McGrath stars as Tipp triumph

JOHN McGRATH hit 11 points as the hosts retained the Tipperary Supporters club All-Ireland U16 hurling crown with a convincing victory at Semple Stadium yesterday.

McGrath, younger brother of Tipp senior star Noel, was imperious from placed balls and rattled over eight frees and two 65s.

Full-forward Kevin Slattery scored Tipp’s first goal two minutes before half-time to help the Premier County lead 1-13 to 0-4 at the break, before Stephen Cahill was credited with a fortuitous second four minutes after the restart. Cahill’s long range shot was misjudged by Galway goalkeeper Owen Treacy and crossed the line at the Killinan End. Meanwhile, Cork’s Brian O’Reilly scored a crucial late goal as the Rebels defeated Limerick by 1-12 to 0-11 in the shield decider.

Scorers for Tipperary: J McGrath 0-11 (8f, 2 65s), K Slattery 1-3, S Cahill 1-1, S Maher 0-2, B Maher, T Gallagher & M Breen 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: J Flynn 0-5 (4f), M Mullins 0-2f, O Molloy & C Mannion 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: J Maher; J Peters, J Ryan, M Cussen; J Nyland, T Hamill, B Maher; J McGrath, D Fitzell; M Breen, S Maher, D Burke; S Cahill, K Slattery, T Gallagher.

Subs: S Nally for Gallagher, 53; P Hayes for Slattery, D Fitzgerald for McGrath, E Hynes for S Maher all 60+2.

GALWAY: O Treacy; J Martyn, S Collins, L Cosgrove; C Morrissey, S Sweeney, P Kennedy; P English, O Molloy; J Flynn, P Killeen, B Keane; C Mannion, M Mullins, S Flynn.

Subs: D Grealish for Martyn, 26; B Murtagh for Molloy, 32; R O’Barra for Kennedy, 36; B Dolan for S Flynn, 44; A Higgins for Mannion, 50

Referee: S Hourigan (Limerick).