Tipperary ex-pat hurler hits hat-trick for New York who reach Croke Park decider
Tipperary players had a big impact for New York in their Nickey Rackard win over Mayo on Sunday
Portroe’s AJ Willis produced a sensational display on Sunday afternoon, scoring a first-half hat-trick as New York booked their place in the Nickey Rackard Cup final with a 4-18 to 1-18 victory over Mayo in Longford.
The sides were level at 0-6 apiece after a tight opening spell before Willis took over, rattling the net three times in the space of five minutes to put the Exiles firmly in control.
New York led 3-9 to 0-11 at half-time and never looked back, with Thomas Douglas adding a fourth goal after the restart to help seal a nine-point win.
Mayo did hit back through a Cormac Phillips penalty, but Richie Harnett’s side comfortably held on to secure their place at Croke Park, where they will face Tyrone in Saturday’s final.
Willis hit 3-3, but he was also ably assisted by fellow Tipperary players in the game. Clonoulty Rossmore’s Conor Hammersley hit three points from corner forward, while Tom O’Meara, John O’Meara (Kiladangan) and Bill Maher (Kilsheelan Kilcash) also played well for the American outfit.