Willie Connors goal key for Kildangan

The elements virtually decimated the Sunday programme for the opening round of the Tipperary SHC with seven of the nine games called off, including the tie of the round, the clash of champions Sarsfields with Borrisoleigh.

Five games were played on Saturday evening and only two of the Sunday games survived, with the big talking point the defeat of last year’s beaten finalists Nenagh Éire Óg by Kildangan, the North champions.

Eire Óg Nenagh’s 1-15 to 0-14 defeat at the hands of Kildangan, in a lively encounter, was thoroughly deserved. Kildangan had Darragh Egan and Martin Minehan sidelined in the second half because of two yellow cards each, but still triumphed. Willie Connors got the decisive goal for Kildangan midway through the first half and they led 1-8 to 0-7 at the break. They maintained that advantage to the finish, their determination and high work rate proving crucial as they compensated for being down to 13 players in a tense finish.