Late Tipperary surge ends Cork Minor All-Ireland hopes

Josh Moroney celebrates the fourth green flag. Picture: Tom Beary/Sportsfile

All-Ireland MHC semi-final: Tipperary 5-18 Cork 2-19

A tally of 3-5 from Chris Dunne helped Tipperary to eventually see off the challenge of Cork in Saturday’s Electric Ireland All-Ireland MHC semi-final at TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Without a game since beating Limerick in the Munster final four weeks ago, the Premier County trailed by four points in each half before bouncing back well.

Ultimately, the contest – before a crowd of 2,505 – was decided by three goals between the 47th and 54th minute, two by Dunne and one from sub Josh Moroney, as Tipp ruthlessly punished Cork’s defensive indiscretions.

Prior to that, a strong start to the second half by the Rebels had seen them turn a 2-8 to 1-9 half-time deficit into a 2-14 to 2-10 lead, with Bobby Power scoring a second goal, part of a personal haul of 2-8.

That green flag, set up well by Sam McCarthy and Ryan Cagney put them two ahead, with Power and McCarthy extending the lead, but Tipp’s response was strong. Conall Morrisson and KJ Dunne were the architects for Moroney’s goal soon after he had come on – McCarthy replied with his third point for Cork but when Conor Kennedy found Chris Dunne on the right flank, he did well to create space before firing home from a tight angle – 4-10 to 2-15.

Power’s free levelled but it was the last time the sides were tied.

Stephen McHugh of Cork in action against James Finn. Pic: Tom Beary/Sportsfile

Dunne had his third goal when Tipp turned a Cork puckout over and they remained two points in front as the clock reached 60 minutes, despite Cork pressing hard. In injury time, it was all Tipp, though, with Éanna Tucker bringing his tally to 1-4 as he slung over three late beauties.

In the first half, Cork had made the breeze count. The score was 0-2 each when Power scored a goal to put them ahead, reacting well when Callum Coffey saw his point effort come back off the post.

It set in motion a purple patch for Cork. O’Regan scored a point and set up another for Coffey as well as being involved in a move that ended with a Seán Riordan score, while Coffey almost got in for a goal but Tipp corner-back and captain Conor Collins made a fine block.

At the other end, Cork were thankful to goalkeeper Marley Walsh for a save from Morrisson and, while a timely hook from Collins prevented another Cork goal chance materialising on 19 minutes, Cormac Murphy ensured that that move ended with a point.

It left them 1-6 to 0-5 in front but, by the time they would score again, through Ryan Cagney on 28 minutes, the four-point lead had flipped in Tipperary’s favour.

First, KJ Dunne’s catch gave him an avenue to goal and, though Walsh saved, Éanna Tucker was on hand to net the rebound. Tucker then claimed the puckout and fed Chris Dunne; his shot was kept out by the goalkeeper but he was unable to get the ball to safety and Dunne claimed possession before netting.

A pair of Morrisson points for Tipp compounded things to leave it 2-7 to 1-6, though Cork did finished the half with three of the last four points, while Nathan Coffey defending well to prevent Zach O’Keeffe from forging a goal opening.

They hit the front again in impressive fashion, but it was to be Tipperary’s day.

Scorers for Tipperary: C Dunne 3-5 (0-2 f, 0-2 sl), É Tucker 1-4, C Morrisson 0-4, J Moroney 1-1, S Ryan, C Kennedy, Z O’Keeffe, KJ Dunne 0-1 each.

Cork: B Power 2-8 (0-6 f), S McCarthy 0-3, S Riordan, R Cagney 0-2 each, L O’Regan, S McHugh, C Coffey, C Murphy 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: E Connolly (Carrick Swan); C Ryan (Newport), D Groome (Borris-Ileigh), C Collins (Galtee Rovers); O Kennedy (Newport), J Finn (Golden-Kilfeacle), T McLoughlin (Cahir); S Ryan (Borris-Ileigh), H Healy (Kilruane MacDonaghs); C Kennedy (Clonoulty-Rossmore), C Morrisson (Moyle Rovers), É Tucker (Nenagh Éire Óg); Z O’Keeffe (Holycross-Ballycahill), C Dunne (Gortnahoe-Glengoole), KJ Dunne (Toomevara).

Subs: J Moroney (Ballina) for O’Keeffe (43), C Gantley (Cappawhite) for Healy (60), S Burke (JK Brackens) for S Ryan (60+1), R McGrath (Kiladangan) for C Dunne (60+4).

CORK: M Walsh (Youghal); J Batterberry (Castletownroche), F Cahill (Midleton), N Coffey (Na Piarsaigh); E Considine (Sarsfields), D Nolan (Erin’s Own), L O’Regan (St Finbarr’s); A Hennessy (Midleton), S McHugh (Newtownshandrum); C Murphy (Ballinora), S Riordan (Kilworth), R Cagney (Mallow); C Coffey (Na Piarsaigh), B Power (Ballincollig), S McCarthy (Castlelyons).

Subs: T McCarthy (Watergrasshill) for C Murphy (39), C Barry (Bride Rovers) for S McCarthy (56), C Ronayne (Dungourney) for Cagney (60+1).

Referee: N Malone (Clare).