Tipperary show the stomach for battle but Antrim goals enough to secure victory

Four changes from the starting team released midweek mean that Tipperary had teeth in attack with Conor Sweeney, Sean O'Connor, Teddy Doyle and Steven O'Brien all offered attacking options and from the off they attacked against the wind surprising Antrim somewhat with their goalward intent. 

The beautiful sunshine and strong breeze made for long kicks and open, free flowing football that entertained the packed stand, in what was an intriguing encounter. 

Early on Tipperary attacked with frees converted by Conor Sweeney and Sean O'Connor before the home side levelled it up on 7 minutes. 

A key moment arrived soon afterwards. Tipperary, playing with fire and purpose, attacked through Conor Sweeney and when he fired at the goal through an acute angle the woodwork saved Antrim with the ball bouncing back out to a Saffron jersey. 

Like lightning they used the wind and pace to move the ball up the field and within twenty seconds Antrim cornerback Kavan Keenan knocked in a dropping ball to the net.  A punch to the gut for Tipp but worse was to follow.

When Antrim next got the ball they went for goal again and Eunan Walsh, the fullback, found himself in front of Evan Comerford who smothered the initial effort but the ball spinned off a defender and into the net.  It was a double blow for Tipperary who were managing some great moves but ultimately the key scores meant Antrim led 2-2 to 0-3 after 11 minutes of action. 

Three quick Antrim points meant the game was slipping away from Tipp until Conor Sweeney steadied the ship and his leadership was obvious to see. His presence has been sorely missed from Tipperary teams and he dragged them back into the game along with Jack Kennedy, Steven O'Brien and Jimmy Feehan.

Centre back Paudie Feehan was bursting forward throughout the game and on 25 minutes he was at the end of a good Tipperary move and he finished a goal to the net to bring Tipperary back into it with Antrim still just ahead 2-6 to 1-4. 

It energised Tipperary. Conor Sweeney pointed a free four minutes later then Peter McGarry added another and Tipperary went in just two down at the break with a scoreline of Antrim 2-6 Tipperary 1-7.

The visiting supporters were still hopeful of causing an upset but hopes were dashed on resumption when Ruairi McCann ghosted into space to send them clear again. 

Tipperary rallied and kept working with Mark Stokes and the Feehans keeping the ball supply going into Conor Sweeney. An attack in the 47th minute yielded a penalty and the Ballyporeen man duly converted.

That left it Antrim 3-10 Tipperary 2-9 but the Saffron army responded with another searing run down the middle finding the Tipperary defence open, and Ruairi McCann slotted calmly past Evan Comerford from close range. 

Sweeney again responded with a point, then another before Jack Kennedy pointed leaving it, Antrim 4-10 Tipperary 2-12.

Substitute Darragh Brennan struck another point for Tipp before Domo McEnhill it an Antrim score leaving it Antrim 4-11 Tipperary 2-13 with the clock against Tipperary.

They kept attacking to their credit but the goals were the difference in the end. For Antrim McCann was superb in the forwards as was Ryan McQuillan who hit three points while for Tipperary the return of Conor Sweeney to form after a 16 month lay off through injury was the highlight.

He struck some superb points from the left, on the run and through the middle as well as offering inspiration to teammates. Steven O'Brien too was a tower until an injury affected his effectiveness. Mark Stokes, James Morris and the two Feehans were others to shine for Tipperary who now play Sligo next weekend in Thurles.