The journey of the Tipperary ETB Inter-Firms hurling team ended under lights at the All-Ireland semi-final stage in Mallow last night following a fast, lively encounter under soft underfoot conditions played in front of a large crowd. After a high-scoring contest with Stryker, a Cork based medical technology company that employs over 4,100 people, it was the Cork side who pulled clear in the last 10 minutes to win out by 4-22 to 2-19.
Tipperary ETB started brightly with Robert Doyle (Clonoulty Rossmore), Conor Sheedy (Roscrea) and David Butler (Drom Inch) in good form in front of the goals but the opening goal came from a long clearance from goalkeeper Darragh Wilkinson who sent a long range free into the Stryker square when their goalkeeper got momentarily caught in the lights. A moment of hesitation meant the ball dropped to the net to put ETB in the driving seat, however a goal just before half time from close range helped Stryker into a 1-10 to 1-9 lead at the break.
The full forward line for the Cork side - Shane O'Regan (Sarsfields), Sean Desmond (Watergrasshill) and Paddy Walsh (Killshannig) - got a quality supply of ball and they began to wear down Tipperary ETB in the second half. Two crisp goals a couple of minutes apart just after half time proved decisive in changing the game which had been very close up until that point.
Points from Billy Power (Clonea) helped bring the ETB back into the game and when Robert Doyle (Clonoulty Rossmore) gathered, turned and burst through three defenders to fire to the net the game looked set for a grand stand finish however the concession of a number frees allowed the Stryker goalkeeper Aidan Foley (Watergrasshill) to coolly send four quality long range frees over the bar in a matter of minutes to edge Stryker back ahead again with ten to play.
Tipperary ETB didn't make changes until the second half and while the players kept trying, as a unit the team was stuck in the same pattern of play. That benefitted the Cork side who were growing stronger as the game went on. ETB attackers worked hard creating chances but they couldn't break down the strong Stryker defence and, despite a late rally from the Tipp side led by Robert Doyle and substitute Luke O'Mara, Stryker continued to work the ball out well from defence despite being under pressure.
The full time whistle brought the journey to an end for the Tipperary ETB side - managed by Kevin Langton, Cora Barron and David Young - that had previously beaten Clancy Construction and Campion Insurance enroute to the semi final. The journey continues for the ETB football team however, they have been drawn to face Regeneron (Limerick) in the All-Ireland Intermediate semi final, with the game to be played later this month.
Elsewhere in the Interfirms competition there was plenty of Tipperary interest too last night as Clancy/Clantech - backboned by Drom Inch trio Seamus Callanan, Maidhrc Fitzpatrick and Jack Lillis - beat Atlantic Aviation from Clare 4-13 to 2-18 at UL which is a result that sends them through to the All-Ireland Intermediate final. Clancy/Clantech had previously been beaten by Tipperary ETB which placed them in the Intermediate competition and sent the ETB into the Senior grade.
The All-Ireland Senior semi final result last night will be a source of regret for Tipperary ETB and a question of 'what if's' , but the campaign rolls on for Cork side Stryker, who are now qualified for an All-Ireland final against 'Unijobs' from Limerick.
Stryker: Aidan Foley (Watergrasshill), Cian Healy (Lisgould), Eoghan Buckley (Killavullen), Neil Fitzpatrick (Sarsfields), Cian Carroll (Roanmore), Brendan Twomey (Carrigtwohill), Keith McCormack (Brian Dillions), Aaron Dorgan (Carrig Na bhFear), Cian Darcy (Sarsfields), Caolan O'Connor (Glen Tariff, Antrim), Liam O'Driscoll (Fr O'Neills), James Lavery (Passage West), Shane O'Regan (Sarsfields), Sean Desmond (Watergrasshill), Paddy Walsh (Killshannig)
Subs: Victor Cusack (Cloyne), Ryan Murray (Watergrasshill), Adam Finnigan (Ballyclough), Cillian Brosnan (Brian Dillions), Darragh O'Mahony (Sarsfields), Chris O'Flynn (Ballincollig), Richie O'Connell (St Catherine), Johnny Delaney (Sarsfields), Neil Gardiner (Ardrahan, Galway), Brian Mannion (St Finbarrs), Barry Mannion (Ballinteer St John)
Tipperary ETB: Darragh Wilkinson (Tourin), Luke O'Donovan (Slieverue), Paddy Codd (Killenaule), Eanna McBride (JK Brackens), Billy Power (Clonea), Sean Ryan (Birr), Stephen Buckley (St Marys), Leigh Doolan (Ballybrown), Conor Byrne (Kildangan), Colin Ryan (Pallasgreen), David Butler (Drom & Inch), DJ Foran (Portlaw), Robert Doyle (Clonoulty Rossmore), Billy O'Keeffe (Ballygunner), Conor Sheedy (Roscrea)
Subs: Luke O'Mara (Holycross Ballycahill), Matthew Cleary (Kildangan), Michael Brophy (Lorrha), Stephen Gleeson (Cashel King Cormacs), Aaron Whelahan (Birr), Cian O'Connell (Golden Kilfeacle), Conor Ryan (Moneygall), David Young (Toomevara), Eoghan Ryan (Cappawhite), Eoin Fitzpatrick (JK Brackens), Killian Cliona (St Mollerans).
Referee: Mike Sexton (Limerick)
Tipperary ETB captain Stephen Buckley (St Marys) lines up alongside Mike Sexton (referee) and Neil Fitzpatrick (Stryker) before the All-Ireland semi final.
Tipperary ETB team that played Clancy Construction in the Interfirms hurling championship pictured above: Back row: Kevin Langton, Michael Brophy (Lorrha), Paddy Codd (Killenaule), Colin Ryan (Pallasgreen), Killian Cloona (St Mollerans), David Butler (Drom), Stephen Buckley (St Marys), Shane Russell (Lattin), Robert Doyle (Clonoulty), Sam Conlon, Conor Sheedy (both Roscrea), David Young (Toomevara).
Front row: Cora Barron, Darragh Wilkinson (Tourin), Conor Ryan (Moneygall), Conor Byrne (Kiladangan), Eoin Fitzpatrick (JK Brackens), Sean Ryan (Birr), Leigh Doolan (Ballybrown), Anthony Leahy (Lattin-Cullen), Luke O’Donovan (Slieverue), Stephen Gleeson (Cashel KC).
