Missed goal chances prove costly for Tipperary Under 20 footballers

Clare 1-11 Tipperary 0-11

Tipperary bowed out of the Munster Under 20 Football Championship when losing narrowly to Clare in the quarter-final at FBD Semple Stadium on Monday night, an outcome that could have been different if three goal chances were converted.

Having lost to Clare by twenty points in the corresponding clash at minor level three years ago, the Premier County boys were under no illusion about the task facing them but the excellent preparation of manager Niall Fitzgerald and his backroom team, and the application of the squad, ensured that this was a much different encounter, the lost chances proving crucial.

Sadly, the defeat ends the campaign for Tipperary, a situation that the manager was highly critical of, considering that the hurling championship at this age level in Munster is run on a round-robin system initially, ensuring extra games for counties.

Fielding a very young side, the bulk of whom are eligible again next year, Tipp were dealt a body blow after two minutes when Clare’s Mikey Kelleher finished a fine attacking movement from their own kickout, following a Tipp point from Joseph Lawrence, with a goal.

That score left Tipperary chasing the game but Eoin O'Connell might have had a goal for them after 13 minutes, only to see his shot skid wide of the post. Still, three pointed frees from Cian Smith had Tipp in front 0-5 to 1-1 after 24 minutes but a strong Clare finish to the half yielded three points and an interval lead of 1-4 to 0-5.

Clare extended their advantage with two points soon after resuming but in the 39th minute Micheal Lowry saw his blast for goal turned out for a 45 by Clare goalie Thomas Collins. In the 46th minute Niall O'Connor's powerful drive skimmed the crossbar when a goal was a possibility, as Tipp kept up the chase.

Clare were 1-9 to 0-7 ahead entering the last quarter but a determined Tipperary rally yielded points from Cian Smith (two), Tommy O'Connor and Darragh McVicker to bring the deficit down to two points (0-11 to 1-10), as the game moved into injury time.

Tipp threw everything into attack but had no success and in a break, Clare’s Tom Curran picked off a point to keep their noses in front to the finish.

It was a big disappointment for the Tipp players and management but they can take pride in their performance. 

Manager Niall Fitzgerald pointed out afterwards – "You have to take your goal chances. We had three without scoring. They had one and scored".

There was much to admire about the Tipp approach and as the senior squad look for new talent to energise their campaign, the performances of such as Daithi Hogan, Cian Smith, Joseph Lawrence, Eoin Craddock, Sean O'Meara, Evan Hawkins and Eoin O'Connell were noteworthy.

Clare now face Kerry in the Munster semi-final, a daunting task that will require considerable improvement on this showing if they are to have any joy. Senior star Brendy Rouine was well marshalled by Tipp’s Sean O'Meara, but Mikey Kelleher, Liam Cotter, James Curran, Brian McNamara and goalkeeper Thomas Collins were all impressive.

Scorers: Clare: M Kelleher 1-2; T Collins 0-3 frees; T Curran 0-3,1 free; B Rouine 0-2; S McMahon 0-1.

Scorers: Tipperary: C Smith 0-5, 4 frees; J Lawrence, D Hogan (free), R Collins, N O'Connor, T O'Connor, D McVicker, 0-1 each.

Clare: Thomas Collins; Eoghan Casey, Fergal Guinnane, Joshua Moloney; Liam Cotter, Liam Culligan, Joshua Guyler; Brian McNamara, James Curran; Mikey Kelleher,  Cillian McGroary, Brendy Rouine; Odhran Cunningham, Joe Rafferty, Sean McMahon.

Subs: Tom Curran for McGroary (42 minutes), Paul Frawley for Cunningham (49 minutes), James Cullinan for Culligan (59 minutes), Conor Meaney for Kelleher (62 minutes), Nicki Hardiman for Rafferty (65 minutes).

Tipperary: Shane Ryan (Moyle Rovers); Jack O'Neil l(Ardfinnan), Jack Nevin (JK Brackens), Eoin O'Connell (Loughmore/Castleiney); Rory O'Dowd (Clonmel Commercials), Charlie King (Ballina), Sean O'Meara (Grangemockler); Joe Lawrence (Rockwell Rovers), Eoin Craddock (Holycross/Ballycahill); Micheal Lowry (Arravale Rovers), Declan Nee (Clonmel Commercials), Rory Collins (Moyle Rovers); Cian Smith (Clonmel Commercials), Evan Hawkins (Arravale Rovers), Daithi Hogan (St Patrick’s).

Subs: Niall O'Connor (Clonmel Og) for Mee (42 minutes), Liam McCormack (Thurles Sarsfields) for Hawkins (51 minutes), Eoin Ducey (Arravale Rovers) for O'Connell (53 minutes), Darragh McVicker (Clonmel Og) for Lowry (55 minutes).

Referee: John Ryan, Cork.