Tipperary U20 hurlers stumble their way to vital opening win in Munster over the Rebels

Fulfil Munster U20 Hurling Championship - Round 1

Tipperary 1-21

Cork 0-22

By Michael Dundon

By the skin of their teeth, All-Ireland champions Tipperary got over fourteen-man Cork in the opening round of the Fulfil Munster U20 Hurling Championship at Semple Stadium on Wednesday evening last to get the defence of their provincial and national titles off to the best possible start.

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In a topsy-turvy affair, with a lot of errors on both sides, Tipperary’s extra man told in the last quarter as they outscored their rivals seven points to two. 

Cork lost John Murphy to a red card for an off-the-ball incident just before half-time, but despite being a man short, and playing into the breeze, they looked to be heading for victory with a six-point lead at the three-quarter stage.

Tipp had opened in flying form, racing six points clear after eleven minutes. It might have been more but Oisin O Donoghue’s shot, with a goal on, sailed over the bar for that sixth point. 

Cork, slow out of the blocks, began to find their feet and senior Barry Walsh was a key figure as they whittled away at the Tipp lead. He scored eight points, two from play, as they drew level by the 27th minute (0-11 each) and they kept up the pressure to lead 0-12 to 0-11 at half-time.

Stefan Tobin was Tipp’s most productive attacker with four points from play in that period, while Cormac Fitzpatrick’s accuracy from placed balls yielded three points, he adding another brace from play. From being six points up to one point down was disquieting for Tipperary but, with the wind to aid them on the resumption, they were well-positioned to succeed.

Their hand was strengthened by the dismissal of Cork’s John Murphy just before the interval, but their backroom team, which included former stars Patrick Horgan and Donal Og Cusack, had the break to reshape their line-out. 

And they did so very successfully. Walsh was still the key man as they extended their advantage to six points after forty-two minutes, 0-19 to 0-13. Tipp’s numerical advantage was not apparent and they looked to be heading for a disappointing defeat.

Tipperary needed a goal and Jamie Ormond obliged a minute later, two other efforts beaten out in a Tipp raid, a score that kick-started a Tipp surge that swept them to victory. 

Eoin Doughan, who had just been introduced, marked his arrival with a sweet point, to which Finn O Brien countered for Cork. Cormac Fitzpatrick, so reliable all evening from placed balls, hit three points on the trot, two from frees, to bring Tipp level with nine minutes to play.

Momentum was with Tipp, the extra player a big help, as Stefan Tobin nudged them ahead. Oisin O’Donoghue had a fine goal effort saved by the Cork custodian Oisin Walsh, and Barry O Flynn’s point for Cork levelled the game with a minute of the hour left. 

Tipp were not finished yet. Cormac Fitzpatrick scored a free in the 61st minute and, two minutes later, Oisin O’Donoghue added another to confirm the win.

How things would have gone had Cork the full complement for the hour is a matter of conjecture but, from Tipp’s perspective, they got the job done and can look forward to a visit to Waterford for round two this week in good fettle.

The opening round of underage competitions is generally a learning curve for mentors and players alike, and no doubt Brendan Cummins and his backroom team will have gotten a better idea of the qualities in their squad after this searching test.

Stefan Tobin was named Man of the Match, an accolade he richly deserved, but Cormac Fitzpatrick’s contribution was also immense in a Tipperary performance that left lots of room for improvement. Evan Morris, Oisin O'Donoghue, Sam Rowan, Euan Murray and Jamie Ormond also did their bit.

Cork have a strong side and will surely still make a big impact in the championship. Senior Barry Walsh was their key player but Finn O’Brien, Darragh Heavin, Johnnie Murphy and goalkeeper Oisin Walsh also had big games for them.

Scorers: Tipperary: C Fitzpatrick (0-11, 0-7f), S Tobin 0-6, J Ormond 1-0, O O’Donoghue 0-2, D Costigan, E Doughan 0-1 each.

Cork: Barry Walsh (0-14, 0-11f), Johnnie Murphy 0-3, Z Biggane 0-2, M T Brosnan, F O’Brien, B O’Flynn 0-1 each.

Tipperary: Paddy McCormack (Moneygall); Cathal O’Reilly (Holycross Ballycahill), Evan Morris (Holycross Ballycahill), Shane Ryan (Killenaule); David Ryan (Arravale Rovers), Sam Rowan (Mullinahone), Adam Ryan (Arravale Rovers); Tiarnan Ryan (Holycross Ballycahill), Shane Cleary (Kilruane MacDonaghs); Euan Murray (Thurles Sarsfields), Oisin O’Donoghue (Cashel King Cormacs), David Costigan (Moycarkey Borris); Jamie Ormond (JK Brackens), Stefan Tobin (Carrick Swans), Cormac Fitzpatrick (Drom & Inch).

Subs used: Eoghan Doughan (Moneygall) for A Ryan (HT); Patrick Ryan (Borris-Ileigh) for S Ryan (44); Jake Hackett (Toomevara) for Cleary (57); Jack Hayes (Moycarkey Borris) for Costigan (59).

Cork: Oisin Walsh; Darragh Heavin, Denis Fitzgerald, David O’Leary; Michael T Brosnan, John Murphy, Matthew Barrett; Ben Walsh, Jack O Brien; Barry Walsh, Barry O’Flynn, Johnnie Murphy; Finn O’Brien, Zach Biggane, Conor Noonan.

Subs used: Colm Garde for Ben Walsh (44); Craig O’Sullivan for Biggane (47); Cormac Deane for Noonan (55); James O’Brien for J O’Brien (57).

Referee: Nicky O Toole (Waterford)