Forde points the way as Silvermines reach first final

Silvermines (Tipperary) 0-13 An Rinn (Waterford) 0-11

Although the Waterford champions led by three at the break, 0-7 to 0-4, Silvermines upped their game considerably in the second half to take command but were made fight all the way by the dogged Gaeltacht outfit.

An Rinn, playing into the breeze, capitalised on a slow Silvermines start and led 0-4 to 0-2 after 15 minutes thanks to points from Tadhg Ó’Huallacháin and Donal Breathnach and two from wing-forward Bili Breathnach.

An Rinn continued to dominate as the half drew to a close and, despite opening the lead out to four, a late Jason Forde free ensured the Tipp champions trailed by three at the break.

Silvermines emerged a transformed side and within five minutes were back on terms, thanks to points from the influential Orrie Quirke, Willie Keogh and another Jason Forde free.

An Rinn battled to stay in contention but a raft of pointed frees from Forde ensured Silvermines maintained a slender one point advantage as five minutes of injury-time approached. Orrie Quirke edged the Tipp champions two clear before a late Brendan Timmons save from Donal Breathnach’s last-gasp 20 metre free ensured victory for Silvermines.

Scorers for Silvermines: J. Forde 0-8f; O. Quirke 0-3 (0-1f); W. Keogh and S. Quirke 0-1 each.

Scorers for An Rinn: D. Breathnach 0-6 (0-5f); B. Breathnach 0-4; T. O’ Huallacháin 0-1.

SILVERMINES: C. Sherlock; M. Leamy, B. Timmons, Damien Boland; Donal Keogh, R. Sherlock, N. Quirke; C. Gleeson (C), O. Quirke; J. Forde, David Boland, S. Quirke; W. Keogh, Daniel Keogh, David Keogh .

Subs: P. Fogarty for S. Quirke (26) ; A. Ryan for Daniel Keogh (62).

AN RINN: D. Ó Murchada; Ray Ó Ceallaigh, S. Ó Cuirrin, S. Ó Lionán; C. Ó Murchada, D. Breathnach, C. Breathnach; F. Ó Haodha, T Ó Huallacháin, D. Breathnach, S Ó Ceallaigh, P Ó Murchada; L Ó Lionán, B. Breathnach, C. Tóibín.

Subs: F. Ó Ceallaigh for Tóibín (42); C. Ó Códhla for S Ó Ceallaigh (57).

Referee: D. O’Driscoll (Limerick).