Limerick call ref to book over injury time

Limerick minor hurling manager Leo O’Connor took issue with the amount of injury time played at the end of the second-half.

Two minutes of stoppages were allotted by referee Joe Larkin, but the Cork official blew for full-time after one minute and 22 seconds.

Trailing by a goal, the Treaty hurlers were camped in the Tipperary square when the full-time whistle sounded and a number of green jerseys surrounded Larkin.

“It was blown up at 31.20 according to the stadium clock. We asked the referee about this when he was leaving the field and he said 32 minutes had been played by his clock. Which clock do you go by,” said O’Connor.

Reflecting on the game itself, O’Connor pointed to his side’s first-half wides as crucial in their failed three-in-row bid.

“We gave away three points to Limerick at the start and were 0-3 to 0-0 down after seven minutes. We were 0-10 to 0-8 in front at the break and then gave them four points at the start of the second half. We came back again, but ultimately we didn’t take our chances.

“We had seven wides in the first-half and at this level you have to take your chances.

“We didn’t capitalise on them today. We were a point up with five minutes to go. We got a chance to go two up, didn’t take it and small things like that change games.

“Overall, we didn’t perform today. We didn’t create any goal chances. We are disappointed.”

Winning manager Liam Cahill, meanwhile, hailed the “tremendous character” of his troops.

“We beat Waterford here in April and people questioned us, said it was a poor Tipperary team.

“Let’s be honest, they are not the best minor team to ever leave this county, but by God they showed some heart and likewise in the Clare game. It came out today that these boys will never give up.

“We are delighted with the way they ground it out. This is their first taste of a full house and real championship intensity. It is a massive occasion for minors to cut their teeth and I am so delighted our lads responded.

“I am always saying to these lads that they are Tipperary men and it is in our DNA to play hurling. This is the place to be: packed capacity in Thurles on Munster final day. I am thrilled for the players. All roads lead to Croke Park now and we are looking forward to it.”