Callanan and McGrath shine

TIPPERARY held off a second-half comeback from Dublin to emerge victorious in a high scoring senior hurling challenge at Geraldine Park, Athy, Co Kildare last night to commemorate the replayed All-Ireland final played between the counties at this venue in 1909.

Seamus Callanan and Noel McGrath did most of the damage in the first-half for the All-Ireland champions, shooting nine points between them as they revelled in the space afforded them by Dublin’s half-back line. Shane Bourke was also a lively presence in the right corner and his eighth minute goal sent Declan Ryan’s men on their way to a 1-14 to 0-9 advantage.

Dublin offered little threat in that opening period, even allowing for the fact that they were playing into a strong wind, with Paul Ryan, who finished with 0-10 to his credit at the end, the primary source of hope.