John McGrath hits 1-13 as Loughmore's survival instincts defy Roscrea

John McGrath Loughmore-Castleainey scoring a goal against Luke Seacy, Roscrea in the Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Finals

Tipperary SHC quarter-final: Loughmore-Castleiney 2-22 Roscrea 1-24

Favourites Loughmore-Castleiney survived a late onslaught from Roscrea to secure their place in the Tipperary senior hurling semi-final after a thrilling quarter-final at Semple Stadium on Saturday.

Newly promoted Premier Intermediate champions, Roscrea struck early for a Shane Fletcher goal after four minutes but Loughmore replied with a John McGrath goal two minutes later.

In a quality first half, scores were swapped in exciting fashion. Roscrea were 1-8 to 1-6 ahead when Philip O Connell bagged Loughmore’s second goal on 16 minutes but Roscrea, with Luke Cashin deadly accurate off frees, finished the half strongly to lead 1-17 to 2-9 at the break, Cashin hitting eight of their points.

Five points adrift at the interval, Loughmore took over in the third quarter to draw level 2-16 to 1-19 at the start of the last quarter. With John McGrath leading the way Loughmore had the momentum and with five minutes to play were 2-20 to 1-20 ahead. 

They were four in front as the hour mark approached but Roscrea staged a great late rally which yielded points from Evan Fitzpatrick (2) and Keith McMahon in injury time.

The clock was against them as Loughmore hung on grimly to further their campaign to regain the title they last held two years ago. John McGrath was an inspirational figure for the winners with Brian McGrath, Ciaran Connolly, Ed Connolly, John Ryan and Philip, O Connell others to shine also.

It was a brave effort by Roscrea who were left to rue some missed point chances. Evan Fitzpatrick and Luke Cashin were their main marksmen but James Synott, Darragh Tynan, and Dan Ryan also acquitted themselves well.

Loughmore scorers:  J McGrath (1-13, 10 frees), P O Connell (1-2), E Connolly (0-3), C Connolly (0-2), L McGrath, C McGrath (0-1 each) 

Roscrea scorers: L Cashin (0-9, 7 frees), S Fletcher (1-1), E Fitzpatrick(0-4), D Tynan, G Loughnane, J Synott (0-2 each), D Ryan, A Tynan, K lee, K McMahon (0-1 each);

LOUGHMORE-CASTLEINEY: M McGrath; L Egan, E Meagher, C Connolly; J Ryan, B McGrath, W Eviston; T Maher, T McGrath; E Connolly, L McGrath, N McGrath; P O Connell, J McGrath, C McCormack

Subs: C McGrath for McCormack (43mins), A McGrath for N McGrath (50mins), L Treacy for O C Connell (57mins);

ROSCREA: Darryl Ryan; G Loughnane, S Davis, L Seacy; J Synott, D O Connor, D Tynan; Dan Ryan, C Sheedy; A Tynan, E Fitzpatrick, K lee; S Fletcher, C Dooley, L Cashin; 

Subs: K McMahon for Dooley (48mins), C Booth for A Tynan (54mins), J Fitzpatrick for Loughnane (60mins) 

Referee: P Carroll, Burgess