Devastating loss to Limerick for Tipp minors who go crashing out of Munster championship

Munster Minor Hurling Championship - Round 3

Tipperary 1-22

Limerick 1-23

By Michael Dundon

A third successive defeat sees defending All-Ireland minor hurling champions Tipperary bow out of this year’s campaign, a point by Limerick defender Jack Cosgrove in the 64th minute edging Limerick ahead at Semple Stadium last week to maintain their unbeaten run in the competition.

It was a devastating blow to the Tipp lads, who had recovered from a disastrous opening quarter after which they trailed 0-2 to 0-8, to be in front by a point with three minutes of the hour left, but a defensive lapse presented Limerick Robert O’Farrell with a goal chance which he took much to the delight of the Limerick fans.

Tipp rallied for points by Cormac Cahill and Tipp Man of the Match Robbie Ryan to draw level but yet another Tipp error gave Limerick defender Jack Cosgrove the opportunity to shoot the winning point for the Shannonsiders. It was a hugely disappointing end to a campaign which had gained in momentum with each outing.

Tipp had to beat Limerick and then Waterford in their final game, to stay in contention but it was not to be despite the gutsy performance by the players. Sadly however, despite the brave showing, there were too many errors by the home side in handling and passing, and they were duly punished by the visitors.

Fighting for championship survival, Tipp got off to a disastrous start as a rampant Limerick raced through them to establish an 0-8 to 0-2 lead by the end of the first quarter. However, a purple patch from the 17th to the 24th minutes, spearheaded by Holycross’ Robbie Ryan who score five of six points (Stefan Tobin got the other) saw Tipp on level terms and though Limerick struck again for a brace of points, Tipp finished the half with a flourish with three Robbie Ryan points and another from Jamie Ormond for a half-time lead of 0-12 to 0-10.

Tipp had been aided by the breeze in the first half and on resuming Limerick flashed over four points in as many minutes to put the Tipp boys on the back foot again. Limerick were 0-17 to 0-12 clear by the 40th minute but three Robbie Ryan points from frees, revived the Tipp challenge by the 42nd minute, and Sam Rowan’s goal in the 49th minute left Tipp just one point behind (1-16 to 0-20).

The momentum was with Tipp as Cillian Minogue and Robbie Ryan (two points) had them 1-19 to 0-20 ahead after 54 minutes. It was edge of the seat stuff as Limerick responded with two points to level but Jamie Ormond restored Tipp’s slight advantage with a point after 57 minutes.

Then disaster, as a defensive mess-up set Robert O'Farrell up for a Limerick goal and a 1-22 to 1-20 lead after 58 minutes. Back came Tipp, Cormac Cahill and Robbie Ryan pointing to level in the 63rd minute. Sam Rowan then saw his effort for a winner drift wide. The drama was not yet over, as a Limerick turn-over outfield presented defender Jack Cosgrove with the chance to shoot the winning point in the 64th minute.

To put it mildly the Tipp boys were gutted as was clearly evident in their post-game demeanour, but they deserve the highest commendation for the effort, particularly their response to the poor start, and again when Limerick got their goal. However, they were punished for too many handling and striking errors and while a little thing would have tipped the balance in their favour, they really can have no complaint about the result which effectively renders their game with Waterford a “dead rubber”, Waterford too being out of the chase for a place in the Munster final.

Manager James Woodlock spoke afterwards of his pride in how his charges never threw in the towel when things were against them, and rightly so. This was almost a completely new team from that which won last year and while defeat was their lot, the manager believes they will have learned a lot from the campaign.

Individually, Robbie Ryan had a stormer in attack, 0-16 points, 0-6 from play, a magnificent return for his efforts. His clubmate Evan Morris at fullback, Sam Rowan, Stefan Tobin, Colm Kennedy, and Jamie Ormond also got through a lot of work. Limerick, when on top, looked a quality side, more organised on the field, with a lot more scoring options.

Their key players were Sean Carey, Robert O Farrell, Darren Callopy, Jack Cosgrove and Matthew Fitzgerald.

Tipperary: Harry Loughnane (Roscrea); Jack Lahart (Holycross Ballycahill), Evan Morris (Holycross Ballycahill), Keith Loughnane (Durlas Óg); Shane Buckley (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams), Oisin O’Donoghue (Cashel King Cormacs), Darragh Linnane (Mullinahone); Jamie Ormond (JK Brackens, 0-2), David Costigan (Moycarkey Borris); Colm Kennedy (Sean Treacys, 0-1), Sam Rowan (Mullinahone, 1-0), Leigh Loughnane (Roscrea); Jack Hayes (Moycarkey Borris), Stefan Tobin (Carrick Swans, 0-1), Robbie Ryan (Holycross, 0-16, 0-10f).

Subs: Cormac Cahill (Drom, 0-1) for Costigan (36), Cian Ryan (Moneygall) for K Loughnane (45), Cillian Minogue (Durlas Og, 0-1) for Hayes (47),Adam Ryan (Arravale Rovers) for L Loughnane (49).

Limerick: Joe Fitzgerald; John O’Keeffe, Conor Bickford, Sean Morrissey; Jack Cosgrove (0-3, 0-1f), Sean Carey, Cian Scully; Diarmuid Lyons, Matthew Fitzgerald (0-2); Robert O Farrell (1-3), Dara Ferland (0-1), Tadgh Boddy (0-1); Hugh Flanagan (0-1), Sean Duff, Darren Collopy (0-10, 0-6f).

Subs: Patrick Kearney (0-2) for Duff (HT), Michael Leo for Lyons (52), Darragh Gleeson for Scully (53).

Referee: Ciaran O’Regan (Cork)