As I predicted Tipp and Galway advance through to the final of the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Final. Which in some ways disappointed me – it would have been great to see Antrim reach a first ever U-21 Final and for Dublin, likewise it would have been good to see them take another progressive step. But I was glad to see they didn’t take that step against Galway!
There was no great worry for Tipp in the first match as they simply had too much firepower and experience for the Glensmen. From the start you could almost sense that Tipperary where going to cruise through this one and so it was to be. Although they missed quite a few opportunities in the opening few minutes they kept their composure and stayed shooting.
It will have been encouraging for the watching Liam Sheedy to see Noel McGrath and Seamus Hennessy in top from the throw in. Buggy was causing problems in around the square too but in fairness to Cormac Donnelly, he coped very well under the severe pressure. It’s always very hard for a defender when ball after ball is coming in on top of you.
Once Tipperary got the first goal then it was only all ever about damage limitation for Antrim and you would have to ask, what good will this match have done Tipp or indeed Antrim?
That must surely have been soul destroying for the Antrim lads. When you see how well they have competed at senior level in Leinster over the last two years, surely there is an argument that their minors and their U-21s should be accommodated in a similar manner? Leaving them where they are will not improve a record of 30 U-21 semi final appearances and no wins since 1964.
In the other semi-final Galway prevailed after a hard fought game against the Leinster Champions, Dublin. It was a much closer affair with scores harder to come by. Dublin got off to a good start when Kris Finnegan made a very bad mistake in the Galway goal and the Dubs took full advantage of it.
In fairness to Galway they didn’t panic and almost straight away came back down the field and Richie Cummins was brought down inside the square. I was expecting Davey (Burke) to come up from centre back because I have never seen Quinner take a penalty before but in fairness to him he stuck it. It was hard to break down either defence from then until half-time. Galway however seemed to come by the scores easier than Dublin as the Galway backs worked their socks off.
The real changing point came when Bernard Burke raced in to score Galway’s second goal ten minutes after half time. From there on in it was only going to go Galway’s way. Ger Kelly impressed me in the second half along with Niall Donoghue. They took the game to Dublin and weren’t found wanting. Liam Rushe caught some amount of ball for Dublin but didn’t do much with it after that. But I think that was probably more down to the pressure been put on him by Davey Burke.
So with the two best teams coming through it promises to be a great final. The only issue to be resolved is where to play! Personally, I love Thurles as a venue and when it was announced as the venue at the Bord Gáis Energy launch I thought it was a perfect fit as it really is the home of hurling.
Then again, I can understand it from a Galway point of view obviously. Thurles is a home game for Tipp and you don’t want to be giving crucial advantages to your opponents before a sliotar has even been struck.
For what it is worth, I thought that Tullamore was an excellent venue last Saturday. The pitch was in superb condition and with the redevelopment only finished recently, the facilities are top class for players and spectators. Ultimately though, it will come down to two top teams over 60 minutes or so and the venue is a distraction for others to concern themselves with.
At this stage, Tipp are looking red hot favourites. The way they brushed past Antrim so easily was impressive and they will be very hard stopped. Galway will have to improve vastly if they are going to cause a shock. While they got over Dublin they still had a huge of mistakes. They will have the next few weeks to work on that and I am sure they will be fine.
Whether you are from Tipp or Galway, or even a neutral, make sure to get behind the guys over the next few weeks and wish them look. They will need all the support they can get at the final too so make sure to go and create a brilliant atmosphere on the night.
Right, I need to get back training with the club. Tough going at the moment but can’t wait for the championship. It looks like it’s still another three weeks or so away so plenty of time to get things right. But I can’t wait to get back into it.
Talk to you all next week.
Good luck!
Tags: Antrim, Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 semi finals, Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U21 All Ireland Championship, Dublin, Galway, Tipperary, Tullamore