Loughmore-Castleiney and Aherlow Gaels reach final

Loughmore-Castleiney and Aherlow Gaels will contest the Tipperary SFC final following wins over holders, Clonmel Commercials and JK Brackens, respectively.

Commercials were hot favourites to see off their arch rivals but Loughmore-Castleiney held on for a 0-8 to 0-7 victory. Loughmore led 0-3 to 0-1 at half-time, having lost Aidan McGrath through injury after eight minutes. They had the help of the breeze in the first-half and their slender advantage scarcely seemed adequate against the elements.

Pointed frees by Commercials’ Michael Quinlivan and Ian Barnes inside three minutes of the restart had the sides level but Loughmore did not wilt. Points from John, Liam and Noel McGrath put them three clear with four minutes to play but Commercials rallied with points from Alan Lonergan and Ian Barnes. It proved too little too late for Clonmel and it means Loughmore-Castleiney are in line for an unique senior hurling and football double.