John McGrath returns for Tipp as Dubs unveil former Kerry star

Dublin edged out Tipp in an entertaining senior hurling challenge last night. 

Tipperary 3-18 Dublin 2-22

John McGrath made his return to the Tipperary colours as Dublin claimed a one-point victory in a senior hurling challenge at Upperchurch-Drombane GAA club.

The game was held on an evening when the local club opened new facilities and McGrath caught the eye with 2-5 in the first half, as Dublin’s Colm Cronin posted 2-4.

McGrath missed the concluding stages of Tipp’s Allianz Hurling League campaign with a pelvic injury but his return is good news for manager Eamon O’Shea ahead of next month’s Munster semi-final against Clare or Limerick.

A brace from McGrath and another goal from cousin Liam helped Tipp to lead by 3-11 to 1-12 at half-time, in front of a bumper crowd on a night when former Kerry star Darragh O’Connell made his first start for the Dubs.

Scorers for Tipperary: J McGrath (2-5, 0-2f), C Kenny (0-5), L McGrath (1-0), S Bourke (0-2), B Maher (0-2f), C Ryan, S McGrath, P Maher & P Ryan (f) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Dublin: C Cronin (2-4), P Ryan (0-4, 2 ’65s’, 1f), D Plunkett (0-3), C Dooley, D O’Connell, B Quinn, D Treacy & O O’Rorke (0-2 each), S Lambert (0-1).

TIPPERARY: D Egan, Pádraig Stapleton, J Barry, T Treacy; Bill Maher, T Hamill, P Heffernan; S McGrath, A Ryan; S Bourke, D McCormack, C Ryan; L McGrath, C Kenny, J McGrath.

Subs: T Comerford for Barry (20), K Morris for L McGrath, P Maher for C Ryan, K O’Dwyer for A Ryan, P Ryan for J McGrath (all half-time), Paddy Stapleton for Treacy (45), Brendan Maher for McCormack (56).

DUBLIN: A Nolan, N Corcoran, M Carton, S Barrett; S Stapleton, S Lambert, J Boland; B Quinn, D O’Connell; D Plunkett, C Cronin, P Ryan; D Treacy, C Dooley, O O’Rorke.

Subs: R O’Dwyer for O’Rorke (55), D Sutcliffe for Ryan (61), C Crummy for Carton (64), R McGowan for Barrett (66).

Referee: C Lyons (Cork)