North Tipperary defeat the South in an exciting Roger Ryan Cup final

Roger Ryan interdivisional Hurling Cup Final 

North Tipperary 1-6

South Tipperary 1-4

By Mark Dunne

North Tipperary reclaimed the Roger Ryan Cup on Saturday last in Toomevara with a narrow two point win over a gallant South Tipperary. 

North Tipperary entered the final on full points having taken care of the South, Mid and West in their respective group games. With only three points between the teams in round 1, this game was always going to go down to the wire and so it transpired. 

The first half may not have produced much in terms of scores, but credit to both teams who had already had a game under their belt for their determination. 

The North pushed hard from the throw in to set the first score and came within the width of the crossbar from taking the lead. 

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A powering run from Kilruane’s Jack O’Meara saw Nenagh’s Adam Quigley whose rasper ricochet of the crossbar and cleared. The South, though, were quick to reply and made no mistake with their first effort. 

Jason Ahmed’s pass found the oncoming Jo Jo Magee who struck past O’Meara in the North goal to put his side in front. 

The North once again had a chance for a goal minutes later but Donagh Carmody’s shot was brilliantly saved by Luke Fennelly. This save kicked his team up a gear and found themselves with the next two scores. 

Captain Jo Jo Magee pointing two frees to push his side 5 in front. The North, though did not falter and stuck with the task at hand, with Tadhg Kelly and James Ryan working hard. 

They were rewarded for their efforts just before the half time whistle with Donagh Carmody pointing a close range free. 1-02 to 0-01 at the break with plenty of hurling still to be played. 

Both sides remerged and the second half began with a blast. Both sides vying for the opening score and it would go the way of the champions. Donagh Carmody’s high ball to the square saw Quigley rise the highest and a superb tap to the net to bring a single point between the sides. 

The north quickly levelled proceedings with Roscrea’s Harry O’Donoghue capitalising on a wayward puckout. 

The following few minutes saw no score on the board but credit to two well-coached teams who battled hard. North Tipperary’s goalkeeper Shane O’Meara stepped up with a mighty save from Jo Jo Magee at a crucial time. 

Magee though did point in the next play and the south once again led by the minimum. The two number 10’s traded points with Magee again to the fore. With the clock running down, all signs led to extra time but a three minute burst from North Tipperary clinched the win. 

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Jack O’Meara of Kilruane pointing three on the bounce to send the Roger Ryan Cup northwards for the second year in a row.

Huge credit must be given to all four teams who played their part in this wonderful tournament in memory of the legendary Toomevara man Roger Ryan. 

The Cup was presented by BNG Chairman PJ Bowden along with Dermot and Donagh Ryan to the North Captain and Vice-Captain Ollie Shanahan (Ballina) and Colm O’Brien (Toomevara). 

North Tipperary:  Shane O'Meara; Jack Landers, Tom McCabe, Mark Cleary; Harry O'Donoghue (0-1), Ollie Shanahan, James Ryan (S); Jack O'Meara (0-3), Donnacha Browne; James Ryan (N), Tadhg Kelly, Donagh Carmody (0-1f); Jack Kennedy, Adam Quigley (1-1), Colm O'Brien.

South Tipperary: Luke Fennelly; Sean Lonergan, David McCarthy, ⁠⁠Jack Gleeson; Sam McDonnell, Pa Coffey, Ryan Condon; Jude Griffin, Ethan Hanrahan; Alex Stuart, ⁠⁠Jason Ahmed, Tom Butler; Darragh Lawerence, Jo Jo McGee (1-4, 0-3f, 0-1 65), Diarmuid Brennan. 

Referee: Donal Leahy (Moyne Templetuohy)