Mighty Moran’s goal ensures Boston party for Munster

Munster 1-21 Leinster 2-14

For the first three quarters there was little more than polite reaction from the packed bleachers, respectful applause for quick-fire Munster as they raced into an 0-4 to nil lead, scattered appreciation of the Leinster comeback. By the last 10 minutes they were into it, however, and things were really humming as a top-class contest reached an exciting climax. Points from Tommy Walsh, Brennan and Carroll, along with a fine long-range free from wing-forward James Young (Laois, gave Munster captain John Gardiner real problems), brought them within two of Munster by the 12th minute.

Two minutes later, they had their first major, Eddie Brennan on the end of a long ball from Young giving Davy Fitzgerald no chance and the men from the east led 1-4 to 0-6.

For the rest of the half there was a lot of good hurling, some hard hitting and the sides tied twice, before Leinster got their noses in front just before the break to lead1-9 to 0-11.

A feature of this half was the fine long-range free-taking of Munster midfielder Paul Kelly, four points from five shots, all outside the 65. Just before the break, however, Kelly shipped a knock and didn’t reappear for the second half.

He was replaced by Alan Markham (Clare), who went on to have a fine game, with Ben O’Connor (Cork) shifting to midfield.

The second half began extremely brightly for Leinster with 1-2 on the board within four minutes.

Brian Carroll created the goal, drawing the cover before parting to Brennan, who stepped inside the outrushing Donal Óg Cusack (Davy Fitz retired injured at the break) and tapped to the net.

Two goals down, Munster didn’t panic, and with Moran continuing his man-of-the-match efforts in midfield, they notched eight points without reply. Three of those, each an outstanding individual effort, came from substitute Tony Carmody (Clare), four were rifled over from long range by O’Connor and the eighth came from Moran.

Leinster did manage to tie it again, and as the tempo increased the hits became more intense and the crowd really began to respond.

In the last five minutes, at 0-20 to 2-14, it was still anyone’s game. Then in stepped that man Moran again, finishing a ball to the net from close range. The insurance point, to loud local acclaim was hit by Gilligan.

“We fought hard, we got a lucky break with the goal,” said a delighted John Gardiner.

Scorers: Munster: B O’Connor 0-7 (0-6 frees); O Moran 1-2; P Kelly 0-4 (all frees); N Gilligan 0-3; T Carmody 0-3; D McMahon, S Butler, 0-1 each. Leinster: J Young 0-7 (0-6 frees); E Brennan 1-2; B Carroll 1-1; T Walsh 0-2; R Power, G Hanniffy, 0-1 each.

MUNSTER: D Fitzgerald (Clare); E Murphy (Waterford), P Curran (Tipperary), P Mulcahy (Cork); J Gardiner (capt Cork), R Curran (Cork), D Fitzgerald (Tipperary); O Moran (Limerick), P Kelly (Tipperary); E Kelly (Waterford), S Prendergast (Waterford), D McMahon (Clare); B O’Connor (Cork), M Webster (Tipperary), N Gilligan (Clare).

Subs: A Markham (Clare) for Murphy, 30; Donal Óg Cusack (Cork) for Davy Fitzgerald inj 35; S Butler (Tipperary) for P Kelly inj 35; T Carmody (Clare) for Prendergast 45.

LEINSTER: J McGarry (Kilkenny); R Mullally (Kilkenny), D Ryan (Wexford), J Tennyson (Kilkenny); R Hanniffy (Offaly), D Ruth (Wexford), JJ Delaney (Kilkenny); J Ryall (Kilkenny), B Barry (Kilkenny); T Walsh (Kilkenny), R Power (Kilkenny), J Young (Laois); E Brennan (Kilkenny), G Hanniffy (Offaly), B Carroll (Offaly). Subs: B Murphy (Offaly) for Ryall, 47; J Hoyne (Kilkenny) for Power, 55; M Comerford (Kilkenny) for Murphy, inj 58; D Lyng (Wexford) for Barry, 63; E Quigley (Wexford) for Carroll, 68.

Referee: M Haverty (Galway).