his Fitzgibbon Cup heroics last week and Upperchurch’s Jody Brennan getting his first ever Senior start at centre forward. This is a serious chance for the Upperchurch man to claim a starting Championship jersey. Noel McGrath moves back into the corner with Michael Webster the fourth player to loose his place from last Sunday. Eoin Kelly and Lar Corbett make up the rest of the full forward line.
This is a far stronger side than the one that faced Kilkenny. The backs are the same strength and Michael Cahill can only improve midfield after Shane McGrath carried it on his own last Sunday. Again Seamus Hennessey comes into the game on a high after his displays last weekend. John O’Brien needs to up his game after being sloppy last week with a few stray passes, one of which went to Tommy Walsh who scored. Again the half forward line needs not only to win primary ball they also have to score and stop the Galway half backs clearing the ball easily.
How do I see this game going? Well Galway are unbeaten in 2 games, (they also won the Walsh Cup where they beat Dublin in the final) and despite missing the Portumna contingent they still have a serious lineup, with the likes of Farragher, Tannion and John Lee providing a serious spine to their side. Being a Tipp man John McIntyre will want to make up for losing to Tipp last year. However I feel that Sheedy will put it to the Tipp team to continue on from the form that they showed last Sunday as a loss to Galway would Tipp in serious danger of missing out on the League Final, whereas a win would mean that Tipp would join Galway on 4 points. Tipp have picked a decent side, (more even than last week), despite having 2 debutants and I expect that home advantage and the momentum gained over beating Kilkenny will mean a Tipp win by 3 points, (and no fisticuffs on the line between the 2 Tipp managers!)
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Tipp 1-14 Kilkenny 0-13 09-03-2010 Knocknagow
Tipp and Kilkenny finally played their delayed Round 1 2010 League in Semple Stadium today. The game was originally fixed for Saturday the 20th February but due to the heavy snow falling and the volume of snow lodged on the pitch the correct call was made to postpone the game, (although most of the attendance of about 10,000 were not impressed!) Both managers agreed with the decision and were anxious for the game to be replayed the following Tuesday, 23rd February, given the tight schedule ahead. However this re-fixture again it fell victim to the weather. Conditions in Thurles were ok during the day until about 6.30 but at 7.30 the ref decided due to the falling snow and frozen pitch to again call off the game. Fitzgibbon Cup heroics with NUIG, (extra time on Friday and Saturday), meant that Seamus Hennessy was not considered for action. Tipp only named their team yesterday and it shows 5 changes from the started against Dublin last Sunday; with Declan Fanning, Thomas Stapleton, Shane McGrath, John O’Brien and Michael Webster all starting. Tipp played with the advantage of a strongish wind in the first half in front of a crowd of a cracking crowd of 20,254, (free entrance probably helped!) in bitterly cold conditions.
Kilkenny had the first attack of the game with Aidan Fogarty but his effort went wide. A foul by JJ Delaney let Eoin Kelly point Tipp’s first point from a free. A good effort from midfield by Shane McGrath just drifted wide. Eoin Larkin had an awful wide before Eoin Kelly was fouled and got up and pointed the free. Paudie Maher fouled with Richie Hogan scoring the free. Kilkenny then got 2 points, the first from Michael Rice and then a good effort from John Tennyson on the run to put them 3-2 ahead. In the 15th minutes Eoin Kelly scored his third free of the day after being fouled on the 45. Eoin Kelly caught a Conor O’Mahony clearance and despite was hauled down by John Dalton, who got yellow carded, he pointed the free. Lar had a wide before John O’Brien got Tipp’s first point from play in the 18th minute. Richie Hogan levelled with 2 frees, the second after a Padraic Maher foul.
Thomas Stapleton had a wide before his midfield partner showed him how to do it with a great run and point off the hurley. Kilkenny then had a goal chance with Aidan Fogarty’s effort being expertly saved by Cummins with Curran sweeping up the loose ball and clearing. Webster stupidly got a yellow card after a schmossle. Thomas Stapleton passed directly to John Mulhall who levelled at 6 points each. As the game ticked into injury time Noel McGrath rode a few dangerous high tackles and passed to Eoin Kelly standing on the 21 he swivelled and buried it past PJ Ryan for an absolute superb goal to give Tipp a half time lead of 1-6 to 0-6 after 1 minute of injury time.
Tipp resumed after the break with Benny Dunne midfield and Thomas Stapeton midfield. Kilkenny wasted no time at the start of the second half with 2 points from John Mulhall and Eoin Larkin. Lar then had a great run and while under severe pressure his shot went over the bar. Kilkenny had 3 very poor wides before Tommy Walsh had to come up to point. Eoin Kelly then got a point from play to put Tipp 2 up; 1-8 to 0-9. The first change of the game saw Hugh Moloney replace Benny Dunne. Hugh went to midfield. Kilkenny brought on Michael Grace for Michael Rice. Eoin Kelly scored a great free from the sideline in eth 46th minute. Kilkenny scored 2 points the first from Tyrell and then poor play from Thomas Stapleton set up Mulhall who pointed. Webster, now out at centre forward, set up Shane McGrath who point despite being under severe pressure. Tipp made a second change with Jody Brennan on for Thomas Stapleton.
John O’Brien than had a goal effort that was always going wide. Eoin Kelly scored another free to put Tipp a goal up. Brendan Maher burst out f defence but passed to Tyrell who scored. Tipp brought on Callanan for John O’Brien. Eoin Larkin had an awful wide for Kilkenny. Tipp brought on Paul Kelly for Webster with 4 minutes to go. Lar scored a point for Tipp to ease nerves, 1-12 to 0-12. Kilkenny sub Grace had a goal chance but the efforts of both Conor O’Mahony and Brendan Cummins forced it out for a 65 which was floated into the square and superbly caught by Cummins and cleared.
As the game approached injury time the ball broke in front of the dugouts and a dirty blow by a Kilkenny player saw him yellow carded, some childish tantrums from Cody saw him yellow carded for his antics, (after confrontations with both Sheedy and the match officials), and when calm was restored Eoin Kelly floated the free over the bar from the 65. Kilkenny now were going for goals but PJ Delaney pointed to only leave 2 between the sides 1 minute into injury time, the ref signalled. Tipp were in no mood to surrender their lead and Hugh Moloney caught a clearance popped it to Jody Brennan who got his first score for Tipp when he soloed and calmly pointed. Play continued and after a number of passes on the sideline Noel McGrath showed his class with a point from an acute angle. The ref blew up with Tipp 1-14 to 0-13 ahead after 3 minutes of injury.
Brian Cody will not be happy with this result and the Kilkenny performance. They had 6 second half wides with most of them imminently scorable. He knows that his forwards are far poorer and threatening without Cha, Shefflin and Reid. While his half back line were dominant through out his midfield had a superb first half but Shane McGrath dominated the second half. John Dalton struggled on Eoin Kelly throughout. In the forwards Eoin Larkin was very poor being completely dominated in ever aspect of the game by Paudie Maher. John Mulahall was impressive through out nicking a few points and while Richie Hogan was good from place balls he contributed nothing from general play. Cody let himself down again for the second year in a row in Semple Stadium with his antics on the sideline and had to be spoken to by the ref. All in all he will not be happy as Kilkenny had the winning of this game but woeful shooting meant that Tipp deserved the win.
Liam Sheedy will be happy with this result and more importantly the performance. After that very lacklustre game against Dublin it was a totally different Tipp faced Kilkenny this afternoon; harrying hastling, hooking blocking and showing for each other for the entire 75 minutes. Positives: The full back line was outstanding, Shane McGrath had a good second half, Eoin Kelly was back to his imperious best and should be wrapped in wool until the end of May!, every player fought for the ball and there was no dropping of the head at any stage, Tipp finished strongly; when Kilkenny got it back to 2 points Tipp powered up the field and in 60 seconds scored 2 points to seal the win and the subs that came on contributed to the win.
However there are still some serious question marks over the team; half forwards again were very poor; the caveat is that they will not meet a better trio all year than Walsh, Tyrell and Delaney but yet they spent the first half in midfield and when the Tipp backs got hard fought ball they hit it into the Kilkenny half backs standing up unmarked who drove the ball back down the field. Webster is not the answer at either full forward or wing forward. Tipp scored 15 times; Eoin Kelly got 9 of them! Only 4 of the forwards scored from play, (5 points). Tipp only scored 8 times from play in 75 minutes. Tipp conceded way too many frees and chances to Kilkenny that on any other day would have resulted in a 4 point loss rather than a 4 point win.
Brendan Cummins: Did his primary job superbly with 2 great saves at the end of both halves, but his distribution from puck outs was poor especially in the first half when he over hit a number of puck outs that nearly led to Kilkenny scores.
The full back line: Brendan Maher was superb in both winning the ball into his corner and in general play sweeping up loose ball. Did pass to Mulhall in the second half that led to a Kilkenny score. Padraic Maher was head a shoulders above every other player on the field, high or low being fouled or not caught and cleared everything that came near him. The rock that Sheedy should build his team around. Massive difference to what we saw in Parnell Park last Sunday. Paul Curran had a good game; was on hand to clean up the danger when Cummins saved in the first half.
The half back line: Declan Fanning kept Willie O’Dwyer quiet. Caught a lot of ball and was commanding in the air and broke up a lot of Kilkenny attacks. Conor O’Mahony went about his business with his usual display swept up in front of full back line and cleared a lot of ball. Shane Maher had a decent game, again catching a lot of ball and driving it forward, although Mulhall did score a few points off him.
Midfield: Thomas Stapleton did not have a good game. A lot of the play seemed to pass him by and went centre forward in the second half to little improvement, was replaced by Jody Brennan. Shane McGrath had a quiet first half, although he did score a good point. However he burst into action and dominated the midfield in the second half and drove Tipp forward time and time again and scored a second point.
Half forward line: Noel McGrath didn’t see much of the ball but was always alive to what was going on around him. Took a lot of punishment to set up Eoin Kelly’s goal in the first half. Scored the last point of the game with a point from an acute angle deep into injury time. Benny Dunne had another anonymous game both at centre forward and midfield. Was replaced by Hugh Moloney. John O’Brien got Tipp first score from play in the 18th minute but did little else. Got a lot of ball but his striking and timing were off.
Full forward line: Eoin Kelly. Scored 1-8 in total. Is a class act. Scored 4 frees in the first half with his goal worth the entrance fee alone. His swivel and turn let PJ Ryan with zero chance of saving it. In the second half scored 3 crucial frees as well as 1 from play. Caused John Dalton endless problems all day long and it’s a pity that more bal did not go into him. Hopefully he can have an injury free year. Micheál Webster was poor. Any ball into him he tried to control it on his hurley rather than catching it and a number of balls that went into him he wasn’t there. He should be catching those balls and setting up both Kelly and Noel McGrath. Came out centre forward and wing forward in the second half and set up Shane McGrath for a point. Lar Corbett got 2 second half points and was unlucky that 1 of them was not a goal. Was quiet in the first half.
Subs:
Hugh Moloney for Benny Dunne: Came on in the 45th minute and went midfield. Caught 1 great ball that set up Jody Brennan for a point in injury time. Was a lot more at home in midfield than at wing forward.
Jody Brennan for Thomas Stapleton: Came on in the 50th minute and went centre forward. Didn’t see much of the ball but when his chance came he took it and got his first score with the point that sealed the win.
Seamus Callanan for John O’Brien: Came on with 10 minutes to go and didn’t see much of the ball.
Paul Kelly for Michael Webster: Came on with 4 minutes of time to go and didn’t see much of the ball.
So Tipp now move on to facing Galway on Sunday. Sheedy will know that while the result and performance today was great that there is still an awful work to be done and no need to get carried away. He will know that Kilkenny had more than enough point chances to win it and the 2 goal chances that were saved turned the game in Tipp’s favour. However he has got some of the monkey of losing 3 games to Kilkenny last year off his back and can hopefully build on it in the coming weeks. With games coming up thick and fast for the next number of weeks and players coming back from colleges and injury there will be ample opportunity for every member of the panel to make a push for a starting jersey.
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Tipp v Kilkenny (07-03-2010)
Tipp and Kilkenny finally play Roinn 1 of the 2010 Allianz National Hurling League Division 1 on Sunday afternoon in Thurles at 2.30 with no entry fee. The game is live on Setanta Ireland with Barry Kelly of Westmeath the ref. This is the third attempt to play this game. This is the meeting of the last 2 winners of the National League as well as the counties who contested the 2009 All-Ireland Final. Tipp and Kilkenny have met 3 times in the League in the last 2 years. In 2008 in the League Semi Final in Nowlan Park Tipp won by 5 points; Kilkenny started off well and goaled through Eddie Brennan, soon after Lar Corbett responded with a similar score. Tipp got 4 unanswered points to lead 1-9 to 1-5 at the break. Eoin Kelly and Seamus Callanan got the main second half scores as Tipp extended the lead to win 1-15 to 1-10. Last year Tipp again went to Nowlan Park and got walloped by 5-17 to 1-12. Kilkenny dominated from start to finish and led 5-9 to 0-4 at the break with Martin Comerford scoring a hat trick of goals with Aidan Fogarty and TJ Reid supplying the others. Tipp did improve, marginally, in the second half with Webster goaling but Kilkenny ran out comfortable 17 point winners.
How things have change in the space of a week! This time last week Tipp were being fêted by many in the media as the heir apparent to Kilkenny and would push on from lat year in not only proclaiming themselves as good as Kilkenny but in ending their reign at the top. This week Tipp are after a 9 point mauling by Dublin. Indeed if Dublin had any bit of luck and vaguely any bit of accuracy they could justifiably have scored another 1-10. Tipp got off to a dream start when Eoin Kelly buried a penalty after 1 minute. Dublin reeled off 6 points and were always in control for the rest of the game, out thinking out fighting, far sharper, far hungrier in every single aspect of the game.
While there is the caveat that Tipp did not have a match played, Dublin were by far the better team, forcing Tipp into uncharacteristic errors all over the field. In the backs both Curran and Paudie Maher dropped, fumbled and gave away needless frees (turning with the ball, overcarrying), (although Paudie Maher did improve as the game went on). The less said about midfield the better, Gearoid Ryan, now in his fourth year on the panel, was very poor and Benny did his own think and let the game gone on around him. I was impressed with Seamus Hennesy in the first half, won a few balls drove a good point but his frees were poor, considering that both Kelly and O’Mahony also hit long range frees why was he taking them), and faded out badly. Hugh Moloney is not a wing forward, (end of story). Callanan was in two minds whether to try and fill the chasm that was midfield or win his own ball; in the end he did neither.
Lar Corbett did loads of flicking and fluting with 30 yards handpasses, which is all very well when Tipp were 20 points up in the All-Ireland Semi-Final in Croke Park last August, however on an awful pitch with Tipp under pressure he should have the maturity and composure to use it properly. Eoin Kelly looked sharp but saw far too little of the ball. Was unlucky that a beautiful swivel of a turn with a point attempt that went wide in the first half and his penalty effort late on that pinged off the crossbar. Noel McGrath again saw nothing of the ball and it is imperative that he is moved out to at least wing forward if not midfield. Of the subs, why in the name of God, is Webster put on and no ball played into him. With no square ball rule he could have done something. Declan Fanning got 3 balls when he came on and had 3 point attempts only scoring 1 why weren’t they horsed into the edge of the square to let Webster fight for them. The one ball Tipp played into the square Paul Kelly got a penalty.
And the negativity may not end there. There was a story in the Sunday Papers that Shane McGrath, (along with Darragh Egan and Waterford’s Jamie Nagle) could be suspended for 3 months for playing with Mary I with a question mark over their eligibility. While Sheedy may cope without Woodlock we are in serious trouble if both of last years midfielders are ruled out for the next few months. Thankfully there was a report in the Examiner on Tuesday that any possible suspension arising out of this will only pertain to third level competitions. Also when looking for inspiration some of the subs that were sent on have been tried and tried without success over the last number of years. Again Tipp will be affected by the Fitzgibbon Cup with John Devane, Paddy Stapleton, Michael Heffernan, Willie Ryan, Seamus Hennessy and Seamus Callanan all playing on Friday and possibly Saturday.
Kilkenny had a much less traumatic time week, comfortably beating Offaly in Nowlan Park 1-17 to 0-12. Richie Power, (who was subsequently hospitalised after a clash), shone in the first half as Kilkenny led 10-7 at the break. Aidan Fogarty goaled early on in the second half as Kilkenny ran out comfortable 8 point winners. Thankfully Richie Power was released from hospital later on Sunday night, with no serious damage, and may even start on Sunday.
The Tipperary team will not be announced until Saturday evening, March 6th as 6 of the panel are involved in the Fitzgibbon Cup finals weekend in Galway.
How do I see this game going? Well after last weekend Tipp are under serious pressure, to both win and produce a good performance at home. With this match the only hurling match on Sunday all eyes will be on Tipp so see how they react after last Sundays game. While I do think it is very early in the season to be panicking or taking drastic action there is no doubt that the performance against Dublin was not up to scratch and the last thing Sheedy wanted after that performance was to face Kilkenny who will not show the slightest hint of mercy. While I do think that the Dublin performance was a 1 off, it does highlight that fact that Tipp are still short a number of players and that need those players who are on the field to produce 100%. I don’t think Tipp will play like that against Kilkenny; they will up their performance and on a better pitch there will be less bunching and rucking. However Kilkenny will want to lay down a maker for the year and despite not having the Ballyhale lads have the experience and composure to win by 5-7 points.
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Dublin v Tipp 28-02-2010 Knocknagow
Dublin host Tipp in the second round of the 2010 National Hurling League on Sunday in Parnell Park, throw in at 2.30. Ref is James Owens from Wexford and the game is being shown deferred on TG4 at 4.10. The sides did meet in a challenge game 2 weeks ago with Tipp winning by 3 points 1-20 to 1-17. The last 2 League meetings have both been in Tipp; in 2007 in Nenagh when Tipp had a comfortable 4-15 to 1-10 win. Danny O’Hanlon goaled twice early on as did the 2 Kelly’s as Tipp lead comfortably 4-7 to 0-4 at the break. Tipp were always in control in the second half and further second half points from Pa Bourke, frees, and Paul Kelly gave Tipp a comfortable 17 point win. Last year in Thurles when Tipp win 2-19 to 4-11. Callanan got Tipp’s first goal with Gearoid Ryan getting a fortuitous second Tipp goal. Tipp then took the foot off the gas and allowed Dublin goal twice before the break 2-10 to 2-5. Early in the second half David Treacy got his hat-trick of goals as Dublin drew level and then went ahead with an O’Callaghan goal. Late points from Callanan and Noel McGrath gave Tipp an unconvincing 2 point win.
Dublin come into this game on a bit of a down. 2 weekends ago they lost to Tipp in a challenge, on the following day they were beaten by a Portumna less Galway and last weekend they were well beaten in the first round of the League by Waterford 4-13 to 0-12. Waterford started the brightest, surprising considering they were resting most of their big name stars. Gary Hurney goaled early on as did Shane Walsh early on in the second half. Dublin rallied to get within a few points; however a lengthy hold up to serious looking injury to All-Star Alan McCrabbe shook up Dublin as Waterford scored 2 late goals from Kevin Moran and Moloumpy to run out emphatic winners. Best for Dublin were David Treacy and Liam Rushe with McCrabbe top scorer with 5 points.
Tipp on the other hand were idle last week due to the weather conditions stopping the scheduled game v Kilkenny twice. This game has now been refixed for Sunday the 7th March, the day after the Fitzgibbon Final. This revised date unfortunately means that both counties will be playing 5 weekends in a row which is not an ideal situation. Liam Sheedy will be the happier of the 2 managers with this revised date Tipp as Kilkenny will not have their Ballyhale players back. However a number of players were involved with their colleges on Wednesday; Shane McGrath, Paddy Stapleton, John Devane, Willie Ryan Michael Cahill, Seamus Hennessy and Seamus Callanan.
The Tipp team was named last night and is captained by Eoin Kelly.
Darren Gleeson.
Conor O'Brien, Paul Curran and Brendan Maher.
Padraic Maher, Conor O'Mahony and Shane Maher.
Benny Dunne and Shane McGrath.
Seamus Hennessy, Seamus Callanan and Hugh Maloney.
Noel McGrath, Eoin Kelly and Lar Corbett.
The Tipp side was picked last night and shows 6 changes from the side that started in the All-Ireland Final last year. With Gerry Kennedy off the panel Darren Gleeson gets a chance to firmly establish himself as number 2 before a third goalkeeper, possibly Mathew Ryan, is added to the panel. He will want to build on his good displays v Galway in the league and his cameo v Cork in the Championship of last year. Of the 6 backs there are 2 changes with vice captain Declan Fanning, and Paddy Stapleton also losing out, possibly due to is exertions with UL during the week.. Shane Maher appears to have recovered from the dead leg which would have ruled him out last Tuesday night. Benny Dunne partners Shane McGrath in midfield, replacing the injured James Woodlock. Lar Corbett benefits from the extra week and starts in the corner. John O’Brien and Pat Kerwick lose out from the All-Ireland Final and are replaced at wing forward by Seamus Hennessy and Hugh Moloney.
The backs look very solid. Paul Curran will no doubt be relishing the chance to return to the ground where his jaw was disgracefully rearranged by Peader Carton in a qualifier in 2007, for which Carton got his suspension overturned and was allowed to play in the U21 All-Ireland Final. Shane Maher will be looking to re-establish himself after last year. Again I would have preferred to have seen Brendan Maher further away from the Tipp goal and Hugh Moloney closer to it.
Again the half forward like looks shaky. I feel sorry for Hugh Moloney. All his club hurling with Nenagh is done in the half back line and he is a stand out player either there or in midfield, however a good wing forward he is not. He will try and won’t want for endeavour but I would prefer to see him in midfield where he played very well for Tipp in 2007. After impressive displays for UCG Seamus Hennessy gets his chance and the former All-Ireland winning Minor captain will not let Tipp down. While there are still questions about his pace and ability to last the 70 minutes he has a chance to stake a serious claim on Sunday. The full forward line has a serious quality look about it. Another aspect that will delight them is the length of Darren Gleeson’s puck-outs, they and any frees will be dropping very close to the Dublin 21 and will give Lar and McGrath good chances to nip in for goals.
How do I see this game going? Well neither side have exactly great form coming into this game. Dublin were walloped by a severely weakened Waterford team 7 days ago and their confidence must be at a low ebb. One bit of good news for them is that Alan McCrabbe’s injury is not as bad as first expected and he could even start on Sunday. When they met at this stage of the League last year Dublin were looking up and Tipp were after a 17 point mauling by Kilkenny. This year if Dublin don’t get points on the board and soon they will be fighting out with Limerick for the relegation spot. Tipp on the other hand have twice gone close to playing Kilkenny only to have the game called off late in the day and will be ring rusty. All in all Tipp have solid looking backs, 9 starters from last September, no debutants and heading in the first of 5 weekends of games in a row they will be gunning for a winning start. So Tipp to scrape through by a few points and get 2010 off to a winning start.
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Tipp v Kilkenny (20-02-2010) league preview, Knocknagow
Tipp and Kilkenny open Roinn 1 of the 2010 Allianz National Hurling League Division 1 on Saturday evening in Thurles at 7.30 under floodlights. The game is live on Setanta Ireland with Barry Kelly of Westmeath the ref. It will be preceded by the Vocational Schools Final between the same two sides. This is the meeting of the last 2 winners of the National League as well as the counties who contested the 2009 All-Ireland Final. Tipp and Kilkenny have met 3 times in the League in the last 2 years. In 2008 in the League Semi Final in Nowlan Park Tipp won by 5 points; Kilkenny started off well and goaled through Eddie Brennan, soon after Lar Corbett responded with a similar score. Tipp got 4 unanswered points to lead 1-9 to 1-5 at the break. Eoin Kelly and Seamus Callanan got the main second half scores as Tipp extended the lead to win 1-15 to 1-10. Last year Tipp again went to Nowlan Park and got walloped by 5-17 to 1-12. Kilkenny dominated from start to finish and led 5-9 to 0-4 at the break with Martin Comerford scoring a hat trick of goals with Aidan Fogarty and TJ Reid supplying the others. Tipp did improve, marginally, in the second half with Webster goaling but Kilkenny ran out comfortable 17 point winners.
The last League meeting was in Semple Stadium last May in the Division 1 League Final. Tipp were missing a number of key players; Conor O’Mahony and Eoin Kelly but it was the day that both Padraic Maher and Noel McGrath introduced themselves to the hurling public. Padraic Maher was outstanding at centre back and had Shefflin in his pocket until Shefflin was belatedly yellow carded and Noel McGrath scored 1-4 from play as well as coolly slotting over a free in injury time to put the game into extra time. Two first half goals from Woodlock and John O’Brien put Tipp in the driving seat as they led 2-7 to 0-8 at the break. A Callanan goal at the start of the second half should have put Tipp in control but Kilkenny hauled themselves back into the game with goals from Richie Hogan and Aidan Fogarty. A Noel McGrath free put the game into extra time; 3-14 to 2-17. Noel McGrath goaled at the start of the second half of extra time but Richie Hogan was superb, (ended up with 1-10), as he dominated the second half as Kilkenny won by 2-26 to 4-17.
Since the All-Ireland Final last year there have been a number of changes to the personnel on the Tipp team in have come; Michael Heffernan, (Nenagh), David Young, (Toome) Jody Brennan, (Upperchurch), and John O’Neill, (Clonoulty) while it is reported that Eamon Buckley, Gerry Kennedy, Darragh Egan and Tony Scroope have all left the panel. Unfortunately 2 players are out for the foreseeable future; James Woodlock while he recovers from a horrific double leg break picked up last years Senior County Final and John O’Neill did his cruciate in the U21 County Final and is out for most of this year. Unlike the previous 2 years Liam Sheedy has been quiet in the build up to the with Tipp going out very tamely in the Waterford Crystal quarter final at the end of January by 0-17 to 1-12. Tipp despite featuring a fairly strong side were sluggish, Clare lead throughout and although Noel McGrath goaled late Clare won by 2 points. Since then Tipp have played a number of internal challenge games with a number of other players like John O’Keeffe (Clonoulty), James Barry (Upperchurch), Kevin Maher (Lorrha), Gerry Quinn, (Upperchurch) and Bill McCormack (Sars) getting game time. Tipp’s only other outing was a challenge game v Dublin last Saturday night which Tipp won 1-20 to 1-17. Sheedy used this game as a chance for some of the fringe panel players and a few of the players playing with Colleges a run out. All of the starting 6 forwards scored from play with Webster goaling. Dublin did goal near the end but Jody Brennan scored a point to give Tipp a 3 point win. Tipp have Eoin Kelly as captain with Declan Fanning as vice captain for the 2010 season.
Kilkenny have themselves been quite this spring. They lost in the Walsh Cup to Offaly, 1-16 to 1-13, at the end of January with only 2 starters from last years All-Ireland win. They hammered GMIT but then lost last Saturday to Laois in the Walsh Shield Semi Final. They will be affected on Saturday evening with the Ballyhale lads, Henry Shefflin, Cha Fitzpatrick, Michael Fennelly and TJ Reid all ruled out preparing for the all-Ireland Club Final. It remains to be seen if Michael Kavanagh will be back in time as his club won the All-Ireland Intermediate Final last weekend. Eoin Larkin will definitely miss out as well recovering from a hip injury while both Noel Hickey and Derek Lyng may also miss out with injury.
Another aspect that will affect the game on Sunday is the experimental rule changes. All though not as obvious as the football ones the most visible will be; clear striking of the ball with the hand during a hand pass, a throw in ball when the goalie comes outside the square for a puck out and both halves must end with the ball going out of play. Another definite rule this year is that helmets are now compulsory and players will not be allowed on the field if they are not wearing them. While there has been some childish whinging, (Waterford’s Eoin Kelly I’m looking at you), about players being forced to wear helmets the only one of the starting Tipp 15 in the All-Ireland Final who will be effected is Brendan Cummins. While there has been a lot of comment about how it will affect goalies it was worth noting that in the Ballyhale v Newtown, (Tipp trainer Cian O’Neill was involved with them), game last Sunday all 3 goalies made a number of outstanding goalies, with the Ballyhale goalie saving a penalty. This League the GAA are running a fair play initiative which will see a sum of €10,000 awarded to the county that tops the fair play table at the end of the season.
For both teams on Saturday evening it is their first serious outing of a year in which anything less than an All-Ireland Final win will be considered a bad season for either side. Kilkenny are going for a historic 5 in a row and Sheedy knows that after 2 Munster’s and an All-Ireland Final appearance that in his third year he HAS to win the Liam McCarthy this year. Failure to win the 2010 All-Ireland will probably mean the end of Sheedy’s reign as Tipp manager. So with September in mind for both sides I expect that neither side will come even close to showing their hand at such an early stage of the year. However both managers know the value of a good League run and with Tipp not out until a month after the League Final getting to the League Final would be a good boost before the Munster Championship.
From a Tipp point of view what is important from this league campaign is that we firstly get a settled 15, we then get 5 – 6 players just as good in the line able to come in and improve and win games, (compare the contribution of the Kilkenny and the Tipp subs last September), new players come to the fore during the League, (last years league gave us Noel McGrath and Paudie Maher the previous year Seamus Callanan) and we need our main players to come through injury free facing Cork in the Championship. On the injury front as well as the 2 long term injuries, Woodlock and John O’Neill, Thomas Stapleton and Pa Bourke are both definitely out as they were recently hospitalised. The Sars trio of Padraic Maher, (back), Lar, (hamstring) and Michael Cahill, (leg injury) as well as last years Captain Willie Ryan are all struggling with injury. Sheedy will also have studied the Fitzgibbon Cup games during the week as a number of Tipp players were involved. This should give some of last year’s fringe players; Seamus Hennessy, Gearoid Ryan and Patrick Maher a chance of a start.
The Tipp team was named last night and is captained by Eoin Kelly.
Brendan Cummins.
Conor O’Brien, Paul Curran and Brendan Maher.
Declan Fanning, Padraic Maher and Shane Maher.
Benny Dunne and Shane McGrath.
Seamus Hennessy, Seamus Callanan and Hugh Maloney.
Eoin Kelly, Micheál Webster and Noel McGrath.
The Tipp side was picked last night and shows 6 changes from the side that lost the All-Ireland final as well as a whole host of positional switches. Surprisingly Tipp have no personnel making their League debut. Injuries ruled out Lar Corbett and James Woodlock. Brendan Cummins gets the nod for goals. The full back line is totally changed with Paul Curran moving from the corner to full back, Conor O’Brien, back for the first time since the Munster Final, is in the corner and last years half back Brendan Maher in the other corner. Vice-captain Declan Fanning is the only 1 of the 6 backs to retain his position and has Padraic Maher donning the number 6 jersey. Shane Maher makes a welcome return at wing back after last year was ruined for him with persistent hamstring injuries. Shane McGrath is joined in midfield by Benny Dunne, (who gets a chance for instant atonement), in what I believe will be one of many auditions throughout the League to find the best midfield partner for Shane McGrath. The half forward line has a serious experiential look about it. While Hugh Moloney has hurled at centre forward he will have a difficult time at wing forward. Seamus Hennessy also gets a chance to stake a claim for a place with the other wing forward spot beside Callanan at centre forward. Webster is flanked by Kelly and Noel McGrath in the full forward line.
While I know it is only the first game of the League and given the opposition and the fact that a lot of players are playing with colleges I am surprised at the team. I would have liked to see Brendan Maher further away from his own goal, possible at midfield or even wing forward, (where he has impressed at underage for Tipp), Hugh Moloney has had numerous chances at centre forward without impressing with most of his best hurling for Tipp done at midfield. I would like to have seen Noel McGrath out the field; possibly at midfield. Still on the positives is its good to see Eoin Kelly back after he missed all last years League and is supposed to be going well in training as well as playing the full game v Clare in the Waterford Crystal. Hopefully he will be injury free enough to be able to play in a number of League games unlike last year where he his first game of the year was against Cork in the Championship. Credit has to be given to Sheedy for seriously shaking up the team and hopefully it will may dividends in the months ahead.
How do I see this game going? The Tipp backs have a solid look about them, 3 All-Stars, and a number of players bullying to get back into the starting 15, Brendan and Shane Maher. My main concern is the half forward line, (nothing new there!!!!), both Moloney and Hennessy do their best hurling further back the field and the worry is that they will not be able to win enough ball to get it into McGrath and Kelly inside them. Of course with Webster on the edge of the square Tipp have the option of going long and letting Webster win/break the ball for the 2 boys to score. There has been a lot of crap written in the media about Tipp having to win this game, (rubbish probably the best thing that happened Tipp last year was the 17 point trimming v Kilkenny in Nowlan Park as it showed Sheedy the players who did not have the stomach for battle), this game is merely the weigh in for the heavyweight show down that will arrive, (please God!!), in August or September. Of course Sheedy will want Tipp to win but a loss will not affect his plans. Well given that it’s a home game, that Kilkenny are missing nearly half of their starting 15, Tipp are fielding a number of players wanting to make an impression, and Tipp want to get some token of revenge for last September; Tipp to narrowly scrape through by 2 points.