Rebels rocked as Tipp finish with a flourish

Tipperary staged a remarkable late revival to plunder the spoils against Cork in last night’s Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21HC semi-final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with senior panellist Sean Curran proving the matchwinner when he arrowed over a priceless late point from the wing.

It was a stunning transformation as Curran’s strike propelled Tipperary into the lead for the first and only time of the game. At various junctures during the second half, it seemed like their trip south would be an unhappy one as they trailed on the scoreboard.

When Cork led by 0-16 to 0-12 with only six minutes left, the Rebels appeared capable of closing out this game. But Tipperary stuck grimly to their task and diligently chipped away at Cork’s lead. Captain John O’Dwyer, David Collins, Niall O’Meara and their hero Curran were to the fore as they outscored their opponents by 0-6 to 0-1 in the closing stages to fashion a notable triumph. The victory ensured redemption for manager Ken Hogan after the Rebels caused their exit from last year’s championship and sets up a semi-final showdown with reigning champions Limerick on July 18.