Hogan produces extra dimension

AFTER a lack-lustre football decider the week before and all the hype created by the Heineken Cup semi-final, this epic Allianz National League final in Thurles yesterday was just what hurling and the GAA needed to reclaim the feelgood factor.

The only pity was that there had to be a loser after a marvellous contest which stretched the physical resources of both teams to the limit as much as it asked serious questions about their abilities – especially Tipperary who had been humiliated in Nowlan Park six weeks ago.

The All-Ireland champions triumphed ultimately by outscoring the hosts in the second period of extra time, which began with Tipp being boosted by a Noel McGrath goal within 30 seconds of the throw in and ended with goalkeeper Brendan Cummins failing in his effort to level the scores from a close-in free.