Tipperary minors dumped out of Munster after narrow loss to Limerick

Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling Championship - Round 3

Limerick 2-13

Tipperary 0-18

By Michael Dundon

A third defeat on the trot sees All-Ireland and Munster minor hurling title-holders Tipperary exit this year’s championship with still a round to be played in the provincial campaign. 

Yet another narrow defeat, this time at the hands of a Limerick team that was recording its first success this year, brought the Tipp campaign to a disappointing end with a visit to Cork for round four still to come.

With four teams to qualify from Munster, Tipp needed at least a draw from this game to make the All-Ireland quarter-finals but the concession of two goals in the third quarter was their undoing in a game that was scrappy throughout with both teams finding the slippery underfoot conditions difficult to manage and their first touch below par.

Limerick employed an extra defender and Tipp never really coped with it, too many balls being played aimlessly into the attack allowing Limerick to set up their own offensives. 

After the euphoria of last year’s triumphs at this level it was a huge “downer” to depart the championship so early, although credit must be given to the spirit of the squad who could have won all three games but came up marginally short.

Only one of last year’s team, captain Euan Murray, was eligible this year, which meant that manager James Woodlock had to assemble an entirely new squad, and the manager said afterwards that he could not put into words his dismay at the outcome. And yet it appeared that the result necessary was in train as Tipp had the better of the first half exchanges to lead 0-10 to 0-6 at half-time.

Full forward Chris Dunne was on top of his game in that period with four points from play and Tipp had a particularly productive second quarter to establish their half-time advantage after the opening quarter was finely balanced. 

Dunne had three points in ten minutes as the side were level and might have had a goal when a deflection by the Gortnahoe lad went the wrong side of the posts.

In the second quarter Tiip outpointed Limerick, seven to three, Euan Murray adding two ,Dylan Hennessy and Jaye Cilvinas, one each, and Chris Dunne another three for a decent advantage at the break, but the Limerick goal threat that was to come was evident, goalkeeperTipp  Patrick McCormack doing well to deny Limerick’s Paul Murphy a green flag in injury time.

Tipp were reasonably well placed but within five minutes of resuming the sides were level, Rian Horgan netting in the 34th minute followed immediately by a Cathal Dennehy point. Tipperary responded well, points by Conall Morrisson(2) and Zach O Keeffe, countered by a free by Limerick’s Shane Waters, nudging Tipp ahead 0-13 to 1-8 after forty two minutes.

The home defence was breached again a minute later when Limerick’s Killian Begley raced through virtually unchallenged for a second Limerick goal and in the 46th minute, they might have had a third goal but to their dismay referee Patrick O Mahoney blew for a foul as they raced through on goal. Shane Waters pointed the free for a 2-9 to 0-13 lead going into the last quarter.

The closing quarter was a tense affair with pointed frees from Chris Dunne(4) and Shane Waters(3) keeping the outcome in the balance. With five minutes to go Limerick were 2-12 to 0-15 ahead. 

Two Chris Dunne points cut the deficit to a point. Limerick’s Begley had a white flag in the 62nd minute and in the final minute of added time, Conor Kennedy pointed for Tipp to leave the minimum between them but unfortunately, Tipp ran out of time, delighted Limerick fans acclaiming their heroes at the finish.

James Woodlock could not hide his disappointment and reflected afterwards that this was a huge learning curve for the Tipp boys. “There is huge potential in this group but for whatever reason, it did not come out. 

We made some criminal mistakes and got punished for them,” he added. Most impressive was  Chris Dunne, particularly in the first half from play and frees, but the supply to the attack dried up in the third quarter, in particular. 

Euan Murray, the team captain, though subjected to “special attention” was always trying to get things moving in attack, while Conall Morrison’s speed and energy caused Limerick problems. Dylan Hennessy and Patrick Hackett worked hard in defence with goalie Patrick McCormack also impressing.

The win guarantees Limerick an All-Ireland quarter-final spot irrespective of how they fare in the last round, as, even if Tipp beat Cork and Limerick lose, the Shannonsiders will go through on the head-to-head basis. 

Their key men in this win were Jackie Dwane, Shane Carroll, Cathal Dennehy, Rory Hanly and sub Killian Begley, while Shane Waters’ free-taking was faultless.

Tipperary: Patrick McCormack(Moneygall); Fred Perry (Moyle Rovers), Kevin Fitzpatrick (Newport), Conor Collins (Galtee Rovers); Dylan Hennessy (Mullinahone, 0-1), Patrick Hackett (Toomevara), Senan Mackey (Knockavilla Kickhams); Shane Cooney (Clerihan), Jaye Cilvinas (Arravale Rovers, 0-1); Conall Morrisson (Moyle Rovers, 0-2), Euan Murray (Durlas Óg, 0-2), Tommy O’Meara (Kilruane MacDonaghs); Zach O’Keeffe (Holycross Ballycahill, 0-1), Chris Dunne (Gortnahoe, 0-10, 0-6ff), Harry Lawlor (St Mary’s).

Subs used: Jack Cahill (Ballingary) for Lawlor (HT); Kieran Rossiter (Durlas Óg) for O’Meara (44); Conor Kennedy (Clonoulty Rossmore, 0-1) for Cilvinas (46); Paul Cummins (Ballybacon Grange) for Cooney (50); Danny Barry (Fethard) for Collins (58).

Limerick: Marcus Murphy; Eoin Hennessy, Evan Ryan, Jackie Dwane; Shane Carroll, Danny Sheehan, Michael Hanly; Gavin Thompson, David O’Keeffe (0-1); Sean Og Cahill Hayes, Rory Hanly (0-1), Cathal Dennehy (0-3); Shane Waters (0-7f), Paul Murphy, Rian Horgan (1-0).

Subs used: Killian Begley (1-1) for Cahill Hayes (38); Gavin O’Brien for Horgan (47); Ryan Foley for Dennehy (59); Kyle McCarthy for Carroll (63).

Referee: Patrick O’Mahoney (Cork)