Masterful McGrath leads Loughmore into final

NOEL McGrath was the star of the show at Semple Stadium yesterday as Loughmore-Castleiney qualified for their first Tipperary SHC final since 1998 (the only time they’ve lifted the Dan Breen Cup) after a dour battle with pre-match favourites Nenagh Éire Óg.

Not aged 17 until December, from start to finish the Tipp minor star stamped his class all over a poor game. He notched three points in the first half and four more in the second, including a magnificent sideline from 55 metres out on the right, but he also had a hand in several other Loughmore points.

Nenagh had the first score on the board, a Kevin Tucker pointed free after just one minute, but it wasn’t long before the 5,500 crowd saw the first of McGrath. Micheál Webster had Loughmore-Castleiney’s first point after a minute but soon the youngster had opened his account, a point from play set up with a strong run and pass from centre-forward Evan Sweeney.