First League final between Tipp and Cork since 1960 will be 'massive' says Cahill

MASSIVE FINAL: Tipperary manager Liam Cahill is looking forward to the first final with Cork since 1960. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Allianz NHL Division 1A: Tipperary 0-22 Clare 1-18

Liam Cahill reckons the first League final meeting between Tipperary and Cork since 1960 will be “massive” for both teams.

Tipp’s last League success was in 2008, while the Rebels must go back to 1998 for their most recent crown. The two rivals have lost five finals each since those victories.

While the focus will remain on their Easter Sunday Championship openers, Cahill sees the final as “brilliant preparation” to meet Limerick a fortnight later.

“It’s a massive game for both teams,” he said. “Cork are that little bit more advanced than us. I don’t think I’m being any way political in saying that.

“They have a steady, structured team. They’re All-Ireland finalists from last year and their currency now is silverware.

“We find ourselves in a League final. We’re delighted to be there. When a national title is on offer, you go after it.

“It’s going to be brilliant preparation for both sides for the 20th of April.” 

Cahill hailed the depth of his panel after a team showing seven changes pipped Clare in this dead-rubber derby played before 6,351 fans at Semple Stadium.

Tipp never led until Darragh Stakelum’s clincher in the fourth and final minute of added time to complete an impeccably timed rally from eight points down with 24 minutes remaining. They outscored Clare by 0-13 to 0-4 down the stretch.

“Tonight was all about a performance and consistency,” said Cahill.

“It was very important to us. It’s here in Thurles, thrilled with the big Tipp support, and every time Tipp supporters come, they need to look in at a team fighting for everything that’s on offer.

“We showed that and definitely the supporters responded so it’s really encouraging from all aspects.

“There were a number of changes but that was all to do with players getting the opportunity to put their hand up because they deserve it.

“That’s the quality and real togetherness that we’re building within this squad. Really encouraged with that resilience towards the end to get the result.” 

With David Fitzgerald and Peter Duggan suspended, Brian Lohan handed full debuts to Daithí Lohan and Shane Woods among five changes.

Cahill made seven, resting top-scorer Darragh McCarthy and his teenage colleagues ahead of their Munster U20 opener against Limerick on Tuesday.

“It’s going to take a bit of management,” said Cahill of his communication with U20 boss Brendan Cummins.

“Brendan is very aware that your flagship team, your mothership team, takes priority but there is an opportunity to make sure we manage these players’ workload and make sure they can represent Tipperary at U20.

“None of them will be able to play U20 next year, they get one chance at it, and I’m going to do my best to make them available to play whenever I can.” 

With so many changes and so little at stake, the opening quarter featured a handful of unforced errors and more wides than scores.

A rare moment of drama saw a Jake Morris equaliser annulled by the linesman for fouling John Conlon in the build-up.

Tony Kelly robbed Brian McGrath for the score of the half, raising a huge cheer from the travelling supporters and sending Clare into half-time 0-10 to 0-8 ahead.

Tipp turned to benefit from the wind but the Banner charged out of the blocks. From the throw-in, Seán Rynne fed Mark Rodgers, who dispatched a tidy flick to the net. Further points from half-time substitute David Reidy, Aron Shanagher, Conor Cleary, and a Rodgers free extended their lead to eight; 1-14 to 0-9.

A triple substitution sparked something in Tipp as they reeled off the next six points. Stakelum scored with his first touch and Jason Forde added three more.

Having leaked six goals against Cork, Clare preserved their clean sheet with Eibhear Quilligan saving from Morris and Adam Hogan scrambling Noel McGrath’s dropping shot off the line.

Forde’s frees levelled, 0-18 to 1-15, before Shanagher’s brace restored Clare’s lead.

But Tipp landed three stoppage-time points to take the win. Forde converted a 65, Eoghan Connolly’s shot had just enough juice, and Stakelum emerged from a ruck for the clincher.

Five wins from six completes a highly progressive League campaign with a final to come. For relegated Clare, five defeats from six signals plenty of work to be done.

“You need your attitude right and maybe we haven’t had our attitude as it could’ve been for the last couple of games. The attitude was better,” said Brian Lohan.

“We did a lot of things right and worked really hard all over the field so disappointed to lose the game.” 

Scorers for Tipperary: J Forde 0-9 (7f, 1 65); E Connolly 0-3 (2f); J Morris, D Stakelum 0-2 each; R Maher, B McGrath, N McGrath, C Bowe, D Walsh, G O’Connor 0-1 each.

Scorers for Clare: M Rodgers 1-5 (0-4f); T Kelly 0-5 (2f); A Shanagher 0-3; C Cleary, D McInerney, R Mounsey, S Rynne, D Reidy 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: B Hogan; M Breen, E Connolly, R Doyle; B McGrath, R Maher, J Caesar; C Morgan, W Connors; S Kennedy, N McGrath, C Bowe; J Morris, J Forde, D Walsh.

Subs: B O’Mara for B McGrath (46), D Stakelum for Connors (46), G O’Connor for Kennedy (46), A Ormond for Walsh (51), S Kenneally for Bowe (63).

CLARE: E Quilligan; A Hogan, C Cleary, S Woods; Daithí Lohan, J Conlon, D McInerney; R Taylor, C Malone; T Kelly, R Mounsey, S Rynne; A Shanagher, S Meehan, M Rodgers.

Subs: D Reidy for Mounsey (h-t), Darragh Lohan for McInerney (47), A McCarthy for Meehan (53), P Crotty for Rynne (64), P Donnellan for Malone (70+2).

Referee: C Lyons (Cork).