Terrific Tipp go so close

TIPPERARY football received a massive shot in the arm at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday where their minors drew with Kerry in a hugely entertaining Munster final.

For long periods it was a result that didn’t look likely as Kerry took a five-point lead into half time, and held that advantage until the 40th minute. But a cracking goal by midfielder Alan Moloney set up a grandstand finish by the Premier lads.

In a tense last five minutes Tipp had two chances to win the game but in the end had to settle for a second bite of the cherry.

Tipperary showed little regard for the reputation of their opponents and took a point lead after just 20 seconds. However, once Kerry drew level with a Barry John Walsh point from a free in the second minute, they showed their class with brilliant football from defence to attack.

They carved open the Tipp defence for a splendid goal, highlighting the value of the use of the long ball. Maurice Hickey began the move with a lengthy clearance up to corner forward Paul Graney. The captain transferred to Barry John Walsh and with the Tipp ‘keeper off his line, Walsh coolly picked his spot to score.

Kerry’s early dominance was illustrated by two further points by Walsh and they were full value for their 1-3 to 0-2 lead after 10 minutes. Surprisingly, the Kerry scores dried up for the next 10 minutes as the Tipp defence battened down the hatches, but at the other end they found scores at a premium due to excellent Kerry defenders Finn Fitzgerald and Jonathan Lynne.

Captain Connor Sweeney, easily Tipp’s best forward, scored his third point for his side but with their defence conceding needless frees, Barry John Walsh punished them and at the break Kerry deservedly led 1-6 to 0-4.

The driving rain which fell for most of the second half militated against any decent football and the teams shared four points between them as Kerry held their five-point half time lead 10 minutes into the second half.

However, the Kerry mentors were clearly unhappy with the poor return from midfield and substituted Wayne Guthrie and Daithí Casey which didn’t improve matters in that area for them. On the other hand Tipp brought on Tomas Hanley to far greater effect.

Tipperary upped the ante considerably with a splendid goal in the 48th minute.

David McGrath fed Alan Moloney with an inch perfect pass and as he took off on a solo run the Kerry defence opened which gave him a clear shot and he made no mistake from 12 metres out.

Kerry were rocked and Tipp went for the kill. With Thomas Hanley impressive around the middle of the field, Conor Sweeney left the minimum between the teams with his sixth point.

Tipp had a huge let off two minutes later when a snap shot by James O’Donoghue grazed their upright before going out wide. As the tension mounted, Tipperary responded again and Michael Dwyer tied the game for the first time with a point, and a shock looked on the cards.

Barry John Walsh, who had faded out of the game after his dramatic start, eased Kerry in front with a glorious point from a sideline ball.

However, Tipperary were not to be denied and it was fitting that Conor Sweeney should have the final say with the equalising point to send the game to a replay.