Tipperary hurlers beaten despite spirited fightback against Waterford in Dungarvan

Waterford 1-22 Tipperary 1-20

Victory went to Waterford in Sunday’s exciting Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League game in Dungarvan, but both teams will have left Fraher Field with a certain degree of satisfaction.

The win ensured that Waterford qualified for the final, while Tipp’s final match against Kerry in Nenagh next Sunday will be no more than a dead rubber and an opportunity for manager Liam Cahill to have a look at some more fringe players ahead of the start of the National Hurling League next month. 

However, on a cold but sunny afternoon, the visitors will have been encouraged by the manner in which they responded to a difficult situation in the second half, having played for 46 minutes with just 14 players after Robert Byrne’s dismissal eleven minutes before half-time.

Waterford appeared on course for an easy victory when they led by nine points following Tom Barron’s point in the 45th minute, as they extended their half-time advantage of seven points.

However, Tipp fought back superbly when the game looked like a lost cause. They had sent for the cavalry at half-time, with the introduction of the experienced Barry Heffernan, Darragh Stakelum, Brian McGrath and Bryan O’Mara, who all lifted the level of their performance. Sean Kenneally, Billy Seymour and Mark Kehoe, who were introduced as the second half progressed, also made a positive difference.

Tipp picked off a succession of points from Sean Ryan, who had three scores, two from frees; Alan Tynan and Sean Kenneally to bring them closer, before their revival gained real momentum when one of their best players, Sean Ryan, raced onto Mark Kehoe’s crossfield pass to bury a low shot in the corner of the net with 15 minutes of normal time remaining.

Another converted free by Ryan had the teams level for the fifth time in the 66th minute, and they were still tied on the scoreboard when Padraig Fitzxgerald (from a free) and Alan Tyan exchanged further points.

A mighty score from another sub, Cashel’s Cathal Quinn, put Tipp ahead for the first time since the second minute, as the game entered four minutes of additional time, and it seemed that they might pull off an unlikely victory.

But Waterford finished the stronger with late points from Padraig Fitzgerald, Reuben Halloran and Seanie Callaghan sealing the win. 

Tipp had notable performances from goalie Barry Hogan, who made an important block from Sean Walsh when they were seven points down in the 44th minute; Conor Bowe, who was always lively at wing back; Michael Breen, who was solid at full back; and Alan Tynan, who worked hard at midfield.  

Waterford, meanwhile, had fine individual performances from free taker Padraig Fitzgerald, Patrick Curran, Jack Prendergast, Conor Prunty and Tom Barron.

The teams were level four times, with the score standing at 0-7 each, when Tipp were dealt a severe blow in the 24th minute, with centre back Robert Byrne receiving a straight red card from referee Simon Stokes for a careless pull across the legs of Waterford’s Jack Prendergast. 

The resulting free was converted by Padraig Fitzgerald to give Waterford a lead that they soon built upon. Tipp’s fortunes took a further downturn a minute later when Tom Barron and Padraig Fitzgerald combined to put Jack Prendergast through on goal, and although his first effort struck the post the Waterford player gathered up the rebound and found the net with his crisp strike (1-8 to 0-7).

It was a big few minutes in the context of the result. After Byrne’s dismissal, Tipp opted to play more short balls but when they worked the ball into the forward division they struggled to create clearcut scoring opportunities.

Another big talking point arrived deep into added time in the first half. The referee penalised Michael Breen for a foul on Michael Kiely near goal, and after the whistle sounded Kiely swung his hurley and struck the Tipperary player. After consulting with the linesman nearest the incident and both umpires, the Cork official opted to give both players a yellow card.   

Following Robert Byrne’s dismissal, Waterford outscored Tipp by 1-5 to 0-1 for the remainder of the first half. As well as Prendergast’s goal, Waterford had points from captain Patrick Curran (0-2) and Padraig Fitzgerald (0-3, 2 frees), with Tipperary’s sole reply coming from Sean Ryan’s free to give the Deise a lead of 1-12 to 0-8 at the interval. 

Tipperary: Barry Hogan (Kiladangan, captain), Danny Slattery (Clonoulty/Rossmore), Michael Breen (Ballina), Craig Morgan (Kilruane MacDonaghs),Conor Whelan (Mullinahone), Robert Byrne (Portroe), Conor Bowe (Moyne/Templetuohy), John Campion (Drom/Inch), Alan Tynan (Roscrea 0-2), Cian O’Dwyer (Clonakenny 0-1), Joe Fogarty (Moneygall 0-1), Sean Hayes (Kiladangan), Andrew Ormond (JK Brackens 0-1), Mikey O’Shea (Mullinahone 0-1), Sean Ryan (Templederry Kenyons 1-12, 0-9 frees).

Subs: Barry Heffernan (Nenagh Eire Og) for John Campion; Brian McGrath (Loughmore/Castleiney) for Mikey O’Shea; Bryan O’Mara (Holycross/Ballycahill) for Conor Whelan; Darragh Stakelum (Thurles Sarsfields) for Sean Hayes (all half time); Cathal Quinn (Cashel King Cormacs 0-1) for Craig  Morgan (39 minutes), Sean Kenneally (Moneygall 0-1) for Andrew Ormond (49 minutes), Mark Kehoe (Kilsheelan/Kilcash) for Joe Fogarty (54 minutes), Billy Seymour (Kiladangan) for Cian O’Dwyer (61 minutes).  

Waterford: Shaun O’Brien, Conor Prunty, Mark Fitzgerald, Brian Looby, PJ Fanning (0-1), Kieran Bennett, Mairtin Power, Tom Barron (0-2), Seamus Fitzgerald, Jack Prendergast (1-3), Patrick Curran (captain 0-2), Padraig Fitzgerald (0-10, 6 frees) Cillian Bonnar (0-1), Sean Walsh, Michael Kiely (0-1).

Subs: Seanie Callaghan (0-1) for Cillian Bonnar (53 minutes), Willie Hahessy for Brian Looby (60 minutes), Reuben Halloran (0-1) for Sean Walsh (62 minutes).

Referee: Simon Stokes (Cork).